Be a Climber in Your Walk with Jesus  

Our one-year-old grandson has been aptly described by his mom as a climber. I’ve witnessed his aptitude along those lines firsthand on several occasions, the latest when we were together last weekend. The toddler decided he wanted to climb up on a large wooden bench since a couple of his older cousins were sitting on the other end of it. So he tried to swing his leg up to get leverage while straining to pull himself toward his desired destination. After several moments of determined effort, he just couldn’t quite do it. So I attempted to distract him to go elsewhere since for safety reasons he really didn’t need to stand up on that bench. However in a couple of minutes he was right back at it again. This time he managed to get his leg a little higher, which made all the difference. After a few more strenuous attempts, he was successful in achieving his goal. He was even allowed to revel in his victory for a few seconds before he was removed to safer ground.

Could we be appropriately described as “climbers” when it comes to our spiritual lives and our walk with the Lord? We certainly don’t want to be known as backsliders or those who are heading in the wrong direction. But are we striving to reach greater heights in our relationship with the Lord? Are we continually looking to draw closer to Him? Or are we simply staying on comfortable ground, maybe even having grown somewhat complacent and satisfied with where we find ourselves? Are we looking to grow, to reach for new challenges, and to climb to higher levels in our spiritual journey?

We need to cultivate the attitude expressed by the Apostle Paul of “reaching forward to those things which are ahead” and pressing “toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). God calls each of us to keep seeking to move upward. This world will try to drag us downward. Our own natures will tend to get us to settle in ruts or comfort zones along the way. However, God calls us to keep traveling upward – to be climbers who are determined to seek more of Him in their lives.

Such an upward journey requires focus. In that same passage of scripture, Paul declared that it was the “one thing I do”. We have to decide what is really most important to us. If we’re going to climb to greater spiritual heights, such a trek will need to become our priority. We can’t let other things distract us. Like my grandson, when something or someone pulls us away for a moment, we’ve got to doggedly get right back on track again. Making a closer walk with the Lord our top priority will mean that other pursuits in our lives will need to take a secondary position. Some activities may need to be cut out altogether. We shouldn’t let anything hinder us from seeking to ascend to higher ground.

I like the words of the old hymn: “I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day…my prayer, my aim is higher ground”. Too many are satisfied with just squeaking by spiritually. Too many want just enough of a relationship with God to keep them out of hell. God calls us to more than that. We need to be seeking to love Him more, to get as close to Him as we can, and to serve Him to the fullest of our ability.

Let’s not settle for the minimum needed to get into heaven or to have peace with God. Let’s keep climbing.

 

Hang in There Through Tough Times  

There was a poster that was very popular around the time I was a teenager. Although there were different variations which developed, it generally showed a cute kitten dangling in the air while its front paws were clinging to a rope or a tree branch. The accompanying caption read, “Hang in there, baby!” Every once in a while a version of that image will still show up on the internet today.

We all need such encouragement at times, don’t we? Therefore it’s not surprising that God often offers such inspiring reminders to us in His Word. The Bible directs us to patiently endure and to persevere. One such passage is found in James 5:7-11. It’s addressing people who are being oppressed and tells them to keep holding on because the Lord is coming back. It’s basically saying, “Hang in there, baby, because Jesus is coming!”

However, let’s not get the wrong idea about this connection between persevering and the Second Coming of Christ. It’s not pointing to this approaching event as our way to escape hard times. Unfortunately that seems to be the way many people view it today. They focus primarily on the idea that Jesus is going to come back to take His faithful followers out of this world so that they won’t have to deal with some of the hard times that are on the horizon. Many appear to be counting on the hope that they won’t have to face intense persecution, specifically not having to put their lives on the line for Christ.

I don’t believe the Bible assures God’s people of such an exemption from severe hardships. It indicates that His followers may very well have to go through at least some of the acute trials and tribulations this world is going to suffer as Christ’s return approaches. We may have to face persecution, possibly even being forced to pay the ultimate price of giving our lives for the Lord. Remember, there are believers who are dealing with those situations in parts of our world right now. So we aren’t guaranteed immunity from that possibility ourselves. We certainly shouldn’t be counting on Jesus’ return as our means of avoiding such trials.

The point of this passage in James isn’t that the Lord is coming back to spare us from hard times. No, it’s encouraging us to hang in there through whatever trials we may have to face because the Lord is coming to reward those who have been faithful to do so. It gives Job as an example. He certainly didn’t avoid suffering. On the contrary, he lost his possessions, his family, and his health – virtually everything. Yet he endured until the end when the Lord showed him compassion, blessed him, and restored what he had lost. That’s what we need to do as we go through hard times. Keep being true to God. Keep trusting Him no matter what. Know that in the end the Lord is coming and will bless you for having endured faithfully to the end. 

Additionally, let’s not think of persevering only in terms of surviving or getting through “by the skin of our teeth”. This scripture also encourages us to “establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand”. You can grow stronger and more stable through these times, no matter how tough things get. As a matter of fact, the very trials which test you can also make you stronger. So don’t just hang onto the Lord through difficult times – draw even closer to Him.

Hard times are here. Harder times may be coming. Hang in there, knowing that the Lord is coming to reward those who stay true to Him.

 

We Need Our Light to Be Repaired and Renewed  

Recently I noticed that the streetlight in our cul-de-sac was broken. It wasn’t simply that the bulb had burned out, but the lantern-like globe was actually off the top of the pole and was hanging upside down being held only by some wires. Therefore due not only to the lack of light but to the safety hazard of the situation, I called the electric company to report the problem. I’m glad to say that they responded quickly, replacing the lamp the same day. However, after they had finished the job, I observed that the light’s appearance wasn’t quite the same as before. I was interested to see how it would look when darkness fell that evening. It didn’t take long for my curiosity to be satisfied as the sun disappeared below the horizon. When our streetlight came on, it was blinding, at least if you tried to look directly at it. What a difference! I guess this is a newer LED version of the device. It now feels like we’ve got a lighthouse situated in our cul-de-sac.

I wish we would experience such a revitalization of light in our world today. We certainly need it. Spiritual darkness is spreading and the sources of light seem to be growing dim. Such an observation points directly back to the church – to those who claim to be followers of Jesus. Jesus professed that He was the light of the world (John 8:12). He also declared that those who would put their trust in Him would similarly be lights in this world (Matthew 5:14). Their light would emanate from His light residing within them and shining forth through them.

So what’s the problem? Why do our lights seem to be so dull and ineffective these days? There’s nothing defective in Jesus’ light. If He could shine forth unobstructed, His light would encompass us all. The problem seems to be with us, the reflectors of His light. Some of us have allowed our relationship with Christ to become so cold and distant that our lights have faded and are flickering. Others have intentionally obscured their light out of concerns of becoming unpopular, being ridiculed, or even persecuted by those who prefer the darkness. Others are simply broken. If they ever had a real relationship with the Light, they’ve forsaken it as they’ve turned away from His Word and aligned themselves with those who dwell in the darkness.

There is a famous quote attributed to various individuals that refers to how we ought to light a candle rather than curse the darkness. Some of us have become very adept at denouncing the darkness in our day. While such condemnations may be needed at times, it’s even more important that we deal with the darkness not just through exposing it, but by overcoming it with the light of Christ. Instead of focusing so much on condemning our dark world while our pale light is barely visible, let’s focus more on getting our lights shining brighter. The light of Christ shining through us will not only accomplish the purpose of exposing the darkness, but will also expel it.

It falls back on us, the church. Are we willing to forsake the darkness and seek a closer relationship with Christ the Light? Will we humble ourselves and submit to God’s Word rather than following our own ideas or the philosophies of today’s society? Will we courageously let our lights shine even though we know there will be negative consequences from both the secular world and the darkened religious world?

Let’s pray for and seek a renewed, brighter-shining light in each of our lives and in Christ’s church today.

 

Let’s Know Who We Are in God’s Sight  

Last weekend we participated in a baby shower for our son and his wife as they look forward to the arrival of their first child in the near future. In the midst of opening their baby gifts, they graciously paused for a moment in order to present their own gifts to the two sets of grandparents who were there. Ours was a wonderful little plaque that reads, “Our greatest blessings call us Nana & Papaw”. It’s true. I’ve come to discover that grandchildren are one of the greatest blessings in our lives. And I’ve gladly embraced my title of Papaw and the relationship it suggests. I’m looking forward to having our seventh such blessing call me by that name.

As blessed as we are to have grandchildren, there is an even greater source of blessing in our lives. Without Him, we wouldn’t possess any of the other joys and blessedness which we experience, including those wonderful grandchildren. We owe everything to our Lord and our God. So that plaque started me thinking about what our Ultimate Blessing in life calls me, along with what He calls any of us who have a saving relationship with Him.

He calls us “child”, having adopted us into His family. He calls us His “bride” and His “beloved”, indicating a love relationship and a commitment of faithfulness similar to that between a husband and wife. He calls us “friend”, indicating the unusual level of familiarity and kinship we can have with the Almighty Creator of the universe. He calls us “heirs” and “joint heirs” with Christ, reminding us of the marvelous riches that are ours both now and in eternity. He calls us “forgiven”, pointing to the glorious provision Jesus made for us by dying on the cross in order to wash away our sins. It’s often helpful for us to remember who we are in God’s sight. When Satan fights against us and this world tries to demean us, it can encourage us to focus on our position and privilege in Christ. Let’s remember what God calls us. Know who you are in Him.

However, we should also recognize the responsibility that accompanies those titles God gives to us. What He calls us not only points out our current status, but it also reveals God’s purpose for us to which we should be aspiring and progressing. Those titles of child, bride, and friend not only indicate how God feels about us, but should also point to the wholehearted love and devotion we have for Him in return. He calls us “holy”, not only pointing to how He views us in light of Christ’s righteousness on our behalf, but also the purity, separateness from sin, and consecration of ourselves to Him that He expects from us. He calls us “kings and priests” or a “royal priesthood”, challenging us to fulfill that role in this world while we’re here. It’s not just an honorary title. We should be representing our Lord on this earth and continuing the work He began when He was here in the flesh. We have His authority and should be boldly proclaiming His Word. We should also be praying for His will to be done on earth and interceding for a lost world.

I enjoy the privileges of being called Papaw. However, I also remind myself of the responsibility that goes with it to be a loving, positive, godly influence on those grandchildren. Likewise, we can bask in the wonder and assurance that comes with the titles God gives those who know Him. Yet at the same time we need to be living up to everything those names suggest.

What does the Lord call you?  Believe it, claim it, and live like it.

 

Get Out of Your Comfortable Rocking Chair and Go  

Recently I stepped out of my comfort zone to begin a podcast. It’s basically an audio version of my one-year daily devotional book. This wasn’t something I had aspired to do. It was simply the direction the Lord seemed to be leading as another way to get His message out to more people. Maybe there are those who won’t take the time to read a book but who might listen to a little four-minute devotional each day as they take a walk, drive to work, or go about their other activities. I’ll admit that I knew very little about podcasts, especially about how to produce one. Thankfully there is plenty of assistance available on the internet to guide people like me. If you’re interested in this free devotional, check out “Everyday Encounters with the Lord” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other apps that support podcasts.

How long has it been since you’ve gotten out of your comfort zone in order to follow the Lord’s leading, especially in some effort to reach out to others? It’s so easy to get stuck in our familiar routines. It’s hard to get out of the ruts, or even to stir up our desire to want to get out of those well-worn paths to which we’ve become so accustomed. When we’ve grown comfortable where we are, it’s difficult to get ourselves moving again. However I believe if we’re attentive, we would often hear the voice of the Lord encouraging us to step out in order to share His Word and show His love to others.

Peter was definitely challenged to exit his comfort zone when the Lord led him to share the gospel with some Gentiles (see Acts 10). In order to help him overcome his prejudices, the Lord had to give him an extra jolt with the combination of a disturbing vision, some special visitors, and a divine command to accompany them. Yet Peter’s obedience opened a great door which led to many coming into the kingdom of God.

Too many of us are like Barney Fife in the old Andy Griffith Show. He sat all relaxed on the front porch in a rocking chair talking about his plans to go down to the drugstore, get a bottle of pop, and go over to Thelma Lou’s (his girlfriend) to watch a little TV. Yet he kept sitting there. Every few seconds he would repeat his intentions to do those activities, but then continue to sit there rocking away. You got the impression that he would’ve never moved if someone hadn’t finally confronted him and encouraged him to go do what he said he was going to do. 

What does the Lord have to do in order to shake us out of our ruts and get us going? We tend to talk a good game or verbalize well-meaning intentions. We sit in our homes and talk about our plans to reach out to our neighbors. We sit in church and talk about the importance of sharing the gospel and doing deeds of kindness in the name of Jesus. We talk about dreams of starting some kind of new ministry. Nevertheless all too often we just keep sitting there in our comfortable rocking chairs instead of getting up and taking action.

Maybe the Lord has impressed on your heart some individual to reach out to with a card, a phone call, a visit, or some act of kindness. Or maybe he’s leading you to start a Bible study, a food ministry, or even a podcast. If the Lord is telling us to go, let’s make ourselves get up out of our comfort zones and get moving.  

 

Dealing with the Weeds in Our Lives  

We recently had a spring work day at our church property where some of our members came together to mow grass, trim bushes, and generally get the grounds looking nicer. One of the main projects involved dealing with a prominent area in front of the building and along the steps where shrubbery grows. It badly needed weeding, along with a fresh covering of pine straw. It always proves to be a constant, difficult job throughout the growing season to remove pesky weeds that keep popping up through the ground-covering in that spot. If left alone, the undesirable vegetation would quickly overrun the whole area. Therefore we decided to take an extra preventative step prior to spreading the pine straw this time by laying down some material underneath which should hinder the growth of weeds. I guess we’ll find out how successful it is as time goes by.

 Do you ever get tired of having to deal with the unwanted outcroppings in your life? You know they don’t belong in the landscape of a believer, but they keep popping up on an all-too-regular basis. It’s not like there aren’t blooming flowers of Christlikeness in your life. Through your faith in the Lord and the presence of the Holy Spirit working in you, you do exhibit some of those good qualities and actions which should characterize a true follower of Jesus. However, the weeds keep coming too – another outburst of temper, more harsh words, giving in to the temptation to lust again, another plunge into worry and hopelessness, another lie, or countless other spiritual intruders. All too often their presence gets in the way, overshadows the godly aspects of your life, and distracts from your mission.

 In one sense, we will always be battling weeds in this life. Satan will try to plant seeds of temptation to hinder us and choke out the fruit of the Spirit springing forth from our relationship with Jesus. We will continually need to “put to death the deeds of the body” (Romans 8:13) and “put off the old man with his deeds” (Colossians 3:8-9). Nevertheless, wouldn’t it be even better to keep the weeds from showing up in the first place? Instead of having to constantly be pulling them up after they’ve burst forth and caused a problem, is there some way to keep so many from taking root and coming to the surface?

   Maybe that’s the problem. We tend to deal with what’s on the surface when we need to look deeper. The Bible indicates that our words and actions spring forth from whatever is going on in our innermost being – in our hearts and minds. The weeds in our lives don’t just pop up out of nowhere. They have often taken root in our desires, our thoughts, and our attitudes. Instead of just pulling weeds, maybe we need to ask our Master Gardener to do some work in the soil of our hearts. He can take away some of those wrong desires that pull us off track, instead instilling in us a greater desire to do what’s right and to please Him. He can give us such love for Himself and for others that it will overshadow our affection for those lesser things that tempt us. He can renew our minds as we focus less on other things and more on Him and His Word.

Don’t just keep pulling weeds. Go deeper. Where is your heart? What do you love most? What are you thinking about? How does your attitude need to change? Let’s allow the Lord to get underneath the surface in our lives and deal with the real issues.  

 

Jesus’ Resurrection Defies Natural Explanations  

My granddaughter received a couple of pet rabbits for her birthday earlier this year. In order to avoid any multiplication of these creatures, the family was assured that they were in possession of two males of the species. Therefore it was quite a surprise when newborn bunnies were recently discovered in the hutch – just in time for Easter. At the news of this occurrence, no one jumped to the conclusion that there had been some kind of miraculous conception. No, it was determined that a mistake had been made and one of those pets was actually a female, apparently an easy error to make when dealing with young rabbits.

I find it interesting that when news of Jesus’ empty tomb became known, almost no one initially took it to be the result of some kind of miracle or resurrection. It’s reassuring to realize that most people looked toward a natural explanation as their first tendency. Certainly that wouldn’t have been the case if this was all some concocted plan to try to make it appear as if Jesus had risen when He hadn’t. Those disciples and other witnesses only became convinced as the evidence mounted and eventually became undeniable that Jesus had truly risen from the grave.

 When Mary Magdalene saw the empty tomb she broke down in tears. Her comments to the angels who appeared on the scene as well as to Jesus Himself before she recognized Him expressed her belief that someone had removed the body. When the women told the disciples about the tomb being empty, their words were met with disbelief. Peter and John ran to the tomb to see the evidence for themselves. Even as Jesus began to appear to various individuals, there were still doubts raised, and not just by Thomas who has become infamous for his hesitancy to accept the reality of what had happened. Many were slow to believe that something miraculous had occurred. However, as the resurrected Jesus appeared and the number of eye-witnesses grew, it became clear that there had been a divinely-powered resurrection from the dead.

People today still have a hard time believing in the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. And that’s understandable. We tend to gravitate toward natural explanations unless we have good reason to think otherwise. However, in this case there is plenty of reason to accept the truth we celebrate here at Easter. There is a tomb which is still empty. There are eye-witnesses, not just a few, and not only individual sightings – but even hundreds who all saw the resurrected Jesus at the same time. The evidence discounts all the theories about Jesus not having really died, or the women going to the wrong tomb, or the disciples stealing the body. In addition to everything else, it’s hard to imagine these group of followers being so dedicated to a lie or deception that they would all hold firm to it, even giving their lives in behalf of some false narrative. When the evidence is viewed, it all points to the unique event of a resurrection.

What we’re commemorating here at Easter isn’t merely some allegory about new life or some religious fairy tale. It isn’t just a story someone made up after the fact in order to make Jesus appear to be greater than He was. It’s a real, historical event. There is more reason to believe in the resurrection of Jesus than to believe in many other facts of history which we readily accept.

Sometimes events do defy natural explanations. God does do the miraculous. Maybe we didn’t see it for ourselves, but others did. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). He is risen!