Overwhelmed

 OVERWHELMED

“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” - Psalm 61:2

Life is complicated these days. There are so many demands on our schedule, which is overcrowded already. To add to this, we face the stress of family concerns, financial worries and health issues. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by it all.

What should a person do when he or she feels overwhelmed? The temptation is to get away from it all and hope these problems resolve themselves. Of course, this is foolishness. We cannot run from the problems of life.

At times, it feels like we are drowning in the ocean of cares. We can feel like we are losing a wrestling match against our problems. It may feel like a mountain of trouble has fallen on us. It is easy to feel overwhelmed.

The good news is that the Bible gives us insight about such circumstances. The psalmist recognized that overwhelming situations come in this life. He wrote, “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

From this verse we learn several things.

First of all, we need to be honest about our situation. The psalmist wrote, “when my heart is overwhelmed.” The temptation is to live in denial. Pretend that situations are better than they really are. Alternately, it is tempting to run from the problems. In another psalm, the writer said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.” I think we can relate with this. Perhaps this describes your life at this moment. Yet we will never find lasting relief until we embrace the truth. The first step to finding help is to realize that we need help.

Secondly, we need to use the resource of prayer. When the psalmist wrote this verse, he was speaking these words as a prayer to the Lord. Our problems tend to drive us to our knees. In our desperation, we need to seek the face of God.

Next, trust the leadership of the Lord. The psalmist wrote, “... when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me...” Seek the guidance of the Lord. When we are going through tough times, many worldly people will give us their advice. Yet the Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” When we cannot see the path ahead, we can trust the One who sees the unseen and knows all things. We can trust Him.

Also, we need to abide in the Lord. We should find our resting place in God. The psalmist wrote, “... lead me to the rock...” We are safe and secure when we are anchored in the Rock of Ages. We find rest when our resting place is God. The rock is not meant as a place of visitation, but a place to abide.

Finally, worship God from our place of despair. The psalmist wrote, “... lead me the rock that is higher than I.” Notice that the rock is, “higher than I.” When we feel overwhelmed, we need to remember how great our God is. Charles Spurgeon once said, “O dear friend, when thy grief presses thee to the very dust, worship there!” The Rock of Ages is higher, stronger and greater than we are. When we worship, we realize that He is greater than our problems, stronger than our struggles and wiser than our enemies. Our burdens get a little lighter when we realize that our burdens --- and our lives --- are in the hands of One who is greater than everything.

We are not promised a life free of overwhelming circumstances. However, we find help and hope in the One who is in control of all things.

Nothing is overwhelming to Him.

Distant Disciples

DISTANT DISCIPLES

“And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.” - Mark 14:54

The word, “disciple,” is defined as a follower or learner. The twelve men that Jesus chose to walk with Him during His ministry are often referred to as disciples. In a broader sense, every follower of Jesus is a disciple since he or she is following Jesus.

In Mark 14:54, the Bible says, “And Peter followed him afar off.” Peter was a disciple. He was a follower of Jesus, but in this critical moment, he followed afar off.

Does that sound like you? Are you following afar off? Perhaps there was a time when you walked closely with the Lord. The fellowship was sweet. Your joy was full. Life was wonderful. For some reason, that is not the case right now. Perhaps you've quit going to church. The Bible that you once loved and cherished is collecting dust. Your prayer-life is anemic. You never mention the Lord in conversations anymore. You've become a distant disciple. You are following afar off.

What caused Peter to drift away from the Lord? First, the Lord predicted this would happen. Peter confidently boasted that he would follow the Lord, even unto death. I don't think it was an empty boast. I believe that Peter was sincere in his statement. Yet the Lord told Peter that he would deny Jesus three times before the end of that very night. Our self-boasting is a form of pride. Pride leads to destruction.

Secondly, Peter faced fear and uncertainty. Jesus was on trial. The other disciples had fled. Peter stood in an unfriendly crowd, witnessing the trial of Jesus. The entire event was filled with hatred. It was a hostile situation that could quickly erupt into a riot. All the animosity was directed to the One that Peter had loved and followed. Peter probably knew that if his own identity were revealed, he could be facing death himself.

The longer you follow afar off, the easier it is to stay there. Such was the case for Peter. Notice a few things about his condition.

THERE WAS COLDNESS

Peter warmed himself by a fire. Even though he was physically cold, it was his spiritual condition that was most frigid. When you get away from the fire, you tend to get cold. The spiritual heat we receive when walking with the Lord is gauged upon our nearness to Him. After Jesus had walked with two from Emmaus, they said one to another, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” If you follow afar off from the source of the flame, don't be surprised when you get cold.

THERE WAS COWARDICE

Peter had showed boldness many times. Now he was vulnerable and weak. When he was accused of being a disciple of Jesus, Peter bluntly denied the charge three separate times. He was once bold, but now a coward. When we follow afar off, we often face defeat and disgrace.

THERE WAS CONTRITION

Peter followed afar off and ended up regretting it. One of the greatest failures in Christian history was Peter's denial of the Lord. After this, “he went out and wept bitterly.” My greatest failures in the Christian life have come when I followed afar off. The failures we encounter are often the result of following distantly, not the cause of it. If we neglect our spiritual communion with God, we slowly drift from Him. Eventually, like Peter, we find ourselves afar off.

Here's the good news. If you are a distant disciple, that can change today. If you are following afar off, you can get close to the Lord again. Peter failed greatly, but his encounter with the risen Redeemer brought him close to the Lord once more. Peter would go on to preach the great evangelistic message on the Day of Pentecost. He would be a leader in the early church. He eventually had two epistles included in the canon of Scripture. In spite of his failures, the Lord still used Peter.

If you are following afar off, let me give you some suggestions. First of all, realize your situation. Admit that you are far from the Lord. Secondly, repent. Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of direction. Third, draw close to the Lord. The Bible says that if we draw close to God, He will draw close to us. The next move is yours. Get close to Him again. Next, be diligent to stay close to the Lord. Get back in church. Get back to serving God. Read your Bible daily. Pray often. Serve others. Give generously in the Name of the Lord. You will never be lukewarm or cold in your faith if you stay close to the flame. Stay close to Jesus. Walk in close communion to Him each day.

We are walking as close to God as we want to. We don't have to be distant disciples.

Lessons From Leviticus

 LESSONS FROM LEVITICUS

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” - Leviticus 17:11

As I write this, I am reading through the book of Leviticus in my morning quiet time. Let's be honest, most people avoid this book. Leviticus is a difficult book of the Bible to read. Yet I am convinced that our lack of knowledge about the book of Leviticus --- and the Old Testament itself --- is a real problem in American Christianity.

Let me ask you a question. How does a man, woman, boy or girl experience forgiveness of sins? If you posed this question to people in the church, you'd probably get a lot of different answers. Most would probably say that a person would need to publicly respond to a Gospel invitation. Either walk an aisle, kneel at an altar, or repeat a “sinner's prayer.” Each of these answers seem accurate, but standing alone they aren't sufficient. Here's the reason why. Redemption does not come by walking an aisle or repeating a prayer.

From the book of Leviticus, we learn several vital things about sin and redemption.

1. SIN MUST BE DEALT WITH SERIOUSLY

First of all, we learn that sin must be dealt with seriously. One reason why people struggle to read the book of Leviticus is because of the graphic description of the sacrifices to be offered. Why was this required of Israel? The extreme sacrifices show us that God treats sin seriously. When it comes to our sin, we'd prefer to compare ourselves to others or even condone our actions. We tend to treat our sins lightly. Yes, we can be harsh about the sins of others, but we can be very accommodating about our own sins. The reason for so many “false converts” in churches today is that a superficial Gospel invitation has been given by an evangelist in which sin is mentioned loosely, it at all. Sinners need to know about their guilt, the serious nature of their offense and the severe consequences for their sin. The book of Leviticus was written to remind Israel --- and us --- that God treats sin seriously, and so should we.

2. SIN MUST BE DEALT WITH SPECIFICALLY

Secondly, we learn that sin must be dealt with specifically. Sin must be dealt with on God's terms and not our own. Aaron's sons died when they offered strange fire at the altar. They deliberately chose a different method than God had specifically ordered. The death of Aaron's sons show us that we must come to God on His terms, not our own. The book of Leviticus was given to Israel to show them how to deal specifically with sin --- on God's terms.

3. SIN MUST BE DEALT WITH SACRIFICIALLY

Finally, sin must be dealt with sacrificially. Sin is so serious that blood must be shed. Leviticus 17:11 teaches us, “...it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, they tried, on their own, to hide their nakedness by sowing fig leaves together. However, when God confronted them about their sin, He covered their nakedness with the hide of animals. Blood had to be shed to cover their sin. The book of Leviticus is so graphic in its description of sacrifices because it reminds us that only blood makes an atonement for the soul.

When the first Passover was observed, the Israelites were commanded to take a lamb, without blemish and without spot; slay that lamb and put its blood over the door of each home. The Israelites were saved from judgment that night because the blood was applied. Yes, blood makes an atonement for the soul.

Some would argue that we are no longer under the law, but under grace. I totally agree. Yet the grace we enjoy is provided because of the shedding of blood. The animal sacrifices mentioned in Leviticus are a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice to come. When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” Jesus, the Son of God, came as a lamb without blemish and without spot. The blood He shed upon the cross has made an atonement for every one who believes. The Old Testament saints will be in heaven because of their faith in the future atonement that Christ would purchase. The New Testament saints believed that Jesus paid for their sins in full with His shed blood. If the Old Testament saints will only get to heaven by the blood and the New Testament saints will only get to heaven by the blood, be assured that it is only through the blood that people go to heaven today. “Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission.” It is only through the blood that there is atonement for the soul.

Many well-meaning people, deeply influenced by some TV evangelists, believe they are going to heaven because God is merciful and all they need to do is ask for forgiveness. While there is some truth in this, they are missing a vital piece. Salvation is not based upon what we do, but what God has done. The mercy and grace of God could not be enjoyed at the expense of the justice and holiness of God. In order for us to be forgiven, justice and holiness needed to be satisfied. That's the reason for the cross. At Calvary, the Son of God shed His blood and died. His death satisfied the righteous demands of God's justice on our behalf while, at the same time, providing us mercy and grace.

I don't want to be misunderstood. Walking an aisle or kneeling at an altar is not wrong. It's just that our salvation is not based on those things. Instead, these are outward expressions of an inner work of God. Our salvation is based on what the Lord has done for us. Our sins can only be covered by blood, not by our deeds. This is best summed up by the words of the old hymn:

What can wash away my sins?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

We are saved by grace through faith. Saving grace is provided by our Lord based upon the blood and death of Christ. Our faith lies in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our faith receives the free gift of eternal life, a gift purchased for us by the blood of the Lamb.

Learn this lesson from the book of Leviticus, it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.

Help For The Hurting

 HELP FOR THE HURTING

“Jesus wept.” - John 11:35

Death is never a welcome guest at any home. It produces an expression of our rawest emotions. Death leaves scars that remain the rest of our lives. Yes, the pain may subside over time, but the scars remain.

The fact is that none of us are immune to death. If we live any length of time at all, we will face the grim reality that our closest friends and family members are mortal. Sometimes the most difficult reality is facing our own mortality.

Jesus knew about grief. He had a close friend pass away. When Jesus arrived at Bethany, Lazarus had been dead and buried for four days. Jesus ministered to the grieving sisters, Mary and Martha. It was during this visit that our Bible records the shortest verse in Scripture, “Jesus wept.” During our times of grief, it helps to know that our Lord is no stranger to tears. He knows about sorrow and grief.

As we read the story of Lazarus in John chapter 11, we should receive help and comfort, knowing three things are true:

1. JESUS SEES OUR GRIEF

First of all, Jesus sees our grief. He knows about each tear we cry. He knows when we have a broken heart. He is aware of our deepest pain. Our Lord saw the grief of Mary and Martha. He was aware of their pain. He was there for them when they needed Him the most. He is here for us when we face times of tragedy, trials and tears.

2. JESUS SHARES OUR GRIEF

Secondly, Jesus shares our grief. Jesus wept along with Mary and Martha. The psalmist wrote, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” The writer of the book of Hebrews wrote, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Notice that the Lord can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He shares our grief. He is not a cold dictator in heaven. Instead, the Lord cares deeply about His children. He is touched by our tears. The psalmist wrote that God keeps our tears in a bottle. Jesus shares our grief.

3. JESUS SHOWS US GRACE

Finally, Jesus shows us grace. Jesus showed grace to Mary and Martha in their time of grief. Grace is God's unmerited favor. Grace is the mercy and blessings that God freely gives to undeserving people. Jesus showed grace to Mary and Martha by providing them with His presence. He was there for them. He is here for us during our time of grief. He stands by us during our pain. He is there for us when we weep. Others may not be able to help us when we hurt, but the Lord is present. Secondly, He showed them grace by providing them His promise. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” We have this promise today! Jesus performed a miracle that day in raising Lazarus from the dead. But what is a greater miracle, raising a dead person back to life so that he will eventually die a second time … or … raising a person from the dead so they would never die again? The latter is more impressive than the former. A resurrection that brings immortality is the promise that Jesus gives to everyone who believes.

It could be that you are currently going through unspeakable pain and grief. You may be walking the dark valley of loneliness and loss. If so, let me remind you that Jesus sees your grief. He shares your grief. He will show you grace.

Look to the Lord and receive the peace and comfort that only He can provide.

Getting Personal About Revival

 GETTING PERSONAL ABOUT REVIVAL

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” - Psalm 51:10

Have you ever heard yourself sing? I heard a recording of my singing recently and it wasn't nearly as good as I thought. In fact, it sounded awful. I was flattening notes, had a nasal tone, a crackling voice and was getting ahead of the beat. Yet the more I listened to it, the more it grew on me … like a fungus. Yep. It was terrible. Hearing myself sing is like fingernails on a chalkboard. It is an humbling experience. I must have been the one the Lord had in mind when He said, “Make a joyful NOISE...” Even though I never considered myself a good singer, I didn't know I sounded THAT bad! Recordings don't lie, though.

Our lives can be just like my singing. Most people think that things are going well, until they are exposed to the mirror of God's Word. When they see their lives as God sees them, they realize how bad things really are. That is why we need good Biblical preaching, so we can discover the truth and seek the help we desperately need.

The reason most people aren't passionate about revival is that they don't think they need it. They think that revival is for others. Revival is for the church drop-out or the “carnal” church member. They think they are doing fine. They don't need some meddling preacher interfering with the smooth life they're enjoying. Yet such people need revival the most.

Revival is a personal matter. Yes, we are praying for revival at the church. We are yearning to see believers ignited with a spiritual passion once more. Yet revival really starts with you. It starts with me. God works on each of us individually. A personal response is required. It is possible to see your church experience revival while you remain cold and indifferent. It is possible to see others feast at the table of grace while you remain hungry. It is one thing to be an observer, it is another thing to be a participant.

The key is to simply get alone with God and His Word. It is important to set aside quality time to meet with the Lord. In the solitude of those moments, the Lord uses His Word to do a deep work in our hearts. More than likely, there is more work required than you realize. This requires a depth of humility that few are willing to offer. Most would rather have a band-aid approach to life, a quick, superficial solution to their problems. That's why most people will never experience true revival. They are satisfied with their situation and only seek a slight improvement of things so they can maintain their level of comfort.

Personal revival can be messy and unnerving. When God exposes layers of deceit and sin, it can be painful. Acts of repentance are humbling and difficult. The result, however, is an intimate walk with God that few enjoy.

David's repentance is a classic example of personal revival. When he was confronted with his guilt, David prayed for mercy. Psalm 51 is his prayer of repentance. Among the things he prayed for, David asked, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” He didn't pray for better circumstances, he prayed for a clean heart. We tend to pray about our problems when the greater need is for us to be cleansed and brought closer to God. We need cleansing on a regular basis. You take a shower (or bath) more than once a year, don't you? You take a shower on a regular basis because you need it!

Most Christians think they only need a spiritual cleansing at conversion. Certainly God cleanses us at conversion. Yet as believers, we need to take a spiritual bath regularly. The dirt and grime of the world tends to stick to us. Additionally, our own sins and bad decisions bring additional stains that require cleansing. Think of personal revival as a special time of cleansing and renewal.

How long has it been since you had a heart-to-heart chat with the Lord and specifically addressed the sins of your life? It is possible for others to see the dirt in your life while you remain blind to it. Certainly, God is acutely aware of it all.

Yes, it was a shocking revelation to hear my voice on a recording. There's not much hope that I can improve my singing ability very much. However, as God shows us the dirt and junk in our lives, it is possible for this to be changed. Yet it requires our willingness, surrender and obedience.

I can't force others to repent. Neither can I produce revival at my own church. But there is one thing I can do. By God's grace, and with His help, I can experience revival in my own life. I won't be satisfied with anything less.

What about you?