Hoaxed

A physics professor at Adelaide University in Australia, Sir Kerr Grant used to illustrate the time of descent of a free-falling body by allowing a heavy ball suspended from the lecture-theater roof trusses to fall some 30 feet and be caught in a sand bucket. Each year the bucket was lined up meticulously to catch the ball -- and each year students secretly moved the bucket to one side, so that the ball crashed thunderously to the floor.

Tiring of this rather stale joke, the professor traced a chalk line around the bucket. The students moved the bucket as usual, traced a chalk mark around the new position, rubbed it out and replaced the bucket in its original spot. "Aha!" the professor explained, seeing the faint outline of the erased chalk mark. He moved the bucket over it and released the ball -- which thundered to the floor as usual.

D.G. Dewar, Reader's Digest.

It's so easy to be fooled. In 2007  I received these e-mail pictures that reportedly showed the inside of the home of Tiger Woods. They were beautiful photographs, but according to www.snopes.com, the home is not owned by Tiger Woods. It is actually owed by a Maui beachfront rental company called The Golden Conch. Rental: $4000-and-up per night. Yikes!

  

According to golfonline.com, Tiger Woods was soon to own another home but not the one in Maui. He owns a home in Southern California and a lot at Three Creeks Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. His 10-acre estate on Florida’s Jupiter Island comes complete with four homes, two docks for his $22 million yacht, a golf hole, and courts for volleyball and tennis. He was living (2007) in a home at Isleworth in Orlando that he reportedly purchased for $54 million. With PGA and international events taking up most Thursdays through Sundays, I can’t imagine that he spends very much time enjoying any of them. The aerial views of his homes (not pictured) are breathtaking.

Two thoughts:

1. Many have been hoaxed by the pictures of Tiger’s home. The pictures and the value associated with them do not belong to him. A Christian can also be hoaxed. He buys into this world’s picture of success. He spends his whole life working hard to get ahead and then spends his remaining years holding tightly to what he has earned. But that picture of success and the values associated with them never really belonged to him either. He won’t take them with him when he is gone. They were always on loan from God. Christians should not invest in this life alone because the return is in the life to come.

2. God has given man the ability to build marvelous works. We see colors, styles, architecture, and settings that give pleasure to the eyes. It’s okay that you and I may never own such places. John 14:2 declares that Jesus is preparing a place for us. It will be a place made by His handiwork. In this life we see beauty that man makes. In the next life we will witness the wonders that Christ creates. There will be no comparison.

For neither man nor angel can discern hypocrisy, 

the only evil that walks invisible, 

except to God alone.

JOHN MILTON, Paradise Lost

 

Lessons from a Jiffy Lube

I was getting my oil changed some months ago and noticed an article on the wall from USA Today. It was about how to get better gas mileage. I’d heard most of the suggestions before: proper tire inflation, tune-ups, filter changes, good fuel, etc. However, there were two that I had not considered.

The first – When traveling on hot days (especially in newer cars), drive with the windows closed and the a/c on. I thought the advice would have been the exact opposite – turn off the a/c and roll the windows down. What I failed to consider was the incredible importance of aerodynamics. Cars are built aerodynamically to reduce wind drag which increases the fuel mileage. The drag that is created by the windows being open makes the car less fuel efficient than when the a/c is on and the windows are closed. Hmmmmmm. I guess we should stick with the design and plan.

The second – Check the car for extra weight (especially the trunk). Extra weight accounts for reduced fuel mileage, increased wear and tear on the tires, and increased load on the transmission and motor. That would seem to be a no-brainer. But how often do we throw stuff in the trunk only to forget about it? I checked my trunk . . . amazing.
I could have started a garage sale. There was lots of good stuff in there. It was just in the wrong place. I didn’t throw it all in at once. It built up over time. Guess I need to look in the trunk more often. I just walked outside and looked in the trunk again. It wasn’t as bad, but it wasn’t good either. Hmmmmmm. Guess I better check it more often.

Have you ever thought that God made us to function in a certain way also? In essence God says, “Roll up the windows, turn on the a/c, get rid of the extra weight, have proper inflation, get a tune-up, fill up with the right stuff, and don’t forget to clean those filters.” In other words, God says,” Just do it my way.” My spiritual efficiency and effectiveness are directly tied to my willingness and obedience.

Remind yourself of these daily needs:
1. I must get rid of drag (unnecessary weight)

    (Hebrews 12:1)

2. The Holy Spirit is my only comforter. I should seek the Comforter, not comfort.
    (John 14:16-18)

3. I need to be fueled by the Word of God.
    (Psalm 1:2-3)

4. I must be emptied of self and filled with (influenced by) the Holy Spirit.
    (I Peter 5:6; Ephesians 5:18)

5. I must be cleansed. 

    (Psalm 119:9-11)

Stick with God’s design and plan every day. 

Results: A lighter load, less wear and tear, and the right kind of comfort.

"If Christ is not all to you He is nothing to you. 

He will never go into partnership as a part Saviour of men. 

If He be something He must be everything, 

and if He be not everything He is nothing to you."
Charles H. Spurgeon

(1834 – 1892)

   

Does Jesus Care?

Have you ever wondered if Jesus really knows and cares about every detail in your life? I have at times.  Though I don't consciously wonder that very often, my actions show that I do. The Bible teaches about God's omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. Most of us who have been taught these truths would have no trouble agreeing with words that they are, indeed, truth. However, I'm ashamed to say that often our actions prove contrary to our words.

In the past few weeks, many of my prayers have been answered and events have unfolded which were undoubtedly God's doing. Unfortunately, I'm not always so quick to recognize that God is the one that is planning all of my moments. I think this is often because I fail to pray throughout my day, consulting the Lord before I make decisions. Usually, when I am conversing frequently with Him about things, it's so much more apparent when He does things that I had asked Him for or talked with Him about.

A state of mind that sees God in everything 

is evidence of growth in grace and a thankful heart.

Charles Finney  

1792-1875

It's so tempting to be deceived by the idea that Jesus only cares and is doing things in my life for my betterment when my circumstances are comfortable - when things are happening that I enjoy. When I'm not completely stressed out and exhausted.

The funny thing is, that's not even how it works in our physical lives, let alone our spiritual ones. Imagine if you only ate foods you really enjoyed, and never exerted yourself physically in any way simply because it was uncomfortable. What kind of shape would your body be in? Well, it wouldn't be fit for much. Muscles only grow when they are stretched. How can I be made fit for service for Christ if I am always comfortably satisfied and never pushed to grow?      

GE

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Frank E. Graeff

    

Too Easily Pleased

Six days ago (Sunday night) I developed a sore throat with swollen glands. I stayed home the next day thinking that a day of rest and lots of fluids would do the trick. Throughout the day on Monday I felt sick but not horrible. Horrible came calling Monday night. I spent most of the week in bed. I think I’ve had everything except a fever: sore throat, cough, runny, stuffy, weak, achy, headache, lack of appetite, and weight loss. The last one I don’t mind so much. To all those who have been praying  ~  thanks. To those who have endured a similar fate ~ sympathy. To all those who have avoided this so far ~ hope. Someone recently sent me the following quote by C.S. Lewis. It is my hope that the quote and post are as much as an encouragement to you as they were to me. 

 ---------------------------------------------

"Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”  C.S. Lewis

Read the following as if  you'd never heard it before.

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job. He was a godly man who hated evil. He was blessed with 7 sons and 3 daughters. He was a wealthy man who owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 donkeys. He was the greatest of all men in the east.

On a day like any other, a servant ran into the presence of Job with terrible news. “The Sabeans took all your donkeys and oxen and killed all the servants that were there. I am the only one to escape.”

While that servant was still speaking, a second servant arrived with terrible news. “The sheep and the servants who were with them were consumed by a fire from the sky. I am the only one to escape.”

While that servant was still speaking, a third servant arrived with terrible news. “The Chaldeans took all your camels and killed all the servants that were there. I am the only one to escape.”


While that servant was still speaking, a fourth servant arrived with terrible news. “Your sons and daughters were eating together, and a great wind from the desert collapsed the house and all are dead. I am the only one to escape.”

All four servants speaking at the same with the horrible news that Job has lost everything.

Some of you may have noticed that I omitted the conversation between God and Satan - when God spoke so highly of Job and gave permission for Satan to cause such loss. I left out what Job didn’t know.. Imagine that you are Job and limited by what he knew. He experienced all of the heartache, pain, and loss without explanation. He didn't know why it happened or what the future would hold. He was reduced to four servants, his wife, and what he truly believed about God. With all that in mind, try to grasp the beauty of his humble response.

Job said, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Be thankful, and take courage. We came into this life with nothing, and we will leave with nothing. For all that God gives or takes, be thankful. We can be content with pleasure in God alone or be content with pleasure and leave God alone. With the first chapter of Job fresh in your mind, try re-reading the opening quote by C.S. Lewis.   PM 

But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
I Timothy 6:6-8

    

Broken or Broken Down

I was introduced to The Calvary Road by Roy Hession about 6 years ago. It took me two weeks to get past the first three paragraphs. It was that powerful. We either become broken or broken down. Check it out for yourself. You'll need a highlighter. It's in my recommended reading book list - to the right of this post. You can get the book online and at most bookstores, or you can read it for free online at http://www.worldinvisible.com/library/hession/calvary%20road/

The following 3 paragraphs are from chapter 1: Brokenness

We want to be very simple in this matter of Revival. Revival is just the life of the Lord Jesus poured into human hearts. Jesus is always victorious. In heaven they are praising Him all the time for His victory. Whatever may be our experience of failure and barrenness, He is never defeated. His power is boundless. And we, on our part, have only to get into a right relationship with Him, and we shall see His power being demonstrated in our hearts and lives and service, and victorious life will fill us and overflow through us to others. And that is Revival in its essence.

If, however, we are to come into this right relationship with Him, the first thing we must learn is that our wills must be broken to His will is the beginning of Revival. It is painful, humiliating, but it is the only way. It is being " Not I ,but Christ,(Gal 2:20)' and a " C " is a bent " I." The Lord Jesus cannot live in us fully and reveal Himself through until the proud self within us is broken. This simply means that the hard unyielding self, which justifies itself, wants its own way, stands up for its rights, and seeks its own glory, at last bows its head to God's will, admits its wrong, gives up its own way to Jesus, surrenders its rights and discards its own glory - that the Lord Jesus might have all and be all. In other words it is dying to and self-attitudes.

And as we look honestly at our Christian lives, we can see how much of this self there is in each of us. It is so often self who tries to live the Christian life (the mere fact that we use the word " try " indicates that it is self who has the responsibility). It is self, too, who is often doing Christian work. It is always self who gets irritable and envious and resentful and critical and worried. It is self who is hard and unyielding in its attitudes to others. It is self who is shy and self-conscious and reserved. No wonder we need breaking. As long as self is in control, God can do little with us, for all the fruits of the Spirit (they are enumerated in Galatians 5), with which God longs to fill us, are the complete antithesis of the hard, unbroken spirit within us and presupposes that it has been crucified."

 -----------------------------------

When we break God's law, guilt, anguish, anger, bitterness, emptiness, or despair will follow. Why? Because we practice (do) only what we really believe. If we don't really believe what God says, then we believe and live a lie. We can search for truth, or we can search for excuse. Choose truth.    PM 

Joshua 24:14-15

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: 

and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, 

and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, 

choose you this day whom ye will serve; 

whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, 

or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: 

but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

     

Underwater and Helpless

 

In the summer of 2008 we ran a teen camp for our church teens at the Circle K Ranch in southwestern Colorado. It’s located in a beautiful spot in the mountains. The temperatures are wonderfully “cool to cold.” It’s a nice break from the Arizona daytime heat of 105-115˚.

We focus on spiritual things and have lots of fun, too. One of the highlights of the week is a 3-4 hour rafting trip down the Animas River. It’s a fairly easy run with a lot of wet fun. The only challenging part for beginners is toward the middle of the run (where pictures of each raft are taken): a section of rapids that is perhaps 100 yards in length. 

Before the whitewater adventure begins we are given instructions on what to do if someone falls out of a raft. The person in the water is told what to do to be recovered, and those in raft are told how to recover the raft-less one. They were simple instructions which stressed teamwork and safety.

At the beginning of the rapids our boat got hung-up on a rock, so we all moved to the low side (as instructed) and bounced up and down in an effort to free ourselves. It worked perfectly. The boat slid down the rock and we scrambled to our seats and our footholds. Did I say perfectly? Well, perfectly except for one small detail, I became separated from the raft. For all you slow people - I fell in. The thought that I might have fallen all by myself is untenable, so I imagine that the lady sitting next to me must have pushed me. I’ll stick to that story.

When I surfaced near the raft, I had lost my hat, my sunglasses, and one shoe. As I struggled to get back to the raft, the guide yelled, “Turn around!” So, I turned around and did everything I was supposed to do – feet up, arms out (treading water), wait to be picked up. It worked perfectly, and I survived. Did I say perfectly, again? Well, perfectly except for another small detail, my vest wasn’t tight enough. So, when I hit the first bit of rapids, the vest floated above my head. Vest above water, head below water – not ideal. It was my own fault. I had walked around checking and tightening the teens' vests but never had mine checked or tightened.

If I pulled the vest down, I couldn’t tread water and found myself underwater. If I treaded water, I couldn’t pull the vest down and found myself underwater. It was a vicious cycle. In both cases, the key word is “underwater.” I soon let go of the paddle. I struggled to stay afloat and struggled to get air. Occasionally, my face would surface, and I’d gasp for a breath. About half way through each breath the air became water. I coughed. I choked. I struggled. I quickly became exhausted.

At least one of our boats passed me. The guide was yelling something, and the kids were laughing. I’d have laughed, too. But I wasn’t laughing. I knew I was in trouble. I had no idea how far I’d gone, how far I’d have to go, or how I was going to get out. Finally, at the end of the rapids I was able to grab a rock and maneuver toward the shore. I could barely stand. My lost shoe was in a small eddy next to me. It was circling tightly. I picked it up and put it back. I was too tired to carry it with me. I was done. I had nothing left.

Someone asked if I was scared. I really wasn’t. I had peace and was at peace. Along with having thoughts of my family, I remember thinking or praying the following:

          Nice Mark. Way to go. Drown at summer camp.

          The kids are going to feel bad about laughing.

          “Lord, is this how it ends?”

          “Lord, if I drown, use this.”

Mostly, I felt helpless. Did you see the pic at the top of this post? It was taken as I started into the rapids. How helpless was I? I was at the other end of the paddle. I was at the mercy of the rapids; I was at the mercy of God. I was helpless without His help. We are all helpless without His help. We need God. We need God all the time, every day.

Sadly, many Christians live day to day life without the presence and leading of God.

They may look and sound good, but there is really no power beyond self.

They focus on religion (rules, rites, and rituals).

They generally fall into one of three categories:

   Those who Drift   

   They are generally unmotivated.

   They take life as it comes.

   There is little forethought, preparation or accomplishment.

   They rely on sensation instead of supplication (prayer).

   They make no time for God.

   Those who Devise   

   They are the planners.

   They mold life to fit them (a tidy plan).

   They self-plan and calculate the smallest of details, sometimes years in advance.

   They rely on calculation instead of supplication (prayer).

   They have no time for God.

   Those who Drive   

   They are highly motivated.

   They are consumed with busyness.

   They run ahead without God's plan.

   They rely on manipulation instead of supplication (prayer).

   They have no time for God.

Thankfully, some Christians live day to day life with the presence and leading of God.

They may not always look and sound good, but there really is God's power beyond self.

They focus on relationship with God.

They fall into one category:

   Those who Depend   

   They are highly motivated by eternal things.

   They learn contentment through God's grace.

   They follow God's plan one step at a time.

   They rely on supplication (prayer).

   They make time for God.

How about you?

Do you have the presence of God in your life?

Do you rely on God?
Reliance on God produces fruit.
Is your life known for the Fruit of the Spirit?

Galatians 5:22-23

But the Fruit of the Spirit is

love

joy

peace

longsuffering (patience)

gentleness

goodness

faith

meekness

temperance (self-control)

Men occasionally stumble over the truth,

but most of them pick themselves up 

and hurry off as if nothing had happened. 

Winston Churchill 

Seek Him. Have a great weekend. PM

     

Thankful Enough To Share

Mrs. Max and I had the privilege of buying our first home in March of 1999. (We would have had it paid for on my 65th birthday, but we moved to Arizona!) We thanked God for His marvelous provision. The house and yard were beautiful and in excellent shape.  The boys enjoyed the room to run, the extra bedroom, the yard, the basketball hoop, and, especially, the pool.
  
We spent many hours planting, pruning, and doing general yard work. We completed several in-door projects: hanging ceiling fans, painting, stenciling, and wallpapering. I especially enjoyed puttering around in the garage ~ it’s a guy thing. It was a great house.
  
Hunting for a new home was sometimes fun but was often frustrating: big house--small yard, big yard--small house, nice living room--small bedrooms, nice everything--too expensive, inexpensive--bad neighborhood, or bad everything. When we think back on all of the homes that we considered purchasing, none compared to the one that we bought. We loved that new house and were proud of it.
  
Some might not have found our new home to be that great, others might have thought it average, while still others might have found it to be an excellent house. But even if others had really liked our house, they wouldn’t have appreciated it like we did. We spent nine years with three boys in a two-bedroom condo with one, just one, bathroom. We were happy there, but we really appreciated the new, bigger space. We thanked God for His provision. We appreciated what we had, and even more so because of what we didn’t have before.

  
Proverbs 17:22 tells us that a merry (joyful) heart is good like a medicine but a broken (crushed) spirit dries the bones. Joyful people are thankful people who like to share their joy. Complaining people are unthankful people who like to share their misery. A thankful person who finds a dollar might excitedly say, “Can you believe it? I found a dollar - way cool!” An unthankful person might sarcastically say, “Look at me. I found  a whole dollar.” Same find - completely different responses. You’ve probably already thought of people who might react in these same ways.     

  
When something special or exciting happens to us, we want to share it with others. Sharing the blessings of God can work like a medicine to a discouraged heart. That’s what caring and sharing is all about.
  
Do you remember what you didn’t have before (salvation), how lost you were, and what God did for you? Are you thankful for God’s great provision of grace? “Why should I care?” Because God cared enough to send His Son to rescue me from my sin and its punishment. Care enough to share your faith.  
    

Read the following verses. Take note of God’s provisions for which we should be thankful.

Romans 5:1-8

Matthew 6:25-33

John 14:1-3

The Snake's Reasoning: Happiness or Holiness?

I've been reading Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot, and I found a simple yet deep truth very clearly written out in one of the chapters. This truth is illustrated throughout Scripture and in our every day lives.

Consider Jacob and Esau. Both were hoping and praying for their father's blessing, but only Jacob received it. Did they both serve a sovereign, loving God? Think about those two Christian men you know who are unemployed and were recently interviewed for a position at that well-known company. They, and many of the people they know, were praying for God to provide for their families through them getting the job. However, just one was offered the position. Does God still care about both of them?

Elisabeth writes about a conversation she once had with a friend in the middle of the night. Her friend had just come in from a date, was troubled, and wanted to talk.  She explained her eagerness to marry a handsome and wealthy man, however, she had just been out with a Christian man who was very nice, interesting, and handsome, but...not wealthy.


Wisely, Elisabeth asked her a few questions.

"What do you want more than anything else?" I asked. "God's choices or your own?"

"God's, of course."

"What if He should choose for you a man who was poor and homely?"

"Oh, but he wouldn't!"

"Why not?"

"Because He loves me."

"I see. Then He will give the poor and homely man only to a woman He doesn't love?"

"Oh, but--"

"Or--think about this one--does He love the poor, homely man? If so, will He give him an ugly woman? Or might He give him a beautiful one?"

"Oh, please!"

"You said you wanted God's choices, Jane, and God's choices involve His plans for the whole universe--all the atoms, all the worlds, all the people, pretty and ugly, rich and poor. He's engineering an intricate pattern for good, and part of that pattern might necessitate giving a beautiful girl to a homely man. Maybe the man with no looks and no money is praying God will give you to him. What about that, now?"

"That's too complicated for me. I've prayed for His will, and I've prayed for a rich, handsome husband, and that's what I'm going to get, because Jesus loves me and Jesus wants me to be happy."

"So if you don't get him, will that prove that God doesn't love you?"

The blue eyes filled with tears. "Doesn't He want me to be happy?" (I heard an echo of Eve in Eden.)

"He wants you most to be holy."

"Miserable and longfaced, then. Is that what God wants? Is that what holiness has to mean?"

"Has to? No. Not only doesn't have to, but can't. Real holiness can't possibly be miserable and longfaced, Jan. Holiness means 'wholeness.' Comes from the same root as hale--you know, hale and hearty. Healthy. Fulfilled."

"Well, that has to mean happy."

"That's what it means for sure. The problem starts when we make up our own minds what will give us happiness and then decide, if we don't get exactly that, that God doesn't love us. We slither into a slough of God-hates-me-self-pity."

"But you just said He wants us to be happy. He must want to give us what we want, doesn't He? I mean, within reason."

"He wanted Adam and Eve to be happy, but He didn't give them everything they wanted. He knew it would be the death of them. So they got mad and decided He didn't love them and was being stingy when He told them not to touch the fruit. How could He love them if He didn't let them have it? They put more stock in the snake's reasoning than in God's."

(Passion and Purity pp. 40-42)

When my prayers aren't answered the way that I see would fit into my life's plan, does God still see me? Doesn't He know that I have needs and desires? Doesn't Him loving me mean that He wants to make me happy?
What do you do when you feel you've come to a point that your circumstance appears to be an inadequate status for deep personal growth? How long do you hang on? How ever did Jesus manage to be content with the little he possessed on this earth?
When we feel this way, I'm afraid the Snake has been whispering in our ear, "God is stingy. He dangles beautiful, alluring fruit before your eyes but won't let you taste it. He refuses to give you the one thing you need for deep personal growth, the lone thing in the world that would solve all your problems and give you true happiness."

Love others today.
GE

    

My Sincerest Thanks

Years ago, I was kidding and being a bit silly when I told a group of teens that I had three goals in life.
     1. Write a song
     2. Become the vice-president of something
     3. Write a book

I recently added a fourth. My father-in-law, who I loved dearly, passed away in August. Okay, now I’m typing through tears. He was a great guy who taught me many things. Well, I got his cool, garage stuff: including two plastic cabinets with 105 clear plastic drawers. There are thousands of little items: nuts, bolts, screws, fuses, etc. I’m not even sure what some of the items are. The fourth goal – maybe you guessed it – use all that stuff before I join him. Crazy, I know, but why not? Well, there you go - busy guy with four extra things to accomplish.

I’m happy to report that the first two goals are in the books. When my oldest son (Michael) was about 4, I composed (made-up) a song called the Goodnight Michael Song. “There once was a boy named Michael who laid upon his bed . . .” Of course, as the other two boys got older it became the Goodnight Michael, Jeffrey, and Timmy Song. So, check off goal #1. I also secretly formed the “Pastor Max Fan Club” and became the vice-president. I couldn’t find a president or members, so the fan club quickly disbanded. Check off goal #2.

Now to goal #3. It was about a month ago that I started considering writing a blog. Why a blog? Truthfully? Goofy as it may sound - I’d like to put together a 365-day devotional book, and I thought it be a good way to get something on paper. Well, maybe it’s not actually on paper, but you get the point.

I knew little about how blogs worked or how to start one, but with help and encouragement from a grad student (JM) and a high school senior (GE), I finally got started. The theme of the blog is encouragement – with a focus on the three E’s of ministry: exaltation, edification, evangelism. Love God – exaltation. Love your neighbor as yourself – edification, evangelism.

Sustainability is the biggest challenge. The average post takes 3-4 hours. I’m a slow thinker, a slower writer, and an even slower typist. No one who knows me is surprised by any of that. I just like to share what God is doing. He’s an awesome God, and He’s always doing great things.

When I first started, I was hoping that someone would read the blog. 50 views in the first two weeks would have been a thrill. Tomorrow will be the end of the second week. As of this moment there have been 656 views. I am thankful and very humbled by the number of views and all the kind comments (by way of facebook). Please accept my heartfelt thanks. Goodnight. Have a great Lord’s Day.   PM

I'm against sin. 

I'll kick it as long as I've got a foot, 

and I'll fight it as long as I've got a fist. 

I'll butt it as long as I've got a head. 

I'll bite it as long as I've got a tooth. 

And when I'm old and fistless and footless and toothless, 

I'll gum it till I go home to Glory and it goes home to perdition!

Billy Sunday (1862-1935)
American evangelist

   

10 out of 10 - You Can Know

A man can slip into hell with his hand on the doorknob of heaven.

Billy Sunday (1862-1935)
American Evangelist

A few years ago Ray Comfort was one of the keynote speakers at a convention that I was required to attend in California. The keynote speakers in previous years were not good, so I immediately crossed my arms in resistance when he stepped up to speak. I’m not exactly sure when my arms uncrossed, but I do know that from the very beginning he had my attention. What he said made too much sense not to listen. Afterward, I bought his tapes to learn more.

About a month later, a young visitor named Cleo came forward in our small church. The pastor asked me to deal with him. Cleo just wanted to go to heaven. He had been to mass twice in his life and knew nothing about the scriptures. For the first time in my life I gave the Gospel with confidence and without hesitation: going from the natural to the spiritual. I’ll spare you many of the details, but I started by reading Psalm 19:7a. “The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul.” We chatted about the purpose of human law/rules and the punishments for breaking those rules. “What if God had law?” I asked. He had never thought about it or had even heard of the Ten Commandments.

Bits and Pieces of our conversation

Me    “Ever told a lie?

Cleo    “Of course.”

Me    “What does that make you?”

Cleo    “A liar.”

Me     “That’s 0 for 1, Cleo.  Ever taken something that didn‘t belong to you?”

Cleo    “Yes, most people have.”

Me     “What does that make you?”

Cleo    “A stealer.”

Me    “Yes, a thief. You’re 0 for 2.”

As I asked Cleo about each of the commandments, his eyes would drop as he answered.  At about #7 he didn’t look up at all.  Cleo’s countenance changed as he began to experience the weight of his sin.  It’s an unmistakable and amazing thing to behold.  We finished all ten.

Me    “Cleo, you’re 0 for 10.”

Cleo    “Yeah.”

Me    “If you stood before God today, would be stand innocent or guilty?”

Cleo    “Guilty, I guess”

Me    “I think you’re in trouble; don’t you?”

Cleo    “Yeah, I didn’t even know that God had laws. I guess I have to go to hell.”

          ( That was his own conclusion. I had not talked about heaven or hell.)

I told him about heaven, about hell, and about the sacrifice that Christ made. We read verses together (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:16, etc). Cleo got it. I didn’t have to tell Cleo what to pray. He knew what to pray. It was the simplest, sweetest prayer I’d ever heard.  It went something like this. “Dear God I didn’t even know you had laws. I’m so sorry for breaking them. I don’t want to do that anymore. My life is going in the wrong direction, and I need you to change it. I deserve to be punished in hell. Jesus, please pardon me and forgive me for what I've done, and let me go to heaven. I guess that's all I got to say.” What a simple way to say amen. You see, Cleo wasn't saying or praying words. He was actually talking to God.

There was an immediate change in his countenance . He was so excited. He explained everything back to me. He truly understood. When we left the room the senior pastor was heading in our direction. I said, “Pastor this is Cleo. Cleo this is the pastor. Cleo, tell him what just happened.” Cleo put his finger in the pastor's face, looked him straight in the eye, and asked, “Did you know that God has laws?” I laughed and said, “It's okay, Cleo. He‘s already a Christian.” Cleo’s response, “I just wanted to make sure.” A few minutes later we had the same conversation with the music pastor. When Cleo went home, he shared the Gospel with his mom. There was immediate fruit. Spiritual change (real conversion) is a wonderful thing to behold. Salvation isn't eternal fire insurance; it’s life transforming. Thankfully, I’ve seen the Lord do this many times since that day.

I John 5:13 tells us that you can know that you have eternal life. Do you know that you have eternal life? Do you REALLY know? Let me ask it this way. On a scale of 1-10, how sure are you that you are on your way to heaven. If your answer is anything but a 10, then you’ve probably never been converted; you’ve never become a Christian; and you’re not on you’re way to heaven. God says that you can know.

If you want to know more about using the Ten Commandments in witnessing contact me or listen to “Hell’s Best Kept Secret” at www.livingwaters.com. If you have further questions about your own salvation, contact me through the comments section; email me at pastormax12345@cox.net, or join the facebook group called Ask Pastor Max. I want to help and will get someone on it right away. It's time to know. PM

Some day you will read in the papers that D.L. Moody of East Northfield, is dead.  

Don't you believe a word of it! 

At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now; 

I shall have gone up higher, that is all, 

out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal

- a body that death cannot touch, 

that sin cannot taint; 

a body fashioned like unto His glorious body.    

Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899)

           

The Loneliest Phone Booth

A few years ago I was involved with a ministry where (for a time) I saw little in the way of lasting fruit. It was very discouraging. At times I would ask God, "Is this it. Is this all there is? Have I done something to displease you?" Everyone who serves God gets a little discouraged from time to time. But it's not about what we desire, or think, or feel, or perceive, or even experience. It's never about us and our timing. It's always about God and His timing. 

We find a great lesson about this in the book of Exodus. Moses spent the first 40 years of his life being trained and educated in Pharaoh's court. He became a somebody. Then he spent the next 40 years in the desert being humbled. He became a nobody. After being trained and humbled, he spent the last 40 years leading the Israelites. He had become God's somebody.

It's like the story of the loneliest phone booth. 

A PacBell phone booth was place in the middle of the Mojave desert for use by miners in the 60's. It was 8 miles from the nearest paved road and was most likely put there for emergency uses.

Photo: Lara Hartley, Desert Dispatch

For many years after the miners were long gone, it was all but forgotten. One might even say that it was on the "outs." The windows were shot out; the light was busted out; the booth was rusting out; time seemed to have run out. But the phone still worked . . . and waited.

photo: Azfoo.net

A gentleman who heard about it called the number (760.733.9969), and a person actually answered the phone. The man who called the number wrote an article which made the lonely phone booth instantly popular on the internet. It went to cult status! People camped at the phone just to answer calls - calls that came from all over the world. One man camped there 32 days and answered over 500 calls. At some point someone put a book in the booth to log the calls. It was an exciting and useful time for the old phone booth. However, park officials became increasingly concerned about the effect of all the visitors on the park, so they had PacBell remove the phone in 2000.

Photo: Lara Hartley, Desert Dispatch

It was used early, had a dormant period, and was greatly used later - until its maker decided it had lived out its purpose. Cool story, and a great illustration of how God often works in our lives. 

I pray that this was as much of an encouragement to you as it was to me. God bless as you remain faithful. PM
      

Honest Abe Takes a Hit

I laugh every time I see that commercial. 

It's a fake Honest Abe giving an honest answer and getting into honest trouble.

At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it? Shall we expect some Trans-Atlantic military giant to step the ocean and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia, and Africa combined could not, by force, take a drink from the Ohio or make a track on the Blue Ridge in a trial of a thousand years. At what point, then, is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring amongst us; it cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we be author and finisher. As a nation of free men, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.                  

The above speech was given on January 27, 1838 by the real  Abraham Lincoln (28 years old)- more than 20 years before the start of the Civil War. Even in his early years, Lincoln understood that the destruction of our country could only come from within. What is the key to the downfall of a nation such as ours? When will we lose our strength, our privilege, and our freedom? We will lose these things when we forget our Christian heritage and forsake the Christian principles upon which this nation was founded.

When I say we, I don’t mean we as a country, I mean we as Christians. Churches across this country have forsaken the teaching of sound doctrine and have forsaken the simplicity of the Gospel. In many places they teach a man-made gospel: a gospel of health and wealth – a gospel motivated by nickels and noses – a gospel not found in scripture. We are challenged to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). Light illuminates and salt flavors, purifies, and preserves. Many churches are weak and have ceased to be salt and light. Many are no more than places for social gatherings.

Could a country like ours crumble – a country with 1000’s of churches – a country known for its missionary efforts throughout the world? Many years ago England was the center of evangelistic outreach for the world. According to the 2005 Church Census, only 6.3% of all those who live in that nation attended any church on Sunday… any church at all. A nation that was once a beacon of light to the world is now growing dark within.

A 7th grader came to see me three days ago. She was concerned about her salvation. I asked her, “On a scale of 1-10, how sure are you that you are on your way to heaven?” She said, “7.” I John 5:13 says that we can know that we have eternal life. But she didn’t know. As I explained the Gospel to her, I drew a picture of the cross. I asked her what it meant. She had been diligently searching for the truth and had attended services at other churches in the area. I expected to hear her say something about Jesus dying on the cross, but she could only tell me what she had been taught at other places. Her only response was, “I don’t really know. It’s something about God.” She knew little because she was taught little. Thankfully, that evening she heard the simple truth of the Gospel. She humbled herself before God and became a “10” Christian. The change away from scripture is often a subtle, slow drift, but the effect is devastating. 

Some of the warning signs of a self-centered church or life.

Great theology is replaced with great psychology.

Obedience is replaced with expedience.

Supplication is replaced with manipulation.

Holiness is replaced with busyness

Principle is replaced with passion.

Commitment is replaced with convenience.

Knowing God is replaced with knowing about God.

When does this happen?

When individual Christians cease to be salt & light. 

They become light-less and salt-less.

The focus is on self.

It happened to Sampson – the strongest man (physically strong).

It happened to Solomon – the wisest man (mentally strong).

It happened to David – a man after God’s own heart (spiritually strong).

How does this happen?  

When we become full and satisfied 

(just like Sampson, Solomon, David, and the children of Israel), 

and we forgot God. (Deuteronomy 6:11-12)

How is this prevented?

Don’t forget God.   

How healthy is your church?

How healthy are the Christians in your church?

How healthy are you? Really?

PM

Matthew 5:13-16

Ye are the salt of the earth: 

but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? 

it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Ye are the light of the world. 

A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; 

and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, 

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Deuteronomy 6:10-12

And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land 

which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob,

to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,

and houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not,

and wells digged, which thou diggedst not,

vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not;

when thou shalt have eaten and be full;

then beware lest thou forget the LORD,

which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt,

from the house of bondage.