Tag: Repentance

Today’s Word Is INFLUENCE

Mon-Jul-20-2020

“The heart is more deceitful than all else
And is desperately sick;
Who can understand it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give to each man according to his ways,
According to the results of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

The movie “Fireproof” is the story of a captain firefighter (Caleb) whose marriage is on the rocks. One of Caleb’s crew (Michael) is a man of strong faith. In one scene, Michael is talking with another fireman who is having a problem with a decision. He is telling Michael that he is going to “follow his heart” about this decision. This sounds like a good strategy and is often used in our society as a sensible principle to follow. But Michael can see that what his friend is getting ready to do, as he follows his heart, is not a good choice at all. So, Michael tells him, “Don’t follow your heart, lead your heart.”

Each of us has a body and a soul (personality). Within our soul are two factors at work, our mind and our emotions (we might also say heart or passion). These two factors are the influences on a third aspect within us, which is our will (or decision-maker). Some of us operate primarily by our mind, others primarily by emotions, although none of us is 100% one or the other, but some combination. Those whose mind dominates are likely to do the sensible or logical thing, while those driven mostly by emotion decide based on what feels good or is pleasing. Sometimes our mind and emotions agree, other times they are at odds.

Our hearts have been helpful all along in life as we make decisions, but sometimes the heart gets set on something that is not good for us or others. It is the same with the mind. Although our thinking is usually helpful, it is not perfect, and often misguided. As we grow up, our hearts and minds are hopefully learning how to guide us into good decisions. But our hearts and minds can fail us.

Thus, the prophet Jeremiah is right on target when he says that our hearts are in this sense deceitful and sick, meaning susceptible to error, prone to long for the wrong thing. And as he also says, our mind must be tested as well, because it cannot always be trusted to lead us to good “results of our deeds.”

But wait … there is a fourth aspect of our soul, which is spirit. Our spirit is in a sense dead or dormant when we are born. It is that empty space within us that longs to know God and to be filled by him. Our spirit comes alive by a process or event which Jesus describes as being “born again.” In John 3:5-7, a Pharisee named Nicodemus has come to discuss with Jesus the miracles he is performing. Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’”

In other words, when we ask Jesus to come and live in us, the Holy Spirit of Jesus enters our spirit,  making us spiritually alive and “born again.” When we receive and are “indwelt” by the Spirit of God, we receive the perfect influence, power, and guide. We now have within us a better guide to life than depending on our mind and emotions to make our decisions. The Holy Spirit of God is perfectly reliable, far more than our mind and our heart.

Now a new process begins. As we operate under the influence of the Spirit of God to make decisions, a reversal of influence takes place. Instead of our faulty mind and selfish heart influencing our decisions (rather poorly sometimes), the choices we make under the guidance of the Spirit begin to influence and reshape our hearts and minds!

That is why Paul says in Romans 12:2 that we are to “be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” And Ezekiel 36:26 says, “I will remove the heart of stone … and give you a heart of flesh.”

Notice that when Paul says to “be transformed,” there is an understanding that the Spirit can and will do this, but also a clear implication that this takes intention and cooperation on our part. The Spirit does not forcefully continue to renew our minds. We must desire it, giving permission and opportunity for this amazing transformation to take place. The challenge then is to keep our hearts and minds out of first place and let the Spirit take the lead.

Thus, it is not true that my mind and emotions don’t change, although some people contend it is true. They say, “I can’t change the way I am. That’s just me.” No, there is a higher me, to which I am being transformed by the influence of the Holy Spirit. Rather than our mind and emotions directly influencing our will, we live and walk by the Spirit in our decision-making. And as we allow the Spirit to be the greatest influence, our minds will be renewed, and our hearts softened.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is FREEDOM

Thu-Jul-2-2020

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela

“Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”  ― Mahatma Gandhi

“Those who deny freedom to others, do not deserve it for themselves.” ― Abraham Lincoln

Freedom as an external condition is something we must fight to preserve in our country. To some degree, it is an issue in every nation on earth. We continue to pray for those people and nations where personal freedoms are denied or repressed. In America, some of our immigrants have come from countries who are notorious for suppressing the people, denying freedoms, and even mass murdering their own citizens.

I believe we should be proud to offer a better environment in our nation. Yet even in America, there are strides that need to be made as we seek to rid our society of prejudice. Although we are based on freedom, nevertheless, it is not always available as it should be. The words of Nelson Mandela above are a reminder that desiring freedom for oneself cannot be a valid pursuit without also demanding freedom for all. Lord, please help us achieve freedom for all.

There is, however, another experience of freedom that surpasses the notion of political freedom as described in our constitution. That is the inner experience of freedom, which is a gift from God. This type of freedom can be had whether we live in a free country or not.

In his book Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl describes his experience in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Many times, he and others were marched around, tortured, stripped naked, and degraded. During one of these moments he had a revelation that there was one thing that could not be taken away from him … his thoughts.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

This is the freedom of which Jesus spoke, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) It is available to all, regardless of their race, culture, national origin, or political system under which they live. Freedom through Christ cannot be taken from us, as it is planted in us by the Holy Spirit through salvation.

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” – Apostle Paul (Galatians 5:1)

What does this mean … “for freedom Christ set us free”? Well, it is possible to be free, but not feel free. I have heard that a baby elephant is tamed by being put on a rope leash attached to a stake in the ground. It learns immediately that it cannot escape because the stake is strong enough to hold it back from running loose. However, as the elephant grows it retains this feeling of captivity when it is staked to the ground as an adult, even though the elephant is eventually strong enough to pull the stake out of the ground easily. It doesn’t even try, because in its mind, it believes it is a captive.

But for us, it must be different. We must believe that Christ has truly set us free. Paul says this in Romans 8:1 … Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

And in John 8:36 we read … So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

I am thankful for our freedom as a nation. I pray that this freedom will be applied to all. And I am especially thankful for my freedom in Christ. Unlike the freedoms of this world, my freedom in Christ can never be taken from me.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is BROKENNESS

Mon-Jun-29-2020

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” – King David (Psalm 51:17)

The first place to start is this … everybody needs fixing. I need fixing. You need fixing. The list of perfect people is not very long, there has only been one name on that list … ever.

The second thing is this … you can’t get fixed until you admit you are broken. This is a problem. Who wants to admit they need help? But we are like a broken watch in need of the watchmaker.

King David wrote some very wonderful poems. He was a wise man. He was a warrior and conqueror extraordinaire. But, he had a thirst for power and a lust for women. (You can read that story in 2nd Samuel Chapter 11.) His attraction to Bathsheba led to adultery, followed by a plan to get rid of her husband so that no one would find out.

The prophet Nathan cornered David into a discussion and confession. David was brash and gutsy, but he knew from history that if you are guilty, you don’t challenge God or one of his prophets. It will not end well.

So he hit his knees, and admitted his brokenness.

It is amazing and sad how many people will not do the simple thing of confessing their wrongdoing, admitting their brokenness, taking on a contrite attitude, and asking God to forgive and restore. By the way, when I say “they,” I really mean “me” first. People sometimes revere pastors and spiritual leaders, but we are not exempt.

I once saw a woman get a new start on life by forgiving her sister for something done 30 years before. (She was waiting for the apology that was never coming.) I have seen an adult daughter reconcile with her mother over something that happened as a teenager. I have seen two employees look at each other with a contrite heart, and both simultaneously say, “I’m sorry.”

Feeling broken may seem like a bad thing, but if it is acceptable and even desirable to God, then it really is a very good thing. Having worked as a hospital chaplain, I have seen many patients trying to be their own doctor, instead of listening to those who know how to heal. By the same token, I have also seen many people trying to be their own spiritual doctor instead of listening to God or the wise counsel of a spiritual leader.

It is human nature to take a different approach than humble confession. One way we do this is just to deny the problem. Another is to make excuses for why we think we were justified in our sin or failure. And yet another is to defiantly think we should just be let off the hook. Court cases end up like this sometimes … the accused pays a penalty without admitting wrongdoing. For David, this was not going to happen.

If we can’t admit our wrongdoing, we won’t get far in our faith journey. A song by Micah Stampley, called “Take My Life,” starts out … ”Holiness, Holiness is what I long for; Holiness is what I need.” A later verse adds, “Brokenness, Brokenness is what I long for. Brokenness is what I need.”

God mends broken people, but first comes admitting we are broken. A good posture for this is on our knees, hands out, eyes looking up to God. At this point, tears often come. And then begins the healing and restoration. Get used to this. It will come again and again as you get washed more and more. The 51st Psalm was written by David during the Bathsheba experience. Verse 2: Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Verse 7: Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Clean on the inside, that’s what God wants to do.

Broken and Blessed!

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is ASSURANCE

Fri-Jun-5-2020
It’s Humor Day!

Albert Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of each passenger. When he came to Dr. Einstein, the professor couldn’t find his ticket. He searched every pocket, his briefcase, the seat next to him. No ticket.

The conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.”

The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket. The conductor rushed back and said, “Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don’t worry. I know who you are. No problem. You don’t need a ticket. I’m sure you bought one.”

Einstein looked at him and said, “Young man, I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going!”

I hope you know where you are going. If we believe the Scriptures, then we know that born again believers are going to heaven. Many people, Christians and not, over the years have asked me, “How can I know, how can I be sure that I am going to heaven?”

This is basic, but important. I think these three passages can most clearly describe what it means to be saved.

The first is from Jesus, who told Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) This does not describe how it happens, but rather what it is … namely, a rebirth. Just as we had a physical birth, so also, says Jesus, must we have a spiritual birth. In other words, not only must our body become alive, but also our spirit must come alive in a separate event. Thus, Jesus continued, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6) Up to the point of salvation, your spirit is dead, so to speak. So how does it come alive?

The other two verses say more about how it happens. The Apostle Paul says, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

And for the third, just to make sure we understand who does what, Paul says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) It requires God’s grace and our faith. And the fact that it is a gift indicates that God’s part is the greater part.

God offers the gift, for which Jesus Christ has already paid the price, but gifts are only put to use when the recipient stretches out their hands to receive it, this being an act of repentance, humility, and faith. When this happens, the Spirit of God enters into your spirit and your spirit comes alive! You are “born again.” The Holy Spirit of Christ is living in you and through you! I like this phrase, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

If these things you have done, then do not be embarrassed to ask the question about “how do I know I am saved and going to heaven?” You are not alone. Many Christians are not fully “at peace” until one more miracle occurs. Apparently, some believers in the New Testament had the same question.

Thus, there is one more piece. Besides having salvation, it is great to have an “assurance” of salvation, and to be at peace. And this is supplied by the Holy Spirit. So Paul wrote this to them, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:16-17) How do I know for sure? We sang as children … “How do I know, the Bible tells me so!” But also, I know because I can hear, sense, and feel the Holy Spirit whispering assurance into my heart.

Come and join with me, children of God, and give thanks that we can be sure that we are saved; we are heirs, heirs with Christ, and heaven is our home!

There is one last testimony as a verification. We will indeed suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Yes, the life of faith involves suffering and hardship, but none greater than what our Master endured. And for this is offered all his glory for us to share, both now and forever.

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

Chaplain Mark

NOTE … I know that there are people who will call me exclusive when I say that Christ is the only way to God. But I didn’t create this idea. I read it in the Bible, and I believe it. As my friend Dr. Bob Sanders used to say, “Don’t look at me! I didn’t write it! I’m just the messenger!”

ANOTHER NOTE: Please don’t use this devotional to scrutinize someone else’s life trying to figure if they are in heaven or not. Only God knows. Doing so can discourage you unnecessarily. Believe for the best, and wait.

Today’s Word Is HEAR

Wed-May-27-2020

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20)

When this verse says, “If anyone hears,” I conclude that not everyone hears. It implies to me that even though a voice may be speaking, something about some people causes them not to hear that voice, at least under present conditions.

For the first time in our 37-year marriage, my wife and I have a home with a swimming pool. We like it. I am now the “pool guy,” and there is always something to do. Under certain conditions, sometimes the pool pump clicks off and must be restarted. The equipment is near the end of the house where our bedroom is, and while I am getting ready in the morning, I can tell by the presence or absence of a certain sound with a certain pitch whether the pool pump is running or not. My wife can’t hear it unless I hum the pitch and she really, really concentrates, and sometimes still can’t.

On the other hand, my wife has had the sense of hearing the faint cry of one of the kids during the night while I remained asleep. There are folks who can be at a crowded occasion in a large facility, and yet when a child falls and cries out from the other side of the room, the parent of that child knows the sound of that cry.

There is something in each of us capable of hearing the voice of God. We can be preoccupied by our world, our job, our activities, whatever … such that God’s voice doesn’t get our attention. But God is calling. He hasn’t left you out or given up on you because of your present season of stress and distraction. Stop and listen. You can hear him.

During my younger years, I heard others use this passage as an evangelism and conversion tool. And I adopted that approach as well. Jesus is knocking on the hearts of unbelievers because he wants to come in and save them, take up residence.

While that is true … that Jesus wants to come into the hearts of unbelievers, that is not who this message was originally written to. It was addressed to the Church at Laodicea. Yes, Jesus is knocking on the door of a church that has stopped listening to his voice. This is the church to whom Jesus said, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” Revelation (3:15-17)

This is evidence that even though we might have been a believer for a long time, we still have spells when we are not really listening. In one sense, that is what this passage is about … the church … one full of believers who have stopped listening. Isn’t it interesting that his request was for “anyone” on the inside of that door to hear him and invite him in!! And while this is a call to the churches to become on fire again, it is also about any believer who has learned to ignore what God is saying.

I listened to a story on the radio today from a man who was sitting in a church leadership meeting when the Lord spoke to him about the extra-marital affair that he thought he was getting away with. And the voice said, “Today is the day to come clean. It is time to trade your story of infidelity for God’s story of faithfulness and forgiveness.” The next day he revealed the truth to his wife, and a new story began.

Now that’s pretty serious. And maybe your situation is, too. Or maybe your story is completely different. Maybe it’s about your church. Or perhaps you personally have wandered away from God. Listen for his voice today. God has “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) But he does want you to hear his voice. He wants to continually write and rewrite your story. He does not want you to be lukewarm. He wants you to be all in.

Wherever you are in life … stop and listen. Invite him in. Dine with him and be nourished. Be changed. Be new.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is SERVANT

Mon-Apr-20-2020

On the evening of Jesus’ Last Supper with the disciples, one thing he did was to get down on the floor with a basin of water and a towel and wash the disciples’ feet.

Jesus … rose from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself about. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. (John 13:3-5)

But why would Jesus take time out during this final Passover meal to do this? Before I answer that, how about this question – what comes to your mind as the most important thing Jesus said or taught that night? Maybe … I am the way, the truth, the life … or I am the vine, you are the branches … or when I go I will send the Holy Spirit to you … or this is my body, this is my blood … or oh so many other things that were said that night. It would be foolish to try to rank them.

However, here’s one idea about the extreme importance of Jesus washing their feet that night. Above all, they did not expect Jesus to be on the floor doing this. But Jesus was doing this not just to teach a lesson, but to illustrate it. Actually, he had been teaching it over and over already, and apparently not getting through. Frankly, if the disciples did not shed their fixation on seeking greatness, their roles in the Church would be diminished, and the model of humility and servanthood for all believers might suffer.

Fixation? Well, there is this story … And they came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. (Mark 9:33-34)

The fact that they kept silent instead of answering tells us that they already knew this was the wrong attitude. In Matthew 18:4, Jesus told them, “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” And on another occasion, Jesus talked to them about servanthood with these words, “But the greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)

And to top it off, this issue was still going on at the Last Supper, during which, “A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.” (Luke 22:24)

 I believe Jesus decided to teach servanthood in an unforgettable way, by getting down low to serve, doing the worst job, the most demeaning act, humbling himself even to the point of what others considered humiliating … as if to say, this is what you must do if you are going to imitate your Savior and Lord. Dr. Charles Swindoll once said, “The disciples fought over the crown; they did not fight over the towel.”

But Jesus had to make it “crystal clear,” essentially saying this, “No more talk about who is greatest. And if such thoughts of self-importance ever come to your mind, then remember me washing your feet. How are you, the disciples, going to teach the world how to be humble, without practicing it yourselves?”

What a surprise when Jesus did this, each one’s feet individually. Don’t you think he looked up into their eyes with his unforgettable look of compassion? I am sure he had a way of looking at you with love that penetrated to the core of your being. I believe Jesus wanted this moment to be permanently imprinted in their minds. Any time they would recall that amazing evening, there would be this image of the humility of Jesus as he cleaned their feet.

When Jesus came to Simon Peter … bless his heart … he couldn’t take it at first. He was the disciple that tried so hard to get it right … bless his heart. And he just had to ask why, and  Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you shall understand hereafter.” Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, ” If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:7-8)

Well, Jesus said that Peter would understand later what this act of servanthood was about. And it came to pass the next day there was an even greater humiliation, the innocent Jesus carrying his own cross, agonizing from a crown of thorns, being stripped of his clothes, nailed to the cross, and mocked as he died.

There is a significance to all this in the life of every believer, as well as in the life of the Church. There is no humiliation we could suffer greater than that of our Savior.

What does all this mean? There will be a few in our world who will suffer physical harm, persecution, and death for their faith. But the vast majority of us will face other sorts of decisions about being a faithful and humble servant. Will I be kind to someone who doesn’t deserve it? Will I, as a church leader, sit in the floor with the children? Will I, at my job, receive insults graciously without seeking retribution? If there is a messy spill to clean up, will I be the first to say, “I’ll get that”? This is about an attitude and a way of life.

This sounds to the world like it would make for a miserable life, but actually quite the opposite is true. It will become a great joy to be the servant of others. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet that night to show you and me how it is done, and to remind us to seek the towel of servanthood rather than the crown of greatness.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is BETRAY

Wed-Apr-8-2020

This is about Judas. But it’s not just about Judas. It’s about what he represents. Betrayal is a harsh word that we wouldn’t want to use lightly or mistakenly label someone with. Betrayal is the last step of a process that probably had what seemed to be a noble beginning or at least a harmless purpose.

It starts with the idea that “I have a better way of doing things.” And that is a pride issue. In the case of Judas, this was complicated by the fact that he thought he had Jesus’ agenda figured out. This created a license in his mind to make judgment calls about what Jesus should be doing to fulfill his purpose.

Prior to the betrayal of Jesus, there is only one Gospel narrative that involves Judas. In the text below I am going to replace the words “300 denarii” with the value of today, which would be about $54,000.

John 12:1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for [$54,000.00] and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

Judas clearly thought Jesus had made a mistake in allowing this usage of the perfume. Judas had a better idea – give it to the poor. After all, doesn’t that reflect more of what Jesus is all about? And there’s the problem. Judas did not know what Jesus’ high purpose was. And John was right … Judas did not care about the poor … he cared about having a better idea … he cared about looking good in the eyes of others … he cared about himself.

A self-centered person can easily justify their words and deeds as acceptable, and then look at you like, “Don’t you get it?” I’m sure you know people like this. Their statements and actions often leave you baffled. How did you come to such a mistaken conclusion!?

Fast-forwarding to the final week that we call Holy Week, Judas has a better idea again. I can set up a confrontation and we will find out some things, and I can make a little money in the deal. Will the Pharisees really destroy him? And will Jesus really let that happen?

You know the rest of the story. Jesus calls him out at the Last Supper. After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” (John 13:21) It is Judas, and Jesus hands him some bread dipped in wine as a sign. Then after [Judas] had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” (v. 27)

Obviously, this did not all work out as Judas expected. Was he thinking Jesus would rise up and defeat the enemy and take over? Who knows? But he took the betrayal money back and went and committed suicide.

Here’s my point for today. The heart of faithfulness and belief is to trust God to set the higher purposes and guide the course of our lives, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. Our world is full of people who have ideas about how God could do things differently and better. The Israelites fleeing from Egypt couldn’t resist confronting Moses at moments when God didn’t seem to care. Moses certainly had some difficult exchanges with God, raising his own questions at times. But the difference between Moses and the people was that Moses obeyed because he trusted.

I hear this all the time … and you do, too … How could God let this happen? Why doesn’t God fix this and change that? I have also had such questions along the way. But … although I can’t identify the exact moment it happened, nevertheless, I changed. I began to trust the story God was shaping. I learned that if anything needs changing, it is me. I realized that what I don’t understand will make sense someday … if not in this life, then in heaven.

People ask why would Jesus be the only way to God? Doesn’t God love us enough to let us get to heaven in these other ways I’ve heard about? That is not faith. Faith says, “God knows why.” Faith says, “Let go and let God.” Faith says, “God’s Word is true.”

The road to betrayal starts with thinking, “I have a better idea than God does.” Don’t go down that road.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is TEMPLE

Tue-Apr-7-2020

In the Old Testament, the Temple represented the presence of God as the center of the faith community. There was an outer court where people gathered, an inner court or Holy Place where sacrifices took place, and an innermost room, called the Holy of Holies, where the Spirit of God dwelt. In this innermost place was the Ark of the Covenant, a large golden chest, which contained a golden pot of manna from the wilderness, Aaron’s wooden rod which budded, and the tablets of stone containing the Ten Commandments.

Cloth partitions divided areas, including an enormous high and thick cloth surrounding the Holy of Holies. This was the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would go out from there to do Kingdom work in the land where God needed it.

By the time of Jesus, the Temple had become a marketplace of vendors selling various animals to be used for sacrifice, as well as various religious trinkets. Activity was especially great during Passover. And during the final week of Jesus’ life, he entered this commotion to right a wrong.

And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:12-13)

The problem was that the hearts of the leaders were not right. In modern Western thinking, we consider that getting your heart right with God is about confession, attitude, positive thoughts, good intentions, and right beliefs. In the Jewish culture, the heart was a symbol of your will (your decision-maker). Thus, if someone wanted to check out whether your heart was right with God, they wouldn’t ask you what you believe, they would look at what kind of decisions you make, and what kind of activities are going on in your life. It was a contradiction to say that you loved God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and with praise and worship, and yet your life reflected something else.

Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple signified that what was going on in this Holy Place was not consistent with their faith. What was believed about the meaning of the Temple did not match up with what you observed when you were there. The next verse after the cleansing of the Temple says this, “And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.” (Matthew 21:14) Now that’s what is supposed to be going on in the Temple!

On the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, great storms and earthquakes took place. And during this violent weather, a strange thing happened. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. (Matthew 27:51)

My friend Charlie tells me this is the reaction of God to those who hated his Messiah so much that they would be the perpetrators of the crucifixion. The Jews had two practices that indicated their objection to something that was wrong. First, if there were someone making false claims or spreading bad teaching in the public places of discussion, listeners would bend over and pick up a handful of dirt and toss it in the air. (We would be more likely to “boo” them in our day.)

Second, if something blasphemous was said, they would tear their clothing. When Caiaphas the High Priest was interviewing Jesus, and Jesus said, “You say that I am,” (meaning the Messiah), Caiaphas stood and tore his robe in half, “top to bottom” (Matthew 26:65).

Well, when God tosses dirt in the air (earthquakes) and rips his clothing from top to bottom (the curtain in the Temple), he does it in a big way!!

What happened that day was that the Holy Spirit left the Temple in Jerusalem, and 50 days later at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to live in the hearts of believers. And that’s what happens to us when we repent, believe, and receive salvation … the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. Your spirit comes alive by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. (1st Corinthians 6:19)

My wife had a revelation several years ago, in which it came to her that Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple is a reminder to us that we, too, need to keep the new temple (our lives) cleansed. Just as Jesus got rid of those who robbed the Temple of its holiness, so we must get rid of those things which rob us of the peace, joy, and good things of God. We look to see if the activities and atmosphere of our lives reflect the faith, love, and worship which dwells in and sounds forth from the holy place called “me.”

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is GRUMBLE

Mon-Mar-9-2020

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing …” – The Apostle Paul (Philippians 2:14)

I’ve done my share of grumbling, however it’s not very effective in the long run for me. I may end up getting what I “say” I want, but I may also lose some things that I wanted more – like friendship, harmony, and favor.

A very long time ago my wife and I were headed to the car after the church service, being one of the last handful to leave. A long-time church member was standing in the parking lot gazing at the back building, a wooden structure which housed the fellowship hall. He stopped us long enough to point at that there were three dead ex-Christmas trees discarded at the side of the building. (It was now February.) “This,” he said, “is a fire hazard!”

A couple in our Sunday School class was also walking to their car near us and overheard the comment. They paused and the husband looked at me. It was like our minds simultaneously knew what we were going to do. We didn’t miss a beat, as we strode over to the back building, grabbed the 3 trees, and dragged them about 50 yards away to a patch of woods, where we allowed them to join their other dead tree friends that were lying there crumbling away.

We turned back toward the parking lot, not looking at the grumbler, and joined our wives who had watched the scene unfold. We headed to our cars, waved and drove away. The grumbler was still standing there as if this didn’t turn out quite the way he had hoped – which would have been getting some mileage out of a perfectly reasonable grumble.

Was he right to point out the hazard? Yes. The problem he carried with him every Sunday at church was that he had the reputation of being a grumbler. Being friends with a grumbler is difficult, unless you are another grumbler, in which case you seem to feed off of each other. Such a reputation can be fixed – by repentance, seeking God’s help, making a sincere effort to change, and asking others to forgive you. It is my hunch that many Christians don’t start out being grumblers, it just develops over time in certain people. Thus, we should be on our guard.

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.” – The Apostle Paul (Colossians 3:14-15a)

The Apostle Paul knew that the grumblers in the church worked against unity. They drive away hungry and sincere people who come to visit looking for a home church, but attract other legalistic people like themselves. The love of Christ softens our hearts and keeps us and our church at peace.

Have a blessed and grumble-free day,

Chaplain Mark