Thursday, September 27, 2007

An Inconvenient Truth

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.


Have you ever had something embarrassing happen to you and you couldn’t bring yourself to admit it to anyone else? Isn’t it difficult to come out and confess that you may be wrong about something? Growing up, my dad placed a magnet on our refrigerator that said, “Hire a teenager while they still know everything.” We often feel like we are always right in every situation and sometimes find it hard to humble ourselves for the sake of truth. Most of the time, we can be like little children who will tell every story except for the truth.

While visiting the Red Cross one day, I can remember an incident that really opened my eyes to telling the truth. I had just signed in after reading the manual for those who donate blood. Before I could get to my seat, the nurse called me back. The only problem that I had was that I needed to use the restroom. I asked her if I could go quickly, and I did. Within 90 seconds, I had gone to the rest room and returned. The nurse responded, “That was fast. Did you make sure that you washed your hands?” She was laughing and making a joke out of it, but immediately, I said, “Of course, I washed my hands.” However, deep within, I knew that I had just told a lie, and I was caught by my conscience.

Over the past few weeks, Jesus has been teaching me that I need to watch my mouth and actions so that I do not lie to others. In Hebrews we read, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Ch. 4:12-13). My heart had been pierced by God’s Word even though it was of small significance or consequence. God sees everything in my heart whether I deny it or not. Everyday, we can hide behind a smile, but our hearts can be so far from God.

Why do you think there is so much evil in the world today? Men and women just like me and you had rather lie about the truth rather than face the truth. God spoke to my heart and said if I can lie about the small things then it will be easy to lie about bigger things. Lying must be taken out at the root. Instead of allowing my conscience to be weighed down by the guilt, I asked the nurse to step aside so that I could speak to her. She was caught off guard when I told her that I had not washed my hands before entering the office. She easily forgave me, and my heart was set free. Though the consequence for this lie was small, it was large enough that Jesus had to die on the cross for my sins. James 2:10 says, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”

If you have ever told a single lie, you are in need of God’s grace and forgiveness. Instead of walking around with guilt over your past, pain in your present and hopelessness in your future, go to Jesus, the way, the truth and the life, seeking restoration and peace. He has promised, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Sometimes, the truth seems rather inconvenient for a time; however, I had rather repent and be changed by God’s grace than to wake up at the end of my life and realize I had lived one big lie. As for me, I am resting in Christ’s finish work on the cross and remembering to wash my hands daily.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Breaking the Ice!

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Have you ever had excruciating pain that made you drop to your knees and you didn’t know how to handle it? Sometimes the burdens of life can weigh us down and bring us to our knees. The pain that I am talking about is not always the physical pain that many may deal with everyday. Below the surface, everyone is dealing with a degree of pain in his or her soul. What is the solution to the pain and suffering in the world and where can we look to find healing?

This morning I was able to understand what it is like to go through a painful physical experience. I visited the prison where the Nashville Striders held a race for the inmates and free world people. The half marathon consisted of 38 laps around a 1/3 of a mile track. When the race began, the runners were excited about this new adventure. Some allowed adrenaline to carry them along until it ran out, and they had to walk for part of the race. Others kept a slow and steady pace to finish the race. After 10 to 15 laps, our bodies were beginning to warm up and calve muscles were feeling the pounding step by step. We had only completed a third of the race, and my body was telling me to stop and give up. Have you ever felt the pain inside yourself, in marriage, in parenting, or in the workplace and wanted to throw your hands up?

If you are honest with your heart, we have all felt this way in our lives. Everyone is dealing with life, and we are prone to look at the circumstances all around and want to give up and quit. As I thought about the pain while I was running, it seemed to pound like a throbbing headache. Then, I learned a few valuable lessons that I would like to share.

While focusing on myself, I was beginning to feel the pain was unbearable. I felt like I was the only one hurting until I raised my head and noticed that there were many all around who was struggling with the same issue. At the time, I didn’t need to hear that I had not trained enough, eaten healthy enough, or stretched enough, because that would not help my current situation. I needed good news right where I was. Being critical and complaining would hinder instead of help. I was thirsty and ready for my parched tongue to be quenched. Do you realize that many people that you walk by today are starving for a genuine relationship with God, but they do not know where to look? Our passage of scripture reminds us who we are to look to—Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. When the children of Israel found themselves bitten by the snakes in the wilderness (Numbers 21), they wanted God to take away the snakes but He gave them the remedy instead. While many were in pain and dying, God told Moses to make a brazen serpent and hold it high. All those who looked by faith lived.

Do you want to live today? Pain and suffering is something that we are going to have to deal with everyday, yet Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). As we look to Jesus, we must remember that we can’t live our spiritual lives apart from His Body- the Church. While finishing the race, it was the encouragement of others from all backgrounds in life both in ethnicity and economic status that compelled me to finished strong. By being honest with the pain, the ice was broken which forged a fellowship that ended at the finish line with a warm embrace and job well done! Stay encouraged and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Ahhhhhhh…..

Romans 15:32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
1 Corinthians 16:18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
2 Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
Philemon 1:7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.


Is there anything better than a long rain after months of draught? What about a cold glass of water while working in the heat of the summer? How about good news that you have been waiting on for years? There are two things you must notice why contemplating these questions. First of all, there must be a source of refreshment, and secondly the recipient must have a sense of anticipation. The ground dries and cracks because it yearns to be refreshed. Your mouth can also become thirsty in the hot sun under a burden of work and the first drink makes you go “ahhhhh.” It’s like good news that your ears have been waiting to hear!

Do you think that God wants us to always be in a drought in our spiritual lives where we are running to every mirage this world has to offer. He doesn’t want us to be fooled by the mirage of life but wants our souls to rest in His oasis. He longs for us to be drinking from the Spiritual Rock who is Christ. When the children of Israel were out in the desert and complaining to Moses, God told him to take his staff and strike the rock so that water would pour out and give the 2-3 million people water. What abundance! Do you remember when Christ was pierced and blood and water flowed from His side. His grace and spiritual refreshment is available to all. However, we must look in the right place.

While Jesus was waiting by the well in John 4, a Samaritan woman approached the well to draw some water. She was quite the sinner. She had had five husbands and the one that she was with at the time was not her husband. Her life was a wreck and she would have fit into the unapproachable category that the church has established today. Jesus didn’t come for the whole but those who were broken and thirsty. Jesus asked her for a drink even though the Jews had nothing to do with the Samaritans. He told her “Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13-14). Her soul was empty and parched. She came thirsty but left overflowing with the grace God.

Once a broken cistern, the Samaritan woman became a force in her community as she allowed the life of Jesus to flow through her to the other parched souls around her. She had believed what Jesus said in John 7:37-38, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” Do you believe the same today? Many are still living their lives all dammed up. Some people are still dead in sin. They wouldn’t know what living water tastes like, because their taste buds have not been awakened. Others, who claim to be Christians, are not surrendering their will on a daily basis. Every now and then, their soul might praise God on Sunday and be refreshed. However, the mirage of worldly pleasure still looks appealing instead of getting lost in the river of the Holy Spirit’s power.

Yesterday while at the mission, I met a guy named Martin who had just began walking with Christ on a daily basis. He is a butcher at a local market, and he told me that he was tired of the marijuana and sexual addiction. A few months ago, Jesus really began speaking to his heart and he began to change. He no longer wanted to sin, and instead of being a taker; he wanted to be a giver. With overwhelming joy, this 6-foot strong man was wiping down tables, smiling and sharing the name of Christ with the parched souls all around. I couldn’t help but want to be around him as God’s love radiated from His heart. The only way that we can prove that there is a God in Heaven is by how we love. Has their been a change in your heart, and if so, are you being the person that make everyone go aughhh or ahhhhhhhhhhh?

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

A Water Hose

(12-31-03 Nashville, TN 12:33PM)

Lying in the yard
Of no earthly use
Entangled in itself
What are you?

A piece of green plastic
Hidden in disguise
Lacking any power
Alone in sun but why?

I want to be connected
That something may flow
Sick of my laziness
Can my contents create a glow?

Only when hooked to the source
My streams enable you
To glisten in radiance
Like the fallen morning dew

Refreshing others around
Is a greater cause
Than lying dormant
Never getting applause

For being a tool
In the Garden of life
I feel most happy
Instead of pouting in strife

Simply asking for more pressure
Sprinkling on dying souls
Savior, do you work
I’m just a water hose

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

His Mercy Endures Forever

September 5, 2007

Psalms 136:1-9 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

What if you and I got exactly what we deserved? Have you ever thought about what you might deserve considering the things that you and I have done in our past. What if you were paid based on how hard your job actually was physically? For many of us, we would be paid very little while working in the air conditioning, shuffling a few papers and directing other people. What if everything in life was fair and you reaped exactly what you sowed? What kind of return would you have on your life at the end of it? If life were nothing more than a balancing act of good and bad, how would you do in the end.

While looking into the law of God, I have been noticing the fairness and justice of God. You should try reading the Book of the Covenant found in Exodus 20-23 sometime and see how serious God was with the various aspects of life. He protected life and love life because in Him is where we find life. The law was an expression of the heart of God. Do you remember your parents telling you to be home at a certain time? What about cleaning your plate, taking you to church, and correcting you when you were wrong. They were setting the example, because they knew what was best for us. They didn’t want us out late, because normally that led to trouble. They wanted us to eat healthy, so that we would be strong. They hopefully took you to church to teach you the truth and made you a better person by lovingly correcting you. Now, how do you think you would have survived if you received what you deserved by the way you acted?

Everyone wants to say that they were good enough and acted like a precious angel. I tried to convince myself of that even though my parents often reminded me of the many times I had a smart mouth, rebellious spirit, and wandered away. Facing the reality of myself was difficult, because my actions reflected my heart. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Many today are looking for a religion or religious practices to change the exterior, but that will never be enough. In the end, the vessel may be polished on the outside, but the heart will be as hard as a stone. There must be a change or else you will get exactly what you deserve at the end of life-- condemnation based on the Law and separation from God for eternity.

The Apostle Paul said in Romans 7:9-13 “I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died; and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful.” What Paul is saying is that when He got a true look at himself through the eyes of God, he found himself to be dead, condemned and a wretched man. Have you ever taken a true look at yourself and thought what do I deserve?

I am glad today that the Spirit of God revealed to me the essence of my heart. He showed me who I really was as I tried to live on my own. Every person who is ever converted must see the broken law in his or her heart, feel sorrow over their sin and realize Jesus gave His life on their behalf. The cross can be a lonely and dark place where you stand before God and give an account. He shows us what we deserved. Look at His Son who He pierced on our behalf. Someone got what sin deserved. Jesus bore our cross, died in our shame, and shed His precious blood that our sins could be washed as white as snow. The work is finished, but it must be experienced in your heart. While waiting at the prison today, a mother was watching for her son to get out after 7 years. She purchased him a brand new wardrobe and could barely wait to see him. I thought of the following verse of song, “once like a bird in prison I dwelt, no freedom from the sorrow I felt; but Jesus came and listened to me and glory to God, He set me free!”

With Peace, He Wants to Bless

(September 5, 2007 Charles C Bass Prison)

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Lost, alone, condemned to die
Then I saw myself in His eye
Mercy came running to rescue me
He found me underneath the old rugged tree

Looking up, I cried in shame
Realizing this life was not a game
Hearing, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”
In my heart He said, I love you

Glory to God in the Highest, my heart exclaimed
Jesus Christ, the Lord eternally reigns
Do you know him, your mouth confessed?
A wretched sinner, with peace, He wants to bless