journey onWord with us

Yesterday was a remarkably beautiful day. My actions, however, were often less than remarkable.  I have chosen to share some of the moments of my Saturday, not because they would interest you, but because they may reflect you.  My goal is always to encourage those who read our articles, and sometimes that encouragement can be drawn from relating to my weaknesses, and understanding how to apply the principles of life that you know God would choose for you.  So as you read the following words, apply your life to mine and accept what the Father will say through them.

I was able to play golf in the morning with some friends.  They are serious about golf, and I am always thankful for the opportunity to play with them.  During the first five holes, my ball mysteriously found the woods, the water, and out-of-bounds.  When my third shot on the fifth hole found high grass under tree limbs, I was no longer enjoying the companionship of my friends.  How could I possibly have made such a mess out of a beautiful Saturday morning?  As I slugged my way through the front nine, my mind went to a principle that has recently impacted my life.  It came from Joyce Meyer’s book, Power Thoughts. Since I was in need of some good thoughts, I chose to start saying the principle in my mind before each shot.  The words, “I will live in the present and enjoy each moment”, had a definite effect on the rest of my round of golf.  Over the last few weeks, I had meditated on those words countless times.  I had even badgered and cajoled others to do the same.  But it was on a beautiful Saturday during a horrible round of golf that I began to apply them.  And make no mistake, I believe the Father is pleased when you and I will live in the present and enjoy each moment.  Are you practicing this kind of living?

Then I went home and sinned.  Can you believe I would find another way to not enjoy a beautiful day? Thank goodness there was quick recovery.  We were with my mother-in-law (early afternoon), and my wife suggested that we all go out to dinner.  What? I thought my wife and I had plans to do something else, and I got selfish and gave the old silent attitude about what she suggested.  My wife noticed my discontent, but responded with grace.  As soon as we got home, I was convicted about my less than remarkable attitude.  You can call it what you want, but I was selfish and sinned against my wife.  Far greater was the sin against God.  I was reminded again this week in my study of King David’s life that relational sin is also sin against my Father.  I confessed my wrong to my wife and the Lord. Remember, if we confess our sins with a sincere heart, forgiveness comes.  Are you keeping the slate clean with others, and most importantly God?

Off to dinner we go (with a renewed attitude)!  It was a great outdoor restaurant that we all love. And then we get our all-time worst service.   A young, overwhelmed waiter completely forgot that he was serving us (it took 30 minutes to receive our drinks).  You would think that by this time on a beautiful Saturday afternoon I would remember to live in the present and enjoy each moment.  But I was hungry, wanted my iced tea and I can’t stand horrible service (guess I’ve never made a mistake).  And then I remember that line again.  I was beginning to hate my own advice (not really), but in truth the words I will live in the present and enjoy each moment became clear again.  The food was great; we tipped the waiter and laughed all the way home.  But oh how I want to just live wisely, without having to be reminded.  How about you?

You may not struggle like me. Maybe you don’t even play golf!  However, there is something within me that believes you relate.  You may even be at a point (while reading this article) of needing to grab the present and live with enjoyment.  And there could be some fences you need to mend relationally.  And remember, if you have sinned against others, you have sinned against God.  Confess and move on!  By the way, when we dropped off my eighty-nine year old mother-in-law (who has only one daughter, is a widow and has virtually no social life),  she commented on what a nice time she had with us.  I guess the day ended remarkably, and I learned again how to make it beautiful.

Last week I had the opportunity to play in a charity golf outing that raised funds for a Christian School. One of our team members was a great golfer, and you could say he intimidated me. I am really fond of golf. My teammate is passionate about golf (and that’s why he is so good). My wife and I are fond of walking on long trails, but not passionate enough to do it regularly. You are probably no different. There are things you are fond of that don’t reach the level of passion. It’s probably fair to say that Christian America has a fondness for God, but not the passion to sacrifice their comfort for His cause. A logical question for all of us is; “would a greater passion for God bring a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in my life?” If not, why would He desire it of us?

It is easy to read a quote like “each of us is as close to God as we choose to be” (Dr. Oswald Sanders), and give intellectual agreement to it. But if you and I were to give an honest evaluation of our lives in relationship to that quote, what would the results tell us? I wonder if it would really take that much evaluation to root out the truth. We all know how close to God we are choosing to be. If you are a Christ follower, there is no doubt that you love God and can absolutely be used greatly for His cause. Since yesterday ended at midnight, yesterday’s lack of passion is no longer relevant. What is His purpose for you today? Finding spiritual purpose without seeking to know God and drawing close to Him will only lead to frustration. To grow close to God and fulfill His purpose for us, the Word has to play a vital role in each of our lives.

A favorite author of mine, Beth Moore, writes in Believing God …

“An ongoing relationship with God through His Word is essential to the Christian’s consistent victory!”

I don’t know that I have ever met a person whose faith I would want to emulate, that was not a student of the Word. Make no mistake; consistent intake of the heart of God will change you. You will learn His perspective on life, and that insight will shape and reshape you. I am very conscious that many who read our articles have known Christ for many years. But there is a burden in my spirit that American Christianity treats our relationship with God’s Word like I treat my golf game. Far too many errors are made because I just don’t want to put in the time to be the best. But in matters eternal, the stakes are so much higher. Every relationship that you and I have is affected by our relationship to God through His Word.

So if you will choose to be close to God, you must also choose to be close to His Word. We all have to make a decision … fondness or passion? If you desire to consistently have His perspective, start today with a fresh view of the Word and it’s power in your life. Yesterday really did end at midnight, and the Creator of each new day wants you to have His insight. When you gain it, there will be a great sense of purpose and fulfillment.

If you want to grow closer to Christ, and are struggling between fondness and passion, email us. We are here for you, and I promise we will help you!

It has happened to all of us.  We’ve been speaking (maybe even passionately) to someone who, without a doubt, was not listening.  You could tell by their eyes that your words were falling on deaf ears.  Undoubtedly, you have also been on the receiving end of a conversation and had no idea what the speaker was saying.  We can all make excuses for not listening. We were distracted, really tired, in a hurry, the speaker was giving too many details … the list goes on and on. At the core of our poor listening, there is a subtle selfishness — I am more important than you.  Those words may seem harsh, but I truly believe that when the people in our lives speak, they deserve to be heard.  I heard someone say once, “When I speak, all anyone hears is blah, blah, blah!” You, like me, have probably felt that way, and sadly, have also probably listened that way.  Listening can be boiled down to one word … focus!

Writing about this subject without admitting my failures would be inappropriate.  I’m pretty driven and focused on what I have to accomplish at work and in life.  When I am not careful, my agenda will dictate my thinking, and I can easily lose concentration on what others may be saying to me.  I would never want to say it this way, but that is the subtle form of selfishness I mentioned above;  I am more important than you, or my time is too important to stop and listen to you. I am very conscious that I can slip into that mode easily, and so I am very aware of my need to live in the present.  Without much effort you may find that you also become less than a good listener.

In my personal growth journey, recently I ran across some pages that were ripped from an article. They have really helped me frame the way I should listen, and be present with others in a profound way.  If you will take the following words and internalize them, your listening skills will improve, and others will feel that you are really focusing on them and care about their needs.  The words I am quoting were written in the Cedarville TORCH magazine in 2011. They can be attributed to a great author, Dr. Richard Swenson.

The focus of Christ’s ministry was always the person standing in front of Him. The person standing in front of me is an obstacle I ‘m trying to get over, under, around, or through because I’m late for whatever is down the road.  Jesus did not cure every case of leprosy in Israel. If you could just look at it or touch it and heal it, wouldn’t you hold a clinic until 3 a. m. every morning? Wouldn’t you give the disciples only an hour of sleep and keep running from village to village? Jesus didn’t do that; He knew there would be more leprosy tomorrow. How completely contrary that is to my whole mentality.
(boldface added for emphasis)

His focus was always the person standing in front of Him … Hmmm!  Although I don’t have an exact example to give you, I believe with all my heart that Christ dealt with people that way.  It is my opinion that His attention and care was directed toward the needs of those (individually or as a group) who were in front of Him at any moment.   Living with this kind of focus is a rarity in our fast paced, check my cell phone, read my texts, get to the next meeting world.  Therefore we hear half statements, draw wrong conclusions, offend those we love, and selfishly infer – I am more important than you. I’ll say it again. Listening can be boiled down to one word … focus!

A popular mantra in the 1990’s was WWJD (What Would Jesus Do).  I can tell you one thing He would do, because I believe He did it.  He would focus on the person right in front of Him.  So should I, and so should you!  Today, you will stand in front of someone who is speaking to you.  Will your eyes drift, will your hand reach for a phone, or will your mind wander to another place?  You know what Jesus did, and what He wants you to do. Listen with laser focus and show them the care that Christ would have definitely shown you.  I haven’t mastered it yet, but I’m growing.  Grow with me!

Have you ever put an item back on the shelf because you didn’t want to wait in a long check-out line? Maybe you have even raced through a yellow light, rather than stop and wait at an especially long red light. Illustrations are endless of how we seek to avoid “the wait”. It’s not just in the inconvenient, “But, I’m in a hurry” moments when waiting tends to try our patience. Everyone reading this post is likely going through a waiting experience right now. In viewing some Old and New Testament passages recently, I was struck by the number of times that the issue of waiting was referenced. My natural conclusion is that God the Father uses waiting for His purpose in our lives.

Even those who know little of Scripture have heard about the raising of Lazarus from the dead. A careful reading of the events leading up to this miracle is instructive for anyone with a desire to understand the Father’s care. John chapter 11 tells the story. The sisters of Lazarus; Mary and Martha sent word to Christ that their brother was sick. Instead of coming immediately or healing Lazarus from a distance, Christ waited … and his friend died. He came, but not until four days later. The pain of loss was real for both Mary and Martha. They both mentioned to Christ, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  Was Christ cruel, too busy, insensitive, or did He have a greater plan in mind? God’s design was to raise Lazarus from the dead, use the event in the lives of the witnesses, and teach generations that followed. I wonder if His “waiting room” still has a purpose today. Of course it does!

If you follow the life of David from Scripture, you know that he had his share of struggles. But he also had a deep trust in God’s sovereignty. During some recent reading in the Psalms, I found David giving us counsel on waiting. God is using David to pen the words of His heart for us.

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 37:7
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Logic tells me that most individuals reading this believe in God’s sovereignty for all of life. I am also aware that you may struggle with seeing His control in the midst of your “waiting room” circumstances. Most of us don’t like to wait in lines, or at red lights. Truth be told, we also want answers from God right now! But if we really believe that He is in control (“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28), don’t we also have to accept that our current waiting is part of His design?

I have no way of knowing what kind of “wait” you are experiencing at this moment. But as your friend, let me challenge you to look at this circumstance as an opportunity to “Wait for the Lord”. He knows you, cares for you, wants the best for you, and knows best when to provide the answers you desire. You won’t see Him raise the dead, but you can see Him build your life: Just be still and wait patiently.

I had an interesting experience this weekend.  Mike and I provide the Sunday service at the assisted living facility where I work on the first Sunday of the month – Mike preaches and I play piano.  Unfortunately, Mike had to leave for a business trip Sunday morning and was going to be unable to preach.  Knowing this for a week and a half, I did my best to broker a trade with one of the other preachers … no luck.  I started on the substitutes’ list.  Again, I hit a brick wall.  I was really in a quandary.  Knowing how much these residents count on and enjoy these Sunday services, I was bound and determined I was not going to cancel.  I didn’t want to “preach,” so I tried to think of a way to use my music to present an uplifting and encouraging service to start off their week.  I began to read various hymn histories in search of one to use during the service.  I started with all my favorites, and amongst them I found this one that I shared with them and would like to also share with you.  Here’s the amazing story behind “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

Joseph Scriven was a man well acquainted with grief.  He was born in Ireland and, as a young man, planned to follow in the footsteps of his father and join the service as a Royal Marine.  Unfortunately, ill-health prevented him from being accepted.  Life continued on, and he fell in love with a lovely young girl with whom he planned on building a life together.  Tragically, she drowned the night before their wedding.

Overcome with grief, Joseph decided to start fresh in Canada.  There he fell in love again and was due to be married, when his second fiancée became ill and died before their nuptials.  In his deep grief, Joseph decided to devote his life to serving others, and he became known for that very quality.

In 1855, at the age of 36, Scriven received word from Ireland that his mother lay dying.  He didn’t have the finances for a trip home, so he sent his mother a letter and a special poem in the hope of comforting her.  The poem was called “Pray Without Ceasing” and began with the words, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!  What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!”  A friend, sitting with Joseph during an illness, found and later submitted the poem to a Christian journal.  It was published under the title “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Soon after, Joseph Scriven died.  His poem, however, lived on.

A man by the name of Ira Sankey was the musical director for a simple preacher – maybe you have heard of him – D.L. Moody!  Sankey published the poem, which by that time had been put to music, in a book of hymns and sang it quite often at Moody’s evangelistic meetings.  Soon, the song became one of the best known hymns in America, and missionaries began taking it abroad.  It has remained popular for over 150 years!

A young man, who was well acquainted with grief , was also acquainted with faith.   I was especially touched by the words of the second verse, “We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.”  How could someone who had experienced the losses that he had, pen such words? Simply stated … through Christ, and Christ alone.  Start your week with these words:

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to
Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there
will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship
will be our sweet portion there.

Words: Joseph Scriven (1857)

What do you fear? In our household, snakes rank high on the fear-o-meter. Over 25 years ago, my wife Genel felt something scratch her foot (in a church parking area).  Once she noticed the fang marks, and after a visit to the hospital very late that night, snakes became number one on her fear-o-meter.  She can get hives from seeing a snake on television. For all of us there is something that causes the pulse to quicken and anxiety to increase.  Sometimes our fears are valid, but very often fear exhibits a lack of trust and must be dealt with. In my recent reading, I came across a verse that should be memorized by every Christ follower.

Psalm 34:4
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears

Before continuing, I must tell you a humorous but true story of someone overcoming what would have created great fear for many of us. The event happened two Sundays ago at a friend’s church in Florida. As a student pastor was preparing for baptism, he spots a mouse near the baptismal pool … He is getting ready to baptize an 80 year-old woman! Yep, you guessed it … the mouse jumps in the water, and does the backstroke across the pool. As the mouse swims toward the woman, she says; “Is that a fish?” (she didn’t have her glasses on) The man helping her into the water says “No, it’s a mouse!” He reaches to grab the mouse, the woman runs and the mouse bites his hand. Amazingly, the dear woman gets in the water and is baptized. Talk about confronting your fears! What would you have done?!

It may not be snakes or mice, but there is something (maybe many things) that cause most of us to fear. It may be a fear of the future, financial fears, a fear of dying or simply a fear of not being in control. The list of fears that can easily control our lives is too long to list.  Yes, there are legitimate fears that we should take appropriate action on, but far too often confident trust in God is replaced by fear. What a shame! Without a doubt, you (like me) can relate to an area of your life that is a battleground in your mind; will we trust, or will we be afraid?

David was a man after God’s own heart, but was also not perfect.  Fear had obviously been a part of his journey, but the words of Psalm 34:4 give us such a simple way to deal with it.  He prayed and God answered! He was released from all his fears!  Do you believe Scripture is true? I’m sure you do.  Then you believe that God freed David from fear. The problem is, most Christ followers don’t really believe they can overcome the fears that are controlling them.  They are right if they try it in their own power, but He can, and He wants to free you and me from fear’s vice grip. David simply prayed and saw God answer. Could it be that we have conditioned ourselves to accept fear, and are missing God’s release?

As your friend, let me ask an honest question. What is high on your fear-o-meter?  Fearing snakes and mice is normal.  If, however, you are weighted down with a fear that is controlling your life and stealing your joy, release it to the Father. David’s simplicity is profound. He prayed and God answered. What about you?  Why not just pray and trust God to answer. Meditate, memorize and internalize the simple words of Psalm 34:4. They can be life changing for you.

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.

So here is how my life has been going recently…

• God moved in a miraculous way answering a prayer of my heart for an opportunity to serve.
• We arrived at the one year anniversary of the tragic loss of a new baby cousin at birth.
• I had an outstanding annual review at work in the face of a very difficult year.
• My oldest son played the smartest baseball game I have ever witnessed.
• We celebrated the birth of a new baby cousin.
• I attended a funeral of a man I didn’t know on Good Friday and responded to the leading of the Spirit to speak a few words to a crowd of people, most of whom I didn’t know.
• My oldest son experienced a major embarrassment in the middle of a baseball game and met it with monumental courage.
• We received news that our cousins, who lost their baby just a year ago, are expecting a new baby boy or girl in the fall.
• Within the span of a few days, two dear friends received a diagnosis of cancer.
• Another round of personnel reductions was announced at work, and there was certainty it would directly affect people in the group I work for.
• I finished reading an inspiring biography of an author I love.
• A few days before I finished the biography, I learned that author had recently died.

This morning I opened my iPad, launched the Bible app and was met by the following verse of the day…

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV, NLT, HCSB, NIV, CEB, NASB)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

When I read those words, I let out a long exhale, and it was as if every one of those bullets above (and more) exited from my body on the current of that breath.  It was the “casting” in I Peter 5:7 (Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.).  It was the very real experience of biblical truth that in the midst of a crowded and tumultuous life, Jesus, and all that He is, remains the singular constant.

The bright, shiny, blinking lights of our circumstances so often cause us to take our eyes off Him and focus on them.  We see Jesus as a flat line above our circumstances, and we perceive closeness or distance as our life spikes moment by moment towards pain or joy.

As I sat a while longer with verse 8, I began to see the chart differently.  The flat line representing Jesus grew increasingly thicker, to the point where it encompassed the spikes.  I believe the truth of that specific verse declares that even in our most intense moments of pain or joy, we never leave that line.  There is no varying closeness or distance as our circumstances spike.  He is ever-present and unchanging, and our circumstances never extend beyond Him.

I don’t mean to reduce the present pain or joy you find yourself in today.  I am simply responding to a truth He reminded me of this morning, and I hope it encourages you.  I pray you experience an exhale common to mine as you read the verse, and you take heart that He is ever-present and unchanging in your bulleted list of how life has been going recently.

You may have noticed the multiple translations that were listed after the chapter and verse reference above.  In studying or responding to scripture, I often seek multiple translations.  As I did that this morning, with the exception of commas and an “and” here or there, multiple translations all spoke the same words.  The same verse … the same words … the same Jesus … yesterday, today, and forever.

There is one more thing I feel is worth noting about this significant truth and what it means in, and for, our lives.  I found it in the closing sentence of verse 7 in The Message, and it reads as a powerful preface to verse 8…

There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn’t change — yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself.

Not only is Jesus an ever-present constant in the midst of our circumstances, There should be a consistency that runs through us all in the midst of those circumstances as well.

Exhale, then throw your arms around the Ever-Present Constant as your one and only help in living consistently in the sight of others through the spikes of your circumstances.  You have the opportunity to show Jesus to those around you as you navigate the bulleted list of your everyday.  Draw near and hold tight to the Ever-Present Constant.

Anyone looking back at the seasons of their life will certainly find some high points, and also times of discouragement and defeat. Often the times of defeat are due to our own selfishness and sin. God gives us a glimpse of real life through the pages of His Word. One of the most referenced real life heroes is David. Tracking the events of his life helps us relate our high points, discouraging moments and devastating defeats to those of a “man after God’s own heart.” He went from shepherd, to battle hero, then to a fugitive, and eventually a King. He committed adultery, had a man murdered, and lived with deep pain. Although our issues may not be exactly like his, we all know the peaks and valleys of real life. One particular high point for David is often overlooked but gives us great lessons.

David the king was a man of power. In II Samuel 9, we find an event that clearly shows him also to be a man of grace and kindness. To me, this event shows the heart of a man who loved God and showed that love to others. It is well-known that David had a special relationship with Saul’s (former King) son Jonathon. David lived as a fugitive from Saul, and over the course of that time, both Saul and Jonathon died. When news of their deaths came, another tragedy happened.

II Samuel 4:4
Jonathon son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathon came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became crippled. His name was Mephibosheth.

Dad and grandfather are dead and this child is crippled for life. You can imagine the heartbreak and life struggles that ensued. But fast-forward about twenty years. Mephibosheth is a crippled young man in his middle twenties, and David is on top militarily, spiritually and financially.  One day David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathon’s sake?” (II Samuel 9:1  NIV)

David had earlier agreed to not destroy Saul’s family. But think about this for a moment – it is now many years after Saul’s death, and David is looking to show kindness. Sounds like a “man after God’s own heart” to me.

As the events unfold, we find David showing great grace and kindness to Mephibosheth. He restores the land that had belonged to his grandfather Saul. David also committed that Mephibosheth would always eat at his (David’s) table. David may have been honoring Jonathon’s legacy, but to me there is more. A man at the top, reaching out to the hopeless! I believe that he was being sensitive to His Father’s leading. What a significant example to us as we daily strive to follow our Father’s leading.  If we look outward, and submit to the Spirit, we too can be used to show kindness to a crippled Mephibosheth in our own life. Who is it in your life that needs grace and kindness?

My wife and I were on vacation last week when the eyes of America suddenly became fixed on Boston.  In a brief moment, the day of celebration and athletic accomplishment became a nightmare.  In the days following the tragic event, we all witnessed deep pain, remarkable heroism and a deep sense of relief when the standoff ended. An overriding emotion has captured me while viewing and re-viewing the Boston tragedy … Life can change so quickly!  Consequently, how can I (we) gain perspective personally to live each day well, knowing that life can change in the blink of an eye?

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been studying the life of David. I have pondered many insights about his life that can encourage us all.  But something that I read at thirty thousand feet last Wednesday helped me gain some personal perspective about living well.  Then yesterday afternoon, while going through a stack of old paperwork, the same article appeared.  I had used it in 2005. Reading it to others was great, but I have not always applied the principles well.  Finding the article twice in one week convinced me to share it with you. You may have heard it before, but maybe today you will see the need to apply the principles. Remember, one lesson from last week is that life changes ever so quickly.

If I had my life to live over, I’d try to make more mistakes next time.  I would relax. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I know of very few things that I would take seriously.  I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic.  I would take more chances.  I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets.  I would walk more.  I would eat more ice cream and fewer beans.  I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.  You see, I am one of those people who live prophylactically and sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day.  Oh, I have had my moments, and if I had it to do over again, I’d have more of them.  In fact, I’d try to have nothing else.  Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead each day.  I have been one of those people who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, and a parachute.  If I had it to do over again, I would go places and do things and travel lighter than I have.  If I had my life to do over, I would start barefooted earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.  I would play hooky more; I wouldn’t make such good grades except by accident. I would ride on more merry-go-rounds.  I would pick more daisies. (Steve May, The Story File)

Extreme? Yes, but since we get very few do-overs in life, why not live this one well, with a sense of laughter, fun and a desire to enjoy every moment. Because life can change so quickly! In trying so hard to be the perfect parent, make the most money, achieve every dream and somehow be the best at everything, we lose the laughter, the fun and the moments that we can never recover.  Life is brief at best. Christ came to give us life (eternally) and joy on this journey. Last week reminded me again to live it well, and to capture each moment. Life can change so quickly!

Although there is nothing I could write that could capture the essence of what we witnessed last week, I hope these brief words will cause you to live life well today. And never forget that there is hope in Christ!

Recently, while preparing to teach on the life of the Apostle John, I was struck with the picture of a man whose inward life looked much like our own. You may think that I’m stretching things a bit when I dare to compare our lives to that of one of the 12 men chosen to be the representatives of Jesus, but let’s take a closer look to see if this claim has any validity.

John grew up on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, becoming a fisherman like his father Zebedee. When I think of a fisherman, I think of someone whose character has been forged by hard work and back-breaking labor. Fishing, as a way of life, was not for the faint of heart. From the constant maintenance of the fishing nets and boats, to long hours and sometimes stormy seas, it was no easy life.  How about your life?  Do “hard work”, “back-breaking labor”, “long hours” and “stormy seas” sound familiar to you?  Whether you labor with your hands, heart or head, those all sound like things that are typical of our professional lives these days.

Many biblical scholars describe John’s early character traits (before he met the Fisher of men) as hotheaded, rash, reckless and self-centered. I guess that makes sense in light of Jesus referring to John and his brother James as “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). How about any of those early character traits, do any sound true of you?

Mark 1:19-20 (ESV)
“And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

The act of accepting the call and following Jesus did not immediately change John.  Consider the words and actions of he and his brother in Mark 10:35-37…

“And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” (ESV) 

John and his brother go behind the backs of the other apostles with the express purpose of gaining position over the other ten apostles. They even went to the extent of enlisting their mother Salome to also speak to Jesus on their behalf.  In Luke 9:52-56, John and his brother ask Jesus if they should “…tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” after the people in a Samaritan village snub Jesus.  And, oh yes, what about the time when John took it on his own to tell Jesus about stopping someone from casting out demons because they were not part of their group? (Mark 9:38)  Desiring to be first, drawing someone you love into a selfish scheme, taking Jesus’ place in judging and punishing, discerning who is “in” and who is “out” when it comes to kingdom work … could any of these be true of us?

Each of the incidents mentioned above revealed John’s spiritual immaturity, and each brought a rebuke from Jesus. But each also shaped John into the man he was meant to be, and that Jesus and His church would need him to be.

Lets see what three years with Jesus did for John…

John was one of the first disciples chosen.
John was the only one of the twelve apostles present at the cross.
After pentecost John fearlessly preached the Gospel in Jerusalem suffering beatings and imprisonment.
John was part of Jesus’s inner circle (Peter,James & John).
John was present at the transfiguration.
Jesus entrusted John with the care of His mother at the cross.

I wonder if you see a little (or a lot) of “early” John in you?  I hope that is not all that you see.  I also hope you see how time spent with Jesus made all the difference in John’s life.  And how that should give you hope for what time spent with Jesus can do for your life too!