GOOD NEWS FOR ALL

In today's news, everything is either tentative or negative. In comparison, the news we hear from the Gospel of our Lord and Savior has so much meaning. It is indeed Good News and offers us hope. It is indeed the "good news gospel" and reminds us that it isn't in our hands, but in God's.

This Lenten season helps us to stop for awhile and focus on what the message means. We begin with a miracle birth, records of miracles and those who were blessed and then the price the Savior paid for us. Do we really realize what price he paid for us? Do we truly understand what his suffering on the cross means? The following verse is the best explanation I have read.

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

So what does this mean? He ascended from the cross where he bore the punishment for our sins. He overcame sins and death. He rose to sit in the most honored seat at the foot of the father. Is he worthy of our worship and adoration? He is indeed the best newscaster we have. His news is neither negative nor tentative. It brings hope to this negative and tentative world. I like his news. What about you?

THE BLESSING OF RAIN

I love a rainy day. Today I woke to a wet world and am filled with thanksgiving. We lost a lot of landscape during the cold winter we had and the dry spring so far has not helped. Drought not only destroys our plant life, but our lakes are drying and therefore our sources of water are becoming limited. This rain will bring us such joy as our eyes become filled with the glorious blooms of spring. Hopefully enough will come that our lakes can be filled again.

It's the same when we dry up spiritually. Our resources become very limited. This happened in Jesus' day. The Lord knew that sin was drying up our spiritual resources. He sent Jesus to pour his blood over us so we could experience the joy of his salvation. So this long needed rain can be seen not only to water the ground and renew our landscape, but also to renew our spiritual lives. Allow this Easter season to remind you who brings us the joy of our salvation. Let Jesus rain down his glorious righteousness and renew us spiritually. Our joy will spring forth and our lives will flourish in the renewal.

"You heavens above, rain down my righteousness;
let the clouds shower it down.
Let the earth open wide,
let salvation spring up,
let righteousness flourish with it;
I, the Lord, have created it."Isaiah 45:8

PRAISE FROM MEN OR FROM GOD

We've all seen the fall of evangelists and Christian speakers. It usually happens when they get so big they forget who they are serving. They forget that the praise belongs to God and not to them. They love being praised by men. It's immediate. Praise from God may not bring immediate results, but these are the results that really matter. Satan knows our desires and definitely uses praise against us. We get the "big head" and forget about humbling ourselves before the Lord. So keep the focus on serving God and not man. Keep the focus on giving God the praise and not usurping it for yourself. It's all about him. Believe that!

"You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 39 "You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! yet you refuse to come to me to have life. And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want. "I do not accept praise from men, "I'm not interested in crowd approval. but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God's love, is not on your working agenda. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms.
How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God ?" John 5: 38-44

PEACE THROUGH STORMS

"Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.  Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.  The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:23-26

Last night we experienced storms throughout this area. Winds blew, rain and hail fell on us, trees were felled, the power went out, flash floods ravaged some areas and property was damaged by all of this. More is predicted. Yet, this morning the sky is clear and the sun is shining brightly.  The air is crisp and fresh. It is calm and beautiful. It is the season for storms and fear of tornados and we pray for God's protection.

But, we have other storms that threaten our lives. These are the storms we feel inside ourselves because of situations and people in our lives who create chaos. Some of the storms are caused by our own mistakes or poor decisions. Yet, just like those storms we experience from nature, Jesus is there for us. Like with his disciples and the boat, he is there. We don't have to be afraid. We just have to call upon him in faith. He won't let us drown. In a little while, light will shine upon us, we will find a clear path and we will find strength and peace through him.

INHERITANCE INSURED

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."1Pet 1:3-6

A family waited most of their productive years dreaming of the inheritance their grandfather would leave them. A very sizable amount of property and interest in the lucrative oil fields south of Oklahoma City ended up going to lawyers and creditors. The family received very little of the huge inheritance they were counting on.

The inheritance we are promised in God's Word is insured through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. We are shielded by God's power, not lawyers and family members who can take it away from us. Our Lenten wait ends as we celebrate Jesus resurrection on Easter Sunday. We can trust in the Lord's word and his love for us. Are you ready to receive your part of this inheritance?

ARE YOU HEARING THE BEAT

"Better a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great wealth with turmoil." Prov. 15:16

I have found evidence of this scripture as I have traveled in many countries and it was prevalent on our recent Caribbean cruise. Several of the village gift shops had Christian music playing in the background and when I acknowledged them, they lit up. The cab driver who was listening to a Christian Radio station in St. Thomas was very anxious to discuss his beliefs. In the brick and mortar shops carrying international products like cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry and designer labels, the atmosphere was more stoic.

We like to find a cab driver who can take us around the islands and show us what is on the tours, but in a more intimate setting. We can stop when we want and that usually includes conversations with locals. The poverty is very prevalent, but the people seem happy. Dancing and singing seem to be their stress relief. And that Caribbean jazz and raggae beat is the best to encourage us to move our feet and clap our hands to the beat.

Tourism is definitely what keeps the island countries afloat. I was impressed with the individual entrepreneurism I witnessed. There were no large industrial centers, just small business operations. Even the ladies wit arm loads of beach wear dresses and jewelry who walked the beach areas were at least taking home a days expenses for their family. In contrast, we experienced people from all over the world vacationing. Wealth was present in the form of yachts, some half the size of our ship.

But going back to the scripture. The local folks seemed content to fear the Lord and live with his word. They benefitted from the wealth of those who supported their businesses. I wonder how many on board the yachts or sporting other signs of wealth were dancing to the beat of their hearts or more fearful of loosing all they had or trying to figure out what was wrong with their relationships. God does indeed reward those who fear him and peace of mind is probably the greatest reward. When we hear his heartbeat blended with ours we have hope.

A MOVING FAITH

 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment." Mt. 17:17-18

I wonder if Jesus ever has this attitude toward us today? Are we another unbelieving and perverse generation? We've made honoring God and Jesus very difficult. We have passed laws limiting their access to public events. Or at least some would say so. But can we ever limit God's access? Or is it our faith and belief that is limited? A lot of thought has seeped into our world that for some has weakened our total dependency on the Lord.

Just like in Jesus time, we seek immediate relief from problems. We look for magic healing shows and instant gratification for our needs. When it doesn't happen now, we look elsewhere, often denying God's help. When they couldn't provide what the people were asking for, the disciples questioned Jesus about the loss of healing power they were experiencing. Is the answer he gave them the same answer he gives us today when we are not achieving or receiving the results we desire? What about our ability to bring others to him based on our own testimony?

"Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
  He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Mt. 17:19-21