Purpose For Pain

"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” - John 3:8

That was Jesus talking to Nicodemus about the Holy Spirit. This is from my study Bible.

"Jesus' point was that just as the wind cannot be controlled or understood by human beings but its effects can be witnessed, so also it is with the Holy Spirit. He cannot be controlled or understood, but the proof of His work is apparent. Where the Spirit works, there is undeniable and unmistakable evidence."

That last sentence is huge.

It reminds me of a song by Sidewalk Prophets - Live Like That. There is a line in that song that asks, "Is there evidence that I've been changed?"

Have we been changed by the Holy Spirit? There should be noticable evidence - a "before" and an "after" of some sort.

Do you remember the band Creed? They were playing to sold out stadiums at one point but then they broke up. Twice. Their lead singer was named Scott Stapp. I watched an interview of his this week where he credited God for the change in HIS life.

"One thing that's great is God can take our messes and turn them into a message. He can take our pain and give it purpose." - Scott Stapp

Scott now speaks to mens groups about their struggles with addiction, child abuse, and depression. In the interview he mentioned a song he had written called Purpose For Pain. This is from that song:

There's gotta be more, 'cause life is insane.

Gotta turn this around and find the purpose for pain.

If we look at our own lives, have we suffered pain? Did a purpose arise from it? That purpose, the result of all the pain and suffering, is the proof that we've been changed. That change is the evidence that the Holy Spirit lives in us.

What then? Is there evidence that we've been changed? Does that evidence bring glory to God? It should. If there has not been a noticeable change from the pain in our lives, perhaps it is time to make a change.

Just remember, God makes amazing changes through His Holy Spirit. Any man-made changes can be subject to failure. Ask God to make a change in you today. And do it for HIS glory, not your own.

Purpose For Pain - Scott Stapp

Live Like That - Sidewalk Prophets

Pain & Suffering

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

That verse holds the key that unlocks the answer to one of the most difficult questions in all of Christianity. "Why does a loving God allow pain and suffering in the world?"

Our church is having another youth group night in three weeks. By design we are turning our teaching in an apologetics direction - preparing our kids for life outside of their bubbles.

Turn your Bibles to Romans 9 and we'll look at a couple of questions that Paul asks the church. His questions turn into answers for our question about pain and suffering. Verses 22-24.

"What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction? ²³What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory— ²⁴including us, whom He has called not only from the Jews, but also from the Gentiles?" - Romans 9:22-24

Think about it. This is from my February Bible study for our church kids . . .

It is the beauty and brilliance of your hearts, in Jesus Christ, that witnesses to a dark and dying world, the glory and majesty of God, who sent His Son Jesus to die a death that we ourselves deserve to die. That’s called grace, and mercy, and the Gospel.

Here’s one last question for you to think about. Why does a holy God, who hates sin, even allow us to live? John 3:16. “For God so loved."

God allows pain and suffering in order to draw us closer to Him. This phenomenon is repeated time and time again in the Old Testament. When we feel wonderful all the time, we tend to ignore God. It's in our nature. We were created to worship Him. Our pain and suffering draw us near to Him. But take heart. God has also promised us this . . .

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” - Revelation 21:4

Stay Strong

This past week Facebook posts began appearing about a 12-year old boy in our community who died suddenly and unexpectedly. No cause of death was given, which is unfortunate because we are left to wonder.

"Sudden death" is a term we usually reserve for sporting events, but real-life death is not a game. It wounds the living, and leaves invisible scars on the heart.

There are four things we need to do when we find ourselves faced with death. First, we need to prepare for it. Death IS inevitable, for everyone. How to prepare? I would advise a two-part strategy - read the Bible, and do what it says.

The second thing we need to do is to be strong. God commanded Joshua to "be strong and courageous" when Joshua took over for Moses. God mentioned it 5 or 6 tines. That's good advice. And how do we get strong? We work out - by reading God's Word and not leaning on our own understanding.

"⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

The third thing we should be doing is to pray. It actually should be but our first resort, not last. When we hear of someone's suffering, our immediate response should be to pray.

That brings us to number four and that is to reach out in love. People suffering a loss have been damaged. They need to be loved and comforted. Hugs, tears, and prayers are just what they need. Apply all, liberally.

Jesus told us to build our house (our faith) on the rock (Jesus). We should be a rock to those who are hurting. Remind them of Jesus' truths. Remind them of the hope to be found in Him. Love them unconditionally, and stay strong - for them.

"A wise man built his house on the rock. ²⁵The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." - Matthew 7:24-25

Stay strong my brothers and sisters.

Stay Strong - Newsboys

Hurt People

We all have been hurt at somepoint on our lives. Why do people do that? We love these people and suddenly we find them hurting us. Why?

My wife and I went to a Sidewalk Prophets concert a few weeks ago. They were debuting one of their new songs - "Hurt People." The song implies that people who have been hurt in their lives are the ones who in turn hurt others.

Hurt people hurt people,

Broken hearts break hearts

If true, that's something we need to remember the next time someone breaks OUR hearts or hurts US in some way.

Lashing out at someone in response to their lashing out at us is no way to act for the Christian. Yet there is still a strong desire to lash out, indicating that we ourselves are far from perfect. So, what do we do?

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:44-45

That's Jesus speaking. He's telling us to love and to pray. It's that simple.

And just to drive Jesus' words home, that Sidewalk Prophets song ends with this line:

But love will heal our hearts.

It really is that simple. Love others enough to take them to God in prayer.

Here's an idea. Let us take the first line of the song and change it up a bit.

Loved people love people.

God loves you and God loves your enemies too, wishing that none would perish. So, what are we waiting for?

Love! Pray! Repeat!

Hurt People - Sidewalk Prophets 

Either Way

"Suffering purifies what we really believe about God." - Janet Parshall

Pain and Suffering are great teachers. And life-lessons often get taught in the most painful situations.

As I was driving home from the dentist (Speaking of pain! Lol!) I turned on the radio and listened to a talk show about dealing with grief. The guest was the author of a book entitled Either Way, We'll Be All Right.

The book was a "diary" about the author and his wife as they processed her cancer diagnosis and ultimate death.

What I found most refreshing was the way that this couple's faith was interwoven with every thought and decision they made along the way about a seemingly unknown future.

The amazing thing about Christianity, and an active faith in the heart of the true believer, is that "the future" is already known and embraced.

'Death is a part of life' they say, but it is often a sad part. Remember Lazarus? Remember all of the mourners and Lazarus's two sisters? Even Jesus wept upon seeing their pain.

"When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” He asked." - John 11:32-34

Jesus knew that Lazarus would live again. And so it will be with ALL who believe. But Jesus was filled with compassion and mercy for those who were grieving.

The real key in dealing with pain and suffering is Jesus. He has already removed the 'pain and suffering' from our future by dying for our sins on the cross. He can also ease our present woes by taking their weight off our shoulders.

To ease our present burdens, we must pray. But that is only step one. The second thing required of us is to trust. Without our trusting in Jesus, what good are our prayers?

"Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” He said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down." - Matthew 14:25-32

Peter's doubt caused him to sink. Jesus said his sinking was due to Peter's lack of faith.

Are we totally and completely trusting in Jesus with our fear and pain and prayers? Or are we sinking?

Peter THOUGHT he believed but later he denied Jesus three times to protect his own life. Do we truly believe? Even when things don't go as we had hoped?

Either way, we must trust in God.

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves." - 2 Corinthians 13:5

Either Way, We'll Be All Right Book

When Tragedy Strikes

I woke up this morning to some terrible news. The daughter of one of the youth group kids I love so much was killed in a 4-wheeler accident. What do I even say?

Let's start at the beginning I guess. We live in a fallen world. There is pain and suffering, death and mourning. I get that. But why does it have to touch our children?

One of the 'waypoints' in MY faith journey was the death of another young girl in our community - Cora Jones. Her death was just as tragic and just as hard to understand.

At Cora's death, I was not a believer at the time. I was angry with God so I guess I believed to some extent but there was bitterness in my heart.

"How could God allow such a thing to happen?"

That's the usual question. So, what's the answer? 

The thing we need to remember is that this "life" here in earth is short. It's temporary. According to the Bible we all will live forever. It's just a matter of where - heaven or hell.

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 5:8

So my young friend's daughter is still living. Just not here. Our minds cannot escape 'the here and now.' We are stuck. Unless, we embrace Christ.

Jesus is where we find hope. It is His grace and mercy that gives us that hope. And it is His abundant love that provides all of those things.

I wish my friend was not suffering such a tragic loss. But . . . 

"God works all things together for the good of those who love Him." - Romans 8:28

So the real question becomes, "Do we love Him, and trust Him, and surrender all things into His hands?"

And that is a question we all must answer for ourselves. Before it's too late to change our minds.

Ninjas

When our kids were younger they used to watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Do you remember the chant at the end of their opening song?

"Heroes in a half shell. Turtle power!"

I looked up the word "ninja," just to make sure my story was headed in the right direction. Here it is:

"A member of a class of medieval Japanese mercenary agents who were trained in the martial arts and hired for covert operations such as assassination and sabotage."

Let's distill that down a bit.

Trained agents. Covert.

Aren't we Christians trained in God's Word? Aren't we agents of the Most High God? Sharing to Gospel to the world?

The definition also mentions "covert operations." We are having to be more and more covert these as persecution of the Church increases. If we say that being gay, having trans surgery, or aborting our children is against God's Word we are ostracized, sued, beaten, or shunned.

We need to be ninjas for Jesus. A ninja has no fear, at least from what I have seen in the movie. And our weapon is a double-edged sword.

"The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword." - Hebrews 4:12

Let's modify that Turtle chant a bit.

"Servants of the Most High. Ninja power!"

Sounds cool. But it's really HIS power. Our job as "ninjas for Jesus" is to love everyone, even when they are hating us. We are to speak the truth, even when we are chastized by family members and friends for doing so.

We have been "hired" by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Shouldn't we then live and act like we belong to Him?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Theme Song

In The Storm

This past week we had a lot of storms in our area. We even lost power for a while. Being without power really gave us an appreciation for the things we often take for granted.

I was reading in the Book of Job after our power outage and came across this verse.

"Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm." - Job 40:6

We can feel quite "powerless" at times. Perhaps someone is sick and not getting any better. Or maybe it's a pet getting on in years. We know the end for them is coming and we feel powerless to change things.

There is tremendous power in prayer. And we should absolutely be praying every time we struggle. But I want you to notice something in that verse from Job.

Where was God when He spoke to Job? He was IN the storm! He wasn't outside of it or above it. God spoke to Job out of the storm. In the midst of it.

Another example of this is when Jesus calmed the storm.

"He (Jesus) got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." - Mark 4:38

Jesus in the storm with the disciples. 

That reminds me of something - a Monday Night Football game. Brett Favre's father had died just the day before. Please watch the video and see the power of a son's love for his father. Listen to Favre's bride, Deanna, talking about her husband Brett, the bridegroom.

It is in the midst of our storms that God speaks to us. Not with words, as in Job's case, but in spirit. It is in the midst of our pain that we are finally willing to listen and seek His help. And that is when prayers get answered.

"If there was ever divine intervention He was there that night." - Brett Favre

Favre's Dad Game

A Slap and a Hug

I woke up this morning to a slap in the face, followed quickly thereafter by a loving hug. No, my wife is still sleeping. Let me explain.

First, some background information. I used to be a youth leader at my church. Lots of high schoolers to shepherd and love, as a father loves his children. And I still love them to this very day. Even after some of the choices they have made.

The Slap - I opened up Facebook (I know, there's a mistake right there) and I saw a picture of one of those youth group kids, a girl. She was lovingly being embracing by her same-sex partner. That kind of hurt.

A quick prayer from me, followed by continued scrolling.

The Hug - Suddenly there appeared a video from one of my favorite pastors. He was speaking about suffering for the Gospel. So, I watched it.

I was reminded how Paul suffered for the Gospel.

"Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea." - 2 Corinthians 11:24-25

Paul goes on from there to list many other sufferings, not to mention that he eventually died for the sake of The Gospel.

We who follow Christ will face decisions in our lives, sometimes daily. How will we face those decisions? How will we answer those tests from God?

Recently, Alistair Begg, a prominent pastor in Ohio, was criticized for advising a grandmother to attend a gay wedding. His marriage advice podcast was pulled from USAToday. He was rebuked by his fellow pastors. Begg refuses to repent.

This generation has perverted the wedding ceremony as if it were only for themselves. Is not an earthly wedding a foretaste of our soon-coming heavenly wedding? The bride (The Church) and the bride groom (Jesus)? Did not God create us men and women for a purpose?

For those who choose to stand firm in their faith, they are sure to be chastized and rebuked by those living in "the world." It hurts. But the pain does not breed contempt in the heart of the Christian. Rather love leads to compassion, and that compassion leads to impassioned prayer.

We all have people in our lives who make poor choices. We only have to look in a mirror to see an example. We are ALL sinners. But those who have chosen Christ must follow HIS path, not the path that this world has taken. Sin leads to death!

"Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake." - Philippians 1:27-29

And again . . .

"To live is Christ, and to die is gain." - Philippians 1:21

And . . .

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Repent + Jesus = New Life

Suffering For The Gospel- Voddie Baucham

Lessons From Job

Reading through the book of Job, I was struck by a few things. No injuries. Lol! But they are good reminders for us, every day of our lives. 

First, God blesses those who love Him.

In chapter one we read, "He was the greatest man among all the people of the East." He had a wife and ten kids, and tons of livestock, but the most important thing about Job was that "he feared God and was blameless and upright." (verse 1)

The second thing we can learn is that God watches over us. 

This becomes apparent when God says, "Have you considered my servant Job?" God not only tracks our actions and thoughts but He knows us by name!

Thirdly, God allows pain and suffering in our lives.

Why? To teach. In this book, God teaches Satan a lesson, Job's three friends, and Job himself.

The fourth thing we can notice is that God gives us friends, who walk with us through tough times. And even though Job's friends didn't always offer the most constructive ideas, they did come to be with their friend. They sat with him and listened to him rant and complain. In short, they loved him.

The fifth thing we can see is near the end of the book, when God speaks. God reminds Job and his friends that God is in control. God created all things and knows all things. Nothing happens without God allowing it.

And the sixth thing we can learn from reading Job is that God will continue to bless those who love Him. Especially through the hard times.

It's easy to praise God when things are going well. Not so much, when times are hard and not going according to OUR plans.

Jesus reminds us of this when He said in Matthew 24:13, "the one who endures to the end will be saved."

The entire world is going through a tough time right now. Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, pestilences. It's all prophesied  in the Bible. But those who have faith in God, and who have faith in His Son, Jesus, will be saved.

Let us praise God through the storms we face in life. Because, just like with Job, we will be doubly blessed because of our enduring faith.

Praise You In This Storm - Casting Crowns

Numb

I watched a music video last night that got me thinking (link below). In the video a young woman went through a series of depressing events in her life.

She dealt with a domineering mother at home, she was abused and alienated at her school. Ultimately, she came running into a church only to find that no one was there.

Has the church of today forgotten its purpose? Have we become "numb" to the problems we see happening in the world? And what about us as individuals? Have we become numb as well?

Jesus said the following to the "numb" church in Ephesus:

"You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." - Revelation 4:5

We can see examples of churches doing God's work in Ukraine for example. Samaritan's Purse does not hold back when it comes to going where the love of God is needed, in Jesus' name. But what about us on the individual level?

Why did God give us arms and legs? Could it be because God wanted us to GO where we are needed and to USE the arms He gave us to embrace those who need to feel loved?

Getting back to the video, we are left wondering what happened to the woman. Did she kill herself after her "last resort" - the church - failed to love?

The singer and writer of the song, Chester Bennington, killed himself in 2017. Did HE run into a church at one point in his life only to find it "empty?"

Let us not "become so numb" as a church that we forget what Jesus commanded us to do. Having our lampstand removed by Jesus is NOT something we want to have happen.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35

Heavenly Father, I don't want to become numb. Help me to love others who are in need. May my arms always be open to anyone you would place in my path. May my legs always be willing to take me to the places you want me to be. My desire is to be known as one of your disciples - loving, embracing, and moving. It is in Your merciful name that I pray. Amen.

Numb - Linkin Park

Steady Me Now

It's raining as I write this today. No thunder or lightening. Just rain. Sometimes rain can be quite peaceful, like now. But other times, well, I'm sure you have all felt THOSE storms.

When things get really bad, we need to remember some truths about God.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6

When there is too much rain in our lives, we can sometimes feel like we're drowning. During times like those we need something to stand on. Like a rock - THEE Rock!

"Be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock." - Matthew 7:24-25

What we need in times of trouble in an "anchor." Something we can hold on to, or that will hold onto us - to steady us. God IS that anchor.

The link below is a song about someone experiencing a storm in their life and asking God to steady him. And to not let go. What a prayer! Dear God . . .

In angry oceans, You’ve never broken

Through every wave of the storm

You are my anchor

So steady me, steady me now

Have a steady and anchored Monday.

"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast." - Hebrews 6:19

Anchor - Skillet

The Tell Tail Heart

Yesterday I almost ran over my story for today. A black squirrel jumped out in front of my car but then changed its mind and ran back the way it had come. Smart.

The squirrel had no tail. It was obvious that this little guy had learned a rather painful lesson earlier in its life. 

It is said that pain is a great teacher. That's true. If you've been hurt in relationships enough times for example, you can get a little gun-shy when the next potential "someone " comes along.

Perhaps my little squirrel friend experienced some Deja vu as he ran out onto the road. Something told him, perhaps, that this situation was not going to end well for him, and he bolted.

Have you ever repeated the same mistake over and over again? I do that every day. It's called sin. So, why do we keep on sinning? The simple answer is, It's in our nature. Perhaps that's why we humans have no tails. Lol!

So, why don't we turn around and run when it happens a second time? And a third time? Like I said, it's in our nature. The bible says it this way:

"Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.” - 2 Peter 2:22

What made the squirrel hesitate when attempting to cross the road? Memory of a bad experience? What makes us stop and think when we are about to sin. To be honest, sometimes nothing stops us. But what should be stopping us is God's Holy Spirit.

It's not like the Holy Spirit isn't doing His job. It's more like we aren't listening to His warnings. SO, why aren't we listening?

Good question!!

We need to be more attentive to living in God's will. The Bible tells us what we should be doing in just about every imaginable situation. We need to spend some serious time in learning how to APPLY God's Word to our lives.

To continue with the squirrel analogy, it's almost like we used to have tails but kept getting run over so many times we have nothing left. Perhaps we should all look both ways before crossing The Lord. We'd be better off for it.

"My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children." - Hosea 4:6

Win The Race

When I walked into the room, there they were - a big pile of motionless high school boys, wondering what to do without their friend.

Nobody was saying a word. They just all had these sad, lost looks on their faces. The silence reflected the status of their hearts. Their friend Austin had taken his own life just the day before.

As a youth leader at our church, I knew I had to break the painful silence in the room so I did something kind of weird. I asked them a question.

"What was the dumbest thing that Austin ever did?"

Their frowns instantly turned into smiles.

"Austin had this four-wheeler, and we piled as many guys as we could on it and took off through the woods. Austin crashed us and went flying everywhere and the four-wheeler went into the lake."

The laughter of Austin's friends was much needed and very therapeutic. They began speaking other remembrances. And laughing!

That was ten years ago. That very same scene played out this past Saturday strangely enough.

It was my niece's funeral this time. After the service had ended, I was talking with my sister-in-law, when I turned and saw an entire row of young ladies in the back. All of them were looking sad. Some were crying.

It was the very same scenario as the one I had encountered ten years ago after Austin's suicide. Should I go over to them? I don't even know them. I began walking.

After introducing myself I asked them that same question. The same question I had asked Austin's friends ten years ago.

"What was the dumbest thing that my niece ever did?"

The frowns again turned into smiles. Then one girl said this:

"Well, she had this Jeep and we were trying to get some place and accidentally turned the wrong way down a one-way street. We all screamed "It's a one-way street! But your niece said, 'Screw it' Let's go!'"

Suicide is not an easy thing to deal with. There are too many unanswered questions floating around. And so much pain in our hearts. We wonder, could we have done more? Did we say 'I love you' enough? But look what happened in both of these cases.

Smiles replaced every sad face at the mere recollection of a happy, memorable moment. A time when they all had fun. A time when their loved one was alive and with them.

It is a demonstration that the sad times WILL fade. And the happy memories will eventually overpower the bad for our missing friends and family members. Those memories are the "fuel" that fills our emotional tanks - our "love tanks" if you will. It is a dangerous thing, to run out of love. That's why happy memories are so important. They are our heart's emergency backup fuel.

Since Austin's death I have made a point of telling all of the people who I love that I love them. It's a simple thing. But if someone's emotional tank is getting low, that last little bit of fuel might be just enough love to get them to the next filling station.

"Love one another, for love comes from God." - 1 John 4:7

But all of life is meaningless without Jesus.

The pastor at our niece's funeral mentioned 2 Timothy 4:7.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

The race we are all running is life. The finish line is heaven. The only way to get to the finish line is by repenting of our sins and placing our faith and hope in Jesus. What is the point of being in the race if we have no chance to win? Jesus is the key to victory.

Austin trusted in Jesus. So did my niece. Have you?

This is from a song we sang in church yesterday. It seemed a fitting reminder as we end this story.

"When I fall down you pick me up. When I am dry you fill my cup. You are my all in all."

Telling our earthly "all-in-alls" that we love them is a good thing. But telling JESUS the same thing is critical if we ever want to see those loved ones again.

"Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31

The Parable of The Wild Parsnip

My friends and I are in the process of restoring a local school's disc golf course. Our planning began in January. Little did we know what was hidden under the winter snow.

Now with the summer grasses growing tall we have discovered an invasive species of weed called wild parsnip. The sap of the plant, when exposed to sunlight, can cause massive blistering on human skin. Wonderful.

I spoke with the school's grounds keeper and we both agreed that the best and simplest solution is to warn players of the danger and let the players play.

As I thought about our decision I thought of God's plan for us, placing us in this world in the midst of struggles and strife, sickness and death. Why would He do that? The answer is that He wants us to learn and grow. Wild parsnip is simply a lesson to be learned.

"Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ” - Matthew 13:24-30

Life is filled with lessons we must learn. The parable of the parsnip is this: the world is filled with sin and corruption. It is good for us to know that sin is all around us so that we can avoid it. The key to our survival is being able to identify sin when we see it and then to physically and spiritually stay away from it.

The wild parsnip lesson comes with pain attached to it. So do many of life's lessons. Our job is to learn. Sometimes we learn through heeding the advice of others. Sometimes we have to experience that pain ourselves.

Read the Bible. Become informed about all of the traps that Satan has laid out for us. If we can identify those traps, we can avoid them AND learn from them.

Windows To The Soul

William Shakespeare once wrote that, "The eyes are the window to your soul." I think that's true. Tears then must be the means by which our souls empty out to God when we open those windows to Him.

Yesterday was the anniversary of a young girl's death in our community. She had beautiful eyes. Windows.

I am always reminded during this time just how fragile we humans are. How much we crave the love we all desire to feel. And how desperate we can become when our souls become troubled or weary.

When the burden becomes too great we tend to reach out to convenient things to make the pain stop - alcohol, drugs, a gun. a rope. All that remains after a pain-filled decision are the broken hearts of all the people that loved them.

Why do we never seem to turn to God during our darkest moments? Some of us do. That's why we our broken hearts are still beating.

In Biblical times, when people were greatly saddened, they tore their clothes as a sign of their despair. God had this message for those hurting hearts of old.

“‘ Even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’ Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” - Joel 2:12-13

I sent a message to a friend this week, for no reason other than she popped into my head. I was surprised to hear that this friend had just woken up from a terrible nightmare. Later I learned that my message, as well as messages from two other people, had arrived at the same time.

God uses people to comfort others. We have to remember that the next time a friend calls or we find ourselves struggling. That's what friends are for!

Just a few days ago, I saw the mom of the young lady I mentioned earlier. She too has beautiful eyes . . . windows . . . just like her daughter. My regret today is that I did not think to pray for her and her husband. I should have done so right then and there.

God can heal our broken and hurting hearts. We just have to provide the opportunity for Him to do so.

"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." - Psalm 9:9

Restore Our Souls

I had no idea what I was going to write about when I started up the old laptop this morning. While I waited for all of the electrons to get themselves organized I picked up my Bible and began reading where I had left off reading last night. Psalm 22 and 23.

Psalm 22 is all about the crucifixion of Jesus. Yet it was written centuries before said crucifixion actually took place. It begins with these words which Jesus spoke on the cross. "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).

The Psalm continues . . .

"They pierced My hands and My feet; 17 I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. 18 They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots." - Psalm 22:16-18

The crucifixion of Jesus was a gruesome, horrible thing. Perhaps that's why Psalm 23 follows it.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake." - Psalm 23:1-3

Calming words after an agonizing trial.

The words of Psalm 23 have a tremendously calming effect for those who are struggling or in anguish. Just knowing that "the Lord is my shepherd" and that He watches over my "restores my soul".

Put down the phone. Turn off the television. Read Psalm 23 and meditate on its words. Perhaps the whole world should read its words. A restored soul is what exactly what we need right now.

Psalm 23 - People and Songs

You Lift Me Up

It's interesting how God knows exactly when we need to be lifted up. He sometimes nudges someone to say or do something and, when it happens, you just KNOW it was Him. That happened to me this past week. Right when I needed it most.

I always check Facebook before going to bed, just to make sure everything was okay with those I love. It wasn't. The daughter of a friend of mine had been raped last fall and she was making her increasingly obvious pregnancy public. I was devastated.

I had seen this girl grow up in our church. We went on a mission trip together. And now . . . I had a hard time falling asleep to say the least. So much compassion for her, so much prayer.

The following day my emotions were a weird combination of both angry and sad. Not wanting to say or do anything. Just stare. That's when I received a message from a friend.

"Hey," the message read, "I've got something to tell you. You're amazing. God bless you."

What? How did this person know that I needed to be cheered up? The answer, I believe, is that they didn't know. But God did.

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31

God is simply amazing. Just when you think you've got Him figured out, He impresses you even more with His love and compassion. He gives us friends and family to love and who love us right back. Often when we really need it the most.

Psalm 91 (On Eagle's Wings) - Shane and Shane

The Deep Dark Woods

Have you ever found yourself in a very dark place? Alone and afraid of what lies ahead of you? Want some company?

I have never faced a life or death battle - in a war or in a hospital bed - but I have walked beside people who have. There is one thing I know for sure. It is an honor to be there.

I was reminded this week of a time when I was giving my testimony to someone about how I came to faith in Christ. Part of that testimony involves the abduction and murder of a nine-year old girl in our town. What a tragedy that was. Each time I tell that part of my story I get emotional. It's a very painful thing, even to this day, when I think about that family and what they went through.

As I was telling this particular person that part of my story, the person hearing it reached out their hand and held mine, helping me get through it.

Isn't that what we should be doing when people in our lives are going through a tragedy, a medical procedure or some other painful experience? We should be exhibiting the same compassion for others that Christ showed countless times for us in our suffering.

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." - 1 Peter 2:21

What an honor it is to willingly walk with someone during their time of sorrow or doubt.

Think of Jesus, hanging on that cross. Where were the disciples? Were they hanging next to Him? NO. They had all scattered, afraid for their lives. Truly, they should have suffered and died themselves, if they were true disciples and truly walking with Christ. Only after His resurrection did they truly understand. And suffer.

Who will we walk with today? Is there somebody in YOUR life who is walking alone? I wonder how they would feel if suddenly you were there, asking to walk with them for a while. And how would God feel when we did that?

In The Garden - Alan Jackson

Deep Cuts

Have you ever gotten a really deep paper cut? Those babies sure hurt! But, for as painful as those cuts are, there is still another kind of cut that hurts even worse. A wound from someone you love.

Divorces cause a lot of pain. Both the husband and the wife get hurt. And if there are any kids in the family? Ouch! The hurt can really run deep.

Pain can also be caused by close friends. At least you thought you were close until that one day they turned on you. And for no apparent reason. Pain also comes from a loss - the death of a loved one. It can feel like WE are the ones who died.

Did you ever work some place where you felt like you were part of a family? Then one day some new guys come to run the ship. They decide to make some changes and YOU were one of them. The pain runs deep.

So, what do you do when you get hurt like that? Well, you could get angry and fight back. You could do nothing and let the pain fester inside of you until it gets infected and kills you. What can we do when the pain hurts so much you just want it to stop?

Turn to Jesus. It's a simple answer. So why is it so difficult?

Jesus is not called "the great physician" for nothing. He heals broken hearts. He restores our brokenness and makes us whole again. God has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6

As someone who has given his life to Christ I can tell you that you will never feel alone again. Not when you are part of God's family. There is peace and hope for a future in store.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

A future assured, peace, hope, never lonely, always loved, never forsaken. If you don't know Jesus, if He is not the Lord of your life yet, consider His offer. He WILL restore your soul.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." - Psalm 23:1-6

I Am Not Alone - Kari Jobe