Learning from a Fallen Tree

READ I Corinthians 5:6-8, II Cor. 4:16-18

The contrast was startling! The outer bark of the tree made it look tough and healthy but the inside was all soft and rotten. I encountered the fallen tree as I walked along a trail on a mountain slope just above Lake Louise in Banff national Park. It had been sawed off and discarded along the side of the trail. The picture with this message was taken on that trip. After closer inspection and feeling the inside of that tree trunk, I understood that this tree had been dead for some time. The inside was so rotten that it was of no use even to use as lumber for a building project.

God reminded me that day that I needed to pay careful attention to the inner core of my life. Some people easily boast of their outward appearances and personal accomplishments but ignore the spiritual rot and decay within their inner core. There were people in the Corinth church of first century Greece who were guilty of this tough outer shell but having spiritual decay on the inside. They were warned to change this:

“Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that the yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the whole yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb has been sacrificed ...” (I Corinthians 5:6-7)

Instead of feeding their inner life core from the word of God and from Christ, their Redeemer, they focused on outward appearance and fleshly pleasures. In a second pastoral letter, the Apostle Paul urges them to focus instead on the unseen and the eternal rather than on superficial temporary things. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

In your spiritual life, a fallen tree and a cut-off vine means lack of spiritual fruit in your life. Trees (or branches) that are truly dead are cut off (John 15:2a). A continued lack of fruit in anyone’s life should cause them to examine whether or not they truly belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. At the very least, there are persons in many churches who are not in true fellowship with God due to continuing sin in their lives. Drawing nourishment from Christ, you “…will produce much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5b)

Stop & Reflect:

What kind of a “tree” are you? Do you have a healthy inner core (heart)?

What kind of fruit will you produce IN Christ? The fruit of Christ-like character (see Galatians 5:22-23) and the fruit of drawing or inspiring others to passionate discipleship living for Christ!

Removing the Mask: Living with Integrity

It seemed like a great “opportunity” at the time to save some money. We had just purchased a house in January, 2005. The house inspection revealed that the furnace needed to be replaced in the near future. The inspector who confirmed this fact offered to give us a great deal – a new furnace with no GST which was 7% of total purchase price at that time.

What would we do? Considering our finances, this would be a great saving on an expensive item. I told the inspector that as a Christian, I could not agree to such a “deal”. That would be dishonest and sin in God’s sight. It would also be breaking the law of our nation. Even if I didn’t like the government taking more tax from me, I will still pay all that is required of me and honor God by doing this.

The furnace man was surprised by my response and asked: “Why are there so many religions?” I explained that religion is quite different from a relationship with God through personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. On that day, I had the privilege of sharing with him the way of salvation eternal life through Jesus! He began to understand that many people wear masks – they pretend – to be persons who act nice and obey the law but who are privately sinning or committing acts of dishonesty, manipulation and deceit.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of being a person of integrity and living with integrity. One dictionary defines “integrity” as the state of being “honest, complete and undivided.” Two events in the Bible illustrate how important integrity or honesty is to God. In ancient Israel, a man named Achan seized a beautiful robe, silver and gold from Jericho and hid them in the ground underneath his tent (Joshua 7:20-21). In doing so, Achan disobeyed God and demonstrates that the sin of one person can hurt and damage a whole congregation: “But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things. Achan…took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel” (Joshua 7:10)

Until he was confronted about his sin, Achan acted as if he had done no wrong. He was dishonest before God’s people and therefore also dishonest with God – he was wearing a mask. In response God took away the lives of Achan and his family.

A second event happened in the early church after Jesus returned to heaven. A couple named Ananias and Sapphira acted dishonestly by pretending to be sacrificial givers when this was not true. They gave some money for God’s work. That was good. But, they pretended that they gave all of the money from their land sale. That was very bad. They were also wearing a mask in front of God’s people. That is the same as being dishonest with God. The apostle Peter gives God’s verdict to them: “What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” (Acts 5:4)

Let’s make sure that you and I remove our masks and live for God with integrity!

Chasing Lions

Have you ever regretted doing something that was not so good OR regretted not doing something that you should have done? I have thought about this, especially around a birthday or the beginning of a new calendar year! For my fellow Christians, I am sure that you really want to make your daily life count for God. Surely, you want to be a “mighty disciple” for God.

There is such a person described in the Bible who name was Benaiah. The name “Benaiah “means” “The Lord builds”. First mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:18, Benaiah became known as a lion chaser (2 Samuel 23:20-22):

“Benaiah…was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He stuck down two of Moab’s best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he also struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. Such were the exploits of Benaiah… (who)…was as famous as the three mighty men.” (NIV)

Benaiah is a great example of the kind of Christ-follower that God seeks. When facing a challenge such as a lion, I may want to rush in overwhelming fear in the other direction. But, if I always run from every “risky” thing or person, I will never grow or accomplish mighty “exploits” for God. Those who dare to live like Benaiah seize opportunities, not run from them.

In an article “Chase the Lion” ( InTouch), author Mark Batterson writes:

“We all have our share of action regrets. But I’m convinced that if we don’t decide to change now, our deepest regrets at the end of our lives will be the risks that we didn’t take, the opportunities that we didn’t seize, the dreams that we didn’t pursue.”

There are many lions out there for you, for your family, and for our church to chase down, catch and conquer. If we choose to change our mind-set and to quickly seize our opportunities, we can also face, chase, and kill lions in our way for the glory of God.

The reward for Benaiah was the top position as King David’s body guard and, ultimately, commander of King Solomon’s army. Benaiah was mighty in holy living and we can be holy for God’s purposes as well. Mark Batterson notes that…

“Holiness is more than the by-product of simply subtracting something “negative” from our lives; it involves maximizing our God-given potential to live like Jesus.”

And what was Jesus, our Savior like? He chased “lions” that confronted Him. As Dorothy Sayers wrote: “…the people who crucified Jesus did not do so because He was a bore. Quite the contrary; He was too dynamic to be safe.”

Issues of eternity are involved in our decisions and actions. Therefore, let’s join the marathon for God and begin chasing lions!

Beaver Nudges

It was an incredible performance!

The time was sunset with traces of reddish-orange colored cloud streaking across the sky. It was a glorious autumn evening. Concerned about a strained relationship between two people, I sat on a bench looking at the smooth placid waters of the river. I prayed, waited and stared at the waters of the river.

Suddenly there was a splash in the water! A long dark form appeared. Surely, it wasn’t an over-sized walleye – a common fish in that area. Then, a second long dark form appeared above the surface of the water. What was it, I thought? Breaking free of my previous thought pattern, I began to walk cautiously toward the edge of the river bank so that these “forms” would not be scared away. At last, the identity of these creatures became clear –they were beavers! A great Canadian symbol.

These two beavers played around in the river for a couple of minutes. Then, they would come together and nudge or touch each other. There was the pattern of a nudge and then separation and then another nudge. Why? Do beavers need regular touches or nudges of love, encouragement and affirmation?

One thing is certain. In our rhythm of rest, work and play, we all need to provide nudges of love and encouragement. All human beings have this need. Christians in the midst of a constant spiritual battle certainly need regular touches of love and affirmation — actions that say “I love you” or “I need you”. These words were written to Christians of the first century, A.D.:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God has forgiven you”. (Ephesians 4:32)

Be intentional in giving someone the “touch of love” today. Start with your marriage. Ruth Graham said that “marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” Read I Corinthians ch.13 and write each verse in your own words (a paraphrase). Then, list specific ways in which you can show the love of Christ to someone near you. Make a list of actions which you can do that says to each of your family that says “I love you”.

Then, enlarge your circle of influence to others in need.

Listen to the voice of our Lord Jesus who says: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another!” (John 13:34) Beaver nudges in Jesus’ name!

Kitchen Stress

A big dinner was planned and she certainly wanted to impress. Perhaps, she intended it to be a formal occasion for her guests – especially the special guest – that would so impress them that compliments would be showered on her. It could be worth all the fuss and hard work in the kitchen. The name of the woman in this event was Martha. Her special guest was Jesus. The Bible describes the dinner event in these words:

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came

to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home.

Her sister Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught. But

Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to

Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ (Luke10:38-40, NLT)

Martha was too focused on the dinner and not enough attention to her guests, especially Jesus. Yes, dinner was needed because the guests were surely hungry. But, she worried over so many details because she made the dinner to seem more important than connecting with Jesus. She was stressing our and getting upset with her sister, Mary. She wanted Mary to help her since, in Martha’s view, her sister seemed to be sitting there doing nothing.

It reminds me of the growing troubles in our world’s financial system as I write. News overload and mounting stress over economic and financial details are distracting many of us from the most important thing of all!

Worship comes before work and relationship building precedes a program.

Jesus answers Martha:

My dear Martha, you are so upset over these details! There is really only

one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it – and I

won’t take it away from her. (Luke 10: 41-42, NLT)

Martha would have experienced less stress and more peace and confidence if she had first taken a little time with Jesus. It is certain that Martha should have recognized that a modest meal made with love is better than an elaborate feast made in stress and worry.

As you cook in the kitchen or follow your investments in the world , don’t panic over the details – worship Jesus first and trust completely in the Lord to make your smallest work count for God – honoring God and connecting with people in need.

Let’s not be caught up in “kitchen stress” because the signs in the world remind us that Jesus, our Savior is coming again – soon. (Luke 21:27, 34-35)

Winning Over Your Invisible Enemy

On assignment in Afghanistan for the Edmonton Journal, Graham Thomson wrote a report in the August 16, 2008 edition entitled “FIGHTING AN INVISIBLE ENEMY”. It reminded me of the ultimate real enemy that seeks to destroy us and oppose the will of God for us. Yes, each person has a responsibility for the sin and evil which they commit. But, the Bible reminds us that behind all these evil words and actions of people is the unseen invisible rank of evil spirits, fallen angels who obey Satan and seek to lead us into all kinds of sin.

“For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12, NLT)

“Rulers”, “authorities”, and “powers” refer to different ranks of evil beings. Therefore, I was very intrigued to read from another source about 3 ranks of enemy in the present war in Afghanistan. First there are the hard-core Taliban who are 100% dedicated to destroying our soldiers and anyone else who hinders the return of full Taliban rule. Second, there are the “civilian persons who hate foreigners, the present Afghan government, and authorities in general. They are easily recruited for specific destroying acts but are not totally supportive of the Taliban. Third, there are those from the regular population who are bribed into committing acts of violence but who easily and quickly retreat into regular civilian life and wear clothing of the common people. This last group has little or no commitment to the Taliban, However, our own soldiers and regular Afghan forces cannot always tell who they are fighting and where to find them until they suddenly commit a violent act. They are like an invisible enemy until it is sometimes too late — the damage has been done.

That is why the Bible also warns us to always be on spiritual alert and to fervently pray with the help of the Holy Spirit of God and by clothing ourselves with all of God’s “armor”. Even as I went on-line to check e-mail prior to typing this message, the invisible enemy was seeking to distract me with unsolicited advertisements. The dangers of this invisible enemy are everywhere in this world. But, through Jesus, our Savior, we can win in practice over everything that our Enemy and his evil assistants can throw at us!

I urge you to join me in closing spiritual ranks against this invisible enemy who will someday soon be banished by our God forever.

“Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:18, NLT

Lifeline: The Power of Music

The sound first resonated like a distant rumble. Then, it erupted into a loud roar. The whole building was collapsing around the three young boys. Everything grew very dark and still. They were alive but injured. There seemed no way for them to escape from the Chinese 2008 earthquake.

One of the boys, about nine years old, began to sing. Somehow singing became for him a cry of his soul. One Western commentator remarked how God was surely at work in this young boy. The other boys began to sing. The singing motivated his spirit and his determination to somehow escape from this forbidding prison of rock and rubble. The miracle is that the boy made his way to the surface. After receiving freedom, the boy expressed his gratitude by returning to help the other boys to get free.

Amazing! Singing from the heart to God has power to blast through all kinds of barriers.

It is a lifeline to God — the cry of one’s heart to God. Such singing crosses lines of culture, language, and nation. The Bible describes the dramatic picture of two men who were imprisoned for teaching others how to trust in and live for Jesus. Their enemies were furious. The authorities ordered Paul and Silas to be flogged. Beaten and bleeding, they were “thrown into prison” (Acts 16:23). Then, they were placed in a dark dungeon in the lowest part of the prison.

Faced with no light and no obvious way of escape, they could have grown bitter or cried out in self-pity and given up. But, Paul and Silas responded in the most amazing way. Like the boys in China, they began to sing with passion to God.

“…Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly there was a great earthquake and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors flew open and the chains of every prisoner flew off!”

(Acts 16:25-26, NLT)

The result was that the official in charge of the prison saw the work of God in all this and begged to know how to receive Jesus into His heart. The whole extended household of the prison guard became Christians transformed by the power of God. The word for household (oikos) refers also to relatives and servants of the prison official. Music of praise to God in Jesus’ name can set you free from the prison of drugs, addictions or resentment. When you are truly set free, waste no time in coming alongside of others who are also calling out for real freedom. Music of your heart to God can be truly powerful – a lifeline to those who are desperate for hope. Don’t wait to be in the mood for singing. In any circumstance, make the cry of your souls a “joyful symphony” to God (Psalm 98:6).

The Dangers of a Wider Road

Sandra and I were cruising south along on Highway 2 on our way to our intended destination at Pine Lake Christian camp. Suddenly, all the vehicles in front of us slammed on their brakes as 4 lanes narrowed to two at that point. What was the problem? Two police officers were wandering along the highway. At first, I could not see why the lanes would be blocked. Then, I noticed two deep black tire marks swerving across four southbound lanes, across the grassy median and then across the northbound lanes. The trail seemed to end in the ditch on the far side.

The problem seemed obvious. Someone was driving much too fast and lost control of his vehicle. There are many incidents such as this. It seems that some cannot handle good weather, good road conditions and lots of room to drive. Such persons act irresponsibly. When life is good and there are no major problems on their horizon, they go wild! Focusing on themselves, they will do anything for a good time, even when it endangers the lives of others.

Sinful human nature can be very evident in the way we drive. Like an extra wide highway, so many cannot handle the extra room, extra money, or extra energy. Instead of acting with thankfulness to God and responsibly toward others, we can waste our blessings and be a danger to ourselves and to the wider community.

Spiritual life is like this. I am reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:13:

“Small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life”. Those who seek for hope and fulfillment must beware of wider roads that can so easily distract from the true road to Jesus, the Savior and source of life. Those of us who are Christians must also be very careful to accept God’s discipline in our lives so that we do not get weaker with popular fads and entertainment around us but grow stronger in our faith and more like Jesus in our character.

“…God’s discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in His holiness. …Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then, those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.” (Hebrews 12:10b, 13, NLT)

No wonder, God allows obstacles to often narrow our paths or discipline us with trials or challenges of all kinds. If we respond in obedience to him, we can thrive as we drive and avoid the “dangers of the wider road.”

Relationships - Common-Law or Uncommon?

A young man left his common-law “wife” to party with her ex-boy friend and others while he joined his friends to party all night in another location. Arriving home drunk at dawn the next day, he discovered his partner sleeping with her ex-boyfriend. In a rage, he killed that young man and created an even bigger mess in his life. This was reported recently in the news. In my own neighborhood, a common-law arrangement broke apart, leaving the man struggling to balance caring for two young children and somehow getting time to work. For now, someone else is helping him to cope.

Common-law relationships are preferred by more couples because it lets them act and live as they desire. There is no such thing as a permanent relationship that draws on a higher authority. They are their own authority. If one partner decided that they are not receiving what they want, they can just get up and leave. In one Canadian province, the majority of couples are now “common-law”. Is it any wonder that so many children and youth are causing so much trouble with drugs, house parties, crimes, violence and destructive graffiti in our city? More of them are growing up to become irresponsible adults who run red lights, rudely speed and cut off other drivers, and contribute to excessive trash littering our streets.

The solution should start with us who profess to follow Jesus. Jesus calls us to a very uncommon relationship — relating to God out of a pure heart (Matthew 5:8). Such inward purity leads to actions of goodness and kindness even to those who may hate us (Matthew 5:43-48). In all our relationships, we are called to be holy as God is holy. To be holy is to be unique, un-common – living not as a law unto ourselves but according to the supreme law, character and authority of our gracious God (2 Peter 3:11).

Relationships, including the marriage relationship, need to be un-common and reflecting the relationship of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our children and children on our street need to see that our Christian couples truly love each other and serve each other out of reverence for Christ. Our own children have drawn a great sense of confidence, peace and a desire to live responsibly from the love they see between Sandra and I. That is the work of God — an uncommon relationship.

“Each of you must (sacrificially) love his wife…and the wife must respect her husband” (Ephesians 5:33)

Clean Sweep

It was an exciting time! My first job assignment at the factory where my uncle was president included the sweeping of the wide aisles lined with pallets of product piled high. I was a high school student in Toronto and ready to start my first job. The job was simple in nature but massive in its scope as I tried to envision all of these wide aisles as clean and empty of anything that could prevent the free flow of product and machines.

It was obvious that workers inclined to be lazy could attempt to avoid hard work and take a sort-cut by sweeping some of the dirt under shelving units or stationery machines. However, I was eager to impress my department supervisor and co-workers so that I could be accepted as one of them. I worked hard to clean – exposing and removing every speck of dirt and grime that I could find. A completed task in relatively short time led to other assignments until I was receiving and shipping, even loading steel coils and other products by fork-lift truck onto boxcars of trains and waiting trucks. But, all of this started when I determined to not cover up the mess but expose and remove it as quickly as possible!

There is no short-cut to physical or spiritual cleaning! All spiritual dirt or sin must be exposed and removed to please God. Sin comes out of our hearts (Luke 7:20-23). Just as a company operates effectively when all dirt and trash is removed, a church or an individual person will live with fruitfulness, fulfillment, and with a transformative impact on others when he or she admits, exposes, and rejects all sin. This is possible each and every day with the help of God.

If you do not deal like this with sin in your life, both you and others around you will suffer unnecessary pain, frustration, and spiritual dry-ness. Your sin or mine can hinder or prevent God’s work in our whole church. Psalm 32 describes the awful struggles experienced by King David when he had covered up his sin and tried to live as if everything were all right. Finally, he admitted his sin; confessed it to God, and rejected ALL of his sin so that He might be totally clean inside. “I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity” (Psalm 32:5a). The story of Acts 5:1-11 in the Bible describes how one couple — Ananias and Sapphira --- tried to hide their real motives so that they could impress people in the church rather than pleasing God. They were dishonest with their church family and therefore dishonest with God. That is a dangerous thing.

To avoid or remove some very serious struggles and problems in your life and to help revitalize our church, we must come completely clean before God and His people. Heed the warning of the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 11:30-32. The Lord Jesus reminds us that we cannot worship pleasing to God until we express forgiveness and reconcile ourselves to one another. Are you angry, upset, or envious of someone else in our church or elsewhere? If you are, I urge you to meet with the other person or with the pastor as soon as you can. Meet in an attitude of love, humility and a desire to reconcile and honor God. Then, Jesus says, you can “…come and offer your gift…” (to God) Matthew 5:23-24.

In God’s sight, that will be a clean sweep!

Beyond The Green Line

In a city where danger lurks on every street and around every corner, the Green Line represents the best possible protection and security. It is the border surrounding what is assumed to be the “safest’ area in the Iraqi city of Baghdad. As the reporters, officials and key leaders are inside the Green Zone, they feel reasonably safe — if that us possible in Baghdad. But, if one dares to advance beyond the green line, he instantly loses any security that he once possessed.

Life itself is like that. Normal life for each of us is filled with temptations that threaten to kill our spiritual vitality and lure us away from God. In ancient Egypt, a “…very handsome and well-built young man” named Joseph was threatened with a temptation (Genesis 39:6-7). It was a temptation as dangerous as an insurgent’s bomb. Joseph was a Hebrew young man in a foreign culture — a rising young leader blessed and empowered by God. He wisely lived inside the Green line — that is, trusting and fearing God, allowing the Lord to both empower him and keep him in a world of distractions and superficial attractions. To live as Joseph did is to put your faith in Jesus, the Son of God. The Green Zone for you would mean that “…your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3 NLT)

When urged by the wife of the Egyptian Potiphar to commit adultery, Joseph proved that he stayed inside the protection of God’s Green Line by saying to her: “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9b NIV). That is the secret to avoiding defeat in your daily life — stay inside God’s protection for you. Those who experience joy and also victory over temptations of all kinds are those who “fear the Lord” and who “...delight in doing what He commands” (Psalm 112:1, NLT). Joseph feared God much more than he feared other people. Therefore he was most concerned about pleasing God above all. Is this your priority?

If so, living beyond the green line will be fruitful and not frustrating for you!

Dancing With Trees

Dancing with trees! Was this some kind of joke? Someone described the action in the woods as appearing like dancing. MSN reported this rather strange activity performed by bears in the forest. I watched video clips of a bear looking around in a wooded area, as if to see if anyone else was watching. The bear approached a tree and then suddenly stood up on his hind legs. With his back facing the tree, this enormous bear begins a series of movements as he scratched his back using the trunk of the tree. Several other bears were also caught doing the same thing. The bears’ actions were like creative dancing movements, twisting and turning, the paws and shoulders moving up and down, in and out. It was a display of nature that reminded me of the awesome creativity of God!

Sheer delight in God’s handiwork enables the faithful seeker of God to “see and hear” “…the trees of the forest singing for joy” and the “rivers clapping their hands!” (Psalm 96:12, 98:8)

Wow! I thought that if any of God’s creatures have a reason to dance, it is certainly human beings. In the very first verse of the Bible, the word for create (bara) refers to the unique and exquisite variety that God displayed in making the world and everything in it. The word indicates the delight that God experiences in actually being God and acting as Creator. The word in Genesis 1:1 also means to bring new things into being (Revelation 21:5). It was God’s intention to create human beings who live in such a way as to express the color, richness, rhythm and relationship of the Divine Community — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

As one of Jesus’ first disciples, Peter envisioned the “dance” of life being continually expressed through the spiritual gifts of obedient Christ followers (I Peter 4:10). After receiving eternal life through faith in Christ, each of us has the enabling power of God to communicate His manifold or multi-splendor grace of God to the world. Bears may dance in private but we are called to dance for the glory of God (Psalm 150:4, Ephesians 2:10)

The Power of Listening

“I’m all ears!” This is a phrase that has been often used in the past to convince someone that I am really focused on listening to what they want to say. It is often said that there is a good reason God gave us two ears and only one mouth. He wants us to listen twice as much as we speak.

Let’s face it. We are often so busy with activities and face so many demands in our lives that we react rather than respond. We say many words and avoid situations where there is silence. Even in a context of worship with others, our minds drift quickly from one thing to another.

God warns the leaders and people of Malachi’s day to listen: “Listen to me and take it to heart. Honor my name says the Lord God Almighty…” (Malachi 2:2a, NLT) But, it takes time to enlarge our listening capacity. The more we listen, the more blessed and encouraged we will be – drawing awesome spiritual resources from God’s deep well of salvation and joy that we can use to truly encourage those in need.

In I Samuel chapter 3, the young boy Samuel had to learn to listen to the voice of God. It was absolutely essential for living a life of purpose and mission. Samuel became one of God’s greatest leaders as a prophet because he learned to expand his ability to listen to God. On the fourth time that the Lord called, Samuel replied: “Yes, your servant is listening.” (I Samuel 3:10a,NLT) Are you listening?

Space Mountain Shakedown

Space mountain! I love hiking in the mountains! While joining the extra long line-up at Space Mountain ride in Disneyland, I thought that this ride would be fun a “piece of cake”. We had flown to San Diego and then traveled up to Orange County in 2005 so that I could speak on marriage at the wedding of Sandra’s sister, Jana. During this trip, we had a day to spend at Disneyland.

So, I joined our son, David and his wife Krysten on this popular ride, Space Mountain. Until now it had been a lot of fun. But, I was in for a jolt! Not long into the ride, I knew that I was in trouble. I prefer rides out in the open where I can see everything but this ride was in almost total darkness. Scattered dim lights simulated the stars in space. But, this ride had me shaking up and down, twisting and turning, stomach churning movements —that seemed like it was going on forever. The longer we shook down, the more my stomach contents rose up until….suddenly, there appeared a flash of light and then one final plunge down to the end of the ride and brilliant sunshine!

A camera snapped a photo of me – bulging eyes wide open – mouth wide open - and a frazzled expression that made it look as if I had just plunged from the heights without a parachute! My “loving” family laughed at me!

The experience reminds me of a group of people - male and female - who endured a shaky “ride” through a tunnel of darkness far greater than Space Mountain. The Bible describes it in Luke 23:44-45:

By this time it was noon and darkness fell across the whole land until

three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And, suddenly the thick

veil hanging in the temple was torn apart.

Imagine the turmoil they felt as the darkness engulfed the whole land where they stood watching Jesus die on the cross. But then came that glorious flash of light! The light of victory and triumph! The announcement of the angel beside the EMPTY tomb. “He isn’t here. He has risen from the dead!” (Luke 24:6 NLT)

Later, on the way to the village of Emmaus, two of them emerged completely from the darkness of despair into the light of life and freedom “…suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him” (Luke 14:31a, NLT). Take time to SEE Jesus in all His glory and live today in the light of His triumph over sin and death. Hallelujah, He is risen!

The Treadmill Triple

This insight emerged from my experience with God on March 4 at the Alliance New Worker’s Retreat. Psalm 73:23-26 so impacted and refreshed me that I decided to put these words on a 3x5 card for memorization. On my first day back home, I returned to my gym exercise routine.

On my way to the cardio part of my work-out, I heard three voices call out “Stu”. They were all persons with whom I have been building a relationship. Immediately, I walked over to the treadmill section of the gym and jumped on a treadmill machine next to Jim. Jim is not a Christian. Noticing that I was carrying my card with Bible verses on it, he asked me, “Stewart, what have you got there?”

I replied: “These are Bible verses that I am memorizing.”

He pressed further. “What does it say?”

So, I read to him these words (praying that God would use them to reach his heart):

…I am always with you;

You uphold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

And afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in Heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

But God is the strength of my heart

And my portion forever! ((Psalm 73:23-26,NIV)

The conversation that followed gave me another opportunity to talk with Jim of what it meant to establish a faith relationship with God. It reminded me of three results that I can achieve just by running or walking on the treadmill—the treadmill triple!

It starts with the opportunity for me to gain better physical health and maintain a certain level of physical conditioning. Secondly, the treadmill run gave me the opportunity to memorize some of God’s word and strengthen my spiritual health. Thirdly, that recent experience gave me a tremendous opportunity to continue my witness to Jim and help increase his understanding of God when he was open to this “knock “of God on his heart.

So, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, be alert to opportunities God has for you as well. Look for these three ways to accomplish the “treadmill triple”!

The Friendship Store

Wal-Mart recently announced that their store in our neighborhood would be now open 24 hours a day. Their intention is to be available to their loyal customers whenever a need arises. Wow! 24 hour shopping!

Do I need this? I don’t think so. But, what I do need is the availability of a friend at any time, at all times, for 24 hours. Let’s call it “the friendship store.” It’s really our church family which God intends to be His listening ear, His seeing eye, His caring heart and His helping hands.

The Bible says that “a friend is loyal at all times, and a brother is born to help in time of need (Proverbs 17:17, NLT). The first place where you and I should be able to search for a true friend is in our church – the Church of Christ. Are you a true friend, willing to be there for someone in genuine need? “There are (false friends) who destroy each other but a real friend sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24, NLT).

You may find it difficult to get close to someone in your church. Such a person may not be acting as a friend to you. The answer to this is for you to draw closer to God and to ask Him to give you a heart of love for someone who seems unlovable to you. It starts with you and it starts with me – breaking down “walls” and restoring relationships for 24 hour service.

Richard Exley was correct:

A true friend is one who hears and understands when you share your

deepest feelings. He supports you when you are struggling. He corrects

you gently and with love when you err, and he forgives you when you

fail. A true friend prods you to personal growth, stretches you to full

potential. And, most amazing of all, he celebrates your successes as if

they were his very own.

God calls you and I to become such a friend – always. Your church family is intended by God to become a 24 hour “friendship store”. Are you ready to join?

Pastor Stewart

The Value of One Life

“So, everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, (mature) in their relationship to Christ. I work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.” (Colossians1:28-29 NLT)

A recent phone call from a former Afghanistan citizen prompted me to remember the great effort it took to get him really established in his Christian faith. My friend Hyatt Sahar had one of his extended family members in the government before the Soviet Union invaded his country in the 1980’s. Hyatt himself escaped to Canada and then experienced the greatest experience of his life – he invited Jesus into his heart. Along with a couple of my friends, I then became deeply involved in the journey of Hyatt to become a true disciple of Christ.

The moment Hyatt became a Christian, the battle for his faith became an intense spiritual marathon for all of us as it seemed often that Hyatt would eventually return to his former life. His own relatives turned against him and he felt threatened. Just when we thought that he had succeeded in his battle, he would explode from within –the flesh versus the Spirit seemed to rage unabated at times. Did I feel like quitting on Hyatt? Yes! But, my friends and I realized the crucial importance in encouraging a new Christian to grow in his relationship with the Lord Jesus. There were long nights, unexpected struggles, unplanned trips, continuous prayer, and wrenching struggles such as described by Paul in Colossians 1: 28-29 above.

When Hyatt called to tell me that he had seen me on the television program, “It’s a New Day”, he rejoiced as he remembered with me the faithfulness of God in his life. Hyatt has survived many battles as he adjusted to a new culture, a new faith, and new friends. Now an older man with children grown up and on their own, Hyatt is a vivid example to me why all the effort and prayer in the world are worth it to see one new Christian develop and grow into a deeper stronger disciple of Jesus. Will you consider who may be a new or young Christian in your area or in our church? Are you willing to pay the price this Christmas to see that person grow in his or her personal relationship with Jesus –a relationship that will help that person stand strong against the spiritual, social, and satanic attacks that are bound to come. In God’s sight, this is a greater Christmas gift that can never be wrapped except in the wrapping of your life in obedience to Him.

Steady in a Rocking Boat

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30)

What a contrast! I was one of several kids in a small row boat beside the hulking Canadian navel ship in the harbor of my home town. A giant forest fire threatened to burn the whole town . In response , the Canadian government sent the navy ship to be on stand- by in case our whole town needed evacuation. We had rowed out to the ship anchored in the harbor just for some fun. A couple of navy guys decided to jump on our boat and then proceeded to rock the boat. It frightened and freaked me out. I knew the deep cold waters and what lurked down there. The boat was fun until someone rocked and threatened to over turn it. I was afraid of sinking!

Several years ago, I was the passenger in a plane flying over Toronto and our oldest son, David was the pilot. I was really enjoying the trip until David said: “Dad, would you like to fly the plane?” As he said it, the plane banked sharply to the left . It really scared me until the plane leveled off and I could take the rudder. What was my problem in both situations? Like the disciple Peter, I was guilty of looking at my circumstances instead of looking at Jesus.

Peter walked on the water while he looked at Jesus . “But when he saw the wind”…, he began to sink. The reality in life for each of us is that IF WE WOULD FOCUS OUR HEARTS ON THE LORD JESUS, we can keep our balance in a rocking boat or experience true inner peace on a shaky plane. In daily life, we will face many turbulent experiences . The question is: will we hold fast to God in the midst of the waves?

God's Fire in Me

The air was cold and wet. The lower slopes leading to the mountains were rugged and large enough in scale to be intimidating. Nature itself overwhelmed! God’s creation was breathtaking as I hiked with three others along the path to the caves and hot springs on the slopes of Sulfur Mountain in Banff National Park.

When we arrived at the caves and approached the hot springs bubbling up from deep in the earth, the smell of sulfur suddenly became strong enough to block the smell of anything else. Now, I know why they call it Sulfur Mountain! I poked my finger into a bubbling stream. Despite the cold air, the emerging spring water was warm enough for a hot bath – but I was not about to try that! Columns of steam rose continuously into the air.

The hot springs of Banff remind me of the Word and the presence of God within me. In my recent quiet time with God, I mediated on the words of Jeremiah 20. It is easy to identify with Jeremiah when he feels so weary, worn, and beaten that he wishes that he had not been born (Jeremiah 20:14). Jeremiah, the prophet of God, felt like not speaking any more for God. But Jeremiah says, If I tried to quit on God, I could not do it because…

“…His word is in my heart like a fire,

a fire shut up in my bones.

I’m weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot” (Jeremiah 20:9)

I challenge you to examine your own heart. Are you taking any time to memorize verses from God’s word. Are YOU taking time to feed on God’s word. Do you take sufficient time with the Lord, expressing your love for Him. If you have trusted in Jesus as your Savior, then God has called you to witness of Him and represent Him to our community and world just as Jeremiah was called. When you are growing as a Christian, a true disciple of Christ, His word and presence in you will feel like a fire within. Then, you will be energized and motivated to make our Savior known. In Jeremiah’s words, you and I will be able to say with confidence…”the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior (Jeremiah 20:12a).

Like the hot springs of Banff, let God’s fire within you burn hot even when the winds of unbelievers around you blow cold. Be mighty and be hot for God, confirming God’s fire within you! In this way, you will not let the surrounding cold unbelief take away your fire. Instead, God’s fire in you will ignite God’s fire in them –bringing others to a relationship with Jesus, the beginning of developing healthy followers for God. This is God’s call for us and for FFAC.

Flying Lessons

“Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened…The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them and because they had seen the child…” (Luke 2:16-20, NLT)

In a mighty effort, the geese flap their wings and fly in a “V” formation while honking at the same time. Scientists have learned that as each one flaps their wings, they create an uplifting draft for the next bird. That enables each bird to fly with the flock and ensures that no bird is left behind. Apparently, by flying in a V formation, the geese increase their flying range by over 70 % than if each goose was flying by itself. Flying this way reduces drag and increases a smoother flight through the air. When the lead bird get weary, it drops back into the back and another bird takes it place facing the headwinds.

Imagine how each of us can take turns facing headwinds for one another this Christmas season. It is God’s intention that we “fly” together, encourage one another, and together communicate the glorious news of our savior’s birth – Immanuel, God with us! That is exactly how the shepherds responded after they had met Jesus, the Savior (Luke 2:17-20)

The word for “told” in Luke 2:17 is the Greek word from which we get our word for phone or telephone. The word is clear: If you and I are true followers of Jesus our Savior, our response is to imitate the shepherds, spread the word together as a church family. Like all healthy churches, we need to fly in “V” formation.

In flying, attitude is vital. When I was flying with my son, David, the attitude of the plane was adjusted for take-off. In a plane, “attitude” is the angle of the plane’s nose in relation to the horizon. If the attitude is set too high, the plane would stall and crash. If it is set too low, the plane would never gain altitude. For FFAC to “fly” successfully for God, its people like you and I need to adjust our attitude – not too high (pride) or too low (greed).

Instead, let’s set our sights on the level of the Savior and tell those you meet: God has come to us – He has given us His Son, Jesus to be our Savior. (Colossians 3:1)

Flying Lessons

“Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened…The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them and because they had seen the child…” (Luke 2:16-20, NLT)

In a mighty effort, the geese flap their wings and fly in a “V” formation while honking at the same time. Scientists have learned that as each one flaps their wings, they create an uplifting draft for the next bird. That enables each bird to fly with the flock and ensures that no bird is left behind. Apparently, by flying in a V formation, the geese increase their flying range by over 70 % than if each goose was flying by itself. Flying this way reduces drag and increases a smoother flight through the air. When the lead bird get weary, it drops back into the back and another bird takes it place facing the headwinds.

Imagine how each of us can take turns facing headwinds for one another this Christmas season. It is God’s intention that we “fly” together, encourage one another, and together communicate the glorious news of our savior’s birth – Immanuel, God with us! That is exactly how the shepherds responded after they had met Jesus, the Savior (Luke 2:17-20)

The word for “told” in Luke 2:17 is the Greek word from which we get our word for phone or telephone. The word is clear: If you and I are true followers of Jesus our Savior, our response is to imitate the shepherds, spread the word together as a church family. Like all healthy churches, we need to fly in “V” formation.

In flying, attitude is vital. When I was flying with my son, David, the attitude of the plane was adjusted for take-off. In a plane, “attitude” is the angle of the plane’s nose in relation to the horizon. If the attitude is set too high, the plane would stall and crash. If it is set too low, the plane would never gain altitude. For FFAC to “fly” successfully for God, its people like you and I need to adjust our attitude – not too high (pride) or too low (greed).

Instead, let’s set our sights on the level of the Savior and tell those you meet: God has come to us – He has given us His Son, Jesus to be our Savior. (Colossians 3:1)