Uncover that Face

Fox News has a section on their website entitled "Features and Faces". I notice that so many of the faces are celebrities - many of them caught in less than flattering poses and/or facial expressions. I wonder how it makes them feel since a celebrity must rely on the way they are perceived to catch that next role. But truth be told, none of us care for having unflattering pics taken of us.

In 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 there is an awesome passage about faces of glory. As I read it over and over this morning, a simple but profound concept occurred to me. Paul says that Moses would cover his face so the Israelites couldn't see that which was fading away. We, however, in verse 18 "with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory". What struck me is that they couldn't see what was FADING AWAY, but we reveal that which IS TO COME.

There is coming a day, "in the twinkling of an eye", when we will all be changed. We will receive glorified bodies and we will be like Him. Can you imagine what a day that will be for those who know Him? As a matter of fact in verse 18 it says that we are being transformed into His likeness. Do you see it? We ARE BEING transformed. Pretty cool huh? You and I each day (as we surrender to His work in us) are becoming more like Jesus.

So, unveil those faces and shine a little Jesus on people. While you're at it, look for the Jesus shining back at you.

Lessons from the Woodpile

It's amazing how small increments have such huge implications. It's terribly cold out and we were running short on wood, so I was out early this morning splitting some big chunks down to manageable size. It is obvious to someone who splits wood that the thickness of the piece to be busted is of no importance, it's the height (or length) that'll kill you. It's so much easier to get that maul through a little wood instead of a long stretch of wood.

Jesus knew this same concept applied to our walk of faith as well. Take the way He grew His disciples into men of faith. First, they see Him turn water into wine. Then He heals someone, then walks on water, then feeds 5,000 to the finale miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. Incremental faith.

So many start the year with the intention to "read the Bible through". But somewhere in the middle of Leviticus, reading about cleansing for infectious skin diseases sucks the determination out of them. This is because instead of looking at each book as a special word from the Lord, they look at how many pages remain to the right and get overwhelmed.

Increments. Whether it's reading the Bible or growing in our evangelistic attempts or teaching , or cultivating a life of godliness, think increments - it'll take those big chunks down to a manageable size. Well, back to the wood pile.

Encouragement 101

So I was out early this morning and half a half an hour to kill between appointments, so I went to McDonalds for a coffee. I purchased my hot cup of life and went to the "lounge" to watch the big screen and read captions. While I'm there I notice a fellow about early thirties cleaning windows and metal door frames, etc. Now hang on; What captured my attention was the alacrity with which he did his job. He cleaned the windows with more fervor than I clean my Harley. I was mesmerized as I watched him move to the doors and proceed to whip out a Brillo pad and even scrub around the hinges and door closure. Never have I seen such attention to detail and work ethic.

As I was leaving I thought, "I should really encourage that guy and comment on his work ethic". As I was about to leave that little voice (not the godly one) said, "Nah, he'll think you're a weirdo, or hitting on him or something - I mean who does that?". But, the good voice won out and decided, why not - so I went over and really laid it on about his being an inspiration and how awesome I noticed he did his work. He was SO appreciative! He thanked me and I could see his spirit begin to glow - I had really made his day.

How easy it is, if we will just be attentive, to lift the spirits of those around us. In a world of terrorist headlines, child abuse, corrupt business practices, etc., its refreshing to see that there are still hard working, down-to-earth people out there doing the absolute best they can at whatever their hands find to do. Let's encourage them with a kind word and smile and let them know we saw the and appreciate their efforts. A great practice for a new year.

Times of Trouble

Have you ever wondered why you were going through a time of trouble only to realize on the other side that it enabled you to minister to those who were now going through something very similar? I remember a dear friend, who has since gone to be with the Lord, losing her son years ago to a drunk driver. The storm of questions that followed that tragedy were impossible to answer; all I could say was that God was still in control and could use this tragedy for good somehow. Not long after, there were a string of kids who passed away unexpectedly for some reason or another; some sickness, others accidents. My friend was able to minister to many parents and friends because of the strength she had gained in going through her own loss and resultant growth in leaning on the Lord.

Paul shares something akin to this in 1 Cor. 1: 3-7. He says (roughly) that God comforts us in all our troubles so when may, in turn, comfort those who are in trouble as well. As a matter of fact he goes on to say that "the sufferings of Christ overflow into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." That's awesome. What we read here is real body ministry happening. As we go through struggles and come out stronger, we are able to then encourage those going through similar trials and/our struggles. (And so on, and so on)

So take heart, if we trust the Lord, lean on Him, and grow in Him, as we come through the fire we can then be used by Him. It's the economy of God - no bailout needed, just perseverance.

Misunderstood?

I don't know if non-believers can grasp a believers thoughts. Before I became a Christian at age 20, I couldn't understand the ways "religious" people thought. It never made sense to me to worship an unseen God, give 10% of my income to a church, serve people I didn't know on my day off - no, I didn't get any of it.

In 2 Kings 18:22 we see that the Assyrians couldn't either. They ask how the Judeans could depend on a God whose high places the king had torn down. They didn't understand that those high places were an abomination to the Lord. It was right to tear down those altars - but the ungodly didn't get it.

Ever felt like King Hezekiah? Your non-believing friends not getting you or the things you do? "How many nights you at that church?" "You're going on a missions what this summer?" "How much did it cost?" "Why?", etc., etc.

God doesn't ask us to be sure we're understood. He only wants our obedience and our passion for Him and His kingdom. Jesus was surely often not understood, can we expect any less? However, it is in the uniqueness of our lives that we make people become aware and wonder what it is that makes us so. Our "odd-ness" is our best evangelistic tool. So, be odd today. Make your life one of uniqueness and watch the door open to some pretty interesting conversations.

Evil in the World

It's hard to open up any news page today without being inundated with the amount of evil in the world. For example, I just left Fox News where these headlines begged my attention:

Trucker shot to death

Four gunman shoot man

Mother kills son

Man kills wife

etc., etc., etc.

It goes on and on. One must wonder as the stories get more heinous every year, where will it stop? Can it get any worse? However, Scripture says without the Holy Spirit it would be a lot worse.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8 we read about the "man of lawlessness" and that he is currently being restrained. It's interesting to me that soon after reading of the atrocities that happen in our world today, I turn to see that they would actually be much worse and more common if not for the restraint of the Holy Spirit. I'm so thankful for the Spirit's work in my life; encouraging me ever nearer to Christ, but never gave much thought to His work in our world on a daily basis.

Imagine the world without the Spirit of God restraining it. Imagine the world without the Spirit of God instigating good in it. We have much to be thankful for; thank you Holy Spirit for every child's smile, every good deed done, every kind word spoken...and thank you for keeping the enemy at bay.

With Whom I'm Well Pleased

It's amazing how fast years go by in retrospect. My middle child just celebrated her 17th birthday yesterday. When did THAT happen? It got me thinking about fatherhood and what kind of dad I've been. It made me think too about how blessed I am to have such wonderful God-loving children. Now don't get me wrong, I don't love them because they're good, I love just because they are.

I read in Mark 1: 9-11 tonight the account of Jesus' baptism again. What struck me was that God said "...with whom I'm well pleased" before Jesus had DONE ANYTHING! God was pleased with His Son just because He was. As that struck me, I sensed the Holy Spirit apply that to my heart as well. God is pleased with me (and you) not because I run around DOING ministry, but because I am His and let His Spirit minister to me. Too cool.

I think God knew I needed this tonight. I've been SO busy lately I can't even relax on a night off. Lord, help me get busy about slowing down...