Author: [email protected]

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you! Proverbs 4:25

As impossible as it is to believe, graduation is upon us! Students in high schools, colleges, and many others receiving higher degrees are finishing up their respective studies and getting ready to pursue the next step in their lives. Many of us are wondering, “Where did the years go?” The graduates are probably asking, “Why did it take so long?”

No matter the person or the situation, we are all faced with the next step in our lives whether it be college, career, advancement, or whatever! I love the French phrase “Tojours Avant” which when translated means Always Forward. In researching this phrase, I have learned that “Tojours Avant” is used in Army drills, and it is the equivalent of a cadet or officer saying, “Forward March.”

We are all moving forward whether we like it or not, and each move forward involves taking steps. The saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” is one on which we can all agree. The Bible has many examples of those who always stepped forward, but the one I like the best is Peter.

The Gospel of Matthew tells us that after the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus sent the disciples off in a small boat to cross over to the other side while he dismissed the crowd. Then, Jesus went up on a hill to be alone and pray. The small boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against it, and the waves battered it. It was early in the morning when Jesus came toward the disciples in the small boat walking on the water. The Bible says the disciples were extremely frightened thinking Jesus was a ghost. Peter said, “Jesus if it is really you, call me to come to you on the water.” Jesus did and Peter jumped out of the boat and began walking on the water. He was doing fine until he looked down at the churning water, lost his nerve, and begin to sink. Jesus held out a hand to him, pulled him up, and chastised Peter for being faint of heart. It was at this moment when Peter said, “You are surely the Son of God.” Matthew 14: 22-33

It is fair to say that Peter made a few mistakes before he moved forward. First, he doubted that it could be Jesus walking on the water. Even after he had seen the miracles Jesus had performed, he let doubt creep in. Next, he got anxious about the water and the fear of drowning, and he let worry take over. Finally, Peter doubted himself. Even though he knew that God was with him, even though Jesus had faith in him, he doubted that he could make it to the end.

The important part here is that Peter took that step and from that time on, he was always moving forward for Christ. But, how do we remember to move forward when so many things cloud our judgment? The first piece of advice is not to let our thoughts determine our character. In other words, before we entertain a thought of doing or thinking something that is not in line with our Christian lifestyle, stop it then and move forward.

Secondly, be sure the people with whom we associate and look upon as role models are people of principle and integrity. My family always said, “Remember where you came from!” Next, stay confident that the plan God has for us will come to pass. Finally, remain steadfast in what we know is right,and don’t get side tracked. The old saying is true, “If we don’t stand for something, we will fall for anything.”

The graduating class of 2023 is special to us for many reasons. First, they are a great group of young men and women who have grown up in the church. We have been there for most of their baptisms, confirmations, and now graduation, and we have a special bond with them. They are steadfast and loyal, kind and supportive, and true to their faith.

This is a special year for our family as we celebrate our grandson Drew’s graduation with him. We are in the group that wonders “Where did the years go?” Randy and I are so proud of his accomplishments, his abilities, his loyalty, his love of others, his sense of humor, his dedication, and his faith. We are excited to watch as he moves always forward.

My prayer for this class is that they would walk with God for in the most difficult times and the best of times, He is always with you. He will take care of you! It is comforting to know that it’s not our walk, but God’s instead. Toujours Avant! Go always forward!

Congratulations class of 2023! We love you, Drew!

For you, O God, are both tender and kind. not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit. Psalm 86:15 The Message

One of the features that we enjoy most when watching a movie or a recorded television show is the rewind button. This ingenious feature allows us to go back and watch or relive the parts of the movie which somehow we missed while it was happening. Often I find that I go back to parts that I love even though I can recite every word in that scene!

I’m pretty sure that each of us has a time in our lives, whether it’s a decision we made, a path we took, time with loved ones we missed, or simply a special time, that we wish we could live again. The rewind button would be awesome!

Realistically, that only happens in the movies, so we just have to deal with the good and the bad of those mistakes we made, time we let slip by, or decisions that took us where we are today. We hear the cliches like “you get what you deserve, God helps those who help themselves, so and so have so much, it’s just not fair, and own up to your mistakes,” and we can feel defeated.

None of us live a totally perfect life. The thing is we, as Christians, do have a rewind button, and it is called grace. We don’t have to earn forgiveness or beg for a new start, God gives it to us freely. Interestingly, the word, earn, is mentioned zero times in the New Testament.

The prodigal son is a prime example of someone who needed a rewind button. This son took his share of his father’s property, packed his bags, and went to a foreign country. There, because of bad mistakes, he wasted everything. When he came to his senses, he returned home to beg his father’s forgiveness and acceptance. He wanted to rewind his actions, but there was no need because his father had already forgiven him and welcomed him back. That’s grace in action.

What about Peter? He was one of Jesus’ closest friends yet when Jesus was being crucified Peter denied ever knowing him not once, not twice, but three times! Peter needed a rewind button. He said to Christ, “I’ll never deny you. Others might, but not me, Lord.” Jesus gave him the gift of a rewind when he saw him again and offered grace to him. This encouraged Peter to fulfill his destiny.

We’ve probably all been in a place where we wonder, “What was I thinking?” On New Year’s Day in 1929 Georgia Tech played UCLA in the Rose Bowl. In that game, a UCLA player, Roy Riegels, recovered a fumble, got confused and ran sixty five yards the wrong way. One of his own players tackled him before the goal line to save a score for the opposing team.

Everyone was asking, “What will Coach Nibbs Price do with Riegels in the second half?” The locker room was quiet during half time while Coach Price sat thinking and Riegels sat alone with tears of humiliation running down his cheeks.

When the time keeper came to tell Coach Price that the second half was beginning, he looked at his team and said, “Men, the same team that played the first half will start the second half.” The players got up and walked out, all except Riegels. Coach faced him and asked, “Roy, didn’t you hear me?” “Coach.” Riegels said, “I can’t do it to save my life. I’ve ruined you and the team. I’ve ruined myself. I can’t face the crowd in that stadium.” Coach put his hand on Roy’s shoulder and said, “Roy, get up and go on back, the game is only half over.”

The Georgia Tech players will tell you that they’ve never seen a man play football as Roy Riegels did in the second half! The grace of God is like Roy’s coach. Sometimes we feel like we’ve messed up so badly that we want to give up, but God never gives up on us. He offers each of us the grace of a rewind!

We should all rejoice today that our God is one of multiple rewinds. How many rewinds do we get? The answer is as many as we need.

You’ve never gone too far that God can’t redeem you, restore you, forgive you, and give you a second chance (a rewind). Lysa TerKeurst

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trail; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Last week while several of the regulars were enjoying our morning swim class, there appeared a new gentleman. He put down his bag, surveyed the group, and then began to walk around the perimeter of the pool seemingly assessing us and the situation. We smiled, offered use of our lanes, and welcomed him. He never acknowledge any of us, and yes, he heard us! In a few minutes, he walked back, picked up his bag, and began walking out. Over his shoulder he shouted, “Have a blessed day.” Everyone looked at each other wondering “what kind of day does he consider blessed?”

Contrast that with an older gentlemen who lives with his sister and brother in law in our neighborhood. Every morning around 8:30 I pass him, and he’s already dressed for the day walking up and down the street. Every time a car passes him, he stops, smiles, and waves. He exemplifies the gift of a blessed day to me because he makes me smile.

The first gentleman definitely did not exemplify his words to us. The second gentleman shows what a blessed day should be. Sometimes we are so pre occupied with our mission that we don’t take the time to take stock of what really makes a blessed day!

God is currently working in our midst, but unfortunately, we fail to acknowledge Him, and we sometimes miss the daily things He does for us! There are those who would cherish some of the things which we take for granted. Things such as paying our bills on time, recovering from an illness, hugging our children and grandchildren, smelling fresh brewed coffee, seeing the sun rise and set, or just saying the words, “I love you.”

When Jesus was teaching his disciples, one of the first things He taught them was how to pray. He told them to say, “Give us this day our daily bread”, but He never mentioned bread for tomorrow or next month. The making of this day into a blessed day for ourselves and others lies solely with our attitude and actions.

Sometimes we all find ourselves planning the next thing while doing the current thing, which of course, steals the present moment from us. We will never get precious moments back. For example, my Mama and I always talked on Sundays for about an hour in addition to short conversations during the week. She always wanted to know everything that had happened in our week, how church went, how the children and grands were doing, and what we were doing that was exciting. She would always say, “Now, don’t let me keep you” probably because she knew I was multi tasking while we were talking. After she died, I kept remembering her words and thinking that a blessed day would be one where I could talk to her again and savor each moment.

Every day is a gift from God. Next to His grace and salvation, today is the most valuable thing we will ever receive. So, what makes a blessed day? First, I think it should enjoy the magic of the moments we experience. Instead of looking at the list of the day’s “to do” list, take time to actually enjoy the pleasures of the day. Life is to be enjoyed not dreaded or regretted.

Next, celebrate the people God has placed in our path. Each person we encounter every day adds something to our lives whether good or bad. It’s easy to celebrate the friends, but not everyone is there to be a friend. God places each one to teach us something. Someone once said, “remember as you slide down the banister of life, there are going to be people who are splinters in your butt. Pick them out and slide on!”

Finally, invite God into your day! Jesus promised that if we seek His kingdom first, all the things we need to have a blessed day and life will be given to us. God is able to provide for us daily the things we are busy trying to acquire.

Remember to thank the giver of all our gifts and have a blessed day!

Forget about what’s happened – don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand new! It’s busting out! Don’t you see it? Isaiah 43:19 The Message

Spring is here, and with it comes colorful blooms, greenery everywhere, pollen, and the promise of new life. There’s been an increase in the animal population, baby birds are hatching, bees are pollinating, and even an occasional butterfly or two! The earth is going through a metamorphosis.

One of the most exciting times for me as a kindergarten teacher was the lesson we taught on the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly. It starts with several caterpillars who slowly inch along and devour lots of leaves and food. The caterpillar gets fat and longer, and then it rigs up a silk thread and fastens itself to a branch. Once it’s secured to a branch, it begins to move around furiously until it unzips the outer skin revealing a chrysalis and wraps itself into it.

The caterpillar is motionless for about 14 days, and some of the students were upset because nothing apparent is happening. On around day 12, the cocoon becomes transparent, and we can see that something dramatic has happened. All at once, the little creature begins to move and push until the shell on its little incubator breaks open. It pushes itself out of that impossibly small pod, and we behold a Monarch butterfly!

The awe on the faces of young children as the butterfly stretches its wings and begins to slowly flap them is one of awe and excitement as they experience one of God’s wonders. Where there once was an ugly cumbersome caterpillar now is a magnificent butterfly which bears no resemblance to its former self.

My sweet three year old nephew, Griff, is involved in this process now. The first day as his Mom explained what would happen during this time, he listened intently, nodded approval, and went off to take his nap. When he got up, he ran to his Mom and excitedly asked, “Is it a butterfly yet?” Time frames mean nothing at that age.

Aren’t we so like this on many occasions? Metamorphosis is defined as a complete change in the form or nature of a person or thing into a completely different one. We want a change in our everyday life, our prayer life, our relationships, or just our outlook, but we want it now! Just like Griff, we think the metamorphosis comes in an instant, and we are disappointed when it takes time for the change to occur.

God has a plan for our lives. It includes things we can’t necessarily have today, but we will be able to enjoy tomorrow. When spring comes, the grass grows on its own timeline. The flowers bloom when the time is right. We see God being in control of this, but often forget to apply this knowledge to our own lives.

When kids are little and parents refuse to give them something that’s not good for them, they will stomp their feet and say, “I want it now”, but we don’t give in to that request because we know they aren’t ready for it! We need to stop struggling to accomplish something now that will be easy when the time is right.

God is teaching us that change happens on His timeline, but He’s also teaching us patience in the process. James writes, “Don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do it’s work so you can become mature.” (James 1:4) God takes his time with our lives so that we can learn important principles.

He allows certain things to happen in life to teach us principles like maintaining our faith when times get tough, developing new skills and better ways of thinking, and showing grace under pressure by controlling our responses.

God’s classroom for our metamorphosis is His church. When God wants to start a metamorphosis in his world, community, or home, He puts us with a family of believers where His spirit can work in us.

The process of metamorphosis takes time and patience. I love it that Griff is learning all about that, and I’m trying to remember that lesson in my own life. God is developing qualities in us right now that can’t be developed any other way. When He’s finished, we will have been through the metamorphosis that will provide the maturity to handle whatever He has in mind for us!

Father, thank you for all the prayers you’ve answered during my lifetime. You’ve answered small prayers and big prayers, evening prayers and morning prayers, quiet prayers and loud prayers, anxious prayers and peaceful prayers. May my own prayers be shaped according to you faithfulness. become less selfish and frantic and more calm and trusting each day that passes. Give me patience for the metamorphosis. In Jesus’ name. Amen copied

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 28:18-20 from The Message

Paul Harvey is famous for his features entitled, “The Rest of the Story.” The premise here is that there are stories which are compelling, interesting, and fascinating, but they reach a point where it seems that the story is complete. Paul Harvey’s idea was that there is more, and what is more, what is to come could be even more compelling than the story which preceded it!

The Christian’s reaction to Easter and the resurrection can be like one of those Paul Harvey features. The words, “It is finished”, don’t need to apply to the Christian and the work that is now before us. We have agonized over the events that led up to the cross, felt the passion of Good Friday, sung “Hallelujahs” on Easter morning, but now, we have before us the rest of the story.

After the resurrection, Christ was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. He was also seen by more than 500 followers at one time, and finally by James and later by all the apostles. The Bible says, “He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.” In order to prove this true, Jesus finished the story by appearing to those who recorded seeing him.

Over two thousand years ago, Christ shared the power of The Great Commission with his disciples and gave them their orders. It is a mandate for all Christ’s followers, then and now. The great commission as recorded in Matthew 28 gives us three things to remember as we strive to continue the rest of the story. Briefly it states, that God has all authority, He is the God of all nations, and He is always present.

Jesus sent the disciples out with a new power after the resurrection. They reached more people in their revitalized ministry and established God’s church in various places. The fact is that the world needs to hear, see, and feel God’s love, and we, as Christians, have been given power to spread that love. The church is not a building, but rather people with a new power and purpose for Christ.

After the resurrection, the disciples also had a new perspective. They began to live authentic lives with complete transparency while taking the message of Jesus to the people. It’s our job to continue the mission and tell the rest of the story. The disciples turned the world upside down, and we can, too.

Jesus taught the disciples to demonstrate and exhibit Christ like qualities through their changed lives. They were commissioned to present Christ and His love in action. Christ’s words, “Go therefore,” apply to all of us as we go to work to spread the love in our community, our homes, and our world.

Josh McDowell tells the story of a corporate headhunter who liked to get potential executives relaxed, then look then squarely in the eye and ask about their purpose in life. Most were shocked and fell apart under the question. One day after talking for a while to a man named Bob, the headhunter leaned over, looked into his eyes and said, “And, what’s your purpose in life?” Without blinking, Bob replied, “To go to heaven and take as many people with me as I can.”

Today, someone’s eternal destiny may rest on our willingness to share God’s love with them. That’s our God given assignment, and in order to complete the rest of the story, we have to be willing to do it. How the rest of the story goes is up to us!

The hymn Tell Me The Stories of Jesus was written by William Henry Parker in 1885. His Sunday School class requested Parker to “tell them another story of Jesus”, and from that request came the six verse hymn. The first verse below speaks to how people long to hear the stories.

Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear; Things I would ask Him to tell me if He were here. Scenes by the wayside, tales of the sea; Stories of Jesus, tell them to me.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession that you may proclaim the excellences of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

There are many unique things in this life we are privileged to live, and so often we tend to take most of them for granted. The unique beauty of a sunset, the unique voice of a loved one, the unique laughter of a child, the unique gift of friendship, and the unique gift of giving and receiving love, just to name a few.

Unique is defined as “being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else”. Sometimes the word unique is used in trivialities of life such as a unique flavor, a unique taste, unique clothes, unique personality, etc;, however, there is one thing upon which we can all agree. The resurrection of Jesus was a unique occurrence.

Why is his resurrection unique? First, the scripture tells us that He is the only one who didn’t die again. The fact that Jesus rose from the dead isn’t what makes him unique. The Bible records seven other resurrections, but only Jesus raised Himself from the dead. The other seven that were resurrected returned to their earthly lives.

Next, Jesus alone ascended into Heaven to represent us before God. He is there to intercede on our behalf so that no accusation against us will stand.

Finally, He has the power to resurrect us when we die. He says, “Because I live you will also live” (John 14:19), and that promise applies to us all. The historical and unique truth of Christ’s resurrection is beyond dispute to any honest, open mind, but the greatest proof of his resurrection can be seen in changed lives. Just as Paul said, “The spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.” Romans 8:10

Jesus came with a mission, and his coming was foretold in advance. David prophesied of Jesus in Psalms 16:10 when he said, “For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.”

Jesus lived his early life as a carpenter. Carpenters in Bible days had a unique custom. When a carpenter completed a job, he would take off his apron, fold it, and set it on his finished work signifying that the job was complete. We know that three days after his crucifixion, “Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved. Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb both of them running. The other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He stooped, looked in, and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then, the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed, for until then they still hadn’t understood the scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead.”

The words, “The cloth that had covered his head was folded up” are the keys to the story. Jesus, the carpenter, had finished his job. The unique mission of Jesus was realized and our salvation was complete. Three days after Calvary, Jesus won the victory over death for all who believe in Him.

Alfred Ackley was a talented musician and evangelist who worked with Billy Sunday in the 1930’s. At one of the evangelistic services, Ackley began to notice a student who kept asking, “Why should I worship a dead Jew?” Ackley could not get the student out of his mind, so his wife suggested that he write a song about his feelings in order to help him resolve them. Ackley re-read the Resurrection account from Mark’s gospel, and the words began to pour.

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today. I know that He is living, whatever men may say. I see his hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives. He lives within my heart. He Lives by Alfred Ackley

He lives, our sins are forgiven, and our place in heaven is assured. A unique occurrence indeed!!

Happy Easter!

Set up signposts (markers) for yourself to mark your trip home. Get a good map. Study the road conditions. The road out is the road back. Jeremiah 31:21 from The Message

Sometimes I have occasion to watch movies which I have already seen for a second or third time. Invariably there is always something I missed the first time which stands out in the repeated viewing. Such was the case when I watched again the movie Heaven is for Real. The movie is the adaptation of a true story about a small town businessman, firefighter, and pastor, his wife and family who are struggling to make ends meet in a particularly hard year.

The couple’s young son, Colton, undergoes emergency surgery and makes a miraculous recovery. The parents are overjoyed at his recovery, but they are unprepared for what happens next. Colton claims that he has been to heaven and back and begins to describe Jesus and things he experienced there. Everyone is doubtful, but as Colton describes things he’s seen and people he has met which he couldn’t possibly know about unless it were true, he makes believers of his family and eventually many others.

The scene that was especially meaningful this time was set outside their home where Colton and a reporter were discussing why he liked heaven so much. Colton says, “Jesus has markers.” The reporter, as many of us would do, was puzzled at how Jesus could have markers for drawing in heaven. Colton laughs and says, “No, not those. Jesus has markers here as he points to each of his hands and here as he points to each of his feet.” We might refer to these as scars, but from the perspective of a young boy, they were markers.

We all have makers in our lives. While our pathways and viewpoints might differ, we all share the common process known as life’s journey. As we look back over our lives, no matter our age, there are markers there which are/were critical. We mark things such as life decisions, powerful moments that impacted us, or even big changes that we had to make for our career or family. Each of us can look back and reflect on these markers which have made our life what it is today.

What about spiritual markers? Can we look back over our lives and remember instances where there was a big change because of our walk with God? Many people in the Bible set up stones as markers so they could remember the places where God revealed himself to them, spoke to them, or restored them. Along our life path, I think setting markers where we’ve seen God working in and among us is one of the most powerful things to witness and remember.

There are so many instances that all of us can recall when we know that God has done a great work in our midst. For example, I know that there have been times when God protected me from what could have been a disastrous choice in my life, and as I look back, I know God did it! There are times when I considered my life to be a complete mess, but I watched in awe as God untangled the mess and brought beauty from the ashes.

It is said that Jesus carried His own cross for over 2000 feet along the winding route up the hill toward Calvary. In my mind, I picture markers He must have passed along this treacherous route. Markers such as the man who offered him water, those who mocked and jeered, the women who cried as he walked by, and the man who offered to help him carry his cross.

Markers come every day if we only pay attention to them. The story I read recently was a marker for me on forgiveness. The excerpt was about Corrie Ten Boom and her Dutch family who housed and helped Jews during the war. They were eventually discovered, arrested, and put in a prison camp where her father and sister died. Corrie survived and had a sense that God had called her to war torn Germany to share His power.

One evening during a speech she was giving, she saw a man approaching her. He was wearing a grey coat, but she saw him in the German uniform he had worn as a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp. She remembered him as one of the cruelest guards in the prison, but he was now extending his hand to her. He said, “Since Ravensbruck, I have become a Christian. I know God has forgiven me, but I need to hear from your lips this night. Will you forgive me? Corrie prayed to God for strength to grasp his hand, and as she prayed, God’s power flowed through her and she was able to forgive him.”

Jesus’ love is a forgiving love that loves the unlovable. It’s a peace that passes all understanding and comprehension. Each of the markers in our lives was put there for a purpose. The markers exist to help us remember who God is, what He has done, and what He has promised.

The Lord is close to those who are broken hearted and rescues those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

In January, on the occasion of his sixteenth birthday, our grandson Cooper was gifted with a 2005 red truck. The truck was pristine on the inside and outside and ran great until his parents decided to fix it by taking it to the dealership to change the oil and rotate the tires. After the service, the truck began to sputter and stall while driving. The dealership declared that a new engine was needed, but in a conversation with the former owner, it was discovered that there was a mechanic who had always taken care of this truck and he could fix the problem.

This mechanic knew this truck inside and out. Sure enough, he declared that the truck did not need a new engine and was not broken, it only needed the correct oil and some tender loving care! If they hadn’t relied on the knowledge of this mechanic, an engine that wasn’t broken would have been replaced.

There is an old saying that my Daddy loved to use, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Many times we set out to make something that is working, work a little better, but we end up breaking it to the point where it doesn’t work at all. We could end up spending our lives trying to fix something that’s not broken.

On the other hand, when something is broken, we need to fix it. There are many examples, but let’s use our lives in this instance. We tend to spend a lot of our time trying to figure out why our lives are broken rather than getting to work fixing the problem. We ask questions like, “If God is all good, then why is my life broken?” The most difficult thing to understand in life is why is pain, problems, and suffering are a part of it? If we aren’t careful, the “why” can leave us feeling cynical and bitter. If we spend all our time contemplating the “why” it does little to fix the brokenness.

The way we try to deal with broken aspects of our life aren’t new. The Bible gives accounts of Job, Abraham, and Jacob who dealt with brokenness because they tried to live life according to their own plans rather than letting God lead and help deal with their brokenness. The good news is that it is never too late to let God work in our lives and heal the broken parts.

What causes brokenness in our lives? I think it occurs when we try to live life on our own terms, and we come up empty. The Bible shows examples of those whose lives ended up broken because they tried to follow God while they lived their lives according to their own plans.

So, how do we cope with brokenness in our own lives. First, I believe that attitude is important. Attitude is defined as a way of thinking or feeling about someone or something that is typically reflected in one’s behavior. Our attitude is our most powerful asset when dreams are shattered and lives are broken, and it can determine whether we become bitter or better. If we fail to deal with the brokenness properly with the right attitude the emotional wounds will fester and the hurt will multiply. Love is our attitude toward others, faith is our attitude toward God, hope is our attitude toward the future, and forgiveness is our attitude toward the past. Everything revolves around our attitude.

Next, recognize that something is broken and take responsibility for it. The most difficult thing to understand is why pain, suffering, and adversity are part of life. If we remember that God can use whatever comes our way for the greater good, and that God often uses affliction for the greatest growth, then God will use the brokenness for His glory.

Finally, don’t give up on God fixing the broken parts. Just like Cooper’s truck sometimes a different opinion can offer the solution. Instead of working harder to fix the problem on our own, go to the expert and rely on Him to make things right.

Many of us hold onto brokenness in our lives and try to cure it using the same old lifestyle ways instead of reaching out for the new lease on life God offers. Just like the mechanic who knew the truck best and had always loved and cared for it, Jesus is the one we need to turn to when we are broken. He knows us better than any other and cares for us the most. Brokenness doesn’t means hopelessness when we trust God to help fix us!

And this is my prayer; that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9-10

There are many times in our lives when we have occasion to deal with the things which we consider of major importance. For instance, our Major in education is the field of study in which we decide to pursue our professional career. Some people choose to minor in a secondary or complementary subject to that field or maybe branch off into a specific hobby or interest. Majors are the subject areas that require commitment to complete for graduation. Minors just compliment the major.

Our lives are full of major occurrences which should receive most of our attention, but sometimes the minor irritations or commitments of life have a way of pushing themselves to the forefront. One of the dangers of this face paced world in which we live is that we become so preoccupied with incidentals, nonessentials and minors that we neglect the fundamentals, essentials, and majors. It is not enough to be busy and active to be alive. We need to be busy for a purpose, active for a cause, and living for an ideal.

Merry go rounds were the favorite part of a carnival which visited our small town once a year. It was probably the only ride where the scenery never changed. We could ride around and around, but in retrospect, all those trips around just revealed the same sights, and it got us nowhere. Life can be a lot like that feeling because we go and go but never arrive. We move all the time, but we get nowhere.

If it is the major things that are so important in life, then the question becomes, why do we spend so much of our lives dealing with the minors? Larry Love, an associate of Billy Graham, saw an unusual and striking advertisement in a subway station while in London. It pictured a very expensive and exclusive copy of a magazine. Underneath the pictures were these words, “Read by an overwhelming minority.” That’s a catchy and clever idea that is so often true.

It’s strange that in government and business the majority rules, but God’s business is often ruled by the minority. What then is the major thing in this life of ours? Is it power? Is it prestige, knowledge, friendship, influence, or popularity? When Randy and I were in high school, our senior class in our respective schools always voted on superlatives such as Most Popular, Friendliest, Most likely to Succeed, etc. Randy’s claim to fame has always been that he was Most Popular. I like to say, “That was then – this is now.” What was major is now minor.

The major thing in this life is that we have a relationship with God and that the welfare of our soul is secure. Everything else is incidental, nonessential, and minor. In other words, if we seek the majors then the minors will be added.

So how do we begin to major in the majors? First, I think we need to put first things first. Sift through the non essentials in life and get to the heart of what God would have us do.

Secondly, major in setting an example for others. The world is changed by our example not by our opinions. Our major should be pointing the world to Jesus not to self service.

Finally, major in love and forgiveness. We have to dwell on the majors that unite us as a family of God and not the minors that divide us.

During these next few weeks of Lent, my prayer is that we begin to dwell on the major things of life and major in them! When we do that, the minors will take a back seat in our lives.

“When God does not supply our motivation, we tend to major in the minors and minor in the majors.” Gary L. Thomas

Six days later three of them saw that glory. Jesus took Peter and the brothers James and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from inside out right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from His face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with Him. Peter broke in and said “Master this is a great moment. What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah?” While he was going on like this, babbling, a light radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice: This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to Him. Matthew 17:1-5 The Message

In this scripture, Jesus was transfigured and the divinity of his nature shows through his humanity. This transformation serves as a reminder to us that we are made in the image of God, and during this Lenten season, we have the opportunity to let our Godliness shine to those around us.

Transformation is defined as a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance. We have all known people in our lives (maybe even ourselves) who go through a transformation in appearance, personality, or even their lives. It could be a good transformation, or maybe through hardships and sorrow, it leaves a person visibly worn.

The story is told of Leonardo da Vinci who experienced this type of transformation while looking for someone to sit for his famous fresco of The Lord’s Supper. When he looked for someone to sit as the character of Judas Iscariot, he found just the right person – a man whose worn features mapped a life of despair and disillusionment. As Leonardo went to work, a strange feeling came over him. “I get the feeling we have met before, ” said the artist. “Yes,” replied the man, “I have sat here before. I was your model for Jesus. Since then, I have fallen on bad times and have lost family, friends – everything.” This kind of transformation can happen to anyone.

Recently at Asbury Seminary, the Holy Spirit began a transformation of lives. It started as usual at Wednesday morning chapel. The benediction was pronounced, the choir began a song, but students didn’t leave. They reported a quiet but powerful transcendence of the Holy Spirit and they stayed. During the next days, people from all over came to experience the revival. “There is nothing fancy, loud, or boisterous,” a student reported, “just people praying and experiencing humility, compassion, confession, consecration, and surrender unto the Lord.” A transformation in lives-right here, right now!

People there, just like the Disciples on that day on the mountain, reported wanting to freeze this moment in time, but rather than staying in the moment, it is good that they have begun to transform their lives and spread the experience to others.

So, how do we start the transformation during Lent this year? First, it seems we should seek to be more God centered rather than self centered. If we consider each decision and ask, “Is this for God or for me?” our lives will begin the transformation, and we can spread the spirit of love.

Next, filter out the negative impact of narrow minded people, media, and nay sayers. If we let other forces control us with doubt, dread, fear, insecurity, panic or anxiety, then we are allowing faithlessness to get the upper hand. We need the transformation of a sound mind.

Finally, we need the transformation of fearlessness in our faith. Too many of us live our lives being wishy washy or weak, when we should be filled with power and authority which comes when we walk with ability and meaning in life supplied by the Holy Spirit. When we are secure of who we are in Christ, we have the power of fearlessness.

We are called to be transformers in this world, but in order to transform anyone or anything in this world we need to first experience transformation in our own lives. Be a transformer!