April 16, 2015

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,  in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

We've all done something uncomfortable over these last few days when we wrote the check for our taxes, placed it in the envelope, sealed it and mailed it off to the I.R.S. But it’s not like we had a choice in the matter.

Jesus had a choice in the matter of surrendering His exalted position among the Godhead and subjecting Himself to a horrific death.

It must have also been very uncomfortable for His Father, God, to have allowed Him to suffer.

No parent is comfortable seeing his child suffer. Sometimes it is necessary for a parent to inflict some suffering on his child in the form of punishment. That, too, is uncomfortable.

If it was in my power to do so, I would spare my children from every painful and uncomfortable experience. It isn’t.

It was within God’s power to prevent His Son from discomfort of any sort. It is so hard to imagine that.

But He didn’t spare Him at all. That is hard to imagine.

Rather than use His power to save His Son from pain, God was more concerned about your pain and my pain. Can you imagine that?

Would you sacrifice the comfort and safety of your own child to spare the child of a stranger?

God did!

It would seem like a very uncomfortable choice, but it was His idea! Because of your sin and because of my sin God chose the uncomfortable option of sending Jesus to suffer.

Your world changed because God the Father and God the Son made uncomfortable decisions.

My world changed because God the Father and God the Son made uncomfortable decisions.

World-changers live outside their comfort zones.

Our world is in desperate need of change.

God is looking for some who are willing to be uncomfortable for His cause.

Will you be one!

Will I?

God help us.

April 15, 2015

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,  in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

Here I am sitting in my comfy easy chair writing about the spiritual struggles presented by our desire for comfort. I will adjust to a less comfortable position before I continue writing.

Let me call your attention to this moving verse about the extreme discomfort our Savior was willing to suffer for your sin and mine.

How much comfort did He forfeit? Let’s count the ways!

1) Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage….

In my very sinful nature I want to be God. Jesus WAS God and gave it up in order to deliver me from my delusions of righteousness!

And you, too!

2) rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…..

My sinful human nature wants to be served! In fact, it tells me I deserve to be served! It is contrary to that nature to want to serve anyone, including God!

But Jesus, who for all of eternity, had been served and worshipped by all the holy and beautiful celestial beings! How uncomfortable must it have been for Him to give that up to become a servant?

Not only did He lower Himself to serve, but He became subservient to death!

He did it for me and for you!

3) being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man…..

How could God become a man? That is the mystery of the incarnation!

Think of how uncomfortable it must have been for an eternal Being to step into time?

Imagine how uncomfortable it must have been for a finite Being to be limited in time and space by a body of flesh and blood!

He did it to bear my sins upon the cross and to take the stripes that bring me healing! And He did it for you, as well!

4) he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Suffering unimaginable cruelty and being nailed to a cross is one of the most horrible ways for any man to die. Yet, Jesus, so humbled Himself to human form for the sole purpose of doing just that!

God can’t die, but He found a way to do so to deliver you and me from the power of sin and death.

I am grateful beyond words for the extreme discomfort Jesus was willing to endure for me!

I am to have that same mind that He has toward comfort. That is an uncomfortable thought…God help me……

April 14, 2015

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

As our Missionary Friend, Carl, challenged us Sunday, the love of comfort becomes one the toughest barriers to overcome for those who would follow Jesus. It is human nature to desire comfort about struggle and hardship. But Jesus calls you out of your nature and into His.

Jesus made it plain to those He called to follow Him would have to leave their comfort zone. There is nothing comfortable about self-denial and there is certainly no comfort in a cross.

When Jesus called His first disciples He called them to lay down their nets, leave their boats and walk away from everything familiar and comfortable to them.

Even Jesus struggled to deny Himself and surrender to His Father’s will. His forty days of being tempted in the wilderness called Him to choose the way of the cross over the way of celebrity and popularity. Again, in Gethsemane, He had to forgo His comfort to surrender to the suffering of the cross.

The desire for comfort has such a strong grip on you because it involves feelings of safety and feelings of security. Those are powerful felt needs!

I made myself very vulnerable Sunday by sharing recent temptations choose safety and security rather than taking leadership risks. I reject those notions!

So, because God wants you to follow Him, because He wants to lead into spiritual maturity, He will continually call you out of any comfort zone you have settled into.

And God will constantly call FredWes out of our comfort zones so He can lead us to better places.

Faith begins at the edge of your comfort zone!

God’s power and presence begins just outside your comfort zone!

Signs and wonders happen outside of your comfort zone!

The thrill and joy of serving Jesus awaits just outside your comfort zone!

Passionate living begins when Jesus becomes your Comfort Zone! 

April 13, 2015

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."Proverbs 14:34

What does it mean when a nation is exalted? That sounds like a good thing, but how good is it? What are some specific benefits wrought by righteousness?

Let me share at least three things that are meant by "exalted".

Exalted means "lifted".

Righteousness lifts a nature and a culture. It lifts the morality of that people. It lifts the civility of that society. The morale of that nation is higher than cultures where people don't value righteousness. Doing the right things obviously results in positive and constructive outcomes.

Exalted means "lightened".

Righteousness flows from truth. Truth originates in the character and very nature of God. With God as your source and His Word as your resource there is going to be knowledge and wisdom. Jesus said that He is "the light of the world". When you have Jesus you have light and in Him is no darkness. From the light of God's Word, truth and wisdom beam forth revealing what is right and what is wrong. Being "lightened" by righteousness leads to rightness in actions, attitudes, values and moral decisions.

Exalted means "liberated".

A people who are lifted by the truth and lightened by the truth will find freedom and liberty from His Word. Truth results in freedom. Ignorance leads to bondage. Ignorance leads to confusion and doubts. Ignorance leads to strife and fear.

A people lifted by truth and lightened by truth are free to become who they want to become in Christ. They will act right and have the right attitudes which will enrich their relationships and increase their opportunities for freedom. Listening to His truth and living in His truth shape a godly character that is free to pursue godliness.

How is a nation exalted by righteousness? Simple!

A nation is exalted by people who are lifted by the righteousness of God's Word. As a result they tend to think right, which leads to right decisions, which translates into godly living. Godly living results in lifting God high in the estimation of those who may be seeking for solid answers. God is exalted by the practical everyday decisions, actions and values you make.

A nation is exalted when lighted by the truth of God's Word and the principles it gives to live by. It makes better decisions and is better able to make quality decisions. Truth reveals the right thing to do in all decisions, and clarifies the application of that truth in daily situations. God is exalted by a people who know and show His truth.

A nation is exalted when God's children live in the liberty of His knowledge and His love. God's children live within the law and finds freedom in self-governing his thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. An ignorant nation will not endure as a free nation. Study history. You will see.

I know you love the USA and desire to see her rise to the exalted standard. You, of all people will understand the value of self-governing and liberty of self-discipline. God WILL set you free!

"Righteousness, or rightness, allows God to get involved personally in that project. God will be strong and powerful in the life of those who have chosen to walk in the light of His power and glory. And over time, people will be set free and God will be glorified!

April 12, 2015

"But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

I have never been a Michigan Wolverine fan!

Growing up in Northern Indiana I was an Indiana Hoosier basketball fan and a Notre Dame football fan. Michigan regularly beat Indiana in football and often beat them in basketball. The Wolverines always played the Fightin' Irish tough in football and often beat them. 

So, the Big Blue often left me blue when they went up against my favorite teams. Apparently, I am still holding it against them! 

But that changed for a day this past week when in response to a University of Michigan decision not to show the "AMERICAN SNIPER" movie on the U of M Campus at the request of a few Muslim student groups on campus.

Upon learning of the University's decision to ban the showing of the movie, U of M Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh responded boldly in declaring via Twiter: "Michigan Football will watch "American Sniper"! Proud of Chris Kyle & Proud to be an American & if that offends anybody then so be it!" - Coach Jim Harbaugh

Shortly following Coach Harbaugh's announcement the tweets and emails that poured in supporting his position were so overwhelming that the University reversed it's decision and rescheduled the showing of the movie.

I can't go so far as to say I am a Michigan fan, but today I am a Coach Harbaugh fan! He demonstrated what strong leadership looks like!

Just like Joshua of old:

He stepped up with courage when a vocal minority tried to impose its will on the silent majority.

He stood up with conviction for what he believed.

He didn't attack the beliefs of others or threaten them he just let people know where he stood on this issue.

And, he spoke up clearly for what he intended to do.

His team, the group that he had authority over, were going to watch the movie and if others chose not to that was fine with him.

Our world is desperate for leaders who have clear convictions and are unashamed to stand for them and clearly articulate a plan of action.

When leaders stand up boldly they rarely stand alone because their courage and conviction When leaders clearly announce what they plan to do, it will embolden others to stand with them.

It worked for Joshua centuries ago and it worked for Coach Harbaugh a few days ago!

What will you do?

April 11, 2015

"After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus."  Matthew 17:1-8

"After six days" - so what happened six days before this that lead to this supernatural manifestation that is recorded in three of the four Gospels? It is important to get a context for a Bible encounter.

Jesus had begun shaping the vision for His Kingdom and calling them to discipleship. As they began to understand the enormity of the challenges of their calling, Jesus sensed the fear rising within them. Let me add that if God's call on your life doesn't scare you, you aren't getting it! I find it a bit frightening that He calls us to do God-sized stuff in man-sized bodies. So did the disciples.

The Master, Himself, was facing some scary stuff in the coming days. He would be sold-out, scorned, shackled, spat upon, scourged, stripped naked, and suffer as a sinner on a cross. When facing a fearful future, even Jesus needed a fresh encounter with God. The only cure for human fear is holy fear!

When Jesus invited Peter, James and John to share a mountain-top experience with Him what He was saying was, "Fear this!" As you face the frightening events in your future, you will need a holy fear of Me to help you not be paralyzed by human fears!" Big jobs call for a big Jesus! Jesus was the God/man sent to help men connect with God and channel God's power and love to a needy world. Up until now, they had seen Jesus, the man. Now was the time to reveal Jesus, the Son of God! They needed to behold His glory!

Later, John would record in His Gospel, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind."  John could testify to the light of God because he had seen it revealed on the mountain! And then later in that same chapter, John writes, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." He could testify to glory of Jesus because he had witnessed it at the transfiguration when Jesus peeled back His humanity to display His holiness!

If the guys who walked with Jesus and who worked with Jesus needed a fresh vision of Him to help them overcome their fears. What about you? Once they understand what Jesus wanted them to do, they needed to understand Who He was! So do you!

Peter, James and John were powerfully used of God after they understood Who He was. Their Godly vision brought Godly victories! From their fresh perspective came fresh power! When they were willing let Him out of their boxes, He was able to be Who He is!

Could you use a fresh vision of His glory! 

Could you benefit from a fresh vision of His holy fear to free you from your human fear!

There will be some Godly victories when you get a fresh Godly vision!

Are you willing to let Him out of your box?

April 10, 2015

“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.  I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. ” So Joshua ordered the officers of the people:  “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’” JOSHUA 1:1-11

Change requires courage. Major change requires major courage.

Where do you find the courage to deal with change?

The life of Joshua is a profile in courage and these few verses are a quick study.

Courage begins with a connection that leads to a calling.

When God needed someone to take the place of Moses He looked for the man with the strongest faith connection to His self. The man who got the call was Joshua.

Courage starts with connecting at home plate!

Courage grows from a calling that leads to a conviction.

When God gave the call Joshua had to decide two things: (1) do I believe God will do this; and (2) do I believe He will do this through me?

Because of Joshua’s strong connection with God He was convinced that the God Who called Him is able to use Him!

This was a home to first base issue.

Courage develops from conviction to commitment.

There is no change without obedience - at least not a positive change without obedience.

Joshua had to make a commitment to obey God’s calling to lead His people to a major change.

This was a first base issue for Joshua.

Courage comes from a faith connection from God that leads to a calling from God which requires a conviction about God resulting in a commitment to His calling.

But it didn’t end there! He had to encourage God’s people to share his conviction and embrace the change. They would have to find the courage to cross over the Jordan and their courage would come from Joshua’s.

That was a second base matter.

Are you facing some major changes in your life right now?

Perhaps it is in the form of a calling from God or maybe it is a life challenge sent from God.

Where will you find the courage to deal with the change?

We will find it from the same God and according to the same pattern as Joshua!

And, it will all begin at Home Plate!