This has been a difficult summary for me to write. Not because I have questions about the holiness of God. I have zero doubt that God is indeed holy. My difficulty has not been caused by a lack of scriptural references to build my ideas upon. On the contrary, the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, consistently and without ambiguity declares that God is Holy and there is none like Him.

My difficulty this week has been caused by a painful awareness of a too frequent disconnect from what I believe as facts and what I experience as a man. The holiness of God, when revealed to men and women throughout scripture, has had a profound effect upon them. From various degrees of shock and awe, each individual in the presence of a Holy God says like Isaiah, “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5 Click to continue…

Her story takes up only four verses in each of the two Gospels it is found in. Though neither her name nor her age is given, she is aptly described as a “poor widow”. There are two strikes against her; the loss of her husband and the lack of earthly goods. She seems destitute of the ability to make a difference in life.

In the temple others of greater means and stature come to the treasury and present grand gifts to the cause of God. Compelled to give due to love and devotion, the widow deposits her seemingly meager gift, an amount some would say was too insignificant. “And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites“.  Luke 21:2. Though outwardly inconsequential, Jesus noticed… Click to continue…

What kind of love is this? It is beyond explaining. It is beyond our grasping. Who are we that God would love us so much to risk so much to redeem us? “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” Psalms 8:4

We see small samples of that love when we watch a mother peer into the eyes of her newborn child. We see it when a man and woman, without reservations, love each other unconditionally. The simple glance, a light touch, or a gentle kiss all convey the heart’s desire and reaction to love. We see the depth of the roots of love as children, bowed over with inconsolable grief, stand before the casket of a parent who can never be replaced. We marvel at love, are moved by love, compelled by love and consumed by love. Yet, it must pale in comparison to the love God has for us. Click to continue…

Paralyzed and lowered down through a hole in the roof, he is now face to face with the Desire of Ages. “Friend, your sins are forgiven” are the words of freedom that fall upon his ears. Those observing who thought they knew best how God operated questioned this pronouncement. Addressing them, Jesus asks the question that contained the answer. “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?”  Luke 5:23 NIV

As we review the creation of our small world, but a speck in the vastness of space, we ask the doubters and those who think they know best how God operates the same question: Which is easier, to create a world in six days or to create a world out of nothing? Which is easier, to speak life into existence where there was none or to hang universes and galaxies in the fabric of space as far as man can see? Click to continue…

It was not looking good for the residents of Jerusalem. Judah was being invaded by the Assyrians who would soon be on the doorsteps of the city. For Jerusalem complete destruction appeared to be imminent. The math was clear; one enormous marauding army against one isolated city equals defeat.

Hezekiah, as a leader, had done all in his power to prepare the city for the eventual onslaught. Regardless of the math against them, all that could humanly be done had been done. It was here that we find Hezekiah giving a rally cry to his people. “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” 2 Chronicles 32:7, 8 Click to continue…

I know that from now until the end of this year we will hear the subject of New Years resolutions discussed everywhere we turn. Heading the most popular resolutions will be losing weight and improving your health. Although those are great goals, they are not on my list of five.

Another frequently cited resolution is becoming debt free. I am all for that and it’s certainly the best way to live. “Owe no man anything” was written for a good reason. But that’s not in my five.

In accordance with the mandatory listing of New Years Resolutions, here’s my fav 5:

1- I will listen more closely to my heart and live my life more closely to its urging. I won’t ignore the promptings for ministry that get suppressed year after year by that enemy called procrastination. “To thine own self be true.” ~ William Shakespeare

2- I will use the gifts and talents I presently possess to help those who can benefit from what I now have to offer. I won’t believe the lie that what I have to offer is too insignificant to matter. I will be open and available as providence directs. As my courage increases I will volunteer my services instead of waiting to be asked.

3- I won’t live my life looking backwards. I won’t focus my energies on the failures of my past nor will I refuse to let go of my old best days. Instead, I will embrace today, expecting that my best is ahead of me. Goodbye old friend. There are new friends to meet and new memories to make. I must let you go and move on.

4- I will improve myself to be a better self. I will purposely and intentionally find ways to learn and to grow. My mind is capable of so much more and there are resources all around me to help me to advance in whatever area that I need to. There is too much dust on too many of my books.

5- I will remember that the quality of my life is not determined by the quantity of my stuff but by the quality of the relationships I have with others and most importantly with God. I can be a better person, a better mate, a better friend, a better example and I don’t have to lose any weight to do that.

If these resonated with you, why not add them to your list? They go well with dieting.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy days over this last year to stop by my blog. For those of you who have commented I want you to know that each comment was greatly appreciated. For those who just read and either smiled or nodded in agreement I say thank you to you as well.

“My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.”

 “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” 

   Glory to God in the church!

   Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!

   Glory down all the generations!

   Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!  (Ephesians 3:14-21 The Message)

(originally published 12/2009)

Sitting in a swaying boat on a moon-lit night, seven men of destiny talked the hours away. The events of the last few years had been nothing less than stupendous. They were first-hand witnesses to the most incredible events in the history of man. They had experienced the highest of highs as everyday was an adventure. They were living in the middle of a best-seller.

As they reminisced about the recent past, the memories that should have inspired them with hope now seemed to increase their anxiety. Their confidence, once strong and sure, had now been shattered. The miracles that had taken place in every direction of their fisher’s boat now appeared so far away. They were certain that their best days were behind them.

What is it about the thinking process of man that leads him to forget so quickly all of the evidences of divine favor and blessing? What is it about man that causes his faith to waver at the very time when faith is most needed?

We too have seen first-hand the incredible move of God. Our collective memories recall time after time the improbable ways God has blessed us. Accomplishments that were once unimaginable are now all around us. We experienced the highest of highs as everyday was an adventure. We lived in the middle of a best-seller.

But now, the prospects for our futures seem dim. Our confidence has been shattered as the realization of impending change settles in. We fear that our best days are behind us. We might as well just go fishing.

All night, as the seven disciples unsuccessfully toiled for fish, there was an eye upon them. Not just any eye but the eye of their Master. From the shore He commanded them to, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.” John 21:6. They complied and instantly they were rewarded for their obedience.

His command to cast the net on the right side was a simple one. It did not include discussion about the quality of the net. There was nothing said about the method of tossing or the speed of pulling. The command was simply, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find”.

The right side was the side Jesus was on. The disciple’s success was dependant on putting their efforts on the side where Christ was standing; not the side where He was not. On the side where Christ was standing the disciples, so recently discouraged, now found hope. On the side where Christ was standing the disciples now found victory in place of their defeat.

It’s time for us to cast our nets on the right side of the boat. Looking out on the sea of gloom around us is not the answer; that’s the wrong side. Being consumed by the question “why” is of no profit; that’s the wrong side. Believing that we have been forsaken is inaccurate; that’s the wrong side. Believing that our best days are behind us (which could not be further from the truth); that’s definitely the wrong side.

Today Christ is commanding us to cast our net on the right side of the boat. His instructions are simple: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might”. Ecclesiastes 9:10. Let’s continue to work in excellence and intentionality.

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me”. John 12:32. Let’s continue to show others that Jesus is the answer for the world today. Above Him there’s no other; Jesus is the Way.

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world”. James 1:27. Let’s continue to be a people that work tirelessly for the good of others, especially the unfortunate. Christ equated himself with the least and lowliest. Serving others is what we are all about.

I say we get back to work and cast our nets on the right side. Who is with me today?

It must have been bitterly disappointing for these two men. To have actually experienced firsthand the incredible fortunes that lay just before them. The possibilities of success were never greater. The rewards of advancement were never clearer. The timing was right to move ahead in boldness and confidence. This was their moment of opportunity.

Joshua and Caleb were sure that the indisputable evidences they produced were all that was needed. The concept of thinking big was literally being fulfilled before their eyes. It should only take a simple and honest report to move the people forward into their God-given destiny. But evidence was not enough.

How painful it must have been for these two men (and any others that sided with them) to see fear, doubt and uncertainty engulf the reasonable argument to move forward. This was a stunning turn of events. The people of promise, who had been delivered from Egyptian bondage, were now unwilling to move forward because of the negative report of those who walked in fear and dissension.

That experience of Joshua and Caleb plays out again and again in the lives of God’s followers. Men of vision and courage are always among us. Men who see that the rewards of faithfulness far outweigh the dangers to be met along the way still exist within our body. Men who give the cry to move forward, reach higher, plan bigger, are still attempting to be heard.

At the same time the voices of fear and retreat are poisoning the air inducing the masses to pull back and to limit their aspirations to the status quo. The giants are undefeatable they whisper. Though evidences of success are right before their eyes, they neutralize its logic and replace it with the lie that it’s better to leave things as they are. This is not the time to be bold and take risks they say. This is not the time to step out and allow God to do a new thing. No, the people will be better where they are is the argument that sways the day.

For those who hoped for a new day there is bitter disappointment. For those who wanted to taste of the land that flows with milk and honey, there is painful dejection. To those who anticipated moving forward there is now confusion in direction. They cry out, “The giants could have been defeated! We were too close to turn back!”

What do you do when you are part of a body that has seemingly refused to move forward? What do you do as a part of a body that appears to hold firmly onto the past when the past is no longer effective? What do you do with the terrorizing realization of opportunities lost and victories forfeited? What do you do with painful disappointment?

Yes, I said it. You must absolutely be out of your mind. Someone needed to say it and I guess today that someone is me. I know I run the risk of damaging our relationship but honesty really is the best policy. And honestly, you must be crazy!

Every day when I turn on the news I see and hear the sad report of thousands upon thousands of people out of work with few prospects of getting a job in the near future. Highly educated and highly skilled individuals with a matching work ethic are searching from high to low to find anything that would help to put bread on their tables. This sad tale is repeated in every city across the land. Things are tough and only seem to be getting tougher.

In the midst of these frightening economic times you have confirmed to me that you are crazy. Why you say? I say that because instead of gratitude for the job you are blessed to have, I hear you complaining. Instead of appreciating the fact that you have something to contribute I hear you bemoaning the favor your are experiencing. Although not the ideal job, you only express resentment that you have to spend so many hours earning a paycheck that you would financially drown without.

I will be the first to agree that many of us are capable and willing to engage in work that is more in line with our training and our dreams. Many of us find ourselves working in areas where our past accomplishments matter little. That’s not the end of the world. Sometimes in life you have to take a step backward in order to move forward. Just thank God you are still making steps.

When I hear you complaining and whining about work, yet doing nothing to change your circumstances, I know you must be crazy. We all know life can be hard but please don’t darken the skies around me with your gloom and doom. I have to break it to you; no one likes a complainer. No one has ever advanced in life by being a complainer. Never have and never will.

It was only a short time ago that you were praying to God for a breakthrough. Things were looking bleak and you were almost at the end of your rope. You prayed for anything to help put food on the table; anything. And now when I hear you fail to give God praise for the very thing you asked for and received, I know you must be crazy.

The good thing about your illness is that there is a cure. It’s really quite easy. Today when you get home from your job I want you to get a pad and pencil. Turn on the evening news and when you hear about tragedy after tragedy, including unemployment, I want you to do the following. Write down everything you see bad on the news and put beside each entry: That could be me.

By the end of the newscast the cure should be taking effect. You will feel a return to sanity and it will be evident by a spirit of thankfulness. That’s it. Just realizing how blessed you really are and how bad things could be should do the trick.

If however at that end of the newscast you still feel the need to complain about your job my diagnosis appears to be accurate. Please seek immediate help because you must be crazy!

You hear them buzzing about or you see them circling for attack and you know it’s time for swatting mosquitoes. They are annoying, distracting and potentially dangerous. You can try to avoid them but they are determined to do what they do…stick you and draw blood.

Mosquitoes are like the obstacles you encounter in your pursuit of change and excellence. Seemingly out of nowhere you encounter situations and unfortunately people that can become a major distraction to keep you from reaching your destination. You have got to swat these mosquitoes and keep moving.

Mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water. You cannot make your camp where the waters are not flowing. You have got to move out to where waters are moving. People and situations that are not going anywhere is the last place you want to spend your time.

To grow as a person and in your ministry you must try as best you can to surround yourself with people that are going somewhere in life. Even then, you will still have to swat some mosquitoes. Attempts to get you to go backwards in your progress; swat those mosquitoes and keep moving. Attempts to engage you in meaningless debates and arguments; swat those mosquitoes and keep moving. Attempts to get you to settle for anything less than excellence in your life and ministry; swat those mosquitoes and keep moving!

Here are some biblical mosquito repellents. Just make sure to follow all of the directions. Apply as often as needed

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Prov. 16:32.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:7

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven Matthew 5: 43-45

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12,13. NIV

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

(originally published 3/25/09)