Why Dropping the Drama is One of the Best Decisions of All

When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness the third time, he tried to entice Him to step outside the will of God in a flashy show of angel-power that was designed to kill or destroy. (jump off the temple) 

Jesus answered him by saying, "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test." (Luke 4:12 NASB)

His answer, a quote from Deuteronomy 6:16, is a reference to the events at Massah. You probably know this story. The children of Israel had traveled in stages from the wilderness of Sin and had arrived at Rephidim (Moses renamed it Massah - or test - because of the testing there). 

There was no water at the camp, and they began to grumble, whine, and complain. As usual, the people overdramatized the situation, saying that they, their children, and all the livestock were going to die of thirst. 

Moses was afraid they were about to stone him, so he cried out to God, Who instructed him to strike the rock with his staff. Moses did just that, and water flowed out. 

Not once had God failed to provide for the people. He had given generously every time they asked. Neither arguing nor threatening Moses were necessary. 

The multitude of Hebrews, however, were no different than we are today. They wanted what they wanted, when they wanted it, and they were not willing to wait for it. 

They didn't want to ask for a miracle. They wanted the miraculous to miraculously appear.  

The problem that day at Rephidim/Massah wasn't that they asked for water. The problem was the WAY they asked for it - defiant, demanding, disrespectful of the One who had just delivered them from slavery. 

Ultimately, the people continued with their grumbling and demanding attitudes, and it cost them dearly. Not only did most of them spend the rest of their lives in the wilderness, but they also missed the face to face encounter with God that only Moses enjoyed. 

Not long ago, something minimal happened at the farm. The Farm Hand gave me one of those looks and said, "You're probably gonna write about this, and overdramatize it, like you do everything." 

I put my hand on my hip and, sassy as ever, told him, "I am a writer, you know. Drama is kinda my thing." 

His wife was there, too. She just shook her head and smiled.

I laughed, but there was a little sting to his words. And more than a little truth. 

I wonder just what my drama and exaggeration of the difficulties I've encountered have cost?  

What have my grumbling and complaining cost? 

What have yours cost you? 

It's easy to see an immediate need with no immediate answer in sight and totally panic, rather than wait in faith for God's answer. 

It's easy to look at the poor choices of loved ones and think they will never change. 

The easy wilderness response to fear and hurt is panic, grumbling, and doubt. Nevertheless, our response needs to be one of humility, faith, and consistent, persistent prayer. 

Today, let's drop the drama and remember to thank God for the answers He's already given. Let's simply present our needs before Him today and ask that living water will flow through us and those we love, just as it did at the rock of Horeb. No grumbling allowed. 
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This ministry of prayer and outreach (digital and in-person) is only possible because of the generosity of your support. Literally, I don't get a salary until there are enough donations to cover it. If you'd like to help, here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Separating the Wheat From the Chaff 
#Jesus #grumbling

Separating the Wheat From the Chaff

The live stream of the National Prayer Breakfast yesterday was interesting, to say the least, as were President Trump's comments. My heart did not swell with pride over all his words, but sometimes you have to separate the wheat from the chaff. That's what I've tried to do. 

There was profound truth in the midst of President Trump's speech, and I've transcribed those sections verbatim. I think they're worth reviewing.

"Five words that never fail to touch my heart: 'I am praying for you.'" 

"America is a nation of believers. In towns all across our land, it's plain to see what we easily forget. So easily we forget this. That the quality of our lives is not defined by our material success but by our spiritual success..." 

"We are not just flesh, and bone, and blood. We are human beings with souls. Our republic was formed on the basis that freedom is not a gift from government, but that freedom is a gift from God."

"It may not be pretty for a while..."

"As long as we have God, we are never, ever alone. Whether it's the soldier on the night watch or the single parent on the night shift, God will always give us solace, and strength, and comfort. We need to carry on and to keep carrying on. For us here in Washington, we must never ever stop asking God for the wisdom to serve the public according to His will..."

Read those excerpts aloud. Our current president said those words, and I'm stunned to hear them. Well done, Speech Writer. Well done, Mr. President.

"The quality of our lives is not defined by material success..." Those are wise words coming from a billionaire. They're words we all need to remember.

"Freedom is a gift from God... we must never ever stop asking God for the wisdom to serve... according to His will..."

Today, let's skip the rhetoric, backbiting, and arguing. Instead, let's grasp the wheat amid the chaff, savor the richness of our lives, and do the one thing that will make a difference. 

Pray for our President. 

Pray for our leaders. 

Pray for our nation.

Pray for wisdom to serve according to God's will.

Remember, our prayers do more than touch the heart of the president. Our prayers touch the heart of the King of Kings, Almighty God Himself, and they do make a difference.

"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19 niv
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This ministry of prayer and outreach (digital and in-person) is only possible because of the generosity of your support. Literally, I don't get a salary until there are enough donations to cover it. If you'd like to help, here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: That Surprising Moment When You Get What You Asked For 
#prayer #trumptalk 

That Surprising Moment When You Get What You Asked For

As I reached for my Bible and the James study this morning, a prayer burst forth from my mouth that surprised me. "Lord, convict me of something today." Did I mean it? Sorta.

The topic for my study was arrogance and boasting. (Week 2, day 6) The study didn't begin with the "I am" kind of boasting, but the "I will" that presumes on the future and assumes we have all the time in the world. 

Bringing in a ton of money isn't one of my top four priorities, although it probably should be a little higher up the list if I hope to survive and pay my bills as a missionary. (see below)

If you'd asked me before this morning about my priorities, I'd have said they were just fine. Today, however, I read these words:

The question, of course, is one of priority. Whose desires and opinions drive our decisions? What is the driving force of our lives? To what do we devote the most time, attention, concern? What most often occupies our mind?" 

I made a list of the four things to which I devote the most time, attention, and concern. Everything on the list was "good." There wasn't anything that shouldn't be somewhere on the list, but the order wasn't quite right.

A chill of conviction ran through me and those words, "Lord, convict me of something today," flashed through my mind. That prayer was answered in less than ten minutes.

I have some work to do. 

If we're honest, we probably all do.

Today, why not begin our prayer time by asking for something we need, and not something we want. Pray the prayer God is quick to answer. "Lord, convict me of something today." 

Be prepared to make a change when you do, because He's certain to find a sin you hadn't noticed, a priority that's not quite right, an obedience that's not complete.

It's one time when getting what you asked for might sting a little, but, if we make the change that's required, it will be worth it in the end.

"But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 nasb
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This ministry of prayer and outreach (digital and in-person) is only possible because of the generosity of your support. Literally, I don't get a salary until there are enough donations to cover it. If you'd like to help, here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841
In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When Praying Becomes Cursing
#priority 

When Praying Becomes Cursing

The instructions were simple. "Use BLB to compare and contrast the words translated as “bless” and “curse” in James 3:9." I expected the answer to be simple and easy. After all, I'd written the question. 

This morning, I clicked on the link for "bless" and found exactly what I expected: "to celebrate with praises". 

When I clicked on the link for "curse," the Vine's definition stopped me in my tracks. "To pray against or wish evil against another person."(1)

Those words were like a dagger straight to my heart. I literally gasped. That's the way the Word of God is supposed to work. Sharper than a two-edged sword. Cutting straight to the evil in our hearts.

I hadn't wished evil against another person, but I had prayed against them. Just yesterday. I'd rehearsed the wrong they were doing and prayed that God would stop them in their tracks... A few more strong suggestions followed.

Not once did I pray for redemption.

"And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!" James 3:10 NLT

I didn't use "curse words" and I certainly didn't intend to pray evil against them. Strictly speaking, however, my prayer was worded in such a way that I cursed the one whose behavior concerns me so.

I've repented.

I've prayed the biggest prayer I can think of this morning. Blessings, not curses. I still want to see God change the situation, to stop this wrong behavior, but I also want Him to bring good from evil and draw the wayward one to Himself. To bring redemption. 

I've prayed a very different prayer today. I hope it's one God wants to answer in a way that changes the situation so that it glorifies Him.

These days, there's more "tongue-trouble" than I've ever seen before. We speak with venom against anyone with whom we disagree. I suspect our prayers (not just my prayers) reflect the same attitudes. We end up praying curses instead of blessings.

This should not be.

I've repented. I hope you'll join me.

Whether we're speaking/praying about elected officials or the neighbor down the street, let's stop cursing them with words and prayers. Instead, begin to pray for blessings of conviction, repentance, deliverance, healing, wisdom. 
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This ministry of prayer and outreach (digital and in-person) is only possible because of the generosity of your support. If you'd like to help, here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841
In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When No More Proof is Needed

(1) "G2672 - kataraomai - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NASB)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 1 Feb, 2017. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2672&t=NASB 
#Jesus

When No More Proof Is Needed

Today, we're looking at the final temptation in the wilderness. 

Satan's third tactic was to suggest Jesus leap off the temple to "prove" His divinity. He almost certainly hoped for a public debacle and a speedy end to the work of redemption by Jesus's suicidal jump. The tempter goaded Him to prove Himself as the Son of God by a foolish act. 

And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here;" (Luke 4:9 NASB)

As if the affirmation by the river had not proved Him the Son of God, or had not been impressive enough, the devil asked for another sign. "Prove it!" the devil dared Jesus. 

Jesus, however, was not sent to do flashy sky-diving tricks at the temple. 

He came in flesh and encountered people where they lived and worked. He became a part of people's lives. Jesus demonstrated a personal relationship with God by His every day encounters. His signs and wonders served as proof enough.

It's a very human response to want proof. As a physician, I want a well designed, double blinded controlled study to "prove" new theories and demonstrate the effectiveness of new treatments. Knowing how easy it is to be deceived, I want to be sure. We all do.

The Christian life, however, requires a radical faith that believes without seeing. In this believing, we find a personal relationship with a loving God who actively involves Himself in our lives. 

Although we don't see Him with our eyes, we can certainly see Him at work in our lives. 

We don't "see" the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that the Spirit gives us, but we can certainly recognize them when they're there. 

Jesus knew that the work God had already done was manifestation enough. 

He knew that the relationship He came to personalize was enough. 

He knew that the work of redemption He would do on the cross would be enough. 

Enough. 

Enough has been done, and response, not more doing, is required. 

There are days when I want God to do one more thing that will somehow prove His love and concern for me, but that's not faith. Faith accepts the proof that's already been given. Faith participates in the relationship that has already been offered. On God's terms. Not ours. 

We don't need more proof that Jesus is our Redeemer or that His words are true. What we need is to relinquish our desire for self-devised, self-centered proofs of God, and accept the proof He has already given us. When we do, we'll soon recognize the peace and joy (as well as all the fruit of the Spirit) that only relationship with our Lord can bring.
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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's blog: Discarding the Real to Have the Fake 

For those who want to do the James study on your phone, here's the link: Lessons in Discipleship

If you'd like to participate in the James study, here's how: More than Enough: Living a Life Worth Living

If you'd like to help support this ministry, here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841

Discarding the Real to Have the Fake

A few days ago, I wrote about the first of Jesus' temptations in the wilderness. (Living on Devil-Bread). Today, we're looking at the second temptation recorded in Luke 4. 

When the bread trick failed, Satan's next tactic was to take Jesus "up" and show Him all the kingdoms of the world. "Worship me and you can have it all," he told Him.

I'm surprised Jesus didn't laugh. He was there, at the beginning of the world, when it was all spoken into existence. (John 1:1) The devil couldn't give it to Him. It was His already.

"I'm not worshipping anything but My Dad," Jesus said. "You can't give me what's already mine." (That's the Leanna paraphrase)

It's a common trick of the enemy of our souls. He offers what's already ours, but we're usually too ignorant of the gifts of God to recognize the strategy. 

He offers financial success, but God is our provider, and gives everything we need.

He offers worldly peace, but Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

He offers worldly joy, but that's the fruit of the Holy Spirit. 

He offers worldly love, but God IS love, and He's already given us His best gift of love in the form of His Son. 

We already have it all, all that will give us abundant, joyful life. What the evil one offers is a paltry reproduction, and we're, all too often, foolish enough to discard the real to grasp the fake.

Why accept the enemy's fake when we can have God's reality?

Today, let's take a careful look at our lives. In what ways have we worshipped the evil one in order to have the things of this world? Where have we sacrificed the things of God in order to have a flashy (or convenient) fake?

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control... Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's blog: Love in the Parking Lot on a Freezing Day

For those who want to do the James study on your phone, here's the link: Lessons in Discipleship

If you'd like to participate in the James study, here's how: More than Enough: Living a Life Worth Living

If you'd like to help support this ministry, here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841

#Jesus

Love in the Parking Lot on a Freezing Day

Yesterday was the Grand Opening of the new Halal Guys restaurant just outside Atlanta. Ryan had eaten their food when they were street vendors in New York City and was excited about the new venue. He wanted to go, so he, Hannah, and I grabbed our coats and headed out. 

We arrived to find an insanely long line that snaked around the patio, down the ramp, and across the edge of the parking lot. The wind was gusting and whipping my hair into my face and, occasionally whipping Hannah's hair into Ryan's face. It was so cold that the three of us stood huddled up together, shivering, as we waited.

There was a DJ playing music and a very thin young man with an odd beard doing what I thought at first was signing the words to the songs. We watched for a while and Ryan decided he was actually dancing, not signing. 

It was hard to tell. 

A woman with a microphone urged the crowd to join in as she did a few dance moves, but no one did. We were all too busy shivering. 

After about an hour, we made it across the parking lot and up the ramp, but had a long way to go before we would be inside. 

Hannah looked at Ryan and said, "This is pure love." 

He didn't understand what she meant, but I did. "Yeah. Pure love here, too, Ryan. There's no way I'd shiver in the cold this long for anyone else." 

He grinned. "Thank you."

"Love suffers long, and it looks like we'll be suffering a while longer for you," I laughed.

Ryan wrapped his arms around us and hugged us tight.

It was one of those perfect moments in a most unlikely place that we'll remember with a smile for years to come.

Love... It's more than a word. It's an action verb. 

"Love is patient... kind... not jealous, or boastful, or rude. It does not demand it's own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wrong. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 

"Love never gives us, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:6,7 NLT

Actions speak louder than words, especially when you're talking about love.

Words of love can be quickly forgotten. Acts of love leave a sweet fragrance that lingers for years, so let's do more than say we love. Let's show it by what we do and how we do it.
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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's blog: A Day-Dawning Fresh Start

For those who want to do the James study on your phone, here's the link: Lessons in Discipleship

If you'd like to participate in the James study, here's how: More than Enough: Living a Life Worth Living

If you'd like to help support this ministry, here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841

#love