A People of Compassion

Matthew tells us: “Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:35-36 HCSB). How far have we drifted from this example?

We see that Jesus recognized the helplessness and hopelessness of the people out on the streets as He travelled from town to town. He recognized the heavy weight the people were under from the pressures of the government upon them and their lives. He also recognized the tremendous stress and duress the religious society had imposed upon the common people making the road to finding GOD almost impossible.

His heart was pricked with compassion. His heart was broken to see the people hurting, tired and wornout. He recognized the people needed someone who would guide and direct them with love; protecting them, overseeing them, guiding them in the light and truth.

As I look out on America today, I see such a lostness, such a hopelessness engulfing people. I see churches propagating the prosperity doctrine, lying to people about what GOD wants to give them and what He requires from them. I see men standing in pulpits today deceiving the people into believing false doctrines and lies of Satan. Where is the compassion? Where is the truth? Where is the help for the people?

So many churches have lost the path they should be walking down. Jesus went about preaching th good news of the kingdom, not lies about how rich and prosperous GOD wants you to be right now. He went about healing the sick and diseased rather than the false teachings today about gold flakes and feathers falling from the ceiling.

It’s not about the preacher or the pastor or the church today. It is all about Jesus! When we stop pointing people to the Great Shepherd and start pointing them to what they can have right now, we have eliminated the good news of the coming kingdom. It’s about the Kingdom to come. It’s about building up His kingdom rather than building one’s own little kingdom here and now. Many who have chased after the frills of this world and what they can have right now will discover the truth when they stand before Jesus on judgment day and hear Him say, “Depart from Me, I never knew you!”

CHURCH, you need to check your motives using the works of Jesus as your standard; determine your real reason for being. Are you a place of compassion reaching out and touching the hearts and lives of the people or is your church a reflection of the principles of this world? Many have bought into and are propagating the lies of the world today. The world needs a Church that will be a place of compassion, a place they can run to for safety and security from the harsh world we now live in! We, as believers, need to be a people of compassion!

It’s Not My Fault!

I was teaching a class of high school seniors recently. A young man sitting near the back of the class was chatting with some other students in the area. It seemed every other word coming out of his mouth was a cuss word. One of the young ladies sitting close to him told him I was looking at him and he turned and looked at me and said, “I can’t help it. It’s not my fault. If you were raised by my parents you would cuss all the time too.”

I thought about what he said for a while and I thought about how that “It’s not my fault” idea has perpetrated the fabric of our society. I can remember back when the actor, Flip Wilson, often said, “The devil made me do it!” Once again, I recognize how that lying philosophy has entrapped the thinking of many in America.

I also recognize the lie and deceit found in that idea. The devil or one’s parents or one’s environment or one’s whatever does not make that individual act one way or do a particular thing. It really is the fault of the individual as each of us is given choices to make. We are each responsible and will one day be held accountable for the choices we have made as well as the path we choose to follow in this life.

Consider the temptation of Jesus for a moment. The Scripture tells us: “Then Jesus returned from the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted by the Devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over, He was hungry. The Devil said to Him…” (Luke 4:1ff HCSB). The devil could not force Jesus to do anything. He could make suggestions. He could toss out ideas and possible “other” paths to follow, but he could not nor can he now make us do anything.

We like the blame game because we think it takes the responsibility off of our backs; but, it really doesn’t! Ultimately, the responsibility for the choices you make is in your hands and on your head. Blaming others for who you have become is destructive behavior. Maybe, you recognize you have issues and problems because of your past upbringing but you also have an ability to put a stop to it now; even going so far as refusing to impose that same idea into your kids as you have had placed upon you.

Accept responsibility for who you are! Quit blaming others and start turning your own life in the right direction. It’s not my fault! is a destructive lie. Quit living by it and start living by the truth.

Running the Other Way!

I vividly remember the call of GOD upon my life to preach when I was 13. Over the next few years, I wandered towards then away from that call. The draw of the world became stronger and it wasn’t until I was 24 that I finally submitted and committed to four years of Bible college training and instruction.

Today, as I look back, I can relate well to Jonah’s experience. I can see myself in that first chapter of Jonah and chances are, you can too. The Scripture tells us: “The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because their wickedness has confronted Me. However, Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence” (Jonah 1:1-3 HCSB). Up to the moment of his call to go, we know nothing. However, we do know that when GOD said “GO!”, Jonah took off the other direction.

I wonder how many times GOD has told you to go do something for Him—to share Jesus with somebody, to help a person in need, to step out of your comfort zone—and you have run off the other direction. Maybe you felt incompetent. Maybe you felt the situation was not conducive to your lifestyle. Maybe you just felt like somebody else needed to do that. Maybe, maybe, maybe! Life becomes a world of “maybes” which create a world of “could have beens.”

We miss out on a great deal in life when we run the other direction. GOD is wanting to take us on the adventure of a lifetime but we choose rather to submit to the routine of the day. Running the other way creates negative life situations for all of us. The storms you are going through. The problems and difficulties that seem to abound in your life are because you refused to follow the direction GOD wanted to take you in. Jonah ended up in a mess when he disobeyed. You will as well.

Trouble finding happiness? Contentment? Excitement? Maybe it’s time for you to re-discover GOD’s direction and run that way. Seek GOD out and begin running with Him and discover real life is right where GOD is and wants you to be.

GOD’s Not in the Box, Get Outta the Box, Church!

People tend to grow up limited by and to their regular surroundings. Outside of the occasional vacation trip, the only world most tend to recognize as existing is that one which they live in. Because of these limited experiences, the mind tends to be limited creating a limited or “boxed-in” individual.

The same principle applies in the church world. Christians become limited to their “spiritual box” considering the little that happens at their church to be as great as the Kingdom of GOD gets. Unfortunately, the church, in many respects, has become a limiter to its own congregation. The message the pastor preaches; the worship the music leader directs; the curriculum the teaching team chooses all place limits and restrictions on the knowledge and experiences of the congregation. Sadly, many believe this is the best it gets.

“Out-of-the-box” experiences are all too rare in the church-world restricting and confining the people of GOD. These limitations have created an atmosphere of “we’ve never done it like that before and we’re not gonna do it now” mentality limiting the individuals to what that church thinks they need. As pastors and church leaders, we need to recognize our people’s spiritual knowledge and realm needs to expand beyond our four walls. The world out there needs our church out there!

As a point of reference, consider Balaam’s donkey for a moment: “But the donkey said, “Am I not the donkey you’ve ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before? No, he replied. Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the path with a drawn sword in His hand. Balaam knelt and bowed with his face to the ground” (Numbers 22:30-31). Balaam could’ve easily said, “Be quiet, donkey, donkey’s don’t talk” and missed out on seeing the angel of the LORD. Peter could’ve said, “Hurry up, LORD, and get over here and get in the boat” instead he jumped up on the top of the water and experienced a brand new way of looking at things.

GOD’s people need to experience a brand new way of looking at things. GOD’s people need to experience the world around about in the Light of GOD’s Word, truth and message; thus, equipping them to better reach out to and impact the hurting world around about. Otherwise, the view people have of GOD is limited to a small GOD with very limited abilities. Our GOD is a great big GOD with great big abilities. He needs to be released from our limited mindset so we can begin to experience His greatness, magnitude and abilities.

The people of GOD need to be released from the confines of limitation placed on them by a limited church mindset. The people of GOD need to be released to experience GOD’s greatness outside of a “Sunday-church” experience into an every day “What great thing can I expect to see GOD do today” expectation!  GOD’s Not in the Box, Get Outta the Box, Church! LIVE the Christian experience of daily expectation of the greatness of a great big GOD and all He can do when released from our limited mindset!

Gone Too Far for GOD to Care?

Have you ever been at that place in your life where you felt you had gone too far for GOD to care about you any longer? Maybe you are feeling that right now? Maybe your life has taken a detour and the path you are following is far from the path GOD had chosen for you? You may even feel that there is no way GOD would ever receive you back as one of His own?

Many of us have been at that place in our spiritual lives at one time or another. We have allowed worldly ways to invade and take control of our lives. We have wandered far from the loving arms of our Heavenly Father and perhaps even begun to take part in some evil, ungodly practices. Maybe you feel like you’ve crossed that line in your life and there is no turning back? There is hope for you today!

The Spirit of GOD continues tugging at your heart. The Spirit is lovingly nudging you back to the place GOD wants you to be. If you don’t believe me, consider these words of Jesus: “What man among you, who has 100 sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the 99 in the open field and go after the lost one until he finds it? When he has found it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, and coming home, he calls his friends and neighbors together, saying to them, Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!” (Luke 15:4-6).

You may be that lost sheep today. You may have yourself convinced that GOD has so many others to care for; He doesn’t have time for a reckless sinner like you? The devil is speaking lies to you! Jesus is telling us that GOD cares enough to leave the others and go searching you out. He sends His Spirit to lovingly, gently nudge you back to His arms of compassion.

It doesn’t matter what sins you may have committed. It doesn’t matter how bad you may have become. “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin“ (1 John 1:7). He wants to clean you up today! He wants to bring you back into His fold. He wants you back in relationship with Himself.

Jesus closed out that passage in Luke with these words: “I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don’t need repentance” (Luke 15:7).You think you have gone too far for GOD to care? Repent today and discover the heavens rejoicing over your return!

Running to Finish!

Marathon running is a rapidly growing event across the US these days. 5K, 13K, 26K—these all instantly generate ideas of long distance running. I see cars with stickers on the back with one of these numners on it—identifying that individual as one who has finished that particular run.

Marathon running is more about finishing the race than the actual win at the end. All finishers are winners in marathon running! All who complete it join in the celebration together and those who don’t are encouraged to give it another try at the next event that comes along.

I have to admit I’ve never been a distance runner and as I get older the short distances I used to run are getting shorter all the time. I doubt I will ever put my own body through the torture of a marathon, but everyday I continue to pursue this marathon of life in Christ Jesus.

As he was nearing his time of departure from this life, Paul encouraged young Timothy with these words: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). 

Paul had run the distance. He had put in his best efforts to further the name of Jesus, He had suffered; he had gone through horrendous pain, sorrow, abuse, torment—you name it, he’d been there—all for the cause of Christ. But he wasn’t departing this life regretting what he had done; rather, he was acknowledging the fact that he had fought the fight he’d been given and overcome. He had finished the race that had been set before him. And, most importantly, he had hung on to Jesus all the way to the end. He was a finisher!

You may be discouraged today. You may feel like quitting. You may feel like giving up on life—it just isn’t worth all this trouble I’m going through in my life. I want to challenge you to take a fresh gulp of the Living Water today, get a fresh glimpse of all GOD has in store for those who run to the finish and understand GOD is there for you when you feel like its time bail.

Reach out to Him today. Trust in Him. No matter what your hardships in life may be; no matter how difficult everything may seem, GOD is in control today. Today, we are running to finish because every finisher is a winner!

Quit Complaining and Get Busy!

After years in ministry work, I have discovered many Christians are bored in their current situation. The excitement and fulfillment of being a Christian that they assumed would instantly overcome them, hasn’t happened. They continue to wait patiently for it until their patience begins to wear thin and complaining overtakes them. Maybe I am talking to you today?

Maybe your life is not where you think it should be? Maybe you are still waiting patiently for the “right” ministry opportunity to fall into your lap? Maybe you figure when the time is right, your pastor will walk up to you and say I have such and such for you to do—now go for it? Alot of “maybes” but very little action taking place.

The Israelites were no different. They had witnessed the miraculous workings of GOD to release them from Egyptian captivity and soon found themselves wishing they could just go back. The Scripture says: “Then they set out from Mount Hor by way of the Red Sea to bypass the land of Edom, but the people became impatient because of the journey. The people spoke against God and Moses: “Why have you led us up from Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!” (Numbers 21:4-5). Impatience overwhelmed them and their ability to see anything positive disappeared.

When you fail to discover your place in kingdom work, you will become impatient; you will become discontented and you will soon be trekking back to your Egypt. GOD is calling His children to quit sitting by the wayside waiting for something to happen. Quit complaining about all the negatives you see in your life and discover all the positives GOD is placing along your path.

You encounter ministry opportunities everyday. You encounter opportunities to impact the lives of others through your words of encouragement or simply being His hand extended. GOD has not called any of His children to sit by idly waiting for the “right” opportunity because chances are the “right” opportunity is sitting right in front of you, you simply have the wrong impression or attitude towards it.

Get up; get busy, find your place as you learn to engage every opportunity placed in your path. Your church and pastor may not be encouraging you to step out and discover all GOD has for you; but I am challenging you now to do so. Become a powerhouse of blessing to all the individuals GOD brings into your path everyday. When you do so, you will discover the excitement and fulfillment you have been waiting for all along. Quit complaining and get busy!

Prepared for Cutting-Edge Ministry

Jesus displayed a necessary habit for us if we intend to carry out cutting-edge ministry work. Luke records these words: “During those days He went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He summoned His disciples, and He chose 12 of them-He also named them apostles“ (Luke 6:12-13).

Jesus recognized the necessity of a strong relationship with the Father through prayer. He knew His power, strength and abilities rested in GOD showing up. Recognizing the battles, the decisions, the complications that life would throw His way, He spent a tremendous time in communion with the Father.

Perhaps one of the biggest problems the church has in carrying out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment is prayerlessness. We expect to advance onto the spiritual battlefield ill-equipped and unprepared. We expect to face the chaos and confusion of life powerless.

When we do this, the result is far less than excellent. In fact, our lacking in prayer and knowledge of the Word has created a Christianity that is void of any power to tear down the strongholds of the enemy.

Why are churches dying today? Why are the masses leaving and the up and coming generation simply considering themselves “NONES”? Because too many churches have chosen entertainment, worldiness and powerlessness over the infilling power of the Holy Spirit achieved through prayer.

Church, we must get back to the Holy Ghost empowered church of Acts. Acts 4:31 tells us: “When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Our churches need to get back to being shaken up by the moving of the Spirit of GOD, motivating all of us to proclaim the Gospel message with boldness. Cutting-edge ministry and a strong prayer life go hand-in-hand. You simply can’t have one without the other.

Stare Your Fears Down!

Satan often uses fear to overcome and overwhelm people. Certainly, all of us have been fearful at one time or another over something. But, it is our personal response to that fear that makes the difference. Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”

Consider what Jesus had to say about fear as recorded in Luke’s Gospel. A ruling leader of the local synogogue approached Jesus with a critical plea—his daughter was at home on her deathbed. He pleads with Jesus to follow him quickly to his home to heal her. At the same moment, a woman approached Jesus desperately in need of a special touch from Jesus. He stopped what He was doing to address her need.

The Scripture tells us: “While He was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader’s house, saying, ‘Your daughter is dead. Don’t bother the Teacher anymore.’ When Jesus heard it, He answered him, ‘Don’t be afraid. Only believe, and she will be made well'” (Luke 8:49-50). While He was delayed to help the woman in need, the young girl died. Jesus turned to the distressed father and told him, do not be afraid…only believe! He went to the home and raised the young girl from the dead!

Perhaps you are fearful of something today. Your fears are hindering your forward progression—hindering you from stepping out in faith and moving forward in what GOD has planned for you. It is time to stare your fears in the face and call them the lies they are. It is time to step out in faith and see the giants fall down and the mountains of adversity collapse. You can overcome your fears in the name of Jesus. Step out in faith today and believe in the promises of GOD’s Word to you! Overcoming fear involves staring fear in the face and calling it just what it is—a lie of Satan.

Rise Up Out of the Ash-Pile!

Dave Mirra, 41 years old, dies of apparent suicide. Dave’s life was adventurous and exciting. He had won many medals over the years for his BMX biking skills…well-known and liked by teenagers across the nation who looked up to him and wanted to be like him…married with two kids. What happened?

The truth is, I don’t know for certain. What I do know though is somehow in and through all the fame there had to be feelings of lacking or failure of some kind. His personal and spiritual needs apparently weren’t being fulfilled. Somehow, he was feeling incomplete.

Have you ever felt like a failure? Maybe you’ve felt like everything you do is meaningless and worthless? Who really cares anyway? Does anything I say or do have any bearing whatsoever on anything else in this world? Maybe you are feeling down, depressed, overwhelmed by life today? Maybe you need to hear something positive and promising?

The Scripture tells us about a time when Israel was overwhelmed by their past failures and the situation they were in wasn’t good at all. But the Scripture goes on to say this: “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again, and you will be rebuilt” (Jeremiah 31:3-4).

The LORD spoke words of encouragement in the midst of discouragement. The Lord told them He would rebuild what they had messed up so bad. He told them: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” He was there for them in the midst of all their troubles.

In the midst of your discouragement, JESUS loves you and desires to take the brokenness around you and to rebuild it all for His glory. Understand your position in CHRIST today. If you have surrendered your life to JESUS, you are a King’s kid. You have no reason to live in despair. He is calling you to rise up out of the ash-pile and find your place in His love.

Allow Him to step into your brokenness and to bring deliverance, healing, freedom and wellness into your life. Entrust your feelings of inadequacy to Him and find your victory today!