Archive for April, 2010

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Problems and Memory Loss

Friday, April 30th, 2010

Sticky notes and scraps with scribbles say it all: age = forgetfulness….at least for me. If I don’t write down reminders, I’ll surely miss an appointment or fail to fulfill a commitment. From personal experience, however, I suspect that forgetfulness happens for other reasons, too.

Consider problems, for instance. It’s interesting to see how one’s memory of God’s promises often fails when life deals a tough blow. Stress and fear sabotage our minds, and our ability to recall His words takes flight.  

Perhaps this is what happened to several women in Luke 24:1-9. They’d gone to Jesus’ tomb early in the morning to anoint his body with burial spices. Imagine their grief after witnessing His crucifixion. With the scene still fresh in their minds, they may have been hanging onto hope by a thread and fearing an unknown future without the Messiah. But the angelic visitors at the tomb helped them refocus with these wise words: “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day” (vv.6,7).

The women did what the angels said and immediately their hope was restored. Scripture says, “Then they remembered that he had said this. So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples – and everyone else – what had happened” (v. 8,9).

When problems or obstacles face us, we need to heed the same advice – remember Jesus’ words spoken to us. Matthew 28:20 is a good example – “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Our problems look much less intimidating in light of His promises, and we find encouragement, confidence, and peace.

When you think of Jesus’ words, which ones have been especially meaningful to you during difficult times?

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God’s Curious Methods

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Sometimes God’s methods for accomplishing His purposes leave me shaking my head. Gideon’s story is a classic example (Judges 7:1-8:17)

God told Gideon to rescue the Israelites from the Midianites. You’d think God, knowing the size of the task, would supernaturally rally the troops and then equip them with the latest in body armor and high-tech weaponry. At least that’s what human logic would assume. But the Divine doesn’t often give human logic a second glance.

In this story, God looked at Gideon’s army and said, “You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.” And so the whittling process began. The troops initially numbered 32,000. God dropped that number to 300. Then He equipped them with rams’ horns, clay jars and blazing torches. And that’s how the victory was won.

Human logic and God’s methods often collide. Our nature feels secure when things make sense, when we can formulate plans and see how they’ll work. But God’s methods don’t fit our mould. He seems to delight in the impossible, even the ridiculous. And then He expects us to trust Him in the process! How audacious is that?

Why does God use curious methods to accomplish His purposes? Because He gets the recognition when there’s no human explanation for victory. Besides, our faith grows when we see His power at work. And unbelievers take notice. They ask questions. This paves the way for conversation about spiritual things.

Sometimes God’s methods make me squirm. But truth be told, I’d rather serve a God who embraces the impossible as opportunities to prove His power than a God limited to methods that my finite mind can understand. How about you?

Have you seen God using curious methods to accomplish His purposes in/through you?

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Do it Afraid

Monday, April 26th, 2010

Last week I wrote an article based on interview with Cindy Winters. She’s the widow of Fred Winters, a Baptist pastor who died on March 8, 2009, when a stranger entered his church, sauntered down the church aisle, and opened fire on him as he preached.

Cindy told me that she used to be a very fearful person. She said that when she identified and confessed fear as an area of bondage in her life, God began teaching her how to move beyond it through experiences that were far beyond her comfort zone, such as short-term mission trips. She admitted that she didn’t embrace these lesson-learning experiences with joy, but she chose to do them despite her fear because she knew God was asking her to obey. She used a phrase that has stuck with me like Velcro: “Do it afraid.”

Gideon did it afraid, too. He was simply going about his routine tasks when God showed up one day and gave him a special assignment: “Go with the strength you have and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” (Judges 1:1-40).

How did Gideon respond? He completely overlooked the Israelites’ need for rescue and saw only the obstacles. He argued with God: “But Lord….” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family.” The fear of inadequacy loomed large, but he had other struggles besides:  

  • The fear of the enemies that ravaged his country (v. 11).
  • The fear of encountering the angel of God face to face (v. 22, 23).
  • The fear of opposing his family and townspeople by destroying Baal’s altar and the Asherah pole (v. 27).

Yes, he was a fearful guy, but thankfully he didn’t allow his fears to stop him from obeying God’s call. As a result of “doing it afraid,” he experienced God in an intimate way. Verse 24 says it like this: “And Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means ‘The LORD is peace’).” In the midst of his fears, he knew God’s peace. This discovery would never have happened if he’d said no.

What swayed Gideon to “do it afraid?” Personally, I think he believed God’s promise spoken twice within a few moments.

  • “Mighty hero, the LORD is with you” (v. 12).
  • “The LORD said to him, ‘I will be with you’” (v. 16).

To every believer, God has assigned the task of rescuing the lost from the enemy’s clutches. He tells us to go, to be actively involved in this mission, and then He gives us the same promise He gave to Gideon: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19,20).

The choice is ours. Say no, or say yes. Our answer reveals what we believe to be true about God – saying no means that His presence and power are insufficient for the task. Saying yes reveals the opposite and results in knowing God’s peace.

What is God asking of you today? Please don’t let the enemy win. Please – do it afraid.

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Don’t be Dull!

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Last summer I bought a couple of rings in Poland. They contain amber stones set in a silver band. I recently noticed that a black coating is beginning to dull the bands’ metallic sheen. It’s not obvious to others yet – it’s hidden where the stones meet the bands – but it’ll spread and destroy the rings’ beauty unless I take action.

The word dull also describes one of my kitchen knives. It’s lost its cutting edge. It still occupies a cupboard drawer but it’s useless for slicing tomatoes or a loaf of warm bread.

This morning the word dull came to me in another context. Luke 21:34 says, “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life.” I read Jesus’ warning and realized it warranted a second glance. What does a dull heart look like? Here are a few thoughts:

  • It lacks sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s nudges.
  • It lacks compassion and tenderness for the needy.
  • It lacks passion for Christ.
  • It lacks a hunger for God’s Word.
  • It lacks the ability to discern right from wrong.
  • It lacks the ability to say no to temptation.

According to this verse, what causes a heart to become dull?

  • Drunkenness and carousing – careless living, feeding our fleshly desires.
  • The worries of this life.

I don’t fall into the first category of drunkenness and carousing. But I have to pay attention to Jesus’ warning as it applies to the second category. Unless I stand guard, the worries of this life could easily dull my heart and render me ineffective. Fear of the unknown or of my inadequacies, over-blown concerns about money, anxiety about the what-ifs (that probably won’t happen anyway) tell me I have to work harder and push more aggressively to ensure that my needs are supplied and my goals are being reached. They dupe me into believing that the temporal matters more than the eternal – what I see and touch deserves my energy and time more than what I cannot see.

Listening to the worries of this life will make my heart dull towards spiritual things and render me ineffective. Jesus warns me to stand guard and ensure this doesn’t happen. And if it does, I need to take immediate action – get on my knees, confess my distraction, give my worries to God, and focus my mind on His character and promises. Only then will my heart regain its original beauty or its effectiveness.

What are your thoughts regarding a dull heart? Can you add other characteristics? And what suggestions can you offer to ensure our hearts do not become dull?

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Bustin’ Through the Fear Factor

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

In the past couple of days I’ve spent at least five hours talking with individuals who are wrestling with fear. In this context, it’s mostly about going on short-term missions trips. For some, they’ve carried a desire to go for years but have never taken the first step. For others, this is a new consideration and they’re scared silly.

What are the fears?

  • What if I can’t raise the funds?
  • What if my family thinks I’m nuts?
  • What if my church doesn’t support me?
  • What if I don’t have anything to offer?
  • What if I get sick?
  • What if I can’t sleep at night?
  • What if I can’t find someone to look after my pet while I’m away?
  • What if it changes my life? Then what?

I address their what-ifs as best as I can, but I believe the only question of concern is this: Is God telling me to go? If so, then it’s time to start walking even if you have to walk afraid.

The fears expressed aren’t only about missions trips. They’re just the evidence of something much deeper – a lack of trust in the God who loves them, promises His presence, and holds them in His hand. And where does that lack of trust come from? From a faulty or incomplete understanding of His character, and from focusing on our inadequacies/obstacles rather than on His adequacies and ability to remove those obstacles.

Joshua 21:43-45 encourage and challenge me in my own fear-versus-faith walk: “So the Lord gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. And the Lord gave them rest on every side, just as He solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the Lord helped them conquer all their enemies. Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything He had spoken came true.”

God commanded Israel to take possession of the land. He could have done it single-handedly, but He asked them to face their enemies and fight the battle. Were they scared? Probably. But they moved forward even if they had to do it afraid. And when they did, God gave them victory. They experienced all His promises, but only after they moved into action.

I’ve seen this prove true in my own life over and over again – from writing books to traveling overseas for ministry to trusting God for finances on a monthly basis. Each scenario forced me to make a decision, and how I responded revealed what I believed to be true about God. Did I think He was trustworthy, or did I not? Thankfully He gave me the faith to believe and I said yes. I’ve never been sorry, and I’ll never go back. I’ve seen God do some amazing things; I doubt that would have been the case if I’d said no.

Fear can either keep us in chains or it can be a catalyst for us to know God more intimately. To experience His rest. And to see His promises fulfilled. The choice is ours. The choice is yours. What will it be?

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Four Simple Words

Monday, April 19th, 2010

An email sits in my inbox awaiting my response. It’s written by a person who says she has sensed God prodding her for the past two years to get involved in a particular ministry, but she has hesitations. She wants my advice….or does she? I have a hunch she’s hoping I’ll validate her hesitation, but I don’t think that’s right. And so, I ponder my answer and pray that God will give me the words He wants me to say.

This morning I read a passage that provides insight, perhaps. It’s from Luke 19:31-34. Remember the story about Jesus entering Jerusalem? He told His disciples to fetch Him a particular colt. He gave them instructions: “If anyone asks why you’re untying this colt, just tell them ‘The Lord needs it.’”

“And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ And the disciples simply replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’ So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on” (vv. 33-35).

Four words grab my attention – the Lord needs it. They challenge me to remember that, as followers of Christ, we are only stewards of our time, talent, and resources. He owns it all, and how He chooses to use those things are up to Him. He owes us no lengthy or detailed explanation. If He says He needs it, it’s our responsibility to say yes and give it up.

Sometimes He says, “I need two weeks of your time this summer.” He might say, “I need $2000 from your bank account.” He might say, “I need your arms to embrace that woman who feels without hope.” Or He might say, “I need your mouth to communicate truth to that man who’s wandering into dangerous territory.”

Four simple words say it all: the Lord needs it. They test our hearts, they show us where we need to grow, and they make life difficult sometimes. But because God is God, He has the right to speak them. And He owes no explanation. He simply deserves our obedience.

What has He asked from you?

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Wholehearted Minority

Friday, April 16th, 2010

What one word best describes your Christian life? For Caleb, the word is wholehearted. It’s used to describe him three times in Joshua 14 (NLT). Verses 7,8 make the first mention:

“I was forty years old when Moses, the servant of the LORD, sent me from Kadesh-barnea to explore the land of Canaan. I returned and gave an honest report, but my brothers who went with me frightened the people from entering the Promised Land. For my part, I wholeheartedly followed the LORD my God.”

Caleb’s my hero. Unlike the majority, he refused to succumb to doubt and subsequent disobedience. He refused to focus on the obstacles, placing his sights on God’s character and promises instead. Fear paralyzed the Israelites but he moved beyond its threatening shadow. His heart was fully intent on following God no matter what.

God honors those who wholeheartedly follow Him. Unfortunately, it sometimes seems He’s dealing with a minority. While many claim their faith is strong, their actions prove otherwise when that faith is challenged beyond what’s comfortable. They succumb to fear and settle for the lowlands rather than embracing God’s commands as a challenge to conquer and possess new territory. They’re willing to do whatever God asks provided it’s easy and quick. In reality, the word half-hearted or three-quarters-hearted more accurately describes their Christian faith.

Caleb numbered among the wholehearted minority. I want to join him there. I want to rise above fear and the temptation to settle for a safe and comfortable life. I want to embrace God’s commands as opportunities to experience His promises, conquer the enemy, and possess new territory. I want to leave a legacy that shouts, “Grace wholeheartedly followed the LORD her God.” I know that comes with a cost, but Jesus deserves my best and my all.

How about you? What one word best describes your Christian life? I pray that it’s wholehearted. If not, what needs to change so you can join Caleb’s minority club?

The Iceland volcano has clouded skies and grounded thousands of flights this week. Here's a picture of blue skies over Greenland, taken two weeks ago while flying home from Europe.

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Impossible Prayers

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

For what impossibility are you trusting God? Personally, I’m praying that He’ll supply more men than women volunteers for our summer ministry needs in Eastern Europe. Here’s why:

Unbelieving men need to see that Christianity isn’t just a woman-thing. If we take teams comprised mostly of women, the impression given is that practical Christianity isn’t applicable to the male gender. They feel that real men don’t need Jesus – He’s merely a crutch for the weaker sex. That’s so not true, but it’s understandably their perception.

We need godly men to build relationships with male unbelievers and to show how life works better when submitted to Jesus Christ rather than enslaved by vodka. Plus, when a husband participates with his wife on a missions trip, the marriage becomes a living testimony to the fact that having God in the center of their relationship can make a union strong and sweet. This is a foreign concept in some cultures, and a living example of a Christ-centered marriage speaks volumes.

The calendar countdown is on. It’s mid-April, and we have only a few weeks left before teams must be fully organized and participants receive their training. When I look at our numbers, I feel like I’m praying an impossible prayer.

I wonder if that’s how Joshua felt when he asked God to extend the day so he could complete the battle (Joshua 10:12-14). Think about it. What’s the likelihood of the sun and moon slamming on their orbital brakes? Zero. Nevertheless, the impossible happened.

Joshua was doing what God had told him to do – eliminate the enemy. And so, he asked God to do what was necessary to help him complete the task. There’s no record of his summoning astronomers to calculate statistics and variables before stating his request. There’s no mention of his weighing the odds. There’s only a simple and straightforward prayer: “Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.” And God answered his request (v. 13).

As I consider my prayer, I ask myself a couple of questions:

  • What is my motive for asking this?
  • On what basis am I asking this?

My motive is simple. I want unbelieving Eastern European men to know Christ as Savior and for them to become spiritual leaders for their families. Entire nations would be revolutionized if this became reality.

The basis on which I’m asking this is also simple – God loves people and wants relationship with them. If building relationships is one of the most effective ways to share His love with those who have never heard the Gospel, then we need men to build those relationships with men.

Is this an impossible prayer? By human standards – yes. But if God can make the sun and moon stand still to accomplish His purposes, then He can change the hearts of North American men and give them a desire to get involved this summer. “God, I believe….help Thou mine unbelief…”

How about you? For what impossibility are you trusting God?

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Poland’s Tragedy

Monday, April 12th, 2010

We were celebrating a niece’s wedding in Seattle on Saturday when another guest mentioned the plane crash that killed the Polish president and nearly 100 others earlier that day. The news shocked and saddened us. We’ve visited that country for ministry purposes seven times in the past two years and are planning to return in July to host an evangelistic family camp, so we feel a keen connection to Poland and its grief.

We’ve truly grown to love the Polish people.

a Polish street scene Auschwitz death camp -- a painful part of Poland's history

It’s hard to comprehend the impact of this tragedy on a nation that’s already experienced so much pain in its history. My prayer is that God will comfort those who mourn, and that He will place the people of His choice in leadership.

I had a devotional thought in mind for today, but I think I’ll leave it for Wednesday. I’d rather that today’s focus be placed on Poland’s spiritual and emotional needs. Please keep the people in your prayers as the Lord brings them to mind. And pray that God will send us at least four more volunteers for our summer’s evangelistic family camp (July 20-August 3). This tragedy reminds us of life’s uncertainty and the need to be prepared for eternity. Perhaps the enormity of this event will soften people’s hearts so they’ll be more open to the Gospel.

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Encouraging Words

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Proverbs 17:25 says, “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” I can attest to that!

When preparations for upcoming speaking engagements, writing deadlines or missions trips overwhelm me, I find huge encouragement if someone says to me, “I’m praying for you.” Those words bring added encouragement if that individual actually prays for/with me via phone, email or in person. The reassurance that someone cares about me lightens my worry-load.

I remember one instance in particular. Last July, I was one hour from leaving for the Vancouver airport enroute to Romania. My husband and I were leading our first volunteer team to a camp for young adults living with HIV/AIDS. The prospect excited me, but I felt a little anxious about details such as how the team would mesh, how travel details would work out once we landed in Budapest, how effective we’d be, etc. Then the phone rang.

The caller was a local pastor – a man with whom I’d attended Bible college in the late 70s. I’d had no contact with him since because our lives had taken different directions. He was calling in response to a magazine article I’d written about dealing with the fear of financial insecurity. “Thank you for addressing this topic,” he said. “Where did you gain your insights?”

“From life experience,” I said. “My husband and I are missionaries, and we deal with it all the time.”

“Really? Tell me about your ministry,” he said. And so I did. I started by telling him that we were headed for Romania later that day. Guess what he said? “Let me pray for you right now.” Those words, spoken at that moment, stripped my worry away. They were like a hug from heaven, a divine reminder of God’s presence and blessing on us.  

Perhaps you can relate. If you’ve experienced an encouraging word, please tell us about it. I guarantee – your words will be an encouragement to those who read them.

In the meantime, here’s a word for you today: “There is no one like the God of Israel, He rides across the heaves to help you. The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you” (Deuteronomy 33:26,27).

Have a great weekend!

It seems like forever, not a mere 12 days, since we visited the "Mother-in-Law" bridge in Odessa. These padlocks are posted by young couples to signify enduring love.

"Mother-in-Law Bridge" in Odessa, Ukraine

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