Category: Daily Devotion

Today’s Word Is MOTIVATION

Mon-May-11-2020

Compassion for others can be a great motivator, and that might be why you are working in a certain profession, or why you are involved in your church’s efforts to help others, or why you are driven to be on the lookout for someone to assist. The drawback to being motivated by the compassion in your heart for those in need is this … it can end up in “burn-out.”

Without sufficient “thank you’s” – without enough successes –  and because of untimely or distressing failures – we can sometimes find ourselves ready to quit. And our moments of discouragement like that can begin to occur more frequently. We might begin say to ourselves, “I’ve had enough,” or “This isn’t working.” We could just be gradually wearing down and wondering when we will cross over the line into saying, “I can’t do this anymore.”

Compassion, while necessary, cannot permanently stand alone as a motivator. Compassion both “empties our tank” and “fills our tank.” The time and energy we expend, which drains us, can be somewhat counterbalanced by the joy and satisfaction of seeing people get well, and of finding fulfillment through our work. But sooner or later, the drainage factors win, or the frustration of dealing with difficult people becomes too much, or we run into barriers or opposition to the good things we are trying to do. When this happens, and our tank gets low, we may be tempted to just hang it up  – unless there is another source of inspiration and energy that doesn’t depend on how successful we are at maintaining a positive attitude.

Here is a truth … The only long-term, sure-fire way of operating with sufficient and even excessive mental, emotional, and physical energy is to have a source other than just feeling good about helping the people we serve, or feeling fulfilled in our calling, or gaining respect and success.

From my perspective, the combination of the love of God, the work of Christ on the cross, and the comfort and power of the Holy Spirit is the only sufficient source in all the world to sustain us when our motivation is at a dangerous low. This love, affirmation, and encouragement from God is the emotional fuel that we require. When our motivation for our work is rooted in Him, we have an unfailing source that works equally well whether we are in a season of successes or in a moment of failure.

This is what the Apostle Paul meant when he said, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17) We may be doing works of compassion, and we may care deeply about those whom we serve, but the motivation for doing them cannot simply be our desire to help.

So, I describe the deeper truth this way – “Yes, I am doing this because I care about you.” But underneath is a deeper motivation, that “I am doing this for Jesus and in His Name.” My ability to care about people has limits. My compassion can be tested sometimes and may begin to slide. But the compassion of Jesus has no limits. In the words of the Steven Curtis Chapman song, “His strength is perfect when our strength is gone. He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on. Raised in His power, the weak become strong. His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect.” (Based on 2nd Corinthians 12:7-10)

If you are relying on yourself, your successes, or even encouragement from friends to keep you motivated, eventually there will come a time when it won’t be enough. God doesn’t just want us to “survive,” he wants us to “thrive.” God alone can supply unlimited motivation. The other support we receive will be icing on the cake.

Have a blessed day,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is LOVED

It’s Humor Day!
Fri-May-8-2020

Do any of these sound familiar?

THE TOP 13 THINGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME

#13 – She taught me about how to become an adult … “If you don’t eat your vegetables, it will stunt your growth, and you’ll never grow up.”

#12 – She taught me about logic … “Because I said so, that’s why.”

#11 – She taught me about foresight … “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”

#10 – She taught me about irony … “Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.”

#9 – She taught me about contortionism … “Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck.”

#8 – She taught me about endurance … “You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”

#7 – She taught me about  the weather … “This room of yours looks like a cyclone went through it.”

#6 – She taught me about hypocrisy … “If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times, don’t exaggerate!”

#5 – She taught me about appreciation … “There are millions of children around the world who are starving, so eat your supper and appreciate it.”

#4 – She taught me about anticipation … “Just wait until your father gets home.”

#3 – She taught me about medical sciences … “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.”

#2 – She taught me about ESP … “Put your jacket on. Don’t you think I know when you are cold?”

#1 – She taught me about prayer … “You’d better pray that Kool-Aid stain comes out of the carpet!”

Actually, my mom only used a few of those on me and my four siblings. We had a good home and parents who loved us, took good care of us, guided us, and carried us to church every Sunday. (Of course, our Dad was the pastor, LOL). Mom passed away 17 years ago, and we all miss her still. Even in the later years of her life, she had a great smile, loved to play card games with the family, was proud of her children, and sang in the church choir as long as she could.

One description of Christian parenting tells us that the primary role of the father is protection, and of the mother affection. For instance, in Paul’s letter to Titus, he tells the older women to “admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children …” (Titus 2:4)

Generally, we expect our mother to love us above all others. It is natural. So, think of protection and affection this way. If a child falls down and bruises their knee, or even just bruises their pride, who would they typically run to? Mom. She kisses it and makes it better, comforts the child, and tenderly takes care of the hurt.

On the other hand, suppose the family is strolling through the shopping mall and a loud gunshot startles everyone. What would the child be likely to do? Grab Dad’s leg with both arms and hold on tight. I know this is a generalization, but the point is these are situations where a child has an urgent need and God has designed parents to meet those needs.

Neil Anderson, author of Who I Am in Christ and other books, says that there are three basic human needs … acceptance, security, and significance … and he lists the many Scriptures describing how God meets each one. Parents imitate God for the young child by providing these needs. You can see how the combination of a mother and father helps the child to feel accepted as a person and safe from outside harm. Obviously, mothers and fathers both do some of each of these, according to their gifts and the needs of the child.

Each of us emerged from childhood with some degree of these things. From there on we allow God to finish the work that our parents started. The purpose of parenting IS NOT to raise children from dependence to independence! It is to raise them from total dependence on their parents to total dependence on God!

Thank you. Lord, for those mothers who have helped us to feel loved and accepted.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is MOTHERHOOD

Thu-May-7-2020

Several years ago, my wife Jean and I attended Willow Creek Church in Chicago, which averages 18,000 attendance at their multiple weekend services. We were getting acquainted with the lady seated beside us and learned that she worked on the church staff as a drama/skit writer. In the beginning, she had just come as a visitor one Sunday, and ended up staying. So, I asked her, “What made you come back the second time?”

Her answer startled us and touched us deeply. She said she was struggling with life and relationships and felt led that she needed to be in church. She wanted some peace and hope, and Willow Creek Church had been recommended. However, if she made her first visit that next Sunday, it was going to be Mother’s Day, and for that reason, she almost decided to wait a week. “Why was that?” I asked.

She explained that she had an awfully bad relationship with her mother. They were not on speaking terms and there was a lot of hurt and bad memories. But she went to church anyway, she was desperate for change in her life.

What she experienced at church that day was that they didn’t “glorify” mothers as if they were all perfect. They were honest about good and bad relationships, but they did honor mothers in a very nice way. It made her feel like this was a place where she could grow and be blessed. It was affirming to her that they talked straight forward about family difficulties, because she was fully prepared for the pastor to preach that anyone who can’t get along their mother must be a bad person and should be ashamed. Instead she felt accepted and forgiven.

Motherhood, after all, is not that easy. And sometimes, things get complicated. For instance, my siblings and I had a good mother who loved us and did pretty good considering there were five of us to raise, a pastor for a husband, living in the South while all her family was in Connecticut, plus moving to a new town every few years, and tragically losing one of my sisters in a car wreck at age 17. Ten years prior to that, Mom had been dealing with rough patches that we were too young to realize were mental health issues, but she made it … yes, she did! And that’s the way most families are, I suspect. There are lots of ups and downs, and somehow, we make it.

This coming Sunday is the annual celebration of Mother’s Day. I think it is worth it to remember and discuss some of the awesome memories, the joy and laughter, as well as the difficulties, heartache, and tears. These things have made us who we are.

There are many people to pray for and affirm on Mother’s Day. There are women like my Mom who lost a child along the way. It seems like the most unfair thing there is. And then there are women who have wanted children but for some reason could not. This is true of someone close to me, and she is a ray of sunshine to all of us. There are women who have had miscarriages. I call this conceived on earth but born in heaven.

There are mothers who have suffered abuse, and others who seem to hurt everyone around them. There are mothers who were simply hard to understand, but we tried to love them the best we could. There are mothers we didn’t get along with because of our rebellion. There are mothers that we didn’t like in our teenage years, and now they are our best friend. And there are mothers who knew just how and when to do the right thing and the best thing for us.

There are also women that I call “other mothers.” I spent almost as much time in high school at the home of my best friend as I did at my own house, and his mother was my “other mother.” The Apostle Paul said, “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; and greet his mother–a mother to me also.” (Romans 16:13)

There are single mothers who work and raise children, being mom and dad both. And let us not forget our many step-families, in which we may say “our children” and “our mother” without reference to whether they are “yours” or “mine.” Many of us have been blessed by having a mother and a stepmother. Some have struggled with this while others have blossomed. But we can affirm that God walked it with us.

Some of us can also truly say that our mother was influential in our spiritual life, perhaps our profession of faith, and our growth in the Lord. Paul also wrote this to Timothy: “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2nd Timothy 1:5) Isn’t that a great testimony to the influence that many women of strong faith can pass on to us!

Let us give thanks to the Lord for the blessing of motherhood, with all its ups and downs. May we remember that Mother’s Day is not a time to glorify mothers. It is a time to glorify God, who gave us mothers to bless us in a variety of ways. I am thankful that there are no perfect mothers – that they each have their particular strengths and weaknesses. I believe that regardless of how well each mother did, we can thank her for the good, forgive her for the bad, forgive ourselves for our part, and celebrate the blessings that came along the way, and remain with us to this day.

Happy Early Mother’s Day!

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is CONTENT

Wed-May-6-2020

I’ve spent a lot of time in my life wishing I had more money. Somewhere along the way I began to think about the people I had known who had a whole lot of it, very little of it, or were just somewhere in between. And honestly there seems to me to be little or no connection between happiness and money. There are wealthy folks who seem to be pretty miserable. And there are very poor folks who are quite content with life. I am not belittling the blessing of provision, as long as the level of resources does not create a constant sense of discontent.

Jesus once told a story of “The Rich Man and Lazarus,” in which the eternal result of their earthly lives was reversed from what his Jewish listeners would have expected. (Luke 16:19) How could a poor beggar like Lazarus be carried away to be with Abraham, while the rich man ended up being tormented in Hades? Wealth and abundance were signs of God’s blessing in the biblical culture; whereas, poverty was normally an indication that God did not want to favor you.

And our culture looks at it pretty much the same … the clear message is “you’ll be happier if you have more money” … whereas, “if you’re in poverty you’re going to be miserable” … but … Not so, says Jesus. Believe it or not, Jesus had more to say on the topics of money and possessions than any other subject matter.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink …“ (Matthew 6:25)

Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19:21)

The Apostle Paul had times of abundance and times of extreme lack, through which he developed this attitude: “… for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:11-12)

One way of putting it is this … we should probably focus less on wanting what we don’t have and more on enjoying what we do have. This is contentment, the blessed state of trusting God rather than money or anything else, and being satisfied with the presence of God and the blessings of love, hope, family, and purpose, rather than riding the roller-coaster of abundance and lack.

Which “tent” do you live in? “Con-tent” or “Discon-tent”?

May the Lord help us to be content,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is DESERTS

Tue-May-5-2020

“Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts, Whose name is the LORD, and exult before Him. A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation.” (Psalm 68:4-5)

There is a saying that “God helps those who help themselves.” Of course, he does. He also helps those who don’t help themselves, those who can’t help themselves, those who do right, those who make mistakes, those who sin, and even those who think they don’t sin. The only reason I can think of that God wouldn’t help someone would be their defiant resistance – “Leave me alone, God!” – And even then, he would wait patiently for the opportunity.

One of God’s primary desires is to help those who cry out in need. We tend to get caught up in determining who does and doesn’t deserve help. But not so with God – he knows the whole story – we don’t. Do you remember the movie “Bruce Almighty”? When God gave Bruce the chance to “take the helm” and decide who to help, when to help, how to help – it was a disaster. No human can do that. I think Bruce discovered that God loves people, and that he helps because of this great love.

Yet, there are certain self-righteous folks who get so tired of people who keep messing up, that rather than help, they prefer to deliver a lecture. The phrase “God helps those who help themselves” is their way of saying, “I’ve had enough of you.” But it is not biblical to ascribe our impatience to God.

King David disobeyed God many times, doing foolish and selfish things. If you or I were the one he called on for help, he would probably get on our “last nerve.” But God doesn’t have a last nerve – his goodness, patience, love, and forgiveness are without limit.

The great love of God is revealed by the fact that he is a pursuing God. He is not just sitting there watching. He is on the move. He “rides through the deserts.” If you are stuck in a desert kind of place in life, God is in the desert with you. He wants you to trust him, hang onto him, receive rest from him. He wants you to know that he is good. Together with him, you will make it through the desert.

If your present situation makes you want to cry out for help, then be reminded that God is there – and he hears. The book of Deuteronomy repeatedly talks about helping “the strangers, the orphans, and the widows.” This is one of God’s great passions – those who cry out – those who have no help – those who get ignored or are told they are not worth helping.

The fatherless are those who feel like they do not belong to anyone, not only because they had no father growing up, but also because they have just failed to connect, to bond with someone, and they feel like an orphan. If that is you, then God will be your father, and validate your right to be who you are.

And the widows, in biblical days, were at a huge disadvantage. If there were no children to take up the slack, or extended family to “adopt” her, then she lived a meager life. There were laws that compelled the family of widows to take care of her. But it often took a judge to help her out, to make the family step up to the plate or to find someone who would provide for her. Still today, they are vulnerable in our world.

Let us “Sing to God, sing praises to His name.” Let us “exult before Him,” that he would “ride through deserts” for us.

And in his Name, may we help the strangers, the orphans, the widows, and all those who call upon God in their time of distress.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is GIANTS

Mon-May-4-2020

My mom was afraid of spiders. She would tell my dad, “There’s an enormous spider in the bathroom!” He would take care of the problem, but he was aware that the word “enormous” really gave the spider more credit than it was due. That’s the key today – giving an obstacle more credit than it is due.

In the Old Testament we read of the Israelites escaping from Egypt and being led by Moses to a Promised Land from God. When they got to the border of the Promised Land, Moses sent out 12 spies to check out the prospects of taking the land over from its present occupants.

This should have been a formality, right? After all, God had brought them out of Egypt by miraculously parting a sea. He had provided miracles of food and water, even though they were stubborn and disobedient. But even with Moses leading them, and with an assurance that God is surely with them, you and I know what happened when those 12 spies, one from each of the 12 tribes, ventured into this new land to see who and what was there. They saw fruitfulness, spacious land, several towns of regular folks, but then there were those GIANTS!

When they returned to Moses and the people, after 40 days of exploration, they told of a land of “milk and honey and much fruit” (Numbers 13:27). However, 10 of the 12 spies advised against going in and completing the “mission.” The reason? … “There also we saw the Nephilim [giants] … and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” (Numbers 13:33)

And who were the two spies who disagreed? … Joshua and Caleb. So, Caleb stood up and delivered what we would call the minority report. “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.” (Number 13:30)

How could 12 spies take the same journey, see the same things, and report opposing conclusions? Surely Joshua and Caleb saw those giants! But obviously, they also saw something else – something bigger than those giants – because they didn’t just look out, they looked up! They saw the hand of God at work – leading them this far – and now farther.

Do you tend to report the obstacles? … or the opportunities? … Do you focus on the strength of the opposition? … or the power of the Spirit? Are you intimidated by big problems? … or confident of the problem solver?

We are not grasshoppers – we are God’s people. But those Israelites were allowed to make their choice. They spent 40 years in the desert until an entire generation was gone – all but Joshua and Caleb. Everything really comes down to faith, doesn’t it?

When you are facing something difficult (like today maybe?), remember that when God is part of the picture, the discussion sounds different, the thinking changes direction, and the results will confirm your faith.

Don’t give the big spiders – or the giants – more credit than they are due. Instead, see God and take courage.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s True Story … TRUCK EXCHANGE

Fri-May-1-2020
It’s Humor Day!

A certain preacher named Pastor Bungle was a bit “humor impaired,” but he really wanted to learn how to successfully tell a joke that came out right and everyone laughed. All his attempts had turned out poorly, as he would tell things in the wrong order or mess up the punch line.

He decided to attend a conference where pastors could learn better communication skills and public speaking tips. One speaker’s topic was “Using Humor Effectively.” Pastor Bungle paid close attention. The speaker began his talk with some humor to get the crowd’s attention. He opened by saying, “The best years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman that wasn’t my wife!” The crowd was shocked! He followed up by saying, “And that woman was my mother!” – The crowd burst into laughter and the speaker then delivered the rest of his talk, which went over quite well.

The next week, Pastor Bungle decided he would give this humor thing a try, by starting out with the same attention-getting joke he had heard at the conference. Before the service he kept rehearsing the joke in his head. He was nervous.

Stepping up to the microphone he began confidently, “The best years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman that wasn’t my wife!” The congregation inhaled half the air in the room! Pastor Bungle was so shaken up by their reaction that he stood there frozen in silence for several seconds, trying to recall the second half of the joke.

He started over. “Yes friends, the best years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman that wasn’t my wife!” … Long pause … “And for the life of me, I can’t remember who she was!”

Oops!

Today’s True Story … A new feature about the many people I have met, events I have witnessed, and stories I have heard.

In 2009, I became the host of a national radio program called “The Healing Touch,” which aired on XM & Sirius Satellite Radio, from midnight to 2:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. For the next few years, I spent over 1,000 hours on the air, chatting with people about growing in faith and praying with them about life’s problems. People in our world are so hungry for help from someone who will listen and give them wise biblical answers. The following is a true story from listeners who called in to the live talk show.

TRUCK EXCHANGE

Bubba and Alma received a word from the Lord to find a new trucking job. They were owner-drivers making long hauls. They were told that turning in their truck at the company office would cost them a lot of money, because there was presently no one to take it over. According to their contract, they would have to pay it off in full. But they felt the Lord’s hand in this, as they would get to mentor several people in their hometown, hold a home Bible study, and be a more regular part of their church.

After some prayer and assurance, they went to the office and turned in their keys. They were told to wait for information in the mail about how to pay off their truck. On their way out of the office they met a man coming in who asked if they were the ones with the truck outside. He wanted it! Thank you, Lord. Perfect timing. The company had told them they could lose a lot of money. But God sent the seller and the buyer on the same day at the same time and sold their truck for them before they got out the door! Interestingly, about the man they signed the truck over to … guess his name … hmmm … it was Bubba.

Have a good weekend, including rest, family, and worship,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word is REDEPLOYMENT

Thu-Apr-30-2020

In John 21, after Jesus’ resurrection, he appeared to the disciples for the third time. They were out on a fishing expedition, which was Simon Peter’s idea. Six of the others agreed to go with him, including James, John, and Thomas. Haven’t you always wondered why they did this?

I am thinking that having seen Jesus twice already, they are now more at peace, but having discussions about what’s next. Is he going to show up again? How long should we wait? We can’t just sit around all day every day rehashing the same questions. Should we go back to life as we knew it? It would be good to stick together, but that would be difficult. We surely should tell our story to as many as possible.

So finally, Simon Peter says, “How about we go fishing?” And seven of them head out early the next morning. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. (John 21:4-6)

<<<<< FLASHBACK TO LUKE 5 >>>>>

When Jesus began his ministry, he was walking by the lake and the people crowded around him. So, he got into an empty boat belonging to Simon and asked him to push out. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything …” (I think Simon paused right here, waiting for Jesus to change his mind, but Jesus just looked back at him, and his eyes reached deeply into Simon. So, Simon said …) “But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. (Luke 5:1-7)

<<<<< BACK TO JOHN 21 >>>>>

With the nets overloaded, John has a flashback and now realizes it is Jesus. [He] therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. (John 21:7-8)

Would you do that … jump in and start swimming? I sincerely believe that I would! (Tears are coming to my eyes as I think about this.) When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. (v.9) The rest of this passage has many wonderful aspects, but I am going to focus on one … redeployment.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” (v.15) Jesus repeated this two more times, and there are points about why three, and what the words for love are, but my focus is that Jesus is giving Simon Peter a new direction in life.

Did Simon Peter love Jesus? I think that by jumping into the water, he was clearly acting out of his love for him. But there is an interesting twist to what Jesus was really asking. When Jesus asked, “Do you love me more than these?”, I always assumed he meant more than the other disciples. But a Greek scholar whom I like says that the connection between nouns and pronouns in these sentences indicates that Jesus meant “these fish” or “this fishing,” not “these disciples.” Maybe he was looking or pointing at the fish in front of them, or at the boat. Wow. Jesus was asking him if he wanted to go back to his fishing career or take on the mission of feeding Jesus’ sheep.

Why would Simon Peter, or why would we choose redeployment to the mission of Jesus? The motivating qualification that Jesus wanted to know was … “Do you love me more than anything?” There are not qualifications for talent or experience, only how much you love your Savior. And if you were asked three times in a row, would it help you to say “Yes!” more enthusiastically?

I believe ministry is every Christian’s primary career. And we have a secondary job career to earn money to support our missional career of blessing others in the name of Christ … a redeployment from focusing on work to feeding his sheep.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

THE REST OF THE PASSAGE – John 21:10-25

John 21:10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Jesus and Peter

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Jesus and the Beloved Apostle

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Today’s Word Is PERCEPTION

Wed-Apr-29-2020

A few years ago, one of my colleagues at the hospital was reading my daily devotional about the word PEACEMAKER. But being in the cardiology department where “heart talk” is common … well, let’s just say that this person mistakenly read the title as “Today’s Word Is P-A-C-E-MAKER.” How funny!

Think about it … sometimes you can “see” something that is not there … and fail to see what really is there. For instance, back in the early 1990’s, while pastoring in Brainerd, I had thick, curly hair … yes I did. It was not natural, but I was getting it permed for a period of six years. Years later, after I was back to my normal short, dark (but greying) hair, I would occasionally run into people from that church in public … and they didn’t even recognize me! I would say, “It’s me … Mark … remember? … your pastor?” And their eyes got wide as it dawned on them that it was really me.

This misperception also happened on the Sunday of Jesus’ resurrection. Several disciples were meeting together in the upper room, trying to sort things out. This included not just the “eleven” disciples, but other close followers. There were reports of angels and resurrection from the women and decisions by Peter and John to go check it out at the tomb.

Somewhere in that confusion, waiting for answers, two of the followers, one of them named Cleopas, decided to get started on the 7-mile journey to their home in Emmaus for the night, not knowing yet if Jesus was really alive. Little did they know that Jesus had two important appearances he wanted to make before he headed to the upper room to see the disciples. First was to see the two Mary’s, and then on toward the road to Emmaus to catch up with the two men on the road, who had left the meeting early, and were dejected. “[They] were talking with each other about all these things … [and] Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.” (Luke 24:15-16)

I believe we all have those times when we are so shocked, so hurt, so distraught and puzzled, frozen with disbelief at the turn of events, that we cannot for the moment get ourselves to think straight. In this kind of moment, Jesus showed up … unexpectedly. Most of you know the remainder of this story, so instead of repeating it here, I will place it at the bottom of this page. In short, the two men were telling this stranger that they had hoped Jesus was the “One,” so Jesus told them the prophecies and teachings they needed as reminders.

It is so, so, so important for us to know the story, the truth, the Word, as thoroughly as possible. And if we do, just as Jesus came to those two men, the Holy Spirit will come to us to remind us. Let us not be one of those who survives on a-sermon-a-week … or a-class-a-week at church. We must “study” the Word, know the story, the ways of God. Then, the Holy Spirit can use the storehouse in us to lift us up.

When you are struggling, as the two men going to Emmaus were, it is easy to miss what is there or fail to perceive what is real. If something puzzles you or creates doubt in you, it might just be a matter of perception. Someone else might see things differently. Don’t be afraid to ask. And don’t be afraid to believe something spiritual or miraculous in nature (like a resurrection!) when your earthly perception thinks it can’t be true.

And finally, I remind you that this blog has two goals … for God to bless you through me and for God to bless others through you. This is the principle of “blessed to be a blessing!” As well as being blessed today, how can we bless someone else?

What do you do if one of your coworkers, friends, family, or others are distracted by a personal issue, such as despondence or frustration? They might not see the obvious and need you to come alongside them and remind them of God’s story in their lives. Jesus didn’t criticize the disciples for their failed perception. He just spoke truth for a while as they were walking, and finally their eyes were opened.

By the way … I love that moment when the two disciples recognized Jesus at their home while he was “breaking the bread” at their table. I wonder if they immediately thought back to walking with Jesus, and wondered, “How did I not know it was him?” (I’ve said things like that … you have too.) And then the clue they missed came into their minds … but of course … “Our hearts burned within us!” Jesus’ presence was setting us on fire inside … I need to remember that … He was with me and I didn’t perceive it!

May you perceive with clarity!

Chaplain Mark

The Gospel of Mark Mentions the Walk to Emmaus (Just after Jesus sees Mary)

Mark 16:12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

The Walk to Emmaus

Luke 24:13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Today’s Word Is DISCOURAGED

Tue-Apr-28-2020

“Disappointment is inevitable, but discouragement is a choice.” – Dr. Charles Stanley

We have every reason to be disappointed sometimes, as we are human, and disappointment is a natural emotion. But we do not have to let disappointment become discouragement, because faith in God makes discouragement avoidable. Do you believe the Scripture and the promises of God? Then you have a constant source of encouragement from the Holy Spirit, plus more from others who care about you.

The French word for “heart” is “couer,” and this relates directly to the words encourage and discourage.

Encouragement … means having “heart” put into you.

Discouragement … means having “heart” taken out of you.

In the Kingdom of God, no outside force can overpower the Spirit of God that is within you and remove all the “heart” from you. Your heart is Spirit-filled to be motivated and empowered.

But … we do get discouraged sometimes, so why is that? It starts with being disappointed, and that is natural and happens to everyone. But then … we have a choice … am I going to focus on the problem and “allow” (give my permission) for this disappointment to take some “heart” out of me … or will I lean into God and let him put more “heart” into me?

You will overcome a great hindrance to your faith and growth if you will accept the fact that … as Charles Stanley points out … discouragement is a choice. We see the obstacles and get scared, rather than seeing God and taking courage.

As Americans we have been somewhat conditioned to think that we can’t help being the way we are. If you think about it, this is equivalent to giving up control of ourselves and letting the world and circumstances turn us into what they want to. Yes, we have basic personality characteristics which remain with us throughout life. But the truth is that regardless of what we are like today, we can change by submitting ourselves to God and allowing him to transform us. God does his part and we do ours.

We can undergo this transformation by not choosing discouragement at times of disappointment. Jesus endured far greater disappointment and suffering than we ever could. So, think of him, as the Scripture says …

“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” (Hebrews 12:3)

In times of disappointment we can catch ourselves and make a declaration  … “I may be disappointed by what has happened, but I will not get discouraged, because my God is bigger than my problems.”

Look around. Sometimes you can see the discouragement in someone’s eyes or body language, hear it in their tone of voice, or sense it in their attitude or conversation. My tendency earlier in life was to think that the way to help them was to solve their problem so the disappointment goes away, and the discouragement is avoided. But if we are always fixing the problem, they are not learning how to keep disappointment from becoming discouragement. They are learning that God is not the solution, the “fix” is the solution.

This is not to say that I should never help anyone. But I do have a responsibility to ask myself, “Am I pointing people toward Christ or toward me?” Is there someone who needs your encouragement today? Take the time. Put some “heart” into them.

Have a blessed day!

Chaplain Mark