* Hey, It's Me

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.

John 10:3-5 NLT

How many times do you listen to voicemail that starts out with, "Hey, it's me..." and you know immediately who "me" is. Some voices we know so well that they don't even have to say, "Hey, it's me;" we know who it is the minute they open their mouth. Some are the voices of loved ones, cherished friends... A favorite DJ or speaker/preacher, favorite actor, favorite singer(s) - all voices that are easily recognizable. 

The latest ploy of telemarketers is to start the conversation with "Hey, it's me. I just wanted to call and tell you about..." like they know me... And based on, Hey, it's me,  you think you should know the voice and your brain starts searching for some familiar tone or voice inflection to figure out who this is and then you realize it's not your friend after all. It's someone impersonating a friend. Deceptive.

So, whose voice are you listening to? The one pretending to be your friend, but really trying to deceive you - or the One whose voice is very distinctive - a still, small voice so familiar to our hearts that He should just be able to open His mouth to breathe and we'd know Him. He'd never have to say, Hey, it's Me.

Prayer:

Father,

         We want to know You more, to know You better, to be so intimate with the sound of Your voice that we shush any voice that tries to talk over You. Speak to us, Father - give us ears to hear You and only You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Hey, Jude! *

Jude 1

The Message (MSG)

1-2 I, Jude, am a slave to Jesus Christ and brother to James, writing to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ. Relax, everything’s going to be all right; rest, everything’s coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!

Fight with All You Have in You

3-4 Dear friends, I’ve dropped everything to write you about this life of salvation that we have in common. I have to write insisting—begging!—that you fight with everything you have in you for this faith entrusted to us as a gift to guard and cherish. What has happened is that some people have infiltrated our ranks (our Scriptures warned us this would happen), who beneath their pious skin are shameless scoundrels. Their design is to replace the sheer grace of our God with sheer license—which means doing away with Jesus Christ, our one and only Master.

Lost Stars in Outer Space

5-7 I’m laying this out as clearly as I can, even though you once knew all this well enough and shouldn’t need reminding. Here it is in brief: The Master saved a people out of the land of Egypt. Later he destroyed those who defected. And you know the story of the angels who didn’t stick to their post, abandoning it for other, darker missions. But they are now chained and jailed in a black hole until the great Judgment Day. Sodom and Gomorrah, which went to sexual rack and ruin along with the surrounding cities that acted just like them, are another example. Burning and burning and never burning up, they serve still as a stock warning.

8 This is exactly the same program of these latest infiltrators: dirty sex, rule and rulers thrown out, glory dragged in the mud.
9-11 The Archangel Michael, who went to the mat with the Devil as they fought over the body of Moses, wouldn’t have dared level him with a blasphemous curse, but said simply, “No you don’t. God will take care of you!” But these people sneer at anything they can’t understand, and by doing whatever they feel like doing—living by animal instinct only—they participate in their own destruction. I’m fed up with them! They’ve gone down Cain’s road; they’ve been sucked into Balaam’s error by greed; they’re canceled out in Korah’s rebellion.
12-13 These people are warts on your love feasts as you worship and eat together. They’re giving you a black eye—carousing shamelessly, grabbing anything that isn’t nailed down. They’re—

Puffs of smoke pushed by gusts of wind;
    late autumn trees stripped clean of leaf and fruit,
Doubly dead, pulled up by the roots;
    wild ocean waves leaving nothing on the beach
    but the foam of their shame;
Lost stars in outer space
    on their way to the black hole.

14-16 Enoch, the seventh after Adam, prophesied of them: “Look! The Master comes with thousands of holy angels to bring judgment against them all, convicting each person of every defiling act of shameless sacrilege, of every dirty word they have spewed of their pious filth.” These are the “grumpers,” the bellyachers, grabbing for the biggest piece of the pie, talking big, saying anything they think will get them ahead.

17-19 But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen: “In the last days there will be people who don’t take these things seriously anymore. They’ll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts.” These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There’s nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!

20-21 But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

22-23 Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.
24-25 And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.

* A Memorial

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”  And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?”
So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God."
Acts 10:1-4 NKJV

Memorials are a great tribute to those who have given their lives in service for others, whether in the armed forces during conflict or through humanitarian effort. A time to remember and honor what they have done. However, it's a different kind of memorial I'm thinking about this evening - the one in our text for today. Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.   

When I read this, I had to ask myself. Have I prayed enough or given enough that my prayers and alms would come up for a memorial before God?  And if I haven't, why haven't I? Do I take my freedom to worship so casually that I forget the price that was paid for it? Do I take for granted the rights afforded me as set forth by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights? Because I was born into a Christian nation, do I turn an unfazed eye and ear to the plight of our Christian brothers and sisters who do NOT live in the land of the free and the home of the brave?  Those for whom Christianity today is as much persecuted with beatings and torture and death, as it was in the first century?

For those who have given their lives to offer freedom in Christ to a lost and dying world - a memorial... For those who have given their lives so that I might live in the land of the free - a memorial... For the One who gave His life to redeem every soul - let my life be a living memorial...

Prayer:

Father,
         Change our hearts! Renew a right spirit within us! Let our prayers and alms be such that they come up for a memorial before You...and You alone, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Shortcuts

"No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

John 14:5-6 NLT

I like shortcuts - not only on the road, but also in word processing. I think Ctrl C and Ctrl V (copy and paste) are strokes of genius. (Pun intended.) I hated long division math problems in elementary school for the same reason. If I can get the same answer in 2 steps instead of 12, how is that wrong? I like any way that will get me there in less time, with less hassle, and the fewest stops. 

I'm always looking for another way to get there or do it. I even make up and define my own shortcuts...which are great until the computer dies or gets upgraded and all the shortcuts are gone, or I find myself at a dead end street with no ability to turn around. Many are the tales of my grand and not-so-grand adventures brought about by being one of the most directionally-challenged people you'll ever meet. 

That's why I'm SO glad Jesus proclaimed himself "The Way. " He's not A way - He is THE way. By His Grace, no getting off at the wrong exit. No tolls or trolls. There is a price, but HE paid it. No by-passes, no loop arounds, no shortcuts. The only way to the Father is through Christ - The Way, The Truth and The Life.

Prayer:

Father,

           Your Word tells us in Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. We don't want to walk in a way that seems right. We want to follow only Christ so we can come straight to You. Shine the Light of Your Truth on our paths. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

* How Can You Not...

O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.

1st Kings 8:23 NLT

I have been called a wordsmith more than once in my life, but when I attempt to lay attribute to Almighty God or to tell you how I love the Lord, I am most inept. I guess if I could sing like Whitney...well, not like Whitney, but with her passion, I would belt it out, ♪♫ I LOVE THE LORD! ♫♪ HE HEARD MY CRY...♪♫

How can you not love a God who will say to you - Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 
How can you not TRUST a God who promises you -When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. Do not be afraid, for I am with you... Isaiah 43:1b-5a NLT

How can you not love a God whose Word declares when the enemy comes in like a flood, (Isaiah 59:19) that He - God - will lift up the standard against him? 

Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.  Selah  

Isaiah 61:1-4 NKJV  No matter what I see. No matter what I hear. 

Do I know or understand why children die? No, I do not. Do I know or understand why there are mighty prayer warriors who die having lost the memories of all but Him? No, I do not. Do I know or understand why there are illnesses for which there is no cure, save a miracle from God? A miracle of healing that sometimes does not manifest? No, I do not. But no matter if I understand it or I do not...even if I never do - this one thing I know. He is God and I am not. God of the universe. The Creator of Heaven and Earth - more than we can even begin to wrap our finite minds around. He is God and He is trustworthy and He is faithful and merciful and full of grace toward us. Unmerited favor - we couldn't earn it by our works if we tried. He sent His only Perfect Son to die - to pay the price for my many sins...and for yours.

I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay,  And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.  Psalm 40:1-2 NKJV 

How can we not love this God...

Prayer:

Father,

         Your Word, Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You. O God, give us Your Words to speak - to bring  Your Light into the darkness, to bring Your Comfort to those who mourn, Your Strength for those who are weak and heavy-laden! May Your Words be fruitful seed, watered by our tears. Give us the increase, Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen         

* A Loving Answer

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.

Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT

I have had many conversations with people who do not understand the nature of Almighty God - who He is and what He's about. They're inclined to believe that God doesn't love them because they don't get what they've asked for or because He's not doing what they think He should do for them. It makes me wonder what kind of parents they had and what kind of parents they are.

There were times when my kids were growing up that I hated to say "No', but there were just as many times when saying "No" was the most loving, most motherly wonderful thing I could do. And although they weren't crazy about it at the time, down the road (and sometimes sooner than later) one or the other of them would mention that they realized it was the right thing to do. Sometimes, they didn't always understand why, but they learned to trust my judgment, knowing that I didn't say 'No' just to be mean.

How much more then, should we trust a living, loving God who is omnipotent and omniscient and can see the end from the beginning? The One who has the Master Plan and will work all things for our good? Sometimes the most loving answer is "No." Learn to trust Him in it!

Prayer:

Father,

         Your Word assures us that You don't withhold any good thing from us. We choose to trust Your judgment and Your decisions, for You are faithful and just. Thank You, Father. Change our hearts. Open our eyes to see You and trust You in everything. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Lessons Learned +

They will be my people, and I will be their God. And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me. 

Jeremiah 32:38-40 NLT

It was my weekend with Lalee (or Lala, as she is more commonly known) Alexandra Katherine - my oldest granddaughter. Lalee is an adventure all by herself! Lalee was starved as an infant (she is adopted), so she has some challenges to overcome, and she is overcoming them, slowly but surely. There are some days when her brain seems to get stuck in a loop and she will fixate on something - usually keys - and I will tell you that God has blessed the child with fierce determination! And it is our grand adventure to steer her in the right direction.

One of Alexandra's greatest gifts is to love unconditionally and forever. No matter what. Whatever else may not work quite right in her brain at times, she forgets nothing and no one she has ever loved. She always asks about Gramps, and about Gigi, and about Big Mama and the girls (former roommate and her mother and granddaughters) even though it's been years since she's seen any of them. When this little girl loves somebody, she does not change her mind or her heart. 

I have the honor and privilege to be her Granna - and while she can be a great challenge - I always learn something from Lalee when we have one-on-one time. The following story is perhaps one of the greatest hard lessons I ever learned from her.

We were on our way to church. I was a little distracted because I wasn't sure if my greeters were going to be on post and I was running about 10 minutes behind. KSBJ was playing praise and worship music as part of their every Sunday morning "Enter His Gates" program, and Lalee and I were counting off landmarks, so she would know how soon we would be at my church. About halfway there, I heard her say something very softly. She often has conversations with toys and things, so that's not unusual, but this time, I was prompted to ask what she'd said. Her reply pierced my very being. "I told God I couldn't wait to get to church to worship Him." I was convicted down to my toes! That's not where my focus had been...

We got to church - Greeters were on post - big sigh of relief. We put our things on our seats and got ready for worship and I found myself distracted again, hoping we would sing at least one song that Alexandra knew so she would be able to sing along. On the third unknown to me song, I looked down at my granddaughter, and she was lost in the music even though she didn't know the words. 

Alexandra was worshiping... with all her heart, and all her soul, and all her mind. Why? Because her purpose for being at church was to worship God. And it was then I heard in my spirit, "Is this about you or is this about Me? Are the songs for you or are they to be sung in worship to Me?"  I was going to respond with, "You don't have to tell me twice," but He'd already had to...

Lesson Learned.

Prayer:

Give us one heart and one purpose: to worship You forever, for our own good and for the good of all our descendants. Rekindle the desire in our hearts to worship You and to never leave You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Peace Maker or Peace Breaker *

I did not write this. This is Jim Mackey's September Newsletter. Pastor Mackey is the director of Shepherd Springs Ministries, (http://www.shepherdsprings.com) in Texas, USA.

Are you a Peace Maker or a Peace Breaker?

Dear Friends,

To even the most casual observer, one would be hard pressed NOT to admit our present world is in chaos; the more closely you watch and listen, the more obvious it becomes. Whether looking at the international picture politically, socially or culturally, my attention is drawn to a systemic invasion of global violence, corruption and stupidity. It would not be far wrong to call it pandemic; violence and corruption are simply rampant and out of control. Stupidity is increasing rapidly; I mean that literally, it is not said lightly or tongue-in-cheek. In fact, more than once the past year I have said to Lynette that I wonder if a “spirit of dumbness or stupidity” has been released on the earth.

In the face of this, I find myself to have become more sensitive to the presence, or absence, of peace...internationally, within the lives of people, or within the church. I personally want peace more, I need it more. It is far more to me than simply a feel-good emotion…it is an evidence of the Lord’s government in life, even my life; am I allowing Him to rule, to really be Lord of my life? Unfortunately, we tend to reserve Isa. 9 for the Christmas season, “Unto us a child is born…” It is in fact an eschatological treatise on the Lord’s reign over corruption, evil and oppression…at every level.

Isaiah speaks frankly and boldly about Messiah’s government and rule. The weight of all government “will rest upon his shoulders” as the “Prince of Peace” …“of the increase in his government and peace there will be no end.” God’s rule and peace are inseparable. When we submit to God’s rule (His government), His ways and sovereignty: peace comes. When we resist it, establish our own way of doing life, operate out of our human reasoning and logic: peace leaves; whether it is internationally, individually, or collectively in the church.
For several years, I have tried to distance myself from relationships with people who have over time proven to steal my peace. Mine is not a self-serving agenda to just be “happy,” it simply means I have come to realize they are walking outside of God’s government in their life. Consequently, the world around them is filled with strife, tension, trouble, pain, division and confusion…and they bring that out-of-God’s-rule into my life. I can love and extend grace to the self-governed, but I cannot walk closely, for “how can two walk together, unless they are in agreement?”

When it applies to the church, apostolic counsel is, “watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles. For such persons do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve.” (Rom. 16:17, 18). Look at the emphasis Paul places on rule and government: they do not serve the Lord, but themselves. Self rules and peace leaves.

It is characteristic of the NT that peace is seen as a present possession of believers, not just futuristic, a blessing yet to come; in general it describes the state of the believer in this life. Peace is the desire and work of the Father, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father.” It is how the Holy Spirit thinks, “The mind of the Spirit is life and peace.” It is the daily desire of the Lord for each of us, “The Lord of peace give you peace at all times and in all ways.” Peace is our built-in-helper to make good decisions, “Let the peace of Christ rule (umpire, make the call) in your hearts.”

It would not be far off to suggest that peace is not an option, it is a must. It is to be our pursuit, even with carnal and difficult people, “Be at peace with all men, as much as is possible.” The only hang-up is that not everyone will allow peace to happen; with some people, they make peace impossible! Do not beat yourself up when the self-governed kill peace on the altar of their personal agenda. Do not press yourself too hard when it becomes obvious people are walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit.

When a person walks into a room…what do you feel? Peace or tension? 

What do people feel when I walk into the room? Ahh, that is the question!

If the Prince of Peace has brought His Sovereign government to my little kingdom, subdued it, and made me a transformed citizen of His kingdom, then I will bring you peace.

Blessings…and peace...always!

Jim

* I Don't Know, But I Can Read

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2nd Peter 1:3-8 NLT

I really don't like to cook. Never have... except for Thanksgiving or holidays. People I have worked with over the years hear me say that and they think I'm kidding. I'm not. I really don't like to cook, but I really do like people and people like to eat. They are worth the effort. So, while I don't have any particular talent for cooking, and I don't always know what to do, I can read and I try to find recipes with ingredients that people like. 

Have you ever followed a recipe and missed an ingredient? You had it, but you overlooked it because you didn't read it in detail. Or you've made it so often, that you think you don't need to read the recipe. That's happened to me - I get in a hurry - or get distracted and next thing I know it comes out wrong. If I've done it ahead of time, I can start over. If not, I end up either buying at the store or they do without.

Over the years, I've learned that the Christian walk can be much the same way. If we take the time to read the recipe for the Christian life (Bible), and follow the directions, it comes out alright and we can offer people the Bread of Life. If we get in a hurry, or get distracted, there is NO going to buy it at the store... those precious people who God has given to us wind up doing without. Can we afford that?

2nd Peter 1:19b-21 NLT, tells us this about the written Word of God...You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. So while WE may not know the answer for whatever's going on in our lives or in the lives of those we care about, we CAN read...

Prayer:

Father,

          Birth in us a new desire to read Your Word and please give us a fresh anointing to be able to rightly divide and understand it. And the wisdom and courage to properly apply it and share it with others. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen