"The Exceptional Long Reach Of....The Gospel"

I have always been moved by the “dimensions” there are to God and the Christian life. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians was that they would have the strength to “comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.” (Eph.1:18,19) The dimension that is particularly fresh in my mind is the length...more, specifically, the exceptional long reach to the Gospel! In basketball, a player’s value and ability is enhanced if he has a “long wing span”, the long reach that helps him both offensively and defensively.

You’ve heard of the “long arm of the law” where your sin (crime) will find you out, and someone is arrested for some past or hidden crime that they’ve tried to hide. Then there’s definitely the long reach of the grace of God! It reached the prodigal even when he found himself in bondage in the “far country.” David acknowledges this in (Ps.139:7-10) where he says, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” It is really hard for people to run from God because of the long reach of His love and grace!

What is vivid in my mind as I am sitting in the airport in Johannesburg, South Africa is the EXCEPTIONAL LONG REACH OF THE GOSPEL! I’ve just finished preaching in Windhoek, Namibia and I was so stirred by what God is doing and this truth of the long reach of the Gospel. Since many Americans are “geographically-challenged,” if you look on the map (I’ll give you a moment to find it) you’ll see Namibia right above South Africa at the bottom of the Continent. When I say to people, “I’m going to Namibia” and they give me a blank, unknowing stare, I simply say, “I’m going to Africa” and then a little recognition comes.

What is so special about Namibia to me and our church in Tucson, AZ? Twelve years ago, in December of 1997, we sent Steve & Shirley Anderson and their family to pioneer a church in Windhoek. They had just come from laboring in Kostroma, Russia and had the faith and zeal to “go again”! I was there in 1999 in the early stages and I saw the beginnings of a powerful work of God. There were real conversions and already a number of disciples were rising up in that congregation. Steve & Shirley had to leave in 2002 because of visa problems, but fortunately, Peter & Eminee Ajala from South London, went in to take over the pastorate of that church. When they did it was like an accelerant was added to a fire! The church really exploded in growth and impact in that nation. Today the church is pastored by Set-son and Mary Ndahangwapo, and they have sent out seven churches into different cities of Namibia. It was a very long trip to get there (two overnight flights) but it’s not the distance or travel time that moves me...it is the long reach of the Gospel! If you fly one of Qantas airline’s 747's they have stenciled on the front of the aircraft 747 "Longreach" because it can fly non-stop from Los Angeles to Sydney which is some 13-14 hours. But that can’t compare with the Gospel’s reach!

From Tucson, AZ God’s grace has enabled our church to reach around the world in a truly remarkable fashion. This is a testimony to who God is and what He can do when people embrace His vision, “go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt.28:19). It is staggering to think that there are churches and thousands of people who would not be saved today, who would not have eternal life through Jesus Christ, and who would not be ready to make heaven their home, without the long reach of the Gospel through the faithful people in our congregation! Preaching in Windhoek to over 500 people on Sunday morning just brought home to me this wonderful sense of what God has done. These are people who don’t have an “organizational” attachment to our assembly but an “organic” one. There are real “family bonds” with people recognizing and appreciating the investment, the history, and the destiny that has come about by our labors in the Gospel, along with the church in South London.

I think of the Bible’s testimony to this dimension of impact beginning when Jesus stepped out of heaven to come to earth in order to reach you and I! When Mary broke the alabaster box of precious ointment and poured it on the head of Jesus, it triggered this powerful reality. Jesus said, “Truly, wherever this Gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” That is a long reach, folks! Jesus said her actions would transcend time, cultures, and geographic boundaries, reaching down to our present age!

Here is the text and testimony that comes to my mind that illustrates the work we’re involved in. Paul wrote to the Corinthians about his ministry. He was actually forced into defending the validity of his ministry against the critics and the pretenders. Even though he was uncomfortable doing so, he left us with some important truths and challenges.

“But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. We were the first to come all the way to you with the Gospel of Christ. We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence. Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (2Cor.10:13-17)

There are areas of influence that God gives to people and churches to reach other people and nations with the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. His hope (and ours also) was that in recognition of the partnership of that God-given “reach,” the Gospel’s area of influence would be greatly enlarged to other people and places. As this happens then it is the Lord who gets all the glory!

As Christians, we are called to keep reaching: deeper, and higher, and farther. This is a sacred obligation. (Rom.1:14,15) says, “I am under obligation (debtor) to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the Gospel to you also who are in Rome.” Paul clearly wants to have a “long reach” for God and the Gospel. There is a song that says, “For it reaches to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley...the Blood that Jesus shed, from day to day, it will never lose its power.” That power will reach to your loved one or family member, or to that person you work with, or it will reach across the street to your neighbor. IT WILL ALSO REACH AROUND THE WORLD...AN EXCEPTIONALLY LONG REACH!

"The Re-Shaping -or- Reviving Of America"

Note: This blog post will also appear in the Fall issue of "The Bull's Eye" publication.

I am not an alarmist pastor marketing in the sensational to gain an audience. I am also not like the shepherd boy in Aesop’s fable always "crying wolf" either. I have to tell you, though, that I have never felt the stakes higher for our nation. There is a real battle going on for the soul of America that is going to help define the direction of our future.

Today, there is an all-out war to eliminate God and, in particular, Jesus Christ and Christianity from the public square. This is part of an overall cultural shift to exclude God, the Bible and absolutes, while enthroning man and moral relativism. Revisionist history is putting forth the idea that America is no longer and never has been a nation rooted in Christianity and Biblical principles. What is being challenged in this is America’s spiritual roots and godly heritage. Much of this is being done in the name of progress. These so-called "progressives" want to re-shape America in their image at the expense of all that America has stood for over the last two-plus centuries. They want to erase the vision the Founding Fathers had for this nation, especially the things that have aligned this nation with God and the precepts of Scripture.

Centuries ago, the Psalmist asked the question, almost a lament, "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Ps.11:3) There is something about good and godly foundations that are vital to righteous living which benefits society as a whole since, "righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." (Prov.14:34) Freedom must be build on moral foundations or it will eventually collapse. John Adams, 1789, wrote these astounding words, "Our Constitution was designed only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other." God must bless America and America must bless God if it is to succeed!

Maybe we should let history speak for itself! That’s the problem that the progressives have: the facts keep getting in the way!

If we and our posterity reject religious instruction and authority, violate the rules of eternal justice, trifle with the injunctions of morality, and recklessly destroy the political constitution which holds us together, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us that shall bury all our glory in profound obscurity.
-Daniel Webster, Early-American Statesman

No free government now exists in the world, unless where Christianity is acknowledged, and isthe religion of the country.

-Pennsylvania Supreme Court, 1824

We profess to be republicans, and yet we neglect the only means of establishing and perpetuating our republican forms of government, that is, the universal education of our youth in the principles of Christianity by the means of the Bible. For this Divine Book, above all others, favors that equality among mankind, that respect for just laws, and those suber and frugal virtues, which constitute the soul of republicanism.
-Benjamin Rush, Signer of the Declaration of Independence

To the kindly influence of Christianity we owe that degree of civil freedom, and political and social happiness which mankind now enjoys...Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government, and all the blessings which flow from them, must fall with them.

-Jedediah Morse, Patriot and "Father of America Geography"

This is not just partisan political commentary or part of the vast right-wing conspiracy, but our current Administration in Washington, D.C. and the political climate illustrates this battle. Our President, Barak Obama, campaigned on a platform of change. He continually repeated the mantra, "Change you can believe in!" The problem is he never really told us, and many people didn’t seem to care, what exactly that change would be or look like! What was clear, however, and what he enunciated was his plan and vision to re-shape or re-make America. This is why we’re witnessing a deliberate attempt, if not an outright onslaught, to re-shape American from debates over health care, to foreign policy and our relationships with our allies, to the economic foundations of capitalism which have contributed to America’s freedom and strength. Think about this: if you want to "re-make" something then you’re admitting that there’s something wrong with the original or with the "foundations."

Please, lay aside politics or popularity for a minute, because America does not need to be re-made, it needs to be revived! This is not just semantics, but there is a vast difference between these two visions. To revive (lit. "to live again") means to return to those time-tested and God-honoring foundations. To re-shape is to depart from them in favor of man’s "better idea." A significant part of American history has been the religious revivals and spiritual movements that have restored us to God and His "ancient landmarks." (Prov.22:28) The First & Second Great Awakening was a time of real religious advance in the colonies that led to social transformation. One historian said about this, "The Great Awakening was a watershed event in the life of the American people. Before it was over, it had swept the colonies of the Easter seaboard, transforming the social and religious life of the land." Personally, I was saved in 1970 during what was called "The Jesus Movement" which saw tens of thousands of young people turn to Christ and begin to follow Him. This is why I am holding to the prayer of Habakkuk (Hab.3:2)NLT, "I have heard all about you, LORD, and I am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us (revive us again), as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. And in your anger, remember your mercy." This should be our prayer and hope for our current President, our government and nation: revive America, don’t re-shape it!

So, where is my confidence? There is a story about two men sitting on a porch one summer evening. Soon a small dog came wobbling down the street and fell at the bottom of the steps in a disheveled heap. "This little dog looks awfully beat up," observed one. "Oh, that’s my dog," said the other. "He comes home looking like that almost every night after he gets into fights with other dogs in the neighborhood." The friend said, "Well, he must not be much of a fighter." The other replied, "Oh, he’s a very good fighter, but he’s a very poor judge of opponents." Those who are promoting an anti-God posture and belligerence have bitten off more than they can chew. They’ve chosen to pick a fight with the wrong opponent, Almighty God! King David spoke to this delusion of those who would create a world without God, when he said, "Why are the nations in an uproar, and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed: "Let us tear their fetters apart, and cast away their cords from us!" He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them." (Ps.2:1-4) We can recognize that God is in the heavens, and His throne is secure, and it is the one to which we pledge our eternal allegiance!

Note: I am indebted to and have quoted liberally from an article by Elwood McQuaid which appeared in the magainze Israel My Glory called "Picking The Wrong Opponent."

"Thanks To My Inseparable Helper"

In our June Bible Conference I preached a sermon called "The Inseparable Helper". The title and some of the inspiration came from a book by Iain Murray, "Heroes". It contains a series of smaller biographies about some of the heroes of faith down through the ages. In his chapter on Jonathan Edwards he wrote about one of the most memorable events in his life and ministry: he fell in love and married his wife! Here’s how he put it, "Meanwhile something even more significant had happened. As a teenager he had fallen in love with a girl who lived with her mother close to the College Green in New Haven. She was Sarah Pierrepont, and, on July 28, 1727, 17yrs old and dressed in a pea-green satin brocade, she married Jonathan and became his inseparable helper."

Well, tomorrow, September 10, 2009, is my 37th anniversary of my marriage covenant to my beloved helper, Mona. One September 10, 1972, me with my recently purchased shirt and tie, and Mona with her dress and daisies in her hair, were married during the Sunday evening worship service in the Prescott Foursquare Church by my pastor, Wayman Mitchell. There are many memories that stand out in my mind about that event and the journey that has ensued.

1. I don’t know if "opposites attract" but I do know that we were not exactly cut from the same cloth. I was a 22 year old white kid from New England, and Mona was an 18 year old, skinny, Mexican girl from Prescott, AZ. She is quick to tell people that she was 17 when we were married but officially (I have to remind her) she was 17and 5/6, two months shy of turning 18. The contrasts might have been obvious but they were not a weakness. They have enriched and bonded both of our lives.

2. Simplicity. We were married in what we called then a "Jesus People Wedding". There was not a lot of hoopla or expense, but it was a meaningful, Christ-centered ceremony. No, I’m not opposed to change or stuck in the 70's, and I’m not arguing here for what’s better or worse. It’s just when I see a lot of the stress, anxiety, and expense that people invest in their wedding ceremonies today, there is definitely something to be said for the grace of simplicity. Trust
me, 25 or 30 years from now you’re not going to care a whole lot whether the bride’s maids wore mauve or blue or whether yours was the "perfect wedding ceremony."

3. We didn’t fit the Dr. Laura Schlessinger mode. That means in the minds of many we were too young, we were not financially set up, and my career path was not clearly before me. I understand that we do live in different times today, but what Mona and I did have was a deep, mutual love and commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord, and a desire to serve His purpose in our generation. I remember a number of years back reading an issue of Life magazine titled, "The Science of Love". Most of it was pretty lame, but in the preview section there was one very valid and valuable observation. They interviewed a number of couples, all of whom had gone through some kind of serious trauma in their married lives (sickness; death of loved one; financial setback etc.). They asked them what made the difference? What was the glue that held their marriages together? The author made the statement that what they discovered in the strongest marriages is that they both cared passionately for something that was greater than themselves! This was definitely the case with Mona and I. Little did I realize how important and how crucial this was going to be.

4. The beginning of an adventure. We had no idea what the future held, and like most young people, we were full of hope, promise, and expectations (even if we were both a little [a lot] naive). We both had a sense that wrapped up in our marriage was an anticipation of the good things, the "future and hope" that God’s plans had for us.


Then came the un-planned-for challenge! Challenges will come in one shape or form to every married couple. In our case it was pretty sudden and shocking. I had an automobile accident on April 30, 1973, that broke my L-1 vertebrae, severing my spinal cord, and leaving me a paraplegic for life. Try to think: Mona is 18 years old, we’ve been married for 7 ½ months, and now this crippling, life-altering accident occurs. I mention this because in my mind, Mona (not me), is the true hero and the one who has modeled an overcoming faith rooted in Jesus Christ and His goodness, no matter what! All of the ensuing changes and challenges that were dumped in her lap: my physical disability, the most-likely scenario of not being able to have children, the uncertainty over what the future held, the dismantling of the hopes and dreams we all carry in our hearts. All of a sudden, not asked for, she has to "own" these. There’s a reason in the traditional marriage vows that people pledge fidelity "for beter for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, 'till death do us part." We’re not anticipating the worst, or embracing a negative mind set, but because life for every married couple is an uncertain journey. Things don’t always go according to our "game plan" and there will be times you have to play the hand that you have been dealt.

I’ve told this story of a number of occasions. A few years back, Steve Gabriel in England asked me the question, "Who's had the most influence on your life and ministry?" I don’t know what he was expecting to hear but, my ready answer to him that night was, "my wife!" He wasn’t expecting that but you could tell as he thought about it, a little light went on in his head that said, "Yea, that’s right!" No one has been more of a blessing and a help and an influence in my life as Mona. Sometimes visitors come to church and don’t see her because she’s sitting at the piano partially out of sight. She may be a little hard to see or not always readily visible, but I can assure you that her contribution is and has been invaluable and is felt in the life of our congregation! Since I’ve gone through life-changing trauma, spending four months in Good Samaritan Hospital - Spinal Injury Rehab in Phoenix, I’ve often told people three things made all the difference in the world. First, the Lord Jesus Christ and His never-ending supply of grace which is always available. Second, an incredible wife. Third, good and faithful friends, some of whom became my personal chauffeurs through the streets of Phoenix, lying on a gurney (another long but memorable story). There’s been nothing in the last 37 years that’s made me have to edit this assessment.

The Bible says in (Prov.31:29-31). "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." When I think of Mona’s contribution, the things that I praise and are so grateful for would be: (in no particular order)

*Her joy & bright personality. There’s nothing superficial about it, it has some deep wells behind it. Much of it has been a "joy in spite of" but she’s definitely a "high wattage bulb" in my life!

*Her compassion. Not only have I been the recipient of this, but I know of few people as caring as she is, especially to people going through really tough times.

*Her partnership in ministry. She’s never complained or felt that the ministry was a burden or a rival. She has made herself a mature co-laborer in the things of God (she’s not interested in being a co-pastor!). This is true whatever the labor was: cleaning the church (ugh! the toilets!), or working with others in the kitchen, or the huge administrative/secretarial load, or being a conduit for sending support to so many of our overseas workers. It’s not always easy, but she has made it a "labor of love."

*Her resiliency. She had to grow up and become a mature woman of God. Everything about her echoes one of Pastor Alvin Smith’s favorite sayings about being able to, "take a lickin’ and keep on ticking".

*Her love. The wedding ceremony says to the groom, "Do you know that you’ve asked the costliest thing every made by the Hand above: a woman’s heart, a woman’s life, and a woman’s wonderful love?" That is how I feel. The love of a good woman is one of God’s greatest gifts. Especially when that love is God’s love, a "hesed" love, or a love loyal to the covenant.

*Her home-making skills. I’m talking about more than cooking (I’m the chef, mostly) or cleaning (she’s superb in this department). I’m talking about her presence that affects the spirit of our home. She truly makes our home a place of refuge, for which I am very grateful.

*Her fighting spirit. We know that the devil doesn’t fight fair. He will attack a man of God through the "weaker vessel" of his wife. I know that Mona has had her share of battles, some known only to herself, but she has stood in there and "fought the good fight of faith."

*Her selflessness. When I think of my wife, I think of a giver, and someone who excels at it. It’s not all about her, but she has demonstrated such a giving spirit over and over again. I only
hope to be able to give back a fraction of what she has and continues to give to our marriage.

There are many other things, but when (Prov.18:22) says "Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord", I say "amen and amen!" Does all this mean that she doesn’t have her days (all of you understand those days)? Of course not, we all do. As I sit here today thinking (does anyone know what to buy your wife after 37 years?! help!) and writing, there’s no question in my mind that I would never be the man I am today, or have the ministry that I do without my beloved and "inseparable helper." Her price is definitely "far above rubies." So, for all these things and much, much more, I say, "Babes, I thank you, and I love you dearly."

"The Blessed Bonds"

Recently, I received an email from a sister with a long and colorful history in our congregation. She was asking me the question, "What's the difference at The Door? What is it about our Fellowship or discipleship at The Door that is set apart?" This is a kind of "loaded question" because on the surface it could sound like a question of superiority or a "better than thou attitude". Stuff like that is pride that God hates! Plus, the Bible warns us about useless comparisons. This was not the spirit of the sister's letter or question. It was a sincere, honest inquiry that really had to do with her own past, present, and future: what she was birthed into and how this affected her journey forward and her ministry to others. It turned out to be a question that provoked my thinking a lot and is still a kind of work in progress. I think a better word is "distinctives" not "differences." Please hear me when I say that we are nothing apart from Jesus; without Him we can do nothing! There is no one who knows this better than I do, and it is the foundation of my understanding of who I am, what the Church is, and it lies at the heart of so much of my own prayer life! We are not the "only thing" happening. But, I also know that there is and has been a real "God thing" happening in our church that has some unique features to it, and is a part of our spiritual heritage and birthright. These are things to be appreciated.

One of the things that stands out in my mind is the reality and value of "brother bonds", or a strong sense of heritage and belonging that we share. There's a big difference between real community and a religious crowd. The old Christian hymn says, ""Blessed be the ties that bind our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above." That fellowship of kindred minds one of the distinctives of our Fellowship, hence the title of this post, "The Blessed Bonds." There is an intriguing testimony to this from the life of Abraham that says, "318 trained servants who were born in his own house." (Gen.14:14). It's not describing the result of an intensive job search or of a membership drive. It's not describing a loose-knit kind of affiliation. These were not employees or spectators. No, it describes a strong sense of identity, of family, of shared purpose, and of the linking together of their lives! Whether directly (those saved and won to Christ through our church's ministry) or indirectly (those who by "adoption" God has joined to us) there is a dynamic at work similar to Jonathan and David where "the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David." In our outreach and church planting, this is not a program or an organization we're investing in. These are the "sons and daughters" of this congregation that were are helping do the will of God! This is so much a part of my vision for the church that I can write about this with a deep sense of passion. We are far from perfect and have in no way "arrived". My own failings in this regard disturb me and provoke me to want to grow more like Christ and be a better pastor/shepherd. There are a number of things about this distinctive that come to mind that are worth considering.

1. Mark of spiritual authenticity. In Paul's letter to Philemon this is what stood out, "hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints." The effective sharing and testimony of Philemon's faith was rooted in this soil! Jesus and "the saints" are forever connected; you can't really separate the two. The New Testament knows nothing about a "me & Jesus" mentality to the exclusion of the church family, the brothers and sisters where we've been planted. It is this feature or these "bonds" that signals spiritual authenticity or the "real thing!" Look at Paul's greeting and acknowledgement to the church at Ephesus and Colosse and you discover the same thing. (Eph.1:15) (Col.1:4)

2. Important command to obey. Peter gave a short but powerful exhortation, "love the brotherhood" (1Pet.2:17). The Message puts it this way, "Love your spiritual family." We're not to take this for granted but this is both something to value and to guard. In the New Testament, one of the highest designations is that of "beloved brother." It usually comes before references to other things like fellow-worker or fellow-soldier. In other words, the structure of the kingdom of God and the Church is not organizational but filial (family). What is it that holds us together even with all our faults, our shortcomings, our misunderstandings, our conflicts and our selfishness? It is these relational and spiritual bonds that are the work of the Holy Spirit! This is why we should always guard our hearts against the things that would weaken these, such as neglect or bitterness. One of my greatest grief’s in life is when these "blessed bonds" are violated, broken or severed. And you know what? I don't really care about all the reasons, the explanations or the justifications....in the long run they don't matter....brotherhood does!

3. It carries a dimension of victory. There is a powerful dimension of spiritual victory connected to these brother bonds. Think again about Abraham and his 318 trained servants born in his own house. They were not a numerically superior force, but these "bonds" (what Ps.133 calls "blessed unity") equipped them along with God's grace, to be victorious even when outnumbered! Just ask Jonathan and his armor bearer. There were only two of them, but they knew a God who was not limited by size, and because they were so joined in heart and spirit, they became a powerful force overthrowing a Philistine garrison. This is why the Book of Ecclesiastes to combat the meaninglessness of this life said simply, "two are better than one!" He used many examples, but one was the promise of a dimension of overcoming this brought, "A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer." (Eccl.4:12)NLT I've got to believe that because this victory and dimension is so powerful that Satan fears and fights against these bonds of belonging so much!

4. It enriches our lives immensely. I am blessed and a better man because of you and the God-ordained relationships that I have! I just returned from Fairfield, CA where I conducted the wedding ceremony of Rachel Gutierrez and Fred LaValley, and preached afterwards. I was honored to be invited to that role. I'm sure part of the reason was that the Pastor happened to be the father of the bride, and the odds weren't good that he could keep it together! I can guarantee you that it was very rare to be marrying two young people and also to be the man who married their parents over two decades ago, and dedicated them when they were children! That, my friend, is the fruit and result of the bonds I'm describing. It makes me either incredibly blessed, or it makes me a relic! I think I will choose the former!

Let me wrap up my feelings about this distinctive feature. One of my favorite "revelations" is Paul's description of his fellow-workers in Colossians 4, "in terms of Jewish converts, these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me." (Col.4:11) I remember years ago doing a word study of the word "comfort" here that Paul attributed to his brethren and fellow-workers. It's a unique word. It is the Greek word, "paregoria" where we get our English word, "paregoric" from. Being on old hippie, this caught my attention. The word signifies medicines which allay irritation. Paregoric is the opiate that you find in strong diarrhea medicine. Is there a lesson in this for us? Yes, I believe there is: WHEN LIFE GETS LOOSE (AS IT SOMETIMES WILL) ---- IT'S GOOD TO HAVE FRIENDS!" Have a blessed day.

Update To My Readers

I had already been working on things when I got an email today from Garett King basically saying, "where's the blog?!" He even told me how many days it was since my last posting, 20+ days! I hope he's not hard up for sermon material, but he is correct. It has been an extended period. So I thought I'd just let you know that there are a number of things "in the chute" and "on the stove" that should be posted tomorrow and Wednesday and later this week.

I've had a revelation! When you commit yourself to writing a blog, like everything else in life, it boils down to work! You've got to stay at it, but at the same time, I can't decimate my sermon inspiration either! Every pastor knows what that's about! So, take heart, I should have things worked out by tomorrow!

Also, a couple of things would be helpful from you. One is encouragement. If you find this beneficial, let me know. I don't want to be presumptuous that you're getting something from this; plus, I don't want to waste my own time. So, if it's a help or blessing, just let me know. Along with that, if you want an immediate notification of a new posting either to your computer or to your phone, you can sign up to get an RSS feed to notify you. But..........don't ask me how you do that! I think on the website it is pretty self-explanatory. Just follow directions and things should be fine. Otherwise, happy Labor Day~

"Happiness...It's A Choice!"

We all want to be happy (duh!). One of God's little reminders about the importance and the art of happiness came to me in the form of something we all talk about: the weather. In the months leading up to the Sadler's Alaska Challenge handcycling race, one of the things I was anticipating was a break from the summer heat in Tucson. Extended weather reports of between 55-65 degrees was sounding very good to me. When we actually arrived we were met by rain, and the first five days of racing was cold and wet. The weather became a source of frustration. Then, I returned home to my Tucson where I was met with triple-digit, 100 degree plus temperatures. So, again we had something to complain about. All of this reminded me of a simple, basic truth: happiness is a choice. Most people are generally as happy as they choose to be. My determination was whether it was hot or cold, wet or dry, God and life is good and I'm going to be happy! It also led me to some other important considerations about the subject of happiness that you might find helpful; unless, of course, you want to be miserable and are not interested at all in happiness!

Lesson #1: Nothing that comes from the outside can satisfy the soul inside. Real happiness is "heart-based." Much of God's lament for His creatures is because we're always looking for happiness in all the wrong places. Listen to (Jer.2:13) "For my people have done two evil things: They have forsaken me — the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!" (NLT) Most of this world's happiness revolves around having the right circumstances, an abundance of material possessions, and our fickle and unpredictable emotions. All of which turn out to be very poor foundations for experiencing true or lasting happiness. God reiterated this through the prophet Isaiah (Isa.55:1,2) "Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance." (NASB) True happiness depends on the character within not externals. The Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote,
If happiness hath not her seat
And center in the breast
We may be wise, or rich, or great
But never can be blest.

Lesson #2: God Himself is the Source of true happiness. It might come as a bit of a shock to some people, but God is a happy God! (1Tim.1:11) says "According to the glorious gospel of the blessed (happy) God which was committed to my trust." (NKJV) Because of this fact, happiness is a measure of our relationship with God and our satisfaction in Him. David wrote and sang (Ps.16:11) "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (NKJV) This is why John Piper said, "God is most glorified (in us) when we are the most satisfied in Him." One of the most eloquent testimonies to this comes from Malcolm Muggeridge who said, "I may, I suppose regard myself as a relatively successful man. People occasionally stare at me in the streets -- that's fame. I can fairly easily earn enough for admission to the higher slopes of the Internal Revenue -- that's success. Furnished with money and a little fame, I may partake of trendy diversions -- that's pleasure. It might happen that my writing will make a serious impact on our time -- that's fulfillment. Yet I say to you -- and I beg you to believe me -- multiply these tiny triumphs by a million, add them all together, and they are nothing -- less than nothing, measured against one draught of that living water Christ offers."

Lesson #3: Happiness is serious business. The greatest formula for happiness every invented was spoken by Jesus Christ in His famous Sermon on the Mount which began with an astounding series of principles of happiness known as "The Beatitudes." What is so significant is that happinesss is clearly one of the matters of first importance to the Lord and those who follow Him. In the language of heaven, the word He uses for true happiness is translated, "blessed." Some versions of the New Testament say, "O the happiness of....." It means to be approved by God. It carries the sense of His smile or approval of you, and is a word of love and affection. "Blessedness is deep, lasting, spiritual, and accessible, not circumstantial, tangible, emotional. Blessedness is serious business. Blessedness doesn't come from this world, but from the next. It is not from human resources, but divine." If you were to give a survey with the fill-in-the-blank question, "Happiness is ______" you would get a myriad of answers of the things people feel are the essentials to and for happiness. Jesus, however, tells us that true happiness is based on character and spiritual maturity. It has to do with who you are. In the end, happiness is serious business (not fluff) and in this context becomes a worthy goal.

Lesson #4: Happiness has transcendent roots and is the fruit of practice. One of the great curses of human nature is we are seldom satisfied and always prone to complain. The comprehensive and unqualified command that defies our thankless and complaining nature is (Phil.4:4) "Rejoice in the Lord always, and I again I say, rejoice." Paul is not writing this from the Cafe Roma as he sips expresso. He is writing from a Roman prison cell unsure of whether he woud live or die, and twice he commands, "rejoice in the Lord." There is a supernatural dimension here that is not based on circumstances and has no loopholes. He says, "always" which translated means always! This is not just talking about a smiley face but it is the fruit of a relationship with the Lord. He exhorts, "rejoice in the Lord." This capacity only comes from what the Lord has done in the past, what He's doing now, and the hope of what He will do in the future Just so that we wouldn't forget he repeats the command saying "again I say rejoice."

So, beloved, happiness is a mindset that we must learn, practice and master. It is not just a fortunate state of mind that we drift into...it is a choice, a mindset. Blaise Pascal wrote, "All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every person, even of those who hang themselves." You owe it to yourself and to others around you to......BE HAPPY!

"Who Is The King...Of Glory?!"

I don't want to beat a dead horse, but I want to revisit the saga or circus that was Michael Jackson. It seemed like in the wake of his death everything about his life was amplified! You would have thought that one of the great personages in history had died given the amount of network media attention, the 20,000 who filled the Staples Center, and the millions around the world who watched this on TV. Many of the same people who had vilified him when he was alive ("Wacko Jacko") were eulogizing him in his death. You've got to admit that much of it was way over the top as he was eulogized in word and song by an all-star list of musicians, athletes, and other celebrities. While Michael Jackson was a great musical talent and entertainer, many made him out to have almost "Savior-like" qualities and impact. At best, Michael Jackson was a troubled and tormented soul.

All of this made me question and ask myself what was really going on? It was so over the top that I realized it went much deeper than just our shallow, obsessive, celebrity culture. One of the Reverends who spoke at the funeral said, "As long as we remember him, he will always be there to comfort us." Excuse me? This is absurd! I have been able to identify 3 things of real importance.

1. A blatant display of idolatry. Did you know that idolatry is the most frequently discussed problem in Scripture? It's not just some ancient tendency of a pre-enlightened people, but it is the strong penchant in every human heart and a prevalent and pernicious sin. It is not an accident that the 1st commandment says (Ex.20:3) "you shall have no other gods before me." Idolatry is not just some obsolete practice of days gone by, it is the primary sin of the human race! It involves the worship of someone or something other than, different than, or less than the true and living God and Creator. Maybe a few of these quotes will further highlight this problem. Ken Sande said, "An idol is not simply a statue of wood, stone or metal. It is anything that we love and pursue in the place of God. An idol is something other than God that we set our hearts on, that motives us, that masters or rules us, or that we serve." Richard Keyes commented, "An idol is something within creation that is inflated to function as God." He also said, "All sorts of things are potential idols, depending only on our attitudes and actions towards them...Idolatry may not involve explicit denials of God's existence or character. It may well come in the form of an over-attachment to something that is, in itself, perfectly good...an idol can be a physical object, a property, a person, an activity, a role, an institution, a hope, an image, an idea, a pleasure, a hero----anything that can substitute for God." I believe that the most telling truth about us and idolatry comes from John Calvin. He said, "The human heart is a factory of idols. Everyone of us is, from his mother's womb, expert in inventing idols." This is what we saw on display at Michael Jackson's funeral: not just the grief or sadness over a departed loved one or even a great talent...but, full-on idolatry! I kept hearing references to Michael Jackson as "the King" or "the King of Pop." He might have to get in line for this title because before him I think Elvis Presley was known as "the king." The the NBA gives us Lebron James, better known as "King James." You have a television show and character called "The King of Queens" etc. The difference is I wonder if Michael Jackson came to believe this about himself, that he was "the king." He went so far to name his son, "Prince Michael" so you draw your own conclusions!



2. A deep heart hunger for worship. What I saw in Michael Jackson's memorial at the Staples Center bordered on a worship service more than a funeral...and it wasn't worship for the real King, the Lord Jesus Christ. To me, it spoke to me and confirmed the fact that man was made to worship. He will worship someone or something. Someone has said, "So long as man remains, he strives for nothing so incessantly and so painfully as to find someone to worship." How true! Jesus spoke to the woman at the well and told her (Jn.4:23,24) "The time is coming and now is when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeks such to worship Him."



3. Who or what is truly worthy? Worship and worthy go together, since worship comes from a word meaning "worth-ship." All the saga surrounding Michael Jackson's death simply confirmed to me that I want to live my life knowing who and what is truly worthy (possesses intrinsic value, excellence etc.). This is the truth that reverberates throughout the Book of Revelation and the scenes around the throne of God. (Rev.5:11,12) gives us the picture of an innumerable multitude "saying with a loud voice: worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" The hunger and desires of the human heart can only be quenched by the One who in Himself and all He accomplished for you and I, is worthy! If you don't think this is a major issue, than a little history lesson is in order. In the Roman Empire, one of the political (spiritual) demands was that every resident had to offer a pinch of incense on an altar once a year and declare that "Caesar is Lord." It was more of a matter of formality and governance in such a vast and diverse empire. But, early Christians saw things differently! They realized the spiritual overtones and refused to do so, because only Jesus Christ is Lord. It was a basic question of worthiness.



So just that there's no mistaking at all, the Psalms asks a repeated question (Ps.24:8-10) "Who is the King of glory?" Everyone will have to answer this question correctly one day. The resounding answer is, "the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle...the Lord of hosts, He is the king of glory." King Jesus is Who it's all about! (Phil.2:9-11) says, "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This verse is one of many that was the inspiration for that great hymn of the church, "All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name." A fitting way to close is to give you a "taste" from this hymn (musicians and singers in the background!). "All hail the pow'r of Jesus' name! Let an-gels prostrate fall: Bring forth the roy-al di-a-dem, And crown Him Lord of all, Bring forth the roy-al di-a-dem, and crown Him Lord of all!" I'm sorry, but I've got to give you a little more, "Let ev-'ery kin-dred, ev-'ry tribe On this ter-res-trial ball, Hail Him who saves you by His grace, And crown Him Lord of all, Hail Him who saves you by His grace, And crown Him Lord of all!"

In our world of great and small, rich and poor, famous and unknown, there is only One who is worthy, and His name is Jesus! My prayer is that you would have your own coronation ceremony in your own heart and life, and "crown Him Lord of all!"