A RIGHTEOUS RESPONSE TO A FAILING FOUNDATION

"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" - Psalm 11:3

When contractors begin the process of building a high-rise, much of the work is concentrated on the foundation.  If the foundation is flawed, the rest of the building will be unstable and will ultimately fall.  Safety and security begins with the foundation.  The same is true our individual lives.  Certainly, this truth applies to our nation. 

Typically, we are impressed with the super structure of a building.  However, the most important part of the building is rarely seen --- the foundation.  Without a good foundation, the building will not stand during a storm.  Without a good foundation, the building will not stand the test of time.

Right now, the foundations are being destroyed in America.  The foundation that our forefathers established has been the target for destruction.  Sadly, the American church has been virtually silent while destruction occurs.

In recent days, we've seen lawless acts conducted by citizens.  We've even seen famous men condone such behavior and even encourage it.  When authority is undermined, a nation is in trouble.  Beneath all the talk and rhetoric are issues like racism, hatred, violence, dishonesty and anger.  These are perilous times.  Our nation is in trouble.

It is said that the sign of a termite's presence is rarely seen until the damage has already been done.  The termites of sin have been busy eating away the foundation of our nation. 

Our text asks the question, "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?"  I think that American Christians need to ponder this question today.

Let me share some thoughts about our nation and our eroding foundations.

1.  REALIZE

The first step in addressing our nation's problems is to realize the truth.  It is easy to live in denial and pretend that everything is going fine.  The truth is often difficult to admit and even more difficult to address, but the situation can never improve until we honestly confront the problem.  We need to see things as they are, not as we wish them to be. 

2.  REPENT

Secondly, we must repent of our involvement in the destructive process.  Most believers are guilty of apathy and inactivity.  However, the Bible condemns omission as sin (see James 4:17).

Americans have slept while the devil has been busy.  By and large American Christians have been playing church, but the devil has not been playing at all.  Instead, our enemy has implemented a very clever strategy that targets the very foundation of our lives while believers have remained silent.

It is easy for believers to blame an unbelieving society for the mess that we're in.  However, unbelievers are walking in darkness.  We shouldn't expect unbelievers to stand fast for the truth --- that is our job.  We want to blame politicians or some special interest group for our nation's demise, but the real blame lies at the house of God.  We've allowed our nation's foundation to be compromised during our watch. 

We need to repent.

3.  RESIST

Third, we need to resist.  The Bible says, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).  As Christians, we've remained silent too long.  We have permitted many sinful ways to become acceptable, all under the umbrella of "unity" and "love." 

As believers, we should resist evil instead of permitting it.  We should take a stand for truth, even if we stand alone. 

We are more interested in being liked than being right.  Your popularity is meaningless if God is not pleased.  We'd prefer to entertain people than to impact them.

Before a foundation can be reconstructed, the termites must be removed.

4.  RESTORE

Finally, we need to work together to restore the things that have been taken away.  It is easier to maintain a good foundation than to rebuild one.  However, once the damage has been done, it is deadly to delay the work of restoration. 

As believers, there are a number of things we should concentrate on.  First of all, we need concentrate on prayer.  God is the only One who can turn our nation around.  We desperately need Him.  We must begin on our knees.

Secondly, we need to return to the Word of God.  Dust off your Bible and begin reading it again.  We need to have Biblical literacy in our churches once more.

Third, we need to obey the Lord.  It is not enough to know the Bible, we need to believe and obey the Word.  Obedience is missing from the lives of many Christians.  For the believer, there is no substitute for obedience.

Next, we need to restore Biblical doctrine to our pulpits.  It is sad to see how many preachers are preaching false doctrine.  We need a revival of old-fashioned sin hating, Christ-honoring, Spirit-filled, soul-winning, Church-edifying, God-pleasing preaching. 

Also, we need to be bold with our faith.  We need to be bold believers for Jesus Christ.  Our dying world needs the very hope that we have.  We need to stand for God's Word.  We need to boldly proclaim the Gospel and win souls.

Furthermore, we need to make the most of opportunities.  Every time there is an election, Christians should make the most of the opportunity by voting.  I am not promoting one party or candidate over another.  However, it is vital that our decisions be based upon the Word of God.  As important as it is to vote, our nation will not be turned around at the voting booth.  Instead, our nation will be turned around in the prayer closet.  Yet God expects us to make the most of our opportunities.  Make the most of opportunities to let others know what God says. 

Our foundations are being destroyed.  It is time for believers to stand up and begin restoring the foundations.  Begin with your own life.  Work on the foundation of your marriage.  Get busy restoring the foundation of your family.  Let's work together to secure the foundation of our churches.  Finally, let us labor in harmony to see that the foundation of our nation be restore.

Restoring foundations won't happen overnight, but it needs to start.  Today is good day to begin.

BE GIVING WHILE YOU'RE LIVING

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." - Acts 20:35

There is nothing worse than stingy Christians.  If we are recipients of God's bountiful grace, shouldn't we have generous hearts?  When God fills a heart, He opens the hand to give. 

For unbelievers, Christmas is a time for giving and receiving gifts.  For Christians, giving is not a once-a-year event.  When God gives to us generously, He gives so that we may give.  Generosity is a reflection of God's character.  When we give, we tangibly demonstrate God's love to others.

Here are some facts about giving:

• We are stewards.  God owns everything, including our money.  He has given us the responsibility to manage the money that has been entrusted to us. 
• Because of sin, mankind is selfish and stingy.  Stinginess is a product of our fallen race.  Children do not need to be taught how to be stingy and selfish, they tend to act that way on their own.  Sadly, adults have not matured much in the area of giving either. 
• Most people feel that ministers and churches try to manipulate them into giving.  It is true that some ministers try to lay a "guilt trip" on their listeners by preaching manipulative sermons.  Sadly, some ministers have become secret millionaires at the expense of well-meaning people; bringing disgrace to Christ and His church.
• The Bible does NOT teach that if you give to a ministry, you will become financially rich.  Although this belief is spreading, it is not Biblically correct.
• Most importantly, giving is not just about money.  Giving of your time and talents is just as important as giving of your money.  In this message, we'll focus on financial giving, since the Bible often addresses this specific issue. 

Since there is so much misinformation being spread, it is time that believers understand what the New Testament actually teaches about financial giving.

1.  GIVE REGULARLY

Paul instructed the Corinthian believers to give on a regular basis (1 Cor. 16:2).  Additionally, Christians are reminded to help the poor and needy (Gal. 2:10).  Giving should not be restricted to one day in December.  Christians are to give regularly.

2.  GIVE LOVINGLY

Although many TV ministers try to manipulate viewers into giving, the Bible teaches believers to give lovingly (2 Cor. 9:7).  I know it goes against the grain to believe this, but if we've received freely from God, we should give freely --- even with enthusiasm!  I believe that stingy Christians are miserable Christians.  Jesus said, "It is more BLESSED to give than to receive" (emphasis added).  The Lord blesses a Christian who gives lovingly. 

3.  GIVE GENEROUSLY

2 Corinthians chapter 9 is a wonderful chapter that concentrates on the subject of Christian giving.  While many use a calculator to determine the amount of a tip at a restaurant or the size of the offering to give at church, God wants us to have an abundance mentality.  Let me illustrate this point.  Most people ask themselves the question: "What is the least I have to give?"  However, the right question should be: "What is the most I am able to give?"  Do you see the difference?  The stingy attitude focuses on legalism, "... the least I HAVE to give..." The generous attitude focuses on opportunity, "... the most I am ABLE to give..." The stingy attitude looks at the least that can be given, while the generous attitude looks at the most that can be given.

Quite honestly, genuine Christian giving isn't determined by a calculator, but with love.  New Testament giving isn't an issue of the wallet, but of the heart.

On December 25th, the unbelieving world focuses on giving.  For the obedient Christian, December 25th is just one of 365 days of giving that occurs in 2014. 

I'm glad that God gives to us daily and not just on December 25th, aren't you?  When we open our hearts to the Lord and obey His leading, we'll find that incredible joy awaits us as we give in His Name.

REPROGRAMMING THE MIND

"...be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:2

Last week, we looked at the spiritual battleground of Christianity:  the mind.  The strategy of the devil is to infiltrate our thoughts, slowly modify our thoughts and eventually defeat us through our thoughts.

Before our conversion, we were slaves to the devil.  His influence penetrated every aspect of our lives, including our thoughts.  For many years, his sinful influence molded our lives.  When we met Christ, we experienced real, radical change.  Yet we must confess that we still face daily battles with our thoughts.  Our battles include episodes with shame, guilt, fear, lust, greed, jealously, pride, anger, and much more.  We sometimes find that the sinful weeds in our minds have deep roots.  It isn't enough to mow down the weeds; they need to be uprooted. 

Today, we are going to learn how to aggressively respond to the enemy's attacks.  As believers in Jesus, we do not have to be deceived or defeated.  Our text teaches us three things.  First, we are to refuse to be conformed to the world.  The world is attempting to mold our minds so that we will reject God and rebel against Him.  There is an overt attempt to manipulate believers into conforming to sinful attitudes and actions.  Secondly, our text teaches us to be transformed by renewing our minds.  We will focus on this subject in this message.  Finally, believers are encouraged to discover the will of God.  Rather than living after the world's pattern, we are challenged to follow God's plan.

The key to victorious Christian living is found in the phrase, "...be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds..." When our minds are renewed, our lives are transformed.  The key question is, how can our minds be renewed?  Here are a few practical tips I want to share with you.

1.  RENEWING THE MIND IS A PROCESS

Often, we'd like to have a "spiritual experience" that changes us in a split-second, including our thought-process.  However, if you've been struggling for decades, you shouldn't expect overnight results.  Obviously, God is able to accomplish anything in an instant, if He so chooses.  From our text, we should realize that renewing our minds is a process that takes time.   

We need to embrace the process of renewal.  Although the process may not end today, it needs to begin today. 

2.  RENEWING THE MIND REQUIRES PERSISTENCE

The process of renewing the mind will take time, thus, persistence is required.   Self-discipline will be needed.  Even though God has given us the resources necessary to have our minds renewed, it is up to us to implement them.  These resources must be used on a regular basis.  Too many believers seek a band-aid solution for their problems.  Such a superficial approach leads to frustration and failure.

3.  RENEWING THE MIND REQUIRES A PLAN

Your mind does not get renewed by accident.  You must be intentional about renewing your mind.  It requires effort, even hard work, to have a renewed mind.  Self-help books, videos and resources abound, yet what we need most is God's help.  Fortunately, He has provided us the tools needed to renew our minds.  We must use these tools deliberately.  It isn't enough to know about these tools or intend to use them.  We must put them to use.  Secondly, we must use the tools correctly.  Improper use of a tool will not yield the proper results.  Finally, as mentioned before, we must use these tools regularly.  Consistency is the key to renewing the mind.  So, what are these resources and how can we implement them in our lives?  

A.        God's Word. 

The primary method God uses to renew the mind is His Word, the Bible.  There is no substitute for God's Word.  Bathe your mind with the truth of God's Word.  God's Word is the spiritual water that cleanses your mind.  Here are a few suggestions to help you.

Practice meditation.  Superficial reading of the Bible does not yield the fruit that careful meditation does.  God's Word is food for the soul, so slowly digest the Word.  By the way, I suggest that you read from a good Bible that has easy-to-read print.

Practice memorization.  Choose verses that deal with the issues you struggle with.  Write out each verse on one side of an index card, with the Scripture reference on the other side.  Carry the card with you.  Every moment you can, pull out the card and meditate on the verse.  Recite the verse during critical moments of temptation or concern.

B.        The Church

Get plugged into a good, Bible-preaching church.  When you are exposed to the teaching and preaching of the Word on a regular basis, your mind experiences renewal.  Additionally, the fellowship of other believers encourages and challenges you in the renewal process.

C.        Good Christian Books, Audio books and Messages

There are many great Christian books available that God may use to help renew your mind.  It is important to choose the right books to use because there are many bad books on the market.  You may consult with your pastor before investing a lot of money in books.  Here are a few suggestions that I will give you.  Read from a good devotional book regularly.  The best devotional books include, "Morning and Evening," by Charles Spurgeon, and "My Utmost For His Highest," by Oswald Chambers.  Keep in mind that devotional books are not to take the place of reading the Bible.  Also, I recommend great Christian books like, "The Pursuit of God," and "The Knowledge of the Holy," both written by A. W. Tozer.  "All of Grace," by Charles Spurgeon has always been a personal favorite of mine.  More recently, "Radical," by David Platt has been a challenging book. 

In addition to reading, I often utilize my traveling time by listening to Christian audio books and sermons by other preachers.  Good Christian music can also be beneficial in renewing the mind.  In all cases, make sure that the information you are receiving is Biblically sound.

D.            Mature believers

When you spend time talking with mature believers about the Bible, faith and Christian living, you find yourself being blessed, helped and inspired.  Often you can gain valuable insight from those who've experienced so much of God and His Word.  If you wish to become mature, hang around mature people.  The mature thinking of experienced believers may be used of God in the process of renewing your mind.

Finally, let me recommend that you stay away from the things that hinder you from being renewed in your mind.  Abstain from watching TV programs, visiting Internet sites, listening to music or hanging around people that lead your thoughts in sinful directions.  Pray for God's guidance and wisdom so that you'll make wise decisions each moment.

It is God's will for your mind to be renewed.  When your mind is renewed, your life is transformed.  Let the Master reprogram your mind --- beginning today! 

THE MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." - Proverbs 23:7

In the 1970's, the United Negro College Fund ran public service announcements on numerous television stations.  The closing line of each public service announcement was the motto of the organization:  "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."

Certainly, the mind is a terrible thing to waste.  When the mind is wasted, the life is wasted.  The mind is vitally important.  That is why the enemy and the world aggressively attack the mind.  Most Christians tend to be rather oblivious to the war on the mind and ultimately pay a price. 

Christians are involved in spiritual warfare.  The mind is the battleground where many of the battles are fought.  The enemy seeks to turn the mind into a playground.  God seeks to turn the mind into holy ground.

According to our text, your thinking affects the life you live.  You are often the product of your thoughts.  In fact, let's consider several areas of thought that are destructive to our lives.

1.  DECEIT

We can allow our minds to believe a lie.  It is easy to be deceived.  The devil is a liar.  He's always been a liar and will always be a liar.  We tend to be deceived when we listen to the world's sinful propaganda instead of listening to the Word of God.

Many foolish choices can be traced back to deception.  The more we allow our minds to be exposed to the lies of the wicked one, the more likely we are to be deceived.  Be careful what you allow in your mind.  Be very strict about what you allow your mind to meditate on.  If a situation angers you, it is easy for this anger to get out of control by simply dwelling on the situation. 

I know of professing Christians who defend their sinful actions.  They have allowed ungodly counsel and the wicked influences of the world to blind them from the truth of God's Word.  It is important to believe the truth and reject all lies.

The more you expose your mind to lies, the more likely you are to believe the lies and ultimately live a life of deceit.

2.  DISCOURAGEMENT

It is easy for us to dwell on discouraging situations.  The longer we dwell on negative matters, the deeper we sink into discouragement.  Discouragement drains the life out of a person.  Discouragement keeps a person from being productive and fruitful. 

Obviously, we do not need to deny the truth.  There are many negative issues that we must face.  We need to be honest about these matters.  However, the problems we face do not need to destroy us.  We need to properly understand these matters by viewing them through the lens of God's Word. If we simply think on the negative side all the time, we can easily descend into depression.

The more you think about discouraging matters, the more discouraged you'll be.

3.  DOUBT

Doubt is a serious matter.  Doubt is the opposite of faith.  Doubt questions God and His Word. 

The gap between knowledge and experience is often wide.  More often than not, this gap was created by doubt.  We fail to obey God because of doubt.  Whether we like it or not, doubt comes from questioning the integrity of God.

Here are some of the different aspects of doubt.  Often unhealthy fears exist because we question the sovereignty and love of God.  Anxiety thrives because we doubt the power of God.  Often loneliness is felt because we forget about the presence of God.  Worry consumes us because we fail to trust God for future provisions. 

The more we entertain doubtful thoughts, the more fruitless and empty our lives become. 

4.  DISGRACE

Let's face it.  The thought-life of most Americans is disgraceful.  Our entire society is image-based.  Why do fast-food restaurants advertise on billboards?  They know that image of a hamburger will cause drivers to think about food, creating a desire for a hamburger.  We know that more a person thinks about a subject, the more consumed he gets by that subject.  That is why sports produce such fanatics. 

The same is true for sensuality.  Whether it is a young woman who dresses seductively at work or an actress immodestly dressed on a TV show, the image is there for men to see.  The reason that porn is such a problem is that our society has promoted sex to be the ultimate god to pursue. The more a man thinks on sexual images, the deeper into depravity he goes.

Sensuality is promoted on every level in our land.  Even the most spiritual men must admit that it is hard to have a G-rated mind in this X-rated world.  

Jesus said, "...whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."  The longer a man looks at a woman and thinks about her appearance and physique, the deeper in sin he goes.  Often men act upon these thoughts, either through adultery, rape or perversion.  Scary, isn't it?

The old children's song is true:  "Be careful little eyes what you see."  We need to guard our minds and thoughts.  The writer of the book of Proverbs warns us: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."  This is a great word for all of us men.

What I have written is very convicting and challenging, but it is necessary for us to take responsibility for our thoughts.  Areas of deceit, discouragement, doubt and disgrace need to be addressed.  It is impossible to live a holy life if your mind is an unholy mess.

Lord willing, next week we'll look at ways to get our minds clean before God.  It is vital that we win the war of the mind, because as a man "thinketh in his heart, so is he."  

The mind is a terrible thing to waste.

LAWLESSNESS

"Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers" - 1 Timothy 1:9

Recently, I posed this question at a Bible study class at church:  What would happen if we had no laws in America?  The purpose of the question was to cause everyone to recognize that evil truly resides in the hearts of men.  Often it is said, "I believe that, overall, people are good."  I disagree with this assessment.  The nature of man is evil to the core.  Many reject the doctrine of total depravity these days, but if laws were removed from our nation, we'd quickly learn how evil people are.

This past week has been a difficult week in our nation.  The country's focus has been diverted to a town in Missouri, where a grand jury refused to indict a police officer that killed a man of a different race during an altercation.  The subsequent rioting and destruction has sickened many, including myself. 

Before the grand jury's decision was made public, I only sought for justice.  I don't know enough about the case to pass judgment on the jury's decision.  Despite the strong feelings expressed, including many who are rioting, I feel that most citizens know very little about the facts.  Whether justice was truly performed or not, I don't know --- but God knows.

I do wish to address the lawless acts that resulted from the jury's decision.  I understand that many were disappointed or even angry, yet this does not excuse the violent reactions that occurred.  It does, however, reveal a pertinent fact.  Sin is still the main problem in America.

Regardless of whether the jury's decision was just or not, we do know that the violent act that initiated such a public outcry was laced with sin.  Either the policeman or Michael Brown, or both, committed grave sins that fateful night.  Now, a community lies in ruins as some citizens decided to express their feelings in sinful ways. 

The bottom line is that God will have the final say on all these issues.  His decision will trump any grand jury.  Although many will be angered at His final decision, they will not be able to overturn His verdict.  Furthermore, His verdict, though unpopular with many, will be just. 

During Old Testament times, a moral law was given to keep people from becoming rebellious.  In his New Testament epistle to the believers at Rome, Paul wrote, "... the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers."   The law was given because of the lawless, the disobedient, the ungodly, for sinners and for murders.  Our nation has laws, largely based upon the Judeo-Christian law.  Our laws are intended to prevent such riots that we saw this week.  Although many are suspicious about police officers (and admittedly, there are a few bad police officers), we need to demonstrate respect for authority and obedience to the law.

The real problem in America is not racial discrimination or police brutality.  Instead, the real problem is sin.  While there needs to be racial harmony and integrity among law enforcement officers, these cannot be achieved through violence or political speeches.  Instead, at the core of the matter is the wicked heart of mankind.  It is sin that leads men to hate others of a different skin color.  It is sin that causes men to abuse power and hurt others.  It is sin that causes people to commit violent acts of arson and robbery. 

The cure for sin is the blood of Jesus.  The arrest, trial and execution of Jesus were a miscarriage of justice, brought on by the abuse of power by the religious and political leaders of His day.  He suffered physical and emotional abuse.  In fact, from the days of Abraham until now, there has been an attempt at ethnic cleansing of the Jews by the devil.  Keep in mind, there was an attempt to exterminate Jewish boys when Jesus was born.  Yet the birth, life and death of Jesus had a purpose.  Jesus came to die for our sins.  Although most people refuse to acknowledge that they are sinners, the need is still great and deadly.  God knows that the unregenerate heart of man is deceitful and wicked.  The events of this past week show how deceitful and wicked the heart of mankind really is.

God is the only One who can change a person's heart.  God can remove hatred, violence, revenge, and abuse from the heart of a person.  Through the blood of Jesus, sins can be cleansed and covered.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, the heart of a person can be transformed. 

I have no hope in a political solution for American's woes.  Instead, we need a spiritual awakening in America.  We need souls awakened to the reality of sin, the coming judgment and the need for repentance.  Only God can awaken a sinner and redeem him from a life of deceit and destruction.

Will you join me in praying for a spiritual awakening that will transform our nation?   

GIVING THANKS FOR ALL THINGS

"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."  (Ephesians 5:20)

Thursday will be Thanksgiving Day here in America.  Although our society has degraded the holiday by focusing solely on turkey and football, Christians try to keep the true spirit of this holiday alive.  In numerous passages, the Bible instructs us to give thanks for our blessings.

The text I am using has a clause that needs our attention.  Paul wrote, "Giving thanks ALWAYS for ALL things..." (emphasis added).  I can't speak on your behalf, but I must confess that I have failed miserably at keeping this command.  Sure, I give thanks... but ALWAYS and for ALL things? 

I have to admit that there have been times I haven't given thanks.  I have gone through experiences that I never thanked God for.  In hindsight, I should have. 

Quite honestly, it is difficult to be thankful for heartache, tragedy, sorrow and pain.  Life is full of disappointments, setbacks and grief.  During such events, we tend to pray, "Lord, help me!"  Sadly, we rarely give Him thanks during our adversity...only when the adversity passes.

It is hard to give thanks during the most difficult of times.  When your heart is aching, it is tough to thank Him for the pain.  To be rather candid, there are many things we endure that aren't good.  It is easy to quote Romans 8:28 when everything is going fine, but it is more difficult to cling to that verse when everything is falling apart.  Romans 8:28 does NOT say that all things are good.  Instead, it says that all things work TOGETHER for good ... and even then, for a special group of people.

So how can we give the Lord thanks ALWAYS for ALL things?  Here are just a few thoughts I want to share with you.

1.  GIVE HIM THANKS THAT WE ARE GOING THROUGH THE TRIALS

Notice how I phrase this:  Give Him thanks that we are going THROUGH the trials.  We are going through.  We've not been stopped.  Israel saw the Red Sea as an impossibility to cross.  Yet God led them THROUGH the Red Sea while Egypt's army drowned in the Red Sea.  We are going through trials, not under them.

2.  GIVE HIM THANKS THAT HE IS NEAR IN THE TRIALS

As followers of Jesus, we are not alone as we endure pain, heartache and sorrow.  God is with us through it all.  Even when we face the valley of the shadow of death, David wrote, "I will fear no evil; for thou art with me" (Psalm 23:4). 

3. GIVE HIM THANKS FOR THE HELP WE RECEIVE

Often we receive help as we struggle through trials.  Many times God sends people to brighten our day, provide tangible help or pray for us.  Whether the aid seems great or small, we should give thanks for all the help God sends our way. 

4. GIVE HIM THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE HIM

Our painful experiences are opportunities to demonstrate our faith, love and devotion to Christ.  Some suffering saints are given the unique opportunity to minister to others who are suffering just as they are.  When we suffer adversity, our faith is put to the test.  Unbelievers watch our lives as we endure hardship.  They notice whether we respond properly or not.  Trials give us an opportunity for us to glorify God with more sincerity and dependence.

5.  GIVE HIM THANKS THAT TRIALS ARE TEMPORARY

The trials we face are only for a short time.  Even if we face death, even it is temporary.  Soon our trials will be over.  Before long, we'll be in heaven where pain, tears, and heartaches will never come.

I need to practice the very things I've just written.  Sure, we should give thanks on Thanksgiving, but we should also give Him thanks when we are suffering, receiving unexpected bills, or facing disappointment.

Let us practice Paul's command by giving thanks, "always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

WHY?

"The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." - Deuteronomy 29:29

In last week's blog message, I wrote specifically to hurting people.  In the message, I mentioned that there are reasons for the pain we endure, but often the reasons are withheld from us.  Today, I want us to consider this issue. 

Heartache and tragedies occur in life.  Often we walk away from such experiences with one question:  why?  If you have ever experienced a heartbreaking event, you've probably asked God, why?   When we hear of a child dying with cancer, a family member committing suicide or a storm killing dozens, we are tempted to ask, why?

If you've ever been tempted to ask, why, you are in good company.  Job asked this same question of God when he faced numerous personal trials.  From the cross, Jesus asked the Father the question, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34, emphasis added). 

From our text, God deals with the uncertainty of life.  All the mysteries of life may be answered from Deuteronomy 29:29.  From this verse, here are a few lessons for us to learn.

1.  THERE ARE SECRET THINGS

Our text says, "The secret things..." The Bible does not hide the fact that there are mysteries. There are many things that God chooses to keep to Himself.  Our failure to understand a situation does not change the fact that God is sovereign.  Even if He chooses to withhold from us the reason for a tragedy or problem, God knows the reason.  God chooses to keep some things hidden from us for several reasons.  First, since He is sovereign, He is under no obligation to reveal everything to us.  Second, there are some things that we are not able to understand.  Our understanding is finite.  We cannot understand the full scope of matters like God can.  Third, there are some matters that we are not emotionally equipped to deal with.  We are human.  We tend to view things from a human viewpoint.  Few people, if any, are spiritually mature enough to lay aside sentimental feelings and understand matters from an eternal perspective.  Quite honestly, there are many things we will never understand in this life.

2.  THE SECRET THINGS BELONG TO GOD

Although we don't understand the secret things, God understands them.  Our text states, "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God..." He is in control...even when it seems that things are out of control.  Nothing is hid from His sight.  We are not responsible for the hidden things of life.  However, we can trust God with them.  If God can't be trusted with the hidden things of life, He can't be trusted with the known issues of life.  But we know that God CAN be trusted. 

3.  SOME THINGS ARE REVEALED TO US

Deuteronomy 29:29 continues to say, "but those things which are revealed..." God has revealed some things to us through His Word.  Although there are many things that remain a mystery to us, many things are known.  Rather than focusing on the things we don't understand, we need to focus on the things we do understand.

4.  WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE THINGS THAT ARE REVEALED

The text continues, "...those things which are revealed belong unto us and our children forever..." Israel was not responsible for life's mysteries and we are not either.  Like Israel, we ARE responsible for the things God has revealed to us through His Word.

5.  OUR RESPONSIBILITY IS ENORMOUS

Deuteronomy 29:29 teaches us that the things which are revealed are made known "... that we may do all the words of this law."  God held Israel responsible to keep all the words of the law.  That was an enormous responsibility.  They failed miserably at it, too.  Today, many question God when catastrophes occur.  Arrogant men think they have the authority to demand answers from God.  They fail to understand that ultimately, God will demand answers from them.  Mankind has deliberately, carelessly and rebelliously broken God's law.  Apart from redemption in Christ, men will stand guilty before God.  Notice the requirement:  "...that we may do ALL the words of this law" (emphasis added).  Our responsibility is enormous.  The good news is that Jesus Christ came and kept the law.  Through His shed blood, payment for the broken law has been made for sinners who will repent and believe. 

The real question, why, is not posed at God, but you.  Why do you continue to rebel against God?  Why do you refuse to repent and believe?  Why do you feel justified in putting God on trial?  There will be a trial one-day, but God will not be the one on trial.  You will be.  If you stubbornly and deliberately live apart from Him, the revealed things will be held as evidence, proving your guilt before a holy God. 

Yes, there are many mysteries in life.  I will not apologize on God's behalf.  No apologies are necessary.  I trust Him with the mysteries of life.  In fact, I trust Him with my life.  I trust Him with my future.  I've entrusted Him with my sinful past and my unworthy life.  He may permit mysterious things to occur in my life.  Since my life belongs to Him, He owes me no explanations.  He'll still deserve my love, adoration and full devotion.  I seek to honor Him by receiving, believing and obeying Him in the matters I do understand. 

In fact, I'm grateful for several mysteries.  Why does God love me?  I don't know, but I am thankful He does.  Why would He save me?  I'm not worth saving, but I'm eternally grateful He did.

You may pose several questions that I cannot answer.  I'm OK with that.  If I could explain everything about God and what He does, that would make me smarter than God --- in fact, it would make me God.  I'm glad I serve a God that I don't fully understand.  I'm glad I serve a God whose ways are far beyond my understanding.  

Don't let the mysteries of life hinder you from knowing and loving the One who knows it all.        

A WORD TO THE HURTING

"Jesus wept." - John 11:35

Last week, I wrote to believers about ministering to hurting people.  This week, I want to write specifically to those who are hurting. 

Let me begin by admitting that I don't know the degree of pain you are bearing right now.  I have no intention of offering empty clichés that do little to help you with your suffering.  Furthermore, I am not offering easy solutions to your problems.  In fact, let me be very candid.  Life is not easy and life is not always fair.  That may not be the "positive" talk you wish to hear, but it is an honest statement.

I don't recommend myself as one that has suffered like Job.  In fact, my life has been rather pain-free (with a few exceptions) compared to many.  Instead, I want to lovingly share just a few thoughts with you. 

1.  GOD KNOWS YOUR PAIN

Whether you are suffering physical, emotional, mental, relational, financial or spiritual pain (or a combination), there is Someone who knows what you are going through.  Others may be oblivious to your pain, but God is not.  God knows the times you cried yourself to sleep.  He knows the cause of your pain.  Although you may not feel comfortable sharing your pain with others, God is acutely aware of your suffering.  Also, He knows the degree of your hurt.  Others may minimize the extent of your pain, but God does not. 

2.  GOD CARES ABOUT YOUR PAIN

You may not feel it at times, but God cares about your pain.  You see, God cares for you.  If you are a believer, you are His child.  He cares about the things that affect your life.  In John 11:35, the shortest verse of the Bible says, "Jesus wept."  He cared about the pain that Mary and Martha were experiencing with the death of their brother.  Do you know He cares about your pain with the same kind of compassion?

3.  PAIN HAS A PURPOSE

Many times, God supernaturally removes pain from our lives.  We should never forget these moments and we should always give Him praise for His deliverance.  Yet it really bothers us when He permits pain to enter our lives --- and the pain remains.  Have you ever asked God, "Why?"  More than likely, you have.  In fact, you may be asking Him that question right now.  There are times that God permits us to know the reason for our pain.  When Paul suffered from "a thorn in the flesh," he was permitted to know the reason for his pain.  However, there are painful situations that we endure without knowing the reason.  Many wonderful saints have lived and died without knowing the purpose for heartbreaking situations.  Yet God knows why you must suffer at times.  His refusal to inform you of the reason does not diminish the truth that God is in control.  Situations may shock you.  Painful circumstances may invade your life.  Yet God is still in control.  The situation did not surprise Him.  He is not in the dark about the reason for your pain. 

4.  YOU CAN TRUST GOD WITH YOUR PAIN

Be assured of this fact, you can trust God with your pain --- even if He never reveals the purpose for it.  You can trust God with your suffering even if He does not remove the pain from your life.  We find no Biblical record that God ever informed Job about the reason for his suffering.  However, Job finally realized that he should have trusted God more through the experience.

5.  FIND LOVING PEOPLE TO HELP YOU

No, I'm not recommending that you join a commune.  Instead, I recommend that you find a good church or Christian small group that you can relate with.  It is important to have wonderful Christian friends who care for you, support you and pray for you.

6.  OTHERS NEED YOU

You may be surprised to find that you're not suffering alone.  Others need your experience, advice and help.  By helping others, you may find yourself being helped. 

7.  NEVER GIVE UP

I want to encourage you to keep trusting God, keep praying, and keep living right.  I am not promising you physical healing, a restore marriage or a financial miracle.  Instead, I want to remind you of Paul's stirring words, "...let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."  (Galatians 6:9).  Even if your suffering is part of a terminal illness, never give up until you're taken up. 

Let me close with the words of Annie Johnson Flint: 

                        "God hath not promised skies always blue,

                        Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;

                        God hath not promised sun without rain,

                        Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

                       

                        But God hath promised strength for the day,

                        Rest for the labor, light for the way,

                        Grace for the trials, help from above,

                        Unfailing sympathy, undying love."

HURTING PEOPLE

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

While driving home recently, I thought about the number of hurting people around me.  It is astonishing to consider the number of heartbroken people that we encounter every day.   I was reminded of a song the Lord blessed me to write a couple of years ago:

                        Open my eyes to see hurting people,

                        Those far and near who need love indeed;

                        Open my heart to have real compassion,

                        Open my hands to help those in need.

                        (Copyright Singing Time Music, a division of Gospel Heritage Music)

Quite honestly, without God's help, we tend to overlook the hurting people around us.  There are many who hide their pain behind a smile.  Many who are struggling to get through the day.

When we think of hurting people, we normally only think of those who are suffering physically.  It is true that many are struggling because of sickness.  Others are hurting because of relationship issues.  Many are hurting because of painful circumstances.  There are several Christians who are hurting because of persecution.  There are people who are in great sorrow because of the loss of a loved one.  Some are hurting because of malicious gossip and slander.  A great number of people are hurting because of unemployment and financial woes.  The list goes on and on.  Many are suffering.

What can we really do to help hurting people?  Let me briefly give you ten suggestions:

1.  PRAY FOR THEM

One thing we can do for all hurting people is to pray for them.  If you know specific incidents, specifically pray about them.  When you pray, specifically intercede on behalf of those who are struggling.

2.  DON'T CONTRIBUTE TO THE PAIN

As I've already mentioned, many are hurting because of malicious gossip and slander.  It is important for Christians to refuse to participate in gossip.  I learned long ago that there are two sides for every story.  Also I've learned that gossip is normally unreliable.  Don't contribute to the pain of others by participating in gossip.

3.  BE OBSERVANT

Pay attention to the people around you.  When you know someone well, it is easy to notice when they are not acting normal.  When you see someone acting unusually withdrawn or sad, it is a good sign that something is wrong in his or her life. 

4.  BE A FRIEND

True friends are hard to find.  Many around you need a friend.  But a friend is someone who cares all the time, not just in a crisis.  Offer hurting people a shoulder to cry on, but don't be offended if they choose not to use it.  Be willing to listen to their problems without trying to "fix" their problems.  Most people just need someone to listen to them.  You can be that person.

5.  SPEAK CAUTIOUSLY

Most hurting people don't want advice or suggestions.  Many times it is wise to withhold advice until it is asked for.  Also, don't blurt out meaningless phrases.  When we talk with people, we tend to blurt out empty phrases like, "Everything will be okay," or "I know what you're going through."  To be rather blunt, there are some situations that will not be okay.  When you say, "I know what you're going through," you're not being honest.  Even if you've been through a similar situation, you really don't know how that person feels.  Many times, hurting people simply want someone to be there for them, not someone who is offering trite words of comfort or meaningless solutions.

6.  PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES

It is important to see things from the other person's perspective.  Think carefully about the situation they are facing.  How would you want others to respond if you were going through the same situation?  Act accordingly.

7.  BE PRACTICAL

Here in the mountains of West Virginia, we are very practical when a family loses a loved one.  Neighbors and church members bring food to the grieving family.  That is a practical response to a great need.  Why can't we be practical when other situations arise?  Why can't neighbors team together to make home improvements for a widow?   Why can't we give to the poor and needy?  Why can't we give of our time for those who are lonely?  Be practical in helping the hurting.

8.  BE WISE

There are many hurting people who have no one to befriend them during their suffering, but several do.  Realize that you can't expect a perfect stranger to treat you like a friend.  You haven't earned their respect yet.  They don't know whether they can trust you or not.  Also, don't be offended if they open up to someone else.  Be available to help but realize that God may use someone else instead of you.

9.  BE MATURE

Don't reach out to others with a wrong motive.  Don't boast to others about the help you are offering.  If you fail to receive recognition or praise for your efforts, don't pout.  There are only two reasons to serve the hurting.  First, serve so that God is glorified, not you.  Secondly, serve so a need may be met --- the need of the hurting, not your selfish need for attention.

10.  TRUST & OBEY

Finally trust God and be sensitive to the Spirit's leading.  Obey the Spirit.  He will always lead you correctly.  Finally, let God do what only He can do.  Only He can mend a broken heart.  Only He can comfort those who are weeping.  Don't try to do the Lord's job.  Simply obey Him so that He may do His work through you.

Hurting people are all around us.  Don't walk selfishly through life without compassion for others. 

Perhaps if we stopped and showed compassion, some of the hurting people wouldn't hurt quite as much. 

TRICK OR TREAT

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:21

This coming week, many Americans will be celebrating the pagan "holiday" known as Halloween.  I admit that I have never really liked Halloween.  Since becoming a Christian, I like the "holiday" even less.

Halloween, as it is celebrated these days, is a holiday for the "dark side" of life.  Issues like death, demons and deceit are at the core of the day.  Many young people dress up in costumes and go door-to-door seeking candy.  I am surprised at the number of adults who dress up for Halloween.  A few years ago, I was at an office where several of the workers were wearing Halloween costumes.  One woman was dressed as a nun.  When I see adults wearing costumes at Halloween, I feel like quoting 1 Corinthians 13:11:  "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."  Some people need to grow up. 

I think it is high time for Christians to dare to be different.  Christians should teach their children the truth.  We don't make light of demons.  Neither do we celebrate the deeds of darkness.  Instead, we live and walk in the light.

In my opinion, the nature of Halloween is demonic.  As a Christian, I want nothing to do with Halloween.  I know that some will chuckle and think that I am too strict or overreacting to things.  I don't care.  I think it is time for Christians to get serious about vital matters of life & faith.

Paul wrote, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."  Although most people, including most professing Christians, consider Halloween to be an innocent time of fun, I refuse to participate.  The longer I live, the more I am convinced that I need to live separate from the world.  Some will call me a legalist, but I want to heed Paul's words, "Be not overcome of evil."

Despite my disdain for Halloween, the "holiday" does pose great evangelistic opportunities for us.  Paul wrote, "... overcome evil with good."  Is it wrong to give candy to children who knock on your door?  The answer comes from our text:  overcome evil with good.  Christians should not be mean or heartless to children.  Instead, we should be loving and merciful.  Here's an idea:  if you give out candy to children on Halloween, put a Gospel tract in their bag along with candy.  Overcome evil with good.  If people at work want to share "ghost stories," you can share the true story of how the Holy Ghost has worked in your life.

The key to overcoming evil with good is found in this simple command of Christ:  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:17).   During Halloween, the world emphasizes darkness.  The light shines brightest in dark areas.  Jesus has called us to be that light.

Often I find myself complaining about the darkness around me.  Often the Lord reminds me that this is a world of darkness.  I've not been called to complain but to let the light of Christ shine from my life. 

Some claim that Halloween is the devil's holiday.  I think it is a great day for Christians to rise up and let the light of Christ penetrate the darkness around us. 

The devil may offer tricks, but the only treat is found in Christ.  Instead of complaining or being neutral about Halloween, let's be proactive in making Christ known.  Make this Halloween a day of prayer.  Be strategic.  Deliberately spend the entire day sharing the Gospel.  Let the light of Christ penetrate the darkness.

Overcome evil with good.