January 11, 2015

"Then He said to them all: "If anyone would come after me......." Luke 9:23a

I am so encouraged to read the call of Jesus to those who would desire to be disciples!

Notice whom He addresses:

"He said to them ALL".

"If anyone will......"

Anyone can be a follower of Jesus Christ. You don't have to be wealthy or well educated or well adjusted. You just have to be willing! Consider this story from Brooklyn Tabernacle, a great church in metropolitan New York City:

Jim Cymbala preaches at a church in the slums of New York. He tells the following story: It was Easter Sunday and I was so tired at the end of the day that I just went to the edge of the platform, pulled down my tie and sat down and draped my feet over the edge. It was a wonderful service with many people coming forward. The counselors were talking with these people. As I was sitting there I looked up the middle aisle, and there in about the third row was a man who looked about fifty, disheveled, filthy. He looked up at me rather sheepishly, as if saying, “Could I talk to you?” We have homeless people coming in all the time, asking for money or whatever. So as I sat there, I said to myself, though I am ashamed of it, “What a way to end a Sunday. I’ve had such a good time, preaching and ministering, and here’s a fellow probably wanting some money for more wine.” He walked up. When he got within about five feet of me, I smelled a horrible smell like I’d never smelled in my life. It was so awful that when he got close, I would inhale by looking away, and then I’d talk to him, and then look away to inhale, because I couldn’t inhale facing him. I asked him, “What’s your name?” “David.” “How long have you been on the street?” “Six years.” “How old are you?” “Thirty-two.” He looked fifty- hair matted; front teeth missing; wino; eyes slightly glazed. “Where did you sleep last night, David?” “Abandoned truck.” I keep in my back pocket a money clip that also holds some credit cards. I fumbled to pick one out thinking; I’ll give him some money. I won’t even get a volunteer. They are all busy talking with others. Usually we don’t give money to people. We take them to get something to eat. I took the money out. David pushed his finger in front of me. He said, “I don’t want your money. I want this Jesus, the One you were talking about, because I’m not going to make it. I’m going to die on the street.” I completely forgot about David, and I started to weep for myself. I was going to give a couple of dollars to someone God had sent to me. See how easy it is? I could make the excuse I was tired. There is no excuse. I was not seeing him the way God sees him. I was not feeling what God feels. But oh, did that change! David just stood there. He didn’t know what was happening. I pleaded with God, “God, forgive me! Forgive me! Please forgive me. I am so sorry to represent You this way. I’m so sorry. Here I am with my message and my points, and You send somebody and I am not ready for it. Oh, God!” Something came over me. Suddenly I started to weep deeper, and David began to weep. He fell against my chest as I was sitting there. He fell against my white shirt and tie, and I put my arms around him, and there we wept on each other. The smell of His person became a beautiful aroma. Here is what I thought the Lord made real to me: If you don’t love this smell, I can’t use you, because this is why I called you where you are. This is what you are about. You are about this smell. Christ changed David’s life. He started memorizing portions of Scripture that were incredible. We got him a place to live. We hired him in the church to do maintenance, and we got his teeth fixed. He was a handsome man when he came out of the hospital. They detoxed him in 6 days. He spent that Thanksgiving at my house. He also spent Christmas at my house. When we were exchanging presents, he pulled out a little thing and he said, “This is for you.” It was a little white hanky. It was the only thing he could afford. A year later David got up and talked about his conversion to Christ. The minute he took the mic and began to speak, I said, “The man is a preacher.” This past Easter we ordained David. He is an associate minister of a church over in New Jersey. And I was so close to saying, “Here, take this; I’m a busy preacher.” We can get so full of ourselves.

The call to discipleship is to "all" or to "anyone who will". That means even people like David can follow Jesus! Or, people like you and me.

January 10, 2015

"Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech: "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?" Proverbs 1:20-22

If wisdom was easy, just about everyone would be wise!

Wisdom demands that you choose wisdom by asking at every impulse, every invitation and every opportunity, "in light of my past experiences, my current circumstances and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do?"

Once you ask the question you must act upon the clarity you receive from the answer.

These verses in Proverbs expose three types who opt not to choose wisdom. There are the simple and there are the mockers and there are the fools.

I will have a lot to say about each of those types tomorrow in my message.

One of things that makes it difficult to live wisely is the number of simple people, fools and mockers who opt out of living wisely. And the closer your relationship and interaction with the simple, the fools and the mockers the more difficult it can be to ask and act on the question, "What is the wise thing for me to do?"

The simple lack wisdom primarily because they are inexperienced at life. They haven't learned which questions to ask in order to get the answers they need. But the poor choices they make in their inexperience can complicate decision-making for others who care about them.

Fools lack wisdom because they don't care to have it. They want to do what gives them pleasure and care not for the consequences. Despite knowing the wise thing to do they simply choose to do what they want to do. When they blow up their lives with their careless and reckless choices they create collateral damage.

Simple people lack wisdom because they are inexperienced and foolish people lack wisdom because they reject it, but the mocker not only rejects wisdom but will ridicule those who seek wisdom. Mockers are arrogant enough to believe they are already smarter than everyone else. Mockers try to control their world and everyone in it through criticism and cynicism. It is nearly impossible to reach a mocker or have a meaningful relationship with them.

In a world complicated by the poor decisions of the simple, the recklessness of fools and the opposition of mockers, what are the wise to do?

Ask it!

In light of my past experience, my current circumstances and my future hopes and dreams what is the wise thing for me to do?

And act on it!

January 9, 2015

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." Ephesians 5:15-17

Have you asked the question this week?

What question?

The question that answers just about anything! The question that could have saved you from your greatest regret! The question that can keep you from future heartache or regret!

"In light of my past experience, my current circumstances and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do?"

Have you asked it?

I wonder what would have happened if in those moments before Lucifer spoke the first evil words ever uttered, "I will be like the Most High!", he would have paused to ask, "In light of my past experience, my current circumstances and my future hopes and dreams what is the wise thing for me to do?" Do you think the outcome might have been better for all of us?

Do think Lucifer may have had a few regrets about that moment? If not, he will!

What if Adam and Even had taken a second to ask it before they stared too long at the forbidden fruit? Do you think Paradise may have been preserved?

Can you imagine the regret Adam and Eve had to bear after their unwise selfish decision? You and I regret it and we weren't even there!

Imagine King David standing on his rooftop one evening staring across at a beautiful woman bathing on a nearby roof top. What if just before he sent his servants to bring the woman to him he would have asked, "In light of my past experience, my current circumstances and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do?" What do you think the chances are that David would have sent his servants?

Judas Iscariot is meeting with the High Priest and several of his cohorts discussing the betrayal of the Master, Jesus of Nazareth. What if right after they offered him the thirty pieces of silver Judas would have asked the question? "In light of my past experiences, my current circumstances and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do?" What are the chances he would have taken the deal?

What if just before the worst regret in your life became the worst regret in your life you would have asked the question? You very well could have saved yourself a broken heart.

I hope you get the point. If so, you will ask the question, "In light of my past experiences, my current circumstances and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do?"

Ask it!

Act on it!

January 8, 2015

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10

Can you be wise and not be a Christian?

Not according to God's Word. I'm sure that will offend people but truth often does that.

Can you be a Christian and not be wise?

I think the vast counsel of God's Word would say, "No you can't."

I know that will offend some people! 

I am not saying Christians can't make occasional unwise decisions, but I am saying that Godly wisdom is the standard to which His people are called.

Wisdom always factors God Word into every decision, "What does God's Word say about this?" is what every Christian is expected to ask.

Wisdom is impossible apart from the Word of God.

Wisdom also factors the will of God into every decision. "What pleases God in this decision? What does God want me to do?" is what every Christian is expected to ask.

Wisdom is impossible apart from knowing God's will.

Wisdom also factor's God's way into every decision. "What is consistent with God's character in this decision?" is what every Christian is supposed to ask.

Wisdom is not independent from a relationship with God through Christ. Wisdom is absolute dependence on God through Christ.

Wisdom is not incidental to a relationship with God through Christ. Wisdom is integral to a relationship with God through Christ as a relationship with Christ through God is integral to wisdom.

Wisdom is the fear of making a decision without God!  

January 7, 2015

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21-22

The barnyard animals loved their farmer. He had taken good care of them for many years and made their lives very pleasant. He loved them and in their animal way, they loved him.

One day they were discussing how blessed they were to be owned by such a kind and generous man. It was decided they would honor him to show their appreciation. They all readily agreed and began to brainstorm on the best way to communicate their appreciation for him.

Finally they came upon an idea that pleased them all. Since the farmer arose early every morning to do his chores they knew that he loved eating a good hearty breakfast. So, to thank him they thought they would prepare a breakfast in his honor.

"How shall we do it?" one of them asked.

"Well," said the hen, "I will gladly contribute a half dozen of my delicious eggs!"

"Great idea!" said the cow, "I will give milk for him to drink and cream for Him to make butter for his biscuits."

The hog was strangely silent. The hen and the cow looked at him indignantly and the hen challenged, "Hey, hog! I am giving eggs for our farmer's breakfast and the cow is gladly contributing her milk. How about if you donate some ham and bacon!"

This simple silly story about the barnyard animals illustrates the difference between involvement and commitment. The hen and the cow were willing to be involved but the hog would be committed. They would be giving from themselves but he would be giving himself. That is a big difference! That is commitment! Involvement costs you something - but commitment costs you everything!"

Paul in saying, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" is saying, "I am committed not just involved!"

How do we know that he is committed? We know because he is willing to die. He was willing to pay the cost. Paul loved God more than He loved life itself.

What about you? Are you involved or are you committed? How do you know? How would others know? How would God know? What price are you willing to pay? Do you love God more than you love your own life?

January 6, 2015

Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

One of the misconceptions that is doing great harm to the Faith and to the Church is the idea that there are levels of commitment. You might hear someone claim in self-defense that they are "more committed" than someone else. What they should say is that they are less uncommitted than that person. The point that Jesus is making here is either you are committed or you are not.

Claiming to be "sort of" committed is like saying you are "sort of" pregnant. You either are or you are not. You can't "sort of" sky dive. You can't "sort of" get married. Peter didn't "sort of" walk on water. Jesus didn't "sort of" die on the cross.

The challenge Jesus is issuing is this - "you can't 'sort of' follow Me!" Either you are a disciple or you are not! Either you do His will or you don't. Either you walk in holiness or you don't. Either you are saved or you aren't.

I know you live in a day and a culture that wants to nuance everything into shades and degrees. That would be fine if you were the rule-maker or the arbiter of the rules - BUT YOU ARE NOT - He is! He makes the rules and you don't. So, you either obey Him or you don't. You are either following Him or you are not. That is what commitment means!

Having grown up in corn and soybean country, I appreciate what Jesus is saying to His hearers, who were also rural folks. What He was saying was, "When you go out to plow you don't 'sort of plow', you plow or you don't!" No true farmer would begin plowing and quit. No true farmer would "sort of" plow. No real farmer would plow forward while looking backward.

In rural Indiana where I was raised and in rural Illinois where I served for 22 years, there are cornfields so huge you can hardly see across them. I have always been impressed how straight those long rows or corn or beans are. Never have I seen a field with crooked rows. 
That is proof that the farmers who planted those rows were committed to planting.

How so?

Farmers plant straight rows by lining up their plows and their planters with a reference point at the end of that row and they stay focused and aimed at that point. Straight rows are evidence of a committed and focused farmer. Those perfectly parallel rows are proof of a committed farmer who never looked back while he plowed!

When you think about commitment think about plowing. When you measure your commitment think about focusing on a fixed point and moving straight toward that point continually. And of course, that straight point is the way of God and the will of God as outlined in the Word of God.

There are no "sort of" committed farmers when they plow. Neither are there any "sort of " committed Christians. Either you are committed or you're not. Don't buy the lie.

January 5, 2015

"Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23

People were following Jesus for a lot of reasons. They followed Him hoping to be healed, some followed Him because they had been healed by Him. They followed Him because He had fed them and others followed Him hoping to be fed. Some followed Him because they liked His stories, some followed Him because they had a story. A few followed Him because they were called.

Why do you follow Him?

He calls to commitment.Why do you follow Him?

Commitment is hard - very hard. But it is also very healthy and helpful. And, the very things that make it hard are the things that make it helpful.

I want you to take a look at Jesus' call to commitment in this verse and consider the hard things and see if you can understand why they are also helpful.

There is a cost - "If anyone would come after me he must deny himself......"

Commitment asks you to deny yourself. That means you put His way ahead of your way. He calls you to come after Him and that makes common sense. How could you follow Him and go your own way at the same time? You can't! To be a follower of Christ you must begin by following! And when you follow your own way you cannot at the same time follow His. Chasing Him means surrendering your way to pursue His.

There is a cross - "......and take up his cross...."

The call on Jesus' life led to a cross. This was God's will for Him. Is was not the way Jesus wanted but the cross was why He came. Jesus had to die as the atoning sacrifice for your sins so you can have your sins forgiven.Without His cross, you would not be able to follow Him. Without a cross, you will not be able to follow Him. Discipleship requires a death. Since He has already died, it is now your turn! You must die to your own selfish will so you are free to follow His way! Crosses are hard! They can kill you! No one climbs off a cross once he is nailed there!

You are placed on a cross to die. That is the will of the cross. What needs to die in your life?

There is a consistency - ".....daily and follow me."

It is hard to be consistent at anything. Doing the same thing the same way on a daily basis is hard! That gets tedious in a hurry. And yet, that is what Jesus called these men to do -consistently follow Jesus. In this case that means that everyday you count the cost of following His way and denying your way - EVERY Day! And it means nailing your way and your wants and your will to the cross - putting them to death so you are free to follow Him. Then, the next day, you come back and do it all again! That is consistency.

Counting the cost and paying the cost his hard! But walking in His way rather that yours is helpful - very helpful! And the cross in hard! Very hard - because it calls you to die to your will. But when you consider having His will rather than yours - very helpful! Doing these two hard things consistently (every day) is real hard! But He calls you to following Him daily - counting the cost and dying on the cross! Very hard - but very helpful!

Have you answered the call to commitment?