Anonymous, but Indispensable

In his book Encourage Me, Charles Swindoll asks the following questions: 'Who taught Martin Luther his theology and inspired his translation of the New Testament? Who visited Dwight L. Moody at a shoe store and spoke to him about Christ?... Who financed William Carey's ministry in India? Who refreshed the Apostle Paul in that Roman dungeon as he wrote his last letter to Timothy?... Who followed Hudson Taylor and gave the China Inland Mission its remarkable vision and direction?... What was it Jim Elliot, the martyred messenger of the Gospel to the Aucas in Ecuador, once called the missionaries? Something like "a bunch of nobodies trying to exalt Somebody". But don't mistake anonymous for unnecessary. Otherwise, the whole body gets crippled... even paralyzed... or, at best, terribly dizzy as the majority of the members... become diseased with self-pity and discouragement. Face it, friend, the head of the body calls the shots. It is His prerogative to publicize some and hide others. Don't ask me why He chooses whom He uses. If it's His desire to use you as a Melanchthon rather than a Luther... or a Kimball rather than a Moody... or an Onesiphorus rather than a Paul... or a Hoste rather than a Taylor, relax! Better than that, give God praise! You're among that elite group mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12. '"God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that might otherwise seem less important"' (vv. 22-24 TLB). So be encouraged: you may be anonymous, but you're indispensable!

It's Time to Move On!

'Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has cast into the sea.' Exodus 15:4 NKJV

For 400 years the Egyptians had enslaved the Israelites. Then just when they thought they'd escaped Pharaoh, he showed up at the Red Sea. And that's when God intervened, causing them to sing, 'Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has cast into the sea'. And God wants to do the same for you. Regardless of what has happened, He can bring you through it and give you a new song. Will it happen quickly or easily? No, we get through it in different ways and at different rates. How did the Israelites get through the Red Sea? One step at a time! But when they got to the other side that body of water became the dividing line between their past and their future. But to get beyond your past you must forgive, and keep on forgiving until the past loses its hold over you. You must rise up and declare by faith that the power those old issues had over you is broken. Jesus promised that when His word on the issue becomes your word on it, your circumstances will begin to change (Mark 11:23-26). So make God's Word the final word! But look out, old memories will try to negotiate another deal to see if you're serious about moving on. Paul writes, 'Reckon yourselves to be dead.' (Romans 6:11 NKJV) Now, death alone doesn't bring closure; you need burial. So establish a time, a place and an epitaph that reads, 'The past ends right here!' Tell Pharaoh, 'Your hosts and your ghosts can't hurt me any more', and move on!

Looking Forward to Better Days

'I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord...' Psalm 27:13 NIV

When a player begins to score, the opposing team assigns their best players to block him. So the attack you're experiencing right now could be an indication of your value to God. Paul wrote, 'I have...been in danger from rivers, thieves, my own people, the Jews, and those who are not Jews. I have been in danger in cities...and on the sea and...with false Christians. I have done hard and tiring work, and many times I did not sleep. I have been hungry and thirsty...cold and without clothes. Besides all this, there is on me every day the load of my concern for all the churches.' (2 Corinthians 11:26-28 NCV) How did Paul handle these experiences? By 'forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.' (Philippians 3:13 NLT) Now, Paul didn't forget any of it; he could remember names, places, faces, and even record it. But here's the difference: he refused to let what was done to him affect his outlook. That's the attitude you need! When your desire to go forward becomes greater than the memories of your past, you'll begin to live again. 'Where there is no vision, the people perish...' (Proverbs 29:18 KJV) Until you have a vision of tomorrow, you'll live in yesterday's struggles. The very fact that God is putting desire back into your spirit means that better days are coming! So rise up and say with the Psalmist, 'I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.'

Don't Worry, You Will Have Enough!

'My God shall supply all your need...' Philippians 4:19 NKJV

Are you afraid you won't have enough to meet your needs? Let's read the story of the feeding of the 5000 and observe three things about the disciples. First, they tried to escape the problem. They told Jesus, 'Send them away, that they may go...and buy themselves bread.' (Mark 6:36 NKJV) But He said no. Jesus understood that you grow by dealing with problems, not avoiding them. Your faith increases only as you place a demand on it. Lazy, inactive faith will fail you in the hour of need, so you must feed on God's Word and exercise your faith regularly. Secondly, the disciples thought what they had wasn't enough: 'There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?' (John 6:9 NKJV) God will ask you to look at what you've got because even though it doesn't look like much, when you factor Him in, it'll be more than enough to meet the need. In the disciples' hands it was just lunch for one, but in Christ's hands it became dinner for 5000. So put what you have into God's hands and let Him work. Thirdly, only when the disciples obeyed His plan was their need met. When you ask God for a miracle He will often give you a plan with a set of instructions. At that point your obedience sets the timer, activates the plan and determines the results. With God, there's no lack and no limit. When it was over, '...they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish.' (Mark 6:43 NKJV) Don't worry, you will have enough!

Knowing Where You Stand with God

'But Christ gave Himself...one sacrifice for all time.' Hebrews 10:12 TLB

Notice how God dealt with sin in the Old Testament. The priest took a lamb, shed its blood and offered it on the altar. As the sacrificial smoke went up, the priest would sprinkle the ashes on the ground, then stand on them. At that moment the person's sin was atoned for and their guilt removed. What a beautiful picture of your salvation! At Calvary, the fires of God's wrath were fully expended on Christ. In that moment, He was both your High Priest and your sacrificial lamb. When He cried, 'It is finished,' (John 19:30 NIV), your sins were paid for-from the cradle to the grave. And the minute you trust in Christ as your Savior, your standing before God is altered; you are made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21). In the early days of the American West one of the greatest fears the wagon train masters had was prairie fires. The hot sun could start them, and before you knew it you were engulfed in flames. But a wise wagon train master would immediately give the order to back up the horses and wagons on to the ground that had already been burned. Why? Because the fire could not come where the fire had already been! Augustus Toplady wrote, 'Payment God will not twice demand; first at my bleeding Surety's hand, and then again at mine.' Jesus 'took the heat' for every one of us. 'He...bore our sins in His body on the tree...' (1 Peter 2:24 NIV) So today, if the devil is beating you up because of your faults and failures, tell him: 'I may not be perfect, but I'm redeemed, loved and accepted by God!'

You Can Get Beyond the Past

'...you shall remember it as waters that pass away.' Job 11:16 AMP
Tamar experienced the terrible trauma of rejection. But her future was greater than her past: she gave birth to a child who became a progenitor of our Lord Jesus. What an honor! Wounded one, you can come through this painful experience and sing the song of the overcomer. By God's grace you can learn to live in the present and let go of the past. How? By spending time in God's presence and allowing His love to touch the hurting places within you. Give all your secrets to God-and leave them there. He can take the misery out of the memory like you take the poison out of an insect bite; then your healing will begin. Job, who lost his health, his wealth and his family, lived to see these words fulfilled: 'You shall forget your misery; you shall remember it as waters that pass away.' Go ahead, stand in the stream of God's grace and release it. Let it all go. It was night, but now it's day! Let God hold you safely in His arms. There, you can allow the past to fall from you like a garment. You may remember it, but you won't have to wear it any more: 'You shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid.' (Job 11:19 AMP) No more pacing the floor, no more bad dreams, no more fear of tomorrow. Shame has been removed and grace enthroned. Rise up in Christ's name and take authority over every memory that keeps you linked to the past. Allow God to heal your scars, break your chains and set you free.

There's a Place at the Table for All of Us

'...they made Him a supper; Martha served...Lazarus...sat at the table with Him.' John 12:2 NKJV

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, we read: 'a dinner was given in Jesus' honor.' (John 12:2 NIV) Martha served, Mary sat listening to what Jesus had to say, and Lazarus talked to the guests. So, there's room at God's table for all kinds of people. Let's take a closer look at Martha. Martha's are generally in the background with their sleeves rolled up, making sure everybody's fed and watered. They rarely seek the spotlight, and often we don't appreciate them until they're missing. The problem with Martha's is that they're inclined to make the mission more important than the Master. They need to remember that worship is also service. Mary's tend to forget there are bills to be paid and meals to be cooked. Sometimes they act so heavenly-minded, they're no earthly use. They need to realize that service is worship too. But we need Mary's; they bring passion to our worship, and you can always count on them to intercede with God on behalf of others. '...they flocked to see...the man Jesus had raised from the dead...because of him...many...believed in Jesus.' (John 12:9-11 NLT) Lazarus had a story so amazing that those who heard it became instant converts. He reminds us that we each have a story to share about God's grace and mercy. When was the last time you shared yours? So, if you're a Martha, God sees your labor of love. If you're a Mary, He delights in your worship. If you're a Lazarus, He promises to honor your testimony. There's a place at the table for all of us!

According to Fred Smith (2)

'Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.' 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV

Here are some more Scriptures Brenda Smith learned from her dad: '...a real friend will be more loyal than a brother...' (Proverbs 18:24 NCV) When Fred was initially hospitalized, a host of well-wishers came by to visit, but eventually dropped off when they didn't know what to say. It was friends who stood by them over the long haul who sustained them. 'The Lord sees the good people and listens to their prayers.' (Psalm 34:15 NCV) The Psalmist said, 'I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry...He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.' (Psalm 40:1-2 NIV) Fred Smith said, 'Many nights I lay awake unable to move or sleep, but...when I was tempted to lose hope, prayer renewed my strength.' A psychiatrist who interviewed aspiring astronauts reported that, faced with total isolation, many candidates became frustrated, whereas those who knew how to pray and sense God's presence had fewer problems. Prayer works when all else fails-but don't wait till things reach that stage. 'When you are old...I will take care of you...' (Isaiah 46:4 NCV) Someone said, 'Old age isn't for sissies.' While you are getting older physically, you don't have to get old in your outlook. We live in a 'disposable' culture that dismisses senior citizens as set in their ways and out of touch. Fred Smith proved otherwise. He demonstrated that while aging isn't convenient or comfortable, it can be productive. By focusing on the 'can do's' instead of the 'used to do's', you not only follow the example of Christ, you also create a blueprint for the next generation.

According to Fred Smith (1)

'Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.' 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV

Ralph Waldo Emerson usually greeted Henry David Thoreau by asking, 'What has become clearer since last we met?' The late Fred Smith liked to ask that question too. A lifelong friend of Billy Graham and Zig Ziglar, Smith mentored a generation of leaders. But, more importantly, he was the real deal at home. He believed the words: 'Tell your children and grandchildren...the incredible things I am doing.' (Exodus 10:2 TLB) Fred's daughter Brenda shares some Scriptures she learned from her dad. Let's look at them: 'Love never fails...' (1 Corinthians 13:8 NAS) When Fred's doctors said he was dying, Brenda said, 'No, I'll take him home and he'll live.' She did, and he did. Many older people who die of 'natural causes' actually die of loneliness. Love is still our healthiest environment; it's God's greatest gift to us, and ours to one another. '...tribulation produces perseverance.' (Romans 5:3 NKJV) Don't miss the good in the bad. Trials can be negative or positive, depending on how you use them. Type A people expect life to run on their schedule, but tribulation has its own agenda and pace, and patience is the only antidote. 'Don't be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord.' (Romans 12:11 GWT) The director of a big company confirms that engineers who retire without a plan to stay busy often die within 16 months. By not staying involved in life you are subconsciously giving yourself permission to die. Fred Smith's philosophy was: you can't let up, and keep up. Paul said, 'If I continue to live...my work will produce more results.' (Philippians 1:22 GWT) And the same is true for you too.

A seamless robe

'His robe...was seamless, woven in one piece from [the] top.' John 19:23 NLT

The Bible doesn't say much about what Jesus wore-with a notable exception. John tells us that at Calvary 'They...took His robe...it was seamless, woven in one piece from [the] top.' (John 19:23 NLT) It was traditional for Jewish mothers to make these garments as gifts for their sons who were leaving home. So while we don't know if Mary actually made Jesus' robe, it was likely a cherished possession. It's also significant because throughout the Bible clothes symbolize behavior and character. Peter writes about being 'clothed with humility' (1 Peter 5:5 NKJV); Paul says, 'Put on [Christ likeness] like...new clothes' (Galatians 3:27 NLT); and David tells us that evil people are clothed 'with cursing'. (Psalm 109:18 NKJV)

Like His robe, Jesus' character was seamless, integrated and perfect. The words 'woven from [the] top down' indicate that He was always directed by the mind of God. In fact He said, 'The Son can do nothing...only what He sees the Father doing.' (John 5:19 NRS) But when Jesus was crucified He set aside His seamless robe, 'changed places with us' (Galatians 3:13 NCV), and put on robes of sin that had our names on them. He died like a common criminal for sins He didn't commit so that we could wear the garments of His righteousness. So that sinners like us, coming to the cross, could leave wearing the 'coat of His...love' (Isaiah 59:17 NCV), the belt of 'goodness and fairness' (Isaiah 11:5 NCV), and the 'garments of salvation'. (Isaiah 61:10 NIV)
Think: not only did Jesus prepare a place in Heaven for us, He made sure we'd be properly dressed for the occasion.

God Says, 'Wait'

'[Your] steps...are ordered by the Lord...' Psalm 37:23 NKJV

What should you do when doors you thought God had opened suddenly slam shut? You're thinking, 'Lord, I did all the right things. Why is this happening?' Be at peace, God is still directing your steps. When your hopes seem crushed and your plans have altered, rely on His superior wisdom and unfailing love. God has already planned your life from beginning to end, so trust Him to work things out for your good (Isaiah 46:10-11). If you give it a little more time, your pain will turn to praise as you realize that He just closed a lesser door to open a greater one. Timing is so important! As you begin to understand God's timing you'll be better able to cooperate with Him. When you don't know, learn to wait with confidence on the One who does. The problem most of us have is that we attempt to take the lead role in our relationship with God and it doesn't work. God has that role, and He won't give it to us! He gives instructions and we're supposed to follow, even when we don't like or understand the way He takes us. 'Why does it take God so long to do things?' you ask. Because unanswered questions are there to develop trust. When you don't know, you have to trust the One who does, and that keeps you growing in faith. God has a definite plan and time, and while He's getting you ready He keeps you in His waiting room. If that's where you are today, remember, it's only as you reach new levels of maturity that God releases new levels of blessing into your life.

Limping

'...the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint...' Genesis 32:25 KJV
God uses people such as Jacob who, spiritually speaking, walk with a limp. After years of wrestling with stubborn issues, they've been radically changed by God's power; now they're able to minister to those they couldn't have reached before. God also uses people such as Paul, who said, '...there was given me a thorn in my flesh...to torment me.' (2 Corinthians 12:7 NIV) When Paul asked God to remove this thorn, God said, '...[No,] My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness...' (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV) No doubt, that's the last thing Paul wanted to hear. Understand this: God loves to use people who walk with a limp, or who are locked into thorny situations they can't escape. Why? Because when they're blessed they don't become arrogant like some who think they deserve it. They're a little warmer, and a little more willing to reach out and embrace others. Today God is looking for people with enough compassion to ask, 'How are you?' then stop long enough to listen to the answer! When people have been hurt they need extra love and attention. They need to be held a little closer and prayed over a little longer. After all, that's what God did for you; now it's your turn to do it for somebody else. And yes, you'll have to be patient and overcome their reluctance to trust you. Because they feel betrayed and 'used' they struggle with doubts and resentments. But don't give up on them: 'Love never fails...' (1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV) If you keep loving them, God will use you to bring them healing and hope.

Pour Out Your Heart in Worship

'...she poured it on Jesus' feet...' John 12:3 NIV

The Bible says, 'Mary took...expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples...objected, Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?...' (John 12:3-5 NIV) When it came to worship, Mary ignored any feelings of self consciousness and filled the house with the fragrance of her praise. And Jesus accepted it! There's a lesson here. Put aside your preconceived notions, your self-consciousness and concern over what others think, and pour out your heart in worship. Join the Psalmist: '...my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands.' (Psalm 63:3-4 NIV) When people try to intimidate and silence you, don't let them. When they tried it with Jesus, He rebuked them and said, '...if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.' (Luke 19:40 NIV) You can never worship God too exuberantly, for God knows-even if your critics don't-that the rocks will cry out. Nothing builds intimacy like words of love and appreciation. There will always be a Judas around who'll say, 'What a waste!' When you take time to stand and bathe your soul in the presence of God, they will say, 'What a waste of time; what a waste of effort.' That's because they don't understand two things: what God saved and delivered you from; and that worship is how you enter, how you enjoy, and how you thrive in the presence of God.

Knowing Your Spiritual Gifts

'All these are the work of...the same Spirit...' 1 Corinthians 12:11 NIV

Sorry about missing yesterday but Amy, Josh, and I went up to get my mom so she could spend sometime with Josh before he heads back to Dallas on Thursday. Keep Josh in your prayers that his last semester goes well. He will be missed. Let's look at spiritual gifts today. After listing various spiritual gifts, Paul writes, 'All these are the work of...the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one, just as He determines.' You say, 'How do I know what my spiritual gift is?' John MacArthur answers, 'If I walk, live, and am filled with the Spirit, it is not too important for me to understand the definition of my gift. It isn't an academic issue; it's a matter of getting down on your knees and asking the Spirit of God to dominate and control your life. As you yield to Him, the Spirit of God operates through you, and that will be your area of ministry. So the best way to know your gifted area is not to figure it out and then do it, but to walk in the Spirit and then look back and say, So that's what I do. When I was in high school a lady wanted to paint my portrait. I remember that she had a palette in her hand. On the palette she had some primary colors which she squirted out of some tubes. Then she began to mix all those colors together. It was amazing to see the various combinations that came out of those primary colors. Finally she began to paint them on the canvas. This is exactly how spiritual gifts function. The Holy Spirit has a palette. On it are some primary gifts. They are the gifts listed in Scripture. But by the time they are squeezed around there is a mixture. Each one becomes a very unique portrait that is you.' Be blessed today...

Your Best Days Are Still Ahead

'...Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara...' Ruth 1:20 NKJV

Learn to build your life around your person, not your role, otherwise when your role changes you'll lose your sense of worth. Being a good mother is a noble calling. It's also a self-sacrificing job. But when your children leave home and those demands are over, it's easy to feel like Naomi did. Her name meant Pleasant. But after her two sons died she asked to be called Mara, which means bitterness. Don't allow changing times to change who you are, or to make you stop dreaming and give up hope. God still had a lot for Naomi to do. In the future she would mentor Ruth, who would give birth to a son who was destined to grow up and become part of the lineage of King David and our blessed Lord. What an honor! When your role changes, remember that your life's not over. See your own worth as a person, discover your next assignment, gather up your assets and keep on living and giving. Don't develop a 'Mara mentality'. She allowed herself to become cynical when her circumstances changed; don't let that happen to you! Discouragement often comes when we feel like we've seen it all, heard it all, done it all, and most of it was bad. No matter how old you are, you can never say you've seen it all. God can do 'exceeding abundantly above all that [you] ask or think...' (Ephesians 3:20) You don't know what God will do with your life before it's over. He has a way of saving the best for last.

Bring Out the Best in Others (4)

'Be strong and of good courage...' Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV

Your words and attitudes have a powerful effect on other people. The woman caught in adultery is a case in point. Observe how the Pharisees handled her: 'In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women.' (John 8:5 NIV) How different Jesus' attitude was! Looking at her with compassion, He said, 'Neither do I condemn you... Go now and leave your life of sin.' (v11) Lifted, redeemed, empowered-you can't help but believe she spent the rest of her days trying to live up to Christ's view of her. The mandate to 'encourage one another' and 'build each other up' is woven throughout the New Testament. All of us need reassurance and appreciation. So why do we sometimes pocket the praise we should pass on to others, or sidestep the practical help we could offer to open the way for them to succeed? Sometimes it's simply because we're lazy or selfish or we fall into the habit of taking people for granted. Sometimes it's just easier to find fault. We underestimate the impact our words and attitudes can have on another person, or we assume our approval is obvious. Are we afraid our praise might be a stumbling block, causing pride in them? Jesus didn't fear that when He hailed Nathanael, 'Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.' (John 1:47 NIV) What a compliment! The truth is, more people die of broken hearts than swelled heads. So ask God today for an opportunity to offer genuine praise to someone in your life. Ask Him to use you to come alongside them, and encourage them towards their goal.

Bring Out the Best in Others (2)

'Be strong and of good courage...' Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV

Anne Sullivan, teacher of Helen Keller, tried again and again to teach her the concept of words. The gifted tutor worked tirelessly to draw out of Helen the treasures buried deep inside her. She literally 'willed' Helen to succeed. Watching this relationship in the powerful play The Miracle Worker, you see Helen begin to blossom and develop gifts that would inspire the world for generations to come. Understand this: God uses the encouraging words, actions and attitudes we direct at each other to strengthen our inner resolve to succeed. But to be effective, your praise should be immediate, specific and genuine. Dr William Mayo, co-founder of the famous Mayo Clinic, used praise to encourage young doctors. One of them said, 'You'd read a paper at a staff meeting and afterwards he'd see you in the elevator or the hall, and would shake your hand and put his hand on your shoulder with a quiet Good work, and a straight, warm look that made you think he meant it. Or perhaps a day or two later you'd get a note from him, just a short one, saying something like, Dear ________, I learned more about _________ from that paper of yours the other night than I ever knew before. It was a good job. Believe me, a fellow prized those notes.' Praise, practical help, encouragement-all of these flow out of us naturally and genuinely when we begin to see, as Anne Sullivan saw, the untapped potential buried inside each individual. That's why the Bible says, 'Let everything you say be...helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.' (Ephesians 4:29 NLT)

Bring Out the Best in Others

'Be strong and of good courage...' Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
In the musical My Fair Lady, Eliza Doolittle, a common flower girl, becomes an elegant lady who mixes with England's high society. How did it happen? Because Henry Higgins, the eminent linguistics professor, taught her to act like a lady-and she began living up to his expectations. Alan Loy McGinnis writes, 'I was once waiting to speak at a sales conference where the year's awards were being given. One woman, who'd performed spectacularly and made an extraordinary amount of money, gave all the credit to her sales manager. As she stood before a crowd of 3000 people, clutching the award for best producer of the year, she recalled the slump she'd been in for two years previously. The future looked so bleak that she was ready to resign, and had even called her supervisor several times to quit. But the manager kept persuading her that she hadn't tried long enough, that she would not have been hired if there had not been unusual potential in her. Her voice cracked as she related the story. Then she made this insightful remark: For all those months when I wanted to quit and didn't think I had any future, Joan believed in me more than I believed in myself. She wanted me to succeed even more than I did.' One of the attributes of true Christian character is a willingness to encourage and lift people: 'I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.' (Isaiah 41:13 NIV) So, in your dealings with others, are you problem-focused or possibility-focused?