A few weeks ago, our family spent a few days at a campground in Tennessee. We were on the way home from a ministry tour, so we parked the motorhome at a full hook up site. We were looking forward to a few days of rest and relaxation. After the first day, we had a park ranger come to our door and talk to us to see if our sewage tank was leaking. After we showed him our tanks, he was satisfied and left. Not long after that, our “neighbor” who was parked across the road from us, came over. He was the one who had complained to the ranger because they kept smelling a stench from our motorhome. He asked Duane to walk over to their site so he could smell what they had to endure from our stinky tanks!

Duane couldn’t tell where the smell was coming from, but they said when the wind blew in a certain direction, it permeated their site. We decided to move the motorhome to the dumping station to make sure that our tanks were empty. We came back and found our “tolerating” neighbor hosing off the cement slab where we had been parked. He was determined to help us get rid of our terrible stench so that they could enjoy their camping! A few hours later, our poor neighbors decided that they had endured enough! They moved to a different site far away from us. We felt bad, but we didn’t know what else we could do.

The next day, Duane was outside when this neighbor came over to apologize. You see, they discovered that the stench followed them! It was coming from their own camper! He felt bad for unjustly judging us.

I couldn’t help but think of how this is such a typical illustration of what can happen in our lives. We can be so sure that someone else is to blame but never realize that the “stench” is coming from within ourselves. We typically are quick to see the same weaknesses in others that we are struggling with ourselves. If we become frustrated and impatient with someone, we should recognize this as a signal to look deeply into our own lives and see if we ourselves are demonstrating the same attitude in any area of our life. So often we harshly judge others by their wrong behaviors, but we judge ourselves by our good intentions.

Have you been blaming and finding faults in others? Just like our neighbor, you may be trying to help someone else get rid of their problems when you should be focusing on yourself. You need to make sure that the “stench” you smell isn’t coming from your own life. You will be amazed at how you can become more tolerant and patient with others when you acknowledge and clean up the “mess” that’s within you.

“It is better to have eyes for beauty—than for blemish. It is better to be able to see the roses—than the thorns. It is better to have learned to look for things to commend in others—than for things to condemn.”

Unwrapping God's Hidden Treasures

Have you ever received a tremendously meaningful gift that almost took your breath away? It may have been wrapped in unattractive paper, and the value of the contents completely took you by surprise. You were measuring the worth of the gift by its size, and by the wrapping that covered it. It was only when you saw what was inside, that you realized the magnitude and value of the gift.

What does this have to do with the subject of faith? God has certain secrets of His providence that He allows His children to experience, and later learn to treasure. Often God’s ways appear to be harsh, and His purpose is hidden from our sight. Through faith, we can look at this “unattractive wrapping” and say, “This is God’s special gift to me. I find it distasteful and unappealing; however, I know that if I look deeper, I will be able to see the hidden meaning for it, and the value of this treasure to me.”

In my last blog, “Faith Is…”, I shared about what the perspective of faith should look like. It is not a blind shot in the dark. It is merely taking God at His Word and resting in the great promises that He has given to His children. We have been taught to live out of what we can see, hear and experience. This is living in the flesh rather than being people of faith. Hebrews 11:1 states: “Faith is being certain of what we do not see.”

I like this definition of faith: “Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it.” Someone has said, “Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to.” The following, true story is an example of childlike faith that will warm your heart:

A little girl, named Tess, went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way down the six blocks to Rexall’s Drug Store with the big red Indian chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment.Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

“And what do you want?” the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. “I’m talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven’t seen in ages,” he said without waiting for a reply to his question.

“Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,” Tess answered back. “He’s really, really sick…and I want to buy a miracle.”

”I beg your pardon?” said the pharmacist.

“His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside of his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?”

“We don’t sell miracles here, little girl. I’m sorry but I can’t help you,” the pharmacist said, softening a little.

“Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn’t enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs,” Tess replied.

The pharmacist’s brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl “What kind of a miracle does your brother need?”

I don’t know,” Tess replied with her eyes welling up. “I just know he’s really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can’t pay for it, so I want to use my money.”

“How much do you have?” asked the man from Chicago.

“One dollar and eleven cents,” Tess answered barely audibly. “And it’s all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.”

“Well, what a coincidence,” smiled the man. “A dollar and eleven cents— the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.”He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said,“Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let’s see if I have the miracle you need.”

That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong. He was a surgeon who specialized in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn’t long until Andrew was at home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.

“That surgery,” Mom whispered. “was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?”  Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost…one dollar and eleven cents ….. PLUS the faith of a little child.

Do you have the innocent faith of a little child? Do you know your “Daddy” well enough to visualize what He may want to do with your circumstances? Don’t worry about the unattractive packages that God may be sending your way. Knowing the Giver has your best interest in mind will help you to become a greater person of faith. You can be assured that under the ugly paper is a treasure chest that is filled with hidden treasures of love, patience, and wisdom. If we learn to take God at His Word, we will accept what He sends us and trust Him for the blessings that are buried inside. Go and unwrap the “treasures” that are coming your way!

The Great Treasure of Faith

May 16  Panoramic Full Gospel Church, Summertown, TN

May 17 Linn Mennonite Church, Roanoke, IL

May 18  Church of God of Prophecy, Boone, IA

May 20 AM Milford Mennonite Church, Milford, NE

May 20 PM  Salem Mennonite Church, Shickley, NE

May 22 Beemer Mennonite Church, Beemer, NE

May 23  Wood River Mennonite Church, Wood River, NE

May 24 Wheatland Bible Church, Wheatland, WY

May 25 Holiday Inn, Cody, WY

May 26  Fairfield Community Hall, Fairfield, MT

May 27  Vauxhall Community Hall, Vauxhall, AB

May 29  Tween Valley Fellowship, Grassy Lake, AB

May 30  Picture Butte Mennonite Church, Picture Butte, AB

June 2  Lakeside Christian Church, Rexford, MT

June 3 AM Kootenai Christian Fellowship, Eureka, MT

June 3 PM White Pine Mennonite Church, Trout Creek, MT

June 4 Legacy Campground Amphitheater, Bonners Ferry, ID

June 7 Shiloh Chapel/Rock of Ages, McMinnville, OR

June 8 Lebanon High school Auditorium, Lebanon, OR 

June 10  Brownsville Community Church, Brownsville, OR

June 10 Sheridan Mennonite Church, Sheridan, OR (3:00 & 6:00 PM)

June 13-15 Christmas Valley, OR (Tentative)

June 17 {Open! Call to schedule (828) 859-7003}

June 17 Fairview Mennonite Church, Albany, OR

June 20 Winston, OR (Tentative)

June 22 Montrose, CO (Tentative)

June 24  Sangre de Cristo Community Church, Westcliffe, CO 

June 28 MEC Copeland, Copeland, KS

June 29 Gospel Mennonite Church, Sublette, KS

July 1 Anderson County Community Building, Garnett, KS

July 3 Memphis, MO

July 4 Springfield, MO

July 5 Montgomery, IN

Call (828) 859-7003 for times and directions. 

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Do you ever find yourself struggling with questions about why God is allowing certain situations to come into your life? You desire to have complete faith and trust in God, but you are hopelessly drowning in despair and discouragement. What does true faith in God look like?

Many times we try to conjure up faith as if it is only an act of the will or a sense of certainty that something is going to happen. This isn’t faith.

Faith is taking God’s promises as an actual fact. It is believing, rejoicing, and simply resting in God’s promises. Because God said it, I believe it! Someone said, “Faith turns God’s promises into a prophecy. A promise is contingent on our cooperation, but when we have genuine faith, it becomes a prophecy.” We can rest, assured that God will fulfill His promises in His own time.

Why do you pray for more faith? Do you desire more faith simply because you want to take God at His Word or is it for selfish reasons? Do you only want more faith so that you can remove your mountains?  Faith doesn’t say, “I can see that this is good for me and so it must be from God.”  Faith declares, “God allowed this to come my way, so it must be for my good.” In our book, “Big Mountain, Bigger God” you can read about some of the purposes for mountains in our lives.

When I think of faith, I think of the many times in our children’s lives when we wanted them to trust us, even though they had no way of understanding why we were allowing them to go through some painful situations. Throughout our hundreds of hospital experiences, we have had the excruciating pain of needing to restrain our infants as doctors and nurses have attempted to place IV’s, needles, etc. into their arms or foreheads. Their pleading eyes were filled with confusion as they tried to understand why Mommy and Daddy were allowing this to happen to them. It broke our hearts! We knew they needed the assistance that they were receiving, but we also knew they couldn’t understand or see the bigger picture. Because of our love for our children, we hoped and prayed that they would simply trust us and have enough faith to believe that it was for their good.

There have been times when I have been a helpless and confused infant as I have looked into my Daddy’s face. He has allowed me to go through terrible heart aches and extreme anguish. I feel bewildered as I ponder the precious love and security that I have felt in His arms, and yet, I feel the firmness of His arms as He asks me to surrender to this painful procedure. This brings confusion and I anxiously look into His face. When I look deeply into His eyes, I can’t help but see the depths of His love. I look again..And then I see the tears in His eyes. My Daddy is hurting because He sees me, His dear child, hurting. If He could spare me from this anguish, I am convinced that He would. He knows, however, that this experience will be for my very best. I know that I can trust my Daddy. I have faith in Him because I am completely assured of His love for me. When I have this intimate of a relationship with God, I have confidence because I know, “I’m a Winner Either Way.”

Are you claiming the promises that God has given to you? Are you convinced of His love or have you become disillusioned by the tactics of the enemy? I challenge you to begin to take God at His Word. It’s time to “walk by faith and not by sight”. (2 Cor. 5:7)

How do you define faith? What are some practical illustrations of faith that you have experienced or have seen in others? We welcome your comments!

The Choice is Yours!

Choices…How can every area of your present life, your future, and your eternal destination be determined by such a small, little word? Do the small and seemingly insignificant choices that you make today, actually impact your future?  After all, aren’t some of your choices simply preferences?

Some one has said that there are two ways to look at life. The first way is to choose a path, and accept the destiny of where your path will lead you. The second way is to choose the destiny (Heaven), and accept the path that God has planned for your life.

This past weekend, when we were sharing at the women’s prison, we met many women who had faced terrible pain and loss. When they encountered their trials, they were immediately at a crossroad and were faced with a choice. They needed to choose how they would respond to the pain they were experiencing. We only saw a glimpse of the devastation that happened in their lives because of their wrong choices. The unbearable pain led many of them to drugs, cutting themselves, and  lesbian life styles. These precious women were filled with so much unrest, hatred and bitter feelings to God and to those who had hurt them. The current situation they are in, is a result of NOT choosing God’s way in response to pain.

In the Bible, we read how Job experienced rapid fire destruction and had everything taken away from him. He had a big choice to make, and it would forever affect his destiny. Job suffered severe affliction, and his earthly hopes all lay dashed at his feet. In one day, he lost almost everything he owned. All of his ten children were killed and yet he said, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21)

Job chose to see God’s hand behind the swords of the men who killed his servants and cattle. He saw God’s hand in the devastating winds and lightning that took the lives of his dear family. Job chose to see God’s hand even as he heard the dreadful silence of his shattered home. As Job mourned and sat among the ashes, he proclaimed, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.” (Job 13:15) Job made an incredible choice, and because of it, God rewarded him in an incredible way. (Read Job 42: 12-13)

I admire the character of Job and the choices he made. Our family knows just how difficult it is to respond in a godly way when we are facing a “Job experience”. There have been many times when we have made wrong choices, but we are so thankful for God’s grace and forgiveness.

How are you responding to the little irritations that you are facing today? Do you really feel that you can validate your wrong responses? You may even be facing a crisis or devastation, but can you truly justify your anger and bitterness when the same God that carried Job is also waiting to carry you?

Maybe you are finding yourself on a mountain top right now. Life is great! You are experiencing the rich rewards that God is sending your way, and you are basking in His faithfulness and provision. You also have a choice to make. Will you continue receiving blessings from God and keeping them only for yourself?  Instead of passing the blessing on to others, are you becoming like the children of Israel who tried to hoard more “manna” for tomorrow? (Read Exodus 16:17-20) Are you becoming self sufficient and forgetting that all that you have is a gift from God? Are you allowing Him to bless others through you?

The choice is yours! Remember that every choice you make, whether big or small, will affect your eternal future.

Choose Your Path or Choose Your Destiny

After our son, Austin, unexpectedly went to be with Jesus, this verse began to take on a different meaning to me. Does it mean that we are weeping now but after more time has passed, we will quit feeling the pain? I don’t think so!  We will always feel the pain of missing our beloved son and brother. So, how can “joy come in the morning”?

We can experience true joy when we choose to see that God is sovereign and has a purpose for everything He allows. We also know that Austin is in Heaven with Jesus. Each day we live is a day closer to being together in Heaven with him. This brings great joy to us!

I have read that there is a power plant that produces electricity for powering streetcars. The turning wheels create friction. The hum and roar can be extremely unpleasant, but the rubbing of steel produces the electrical current that is essential for the streetcars to operate. There is a spiritual analogy that we can see between this friction and the trials and difficulties that God allows to come into our lives. When God wants to create more spiritual power in the lives of His children, He lovingly allows more “friction.” In return, we receive more spiritual power and can be a greater asset to His kingdom. It is because of these experiences that God is able to use our lives in a greater way to benefit others. Sometimes we think we can’t handle this intense pressure and we desperately try to run away from it. God’s intent, however, is for us to receive enough power from it to rise above the painful and tough times that produce it. If we choose to respond correctly, we will receive more power and joy in our lives.

Street car running with power produced by friction

In my last blog, “Blessings In Disguise”, I shared the verse in 2 Cor. 12:10 where Paul states, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” What was the important element that gave Paul this perspective? It is found in these three little words “…for Christ’s sake.”

If you recall the apostle Paul’s life of imprisonment, beatings, near drowning experience, extreme hunger and much more, (2 Cor. 11:24-27)  you will realize that he was not living the American dream. Paul had no idea that his life and example was going to be in the Bible and have an impact on millions of lives throughout history. However, Paul realized that God had a bigger picture than he was able to see at the time of these trials. He continued trusting God even when life didn’t make sense.

We should look at each of the difficult events that come into our lives as opportunities for us to demonstrate a godliness that gives glory to God. If our purpose is to live our lives “for Christ’s sake”, we can accept whatever God brings as His divine opportunities for us. When we dedicate our trials to God, we can experience real growth in grace as a result of them. We may not see any purpose in what God is doing, but we need to realize that He isn’t finished molding us yet. Let’s patiently wait to see what good things God will do in our lives, while we have the calm assurance that “…He will do it”. (Ps. 37:5) The secret of knowing God’s complete sufficiency is coming to the end of everything in ourselves and our circumstances. Once we reach this point, we stop looking for sympathy for our difficult trials, because we will recognize these things as the necessary conditions for blessings.

Are you being severely tested right now? Have you considered that the Lord may be sending you through this trial as an opportunity for you to develop your gifts? You may have some gifts that will never be discovered except through this trial. “Your faith will never appear as great in the warm summer weather as it does during a cold winter.” Now is the time when God is drawing attention to your life and is giving you the opportunity to allow Him to shine through you. Others are watching to see how you respond. You can either be a hinderance to their lives, or you can claim God’s grace and be a challenge, blessing, and encouragement to them as they continue their journey with God. “Trials are the food of faith.” Your life is the rich soil, and you can chose to plant a beautiful garden of faith where others can be fed.  

Lush vegetable garden

Our three year old "flower girl"

Have you ever wondered why God created a beautiful, fragrant and exquisite flower like the rose, only to have the stems covered with sharp, prickly and annoying thorns? Don’t the thorns seem to diminish its beauty and make the rose less desirable? Wouldn’t they be more appealing if they didn’t possess these cruel prickles?

Many times, I have viewed the many difficulties and trials that our family has faced as unwanted thorns that seem to greatly hinder our effectiveness and purpose in life. Our desire has been to actively serve the Lord. However, we have frequently spent months at a time in a hospital, taking care of our sick children. We thought we knew where God wanted us to minister, but many times our plans were drastically changed. During our first ten years of marriage, we lived approximately two and a half years in a hospital. There were many times when we questioned God and wondered if He really was in control, and why He was allowing all of these terrible things to happen to us. Many of you are currently experiencing devastating events in your lives. What should we do during these times of crisis? How can we ever find healing during these devastating times? (You can read more about our family’s journey in our book, “Big Mountain, Bigger God”.)

Through our experiences, we have seen how crucial it is to be transparent and honest with the turmoil and all of the emotions that we face during a heart-breaking situation. It is not unusual to feel emotions of anger and frustration. It is even normal and acceptable to question whether God is good and worthy of your trust when your life seems to be falling apart. Grieving for any kind of a loss is a process. It will take time to find the answers to all of your questions, and some of them may never be answered. It is vitally important, however, that you don’t become hardened but allow the healing process to continue. With time and daily exposure to God’s Word, you will begin to see your trials as blessings in disguise, just like the thorns on a rose bush.

God created the sharp thorns on a rose to protect these fragrant and delicate flowers. The thorns drive predators away because they don’t want the experience of getting pricked. The roses have the advantage of growing bigger than many other flowering species because of this protection that surrounds them. God created these beautiful roses and gave them thorns to protect and perfect them.

Paul talks about his thorn in the flesh. In 2 Cor. 12:10 he states, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  The literal translation is…”Therefore I take pleasure in being without strength, being insulted, experiencing emergencies, and being chased and forced into a corner for Christ’s sake; for when I am without strength, I am DYNAMITE.”

How could Paul truly mean this? Did he really know what he was saying, or was he not quite in touch with reality like we are today? In my next blog, I will talk about what gave Paul this perspective. I will share the vital (and many times lacking!) key in having the right perspective when we face tough times.

A blind preacher named George Matheson once said, “My dear God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses but not once for my thorns. I have always looked forward to the place where I will be rewarded for my cross, but I have never thought of my cross as a present glory itself.”

Teach me, dear God, to glory in my cross. Teach me to see the value of my thorns. Show me how I have climbed higher to You through my path of pain. Show me that it is only because of  my tears, that I have seen my rainbows. 

Yesterday, I was going through the basket of the many cards and letters that we received when our son, Austin, went to be with Jesus. I cried as I realized again how many people have shown God’s love to us during the past year and a half. This time when I read them, I was able to be ministered to in a completely different way. The initial stage of shock has worn off and I believe I can think more clearly than I did around the time of his passing. Thanks to each of you who have lifted us up to God and interceded on our behalf. We are walking in His’ grace but appreciate your continued prayers.

There was one card in particular that meant very much to our family. It was from a nurse who worked in the small hospital where the ambulance took Austin after he stopped breathing, on that early Sunday morning. This card was personalized, and on the outside it said: “As you remember Austin…A young life has passed from our sight, but never from our hearts.” On the inside of the card, she wrote, “I met  Austin briefly on Oct. 31, 2010. I was able to hold his hand for a moment, a small gesture compared to the depth that he touched my soul. He was (and is) a true angel, a miracle unlike no other. I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through. Your family is in my prayers and thoughts every day. You are blessed that you now have the most special guardian angel watching over you.”   Sandi Mazer (Hartwell, GA)

We knew that everyone who was working with Austin in that small ER, seemed to be very considerate and caring but we didn’t realize how God’s presence was at work there as well. I remember after they got Austin’s heart started again, one of the paramedics commented to us, “I can tell that God has His hand on this one.”

The most incredible part of the story of what took place in the ER was how Sandi shared with us later in another letter of how Austin helped to reach her and put her back on the right path with God. You have to realize that Austin did absolutely nothing! He wasn’t even breathing on his own, and she knew very little about Austin. (His journey of two heart transplants and two different kinds of cancers) How could God use Austin’s life while he was in this condition? I believe that the presence of God and the angels were in this small emergency room and it is a wonderful reminder of how God can use any of us when we are surrendered to Him. Austin never complained about all the physical pain that he had to endure in his  sixteen years of life and the many boundaries that surrounded him. He struggled with issues like each of us do, but he had such a beautiful and complete trust in his Heavenly Father, and it was such a challenge to us. Austin knew the importance of having a clear conscience. He was quick to say that he was sorry and ask for forgiveness if he had wronged someone in our family. Austin had come to the place of full surrender to what God was doing with his life.

Sandi and her children blessed our family on that first and extremely difficult Christmas without Austin. They found the perfect and very meaningful gifts for each of us and had them delivered to our door. It seemed as if Austin sent them our way because it was something that he loved to do for us whenever he had any significant amount of money. In fact, the previous Christmas was spent in the hospital while Austin was waiting for his second heart transplant. We didn’t have the time or the money to purchase many gifts. Austin had received some money with some of the cards that were sent to him for his birthday.  He had the time to get on the internet and order special gifts for each of us. He enjoyed seeing our surprise and the girls delight over their gifts.

As we were working on our last book, we asked Sandi if she could share what God had laid on her heart. She replied with this beautiful letter: “I met the Mullett family on what would be Austin’s last day among us. The atmosphere in our small ER was tense. We all knew that he was very critical. Despite their emotional torment, I vividly remember Duane and Cindy telling Austin not to worry because God was with him, with them. They also frequently told all the staff, ‘Thank you for all that you’re doing.’ I cannot describe the resolve that was shown on their faces. They knew Austin was in God’s hand and His’ will would prevail. Their faith never faltered. Seeing this, and simply being there and holding Austin’s hand touched my soul deeply.

Though I feel unworthy, I believe the Lord reached out to the Mulletts through me. I simply could not stop thinking about them nor remove the sorrow of their loss from my heart. I felt a strong need to send holiday gifts to the family. It was something I believed that Austin would have been looking forward to doing. I honestly felt like we had guidance from above as my children and I picked out what to send. We never had to search. It was as if the right gifts to send were set out for us to see. Sending them filled my heart with pure joy…heaven sent happiness. Years from now, when I look back on the many ways that God has touched my life, I will always thank Him for the blessing of Austin Mullett and his family.” 

Some time later, Sandi again shared something special with us. She wrote: “I collect sea glass anytime that I find myself within driving distance of a beach. Most people see it as junk…broken and discarded but I see it very differently. I believe it starts out completely intact and ordinary. Only when it is shattered and tossed about, enduring harsh sands and battered by waves, does it’s edges soften and it becomes a unique “gem” unlike any other. It is much stronger than it was before. I see us navigating our world in much the same way….” 

I have looked at these beautiful pieces many times, while we’ve been on this journey of grief, and have asked God to use our broken lives and shattered dreams and to soften and mold them into “gems” that are beautiful to Him. I can see that each piece is different and the journey hasn’t been completely the same, but it is only through being broken and facing the difficulties of life that they have any beauty at all!

Are you allowing God to start this process in your life or are you trying to resist Him? You can allow the trials you face to sand those rough edges, or you can be like sharp and broken glass as you become angry and bitter.  You will pierce those that you love by your sharp words and angry spirit, and, in the end, be nothing more than a broken piece, that simply needs to be discarded. We can’t choose our journey but we can choose whether we will be a beautiful and unique “gem” or a useless piece of “junk.”

Missionaries to Africa brought their belonging in their caskets.

Why are churches having such a difficult time getting their members to participate? Why are so many of our young people giving up their faith and pursuing their own fleshly desires?

Something is terribly wrong with the picture that we Christians are portraying of Christlike commitment! In previous years, there were missionaries who would go into countries that were severely infected with malaria and other diseases that were very life threatening. Most of these missionaries died after one to two years of sharing Jesus to the natives so the proceeding missionaries would have an unusual item that they brought their belongings in…their coffins! They were living for a cause that was worth dying for.

The story is told about a group of believers, who were worshiping in their church. A group of men with guns came in and commanded everyone to line up against the walls. After everyone did as they were told, they ordered all of those who were true believers in Christ to stay inside while they allowed the others to go outside. Sadly, many were too scared to take a stand and quickly departed the building. The gunmen went outside and those within the church heard gun shots. The Christians soon realized that they indeed had no hope to avoid being killed. They, however, knew that they were ready to die for Christ. When the assassins returned to the church they told the believers, “We’ve just purified your church. You are free to go! We admire those who are committed.”

Many churches in today’s culture have a common thread  that is disheartening and, I believe, is a disgrace to God’s name. It is a lack of commitment! Churches have many uncommitted and passive Christians who find their security by attending Sunday mornings but have a strong disconnect between who they are on Sunday mornings and the priorities they embrace the other days of the week. Pastors are sharing how difficult it is to get participation for any evening or mid week services. Most of these churches keep attempting to make their activities more appealing or they change their style of worship to draw the younger generation. Is this the answer? Why do we feel the need to appease the flesh in order to help someone grow spiritually? Does this make sense to you? Do we really think that this method will produce strong Christians who will have a lasting faith? Appeasing the flesh is a tactic that the world uses all the time.  Many items are advertised and sold because of a sensual photo that is being used to attract.

It is time that we have strong Biblical teachings in our churches, where sin is exposed and repentance takes place. When we allure with “worldly” things, we set the environment to grow “worldly” Christians. Satan isn’t too disturbed with this because he sees them as an easy target. Their commitment won’t last because when they face a difficulty, they will begin to question God’s goodness. It is only a matter of time until they defy God.

When the standard is raised in your church, you may have people who are offended, however, those who are serious about their relationship with Christ, will be convinced of their need to grow and will desire greater discipleship. Nonbelievers are always intrigued and challenged when they see committed believers who are more than just a slight improvement from themselves. In Rev. 3:15-16 it says, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

What is the definition of a lukewarm Christian? I believe they are the ones who are satisfied to profess a relationship with Jesus, but they rarely share Him with others. They think they are doing their part by giving their tithes each Sunday. After all, they are supporting others who are sharing the gospel. Don’t ask them to personally share about Jesus, because they just aren’t gifted in this area! Lukewarm Christians may do a great job teaching Sunday school class but their priorities demonstrate that financial success is more important than relationships. Maybe they are the pastor of a church but their sermons are on an intellectual level instead of it being an over flow of what God is doing in their own heart. The emphasis is placed on increasing the count level in the church rather than on the commitment level within the church. “The success of a church is not determined by how many they seat, but on how many they send.”

A lukewarm Christian may spend more time on Facebook or sports than he does reading his Bible. He may also justify some of his sin by this reasoning…It was just a little immorality or just a bit of materialism. After all, I have worked hard for everything I have! We, women, may rationalize our gossip by saying, “I’m just telling you this so that you can pray for them.” A lukewarm Christian is truly “the worst of the best and the best of the worst.” Therefore, he is extremely nauseating to God. Now is the time to make the deliberate decision to be committed to Christ before He “vomits you out of His mouth.”

Living for a cause worth dying for!

The world has seen enough of our selfish and dead faith. It is time to rise to a higher calling and live our lives so those around us can see that we are committed to God and that we have a living faith that is worth dying for!

In part 1, I talked about some specific areas where our family has struggled with fear in our lives.  If you have not read the previous blog, you may want to click here and read it first.

What are some specific fears? We may have the fear of rejection, fear of the future, fear of death, fear of what others think of you, fear of failure, fear of abandonment, and the list is almost endless. I vividly remember how Austin faced his fears. When he was sixteen years old and in congestive heart failure, he had a peace that was almost surreal. In fact, when he was in the hospital and they were preparing him to go down to the operating room for his second heart transplant, he gave me the most precious gift that he could ever give! I asked him how he was doing, and if he was scared. He looked up at me, with such a peace that I will never forget. He responded, “Mom, why should I be scared? The worst thing that could happen to me is that I will die during the surgery or soon after. If that happens, I will be in Heaven with Jesus, so why should I be afraid?” He knew WHO he was in Christ and he knew that he was ready to die. This young man has taught me so much in life! His book “I’m A Winner Either Way” will encourage you and give you tools on how to be free from fear and embracing life even with an uncertain future.

What does the Bible say about fear? When did fear come into the picture? I believe that the first demonstration of fear was after Adam and Eve took of the forbidden fruit and when their eyes were opened to see the wrong that they had committed. Instantly, they were plagued with fear and it was demonstrated by them trying to hide from God. The Bible talks about a good kind of fear. Psalms 111:10a says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This kind of fear means to be in awe or respect of God. I don’t believe it means that we need to afraid of Him. Our little girls are never afraid of their Daddy. However, when they are doing something they know they shouldn’t be doing, and Daddy walks into the room, what do they do? They try to hide what they are doing or run away from him. They begin to feel the condemnation and guilt that sin brings, and begin to fear the consequences of their choices. The only way to find freedom from this fear is to acknowledge their wrong and clear their conscience. This is the same way with our relationship with God. The Bible says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment…” (1 John 4:18) What is that “perfect love” that casteth out fear? I believe it is talking about Jesus and the perfect love that He demonstrated when He died on the cross for our sins. He is the One who has the authority over fear and when His love is perfected in us, we become one “in Him.”

The Bible clearly defines fear as being a spirit. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7) When we started to deal with fear as an evil spirit instead of an emotion, we experienced a new level of freedom. Remember, as in the garden of Eden, we some times open the door for fear by committing sin. When this happens, it is vital to cleanse ourselves, doing what is needed to make restitution. We also need to see how Jesus dealt with evil spirits. He took authority over them in His name and did not allow them to regain control. When you are a child of God, you are “in Him” and have the authority to command the spirit of fear to leave you, then ask God to replace it with His peace and purpose for your life.

Fear will always continue to try to bring defeat and destruction in our lives, nevertheless, we can be more than conquerors because Jesus already won the battle for us at Calvary. The victory is yours! Claim it today!