Month: April 2019

Born in a dark, isolated world of blindness and deafness where touch was the only contact with people and things around her; Helen Keller once expressed, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” I have found that statement to be so true about my relationship with God and with other believers. Those deep, heartfelt feelings are nearly impossible to describe or express to someone who has not experienced them. I have tried to describe what it was like to share life and love with my soulmate for fifty years and I was at a rare loss for words. Greater still, words cannot begin to describe the joy, peace, freedom and fulfillment of a 65 year relationship with God through the life, death and resurrection of His Son and with the constant companionship and guidance of His Holy Spirit. I usually just give up and resort to that old sales pitch, “Try it; you’ll like it!” Those feelings are hard to put into words, but I think they are on display to those closest to us through our attitude and actions.

There are other feelings that are guided by our emotions. They may not be so deep, beautiful or even important, because they are temporary. Those feelings are the enemy’s play toys. He uses them to convince us to make wrong decisions and overreact. There is an old expression that someone was wearing their heart on their sleeve; meaning that they were exposing themselves to hurt feelings. Today, many people have translated their opinions into feelings and then wear them proudly on their forehead, where the slightest different opinion or feeling of someone else can trigger not only hurt feelings; but resentment, anger and even hatred. The saddest part of that situation is that it is a defense mechanism Satan uses to isolate us and make it impossible for honest, meaningful dialog.

Differences are not new. Since the beginning of time, each person has viewed the world through our own lens made up of our unique DNA, experiences and environment. Conflict always arises when others don’t see the world as we do. When I was young, we could discuss our differences without being offended or offensive. We could come to an agreement, even if we just agreed to disagree. Because we didn’t take our differences personally, we could even remain friends. This current “friend or foe” atmosphere makes that impossible, because it automatically shuts down any opposing views. Walking through these emotional mine fields these days without triggering someone’s feelings requires the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Only God knows who is ready to consider a relationship with Him and who is too defensive right now.  All we can do is provide an example of a Christ centered life and wait for God to open them to experience those deep and beautiful feelings that touch the heart.

I came to Jesus Christ for salvation when I was only eleven, so I had not yet accumulated a heavy load of personal sins, but I can testify to the transformation that took place as my sinful nature was exchanged for His righteousness as I acknowledged my inadequacy and accepted His sacrifice on the cross in my place. I love to hear how others have been transformed. Each and every testimony has such power because it is true, but some transformations are much more dramatic than mine.

One of the most dramatic transformations recorded in the Bible took place on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus. (Acts 9) A zealous Jewish leader named Saul of Tarsus was on his way to arrest and persecute followers of Jesus in Damascus. Along the way, he encountered Jesus and that dramatic encounter transformed him into the Apostle Paul who became a planter of Christian churches, who was himself persecuted and eventually executed for his faith in Jesus Christ.

Two of my favorite authors have written books about their transformation. Although separated by more than three decades and an ocean, C.S. Lewis and Lee Strobel were not just unbelievers; they were atheists who openly denied the existence of God. Both were scholars, well respected in their chosen fields who began to seek the truth they thought would disprove the Christian faith. They each found the truth, but it wasn’t what they expected. They accepted the truth of the Bible and not only became Christians, but two of the strongest defenders of the Christian faith of their respective generations.

C.S. Lewis was a British university professor. Twelve years after his dramatic transformation, he wrote a book titled, Surprised by Joy. He was still fascinated with the fact that living a Christian life was not the somber, Spartan life of sacrifice he had expected it to be, but a life filled with joy and freedom. As I listened to the Easter sermon this year I could not stop thinking about one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes, “The Son of God became a man so that men could become the sons of God.”

Lee Strobel has a master of law degree from Yale and a journalism degree from Missouri University. He became a very successful investigative reporter and then legal editor for the Chicago Tribune. He was disturbed that his wife had become a Christian and he set out to prove that her faith was unfounded using his investigative skills. He has described his journey as, “Seeking the truth; finding God; telling everyone.” His first book after his transformation was titled, The Case for Christianity. He wrote several other books in that series including one that is especially appropriate during this holiday season titled, The Case for the Resurrection.  

Jesus described the transformation as a spiritual rebirth. (John 3:1-8) Not every transformation is as dramatic as the ones I have mentioned, but every true believer has been transformed; we know it and gratefully testify to it. Sadly, there are people who are trying to live a Christian life without experiencing transformation. That does not work. We must first be transformed and then live as His Spirit within us guides and empowers us to do.    

This is the day before Easter and I need an Easter miracle. The sight in my right eye is still very limited even though my eye surgeon has confirmed that the cataract surgery was successful. There was glaucoma damage to the retina that the cataract was hiding. Doctor Kaplan said something I have never heard a doctor say before, “It would be a miracle if the sight in that eye improves, but miracles do happen.” So now when my sight improves, God will get all of the credit.

This Easter I’m simply going to share with you the lyrics of a song about Simon Peter’s view of the resurrection that is titled, He’s Alive. I think it expresses the feelings of every Christian the moment we realize that Jesus is alive and we are forgiven.

“The gates and doors were barred and all the windows fastened down. I spent the night in sleeplessness and rose at every sound, half in hope of sorrow and half in fear the day would find the soldiers breaking through to drag us all away. And just before the sunrise I heard something at the wall. The gate began to rattle and a voice began to call. I hurried to the window, looked down into the street expecting swords and torches and the sound of soldiers’ feet. But there was no one there but Mary so I went down to let her in. John stood there beside me as she told me where she’d been. She said they’ve moved Him in the night and none of us know where. The stone’s been rolled away and now His body isn’t there. We both ran towards the garden, then John ran on ahead. We found the stone and empty tomb just the way that Mary said, but the winding sheet they wrapped Him in was just an empty shell and how or where they’d taken Him was more than I could tell. Oh something strange had happened there just what I did not know. John believed a miracle, but I just turned to go. Circumstance and speculation couldn’t lift me very high, because I’d seen them crucify Him – then I saw Him die. Back inside the house again the guilt and anguish came. Everything I’d promised Him just added to my shame. When at last it came to choices I denied I knew His name and even if He was alive it wouldn’t be the same. But suddenly the air was filled with a strange and sweet perfume. Light that came from everywhere drove shadows from the room and Jesus stood before me with His arms held open wide and I fell down on my knees and I just clung to Him and cried. Then He raised me to my feet and as I looked into His eyes the love was shining out from Him like sunlight from the skies. Guilt in my confusion disappeared in sweet release and every fear I ever had just melted into peace. He’s alive! Yes, He’s alive! Yes, He’s alive and I’m forgiven heaven’s gates are open wide. He’s alive! Yes, He’s alive! Oh He’s alive and I’m forgiven heaven’s gates are open wide. He’s alive! He’s alive! Hallelujah, He’s alive! He’s alive and I’m forgiven heaven’s gates are open wide. He’s alive! He’s alive! He’s alive 
I believe it! He’s alive! Sweet Jesus!”

Happy resurrection Day everyone!

The tiniest infant experiences hunger and thirst. He or she learns if they cry loud enough, mom will satisfy those needs. As we grow older, we are able to ask for food and drink when we are hungry or thirsty and even express our preferences. Growing older still, we begin to have physical and emotional cravings beyond our basic needs. All the while, there is an underlying craving for a spiritual connection, but it is often overshadowed by the literal world around us. Jesus had much to say about that spiritual need, but the crowd kept taking His teachings literally with disastrous (for them) results.

“Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” (John 6:35) That is a very tempting offer, especially for those who took Jesus’ teaching literally. Jesus knew that most of the large crowd that followed Him did so for the physical bread He provided occasionally or for the entertainment and thrill of seeing the miracles of healing He performed. Just as Nicodemus had taken being reborn literally, they failed to understand the spiritual meaning of his teaching. So, He decided to thin the herd by getting even more graphic. ”I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink.” (John 6:53-55) Most of them walked away nauseous and shaking their heads.

At what we call “The Last Supper”, Jesus explained the spiritual meaning of that teaching. “As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples saying, ‘Take it, for this is my body.’ And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and they all drank from it. And he said to them, ‘This is my blood, which confirms the new covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many.’” (Mark 14:22-23)

Communion is a wonderful time of self-reflection and remembrance. But we should be reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice for us every time we take a bite of food or sip of our drink. My prayer is that we will always hunger and thirst after God and His righteousness instead of earthly satisfaction – that our cravings will become heavenly and no longer worldly.

I met Rick and his wife Marsha some years ago through the pest control industry. He owns a pest control company and a manufacturing company that makes organic pest control products in Skokie, Illinois. I knew they were Jewish, but what I didn’t know until I linked up with him on Face Book is that they are Messianic Jews, who believe Jesus is the Messiah and God’s Son. I also found out he is an accomplished musician and performer whose personal testimony has reached thousands.

Over a year ago, Rick became very ill and was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with not one but two deadly viruses attacking his body. He was virtually given a zero chance of recovery. He and Marsha reached out to their Christian friends for intercessory prayer. His body began to respond to treatment and fight off the viruses. When he left the hospital, the staff dubbed him the “miracle man”, a title he uses to give God all of the credit for his recovery. A few months ago, it was discovered that one of the viruses had weakened a heart valve and he requested prayer as he entered the hospital again for open heart surgery. Miraculously, the surgeon was able to repair the valve instead of replace it and he began to recover.

This week Rick announced that his first heart rehab session consisted of 45 minutes walking on an inclined treadmill, something many “healthy” people might find difficult. At the end of his Face Book post he quoted the following verses of scripture, the first of which has become his personal anthem. “You restored me to health and let me live. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” ~ Isaiah 38:16-17
“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” ~ Jeremiah 33:6
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” ~ Proverbs 17:22

My own story of restored health has taken what I hope is a small detour. Imagine my disappointment when, on Friday, the surgeon’s assistant removed the dressing from my eye and I still couldn’t see with that eye. The surgeon examined it and said because the cataract was so thick, there is still some swelling and when the swelling goes down I should be able to see with that eye. I am praying that he is right and the swelling goes down quickly. I keep testing it every few hours. Isn’t that just like a Christian, trusting God for healing and then try to rush His perfect timing? Pray with me for a full recovery and, in the meantime, I’ll try to be more patient.

This blog post will be very brief. Tomorrow, April 11, 2019. at 10:00 am central time, I will arrive at the outpatient surgery center for cataract surgery on my right eye. Since I posted on Sunday, I have been busy preparing myself mentally, physically, spiritually and even financially. It is not major surgery, but the cataract is very thick and as a result I am virtually blind in that eye.

I normally provide encouragement and support for my readers. Today I’m asking for your prayers, encouragement and support. I am confident that my Lord will go with me and guide the surgeon’s hands, but I know the power of intercessory prayer. Spiritually, I have learned to walk by faith and not by sight, but I look forward to having clearer sight with which to serve God better.

I look forward to writing a praise report in this coming Sunday’s blog post. God bless each and every one of you who read this.   

I have cited John 3:16 a lot. It was the verse of scripture that brought me to faith in Jesus Christ. I use the NLT when I quote God’s word in my blog, but the King James Version of that verse is permanently imprinted on my mind and in my heart. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Recently my devotions took me to the story of the man who was born blind. (John 9)  It is a story worth reading again. It illustrates both physical and spiritual blindness. After the religious leaders had expelled the man from the synagogues because he questioned why they doubted that his healing was from God just because it took place on the Sabbath, Jesus found him and led him to faith. I thought to myself, what a wonderful event; to be led to faith in Jesus by Jesus himself.

Then something dawned on me that I had not realized. I too was led to faith in Jesus Christ by Jesus himself. You see, John 3:16 is in red letters in many Bibles because they are the words of Jesus! It is not the opinion of a third person; it is the firsthand testimony of God’s only Son that convinced me to put my faith in Him. In a very real sense, every believer came to faith in Christ not only by the words of Jesus, but by His life, death and resurrection. The Good Shepherd has called each of us by name and we have responded to His voice.    

We need to always consider the source of any information. If it comes from God’s word or His Holy Spirit, we can be sure it is true. If it comes from another source, we must understand whether it is firsthand testimony; second hand information; or simply someone’s opinion. I pray that you put my blog posts to that test as well. You will find each post is based on my personal experiences as I apply God’s word and the promptings of the Holy Spirit to my daily Christian life. I am not the authority on anything – He is. It is He who has kept this blog going for over two years now. It will come to an end only when He says it is time. I cannot emphasize enough, don’t take my word for it; experience it for yourself.

One of my friends read a book about evangelist Bob Jones recently and he told me about a vision the evangelist had. He was standing in line at heaven’s gate. Jesus asked each person one question. “Did you learn to love?” When he got to the front of the line Jesus told him it wasn’t his time to enter yet. Then he pointed to a much longer line of people moving past them and told him that they are going to spend eternity with the god they worshiped on Earth. What a reality check that vision should be to all of us.

I have written more about love than any other topic. God’s unfailing love for us; our obedience and love for Him; and our love for others are the basis of Jesus’ message to the world and to us individually. When asked which was the greatest commandment, “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important; love your neighbor as yourself,” (Matthew 22:37-39) Later, He gave his disciples a new commandment: “Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)  Loving God with everything we have and others as ourselves leaves no room for competition.

God wants us to be all in. If we are divided in our loyalty to Him, we are on the outside looking in whether we realize it or not. There is a big difference between loving someone and worshiping them as a god. Loving things leads us to put them before God. It is not money, but the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil.

The Holy Spirit teachers us to love God first and to love others as we are loved by God. We can then spend eternity with the only true God and with our brothers and our sisters in Christ.      

My mother constantly reminded me how important it is to make a good first impression when I meet someone new. It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized why that was so important. It is then that a person begins to form their perception of us and that perception soon becomes reality to them whether it is accurate or not. I have mentioned before that as a corporate trainer, my class on customer service included the concept of perceived value. (Customer perception of your service will determine how valuable it is to them.) We each have a perception of our world and those who are in it with us.

It has been a long time since I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I heard a gospel song recently titled, “The Longer I Serve Him, the Sweeter He Grows”. I love the words of that song because I can relate to them completely. Of course, God has not changed or grown over the years; it is my perception of Him that has grown sweeter and dearer to me as I continue to draw closer and closer to Him.

As Christians, we are provided with God’s own Spirit within us. The Holy Spirit guides us, instructs us, protects us and strengthens us as we travel along the path God has chosen for us in this life. One huge benefit of having His presence in our life is that He helps us form true, accurate perceptions. Instead of my perceptions becoming reality to me, my perceptions are based on the reality of His truth. That not only gives me a clearer view of the world around me, but it also gives me an accurate mirror in which to see myself. The Holy Spirit shows me how God sees me and His perception is always true.

Are we making full use of the Holy Spirit within us? We need to study God’s word with His insight and understanding.  We need to be sensitive to His prompting to do and say what is pleasing to God and of service to others. Most of all, we need to perceive the pain and needs of those around us so that we can provide them with help, encouragement and intercessory prayer. That is what true Christian love looks like.