Category: Sharing Jesus

Faithfulness and Fruitfulness

Moses opens the book of Exodus saying, “the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.” (Exodus 1:7, NIV) The language he chooses echoes phrases sprinkled throughout Genesis starting with the Lord’s words to Adam and Eve: “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number.’” (Genesis 1:28a, NIV) This same command with a promise repeats nine times in Genesis as God speaks to Noah (9:1), Abraham (17:2,6 & 22:17), Isaac (26:4), Jacob (28:14 & 35:11) and Joseph (48:4). 

The Lord reveals His faithfulness by blessing His people with fruitfulness. Jacob’s family arrives in Egypt from Canaan with about 70 family members. Over 400 years later, they return to Canaan as a nation of two million.

Just as physical intimacy between a man and a woman bears the fruit of children, intimacy with the Lord brings fruitfulness to our lives in the Kingdom of God.  Jesus explains this saying, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing…This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:5 & 8, NIV)

I’ve been marveling at God’s faithfulness and fruitfulness lately thinking about a person He dropped into my life nine months ago. Over the Christmas holidays I was inspired to pray that the Lord would lead me to a younger woman who wanted mentoring and discipling. Little did I know that there was a 20-year-old girl who, at the same time, was praying God would save her from loneliness and show her His goodness.  

In January, I received an e-mail from the daughter of an old friend from Bible study. She was looking to connect with other believers and wanted information about a women’s Bible study at my church. The next day, she showed up with her Bible in hand, undeterred by the significant age gap between the rest of the group and her. As our meeting wrapped up for the day, I invited her to have coffee with me. 

We clutched paper coffee cups that January afternoon sitting at a table outside in the weak sunlight. It didn’t take long for the conversation to go deep–she was an old soul with wisdom beyond her years. I could see that she had first-hand experience with God’s faithfulness and was eager to grow in her knowledge of His Word and to connect with Christian community. Feeling prompted by the Holy Spirit, I said, “This may sound weird, but I think you’re the answer to something I’ve been praying about lately. Would you be up for meeting with me weekly to talk, pray, and study the Bible?” Without hesitation, she said yes.

I’m still in awe of how God showed His faithfulness and produced incredible fruit in our friendship. As we studied the pages of Scripture together, the Lord used His Word to teach us the way of Jesus. We prayed together, grappled with hard passages, and talked about how to apply what we were reading to real life. Sometimes I asked questions or challenged her to think differently. I also encouraged her to try new things that felt a little scary—like joining a small group of young women and attending an interest meeting to serve on the worship team at church. She was tentative and reserved, but willing to risk. With each new person she met and activity she tried, I watched her bloom like a flower, one petal at a time. 

Tijuana, Mexico

The pace of her blossoming increased when she agreed to join me on our church’s annual trip to build homes in Mexico. On the first evening there, she was hesitant and fearful to lead nightly discussions in her tent, so we prayed together that God would give her confidence and wisdom. And He did. As the week unfolded, I watched the Lord use her to connect with and inspire others. Her tender heart, warm smile, and ability to see beauty in everything and everyone drew people to her. It wasn’t surprising when the students begged her to become a leader at youth group.

Two months later, we lead students together on our church’s annual houseboat trip. She barely resembled the tentative, shy, and lonely young woman I’d shared coffee with six months earlier. I listened with amazement as she spoke words of wisdom and grace to the girls on our boat during small group discussions. Each night, she also sang with the worship band; her passion for Jesus and openness to the Holy Spirit were palpable as she led. It was as if everyone at camp was transported to the throne room of heaven as we sang at the water’s edge.

Our weekly coffee dates have continued, only now she’s fitting them in between time ministering to students, leading worship, and sharing life with others. A few weeks ago, I stood beaming with joy listening to her give her testimony to over 130 students at a public high school. They were riveted. She explained her transformation in a post on Instagram, “I will be honest and say that at the beginning of this year I let loneliness blanket hope. I cried out to the Lord that He would save me, because He has before. I didn’t know how or really fully believe that He could. I prayed prayers I couldn’t imagine He would answer so beautifully, and then I watched Him turn my life around. ‘Taste and see that the Lord is Good.’ The Lord is so good to me. A taste, just a glimmer, and my heart is on fire for Jesus. He keeps His promises.”1

Her words highlight God’s unfaltering faithfulness; abiding in Him produces fruit in our lives. He empowers us to do what Jesus said in Matthew 28:19- “Go and make disciples.” I’ve seen His fruit as I’ve poured into her and walked alongside her. Paul’s prayer in Colossians captures our journey: “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1:9-12, NIV). We have experienced the Spirit’s fruit of love, joy, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness in abundance. (Galatians 5:22- 23) It’s all come from abiding with Jesus and inviting the Holy Spirit to have His way in our lives. 

Soon, my sweet friend will be leaving for discipleship training school with Youth with a Mission. I’ll miss her like crazy, but I can’t wait to see what else God has in store for her. Our simple prayers before we met opened the door for the Lord to give each of us joy and fulfillment far beyond what we could have asked or imagined. (Ephesians 3:20) God can do the same in you. Will you commit to walking closely beside Him? Invite Him to use you and watch the fruit He’ll produce in your life as you follow His leading.

The Lord’s faithfulness enables our fruitfulness so that every person can know Him and receive deliverance from sin. Cain’s song “The Commission” is a beautiful rendition of the Great Commission from Matthew 28:19. Click here to listen.

1. Breezy Bochenek, Instagram post 9-14-22. To learn more about Breezy’s story, click here to visit her website.

Post inspired by Week 2 in Jen Wilkin’s God of Deliverance: A Study of Exodus 1-18, Lifeway Press, 2021.

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Bold and Gentle

Weaving through the crowd on my way to class was always an adventure in college. As I walked through the heart of campus, people milling on the main pathway peppered passersby with a barrage of requests. They called out asking us to sign petitions, offering tickets to movie screenings, and handing out pamphlets espousing political agendas. Some of them were annoying or aggressive, others were intriguing. But there was one person that always made my heart hammer with anger and embarrassment when he visited campus. He would stand on a stairway to the side of the walkway holding a hand-made sign that read: “Sinners: Repent or burn in hell!” As if that wasn’t jarring enough, he would shout harsh judgements at us based on Bible verses taken out of context. There was never a trace of love in his words.

Sometimes students would stop and engage in animated conversations with him; often they escalated into shouting matches. For me, as a follower of Jesus trying to be a light on my dark campus, this man’s presence was devastating. I feared people who knew I was a believer would lump me in the same bucket with him and that any chance of sharing the gospel would be ruined. His boldness and passion to share his faith lacked the balance of love and grace.

I thought of the importance of that symmetry when I read Priscilla Shirer’s words this week: “BE UNASHAMED—public and bold in your allegiance to Him.”1 Being bold, public, and unashamed doesn’t imply that we have license to be rude or aggressive as we show allegiance to Jesus. Peter explains: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16, NIV italics added) We need to engage others with respect no matter how strongly we disagree with their stances, especially in matters of faith. If we bait others or lash out with hurtful words, it’s unlikely they’ll be open to hearing anything we say. How we treat people matters as much as the words we say.

Imagine throwing a rubber ball against a wall. The harder you throw it, the more forcefully it bounces back at you. The same is true with our words. When our passionate feelings lead us to speak with anger, judgement, or harshness, it’s likely that’s what we’ll get in return. In the book of Romans, Paul tells us that God’s kindness is intended to lead to repentance (Romans 2:4). When we’re bold with our kindness to others, it’s more likely to soften the tone of their responses to us. It might even open the door for more genuine conversations about our faith.

In another one of his letters Paul says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6, NIV) We need to think carefully before we speak, text, or post comments about sensitive topics. “Our words should impact our conversations for the better as we bring a different ‘flavor’ to our interactions, build others up, and share as well as defend the gospel.”2 The world already has an atmosphere that’s divisive and contentious. It doesn’t need harsh words from Christians making things worse. It’s important to consider others’ perspectives and not to stoke bitterness or animosity on purpose. Sarcasm and insensitive humor often alienate and marginalize. So, let’s demonstrate allegiance to Christ in a manner that is empathetic and filled with grace. 

Strong opinions and feelings often stem from personal experiences. If someone riles you with a viewpoint that you know opposes Scripture, take a deep breath and pray instead of reacting immediately. Anger and harshness often cover pain and hurt. Instead of responding with indignation, take the wisdom of James to heart: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20, NIV) 

Our world gravitates toward quick reactions and sharp retorts, but meaningful conversations that explore differing viewpoints rarely occur in this environment. It takes love, patience, and perseverance to show allegiance to Jesus in a way that will draw others to Him. 

If we want to be bold, we need to start by cultivating our relationship with the Holy Spirit “until His presence overflows in our actions, attitudes, and ambitions. His fruit and His gifts become outworked through our lives…His fire is what we need if we expect to live up to our calling and experience the freedom of serving others with selfless joy and real power.”3

What do others experience when they interact with you? What tone do you project as you speak, text, or post online? How do you treat people as you go about your day? Click here and listen to “Relate” by For King and Country and let it inspire you to be bold with your love but gentle and empathetic as you encounter those who think differently.

  1. Priscilla Shirer, Elijah, Lifeway Press, 2020, 175   
  2. GotQuestions.org, “Why are we told to ‘let your words be seasoned with salt’ (Colossians 4:6)?”
  3. Priscilla Shirer, Elijah, Lifeway Press, 2020, 183

Photo Credit: pixabay.com

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The GOAT Part 3 “Law & Prophets”

Reading and understanding the Bible can be challenging at times. Am I right? It’s tempting to skip over parts we don’t understand or that seem irrelevant to us. But grappling with the harder parts of Scripture strengthens our knowledge of God and deepens our faith in Him. And in a world full of confusing messages and shifting moral codes, knowing the Bible keeps us grounded in eternal truth. 

As we continue our series based on the Sermon on the Mount, we come to one of those challenging teachings of Jesus that you might gloss over:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 5:17-20, NIV)

There’s lots to unpack there. Let’s start with the Law and the Prophets. What Jesus is talking about is the Hebrew Scriptures, which Christians call the Old Testament. He’s saying that He completed what was foreshadowed in those writings.

The Prophets

Jesus’ mention of the Prophets was a reference to the many books of prophecy in the Old Testament that include warnings, instructions, rebukes, and descriptions of future events for the Jewish people. If you look at the table of contents in your Bible, the books of Isaiah through Malachi encompass the Old Testament books of prophecy.

In His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says He came to fulfill both the Law and the Prophets. First, let’s touch on an amazing truth: Jesus fulfilled hundreds of prophecies concerning Himself that had been written by the prophets in the Old Testament. For example, in Matthew’s Gospel “Jesus was the promised Messiah whose birth, ministry, death, and resurrection were prophesied in the Old Testament. Matthew makes his case by quoting more than sixty prophecies from the Old Testament, revealing how Jesus fulfilled each one.”1  There are far too many fulfilled prophecies to list here, but you can click on the link at the bottom of this post for an overview of some of the most significant ones.2

The Law

Next let’s look at the Law. If you glance at the table of contents in your Bible, Genesis through Deuteronomy encompass the books of the Law. This includes the Ten Commandments found in Exodus chapter 20 plus additional laws written to further clarify them. These books explain the early history of the Jews and incorporate: 1) civil laws explaining cultural responsibilities and moral obligations 2) moral laws dictating how people should live and behave in light of their fallen state 3) ceremonial laws for worshiping and making sacrifices to the Lord. 

Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the civil and moral laws in Scripture by living a perfect life; He fulfilled the ceremonial laws through His sacrificial death on the cross. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV)

To understand why Jesus’ fulfillment of these laws is so significant, we need to consider why God gave laws and sent prophets in the first place. When He created the first two humans and they chose to disobey Him in the Garden of Eden, they brought sin into the world. So, the laws the Lord created in the Old Testament didn’t save people from their sins but provided guardrails to keep their sins in check. Laws instructed them how to interact with the Lord and other people and set parameters to right wrongs and get people back on track when they disobeyed.  

The legacy of sin that began at creation has plagued every person since then, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, NIV). We all face the same consequence for our sins: “For the wages of sin is death”(Romans 6:23a). We must remember above all else that God is holy, perfect, and sinless. Because He is also just, sin cannot go unpunished. All who sin await divine judgement and God’s wrath. However, because of the Father’s great love for us, all the sins of the world were placed upon Jesus. He endured the wrath of God and the punishment of hell because of the Lord’s divine hatred of sin. (See Proverbs 6:16-19 for any idea of what repulses the Lord.)

Remember what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount? Our righteousness must surpass the Pharisees and teachers of the law. He was setting an impossibly high bar that no one could reach. However, when those of us who have accepted Jesus stand before God at the end of time, He won’t judge us based on what we’ve done. We can present ourselves before the Lord robed in righteousness because we’ve been cleansed of sin by Jesus’ blood. 

Talking about judgement sounds strange and isn’t popular in today’s culture, but Scripture tells us that Jesus will return to earth at the end of time when “heaven and earth disappear” and all people will stand before Him to be judged. (Matthew 16:27 & 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). It also tells us that people will scoff at this idea and mock us for believing it. “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9, NIV)

God gave us life when we deserved death–this is what makes His grace so amazing.  He will judge us as righteous even though we deserve condemnation for our sins—this is what makes His love and mercy so profound. The best news is He doesn’t want to condemn anyone. He waits patiently to ensure all people have the opportunity to hear about His grace and to decide for themselves if they want to receive it.

So, how should we respond to these profound truths?

  • Take Jesus and the Bible seriously! Make it a priority to read and study it on your own and with others.
  • Apply what you’re learning! Let the Bible guide your values, decisions, words, thoughts, and actions.
  • When Scripture shows you where you fall short, confess your sin, receive the grace of Jesus, and continue to pursue righteousness.
  • Don’t neglect the whole gospel! Read and grapple with the hard parts. Gather with others to ask questions and find answers.
  • Share what you’re learning and lead others to repentance so that they can be saved from judgement and receive eternal life too.
  • Stay motivated and be encouraged by Jesus’ words: “whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Meditate on the incredible truth of Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law and Prophets as you listen to “Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)” by Hillsong:

1. Dr. David Jeremiah, Matthew: The Arrival of the King, Thomas Nelson, 2019, vi

2. “55 Old Testament Prophecies About Jesus.” https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog-and-stories/old-testament-prophecies.html

Portions of this post were inspired by:

Tyler Scott’s sermon at CPC Danville on 6/20/21. http://www.cpcdanville.org/ministries/worship-arts/media/the-goat–the-sermon-on-the-mount–part-3–message-on-demand/

https://www.gotquestions.org/abolish-fulfill-law.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/ceremonial-law.html

Jackie Hill Perry’s teaching on Jude 14-15 in the Session 4 video of Jude: Contending for the Faith in Today’s Culture, Lifeway Press, 2019.

The GOAT Part 2b “Light”

Descending down the paved path, our kids skipped beside us, giddy with anticipation.   We were on vacation with two other families and the fourteen of us had decided to explore a cave we’d seen advertised on a roadside sign. As we neared the entrance, a park ranger stationed at a booth nearby called out to us, “Do you folks have some flashlights? The cave is a mile long and it gets mighty dark and cold in there.”

We held up a few puny flashlights we’d planned to share among the group. He smiled in a way that let us know how pathetic we were. “It’s up to you, but I’d suggest renting a few lanterns. You’re going to want to keep close tabs on those little ones.” He gestured to the gaggle of kids surrounding us. Pooling together all the cash we had, we rented three lanterns and walked toward the adventure awaiting us at the mouth of the cave.

Within minutes, our previously boisterous kids sidled close to the adults carrying the lanterns. We left the last rays of sunlight and moved into the depths of the darkness. Between the 42-degree air and the utter blackness all around us, no one wanted to stray far from the group or the light. Without the lanterns to guide our way, it would have been a frightening (and probably very short) trek into the cave.

Although this adventure happened many years ago, I remembered it vividly as I listened to the sermon at CPC Danville on Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

Put simply, Jesus calls us to be lights that lead people towards Him in a world of spiritual darkness. Jesus says that our lights shine when we do good deeds, which in turn bring glory to God. While non-believers may not always affirm or recognize the light Christians bring into the world, they would definitely notice if it were absent.

It is important to keep in mind that our actions often speak more loudly than our words. We can’t always recall what others have said to us, but few of us forget how another person made us feel. Consistency of character shows over the long haul. The impression we leave on others opens or closes doors for future opportunities to share our faith.

It can take people a lot longer to recognize they are in spiritual darkness than physical darkness. Our world is full of distractions that comfort or anesthetize individuals into believing they don’t need God. Often it’s not until someone experiences deep pain or hardship that they begin to do some soul searching and seek spiritual wisdom. If you’ve been there for them all along, they may finally realize the value of the lifeline you’re offering through Jesus.

So how can you be a light today?

  1. Be intentional about connecting with Jesus and keeping Him in the forefront of your mind throughout the day. Apply His teaching from John 15:4-5: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
  2. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
  3. Invite the Lord to show you where you can shine the light of His love and grace. Sometimes it may involve words, other times it will only be through your actions. Maybe it’s as simple as smiling at someone or holding a door open for them. Perhaps it’s offering a word of encouragement or affirmation. Maybe it’s meeting a need, offering a listening ear, or speaking a kind word. Each interaction we have with others provides a chance to make their world a little better and to shine our lights a little brighter.

Let’s consider my story about the cave in the context of our spiritual lives: Imagine that upon accepting Christ, each new believer receives a lantern to carry out into the world where spiritual darkness prevails. When we love people with our actions it creates opportunities to share the truth of God’s Word. We are like the people in the cave holding the lantern. Those fumbling in the dark are drawn to the light and find comfort in its presence. Our world is struggling in spiritual darkness; we have the privilege of holding the lantern and leading them into the light every day, one step at a time.

Let Kari Jobe’s “We Are” inspire you to shine the light of Jesus today:

*Updated from my “Shining God’s Light in the Darkness” 2015 posts.

Quenching Your Thirst

Stumbling down the dusty trail, I had one thing on my mind: water. I’ll never forget that summer day in Yosemite National Park. My husband and I had embarked on an ambitious 14.2- mile roundtrip hike from the valley floor to the top of Half Dome, 8,800 feet above sea level. With little planning and minimal gear, we set out to conquer the iconic rock and enjoy Yosemite’s stunning scenery. Only a few hours into our 11-hour adventure we discovered with dismay that one of our bottles had sprung a leak, leaving us with half the water supply we’d brought to last all day. Nonetheless, we decided to press on. 

After ascending the granite backside of the dome and marveling at the panoramic view, we began the long hike back to camp. Our remaining water was long gone, and the dry summer heat intensified as the afternoon wore on. Trudging along the dusty trail, all we could think about was quenching our thirst. At one point, the path paralleled the Merced River and we were tempted to wade in for a drink, but decided against it. The instant gratification wasn’t worth the risk of being swept into the current or ingesting microscopic parasites that could make us sick with Giardia.

The sun was sinking as we neared the final leg of the trail and remembered a drinking fountain stationed near the bottom. Anticipating the cool stream of water touching our lips, we started to run despite our exhaustion. When we finally reached it, I leaned down and drank from the spout until my stomach felt like it would burst.

That’s the first thing I thought of when I read David’s words: “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1, NIV) 

Have you ever thirsted for God with that same kind of intensity? Megan Fate Marshman explains: “We come to see through David’s …dialogue that … seeking after God means to have an intimate personal relationship with Him. He desires this closeness to God so much he compares it to thirst (63:1). David seeks satisfaction, something that we all relate to, but he has a different perspective—seeking God IS what satisfies him. He finds fullness in thinking about God, praising Him, remembering all He has done for him. David seeks God because David cannot imagine any other anything that will fill him up mentally, emotionally or literally than God.” (page 89)

In another psalm, David highlights all that the Lord does: “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:2-5, NIV, italics added)

Do you see how David describes the Lord’s blessings on every aspect of our lives: spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental? Seeking Him fulfills us like nothing else can, renewing and rejuvenating us. And the more we pursue the Lord, the more He works in us through the power of His Holy Spirit. 

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians shows a similar theme: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19, NIV)

Knowing we are loved like this should change how we see ourselves and those around us. As we root ourselves in Him, our understanding of how deeply He loves us continues to grow. Because of this, “Our actions can have impact as we overflow Jesus’ love to others through us.” (p. 91)

Megan also invites us to consider how this looked for the disciples in Acts 2 when they received the Holy Spirit Jesus had promised them: “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house were they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire the separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Hearing the variety of voices and languages, a crowd gathered and listened in amazement saying, “we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (Acts 2:4 & 11, NIV) Here we see the disciples were empowered by the Spirit, not their own effort. They made themselves available, and God used them mightily.

Another striking aspect of this story is that the crowd came together spontaneously when they heard what was happening. Can you imagine what could happen if we asked the Spirit to flood the places where we spend time; to draw people in so that we could proclaim His wonders like the disciples did in Acts 2? Scripture shows that when Christians unify in this way, revival happens. What incredible impact believers have when they respond to the Spirit together! It inspires me to pray for the Him to fill me more and more each day.

Consider my opening story of the parched hike I took in Yosemite and how my need for hydration propelled me forward. That’s the kind of spiritual thirst that exists in our world today. People are searching for meaning and not finding it. They’re drinking from sources that offer temporary gratification, but not lasting fulfillment. In many instances, the things they’re seeking are causing them harm or creating a whole new set of problems.

Drawing near to God fills us so that we can pour out His love to others. Will you try an experiment with me this week? Every time you take a drink of water, let it prompt you to seek the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to pour His love and grace into you so they can flow out to splash on others. Be open for Megan’s blessing to become a reality in your life: “May you be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God so that you can overflow Christ’s love to a thirsty world.” (page 92)

As believers, we’re called to do two things: Love God and love others. Let Danny Gokey’s song “Love God Love People” inspire you today.

Megan Fate Marshman, Meant for God: The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You, Zondervan, 2020.

Almost Home

My boys just returned to college after a month of being home for the holidays. Our oldest is starting his final semester. It feels like yesterday that he was in high school and we were sitting at the kitchen table discussing where he would go. I remember encouraging him to branch out saying, “College is only a few years–it’s a great time to experience living in a different part of the country.”

He embraced that idea and chose a school 1500 miles from home. Over the last three-and-a-half years he’s experienced a culture that’s quite different from where we live. It’s been a rich time of education for him, both in and out of the classroom. Despite my enthusiasm about his college choice, I still bristle when anyone refers to it as his “home.” While we don’t know where he’ll end up living when he graduates, in my mind, his home will always be under our roof.
 
Most of us have experienced temporary lodgings—living somewhere for a while that isn’t our true home. We learn new things and have different experiences, but we know we’re not there permanently. I think many of us forget that this is also the case with our time here on earth. However, Scripture repeatedly reminds us of this truth. Look at Jesus’ statement in His prayer for all believers: “They do not belong to this world any more than I do.” (John 17:16, NLT) Or consider Peter’s words emphasizing that Christians are “temporary residents and foreigners in the world.” (1 Peter 2:11, NLT)
 
In keeping with this theme, Kelly Minter warns us of becoming enchanted by the things of this world. She says “I’ve been bamboozled by the shiny objects of what money can buy, hoodwinked by the allure of fame, swept up by dynamic personalities that weren’t always authentic.” (page 170) Her words remind me of this passage: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15-17, NIV) The world, as it’s referred to in this passage, is “a system of values and goals from which God is excluded.” (Bible Knowledge Commentary) We live in tension with these competing perspectives of worldly wisdom and biblical wisdom every day. It’s why we prioritize studying God’s Word and spending time with others who seek Him. We need to remind one another that this world is not our home. 
 
While it can be difficult to live and think differently as followers of Christ, it is also more fulfilling and rewarding. Kelly Minter highlights this saying: “The longer I follow Jesus, though, the more the temporal pleasures of this earth really do dim in comparison to the joy of His fellowship and the privilege of loving and serving people, pleasures that are eternal. The end of Jacob’s life inspires me to live fully in view of God’s promises, even the ones that might be a way off. Jacob could have made his permanent home in Egypt and identified with its prosperity, but he knew that none of those flash-in-the-pan riches could hold a candle to taking his place as part of God’s royal lineage.” (pages 170-171)
 
Like Jacob and Joseph, we need to maintain our focus on the Lord during our time on earth. God’s sovereignty hasn’t been threatened by tumultuous events at any point in history, including the present. He is the only truly firm foundation for our lives. This is a good reminder as many worldly pleasures, comforts, and distractions have been stripped away by COVID-19. As we look to the Lord to steady us, we can also share His hope with the world that desperately needs it. 
 
In the book of Colossians, Paul admonishes us: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” I like the directness of the Message version of this passage: “So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you.” (Colossians 3:1-4, The Message)

Life right now may be hard for you, but remember this world isn’t our home. Let that truth encourage you today and every day. Set your mind on things above and let God use you to bring hope to those who need a perspective shift too. The trials we’re facing now are a blip in the light of eternity. If you need a reminder of that, enjoy “Almost Home” by MercyMe.

Kelly Minter, Finding God Faithful: A Study on the Life of Joseph, Lifeway Press, 2019.

Eugene Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language, NavPress/ Tyndale House, 1993.

John F. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Victor Books, 1983, page 891.

Image by Ida Damkilde from Pixabay 

God’s Kingdom on Earth

My mom was the first person to explain the impact knowing Jesus could have on daily life. At the tender age of six, I was starting first grade at a new school in a new town. Each morning a lump would form in my throat and I’d fight back tears when it was time to leave for school. I dreaded being away from the comfort and security of my mom’s presence. My tearful departures didn’t let up until one day when she leaned down to hug me and said, “Even though I can’t be there with you, Jesus can. Just remember that He’s there holding your hand, no matter what.” Her words were such a comfort to me that my tears stopped flowing. Every day after that I’d plead, “Tell me again, mom. Tell me about Jesus holding my hand.” The angst I’d felt at the start of each day was gone. 

My mom’s reassurance of Jesus’ presence was a small but significant way that she spread God’s kingdom on earth. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10) I think my mom knew that this prayer is about more than Jesus’ second coming in the future; it’s also about inviting Him into the present. Her reassurance didn’t change my circumstances, but it transformed my world. The knowledge that Jesus was right beside me gave me a sense of peace and security I hadn’t had before. My new perspective sustained me through the difficulty of our move and many other challenges in the years that followed.

God has empowered all believers to change the atmosphere on earth in this present time. Christine Caine explains, “Jesus didn’t save us to build a Christian subculture. He didn’t save us to hide from the world, avoid the world, ignore the world, fear the world, condemn the world, or judge the world. He sent us in to the world to love the world He created and loves so tenderly and fiercely… So to understand the kingdom of God we need to remember that a kingdom reflects the character of its king.” (p. 170 & 171)

Caine also explains “Through Jesus, God’s rule has already entered into our here and now, but it is not yet fully realized, as the fullness of His kingdom will not come until Jesus returns. As a result, we’re living in a period of ‘already and not yet.’” She then asks a penetrating question, “How are we to live in this time?” (p. 173)

Let me humbly offer a few suggestions for answering her question:

-Make Room for the Kingdom of God in Your Personal/ Daily Life: Commit to spending time in God’s Word and prayer daily. Be intentional about creating space in your schedule to be quiet before the Lord. If you think you’re too busy, ask God to show you what distractions you can eliminate that will free you up to draw near to Him consistently. (If you want tips for how to structure that time, see my blog “Rise to Rest.”)

-Make room for the Kingdom of God in Your Relationships: Your faith is personal, but that doesn’t mean it should stay private. Share with your family and friends about what you’re reading and learning in Scripture. Give them opportunities to ask questions. Cultivate spiritual dialogue in your close relationships so that it’s natural to talk about your faith, pray together, listen to Christian music, or offer encouragement based on biblical wisdom. (And be patient if they need time to warm up to this.)

-Spread the Kingdom of God in Your Community and Beyond: Ask the Lord to expand His kingdom through you and then be open to His prompting. Say “yes” to opportunities that allow you to rub shoulders consistently with others who haven’t heard the gospel. Purpose to flavor your surroundings with God’s love, wisdom, and grace. The efforts you make in your personal life, relationships, and community will expand the Lord’s Kingdom on Earth. You’ll be giving others a taste of His love and reflecting the character of your Heavenly Father. Author and theologian N.T. Wright explains:

“You are…accomplishing something that will become in due course part of God’s new world.  Every act of love, gratitude and kindness; every work of art or music inspired by the love of God and delight in the beauty of his creation…every act of care and nurture, of comfort and support, for one’s fellow human beings…and of course every prayer, all Spirit-led teaching, every deed that spreads the gospel, builds up the church, embraces and embodies holiness rather than corruption, and makes the name of Jesus honored in the world—all of this will find its way, through the resurrecting power of God, into the new creation that God will one day make…what we do in Christ and by the Spirit in the present is not wasted. It will last all the way into God’s new world.”  

My mom spread God’s kingdom on earth not just by sharing Jesus with me, but by discipling and mentoring many others over the years. In the past few months I’ve seen the evidence of her impact as cards and letters from many people have poured in. What a privilege it was to sit at her bedside reading them to her as she prepared to meet Jesus face to face. Looking back, I see she spent her life expanding His kingdom one person at a time. And I rejoice knowing that she’s experiencing the Lord’s kingdom in its fullness now that she’s home in heaven.

Christine Caine says, “We have been saved not only from something but for something: the work of the kingdom here on earth, the mission of the church.” (p.173) Will you commit to praying consistently for the Lord to use you to further His kingdom? Invest in your personal relationship with Him and then let it ripple out from there.

Rend Collective’s song “Build Your Kingdom Here” is one of my favorites. Listen and make it your prayer today.

As a bonus, I’m also including Natalie Grant’s song “Face to Face.” It captures my story describing walking hand in hand with Jesus until we see Him face to face.

Christine Caine, 20/20. Seen Chosen. Sent. Lifeway Press 2019.

N.T. Wright Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection and the Mission of the Church, HarperOne, 2008, page 208.

What Would You Say?

My college roommates and I have an annual tradition of meeting for a weekend away together. Over time, we’ve embraced certain rituals like enjoying leisurely meals and staying up late talking. Another tradition we love is choosing a favorite item to bring and share as a gift to the others. Last year I couldn’t wait to give them a book that impacted me significantly. As they scanned the table of contents, I was giddy sharing about all the ways I’d benefited from what I learned.

Maybe you’ve experienced a similar dynamic. When you find something beneficial to you, you’re enthusiastic about passing it along to others. Why is it, though, that we don’t always have the same exuberance when it comes to telling people about the good news of Jesus? There are many explanations, but I think one is that we just don’t know what to say.

In her Bible study 20/20. Seen. Chosen. Sent., Christine Caine highlights this by asking, “Could you walk someone through the truth of the gospel?” (page 151) She goes on to explain, “If the sole purpose of salvation is to go to heaven when we die, then wouldn’t it be more merciful of Jesus if, after He saved us, He took us home immediately? But we have a purpose to fulfill here on earth. We are the sent ones commissioned to go into all the world and proclaim His good news.” (page 152)

Her words echo Jesus’ teaching known as the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 18:19-20, NIV)

This reminds me of a young businessman named Bill Bright who heard the message of the gospel and began a personal relationship with Jesus. As his faith grew, he couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. Jesus’ words in the Great Commission compelled Bright to tell the good news to anyone who would listen. Eventually, he dedicated his life to sharing the gospel and to training others to do the same by founding Campus Crusade for Christ International in 1951. Now known simply as “Cru,” the ministry focuses on sharing the good news about Jesus on college campuses around the world.

Soon after founding Cru, Bill Bright realized that many believers were unable to communicate the gospel succinctly. So, using skills he’d acquired in the business world, he set out to write a clear and simple explanation of the good news that others could learn to share. As a lover of science, Bright decided to make a comparison between physical laws that govern the universe (such as the law of gravity), and spiritual laws that govern our relationship with God. He created a simple document called The Four Spiritual Laws that helped to communicate the gospel to non-believers. It also gave Christians a roadmap for sharing the good news of Jesus with others. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right words for sharing the hope of Jesus, Bright’s tool might be helpful for you to learn. Here’s an overview of it:

Law 1: God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10b

Law 2: People are sinful and separated from God. Therefore, we can’t experience God’s love and plan for our lives.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Law 3: Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for our sin. Through Him you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life.

-He died in our place, paying the penalty for our sin: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

-He rose from death: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-6

-He is the only way to God: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6

Law 4: We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives.

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—” John 1:12

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Every person can receive Christ by faith by saying a simple prayer like this:

Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You and my Savior and Lord. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.

Bill Bright’s passion led him to share the gospel, disciple, and train thousands of people. Today, Cru has ministries in 5300 locations on college campuses in addition to ministries reaching a variety of other people groups worldwide.

Will you follow Bill Bright’s example and learn to share the gospel so you can participate in fulfilling the Great Commission? Ask the Holy Spirit to empower and lead you to others who are hungry for the hope found in Jesus.

For a deeper dive into understanding the Four Spiritual Laws, check out these four posts in my “Faith Foundations” series:  

God Loves You

The Problem of Sin

Jesus is the Only Way

Accept Jesus Personally

For more information on Cru visit their website.

For more inspiration, check out Bill Bright’s biography Amazing Faith

Christine Caine, 20/20. Seen. Chosen. Sent., Lifeway Press, 2019.

The Harvest is Plentiful

“God wants us to live with…watchfulness, to look for the lost people around us.” (20/20, p. 65 ) I love the idea of becoming more attuned to people I encounter. Praying for the ability to see below the surface so I can point them toward God inspires me. But before any of us can truly see others the way Jesus does, we need to start by recognizing our own brokenness. This begins by inviting the Lord into our struggles and letting Him expose and cleanse our sins. Doing this develops humility and compassion for others. Rather than judging or condemning, we’re able to share the forgiveness, healing, hope, and love found in Christ.

John 4 includes the story of a woman Jesus met that illustrates this process:

“Now [Jesus] had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’

The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water…everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.‘

The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.‘

He told her, ‘Go, call your husband and come back.‘

I have no husband,’ she replied.

Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.’ 

The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.‘

Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one speaking to you—I am he.’” 

Let’s stop here to notice that Jesus didn’t hold back with the woman. He knew her sins but rather than condemning her, He identified Himself as the Messiah and offered her new life and lasting fulfillment through Him. And based on her response, it seems she felt drawn to the truth and love He offered:

“Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?’ They came out of the town and made their way toward him…They said to the woman, ‘We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.’” 

Take note of the woman’s reaction. The conversation she had with Jesus compelled her to share the good news with others. She’d known Him only a few minutes but was eager to introduce Him to the people of her town. She didn’t convince them to listen with her articulate arguments or deep spiritual knowledge but simply by telling her story and inviting them to meet Jesus for themselves.

Sometimes I wonder if we’ve made sharing the gospel more complicated than it needs to be. Unlike this woman, we feel we must have certain verses memorized or explanations and rebuttals ready, as if we were headed into a high school debate tournament. Or, we worry so much about offending people or being rejected that we don’t even open our mouths to share how Jesus has given us true life and fulfillment.

Let’s look at the story in John 4 one more time to see how Jesus challenged His disciples regarding the woman. They had only seen her as a Samaritan sinner, but He recognized her as a genuine seeker of truth:

“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.”

In Mark’s gospel, Jesus expands further on this idea: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’” (Mark 9:36-38, NIV)

Today the harvest is ripe, just as it was when Jesus spoke these words. People are lonely, hurting, and struggling–harassed and helpless with no clear sense of direction. They are longing to hear truth and to find hope. And, like the woman at the well, our honesty can open doors to share Jesus. When we’re authentic and admit our struggles, fears, and failures, we also get to share how Jesus meets us in our brokenness. We can give others a chance to find the same hope and firm foundation that carry us through even the darkest times.

Will you pray and ask God to lead you to people who are ready to hear your story and learn about the ultimate hope Jesus offers? Let Matthew West’s song “Truth Be Told” inspire you to be authentic so you can point them to Jesus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XsZi9QT6a8

Christine Caine, 20/20: Seen. Chosen. Sent. Lifeway Press, 2019.

*Note: Selected verses were included from John 4, this is not the passage in its entirety.

Be Inspired This Week

Hearing the lock click in the door, I sat up in bed and squinted as light from the hallway streamed into the hotel room. Two women stepped inside, rolling their suitcases behind them. “Hi, I’m Marybeth,” I said as their silhouettes tiptoed past my bed. Surprised to find me still awake, they introduced themselves. It was an awkward albeit memorable way to meet someone for the first time. The whole day had been filled with making new friends as I’d traveled from California to Texas with a group of women from church. We had arrived in stages to attend IF:Lead in Dallas– a conference for women. Some in our group knew each other, but many were meeting for the first time. The common link between us was a shared love for Jesus.

Although the conference lasted only two days, it was loaded with inspiring worship, solid teaching, and impactful testimonies. Our group had a ball together and formed fast friendships. All of us had the same desire to share the incredible experience we’d had with others.

We returned to the Bay Area inspired and ready to begin planning IF:Danville, which would be modeled after IF:Gathering – a larger scale event happening in Dallas in the spring. In case you aren’t familiar with it, IF:Gathering was founded by author and speaker Jennie Allen. It is not only an event, but a ministry impacting people world-wide. Their goal is to put resources in the hands of women in the church to empower them to change lives. 

The group that had attended IF:Lead got busy planning a local gathering. Over time, other friends jumped into the mix to help with organizing different aspects of IF:Danville. Each time we met to plan and pray, enthusiasm for the event gained momentum.

In February, we watched a simulcast of IF:Gathering in Texas and prayerfully chose the talks that would most resonate with our local women. Soon, the programming details fell into place. To make the video teachings more relevant, we asked women in our community to share their personal experiences with Jesus. We thought interviewing them would help others see how personal faith impacts daily life in relatable and practical ways.

The number of hours lovingly poured into preparations for this event was staggering.  All of us couldn’t wait to see how God would inspire those who attended the event in mid-March. Although we were aware there was an unusual virus spreading rapidly around the world, we never dreamed it would impact our plans. It wasn’t until the final days leading up to IF:Danville that the threat of COVID-19 became personal.

I’ll never forget walking into the chapel the morning of March 11 for our final prayer time. The giddy excitement of the previous meetings had been replaced by a somber tone. With a heavy heart, our Women’s Ministries pastor shared the news that our event needed to be postponed indefinitely. County health officials had just announced gatherings over 50 people had to be suspended. Church services, Bible studies, youth groups, and mission trips were all being put on hold.

After hearing the news and shedding a few tears, we prayed together on our knees in the chapel. Despite our deep disappointment, we told God we trusted Him. We believed He’d show us what to do. At a time when people needed hope, we had it ready to share– it was just a matter of figuring out how to do it.

Over time, the Lord revealed a plan. With a bit of creativity and the blessing of technology, we were able to re-format the event to be shown online. So, I’m thrilled to announce this Thursday evening, May 14, will kick off the first of a three week series we’re calling IF:Danville at Home. Now we have the capacity to reach far more than the 400 women we’d planned to welcome to our church on March 13 & 14. 

This week you’ll have the opportunity to hear inspiring stories about how Jesus walked with a teenage girl and a seasoned grandmother through some heartbreaking medical issues. We’ll discover how God used those hard situations to grow their faith deeper. Both will inspire you with their vision for loving others and being intentional about the legacy they’re leaving behind. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear a powerful teaching from Jada Edwards of IF:Gathering. 

The IF:Danville team has spurred on my faith over the past few months and I’m thrilled that they can do the same for you. I hope you’ll join me virtually to be inspired through the interviews and teaching this Thursday at 8pm and on May 21 & 28. And I pray they’ll point you toward the hope found only in Jesus. Be sure to invite a friend who could use some encouragement right now too. For more information, click on the link below. 

http://www.cpcdanville.org/ifdanville/