"May I Run Your Life, Please?"

I have never seen a person whose life is so "together" that they are capable of running another person's life. But many people try, even without knowing it. Books have been written on the subject. We all have experienced those people who are quick to tell us what we need to do. Some people will even provide a step-by-step, day-by-day commentary making it clear what you should do next. Such a life is plagued with irritation and frustration.

Some of these "controllers" are simply straightforward in their "guidance," often coming across harsh, overpowering and demanding. Others are subtle, making "suggestions" and giving hints that are so well-stated that they manipulate by the guilt and shame. They are skilled and crafty as they inflict their poisonous control.

Those who want to control you will often preface their demands with, "If you would just do what I say, everything will be just fine," or "This is what you need to do." They say or imply things like, "I know what's best for you." They want to run "your show" with rules, demands and expectations, often tapping into your emotions for that extra twist. A little word to "persuade" you to do what they want, providing a dose of guilt if you don't, is a major weapon in their arsenal. They may even blame your lack of response for making them "feel bad" in some way. You suddenly become responsible for their "happiness and contentment" if you don't perform as expected. The Pharisees of Jesus' day were good at it. In the name of religion they controlled and manipulated people with laws, rules and expectations never intended by God. The people were burdened because of the harassment of those who "knew what was best for them." Do you do that with anyone?

The Bible teaches us that no one has the right to your life but you and God: you, because God has given it to you, and God, because Jesus has paid the price for your ransom. The result of keeping your life to yourself is devastating. Your sin actually puts Satan in control, who then can claim your life for eternity. But to give your life to Jesus brings abundant life. He will safely deliver you to the Father and a home in His kingdom forever.

"When [Jesus] saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Mt. 9:36, NIV)

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Mt. 11:28, NIV)

By giving our lives to God and living for Him, we can leave the lives of others to them. And, who knows? As we find rest, others may follow our example.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

It's God's Job!

I would like to announce that am taking God at His Word. Speaking of Jesus, Matthew tells us, "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'" (Mt. 9:37-38, NIV)

Prior to the verses above, the Bible sets the stage for Jesus' words. It says, "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Mt. 9:35-36, NIV)

I to, have looked at the crowds. I have seen the hurting and the needy. Only a few days ago I held the hand and touched the shoulder of one so overwhelmed with grief words could not be spoken. Only flowing tears and a quivering lip expressed the pain and fear within. I thought, "Lord, help me help this person." Very recently I walked alone through the streets of a neighboring town, and again was overwhelmed at the need. My heart could hear the cries for help as I looked into the lonely faces of the people. I thought, "Lord, I need help! How can these needs be met?" Only a few months ago, I stood in a village on the Amazon River speaking with one who, seventeen months earlier had asked, "Will you come back to teach us the deeper things of the Bible?" I was there to keep my promise. I prayed, "Lord, I need help to reach more of these people." But there are thousands of little villages like that one who have never heard about Jesus. In every instance, it had to be the compassion of the Lord that I felt, for this cold human heart of mine does not have the ability to even care without the urging of His Spirit.

I've decided to take God at His Word. I will pray for workers... plenty of workers... workers who are more in love with the Lord than with their own lives... workers who have become "living sacrifices" to HIM and nothing else. I will pray for workers who have the compassion of Jesus, and not mere passion for their own comforts, ease and desires. I will pray for them... so that God will be glorified by answering my prayer. I will pray that they will be "prayers" who will approach the throne of God with the boldness, boldness that comes from their salvation in Jesus Christ, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. I will pray that they will fill my church, and other churches, in number and with prayers, putting the scoffers of the Spirit of God to shame. I will pray that they will assist my fellow pastors in their labors, so that those who are in need for Him and His Word will be satisfied. I will pray that they will spend more time proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ then they do talking about what is wrong. And I will pray that God will begin with me, that He will move His Spirit upon MY heart that I will never be critical of my fellow worker, but join them and lead them to the kingdom's work. After all, it's my job to pray. It's God's job to send.

"Lord, You said that I should pray for workers. I take You at your Word. Here is my prayer to You. Send the laborers for the harvest. Amen."

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Why Go To The Trouble?

Do you want to experience God in your life? Learn to pray. Prayer takes faith. Faith requires the Word. We turn to the Word in the midst of crisis. If we are more likely to turn to God only in the midst of trouble, it makes sense. Just add it up.

God knows the peril of avoiding Him. We all know that life can be short. That is reason enough. But even if we live a long life, Satan has his traps that can take a fatal grip that can drag a person into his permanent hold. A God of love will cause Him to allow some devastating events that will urge us to safety. Consider a loving parent who will allow the pain and discomfort of surgery to save a sick child. God's love is greater, still.

But, suppose you have already accepted Christ as your Savior? Satan is still eager to destroy your productive life that will glorify God. The enemy has his traps for that as well. You can rest assured that the Lord has more for your life than what you have experienced. His love will again allow tough times that you may grow you. In either case, some troubles will come.

In John 16:33 (NIV), Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart. I have overcome the world." While problems in life are unavoidable, many troubles CAN be avoided. Proverbs 19:23 (NIV) assures us that, "The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." Do you desire, even need a rest where troubles back off? If we are active in drawing close to God we will find Him drawing close to us. James 4:8 (NIV) says, "Come near to God and He will come near to you." We can bypass many troubles by doing so. So, if we can become what God has designed us to be by pursuing Him, "why go to the trouble?"


Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Finding God in Life

One thing I think happens when we face life's tough times is that it makes us think... especially when the though times are long-lasting. It is easy to get into a rut in our thinking. If we are honest, we would have to wonder if it was real thinking at all. If thinking is defined as "a process of thoughts," or thinking something through to a conclusion or an end, mere thoughts passing through our minds do not necessarily qualify as true thinking.

We can easily get caught up in a "comfort zone of thinking, or become satisfied with our mind focusing on the "status quo." We can become content with the thoughts of the community; whether it is a family, church, town or any other type of community. The danger of becoming satisfied with our thoughts regarding the things of God is that we can miss God all together, sometimes by only thinking "about" God, or having false beliefs about Him.

Proverbs gives us a warning. It says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." (Prov. 16:25, NIV) We must always be on guard, never becoming careless regarding our belief or opinion.

It was during an abrupt change in my daily schedule that caused me to pause and consider my "conversations" with God. I wondered if they were truly conversations with Him. Was I merely reciting religious phrases, followed by my list of desires? I also had to decide if I was following Him "faithfully" when things were going good, and becoming less "dedicated" if things were going against my expectations. A decision like that reveals if we are serving Him, or if we are expecting Him to serve us. True service means that I stay steady if things are going good or if they are going bad. To abandon Him, or feel I "need a change" because the "going gets rough," reveals my expectation of God, and my lack of dedication to Him. What a devastating mistake that could be.

My prayer-life has been changing. I believe I am far from what it will eventually become, but I have decided to never be satisfied with my prayer-life. God is "unfathomable." There is always more of Him to learn and experience. There is always room for growth in our prayer-life. James said, "Come near to God and He will come near to you." (James 4:8a, NIV) We can never come to the place where we can say, "Oh, I have already done that." It is an ongoing relationship. It is always possible to hear God call us to "come closer." I want to experience God like that.

That's just something to think about.

"Lord, thank you for the tough times that direct my attention to you. Amen."