Thursday, January 30, 2014

Bruised Shins

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned."
Isaiah 9:1-7

     Imagine inky darkness in all its totality. Can't-see-a-hand-in-front-of-your-face blackness. You stumble, stub your toes, bruise your shins. Fear is your constant companion, death is tapping on your shoulder. You've been in this scenario for years; perhaps it's all you know.

     Now imagine someone shining a brilliant, warm light. A soothing bath of loving peace washes over your bruised body and frightened soul. A Figure is beckoning you to follow Him and you know by instinct he's wise, trustworthy and authoritative.  The joy you feel is "as people rejoicing at the harvest or as men dividing the plunder." The struggles cease, the provisions are now enjoyed.

     Jesus, the Light of the World, is the way, the truth and the life. It's not necessary to stay in the dark, lost and alone, when the loving Savior has extended his hand. Take it.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

An Autopsy on the Man of the Shroud

"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Isaiah 53: 4-6

     Dr. Robert J. Bucklin, a forensic pathologist, used modern technology to perform an "autopsy" on the Shroud of Turin, the burial cloth thought to have been that of Christ. As you read his findings, read as well the passage above from Isaiah and keep in mind: "By his wounds we are healed."

     The shroud held and adult male, 71" in length, approximately 175 pounds. He had long hair, a beard and type AB blood. There was a ring of puncture wounds on the scalp in the form of a crown, a distinct abrasion on his nose and the right cheek was swollen. A large blood stain over the right pectoral region showed a post mortem flow of two types of fluid: blood and water. This wound was made by a sharp, puncturing instrument. His arms were crossed, left over right. The wrist bore a distinct puncture injury with bloodflow indicative of outstretched arms. Of the hands, four fingers were seen, the thumb not obvious, indicative of nerve damage. The left foot had been placed over the right, both penetrated by the same object. Dorsal view showed traumatic injuries by an object used in a whip-like fashion. Abrasion across the shoulder blades caused by heavy object, such as a beam rubbing the skin.

     Dr Bucklin concluded, "From this data, it is not an unreasonable conclusion for the forensic pathologist to determine that only one person historically has undergone this sequence of events. That person is Jesus Christ."

     Our Messiah subjected himself to these crushing tortures so that the world, through him, might be saved. The next time you see a cross, remember the dear price that was paid for you out of sheer love.

     "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

     "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop doubting and believe." John 20:27

Saturday, January 25, 2014

RIP: How to Die in Peace

"If you make the Most High your dwelling...then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."
Psalm 91: 9-11

     When I read this passage, I think about Bessie Ten Boom, sister of Corrie Ten Boom, author of "The Hiding Place". Their family hid Jews in their Dutch home during the Nazi Holocaust and were taken to a concentration camp. Bessie had always made the Most High her dwelling place, yet disaster did befall her when she was taken from her home, mistreated, abused and killed by the hate of the Nazis for no reason. So, I ask where the angels were when she was not only "striking her foot against a stone", but suffering miserably, mocked and mistreated, starved and stripped bare of all human dignity?

     Verse 15 of that same Psalm says, "He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble."

     Really? From the surface, anyone would agree it seems God let Bessie down. Even her sister, Corrie, also a Christian suffering by her side, may have agreed, yet here is where the true nuggets of treasure are buried: in Bessie's soul, where the Most High dwelt, where the scorn of the enemy could not affect. This was the tabernacle of safekeeping where Bessie drew encouragement as she continued to hold Bible studies in the lice-infested barracks. This is the spot where the angels guarded her against attack by the enemy who could have penetrated her heart for all eternity with bitterness, rage and hopelessness. Ultimately, this is the reason why she had a look of peace upon her sunken face as her soul departed her abused, earthen tent as Corrie espied through the window.

     How could anyone die in peace in a Nazi death camp? By trusting in Jesus to take you by his nail-scarred hand, smoothing your hair with the kisses of salvation and tenderly wiping your tears away forever.

He'll Leave the Light on for You

"His life is the light that shines through the darkness - and the darkness can never extinguish it."
John 1:5

     The book "28 Minutes in Hell" portrays the author's experience in actual hell. He says God showed him what hell was like so he could come back and tell others. It was more eye-opening to me than any of the personal heavenly experiences I have ever read.

     Among other things, the author described the solid, impenetrable darkness and how lost it made him feel.He could not see his hand in front of his face. Light is associated with energy, happiness, finding our way, while darkness denotes a time for crime or trouble. This verse promises me that the light of Christ can never be put out by Satan! No matter how sin may shroud my world, there is always the Light of Hope, my blessed Jesus.

     Jesus, I pray for your light to expose the deepest corners in me. Chase away any hidden demons like dust bunnies under a broom.

    Seek the Lord while he may be found. He has left the light on for you.

The Black Hats

"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay. On the contrary:

     If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.

     Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12: 19-21

     "There always has to be a bad guy." That's what I used to tell my two girls when we'd go to the  movies. In the old westerns, the antagonist was easy to spot in a black hat, while the good guy wore white. Snow White was pursued by the envious Evil Queen. The Little Mermaid had that bulbous, purple octopus breathing down her lovely neck. George Bailey's wonderful life was threatened by the dastardly Mr. Potter.

     How many movies have the protagonist loving the enemy? George Bailey may not have pulled a gun on old man Potter, but he didn't invite him over for dinner either.

     One of the most difficult commands God has given is to love our enemies. It's in our very nature to be vigilantes. Look how many movie plots have one guy solely overcoming a raft of evil people, usually by killing all of them - and the audience cheers him on!

     Loving others is a win-win situation. It's beneficial to our souls and allows God room to work his brand of magic. If there is vengeance to be had, God will take care of that. Let it go.

     Yes, there's always going to be a bad guy, who may not be so easy to spot in a black hat. Could be a neighbor, a co-worker, a family member or a best friend. Someone will antagonize you sometime, but love him anyway. It's not what he would expect! That's why it will feel like burning coals heaped on his head because he'll feel shamed. That will soften his heart so God may work on him.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Claim to be Christian

"If we claim to have fellowship with him, yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth." 1 John 1:6

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:8

"If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."  1 John 1:10

"The man who says, 'I know him' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 2:4

"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." l John 2:6

"Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness." 1 John 2:9

"If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15

     I claim to be a Christian. Does this mean that I am perfect, that I never sin?  Does it mean that I can sin all I want because Jesus died to pay for it? Not at all!

     First of all, I must recognize that I am a sinner in need of saving. I confess all my sins, then I follow in Jesus' steps. What does that entail? Jesus was committed to the will of the Father. He steadfastly stood for what he knew was right. He went off in solitude to pray. He memorized Scripture and used it to combat the devil. He loved others with compassion and forgiveness. He did not embrace the desires of this world, rather he was humble in Spirit.

     Do you want to live forever? 1 John 2:17 tells how: "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."

Be an Overcomer

"Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
1 John 5:5

     There have been ambitious, power-hungry people who have wanted to dominate the world, or at least their portion of it. Me, I would not want a piece of that action. After reading the news, what do I want with this world? Shootings, rapes, drug abuse and crime...no, thanks.

     On the flip side, I can drink in a glorious sunset over Lake Erie, caress the breezes on the shoreline or adore the sweet baby-softness of a newborn. I love to sway to the cadence of music or stroke the smooth fur of a cat but I do not wish to stay in this world forever. It is not my home.

     By the power of Christ, I am an overcomer as I rise above the smoke of this world, clinging to these words of my Messiah:

     "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But, take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

     Jesus is the Son of God. Believe in him and have peace in the midst of chaos.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

God is not Prejudiced

"...he will judge the peoples with equity. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth."
Psalm 96: 10, 13

A while back, I saw a hidden camera type of television show. The experiment involved an ordinary-looking woman and one who was more attractive. Both were applying for the same job. They wore similar outfits and had parallel qualifications to offer. Can you guess who was hired?

It is difficult to imagine pure, unbiased judgement. Usually, we are more apt to show kindness or favoritism to a blond child or a pretty woman. We tend to suspect a man with close-set eyes or we have a condescending opinion of a heavy person. Enter in other nationalities and religions and our judgement may become even more clouded.

But God looks upon the heart of each person. He values their true intentions and integrity. The thoughts of mankind are limited and futile. We cannot lie to God who knows what we are thinking. He will not be coerced by tearful blue eyes or any attractive feature. What composes our hearts is what concerns him.

Jesus, may my heart's content be only You.

I love you.

Bruce Almighty

"...how can you say that the Lord doesn't see your troubles and isn't being fair?...Don't you know by now that the everlasting God, the creator of the farthest parts of the earth, never grows faint or weary? No one can fathom the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the tired and worn out and strength to the weak."
Isaiah 40: 27-29

In the movie, "Bruce Almighty", the main character thinks he can run things better than God so God gives him the chance to do just that. However, Bruce soon learns just how difficult that is when the problems pile up and the prayers never cease. Chaos ensues as Bruce cries out to God for help, gladly giving the reins back to the Almighty.

Contemplate all the Lord has to deal with everyday - creation, demons, outer space, ocean depths, prayers of the people, promises to keep and plans to fulfill - yet, he never gets tired. He never sleeps or feels fatigue. I can't go 24 hours without sleeping!

This scripture assures me that God understands me and gives me the power to face any obstacle. And, like that popular poem, "Footprints", he carries us when we grow weak. Where would any of us be without this?

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Are You Being Bombarded?

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height or depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8: 38, 39

Can you imagine a world without advertising? The clock radio goes off, dragging you from peaceful slumber, peppering you with cacophonous ads to buy a car. You stumble down to get the daily paper only to find an annoying sticker over the headline and an inch of ads therein. On your way to work, signs and billboards vie for your attention. After work, you flip on cable television, hoping to relax, yet you are bombarded by cries from mattress companies, makers of orange juice, the Progressive lady with the eyeliner again, and a slew of personal products mentioned that would make grandma roll in her grave. Arenas and ballparks bear the name of the highest supporter. Auto racing winners make sure they don the cap of the best sponsor. Embarrassing ads pop up on your computer before you have a chance to act.  Seems like there is no escape from the onslaught.

This, for me, is a parallel to the temptations of Satan. All day long, he prowls about like a roaring lion, vying for attention, trying to pull me from my Christian walk. Portraying his products in an attractive light, he relentlessly badgers and hounds me.

Whenever I become weary of this bombardment, I focus on the above verses. I am safe and secure in the love of Christ Jesus where nothing in all this world or the nether world can separate me from him. He is mine; I am his.



Do the Right Thing: Repent

"The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons...and idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts."
Revelation 9: 20, 21

I read an article about a condominium association that had a stinky problem. Dog owners who resided there were not cleaning up after their dogs. Everyone had to be on their guard and could not freely step about. Kind letters were sent, reminders were posted in the clubhouse reminding those to please do the right thing. Take responsibility. It all fell on deaf ears! Even after an eyewitness lead the association president to an offending party, the culprit denied all wrongdoing and said, "Prove it."

By this time, I'm thinking, "How ridiculous. Just clean up your poop!"

So, the association had heard of a company whose revolutionary idea could help them. Each dog owner must submit their dog to DNA testing so that, if their foul feces was found to match, a stiff fine would be incurred.

If these hard hearted dog owners had taken care of business in the first place, none of this would be necessary.

In the above verses, the remainder of mankind will have survived the following:
  • Earthquake
  • Hail and fire mixed with blood
  • A third of the earth will be burned up
  • A huge mountain will fall into the sea, destroying ships and sea life
  • A third of the waters will become bitter, killing many
  • A third of the sun and stars will go dark
  • Locusts from the Abyss will sting people for five months
  • Angels of death will be unloosed, killing a third of the people with fire and sulfur
Verse six of the same chapter says, "During those days men will seek death, but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them." Even after all those plagues, people still will not say, "I'm sorry. I won't do it again."

Now, I realize that leaving one's dog poop behind is a lesser offense than murder or theft, but integrity starts in the heart with the small things. Seek the Lord while he may be found. He is slow to anger, rich in mercy and abounding in love. He does not want anyone to perish but desires eternal life for all.

Deep in the heart, surrender to God, repenting of all sin. Do the right thing.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

God's Lost and Found Department

"We had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and he is alive again; he was lost and is found."
Luke 15:32

On our table as a catch-all is a souvenir plate from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It belonged to my mother; she gave it to me. As I looked at it the other day, I wondered why my mom bought it because it depicts Jenny Lake, the location where I became lost in the woods when I was eight years old. Wouldn't the plate remind her of sad memories? Maybe.

But, then I recalled our tearful reunion that I can still picture freshly in my mind, although it happened 44 years ago. My mom was crying in the back seat of our family sedan when I approached her. I fell into her arms, never having been so happy and relieved! Covering me with fervent kisses, she clung to me in pure love.

Maybe that's why she bought the plate, and now passed it on to me, as a remembrance of our restoration.  The cross represents this same restorative love. As a sinner, I was lost, kept from the presence of the Holy God. Jesus, my redeemer, was the only one who could restore me to a right relationship with the Father.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see."

Jenny Lake may have been a place of heartbreak and pain for our family, but we also remember it as a place of joy, answered prayers, tearful reunion. In the same way, the cross was a lonely, bitter place of mockery and suffering for our Lord, but it became a place of joy, where the lost are found and the blind see.

Characteristics of a Champion

"A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. He was over nine feet tall. He had a bronze helmet on his head, wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing (about 125 pounds); on his legs he wore bronze greaves and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. His spear shaft was like a weaver's rod, and its iron point weighed (about 15 pounds)."
1 Samuel 17: 4-7

"The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of the Philistine."
1 Samuel 17:37

"David took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine."
1 Samuel 17: 40

At some point in our lives, we are all faced with Goliath, a seemingly invincible, giant problem. Maybe this champion is called Cancer, or Addiction, or Abuse. Daily, it rears up, stomping over to the battle line, shouting its usual threats: "You can't fight and kill me. You're only a weakling. Come over here and I'll feed your flesh to the birds."

How can you stand up to this armored behemoth?

David knew the answer: The Lord will deliver you. We serve a powerful, living God. He knows how many hairs are upon your head. He has engraved your name on the palm of his hand. He will never leave you nor forsake you. So, choose your five smooth stones: Faith, Truth, Prayer, Peace and the Word of God, then take action! Our struggle is not against people but is against the spiritual forces of the Evil Foe. In order to fight a spiritual battle, you must gird yourself with proper protection and the right weapons. Those are the characteristics of a true champion.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

The Search for Truth

"For great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods, for all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens."
Psalm 96: 4 & 5

I watched the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" during which the lead character travels halfway around the globe searching for the truth after a disillusioned marriage. She eats delectable foods in Italy, she experiments with the affections of men and she goes to India to bow with the rest of the Hindus who advise her to empty her mind. Although the script leads us to believe she ultimately finds what she was looking for, sadly I knew the truth evaded her for she never found Jesus.

Only the one true, triune God made the heavens. All other gods are cheap idols, imitation lords. Satan uses anything he can to shade the people from the brilliant Light of the World. Whether you worship the god of the Hindus or the Buddhists, Mohammed or Materialism, be aware of this truth:

     "At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
 Philippines 2: 10, 11

If you are searching for Truth, you don't need to go halfway around the world. Just ask Jesus to cleanse your of your sins, believe upon his power to save and follow Him. He will envelope you with the peace that passes all understanding as he places his robe of righteousness upon your shoulders.

What's the Word?

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning."
John 1: 1 & 2

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life."
1 John 1:1

Recently, the question arose, "What does it mean to say Jesus is the Word?" There are 38 prophecies in the Old Testament concerning Jesus - everything from the time and place of his birth to his death by crucifixtion and through to his ascension into heaven - and they were all fulfilled in the New Testament. God gave his word, literally, and he kept it.

When a person gives his word, it means he promises to do something and is (hopefully) backing it up with his integrity. "I give you my word."

God gave his word, that he would provide salvation; that Word became flesh on Christmas day and dwelled among us. Jesus did not begin life on that first day in Bethlehem, "he was with God in the beginning." I can detect the excitement in the apostle John's voice as he emphatically describes hearing Jesus, seeing his with his own eyes, touching this Word that became flesh!

The word "incarnation" means: the taking on of human form and nature by Jesus conceived of as the Son of God. The creator of human form and nature became flesh so he could live among us. Why? So that, by believing in him, we might have life and become the children of God.

I'm so glad God gave us his Word, and he kept it.

Forgive and Forget

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Matthew 6: 14 & 15

The hardest kind of sins to forgive are the ones done against me when I didn't do anything to deserve that type of treatment. God knows how that feels - what did he do to deserve death by crucifixtion?

Everytime I sin against someone, I also sin against God. Multiply that as each person sins against another, all those sins are committed against God, too. So, let's look at how He forgives...

I love it when someone forgives me, but can they also forget what I did? Or will it keep popping up, like an unwanted ad, reminding me of my dirtiness?

How thoroughly does our Father forgive? Psalm 103:12 says, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions fom us." Never the twain shall meet, he won't keep bringing it up again and again. It is removed, blotted out. Isaiah 43:25 says, "I am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." But remember, if we want to be forgiven, we must also be forgiving.

Pray with me: Lord, teach me to forgive others, just as your forgive me, by thoroughly forgetting the wrongdoing. Take the crimson stains and make them as white as snow. Teach me to do likewise, even if the transgressor is unapologetic; may I forgive for your sake. Amen.