Looking for Mr. Loophole
I was indignant as I read through an article about a lawyer dubbed “Mr. Loophole.” The British attorney lends fond endorsement to his alias, citing his extraordinary talent for finding the legal technicality to help his clients avoid the consequences of their bad choices as the reason for his own fame.
Some notable moments for Nick Freeman include:
Defending Sir Alex Ferguson who was caught driving on the hard shoulder. Ferguson’s ‘out’ was that he felt nauseous and was merely looking for a restroom.
One business man was acquitted after crashing his car. The man sustained injuries from his accident and was rushed to the hospital. Alcohol was believed to be the cause of the man’s crash, so a blood sample was drawn. Later, the case was dismissed because the medical professional that withdrew the blood was also assisting to the man’s health concerns. The law required that blood testing for a drunk driving suspect be done by a medical practitioner not associated with the drivers care.
In another case a police officer was accused of drunk driving and the lawyer used the improper arresting procedures by the officer’s colleagues, as the means of avoidance.
As to the ethics of what he does, Freeman said, “Morally I can’t justify it, but ethically I can.” Since ethics are based on moral principles, I find this lawyer’s statement a complete contradiction.
Ah – ha! There’s my issue, it’s the contradiction. My annoyance with Mr. Loophole had more to do with the parallel of his story and the dichotomy that has taken place in the past in my own faith journey.
Mr Loophole specializes in motor vehicle infractions. For way too many years my own specialty was finding the loopholes in the Bible. How ‘bout you? Caught up in a world view, I think many of us have devalued at best, and at worst negated, Jesus’ teachings altogether.
Here are some of the trendy inconsistencies between what we think and what the Bible really says.
1) We think, “I want a home that will be a blessing to others. My home, including the granite countertops, the cork floors, the finest appliances, and the beautiful new furniture is a sign of God’s favor over me. Besides, it isn’t a sin to have nice things.”
The truth is, “if you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow me.”
2) We think, “It is okay for me to tell this story so that others know how to pray for her. Besides, I need to warn others about what she is doing, so they don’t get involved.”
The Truth is, “Gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.” Proverbs 20:19.
3) We think, “I am entitled to my feelings and I’ll forgive when she (or he) proves she is truly sorry for what she did to me. Besides, she needs to know what she did was wrong.”
The Truth is, “Bear with one another, and forgive one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.” Colossians 3:13.
4) We think, “It’s okay for me to continue to drink and party. I’m only doing it so that others will see that it’s cool to be a Christian. Jesus doesn’t care as much about what I do, as long as I have a relationship with Him. Besides, Jesus drank wine didn’t he”?
The Truth is, “do not get drunk with wine, for that is the dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.”
5) We think, “I deserve to be happy. I don’t think Jesus would want me to stay in an unfulfilled marriage. Besides, it isn’t good for our children to be constantly exposed to our fighting.”
The truth is….Jesus was confronted by some of the Pharisees on the legality of divorce. The Pharisees were always trying to trap Jesus by bringing up Old Testament law. They thought they had him once on the issue of divorce, but here is what Jesus said: “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” Matthew 19:7&8.
There are other areas where we try to find loopholes. What about “little” white lies, open or same sex marriages, not paying back what you have borrowed from others, or working for cash to avoid the tax man? These are all behavior based. Jesus never missed an opportunity to look beyond a persons’ behavior. He always went straight for the “heart” of the matter.
God wrote one book explaining how our lives would work out best if we chose to follow his loving instructions. There were no built-in loopholes for his plan. Paul said, “If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.” Trust me friend, the prize that Paul spoke of wasn’t a gold medal or a trophy.
Are you looking for the “out?” Jesus, going straight for your heart, would ask, “What is the lie you believe about Me preventing you from trusting ME?
Do you believe Jesus can satisfy all of your needs – or – do you think you still need more of the world? Do you believe God knows what will work best for you – or – do you think He is only trying to coerce you into abiding by a bunch of rules? Chances are, if you are looking for a loophole, you are believing some lie about your sin and/or you have a distorted view of who Jesus is.
Instead of looking for the technicality, try looking for an area of your life that you are not yet willing to trust God with. Then ask God to show you how you can begin trusting Him in that new way.
Aleichem Shalom
~dl
The Avalanche of Unforgivness!
DANGER! WARNING – KEEP BACK – EXTREME AVALANCHE CONDITIONS!
I can’t help but wonder why people take risks when the warnings are urgent and the consequences are so severe. Perhaps they are uneducated and therefore oblivious to the impending disaster. Maybe they just believe it will never happen to them. Whatever their rationale, the choice to ignore the warning signs can inflict devastating and wide spread consequences.
I live in an area that is a winter playground for many, and it’s now avalanche season. For the third time in two weeks, we have heard news reports of several people dying, and many more injured, when they were struck by an avalanche.
Police, and search and rescue teams, had hoped that with the back-to-back incidents and easy accessibility to weather reports, people would weigh the risk factors, educate themselves, and avoid the consequences.
Avalanches can be surprising, awe-inspiring, beautiful and deadly. They can sweep trains off their tracks, crush buildings, uproot trees and bury people. Some avalanches have even covered entire houses with people still inside. Most avalanches though reported to strike without warning, are human-caused.
Regardless of the repeated warnings, people are still not getting the message.
I feel for the families who have had to suffer, because of the poor choices made by some thrill-seeking sledders and snowboarders. So many innocent people could have been spared heartache and pain, if these snow-sports enthusiasts had heeded the initial warnings. My friend, it is that way with unforgiveness. The only way we will ever be able to prevent ourselves from being buried alive by unforgivness, is to heed Jesus’ warnings in the first place.
In my last blog, I promised we would begin mapping out the steps to forgiving others. It has been critical for me to educate myself, so I can avoid the consequences. Let me ask you, if you knew for certain that you were about to be buried alive by an avalanche, would you even take the first step onto that dangerous slope?
It starts with trust! If we don’t believe God is for us, we won’t trust that His ways are what is best for us. This morning, I had a ten minute conversation with my seven year old on “why” we have certain rules in our home. In the end, it all boils down to this one thing; we have rules so “we” stay safe. God has given us moral guidelines for the very same reason. He never issued a single command that didn’t have our best interests in mind. When we sin, we are choosing to ignore His warnings. God will never force us to listen to Him, nor will He prevent us from experiencing the consequences of our choices.
I have wasted far too much time and energy inflicting pain on others, because I was imprisoned by my own unforgiveness. For this reason, I humbly share with you what Kim and I learned as we wrote Radical Love ~ Forever changed. The first step toward unforgiveness, is becoming offended!
From the book, Radical Love ~ Forever Changed.
Offended = Sin
“When you blame anyone for what they did to you, you are the one who sins!” Your response may be, “What? When someone hurts me, especially if it is intentional, they aren’t to be blamed?” This may be the toughest truth to swallow. Friend, we so desire you to know – you need to know – there are few things more damaging than for you to be set up to feel the sting of an offense, and then remain there.
We will look at Matthew 24:10 – 13 (NKJV) for proof.
“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound , the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end he will be saved.”
What Jesus is saying here is so important. Keep in mind that the people whom Jesus was talking about were the people in His church, the people who call themselves His followers. He was talking about Christians, and was speaking of the signs of the end times.
The word offended translates from the Greek word “skandalizo” and means;
1. to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall,
2. to entice to sin,
3. to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and
obey,
4. since one who stumbles or whose foot gets entangled feels annoyed; to cause
displeasure or make indignant.
The bottom line is that many will be hurt. What do those hurt people do? They hurt more people. They betray one another, they hate one another. And, they are inside homes and inside our churches. The word many in this passage refers to a very large amount; a vast amount; the majority! Who are they that mislead others? Who are the ones doing the deceiving? Who are the ones leading many astray? The offended. Jesus even called them ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing.’ Do you see the danger?”
Radical Love – Copyright 2009 – Property of For the Sake of ONE Ministries.
As long as we are alive people will be difficult to deal with. Some people will be bent on intentionally hurting us, some people will hurt us and not even know they have done so. The “absolute” is that the potential to be hurt is unavoidable. We are often blindsided and hardest hit by those we love and respect the most. As natural as it seems, becoming offended is the beginning of a spiritual and emotional, but no less tragic, avalanche. So can we choose not to be offended? Stick with me for a couple more minutes, ok?
All avalanches have three ingredients: snow, a sloped surface, and a trigger. Ideal conditions for an avalanche include unstable or uneven ground, where the snow is under tension or stress. As little as a 10% slope is all that is required for a severe slide to occur. When someone steps on an area of weak snow, it triggers an avalanche, in an instant, un-suspecting victims are buried alive.
Becoming offended has three ingredients: pride, a weak self-image, and a trigger. It takes so little, but when we are under tension or stress, we are vulnerable and at great risk. We will react out of pride or a sense of entitlement, when we lose sight of who we really are. Our pride can trigger a spiritual avalanche, and before we know it, we are buried alive beneath the weight of bitterness, anger, hurt, hate, fear, resentment. We may even start seeking revenge. As U2 sings in their song, Peace on Earth, “And you become a monster so the monster will not break you.” Because of unforgivenss we are cloning more monsters. There are times when I have been a monster. How ‘bout you?
My friend the stakes are so high. There are the physical manifestations that present in anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease and even cancer. These killer diseases are at an all time high. It’s human-caused – the slide of which has been strong enough to sweep Christ followers off their tracks, crush marriages and uproot families. Some unforgiveness avalanches have covered entire churches, with people still inside.
How can you tell when you are at risk?
Pride entices us. The enemy taunts us. Becoming offended seems like the most natural thing.
When it’s pride, there is a sense of entitlement, and/or self righteousness. Thoughts come to mind like, “I do not have to put up with…..,” or, “I’m sick of hearing about…..,” or, “I will not let them get away with……..” I am learning that it’s my pride talking when my thoughts start with “I.” These thoughts will be self-centered.
When it’s the enemy trying to derail, he most likely will be spewing words of judgment and/or condemnation. Thoughts come to mind like, “You can not trust…….,” or “it’s your own fault for……..,” or, “If you don’t do something about…….” I am learning that when the enemy is talking, my thoughts usually start with “You.” These thoughts will also be self-centered.
These are triggers that lead us to believe that becoming hurt is natural, but it is a trap!
Condemnation tears people down. There is no condemnation in Christ. Two thousand years ago, Jesus warned us of the consequences of unforgiveness. He urged us to forgive, not out of His anger or judgment against us, but out of love and a desire that none would perish. When God speaks to us about our issues, He does so in a loving manner, to convict us. Conviction builds us up. It inspires us to want to take action, to trust that we can be made better at loving God, others and ourselves. I am learning that when God speaks to me, my thoughts are focused on what He can do, and are usually others-centered.
Can we choose not to be hurt? Have you noticed times when you are less affected by the things that others say and do? I sure have. Usually when we are at our optimum, we are more willing to let things go. We will be at our best when we are grounded in the truth of our identity.
Of all things said here it is this I hope you remember - you are accepted, forgiven, redeemed, holy, blessed, a beloved child of the Almighty God. If we had a heart knowledge of who we are in Christ, the effects of our identity would be unstoppable in this world.
Here is one action step you could take today: Turn to the book of Isaiah, chapter 43, and write down everything that God says about you. Then record the promises God made to you. Ask Him for faith to help you believe. If you don’t own a Bible, here is a link to Isaiah 43.
It is much easier to avoid the avalanche in the first place. However, we cannot go back and undo what has already been done. I can assure you, God has the greatest search and rescue team. I know because He rescued me. If you are still buried beneath an avalanche of unforgiveness Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, wants to rescue you too. I’m so blessed that we are on this journey together. Until next time……
Aleichem Shalom
~dl.
Forgiveness. Have you opened your gift?
In my last blog, Understanding Forgiveness: Part One, we caught a glimpse of God’s “Abundant Pardon” toward us. To summarize, there is nothing you have ever done, nothing you are currently doing, nothing you ever will do, that God cannot forgive.
Though God’s mercy is abundant, forgiveness is a transaction. In an ordinary business deal, a transaction is complete when payment is made in exchange for the delivery of goods. It is the same with forgiveness. Jesus paid the price. He died on the cross so that you could be forgiven and reconciled with God. However, you must receive that forgiveness or the transaction is incomplete.
In my senior high school years, I had a special friend. I wanted to do something really significant for him. I decided to buy a gift for his birthday. I knew the gift had to be something useful, but I also wanted the gift to absolutely “wow” him. I wanted this gift to be something he would never have the means to acquire for himself.
I had no money, but I did have a part-time job. I asked my boss if I could work extra hours on evenings and weekends. My boss agreed, and for the next twelve months I worked as often as I could. In addition, I saved my birthday money, and any extra cash that came my way.
I spent all my free time window shopping and pouring over catalogues, trying to decide on a suitable gift. Near the end of the year I found what I considered to be the perfect gift. It was a power tool. I don’t think I have ever been so excited about buying a gift for anyone. I was ridiculously giddy as I made my purchase.
Long story short, I wrapped the gift in beautiful paper, planned a special dinner, invited guests and carefully thought out what I would say when I gave the gift to him. For months I had been imagining the look on his face, as he opened my special gift. Now the time was finally here. I was shocked, no, devastated by what happened next. When he opened the gift, he showed no signs of enthusiasm. He was completely apathetic. The gift remained at my house, in the half opened box, with the wrapping torn to shreds. Eventually I gave the gift to someone else. I guess he was not able to see the value of the gift.
His response however, did not negate the facts.
That gift cost me a lot more than cash. It was bought and paid for, even though he never took it out of the box. The gift was meant for a specific purpose. It was supposed to benefit him, and if used as it was intended, it could have brought him and many others, great joy.
Sadly, as the gift remained in the box it was rendered useless!
I cannot help but see the parallel between my story, and God’s. The gift God gave us, was far more valuable than the one I chose to give my friend. Forgiveness came at a great personal cost and extreme sacrifice. It came beautifully wrapped in precious human frailty, which was later torn to shreds. Regardless of our response to it, the gift of forgiveness for our sins has been bought and paid for. It’s up to us whether we take it out of the box or not.
For many of us who call ourselves “Christians,” we have often received the gift of God’s forgiveness with apathy or total rejection! It’s apathy when we lack joy in our lives and do not praise God continually, for what Jesus did for us, regardless of our circumstances.
It is rejection, when our lives remain unchanged by the power of His forgiveness. In speaking about the times to come, Paul describes such people to Timothy in this way, “men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, ungrateful, haters of good, …..reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure, rather than God. These people have a form of godliness, (think – church goers, professing to be followers of Jesus) although they have denied it’s power” (those church goers remain unforgiving, unloving, exactly as they were before they met Jesus.) 2 Timothy 3:2-5.
When we are apathetic, or reject God’s forgiveness, we are rendered ineffective, because Christianity hinges on the power of forgiveness.
The transaction of forgiveness is made complete with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God’s ultimate power tool. When the Holy Spirit lives in us we have all the power we need to live completely different lives. The Holy Spirit enables us to live in obedience to God’s Word, no longer chained to our former thoughts and bad habits. Along with forgiveness, we receive both understanding of who God is, and reconciliation with Him. Forgiveness brings great joy and eternal life, to anyone who accepts it.
So what about you? Have you taken the gift of forgiveness out of the box? Are you walking in obedience, leaving behind your former ways? Have you noticed an increased desire to praise God, regardless of your circumstances? Do have the joy of Christ in you?
You can’t give something away unless you have it to give. Forgiveness is a gift that is meant to be passed on. In my next blog I will begin defining the steps of forgiving others. For now, I hope you will spend some time with God, making sure you understand the value of His gift to you.
Aleichem Shalom
~dl.
Understanding Forgiveness – Part One
David. A Symbol of God’s Abundant Pardon?
We all need forgiveness. We all have people we need to exonerate. Though we know we should, and maybe we even know why, most of us do not know “how” to forgive. Sadly, too many people are living as prisoners, bound by the chains of unforgiveness.
Forgiveness is not a human inclination. Whether giving or receiving forgiveness, we tend to reject the idea that it’s the best way. True forgiveness is contingent upon our faith in Jesus. Without Him, forgiveness is impossible!
As we begin to understand the amazing pardon God has made available for us, both to give and receive, it is my hope and prayer that you would experience the freedom in forgiveness and that those chains loosen
God knew it would be hard for us to understand, and because He knew we would always be looking for a “loophole,” God gave us many clear illustrations of what forgiveness really means, infact, it is the central theme of the entire Bible. David’s story was no exception.
David was just a boy when he was hand picked by God to be the future King of Israel. You might remember the story of David and his famous fight with the giant Goliath. David did many wonderful things for God. At one point God even called David, “a man after His own heart.” However, it is David’s fall into sin that is the focus of our attention today.
Why are we focusing on David’s sin, if there was so much that was good about him. The short answer is because God did. “And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies shown to David. Behold I have made him a witness to the peoples.” Isaiah 55:3. God used David’s story as a symbol of His abundant pardon.
Here is a quick synopsis of David’s fall:
After David became King of Israel, the Israelites went to battle against the Syrians. While his army was at war, David remained in the comfort of his palace. At the end of a blistering hot day, David wandered out onto the roof top to enjoy the cool of the evening. From this vantage point, David was able to see into the home of Bathsheba. David’s gaze fell upon this beautiful woman as she was bathing.
Bathsheba was married to Uriah. He was the loyal commander of David’s army. Though David was also married, the temptation was more than he could resist. While Uriah was out fighting for the nation of Israel, David sent for Bathsheba, slept with her, and she became pregnant.
Rather than owning up to his mistake, David tried to cover it up. He sent for Uriah, and on several occasions, tried to manipulate Uriah into sleeping with Bathsheba, to alter the evidence. Uriah, loyal to the army, refused to indulge himself while the others were still at war. When that plan failed, David conspired and intentionally had Uriah sent to the front lines, so that he would be killed in combat.
Because God is Holy, he cannot condone sin. The penalty for sin is death! However, because of His amazing Grace, He had a plan for reconciliation. Even before we knew we needed it – God prepared a way for us. From David’s story, let’s try to grasp the principles God wants us to learn.
Does God have restrictions?
God’s forgiveness is abundant, while we have many conditions. We will forgive some people, but not others. We find some offenses easier to forgive, while others are just too big. We will forgive someone once, maybe twice, but we will not be a doormat for anyone.
In Isaiah 55:8&9 God reminds us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9. We simply must understand forgiveness from a Godly perspective!
Who Qualifies?
Isaiah 55:1a reads, “HO! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters.” Not long ago I heard an amazing teaching on the single word “Ho.” The word is spoken is a loud shout, coming from the inner soul. It is like a deep groaning that surfaces and cannot be contained. “Ho” portrays God’s longing to get this word out to the people. “Ho! Every one who thirsts,” qualifies for God’s promise. We all have a thirst. It is the deep longing inside each of us that only God can satisfy. Forgiveness from God, it is like water to a parched soul.
How much does it cost?
God accepts us as we are. Because Jesus paid the price on the cross, forgiveness is free to anyone who seeks Him. Isaiah 55:1b. “And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost.”
How much is too much?
All sin is equal to God. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.” James 2:10. God does not compare your sin, to mine, or mine to another’s and decide on some scale of “better or worse,” who will receive a pardon and who will not, as we do. You and I, David the murderer, and even Billy Graham, we are all equal to one another in God’s eyes.
What is the limit?
We often limit the number of times we will forgive one another. Imagine if God had said to David, “David, I definitely could have forgiven you, if all you had done was sneak a peak at Bathsheba while she was bathing. Ok, maybe, just maybe, I might have been able to forgive the adultery. Fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice shame on Me. But David – three strikes and you are out! You just had to go and murder Uriah. You can’t expect me to forgive you now!” God in His Grace forgave David for His sins.
Time sensitive offer.
“Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is Near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. “ Isaiah 55:6&7
We do not know when our lives will end, nor do we know the life span of another. This is a decision that demands immediate attention.
Have you accepted God’s abundant pardon? Do you have someone you need to forgive?
Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.
Shalom Aleichem.
~dl.
Giving Up? The Game’s Not Over Yet!
It was just a silly game of cards, our fiftieth, I believe. Ok, perhaps that number is slightly exaggerated. Taelyn was sick so he had been home from school for many days. Together he and I had played many games of Go Fish. Today was no exception.
We were tied, as we began our third game of the morning. I was ahead with six pairs to Taelyn’s one. I noticed that my lead, at least in part, had contributed to a change in Tae’s attitude. His voice became quiet. He sounded discouraged and his actions became less than enthusiastic. One more pair for me, and Taelyn declared, “game over!” “I quit,” he said. “Quit?” I was surprised. “Why would you quit now, when the game is not over yet?” It didn’t make sense to me. “Because I can’t win.” Taelyn responded.
His assessment of the situation was based on tangible evidence – the mound of cards on my side, and the lack on his. In his mind, it would be impossible to catch up, never mind win. To my son the situation was, in a word, hopeless!
This game had me thinking about more than just a game of cards. We often look at the tangible evidence in our circumstances, and if the odds seem stacked against us, we declare the situation, in a word, “hopeless!” Like Taelyn, when the challenge seems insurmountable to us, we tend to give up before the game is officially over. Yay! Score “another one” for the enemy. Satan is a cheater. He wins because of the false evidence he provides us with. I tell you, nothing makes me angrier!
Ironically, just before my game with Taelyn, I had been praying about a circumstance in my own life. This is a situation I have been praying about for more then ten years, with little sign of hope. I have to admit, I have grown weary many times. I shared my frustration with God this morning. I told Him I was about ready to give up! I asked God to give me a clear sign, or at the very least, some encouragement to go on.
God used the game of Go Fish, and my conversation with Taelyn to answer my prayer. God reminded me of Biblical figures like Abraham and Sarah, Joseph, Moses, David and more. In each of their lives there were situations that appeared impossible. I couldn’t help but smile when I realized, if they had not trusted God, they would have missed the divine victory. I heard my words ringing loudly in my own ears. “Quit? Why would you quit now? The game is not over yet!”
Before you quit, consider these questions:
1) What are you about to give up? If it is nothing more than a silly card game, then go ahead – give up! BUT, and I ask this in total humility, are you quitting simply because you are worn out?
Do you feel like you will never get a handle on your debt? Do you doubt that your children will come to faith in Jesus? Are some of your relationships, maybe even your marriage, appearing hopeless? Are you battling an addiction? Perhaps worse than all of these, are you thinking of aborting your own faith walk with Jesus, because it is just too difficult. If you feel hopeless – DO NOT GIVE UP YET!
2) What were you expecting? A game without opposition? If you don’t have an opponent, there is likely nothing at stake. A.J. Coyner said, “Christianity does not provide a supernatural cure for suffering; it provides a supernatural use of it.” Your opponent wants you to believe your situation is hopeless. If it is not impossible, would you even have a need for God?
3) Will you miss a divine victory if you give up now? As hard as it may be to keep going at times, quitting, going back, often leads to bigger heartache and disaster.
Because Abraham and Sarah trusted God, they were blessed at a very old age, with the birth of Isaac. Abraham also became the Father of the whole Israelite Nation, through the birth of Isaac. In spite of all the hopeless situations Joseph found himself in, he continued to trust God. Because of Joseph’s faithfulness, God used him to prevent all of the Israelites and the Egyptians from starving to death. Moses never gave up in his battle against the Pharaoh, so the Israelites were set free from their captivity, and eventually made it into the promised land. Because of David’s courage, he fought Goliath and won. Jesus became part of the lineage of David. Every difficult situation has a God glorifying ending - if you finish the game.
Romans 5:3-5 [NASB] reminds us, “but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (emphasis mine.)
Today I faced my own situation, with new resolve. Today Taelyn won at the game of Go Fish. What are you hoping for? May the hope that does not disappoint, be poured out in your heart today.
The game’s not over yet!
Aleichem Shalom.
dl.
Haiti. Why did God let this happen?
Last night I watched as a television reporter from CNN shared one of the many miracle stories coming out of the Haiti disaster.
Rescue workers pulled an older man out from the earthquake rubble, and he was still alive. The glaring truth of divine intervention (at least to me) was that this man had been trapped for ten days and found alive. As the rescue team carried this vicitm out on a makeshift stretcher, it was obvious that his health was deteriorating.
The body can live without food for weeks. Without water, however, a person will die in a matter of days under normal circumstances. Ill health, exposure to the elements, shock, and panic can reduce a persons survival time even more. This man survived in extreme heat, without so much as a drop of water. In my humble opinion, the fact that he remained alive is nothing short of miraculous.
In a similar manner, a little Hatian girl was also found buried beneath the debris. She had survived, even though one whole week had gone by. She told the reporter that she had been lying next to her dead little brother for days, and although she had been terribly sad, she was not scared, because God was with her the whole time.
I am convinced that God literally sustained those victims, while they waited to be discovered. Even more, for those who did not make it, but who wanted Jesus near, I am certain He sat right by their side until their very end. For those who breathed their last breath here on earth, and knew Jesus as their LORD and Saviour, I am certain He ushered them home to heaven.
Over the last number of days, since the tragedy happened, I have heard many well known Christians, on live television, attempting to explain why God would let this happen. We all tend to ask the question, “Why did God let this happen?” It is a natural question, though often one without an answer. God is big enough to handle it. The problem occurs when we try to explain the “why” on behalf of God. That is when we start walking on thin ice.
God is so big, who can explain Him or what He is thinking? To make my point, here is a test for you to try; Genesis 1:1&2a tells us, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void.” Can you explain what “formless and void” looked like? Can you answer this question, “What existed before the beginning of the earth?” If God always was, how did God come to be? You see there are some things we just can’t answer, because our minds cannot conceive such things.
When we try to answer the question, “Why?” on behalf of God, we actually make our Heavenly Father so very small. Explaining God and His ways, shrinks Him into the image of man. In addition, while trying to explain God, we are sure to discredit His name. His name is to be exalted, respected, and praised, not explained.
Physical death is certain for all of us. Death was one of the consequences of sin from the very beginning. Earthquakes and other natural disasters happen as a result of the flood in Noah’s day. The bible tells us we can expect many more!
Here is what we can know about God; we can know His character! We know “God is slow to anger and rich in love, not wanting any to perish” 2 Peter 3:9. God wants everyone to come to repentance and receive salvation, before they are blindsided by such a natural disaster, and certainly before they succumb to a physical death. After death, it is too late!
No doubt you have witnessed your share of miracles. If you have received your own salvation, can you put into your own words the love that you have found in Jesus Christ?
Try articulating, out loud, the evidence of God’s love in your own life. You may find it easier to write out your thoughts at first. As you work through your testimony, ask a trusted friend to give you feedback, so you know if you are explaining it clearly. As you practice your statement of faith, your blessings will be at a very minimum two-fold – you will solidify your own understanding of God’s love for you, and you will be sharing the good news of Jesus with others.
Now there is something about God worth explaining.
Aleichem Shalom.
~dl.
