January 1, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: When I am in the cellar of affliction, I look for the Lord's choicest wines. - Samuel Rutherford (1600-1664)
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Making Space In A Crowded Life"
1 Timothy 4:11-12
My wife and I were traveling with our daughter and son-in-law and our two dynamite little grandsons. We were in adjoining motel rooms for a couple of days - and that's what occasioned our son-in-law's amusing comparison of our rooms. See, our rooms were basically identical - when we each moved in. We moved our stuff into our room, and they moved in themselves, their children, their children's world, and some "office on the road" stuff. Well, on our second day, our son-in-law plopped down in a chair in our room and he made this bemused observation - "You know, your room is three times bigger than our room!" Not true. See, our room was the same size. It was just one-third as crowded!
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Making Space In A Crowded Life."
Some of us have lives like our kids' motel room - so crowded that we are running out of space! Actually, we all have the same amount of "space" in our life - the same seven days, the same 186 hours in a week. But some of us have packed so much into our lives - maybe too much. There's no room left for an emergency, a crisis, a breakdown, an illness - or even to give God and the people we love the time they should have.
God has a thought-provoking challenge for us over-busy folks in 1 Timothy 4:11-12. It's our word for today from the Word of God. Here's the challenge: "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands ... so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders." God is calling us to a life that is characterized by simplicity ... by clear priorities that act as a filtering system for what we say yes to and what we say no to ... by peace and focus.
And all of us need to take a giant step back and see if we've stuffed our life so full that it's actually shrunk our life rather than expanded it. This would be a great time to reprioritize - to set some boundaries - to make some space in our overcrowded life. I liken a lot of our lives to a glass that is full to the brim - it only takes a drop to make it spill. We need to be emptying out our glass a little so we've got room for all those unexpected things, those emergencies, those surprises that life constantly throws at us.
Now, there are some practical steps you can take to get more control of your life. One is to sort out your over-commitments - to begin to limit yourself to the things that only you can do. No, you don't just start bailing out of commitments that you've made, but you start making new commitments - and renewing old commitments with new priorities. Another step is to control intrusions - to return your calls at a scheduled time, to protect your time with God and with your family - non-negotiables. It also helps to deliberate commitments before you make them - take time to pray over them, to seek the counsel of the important people in your life. Also, build in some "Murphy" time - you know, time for things to go wrong! Don't schedule wall-to-wall. And remember to put your timeouts and your family times in your calendar like you do all your other important commitments.
Opening up room in your life won't just happen. It takes some candid evaluation, some corrective action, and some courageous discipline. But it's worth it. And you don't have to keep tripping over things in that room called Your Life - there will finally be room to move around and enjoy it!
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft
January 2, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The Lord calls for our burdens, would not have us wrestle with them ourselves, but roll them over on Him. Now, the desires that are breathed forth in prayer are, as it were, the very unloading of the heart; each request that goes forth, carries out somewhat of the burden with it, and lays it on God. Tell Him what are your desires, and leave them there with Him, and so you are sure to be rid of all further disquieting care of them. - Robert Leighton
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"A Life That Matters"
Luke 10:30
She was one of the most admired women of the 20th Century - Mother Teresa, that angelic woman who devoted her life to the least of the least in the slums of Calcutta, India. The world's greatest leaders wanted to meet her and to experience her powerful love and moral authority. Just a little diminutive woman who made such a difference in the world. Some years ago, a young man wrote a letter to Mother Teresa, asking her how he could make his life count as she had with hers. He waited six months for a reply from this very busy lady. When it came, it was just a postcard with four words on it - four very powerful words: "Find your own Calcutta."
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "A Life That Matters."
Now, if you do just what comes naturally, you'll live the kind of life most people do - self-focused, self-centered, self-serving. But a life that's only as big as you are is too small to live in. And you may be feeling that emotional and spiritual claustrophobia right now. Business as usual is just not satisfying the restlessness in your heart. Your life is full, but not really fulfilling. Find your own Calcutta. Find some people who need you and start pouring your life out for them. The lid will come off your life.
Jesus gave us an immortal, indelible picture of the two ways to live life in His classic story of the Good Samaritan. It's in Luke 10, beginning in verse 30, our word for today from the Word of God. "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side" - as did another religious leader who came by next.
Jesus goes on: "But a Samaritan ... came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds ... He put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him." Jesus went on to say that the Samaritan paid all the expenses of the beaten man's recovery - and that this Samaritan was the kind of neighbor He expects all of us to be.
Now, there in that simple story is a picture of your lifestyle - all about yourself, ignoring the needs of people in your path ... or all about others, stopping for people's needs, bearing the burdens of a bleeding world. I was really touched by a news report about a man whose choice may help you step up to a life that makes a far greater difference.
I'm quoting from USA Today: "David Townsend's perspective changed profoundly on September 11, altering the direction of his life. 'From that moment forward, I realized that we are not going to live forever,' says Townsend, 37, of Indianapolis. 'I felt an even greater sense of urgency, felt compelled to leave my mark on the world. It has changed my outlook totally and shaken me to the core.' Townsend has left his job ... to work in social services, with the homeless and with urban churches ... 'September 11 reinforced in me," he said, "the need to live a life that matters."
I believe that's the kind of life you want. So learn to wake up each morning asking, "Who needs me today?" Not, "Who can meet my needs today?" There are people in your personal circle - people in your community - who desperately need someone to care. Be there for them. And remember - there is no greater difference you can make in someone's life than to introduce them to Jesus Christ and to take them to heaven with you!
With however many or few years you have left - live to make the greatest possible difference with the rest of your life!
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft
January 3, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The defense, for myself and for those for whom I am
responsible, must be a conscious defense. We cannot assume
that, because we are Christians, in the full biblical sense,
and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, automatically we shall be free
from the influence of what surrounds us. The Holy Spirit can
do what He will, but the Bible does not separate His work from
knowledge; nor does the work of the Holy Spirit remove our
responsibility as parents, pastors, evangelists, missionaries,
or teachers.
- Francis A. Schaeffer, The God who is There [1968]
Godly Rewards
You have said, "It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out His requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape." - Malachi 3:14-15
Have you ever felt that serving God had little reward and the ungodly seemed actually to be more blessed than you? This is what the people of God felt. God heard their cry and responded through the prophet Malachi to explain God's view on this matter.
Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name. "They will be Mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up My treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not" (Malachi 3:16-18).
Notice that after the people complained about this, they began to talk to each other, and the Lord listened and heard. God had been taking note of those who were serving Him and honoring Him. There is a day coming in which God will honor His "treasured possessions." We will see that there is a distinction between the righteous and the wicked on that day when "the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall" (Malachi 4:2). What a beautiful picture of what we will feel like on that day.
Faithful obedience is rewarded by God. It often requires patience, suffering, and perseverance. Be of good cheer; He will reward you if you faint not.
By Os Hillman
[email protected]
January 4, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The present moment always reveals the presence and the
power of God.
- Jean Pierre de Caussade (1675-1751), Abandonment to Divine
Providence
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"The Decisive Difference"
Matthew 13:24
Occasionally I see that bumper sticker that says, "I brake for antique shops." Now, I'm not a bumper sticker guy, but we could qualify for that one. I guess it depends on who's driving, my wife or me. If it's my wife, we're a lot more likely to brake for an antique shop. But for Karen, it's not so much about collecting old stuff - it's about finding items that she had as a girl growing up on a farm with few modern conveniences. And she's got an eye for what is real and what is just a reproduction - depression glass, pottery, butter churns, even old violins. Take the famous Stradivarius violin - there are relatively few originals. There are a lot of copies.
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "The Decisive Difference."
Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between what's real and what's a copy - in antiques ... and in people. Especially people who claim that they belong to Jesus Christ.
Jesus described both the real ones and the copies in the story He told in Matthews 13, beginning in verse 24, our word for today from the Word of God. He said, "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared." Jesus said the man's servants wanted to go out and pull up the weeds, but he stopped them. "'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling out the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'"
When Jesus explained His parable later, He made clear that the wheat represents those who really belong to Him ... and the weeds represent those who look like they belong to Him, but don't. Now this is a very sobering thought - sitting next to one another in church may be two people who sing the same songs, believe the same beliefs, say the same words - but one is headed for heaven and the other is headed for hell. And no one on earth can tell the difference. But on Judgment Day, it will be very clear who was the real and who was the look-alike. That's why God says in 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith."
For some of us "church folks," this business of being a Christian is a religion ... or a performance ... or a belief ... or a script where we've got all the right words. You can have all that and miss what it really is - a personal relationship with Jesus, based on His dying for your sins - a relationship you begin the day you put your total trust in Jesus, consciously giving all of you to Him. With all your Christianity, it's possible you may have missed Christ - even though everyone around you thinks you know Him.
It's hard to admit that you've never really given yourself to Jesus - but it's fatal not to. So let this be the day you consciously and clearly make Jesus Christ your personal Savior from your personal sin.
There's all the difference in the world between someone who really belongs to Jesus and someone who just looks like they do. It's the difference between heaven and hell.
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcome.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2002, Ron Hutchcraft
January 5, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Your spirit should become, while yet on earth, the peaceful throne of the Divine Being. Think, how quiet, how gentle and pure, how reverent, you should be. - Gerhard Tersteegen
Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve
Over the years, we develop an array of friendships. Some of these are a result of our location -- neighbors, classmates, and coworkers. Other relationships form due to a common focus or interest -- football, sewing, coin collecting, and even following Christ. In time, we are given the opportunity to see the character of these relationships by looking at their longevity and depth.
In my life, I have had many friends, but few of these relationships have stood the test of time. When I got married, I lost touch with one close friend because he was jealous of my new wife and my renewed commitment to the Lord. I have lost other friends because we moved away and the relationship wasn't maintained across the miles. It wasn't that we got mad with each other, but that the old saying became true -- "out of sight, out of mind".
This week, I have a tremendous privilege presented to me. The guy who was "best man" in my wedding is moving to Marshall, Texas (60 miles away). We were best friends when I was in high school and college. I even had a significant role in him coming to Christ when he was about 20. In 1990, I officiated at his wedding.
He too is in the ministry and his calling has led him across the southeastern United States as he has served churches as a Minister of Education. When he was in Bible College in Florida, I was in Mississippi. When he went to Seminary in Fort Worth, my family was in Iowa helping a new church get started. When he served his first full-time church in South Carolina, I was preparing to move to Baton Rouge. In fact, he began his last position in Panama City, Florida the same Sunday I started here in 1998.
I share all this to point out that our friendship has been greatly hampered by a lack of personal contact. I haven't even seen him in 5 years. We still talk periodically and E-mail often, but it is nothing like it use to be when we lived two miles apart.
Because of his new move, we have agreed that we will meet in Shreveport for breakfast once a month. We will seek to reestablish a friendship that has been virtually lost over time and distance. For me, this is an answer to a prayer that I have lifted up to God for the last several years.
In your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, how are things going? Have you moved away? When is the last time you saw Him? Has time, trouble, or territory kept you apart?
The scriptures teach very plainly that God never moves away. In the garden, it was Adam and Eve who broke the relationship. In the wilderness, it was the Israelites who turned their backs on God and wanted to go back to Egypt. At the trial of our Lord, it was "God's people" who said, "Give us Barabbas" instead of "Give us Jesus".
Yet, it is our Savior who tells the story of a rebellious son who takes his inheritance prematurely and blows it on his own selfish desires. With nothing to lose, he decides to go home and bow at the mercy of his father, hoping at best to become his slave.
Listen to the rest of the story from Jesus' lips: "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'" (Luke 15:20-24)
The son had moved away in heart and in distance. The father never left home. The son broke the relationship. The father restored it. The son failed. The father forgave.
As I write this, we are about 13 hours from a new year. I cannot think of a better way to start it than for those who are away from home to return to their Father.
May God bless you in 2002,
Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA
January 6, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: It is not real work unless you would rather be doing something else. - J. M. Barrie, 1922
Trustworthy Friendship
A blessed thing it is for any man or woman to have friends, other souls whom he can trust utterly to always guard him against the darkness, to the point of opposing it even within him. Someone[s] who knows the best of our potential and the worst of our weaknesses, and who loves us enduringly through manifestations of both. One who speaks the honest truth to us, while those of the flesh would flatter us to our faces and laugh at us behind our backs. One who will give us counsel and reproof in the day of prosperity and self-conceit, but who, again will comfort and encourage us in the day of difficulty and sorrow, when the world leaves us alone to fight our battles as we can.
If we have had the good fortune to be so loved by such friends, let us do all that we can to prevent satan's intention to separate such a bond. Let us make haste to be grateful and loyal to that which they defend, and to do anything rather than lose their true help. (If we give in to servitude of satan by allowing our minds and emotions and pride to betray loyalties to one another, by distancing ourselves, or withdrawing trust or exposure to those fellow pilgrims we are no longer serving the God of the Bible. If we will not "Leave our gift at the altar and go make it right" or "Go to him and him alone" and then bring "two or three" and then "the whole church" -- and thereby allow differences and distances not in union with one another and the Master -- we are ultimately wounding our Savior, in addition to betraying hope for our own futures in Christ and His best.) If we see a fault, we must weigh it against the truth rather than any residual wounded pride, which satan would be fueling with fresh fight. And if we do not agree, we must be willing to yield our own hearts to those who have been given to know and bear more than we do, for the sake of guarding our souls as they have. We must return to peace and oneness of heart and mind and purpose, return and return and return, rather than lose that most precious of all earthly possessions - a trusty friend, and the goal of such friendship: A people. And such friends once won, need never be lost, if we will only be trusty and true ourselves. May truth be our Guide and our point of return, when satan longs to drive us asunder!
By Charles Kingsley
January 7, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: If we aspire to walk in the power of the new life, we must cast away all hindrances, and it must cost something we really value. - Charles G. Gordon
Trusting God with Our Needs
"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Give us today our daily bread...'" - Matthew 6:11
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?" - Matthew 7:9
"I got a rock..." Charlie Brown (from It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown)
"Give us today our daily bread..." --- these words have much to tell us about God's love for us and for our need for Him every day of our lives.
That Christ tells us to pray for our "daily bread" indicates that we are to seek God for our needs on a daily basis. Who would pray for their "bread for today" only once a week, as if I need God to provide my bread on Sunday but not on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday? God wants me to rely on Him to meet my physical needs every day.
About those needs: God not only promises to meet our needs, but INVITES us to ASK Him to meet these needs...even the little ones. That's mind-blowing to me: that God would care about the little things and wants us to rely on Him even for these things. It's kind of like Jesus' statement: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much..." (Luke 16:10) Why do so many of us believe that we only need to pray about the "BIG" things in life and try to handle the little things ourselves? God wants us to trust Him in the little things...like relying on Him for our daily bread. If we trust Him for the little things...and He meets these needs...we should have no trouble trusting Him for the "BIG" things as well!
And what will God give to those who ask for bread? A rock? By no means! "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11)
A survey taken at a youth gathering asked kids what kind of spouse they would wind up with if they prayed and trusted God to lead them to that person. The vast majority seemed to think that God would give them someone "undesirable" (unattractive, difficult to get along with, no fun, incompatable, etc.) What a sad thought! Perhaps this is why so many people who profess faith in God prefer to take their problems into their own hands rather than trust them with God! Jesus told us if we ask God for bread, He is NOT going to give us a rock! "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all--how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:31-32)
If you've known me for any period of time, you know I'm not into the whole "health and wealth" gospel thing...I'm not saying if you ask God for a vehicle that He's going to give you a Cadillac or a Porsche...but He's not going to stick you with a piece of junk that breaks down every couple of miles...and even if your car DOES break down, He's not going to leave you alone without sending someone to help you.
God promises to provide for us, even in the "little things of life" --- like our daily bread. These are the things we take for granted...but these are the things He wants us to depend on Him for. What a loving Father we have...who even cares about our basest physical needs.
God loves you and cares about the details of your life. Jesus told us that God notices when a sparrow falls...how much more does He notice you when you are troubled. Don't wait until your life is a mess before you come to Him in prayer. Go to Him today...He invites you to come to Him for the basest of your needs.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Gary Zanow
The Grace Cyber Cafe
www.new-mercies.org
January 8, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The basis of all peace of mind, and what must be obtained before we get that peace, is a cessation of the conflict of two wills-His and ours. - Charles G. Gordon
To Hallow God's Name
"This, then, is how you should pray: `Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name..." Matthew 6:9
Jesus told us to begin our prayers by hallowing God's name. Why? Because God is an egomaniac? No...because by hallowing His name we humble ourselves before Him and acknowlege that the One we pray to is able to answer our prayers.
What if we began our prayers: "Father in heaven, how unreliable is Your name"? Who would want to pray to someone you couldn't trust? But if we hallow God's name...not just say those words: "hallowed be Thy name" ...but actually begin our prayers by exalting Him and recognizing who and what He is...like:
Holy, awesome, almighty, righteous, true, faithful, all-powerful, loving, merciful, provider, healer, protector, savior, King or kings, Lord of lords, God, LORD, Master, etc, etc
Then we know that we can pray to Him and He will be true to us. We know we can bring our needs before Him and He will provide for us. We know that we're praying to the Alpha and Omega, and that the buck stops with Him. We won't be saying: "Let me speak with Your Supervisor" because He is the Boss, the Top of the heirarchy, the CEO of the Universe, the Beginning and End of all things. We can't go over His head because there is no where else to go...and why bring our needs to anyone or anything LESS than Him when He Himself invites us to come directly into His presence?
As an almighty, all-powerful and awesome God He is able to meet all of our needs. As a loving, faithful and merciful God He wants to meet our needs. As a righteous, true and holy God He will stay true to His word...and will not cheat us out of any of the blessings He has promised us.
Next time you pray those words: "Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name..." spend a little time repeating those attributes that acknowledge God as God. We don't need to do that for His benefit, but for our own sakes...that we might know that we're in the right place praying to the right God.
"For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does." (Psalms 33:4)
Gary Zanow
The Grace Cyber Cafe
www.new-mercies.org
January 9, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Whoever preaches with love preaches sufficiently against heresy, though he may never utter a controversial word. - Francois de Sales (1567-1622)
Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve
A few days ago, I received a call from a family member who had some questions about health insurance. They were having to choose between a PPO, an HMO, or traditional health plans and had to make a decision by the next day in order to be added to their spouse's insurance plan through her employer.
Based on my own experience in dealing with health insurance, I spent the next thirty minutes discussing deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, co-payments, and the risks involved in choosing one plan over another.
By the end of the conversation, I believe I was able to clear up some questions and gave him an opportunity to make a more informed decision about the direction he would go in.
What thrills me about his phone call is that he thought I knew enough about health insurance to even ask me. Maybe it was because of my college background. It could have been that he figured a thirty-six year-old guy should have crossed this bridge a few times by now and should understand a few things. Whatever it was, I glad I knew enough to help.
Over the years, I have received no calls from anyone about physical fitness. No one has ever inquired about how they could be the physical specimen I am. Not once has anyone pulled me aside and asked, "Steve, how did you get overweight? Would you please help me learn to do the same?"
In fact, I have never been quizzed on hunting techniques, fishing equipment, my golf swing, or penmanship. Why? Those who knew me understood they would be wasting their time.
People seek advice from those whom they believe know more than they know in a particular area. Therefore, we call accountants during the tax season, medical professionals when we're ill, and mechanics when our engine sounds funny.
This principle holds true in the Christian life, as well. According to our walk with the Lord, people around us will come to us seeking answers. In trials, they will look for comfort. When they recognize their lostness, they will ask us to introduce the Savior. One of the loudest statements that others can make about their perception of our spirituality is when they ask us nothing. People don't ask us questions when they think we don't know the answer.
Therefore, our goal as a Christian is to live in such a way that people are drawn to us in their search for truth. This is why Jesus constantly had a crowd following him. Wherever Paul traveled, there was either a revival or a riot. Why? Because a large ground of listeners were always interested in this man's testimony. Even John the Baptist had a tremendous audience who not only hung on his words, but many were baptized as they sought to repent of their sins.
In I Peter 3:15, the disciple writes, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." In other words, live in such a way that people will come to you to find Jesus.
Are they coming? If not, what do you need to change about your life that would open the door for your light to shine?
Seeking to be used by God,
Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA
January 10, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: It is good to follow the path of duty, though in the midst of darkness and discouragement. - David Brainerd's Journal [1749]
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Peace In The Midst Of The Storm"
Psalm 46:1-7, 10
Years ago a major art gallery sponsored a competition for painters. They were offering prizes for the best painting on the subject of "Peace." As attenders browsed through the entries, most had decided that one certain painting was almost sure to win. It portrayed this lush green pasture under a vivid blue sky, with the cows grazing lazily and a little boy walking through the grass with his fishing pole over his shoulder. It really made you feel peaceful. But it came in second. The painting that won was a real surprise. The scene was the ocean in a violent storm. The sky was ominous, the lightning was cutting across the sky, and the waves were crashing into the rock walls of the cliffs by the shore. No peace. But you had to look twice to understand what was going on. There, about halfway up the cliff, was a birds' nest, tucked into a tiny hollow in the rock. A mother bird was sitting on that nest - with her little babies, tucked underneath her, sleeping soundly. That was peace!
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Peace In The Midst Of The Storm."
That was the title of the prize-winning painting - and rightly so. Because peace is not just the absence of a storm - it is peace in the middle of the storm. The kind of peace many of us could use right now - the kind of peace that you can have right now - if you're resting where you ought to be.
As our headlines have become dominated with new dangers ... as so many hearts have been struggling with new anxieties, new fears ... we're ready for the incredible peace offered in Psalm 46. I call it "Good News for Troubled Times." It's our word for today from the Word of God. Maybe it should be our word for every day right now!
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." So, the more troubled things are, the more present God makes Himself. The psalmist then says, "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Everything's collapsing - things that have always been there for us. But no fear. Why? "God is our refuge and strength."
The psalm continues: "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells." Where does God live today? In those who belong to Him through faith in Jesus. So this is about you. "God is within her, and she will not fall ... Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall ... the Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Then, as everything seems to be melting down, God says, "Be still, and know that I am God."
OK, turn off the news, leave those other voices, and get where you can just be with God. And realize that as long as you're in His hands, there's no such thing as out of control. He is still God and you are still His!
And if you have never given yourself to Jesus, the Man who died for you, there's never been a better time than this. With so much changing, with so much uncertainty, it is so great to know you are safe in a relationship with Him. If you've never begun that relationship, tell Him you want to today.
When you are nesting in the care of the Lord Jesus Christ, you can rest through any storm. You belong to the One who can give you peace in the middle of the storm.
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2002, Ron Hutchcraft
January 11, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: If thou art living a righteous and a useful life, doing thy duty orderly and cheerfully where God has put thee, then thou art making sweeter melody in the ears of the Lord Jesus Christ, than if thou hadst the throat of a nightingale; for then thou in thy humble place art copying the everlasting harmony and melody which is in heaven. - Charles Kingsley
Free to Forgive
"Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." - Matthew 6:12
"I owe, I owe...it's off to work I go." - Unknown
For just a few minutes try to imagine how different your life would be if you had everything you could ever want or need in unlimited supply. I'm talking a bottom-less well here. Whatever you want, you get. No need to balance a check book because the well will never run dry. How would that make your life different than it is now?
If I didn't need to work to pay my bills I would be free to do whatever I wanted with my life. I could spend my time doing that which gives me the greatest enjoyment. I would donate unlimited amounts of money and supplies to friends, family, church, mission agencies, etc. I'm sure I would still work...but I wouldn't need a paycheck and I wouldn't ask for one. After all, if my personal supply was unlimited what could anyone give me that I didn't already have?
But as it is, I demand a paycheck for my work because I need that money to pay what I owe. While I can and will help some people "out of the goodness of my heart" --- there is a limit to that and I'm certainly not going to report to work every day just because I like my boss!
Jesus compared our sin-debt with God to a man who owed a debt to a king (see Matthew 18:23-35). While he was in debt to the king he was also under pressure to collect from those who owed him money. This was all part of the cycle of paying off his debts. But something amazing happened: even though he owed the king an enormous amount of money and deserved to be punished for his inability to pay, the king forgave his debt IN FULL without any strings attached or punishments enacted.
Jesus said that we're like that man: Our sin has been completely forgiven and we have been made righteous in God's eyes by the blood of Jesus Christ. We don't have a debt with God hanging over our heads or dragging behind us like a ball and chain. We are free before God because the debt has been paid!
So why do we keep trying to collect from those who owe us? (I'm talking offenses here, not money) Our sense of righteousness and having been wronged is based on God's law which we ourselves have not kept...and yet He has forgiven us every sin: intentional or not, committed or omitted in ignorance or outright rebellion. And He says to us (more or less) "You don't owe Me...so why are you trying to collect from others?"
The Bible tells us "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). How many sins must you commit to deserve death? ONE sin is enough to convict you. How many sins have you committed in your life? Speaking for myself and myself alone, if ONE sin is worthy of my death I would have to die more than a million times to pay for all my sins...but God has forgiven all my many sins with one death: the death of Jesus Christ (see Romans 5:12-19).
And so our ability to forgive others is contingent upon the fact that we have already been forgiven. We don't need to "collect" from those who have sinned against us to restore a balance of righteousness to this world. God has already begun that process by forgiving you and me...and we continue that process as we forgive others in the same manner in which we have been forgiven.
This is part of the freedom of being a Christian. If we were working to receive our forgiveness it would be understandable that we demand the same of those who offend us; but since we have been forgiven in spite of our inability to repay our debt...we likewise ought to forgive those who sin against us.
"Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness." Romans 4:4-5
Gary Zanow
The Grace Cyber Cafe
www.new-mercies.org
January 12, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: There is not a heart but has its moments of longing, yearning for something better; nobler; holier than it knows now. - Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"The Simple Secret Of An All-Star"
I Corinthians 4:2
He's a baseball legend. Cal Ripken played all 21 years of his Major League career with hometown Baltimore Orioles. He holds several defensive records and he's only one of seven players who got 400 home runs and 3,000 hits. But as sportswriters reflected on his career as he retired at the end of the 2001 season, what many considered his most significant achievement was that, for 16 straight years, he played in every single game, setting the all-time record of 2,632 consecutive games played. When the ill will from the 1994 players' strike was still in the air, he tied and passed Lou Gehrig's long-standing record for consecutive games played. The fans cheered loud and long. As one magazine said, "This wasn't Joe DiMaggio hitting in 56 straight games or Hank Aaron's clubbing 755 homers. This was a record that required a talent all mere mortals could display - faithfully showing up for work every day."
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "The Simple Secret Of An All-Star."
Interestingly enough, that's exactly what makes someone a star in God's book - faithfully showing up for work every day. For whatever work God has given you to do - at home, at your workplace, at school, in your ministry.
We know that's what God expects, what God honors, from I Corinthians 4:2, our word for today from the Word of God. God says, "It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." Not successful ... faithful. That means you keep showing up. You can be counted on - you're consistent - you do what you said you'd do - people can believe you, they can depend on you. You're not one of those "grasshopper" types who keeps jumping around, abandoning commitments, always looking for something better.
God talks about those "who have been given a trust." Well, that's you. That's every one of us. God has trusted you with a specific place for you to serve Him - with talents and gifts ... with influence over people close to you ... with the responsibility of presenting Jesus to the people in the place where He has assigned you. God has trusted you with the reputation of His Son where you are. Man, has He trusted you!
And what is He expecting of you? Faithfulness. The results are not your business; they're God's business. That's why He doesn't say He's expecting success. The results aren't up to you, but the effort is - the faithful, persevering, "won't quit" kind of effort.
So keep on being there for your kids each new day. Keep plugging away at that work God gave you to do, even if the results seem discouraging. Hang in there, serving Jesus, even if no one seems to notice and no one says thanks. Remember, God is simply asking you to be faithful. Keep those commitments you made, even if you feel like bailing out. What keeps you going when you don't feel like it anymore? Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men ... It is the Lord Christ you are serving." It's for Jesus, who didn't quit on you when it was costing Him everything.
Keep faithfully showing up for God's work every day. And when you round the bases for the last time, you can expect to be greeted at home plate by Jesus Himself saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2002, Ron Hutchcraft
January 13, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: You'll never know what it means to me -- just know
you've been on your knees for me... You've been more than a friend to me --
fighting off my enemies.
- An impromptu 'song in the Spirit' by Mike Peters
Give Me Your Best
"This, then, is how you should pray...lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." - Matthew 6:13
"When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone..." - James 1:13
This petition of the Lord's Prayer used to puzzle me. Why would we ask God to "lead us not into temptation" when God is not in the business of tempting us?
I was puzzling over this the other day and had an epiphany: This verse is not asking God to NOT do something He wouldn't do anyway; but when we pray those words "lead me not into temptation" it's equivalent to saying "don't give me what my flesh wants...give me what You want. Keep me from going where I'm tempted to go...deliver me from the devil, the world and my own flesh."
How many of us come to God asking, begging or even demanding that He give us the desires of our flesh? "God, I have to have this"...or "Lord, I really need that"...are common petitions lifted up in prayer. Not that God doesn't want us to seek Him for all things (after all, He invites us to ask Him for our daily bread); but to ask God "lead me not into temptation" or "don't give me what my flesh desires...give me only that which is good for me and within Your will" is to submit my desires, wants and needs to my heavenly Father's perfect wisdom and best judgement.
And so I'll pray: "Don't lead me where my poor judgement would take me, but deliver me from all those things that might harm me. Don't give me what the world keeps telling me I need because those things will never truly satisfy me. Give me Your best...Your best is far better than anything my flesh could ever want, imagine or desire! Lead me NOT into temptation, but deliver me from evil...for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen!"
"This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is BEST for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'" Isaiah 48:17
Let's pray: "Lord, give me Your best!"
Gary Zanow
The Grace Cyber Cafe
www.new-mercies.org
January 14, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The life which we are meant to lead under the dispensation of the Spirit who has been given for our guidance into Truth, is one which does not take us out of the world, but keeps us from its evil, enabling us to live a heavenly existence on earth, and so to span over the chasm which divides us from heaven. - Edward Thring
Thy Will Be Done
"...Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:10
"Your kingdom come..."
Our petition for God's kingdom to come is both a future and a present-day reality. It's easy to think God's kingdom will come when Jesus Christ returns to earth on a white horse with King of Kings and Lord of Lords written on His robe and thigh (see Revelation 19:11ff.); but the kingdom begins here and now advancing one person at a time as individuals kneel and confess Jesus Christ as Lord, and will be completed on that Great and Final Day when the whole world bends their knee before Him (see Philippians 2:9-11). Our prayer for God's kingdom to come both encompasses the LORD's return (Maranatha! 1 Corinthians 16:22) and asks for God's kingdom to advance one heart at a time on this earth!
"Your will be done on earth..."
WHO does God's will on earth? That would be you and me, right? It's so easy to pray these words without thinking about what they really mean...like maybe we're asking God to send angels to do His will here "as it is in heaven"...or maybe we're saying "whatever you want to do Lord, that's fine with me"...but we miss the fact that God's will is done on earth THROUGH us...not apart from us.
This is a serious petition! If we pray "Thy will be done on earth..." we're basically saying: "God, use ME for whatever You will"! It's like Isaiah saying: "Here am I, send me" (see Isaiah 6:8). And what DOES God will? I believe from the beginning of Genesis (see Genesis 3:15) through to the end of Revelation (see Revelation 22:17) He has shown His purpose is to REDEEM people, to find the lost sheep and bring them back, to bind up the broken and restore the relationship which was lost when mankind sinned in Eden...which brings us back to "Thy kingdom come..."
The kingdom starts here with you and me and it advances throughout our families, neighborhoods, cities, states, country and the world as we share with others the Good News of Jesus Christ. God's will be done...may God use US (me and you) to shine as lights in the world that the people living in darkness may see our good works and praise our Father in heaven! (Matthew 5:16) You don't need to be an evangelist to shine as light...you just need to be faithful to your promise (Your will be done) and obedient to the One you're praying to. When He says "Go" you go...when He says "Speak" you speak...when He says "Hug" you hug...when He says "Listen" you listen. And God's kingdom will advance when others see Him in our words and deeds...
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).
Gary Zanow
The Grace Cyber Cafe
www.new-mercies.org
January 15, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: On the brink of our destruction over the chasm of our despair... rises and shines the Glory of the Son, if you have eyes to see. - "T.L."
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Flying Together Or Flying Alone"
Acts 2:44
If you're a photographer, you love seagulls. They soar so gracefully, almost like they're posing for the camera. They're beautiful - when they're alone. When they're together, they are not so beautiful. One gets on a perch, another comes to knock him off. One gets some food, others attack him for it. Scientists put a red band on the leg of one seagull to find out what happened, and he was pecked to death by the other gulls because he had something they didn't. Now contrast that with those Canada Geese some of us see migrating in the Spring and the Fall. They do everything together. Studies show that those geese almost always travel together, usually in those familiar V-formations. They rotate who's in front so one bird doesn't wear out. Now, if one Canada goose is injured and can't go on, another goose will stay with him until he's ready to join another flock ... they're never left alone. The scientists even believe that the honking that we hear is actually the geese cheerleading for each other - "Honk! You can make it!" "Honk! Mexico or bust!"
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Flying Together Or Flying Alone."
The bottom line on those geese from those who study them is this: they are able to fly up to 71% farther together than they could ever fly alone. So are we who belong to Jesus Christ. We're able to fly a whole lot farther together than we ever could by ourselves. It's just too bad that so many of us are more seagull than goose - we're up there soaring all by ourselves, doing our thing, but missing the power of flying together with other brothers and sisters.
That is so clearly demonstrated in Acts 2, beginning with verse 44, our word for today from the Word of God. "All the believers were together and had everything in common ... Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, enjoying the favor of all the people." Part of the power of these original believers was that they were geese, not gulls. They looked out for one another, provided for each other, and they pursued the Lord together. And they were powerful. The next verse says, "The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Now when's the last time you saw that happening? But then, when's the last time you saw believers together like that?
The "geese" principle actually applies to your family, to your business, to the ministry you're in, to the relationships between believers in your church, and to the relationships between believers in your church with those in other churches - we can fly a lot farther together than we could ever fly alone!
But whether it's your church, your family, or another group, you have to fight to keep the flock together - because too many of us are solo-flying seagulls at heart. Here's Paul's blueprint for keeping the flock together - see how much this describes how you're acting. "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit ..." (Ephesians 4:2,3). That's "effort" as in "keep working at everyone staying together."
Maybe you're in a situation where it's getting to be cliques, power blocs, little personal kingdoms, personal egos, personal agendas, and polarizing individualism. Don't get sucked into that. Do whatever you have to do to keep or pull the flock together - write a letter, bring people together, get people praying together, ask for forgiveness, or help folks keep their eye on a mission that unites rather than issues that divide them. If you need to, tell them about the gulls and the geese.
It's time to bring the flock together - and see how far we can fly when we are flying together.
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2002, Ron Hutchcraft
January 16, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Jesus Christ is end of all, and the centre to which all tends. Whoever knows Him knows the reason of everything. - Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve
On my recent trip home for Christmas, I received a blessing that I have grown quite fond of in recent years--receiving my nephew's hand-me-downs. My sister's son, Johnny, has good taste in clothing. He wears Tommy Hilfiger, Gap, Structure, and other pricey duds that he passes on to me while they are still in good shape.
Fortunately, he has done two things regarding his wardrobe that have benefited me. First of all, he buys new shirts and slacks so often, that he has many things that he never wears just hanging in his closet. Secondly, he has gained a significant amount of weight in the last couple of years and this has put too large a "Gap" between his buttons, if you know what I mean. Therefore, his warm, loving uncle has been the beneficiary of his size change from XL to XXL.
The reason I don't mind taking his clothing is because most everything he gives me is several steps up from using as car washing rags. This is really good stuff and no one who sees it would even guess that it is secondhand in origin.
Some of you are too picky or proud to wear hand-me-downs, or in my case hand-me-ups. You want the new, brightly colored, crisp pieces of material that give off an aura of style and fashion. You can't handle that which is faded or well-used. You want all of your clothing to originate with you. Frankly, this attitude is perfectly alright.
However, do you realize that you can't be a Christian unless you are the recipient of someone else's faith? Paul writes in Romans 10:13-14 , "'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How, then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"
Be it through a minister's sermon, a spiritual song, a gospel tract, or a personal witness, all people come to Christ by way of someone else's faith being handed down. Salvation's message is never original to the receiver. It always comes from someone else having enough confidence in their faith to give it away.
This is also true with discipleship. Most great servants of the Lord achieve maturity because those around them wanted them to. Seldom is a person so motivated about their newfound faith that they independently dive into its depths.
This is why in Titus 2:1-8, Paul encourages his son in the ministry, Titus, to educate the church on the island of Crete to do several things. He says, "Teach the older men to be temperate, worth of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance." To the older women, Titus is to exhort them "to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine." To the young men, he is told to encourage them to be "self-controlled" and to "set them an example by doing what is good."
In other words, Titus is in the business of distributing "spiritual hand-me-downs". They originated with Paul, came to him, and then would disseminate throughout the church.
This is all relevant to us because our task is the same. As my former seminary preaching professor said on a regular basis, "Evangelism isn't complete until the evangelized become the evangelists". The receivers become the givers. The learners become the teachers.
If you want to know how you are doing in this area, then get out a sheet of paper and write down the names of those people who are benefiting spiritually from you being a part of their life. The length of your list will generally reflect the depth of your walk with the Lord.
If your list is long, then the apostle Paul has a word for you -- "Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (I Corinthians 15:58)
Yet, if your hand-me-downs are puny, Jesus has a word for you -- "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
No matter which of these describes you, I encourage you to get into the business of cleaning your closet.
Seeking his attire,
Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA
January 17, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: This I saw, that when a soul loves God with a supreme love, God's interests and his are become one. It is no matter when nor where nor how Christ should send me, nor what trials He should exercise me with, if I may be prepared for His work and will. - David Brainerd
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Show And Tell"
Matthew 5:16
Most of us were still pretty new at this "school thing" when our teacher introduced us to a weekly assignment called "Show and Tell". We had to bring in something from home that we thought would be interesting to the class. The teacher was expecting us to show it to everyone and then explain it to everyone. So, let's say your "show and tell" was your pet hamster. You couldn't just give a speech about him - "I have this brown, furry animal that lives in a cage with sawdust in it. His name is Sniffles and he has bad teeth." No, you had to show him, too. But neither was it acceptable to Miss Grimley if you just stood in front of the class, held your hamster in your hand for everybody to see, and said nothing. You couldn't just show your hamster - you had to tell about it.
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Show And Tell".
God believes in show and tell, particularly when it comes to our communicating the Good News about His Son. The eternity of people you care about depends on their verdict about Jesus, and their verdict may very well hinge on you as the living proof of Jesus.
So you can't just tell the people around you about Jesus. You have to show them Jesus in ways that will be meaningful to them. Most people don't come to believe in Jesus without first believing in a follower of Jesus! Matthew 5:16, our word for today from the Word of God, tells us, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Jesus said it would be the way we live that interests people in the relationship that makes us tick.
But just like the first-grade hamster demonstration, you can't just show what you have either - you have to tell about it. How are they ever going to know about "your Father in heaven" if you don't tell them about that relationship? The folks around you could watch you for the next fifty years, but they are not ever going to figure out the Gospel that way: "You know, Shirley is such a wonderful person . .. I'll bet Jesus died on the cross for my sins!" That's not going to happen! You have to tell your lost friend about what Jesus did for them. From Resurrection Morning to this very day, the Master's command has been to "Go and tell" (Matthew 28:10).
The message God has entrusted you to deliver is life-or-death information. There's no way they're going to get to heaven without Jesus . . . and there may be no way they're going to know about Jesus unless you tell them. That' s why He has put you in the lives of the people around you.
Recently, as I was having dinner with my friends Roger and Linda, I began to tell them about the book, Called to Greatness, that I've just written about being everyday Christians who are spiritual rescuers. Roger, who is very successful in his accounting field, pushed back from the table and he said to his wife, "I guess this is the reason God wanted Ron to be here tonight." Unbeknown to me, God has touched Roger's heart with the lostness of his own coworkers and Linda's heart with the eternal peril that her neighbors were in. They were really wanting to know how to be rescuers.
I hope that holy passion is growing inside you - a determination to learn how to be a spiritual rescuer. God has placed you in the middle of some of the people that His Son died for. But they don't understand that yet - or the difference Jesus can make. And they probably won't until someone who cares about them - probably you - shows them and tells them about this awesome Savior.
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2002, Ron Hutchcraft
January 18, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The final reality, and the ultimate fact of our total situation to which we need to be adjusted, is God. That indeed would be my definition of God: God is He with whom we have ultimately to do, the final reality to which we have to face up, and with whom we have, in the last resort, to reckon. - John Baillie (1886-1960)
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"God's Big 'Do Not Touch' Sign"
Deuteronomy 18:10
For several years, our offices were located on the third floor of an old factory building. An alley ran behind our building, and there was an antique elevator that was useful if you had to transport things to that third floor. Now, if you parked back there, you had to walk by this big old electrical thing that was surrounded by a chain link fence - with a sign that had these words in big print: "High voltage. Do not touch." I never knew anybody who disregarded those instructions.
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "God's Big 'Do Not Touch' Sign."
When there's something really hazardous, there's often a "do not touch" sign on it, put there by people who know how much harm it can do. God has put a sign like that on some things that may not appear harmful on the outside, but which carry deadly spiritual voltage.
One of His "do not touch" signs is in our word for today from the Word of God in Deuteronomy 18, beginning with verse 10. God says, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son in the fire, who practices divination." By the way, the dictionary says that divination is "attempting to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge by supernatural means." Then God says, "There should be no one who practices sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead." Then, just in case you think God takes any of this lightly, the Bible has this sobering conclusion: "Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord." Strong language!
It's obvious that God hates this stuff - because all the non-God approaches to the supernatural are controlled by the devil. Now as you heard that list, you may have thought about how much those "do not touch" things are all throughout our culture, with a sign on them that says, "Touch me. I'm harmless. I'm exciting. I'm just something to do for fun."
It can be a slumber party s�ance, a ouija board, consulting a horoscope, or crystals. You can find sorcery and witchcraft in compelling fantasy games, in best-selling books, in popular TV shows, and in blockbuster movies that are a "must" for every child to see and every parent to take their child to. We're told it's good for the imagination and it's harmless fantasy.
Read those verses again and see if God agrees. He calls all the supernatural stuff that isn't from Him "detestable." And having dealt with a lot of young people who have ended up unwittingly trapped in occult darkness, I know some of why God hates it. He knows how Satan works. He doesn't ever tell you about what's in his deadly package - he just gets you interested in his bright and seemingly irresistible wrapping paper. The devil is simply looking for a foot in the door - and for many, that opening has been just an "innocent" curiosity about the other side, a little fantasy experience or simple experimentation that opened a door that should have always remained locked. That's why God says in Ephesians 5:10, "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness."
The occult, the dark side, the "supernatural without God" - they're just not something to flirt with or to mess with. We have nothing to lose from avoiding them and so much to lose potentially by exposing ourselves or our children to them. It is spiritual high voltage, no matter how interesting or inviting it looks. And when God says, "Do not touch," He means it!
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2002, Ron Hutchcraft
January 19, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Invisible in His own nature [God] became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, He chose to come within our grasp. - Leo the Great (390?-461)
He Saved More Lives Than I Ever Could Have
By Brenda Seefeldt
Two of the older players in the life of New York City were Mayor Ed Koch and Cardinal John O'Connor. Ed Koch is New York City's most elected mayor with many liberal policies. Cardinal O'Connor was the beloved cardinal at St. John's Cathedral who died of cancer in 2000. While the two came from different sides to help New York City's problems, they were also friends with great respect for each other. Upon Cardinal O'Connor's death, Ed Koch had this to say.
"More important, he truly lived the old line 'Hate the sin, love the sinner.' You can't fully appreciate that line until you saw someone like the cardinal, who really lived that life. Whatever his position on gay rights, he was more than active in New York's AIDS hospices. He dedicated a major facility at one of the archdiocese's hospitals to caring for AIDS patients, and he would visit, unannounced, to care for patients, washing them, changing their bedpans. He attended to thousands of patients over the years. In our book, I wrote that the difference between me and the cardinal was that he was in the business of saving souls, while I was in the business of saving lives. On rereading the book recently, I had to apologize for that one line. He saved more lives than I ever could have." (Newsweek, May 15, 2000)
What will be said of you at your death?
Brenda Seefeldt
www.wildfrontier.org
www.elev8r.org
January 20, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The New Testament is uniformly consistent in seeing something as being wrong in man himself... These analyses of man are based on man's responsibility for his evil actions; they are not saying that it is simply his motions that have gone astray: it is man's will that is the central problem. - Denis Alexander
Throwing out Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23
By Brenda Seefeldt
The Bible. Just the title gives it this grand introduction. The pages have this sacred thinness which gives a mystical sound when they are turned. The smell from the leather cover indicates it's grandeur. Then there are the words, those nuggets of truth to live by. A soothing balm to comfort the troubled soul. Light upon the dark path of life. So we approach the Bible (most often in our troubled times) as this mystical book for the help we need.
Sometimes the above happens for me. The Word of God did bring comfort to my troubled soul and it was a glorious feeling--like God and I truly connected. Sometimes this happens.
More often though when I read the Word of God, it is not this mystical book, it is a mystery book. The more I read, the more questions I have, the more I have to search out my life. Gone is this grandeur (which the Bible mistakenly receives) and in comes common sweat. The Bible becomes the book from which I learn from instead of a magical cure for the pain I feel.
Then there are the parts in the Bible I would just as soon throw out. They don't fit into my line of theology so I'd rather throw them out than try to see how they fit into God's theology. After all, isn't my theology what today's world needs to be reached with?
One part of scripture I've always thrown out is "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." That is a hard one to justify throwing out because it is found not once on some obscure page but three times in the gospels--Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 9:23. Plus all three authors recorded the exact same words with the exception of Luke. He added the word "daily". All three authors have different accounts of Jesus' last words on the cross but they all agreed on this part of Jesus' teaching, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
This doesn't sit well with my mind. You have to throw out this part of scripture. Who is going to become a Christian if you tell them they have to carry a cross.
I don't know if I would have ever come to Christ if I had heard that message. When I did stumble upon it in my Bible reading, I would skip over it. I didn't think I knew how to live life like that and I definitely knew I could not preach those words. Picking up your cross doesn't sound like fun to me. It doesn't sound like the mighty joy you receive when Christ enters your life. It sounds like it might be better to not be a Christian if you have to bear a cross.
Instead of dealing with those contradictory thoughts, I just skipped over it. I placed those verses on the backburners of my mind.
Now in the midst of some very heavy, depressing times, I am looking at these verses and wondering what they mean. I relate to bearing a cross now but I do not understand why. I still believe Jesus is supposed to make my life better. Right now, though, it is not better. Maybe the secret is in these prominent verses I've been ignoring for years.
The cross is a picture of suffering and even agony. I've heard the stories of the agonizing death Jesus went through while hanging on the cross. I've even preached that truth. No wonder I don't want to pick up my cross. However when in my life am I without suffering? With Christ or without Christ, we all face some kind of pain. Maybe this cross has something more to offer than apparent suffering. Didn't Jesus' ultimate victory over Satan come through the cross? Didn't my redemption from my sins come through the cross?
The cross holds the promises we look for. We all deal with the disappointments and pains of life. The cross reminds us of that. Yes, there was pain and agony but also complete victory. In a world where life takes many rotten turns, I have something to pick up that gives me victory. You have something to pick up that gives you victory. There is hope.
Pick up your cross. There is hope. But be ready, sometimes it is heavy.
Brenda Seefeldt
www.wildfrontier.org
www.elev8r.org
January 21, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: [He said:] that our sanctification did not depend upon our changing our works, but upon our doing that for God's sake which commonly we do for our own; that it was lamentable to see how many people mistook the means for the end, addicting themselves to certain works, which they performed very imperfectly, by reason of their human or selfish regards. - Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God
The Persistent Widow and Me
By Brenda Seefeldt
"In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the pleas, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!'" - Luke 18:2-5
Jesus' parables are the most interesting and yet complicated parts of the Bible. We have some of Jesus' actual teachings all wrapped up in riddles that are clear to those who have ears to hear. Do I have ears to hear? It seems that during this "dying time" I actually have more sensitive ears to hear because I so quickly turn to the word of God for comfort and answers. Or do I turn to the word of God into the answer I want to hear? Maybe my ears are actually dull?
So how do I deal with the persistent widow? Does this parable say that if I constantly ask God for something that I can change His mind? I don't believe it means if I ask God constantly for a Ferrari that God will give me it because I ask constantly. It is obvious that a Ferrari would not really do me a lot of good. I know that so it is guaranteed that God would certainly know better. But the things I am praying for seem reasonable to me--even necessary. So like the persistent widow I am constantly going to God with these requests. Again, these are not selfish requests, but needs out of my heart.
Unlike the persistent widow, I haven't received my requests. The Judge has yet to tell me the decision He has made from my constant requests.
Jesus also taught, "Suppose one of you has a friend and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him!' Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs." (Luke 11:5-8).
I'm not asking for anything unreasonable. Am I bothering God by my constant asking? Is God like that man who didn't want to be bothered at night or the judge? Is God bothered because I lack faith because I am always asking?
If an unjust judge could have it moved upon his heart to change his mind, how much more will a just God do? If the unkind neighbor could do something nice, how much more a loving God who desires to pour His love down on me. Who said God is the unjust judge or the unkind neighbor in the parables?
So why are my prayers not getting answered? I don't have any answers. It's a question I'm living with. It is drawing me to the One All-Knowing God. It keeps me searching deeper to know more and more about this God. In the meantime, I'm going to continue asking. This is not because I lack faith. It is because I believe God will answer whether I know the "formula" or not. I asked someone I respect this question. He answered with the reasoning that we don't have the right formula. Yuk! Does that mean God will hold back blessings just because we don't know the formula? I don't think so. I don't know what the answer is but I don't believe it is based on my approach in prayer. Whether I am like the persistent widow or the man asking his neighbor for bread, the request was granted. If an unjust judge or disgruntled neighbor can have a change of heart, how much more a just and loving Father.
Brenda Seefeldt
www.wildfrontier.org
www.elev8r.org
January 22, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: A conversion is incomplete if it does not leave Jesus Christ in the central place in one's life. The shortest possible description of a Christian -- a description with which the New Testament would fully agree -- is that a Christian is a person who can say: "For me Jesus Christ is Lord." Herbert Butterfield's words about facing the future are good: "Hold to Christ, and for the rest be totally uncommitted." Any alleged conversion which does not leave one totally committed solely to Jesus Christ is incomplete and imperfect. (Continued tomorrow) - William Barclay (1907-1978), In the Hands of God
Grace and Hope
"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." - Titus 3:4-7
Peter asked Jesus "How many times should I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Seven times?" And Jesus answered: "Seventy times seven." (see Matthew 18:21-22)
So how many times will God forgive us when we sin against Him? I would answer: "Every sin we sin against Him can and will be forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ."
So why should we obey the law or try to do good? Why not just live it up and trust in God to forgive us? This is something people always ask of those who preach God's grace. If I'm saved by grace what's to keep me from living like hell and still getting into heaven? My answer: "Nothing...read Romans 8:38-39 and see for yourselves!"
But I would also say that while you may be forgiven of all of your sins only a fool would continue to live in his sin.
Why? Well, for one...those who continue to sin knowingly and intentionally usually drift further and further away from God. Not because He can't forgive them or no longer loves them...but because they can't stand to come before Him and admit their failings. If you love somebody you don't want to hurt him or her...likewise with God: if you love Him you don't want to keep on hurting Him; and if you keep on hurting Him, you're going to be uncomfortable in His presence.
But the truth is: If I sin and sin and sin and sin and sin I know from God's word that He will keep on forgiving me. "For where sin increased, grace increased all the more" (Romans 5:20) and "The steadfast love of the Lord NEVER ceases; His mercies NEVER come to an end..." (Lamentations 3:22,23). I also know that my sin has consequences which will follow me even after I'm forgiven.
Let me give you an example. Let's say I have this terrible habit of tying my shoelaces together. Every morning when I get dressed I tie my shoes together and every time I try to walk somewhere I trip and fall on the floor and everytime I fall on the floor I cry out to God in pain and He answers: "Gary my son...stop tying your shoelaces together and you will stop tripping yourself up." So I acknowledge my stupidity and vow to change but the next day and the next day and the next day after that I continue to tie my shoelaces together.
Can God forgive me even though I keep repeating the same mistakes? Sure. But will I ever get to where I want to be if I keep tripping every time I take a step? NO. So it is with REAL sins. (Obviously tying my shoelaces together is a metaphor for something more serious...whatever that may be.) Paul said: "Everything is permissible for me--but not everything is beneficial." (1 Corinthians 6:12)
So if our sins trip us up, why preach GRACE? Why not preach LAW and keep people from tripping in the first place? My answer: "We are doomed to fail sooner or later and LAW only brings us down and eventually results in despair when we realize we'll never be perfect; but GRACE gives us HOPE." I may fail again and again and again and again...but because I believe in God's grace I will continue to get up and keep trying. The LAW makes me want to quit...GRACE allows me to keep trying.
"...for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again..." (Proverbs 24:16). Our righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ who died as a sacrifice for our sins. Because He died my sins are forgiven, and NOTHING can separate me from the love of God; but because He loves me and I value that love I will walk in the righteousness which He has poured out on me. I don't want to keep tripping...I want to move ahead; and by the grace of God I shall move ahead. I know that I will sin...that's pretty much guaranteed; but I also know that God will love me and forgive me no matter how many times I fail...and that gives me the hope and power to keep going.
Gary Zanow
The Grace Cyber Cafe
www.new-mercies.org
January 23, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: A conversion is incomplete if it does not leave one integrated into the Church. By this we do not mean any particular part of the Church; what we do mean is that conversion must leave one linked in loving fellowship with one's fellow believers. Conversion is not something simply between a man and Jesus Christ, with no other person involved. True, it may start in that way; but it cannot end in that way. Conversion is not individualistic. It is, in fact, just the opposite. It joins man to his fellow men, and certainly does not separate him from them. (Continued tomorrow) - William Barclay (1907-1978), In the Hands of God
Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve
Yesterday, I was attending our monthly Executive Board Meeting for the Webster-Claiborne Baptist Association. During the process of the meeting, we heard the customary reports from the different ministries we sponsor. We discussed the financial statement and talked about up coming events.
At the end of the meeting, we were introduced to a Director of Missions who oversees the work of Southern Baptist Churches in the area north of New Orleans. He was sharing with us about a link-up of churches and associations in Northern Louisiana with those in the southern part of the state. He shared that three of the five fasted growing parishes in the state were under his responsibility and that from 1990-2000 these areas experienced a population gain of nearly 400,000 people. They estimate that in order to accommodate the growth in population, they would need to start 75 new churches.
After he shared the basis for what is called the "Barnabas Link-up", he allowed a man that was with him from Baton Rouge to share a few words. This man's statement is the heart of my message today.
This gentleman has pastored the same church, in a nice Baton Rouge neighborhood, for 12 years. I have seen the church and know the area well. This coming Sunday is his last day to serve that congregation. He has committed himself to assisting in the start of these 75 churches in hopes of reaching a significant part of this nearly half a million people.
Why? He said, "I'm fifty-five years old and I want my life to count for something." He went on to say that he wanted to leave an impact that would last for eternity.
As I listened, I thought, "Haven't you pastored for 12 years, left an impact on those people, and made your life count for something?" Then it struck me. What he didn't say spoke more loudly than what he did say. I interpreted his remarks to mean that he had come to a place in the road where he realized that he was faithful to God and man, but that his efforts in his current place of service weren't making the difference that God desired to produce through him. The Lord was calling him to a new assignment.
This is why God called Abraham to leave Ur of the Chaldeans and go to a land he didn't know of. It was for this reason that Joshua and Caleb wanted to face giants instead of going back to Egypt. Young David picks up a handful of stones and faces Goliath, while the Israelite army cowers in fear, for the same reason. This pastor and these heroes saw the potential of God doing something through them that would change the world as they knew it.
It's inventory time. That's what this middle-aged brother came to realize. He looked at where he was and asked, "Is what I'm currently doing good stewardship of God's gifts and blessings in my life?" In answer to this question, he is taking a step that will require his faith and his God to be bigger than they have ever been before.
It's your turn. At this time in your life, is your service for God fulfilling the potential that He has placed in you? It's not enough to serve God faithfully. The Lord has called us to serve fruitfully. In John 15:5, Jesus says, "If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Our fruitfulness in serving God says more about our relationship with Him than our faithfulness.
Granted, some of our early pioneer missionaries served a long time with seemingly little results and much heartache. They served in an entirely different culture than we do. Their lack of results had to do with a hostile environment, whereas ours often has to do with inward complacency.
Are you up to the inventory? Are you willing to say, " I'm ____ years old and I want my life to count for God. I'm willing to do whatever I need to in order to fruitfully serve Him for the rest of my life?
It's enough to make you think really hard. Hopefully, it's enough to make you act.
Wanting to make a difference,
Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA
January 24, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: A conversion is incomplete if it does not leave one with an intense social consciousness, if it does not fill one with a sense of overwhelming responsibility for the world. It has been said... truly that the Church exists for those outside of itself. The Church must never be in any sense a little huddle of pious people, shutting their doors against the world, lost in prayer and praise, connoisseurs of preaching and liturgy, busy mutually congratulating themselves on the excellence of their Christian experience. - William Barclay (1907-1978), In the Hands of God
Child of Sorrow...Child of Peace!
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven - Matthew 19:14 (KJV)
Someone, somewhere in our world today aborted a child...our hearts break; the heart of God breaks more. For this was not a piece of tissue; this was a child. We grieve at the high abortion rate in our land; God grieves at the high cost of abortion to a hurting girl. For there will be hurt, both now and later. The trauma and pain has devastated many a young woman. But while we grieve the loss of a precious child, we rest in the comfort that he is with the Lord. This devotional is dedicated to the memory of those aborted children, who will never see the light of day, never know the touch of a mother's hand. There will be no preschool, no Little League, no parties--no scraped knees, no untied shoes, no messy rooms. For they are at peace--with Jesus. Let's join Him at the Well and talk about it!
From the moment of conception to the moment of death, this child's developing life is one of danger. A decision must be made--life or death. The pregnant girl may waver back and forth until the abortion is finally performed. And then the surgical instruments of evil men perform the dastard ly deed. The actual moment of death is brutal, we are told. But the very moment a child's beating heart stops, that child is safe in the arms of Jesus. No more to encounter danger, pain or harm. Peace at last where nothing or no one can harm.
From the moment of conception to the moment of death, this child's developing life has faced rejection. His very existence has caused trauma in a family, trauma in a young girl, and NO trauma in the eyes of the abortionist, who boldly declares, "This isn't a baby; this is merely unwanted TISSUE." The final rejection comes at the moment of death. But the very moment a child's beating heart stops, that child is accepted in the fold of the Great Shepherd. Jesus enfolds that little lamb in His arms. No more to face rejection and pain. Peace at last where he will never be rejected again.
From the moment of conception to the moment of death, this child has not been loved. Oh, perhaps a passing sentimental love, but not a love strong and courageous enough to carry and bear a child, and at whatever cost, to bring a life into the world. The maternal instinct is somehow denied, and the child is nameless, faceless, soundless--no emotional connection, just an unfortunate mistake. The final act of non-love is death, violent death. But the very moment a child's beating heart stops, that child is welcomed by a heavenly host of angels, witnesses, and the Son of God Himself. Jesus died for little children, and His loving heart must break as one by one, these little unborn ones enter His Kingdom. Oh the love of a Savior, who cradles these children in His tender care. Peace at last where they will never be unloved again.
Hearts are broken today, for various reasons. Perhaps you have a family member or friend who has had an abortion; perhaps you, in an immature, hasty, unknowledgeable decision, aborted a child yourself. Who knows the reasoning involved in this heartbreaking decision. But, whatever the reason, there is forgiveness with the Lord. You can be a messenger of forgiveness to that one you know; or you can be the recipient of forgiveness if you are that one yourself! Jesus forgives, and He wants you to forgive yourself. Place that child afresh in the arms of the Lord, and then return from the altar to counsel another, to save a baby and a life from the destruction you have experienced. There is healing at the feet of Jesus. Bow there today and accept His forgiveness.
Child of sorrow...child of peace...we leave you in the arms of Jesus. You are safe, you are accepted, and you are loved.
Lord, we grieve for the unborn children of our world. We grieve for young girls making wrong choices. We grieve for those who are still dealing with the hurt of a wrong choice. Forgive, restore, and heal. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Peggie C. Bohanon, Springfield, MO.
Copyright 1996-2002 All rights reserved.
January 25, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: We must not be surprised when we hear of murders, of killings, of wars, of hatred. If a mother can kill her own child, what is left but for us to kill each other. - Mother Theresa
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Major Gifts, Minor Glitches"
Proverbs 14:4
I go to the barber shop to have my hairs cut - both of them. And I don't go expecting to glean some gem of philosophical wisdom. But I did during my most recent visit. An elderly gentleman was the victim - I mean, the customer - just ahead of me. He was telling why he wasn't able to go hunting this year as he had in past years, basically because of a barrage of aches and pains and some medical problems. But he wasn't really complaining. You could tell that by his conclusion: "Yup, my body is wearing out, I guess - but I'm just grateful I'm here for it."
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Major Gifts, Minor Glitches."
I walked away from the barber shop that morning with more than a haircut - I walked away with fresh perspective on the things in our lives that bother us - thanks to a man who saw beyond his aches and pains to the blessing of at least being alive to feel them. Here's how he weighs it out: Physical problems - small stuff. Being alive - big stuff.
That load-lightening perspective is evident in our word for today from the Word of God. Proverbs 14:4 is really an unusual, and even slightly amusing, piece of divine wisdom. It's one that may help you rise above some of the heavy stuff you're trying to lift right now. Here goes: "Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest." I like the way the King James Version puts it: "Where no oxen are, the crib is clean."
Now. here's the picture - a farmer is complaining about the mess his oxen make in the barn. "If I didn't have those stupid oxen, I wouldn't have all this manure." Then somebody reminds him - "If you didn't have those oxen, you wouldn't have a harvest!" You've got a little mess because you've got a big blessing!
Hello! That might be what God is trying to remind you of right now. You've been frustrated by, maybe complaining about things that aren't working, things that are hurting, things that need fixing, problems that need solving, or jobs that need doing. Maybe you've forgotten that the reason you've got a problem is because you've got a gift from God! You've been given blessings, opportunities, years, people who love you, people who look to you, people who need you, and you've been given work to do.
On days when my list of problems and pressures is multiplying, I need to read Psalm 16:5-6 to help me restore my "big picture" perspective. "Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."
Now, you decide where you want to focus ... what you're going to let determine your attitude. You can complain about the manure or be glad you've got an ox. You can gripe about the glitches or you can give thanks for the gifts. You can be negative because there's a mess or positive because that mess is the result of progress - and, as any highway construction people know, you can't have progress without having a mess.
Where's your attitude coming from right now - your load or your Lord? Your burdens or your blessings? The mess from the wrapping paper or the gift from God that He wrapped? Take a step back ... look past the garbage that's right in front of you to see the goodness of God that's all around you!
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2002, Ron Hutchcraft
January 26, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: God whispers in our pleasure, but He shouts in our pain. - C.S. Lewis
Collapsing Security
By Ron Hutchcraft
It all happened so fast. One day, people's retirement funds and even life savings were seemingly doing fine, even appreciating - and then, in one shocking announcement, they were gone. Enron, the energy giant, the seventh largest corporation in America - the trusted guardian of the futures of millions - was suddenly declaring bankruptcy.
It seemed as if almost no one had foreseen Enron's impending collapse. People continued to invest in the company right up to the announcement of their meltdown. One news report indicated that virtually all investment analysts were recommending investing in Enron almost to the end.
Who could have guessed that this apparently rock-solid investment could turn out to be worth nothing in the end? So many have been hurt ... so much has been lost. The ancient words of King Solomon sound as if they were written in the last few days: "Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." (Proverbs 23:5)
The stunning collapse of financial security tied to Enron is a macro-instance of what has been happening to people for a long, long time. A previous generation saw their security erased in a day with the stock market crash that launched the Great Depression. Who would have thought that all those banks could fail so suddenly? And for many, the sudden calamity comes quietly and personally - with a layoff ... the loss of customers on whom the business depended . a crushing report from the doctor. And with the awful events of September 11, all of us were wrenchingly reminded how quickly it can all be gone.
It almost makes a person ask, "Are the words 'financial security' an oxymoron? Is there really any such thing?" But then, is there really any earth-security that cannot, sometimes overnight, "sprout wings and fly off"? Even people who are our security can be suddenly gone.
Economic upheaval ... betrayal ... abandonment ... sudden change ... a health crisis ... a breakup ... a funeral - they remind us how vulnerable, how "losable" our life-anchors really are. How vulnerable we are. And for many of us, that's when we start reaching for something we cannot lose. Which earth doesn't have. We need hands to hold our future that won't drop us, go bankrupt on us, leave us, die on us. We'll never be secure until we find those hands that will never let us go, never let us down.
Hands like those are within your reach ... you'll recognize them by the nailprints in them. It's Jesus - and Jesus alone - who can keep a promise like this - "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) In a world where so many have let us down, how do you know you can trust Jesus? Those nailprints - they show how much He loves you ... and how much you can trust Him.
In the words of the Bible, "God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Most people know Christ died - and how He died, nailed hands and feet to a cross. But the discovery that can literally change the rest of your life is why He died. He died for us. He died for you.
It turns out that His death is our only hope for ever having a personal relationship with our Creator, for ever having the ultimate security - knowing you're going to heaven when you die. Without a relationship with God in our unpredictable, sometimes unbearable, lives, we are like ships adrift without an anchor ... and with no safe harbor from the hurricanes. And according to the Bible, we all are away from this God we were made by and made for. We've essentially lived our lives saying, "God, You run the universe. I'll run me, thank You." We have done it our way, not His way. That's what makes us, again in God's words, "sinners."
But "Christ died for us" - "while we were still sinners." Because the only way to remove the sin-wall between us and God was for our death penalty to be paid, the spiritual death penalty that we have earned by running lives God was supposed to run. But Jesus literally opened up the road to God by removing our sins' death penalty the only way it could be removed - He died for us ... in our place. In your place.
And today - in a world whose headlines scream with reminders of vulnerable we are - Jesus is extending His hand toward you. He's ready to introduce you to His "never leave you, never forsake you" love. To secure your future forever. And to care for you every day between here and eternity.
We spend so much time, so much effort, trying to secure our next thirty or forty years. But that is a blink of the eye compared to securing your eternity. To neglect your forever is life's most costly mistake. To grab the waiting hand of Jesus is to find what you can never lose. You can belong to Him this very day - just tell Him, "Jesus, I've run my own life long enough - I'm Yours beginning right now. You died for me - I'm putting all my trust in You."
In a very uncertain world, you can know your life and your future are in hands that will never hurt you, never drop you, never let you go. "We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." (Hebrews 6:18, 19) That anchor is within your reach, this very moment.
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2002, Ron Hutchcraft
January 27, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: WE are always wanting to be doing, to be giving, to be planning for the future, to be mapping out all our life; instead of resting and receiving day by day, leaving the morrow to our God, and rejoicing in Jesus Christ amidst all our falls and failures. Instead of going on rejoicing in Jesus, we are tempted to despond, and to go on desponding, after every failure, negligence, and sin. - George H. Wilkinson
Make The Most Of Every Chance You Get
Scripture readings: Philippians 2:1-3, Mark 10:42-45, James 4:13-16, Ephesians 5:15-16. 1 Thessalonians 4:11, Proverbs 16:1
If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if His love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care - then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front, don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.
"You've observed how godless rulers throw their weight around," Jesus said, "and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It's not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served - and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage."
I have a word for you who brashly announce, "Today - at the latest, tomorrow - we're off to such and such a city for the year. We're going to start a business and make a lot of money." You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, "If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that." As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil.
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Stay calm! Mind your own business. Do your own job. Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.
By Eugene H. Peterson
Taken from "His Unfolding Grace"
Copyright 1998, Navpress
January 28, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: We seek God afar off, in projects perhaps altogether unattainable, and we do not consider that we possess Him now in the midst of confusion, by the exercise of simple faith, provided we bear humbly and bravely the annoyances which come from others, and our own imperfect ions. - Francois de la Mothe Fenelon
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Light For Your Next Step"
Psalm 119:105
We were all nestled into our tent for the night as the campground fell silent after a busy day. We had zipped each of the kids into their sleeping bag. I had zipped up the tent and tied it securely. Karen and I were all settled into our sleeping bags for a good night's sleep. And then came those words - "I gotta go potty." Great. The bathroom was down the trail and over the hill. So - unzip my sleeping bag, unzip boy's sleeping bag, put on shoes, unzip the tent, untie the flaps - oh, and be sure you've got your lantern, Dad! Father and son make their way through the real dark darkness of the campground. They can't see the bathroom - but, thanks to the light of their lantern, they make it to their goal.
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Light For Your Next Step."
Actually, we didn't need to see the whole campground that night. We only needed to see our next step, and our lantern always showed us where that was. If you've got a Bible, you've got a lantern like that - one that will literally light up this day's path.
Now, if you're just reading the Bible to fulfill your Christian duty or to accumulate religious information, well, you're missing the real power of what you've got in your hand. Those words in your Bible are God's light to show you how to navigate each new day. In Psalm 119:105, our word for today from the Word of God, the Bible says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."
Now how does that work? Well, let's look at a helpful example of this path-lighting from God's Word. In Acts 10, Peter gets a message from the Lord. "He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air." (Those were animals that Peter's Jewish upbringing had taught him were unclean.) "Then a voice told him, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.' 'Surely not, Lord!', Peter replied. 'I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.' The voice spoke to him a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'" OK, now that's God's word to Peter for that day. Peter's not sure what it means, but he's about to find out.
Peter was also raised to believe that Gentiles were unclean, like those animals - he was to have no relationship with them. But this day God has prepared the heart of a Roman officer to find Christ - and Peter is called upon to be God's man to make the introductions. God used His word to prepare Peter for what he was supposed to do that day. Now, what has happened to Peter here is what God wants to happen to you and me on a daily basis.
As you read what He's written, He wants to use what you read to contextualize what He knows is coming in your day. So, pray before you read, talk to the author - "Lord, You know what I need to know for today - please show it to me." It's good to write down what God says to you in a spiritual journal - that will crystallize His message and it will help you remember it. Then, as your day unfolds, keep interpreting this days' events by referring back to what He said to you in His Word. He gives you the light of His Word to outfit you for the experiences of your day.
This makes studying God's Word not boring, it makes it pretty exciting - knowing you are getting God's insight, God's sneak preview, God's preparation for what God knows is coming. That's pretty awesome stuff! Why would you ever head out into life's dark path without the light, without that revealing word from heaven that will show you where to walk?
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2002, Ron Hutchcraft
January 29, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The will of God will be done; but, oh, the unspeakable loss for us if we have missed our opportunity of doing it! - Brooke Foss Westcott
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Deep Holes, Beautiful Discoveries"
Isaiah 61:1
Not long ago, we had a chance to tour a cave that has been recognized as one of the most beautiful in America. And it really does offer some breathtaking views. Now, most of the caves you can tour in America were discovered some time in the 1800's. Not this one. It was just discovered in 1969; at least by white man. I'm sure native people discovered it a long time ago. Because of a giant sinkhole that opened up that's really why it was discovered. Some adventurous young men decided to crawl down into that sinkhole and see where it led. The cave guide showed us the little hole in the rocks that they crawled through and then out into this huge room, decorated with spectacular rock formations. I don't suppose the big lights and sidewalks and the railings were there then, but they must have been amazed at what they discovered - and what millions have been able to discover because they did. And all because of a sinkhole!
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Deep Holes, Beautiful Discoveries."
I'll bet a lot of folks weren't very happy about that big hole in the ground opening up. It probably was a pain for some people - potentially dangerous for others. But the "problem" of that sinkhole turned out to be the access route to beauty like those folks had never seen before. That has happened to a lot of us - when a big hole has opened up in our life. When things collapsed. And it may be that God is wanting you to look beyond that big hole - to see the undiscovered beauty that's underneath it.
In our word for today from the Word of God, He talks about folks who have had some major sinkholes open up in their lives. In Isaiah 61:1: "The Lord has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners ... to comfort all who mourn, and provide for all those who grieve in Zion." Then God goes on to show what beauty He hopes we'll discover in our grief - "To bestow on them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Beauty in the middle of ashes - gladness in the middle of mourning - praise in the middle of despair.
When things collapse in our life, we are keenly aware of what we've lost. Unless we go deeper, unless we go looking, we will miss what He's wanting us to gain - the things He wants us to see that we would never see without the collapse.
It's in our hurting times that we can see in the person we married some beautiful strengths that we either have forgotten or never noticed. If you let the cave-in drive you closer to your children or your parents, you may see in them a beauty that you've missed before. If you look the right direction, a time of loss can be a time of finally seeing the everyday blessings in your life that you've taken for granted. The hole that's opened up may provide an opportunity for people to really show you how much they love you, for you to appreciate your Christian friends in a new way, for you to tell people you've prayed for about your Jesus. And they'll listen to you now because of what you've been through.
Most of all, when things collapse you can see the faithfulness and love and power of your Lord in ways that we can only see when we're desperate and beyond what we can fix, what we can handle. This season when things are caving in can be a season of life-changing discovery, as well. You can't make the hole in your life go away, but you can go through it to discover beauty that you could never see any other way.
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2002, Ron Hutchcraft
January 30, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: If we would endeavor, like men of courage, to stand in the battle, surely we should feel the favorable assistance of God from heaven. For He who giveth us occasion to fight, to the end we may get the victory, is ready to succor those that fight manfully, and do trust in His grace. - Thomas �. Kempis
Don't Lash Out
Scripture Readings: Psalm 103:8-10, Psalm 145:9, Proverbs 14:29, Psalm 4:4, James 3:5, Proverbs 19:19, Proverbs 22:24-25, Matthew 5:21-22, Matthew 5:45, James 1:19-20
God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he's rich in love. He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve., nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace.
Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding; a quick-tempered person stockpiles stupidity. Complain if you must, but don't lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything - or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire.
Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger. If you try to make it better, you'll only make it worse. Don't hang out with angry people. Don't keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious - don't get infected.
Jesus said, "You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder.... The simple moral fact is that words kill.
"When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best - the sun to warm and the rain to nourish - to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty."
Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger.
Eugene H. Peterson
Taken from "His Unfolding Grace"
Copyright 1998, Navpress
January 31, 2002
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The hands that tend the sick tend Christ; the willing feet that go on errands of love, work for Christ; the words of comfort to the sorrowful, and of sympathy to the mourner, are spoken in the name of Christ--Christ comforts the world through His friends. How much have you done for Him? What sort of a friend have you been to Him? God is working through His people; Christ is succoring through His friends--it is the vacancies in the ranks of His friends wherein the mischief lies: come and fill one gap. - Arthur F. Winnington Ingram
Hang Onto That Rope
"For several days Saul stayed with the Lord's followers in Damascus. Soon he went to the Jewish meeting places and started telling people that Jesus is the Son of God. Everyone who heard Saul was amazed and said, 'Isn't this the man who caused so much trouble for those people in Jerusalem who worship in the name of Jesus? Didn't he come here to arrest them and take them to the chief priests?' Saul preached with such power that he completely confused the Jewish people in Damascus, as he tried to show them that Jesus is the Messiah. Later some of them made plans to kill Saul, but he found out about it. He learned that they were guarding the gates of the city day and night in order to kill him. Then one night his followers let him down over the city wall in a large basket." - Acts 9:19b-25
It is night in Damascus after quite a day. That guy Saul certainly stirred up the people. And now he is slowly being lowered down the wall in a basket. For a moment, let's allow the great apostle to swing in his basket while we follow the rope back to the men at the other end of it. I don't know much about them, not even their names or nationalities. Did they meet Saul just today or were they part of a Bible study that was praying for this visit by Saul to their city, praying for protection for their lives? What led them to be the ones letting down to safety the one who was to become the greatest apostle and writer of thirteen books of the New Testament?
We don't know. This is all that we know about them. But at that moment they were doing exactly what God would have them to do. Thankfully they didn't run off to preach a crusade or were busy trying to get that choir solo. They would have missed an important part of history. These few not being there might have changed history.
Randy was a seventh grade student who asked me to attend an afterschool magic show he was performing at. I went.
His magic tricks consisted of making things and people disappear when the lights were turned off. In the pitch darkness I could hear body parts bumping into stationary objects and then "Abracadabra!" Quality!!
In eighth grade Randy was assigned to write a page thank you letter to someone who influenced his middle school years. He chose me. The following is part of his letter: "You have helped me throughout my 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade years. You are a very good friend to me and always will be. You also stayed after school with me and helped me with my play. That helped me a lot. You preached to me after school and it was great. You are good. You also came to my magic show when no one else did. That I will never forget. Thank you for all that you have done for me."
Randy has recently graduated from high school. He is not a believer--yet. What will Randy's life become? He's already a great, responsible, young man. What if I hadn't attended that magic show or the dozens of other times I sacrificed my schedule? What if I hadn't hung on to that rope? Randy's history isn't written yet so I don't know. But I wonder.
The fingers which tied that rope and let Saul down did not write famous epistles. Those converts may not have spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. But those things did happen through the man they were lowering. For this moment the apostle Paul was their responsibility. A bit of work was given to them by the Lord and they did it well.
Every disciple of Christ has a rope to hold. Credentials don't matter here. Someone's well- being is in my hands and yours. You hold a piece of the future. It may be large or it may be small, but you hold it. You may hold this rope alone. If you drop it, no one else may take it up again--ever. So you and I had better hold it to the best of our ability. We had best be faithful to the task at hand, the task that God has given me. I had better not be moving ahead of myself, wishing for different tasks that I want God to give me. This is what I have to do now.
Try to imagine with me those disciples who hung on to that rope some time later. They had just finished reading the Epistle to the Romans. With that reading it dawned on them that they had a part of that book. They might have said amongst themselves, "Do you remember that night? That guy named Saul is now Paul. What if we hadn't taken the riotous situation seriously? What if we decided to not get involved?" What if we had not held on tight enough? That was quite a task. Remember?" Then a warm feeling enveloped them as they realized that they were given a work to do and they did it well and here is the fruit of that task. Abracadabra.
Brenda Seefeldt
www.wildfrontier.org
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