Morning Message

Scripture References:

Title or topic of message:

Notes:

Questions I have about the message:

How can I apply this message to my life?

Reflection and Meditation

1. How do you feel about “Questions”? Are you a person who searches to the answers for your questions? What benefits may come from asking / searching questions?

2. Why is hitting bottom or being spiritually-bankrupt a good place to be?

3. Does the thought of the “wilderness” scare you? What are some ways you can deal with both your fear and your time in the wilderness?

4. Is ANYTHING standing in the way of your Jesus Resolution? If yes, pray over it. Then listen to God as to how he wants you to deal with that.

5. Is your relationship with Jesus to the point where others can see all 4 attributes of a passionate seeker in you (from Friday’s devotion)?

Vision #5 (The Resolution Begins)

Psalm 119:10-24 (NLT)

I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations. You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.

Here is a basic summary of my notes from John’s message. Sometimes things laid straight to the point are more profound without the added literary rambling.

Vision Statement: 1(of 4). Passionately seek a relationship with Jesus

How do we do that?

1. Have the closest possible walk with Jesus. Attend church service every time you can, including the most vital services like prayer. Read your Bible and some devotion daily. (Author’s Note: No, I won’t get my feelings hurt if you don’t read this one. My feelings will be hurt if you make no effort in your quiet time whatsoever.) Be consistent and constant in your prayers and alone time with God. Think of it like a dating relationship. When you first start dating your love, you want to spend all your time with them and want to know everything about them. Same with Jesus. Fellowship with other believers, who will encourage you further in your relationship with Jesus.

2. We are one body with many parts. Every body part compliments the others. If we’re not active then we’re hurting and hindering the rest of the body. Each part is accountable to the others. If, say, our foot is wounded, then the whole body is affected, having to run with a limp. We must maintain spiritual health, not only for ourselves, but for the good of the entire body.

3. We seek God with whatever means necessary. At work, at play, at family.

4. We act the same way both in and out of church. We must, in essence, be the church. We all must move together. Think of it like an octopus on roller skates. If the legs are all on the same page, everything is headed together in one direction. If not, chaos and wreckage.

In the words of the O.C. Supertones, “Today, I make my resolution!” Will you join with me?

Vision #4 (Making Our Resolution)

Matthew 8:1-4 (NLT)

Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”

Imagine this: It's Easter service or Christmas service or New Years service at church. A packed house. This is one of those times of the year when everyone goes to church. Even if it’s the only time all year. They have to bring in extra fold-out chairs there are so many people. Hopefully, you’ve been welcomed with open arms. But you may have also noticed others who ignored you or acted as if you didn’t exist. The pastor stands behind the pulpit, maybe shows a portion of "The Passion of the Christ" film or a Nativity clip and shares Jesus. Who He is and how he can radically change not only your life now, but the one to come. He relates how Jesus loves us just as we are, but that He also loves us too much to let us stay that way.

What you see and hear stirs something deep within your soul. The Holy Spirit- God’s Spirit- is wrapping you in love, calling out to you, drawing you to him. To an even deeper walk. Now you have an eternal choice to make. Are you:

1. Going to take a look over your shoulder. Witness a mass of people, many of which you may know. You don’t want to cause a scene or prolong the service. People are waiting to get on with their regular lives after all. What will your friends- especially your Christian ones- think? They know you’re messed up and will knit-pick your hypocrisy. What will John think? You’re a leader! You teach! You’re seen as an example!

So you sit quietly and do nothing…

-or are you:

2. Going to step out in faith. Out of your comfort zone. Allow the Lord to work in your life. Take a chance on Jesus. Run to the alter and hit your knees in prayer. Walk up to the pastor during the invitation not caring what anyone thinks or says. Listen as he guides you to Jesus. Buy into the vision. Go deeper. Seek with passion. To cry out to this Jesus, like the leper in our story today: “Lord, if you are willing, make me clean.” Or in our case, “Lord, take me deeper! Forget the world and the status quo! Who cares what people think!”

The leper sought Jesus badly enough where he didn’t care what the crowd thought. He wanted, no…needed, Jesus. He wanted to grow. Are we willing to do what it takes to grow?

Vision #3 (Growth Through The Wilderness)

Matthew 4:1-11 (NLT)

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’" Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.

Lonely. Desolate. Harsh. Unforgiving.

The wilderness brings a variety of emotions to mind. Anybody who has spent any time there- whether in a literal, physical area or in a metaphorical, spiritual place can attest to the gut-wrenching difficulties. It breaks most people, paralyzing them with doubt and fear until they fold, pack up camp, and return to the comfort of their former life. For us, times of growth reflect periods in the wilderness. Our issues are the lack of water and overwhelming heat. But we don’t have to see the desert that way. When we change our perception of the wilderness, our lives will change also.

The Scripture uses the images of a literal and symbolic wilderness numerous times. Perhaps none so powerful as the Gospel account of Jesus and his time there. Allow me to put the story into perspective briefly.

Jesus had just come off a spiritual high. He had been announced as the Savior by John (the Baptist not the Pastor), humbled himself in baptism, and been affirmed by God the Father. Refusing to be content with the one experience, he focused further through 40 days of prayer and fasting. Then came the wilderness.

Little water. Heat. Sweat. Uncomfortable conditions. Tricks of the mind. Wild animals. Flies. Rashes. Satan shows up, offers easy ways out. Does all this sound familiar?

Sounds like us. We decide to buy into the Refuge vision. We’re high on the Holy Spirit. Then comes our wilderness, our opportunity to trust God and grow.

We tend to be our weakest in this environment. Vulnerable to relapse. Jesus was no different from us- except that he refused to stay the same. He refused to be satisfied with an initial encounter with God. In his weakness, he reverted back to what he had put in his heart. The Word of God. When he was unable to face the wilderness on his own, he allowed God to move on his behalf. And he emerged from the wilderness stronger than ever before.

This is the vision John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) speaks of, a passionate pursuit of Christ. We can go through the wilderness and come out unchanged. And go right back to the comfort of the world. Or you can be like the Savior, Jesus Christ, who held the faith and used the wilderness experience as a time of incomparable growth.

The choice is yours- be pruned and grow…or stay the same and die.

Vision #2 (Hitting Bottom / Spiritually Bankrupt)

Matthew 5:1-10 (NLT)

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them. “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

In order to seek and find Jesus Christ, we must first hit bottom. It’s a prerequisite to the seeking process. But as hard as this pill is to swallow, listen to this. Our bottom, and the excruciating pain accompanying it, is one of the greatest gifts from a loving God. For when we are there, we can witness our powerlessness and weakness. We are able to recognize our need for something, someone greater than ourselves. We see we need- for the first time or as a reminder-a Savior.

We passionately seek...

Enter Jesus Christ. He is not the Higher Power, but the Most High. Where we see a broken person (or our self), Jesus sees cracked and frail human pottery waiting to be restored with his healing hands. He has compassion on us, empathizing to the point of remembering his own humanness and longing to reach out in love. And many times, he uses us as his hand and feet, helping the others to see his love. And that leads us to the back to the vision.

If you’re sacrificing time for this devotion consistently, I’m going to assume you’re a Jesus Freak already. But even Jesus Freaks reach a point where they want to go even deeper. They’re not actually spiritually bankrupt, but that hunger we have as baby believers returns. We not only want to seek Jesus again, but with passion, with vigor, with desperation. We don’t want a good time, a good feeling, or a good life. We want Jesus, pure and unadulterated. That’s the premise behind these Beatitudes. It’s no mistake that this is Jesus’ first sermon (or at least the first recorded one). And perhaps the most beautiful part of all this are the promises to those who hit bottom and passionately seek God. They will be filled!

As if your being filled is not enough, when you passionately seek God it encourages others as well. I have this friend, who, for the sake of argument we’ll call Jason as well, who is an encouragement to me every time I visit with him. My encouragement stems from his passionate seeking of God, through questions, prayer, doubt, and honesty. There is no holding back. He is “poor in spirit” and “recognizes his need for God” (verse 1). He seeks answers to questions most of us dare not ask for fear of being cut off or being shoved from our comfort zone. He is discovering, like all of us who’ve strived to go deeper, a clearer picture of Jesus and his love for us.

You can experience this also. We must only first seek…with passion, with our whole heart.

Vision #1 (Passionately Seeking God)

Matthew 7:7-11 (NLT)

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Not long ago, I waded through a devotional much like you are now, only dealing with the mystery of God. In one chapter, the author discusses the transforming power we experience when God answers our questions. Dr. Stevens went on to say, the questions themselves- and the search involved in them- is perhaps as powerful as the answer itself. I am inclined to side with him. Questions, more so than knowledge itself, are the greatest power in the world, short of love. Above all, questions help us realize that we are powerless and our need of Jesus (The Way, The Truth, The Life).

Yet, questions usually get a negative reception. As a teacher, I’m amazed by the lack of questions in the classroom at school, in the meeting room at the shelter, even at church. I’m not so naive as to believe that we are such great teachers that there are no questions. Rather kids (like most of us) falsely believe asking questions will blemish our reputation. It’s not cool. It makes you look foolish, slow, or stupid. This is what they believe- even when they know others don’t understand either. Sadly, what I witness in the classroom isn't the exception to the rule. Rather, people in all walks of life tend to shun the attention shone upon anyone asking questions. Think even of those in the church who have dared to ask questions, or seek something deeper.

But, oh, how I long to ask question after question! And I’m not alone. I’m reminded of one story in particular. Warren (name changed to protect anonymity), one of the most memorable characters to come through our shelter program, was a questioner, a seeker. He was wise enough to know that he didn’t know everything and humble enough not to care what others thought of him. During the “Faith Like Children” section in our Life Recovery Devotional one early morning, Warren stopped us mid-thought with his raspy voice, a mix of gravel and phlegm, like he’d smoked too long.

"I don't want to interrupt or waste your time, but what the hell is this talking about? How can I be like a little kid again?"

I stopped and smiled. He, at first, thought I was laughing at him until I said, “Another wise man once asked Jesus how a man could be born again. (See John 3). So you’re in good company.”

And so is anyone who seeks the answers, whether they find them in this life…or the next.

Christmas Message

Being that its Christmas, thank God for sending Jesus to us. And thank Jesus for taking our place and reconciling us back to God.

Exchange the presents of this world for the Presence of God.

Merry Christmas!

Reflection and Meditation

1. Do you exhibit the ten qualities that describe the Book of Acts church (from Monday’s devotion)? Do you think the same can be said of Refuge? If not, in what ways can you encourage the growth of these attributes?

2. Have you (or are you now) taking the easy, comfortable road when it comes to your Jesus-Walk? If you answered yes, what are some things you can do to change that?

3. Are you responsive when the Lord speaks to you? Explain some ways in which He has spoken to you in the past. Swap stories with others.

4. What motivates you to serve God- selfishness, attention, expectations of others, love? If you look at yourself honestly and say that its not out of agape love, ask the Lord to begin the process of changing you from the inside out.

Questioning Motives - Part 2 (The Light at the End of the Tunnel)

Isaiah 64:6-8 (NLT)

We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind. Yet no one calls on your name or pleads with you for mercy. Therefore, you have turned away from us and turned us over to our sins. And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.

The continuing saga of my selfish motives-

            “My first spontaneous thought is to call Major, confess my unpardonable discretion, and avoid any further involvement with the street ministry. If I wasn't to be transparently sincere, I want to be as far away as possible, so as to no longer contaminate it with my greed and pride. But just as Jesus touched my eyes and allowed the scales to drop from them like rain, His words, spoken by a man after my own heart, caress me with forgiveness and hope. “There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.”

            Wave after wave of the Savior’s love pummels the shores of my heart. Like the devastating combination of wind, rain, and waves interwoven in a hurricane, so is His love for me. It left me strong, clean, acceptable. My innocuous thoughts retreat beneath the onslaught of grace and a peace settles in, not the momentary lapse of violence like the eye of the storm, but a peace experienced when the storm has dispensed its load and moved on. The stillness, the clarity, the survival, the gratitude. Upon further prodding by the Holy Spirit, I forgive myself for condemning the same and I’m counseled not to relinquish the ministry. Rather, to take upon myself the attitude of Christ that the letter to the Philippians instructs: “Though He was God …did not think equality with God as something to cling to…giving up divine privileges…taking the humble position of a servant…humbled Himself to obedience and death.”

            Instantly, my heart lifts and I passionately, fervently, desperately desire a heart like that. Despite my past, my shortcomings, my character flaws, I want to love the Lord with all my heart, mind, and soul. I want to love others with the same urgency with which I love myself. I want to reach out to the lost and hurting not out of a necessity of personal validation but because they’re simply lost and hurting. And because I have a testimony of how I was once like that, lost and hurting, but now have a story of hope and healing, not through any hollow thing I have done, but because of Jesus Christ.

            This revelation, of the obstructive dam that prevented the undeterred flow of living water in my life, is life changing to say the least. Unbeknownst to me, it’s the cause of my unfulfilling spiritual walk at the time. Admittedly, I’m going through the motions, faking it until I make it, saying all the religiously correct answers. But this realization, should I have to create a list of top “Jesus Experiences” is easily a “Top 5.” It’s as if after being born again and crawling and stumbling spiritually, I’m now able to get a firm footing and really begin to walk. Not only this, my perceptions are also transforming and growing into spiritual maturity. I see God for who He is, the Eternal Entity of love. One who shows the way by leading, helping not hurting, lighting our path through the darkness. And I also see how ministry, particularly the street ministry of Arms of Mercy, isn’t only revealing my depravity  but is enlightening my soul to the eternal significance of genuine, impassioned, agape love. From now on, I know I won’t see the people on the streets as someone to pity or use for my own self aggrandizement or to be the poster child for the least of these. I will truly see them through the eyes of Jesus Christ.”

As you can read, my motives were distorted until I realized that ministry, that church in general, that EVERYTHING is NOT about ME! It's all about Jesus. Question, and do away with, any motive not about Him. Ask God to transform your motives to agape love.

Shout His love to the top of your lungs! Then live it out!

Questioning Motives - Part 1 (The Sad Truth)

Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT)

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?

“Why do we pray for God to send us the least, lost, and hurting and then get angry or upset when He does it? What is your motive for loving people and being Christ’s church?”

As soon as John mentioned these questions, I thought back to my own “motive inventory” I took a few years ago. I include it here in the hope it helps you search your own motives and gives you the strength to be honest with yourself. Because of its length, I will split the excerpt from my book, less than the least, in two, finishing the devotional thought tomorrow. The following was written as I went through this process myself…

“…Because it’s nearest in my memory, I drift back to the street corner where we visited mere hours ago. Not long after, I concentrate on my motives, which have come to bother me more and more lately. If I’m completely honest with myself, I admit that ministry has become another addiction for me, something else to throw myself unflinchingly into, another fix to get, another way to seek and receive the comfort and attention I crave so blindly. Despite all my good intentions, the things which motivate me to ministry, particularly the Arms of Mercy, are so much more selfish than I realize. By the time Robert invited me to join with him in this endeavor, I’m already hooked on ministry. Like the cartoon character enveloped by a tornado, I erratically lurch and leap all over the ministerial landscape. I counsel and lead youth. Oversee worship and Bible study. Give sermons. Visit with my wheelchair patients when off duty, dragging my kids with me on numerous occasions. I go room to room at the nursing home with gifts and encouraging words. I relieve the sound man at church. I write novels and donate the proceeds to youth and missions funds. I sell some of my old musical equipment to beef up the church funds and give away more of it to those who need it to learn on. And on and on it goes. But something is missing in all this. And it’s the same thing that’s missing now in street ministry.

            As I sit here, amongst the loving God and the peaceful pines and the sprinkling clouds, the Lord peels back the lids of my heart. It’s love I’m neglecting. Not love in the bland, watered-down, abused connotation it’s smeared with these days. But real love. God’s love. Agape, the pure love that gives and gives and gives and expects absolutely nothing in return. I’ve spent the vast majority of my life- ministry years included- longing for validation, attention, recognition, and reputation. My selfish, depraved flesh desperately flails for compliments about how great I am or how much good I am doing or what a unique individual I am. Granted, I don’t want to be this way. But I am nonetheless. Before finding the Lord, I yearned for people to witness and experience firsthand the pain and emptiness I felt, manipulate them into having pity on me, see me as the iconic image of tragedy and propel me into becoming the mouthpiece of my generation. I fed this voracious hunger with my literary and musical selections, both of which I was addicted to as much as, if not more than, drugs and alcohol. Much of my misguided motives, I’m realizing now, have continued on in the immaturity of my young walk with Christ. I simply substituted “ministry” for my previous “addiction.” These things I’m participating in for the Lord were disguised attempts for recapturing that fatal attention I need. In my heart, I need to be seen as a martyr, a demure picture of piety, the penitent making up for those wasted years. I seek the attention of people. I struggle with a Christ-complex.

            I weep as the full extent of my sin and misunderstanding washes over me. How  did I slip into such selfishness? How can I be sharing the love of Christ even as I reserved the glory of such a pronouncement for myself? How wretched I am and do I feel? I can’t believe my flesh has been able to lie so well and deceive my soul for so long.”

As difficult as it is to admit and share this once again, I was serving God to bring myself glory and affirmation, for applause and to feel good about myself.  Thank God He opened my eyes and helped me realize that all of this- church, ministry, family, friends, everything is all about Him and His love for me. Have you endured a similar struggle? Can you take an honest inventory of your motives and now say that it's all about Christ?

We will complete these thoughts on the morrow.

Talking to Birds (and other of God’s mysteries)

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

Among the most memorable stories John shared in week one, the infamous Bird Story is the most so. I don’t understand John’s blushing embarrassment over the issue, because God makes a habit of speaking in mysterious ways. You have to look no further than Scripture to witness that. Just to give you an idea of what I’m talking about, consider a few ways in which God spoke to His people: a burning bush, an ass (no, not me…of the donkey variety), other people (prophets, priests, pastors), dreams, visions, angels, rocks, out of nowhere, even birds. You get the picture. There is a precedent for God’s speaking in unusual ways.

We've established that God speaks and that it's often in mysterious ways. Now comes the real issue. If God is speaking, are we listening? Or rather, God is speaking; Are we listening?  Hopefully, the answer is a resounding yes. If not, this naturally leads us to another important question, how do we listen to God, how do we notice the “birds“? Here are some helpful tips.

1. Belief. You must believe in God and that  He draws pleasure from communicating with His children.

2. Seek. If you want anything bad enough, you are willing to go after it. Jesus says, “Seek and you will find me.”

3. Subtle things. (whispers and reminders) God doesn’t speak out loud (usually). So, its important that we’re attentive in the small things of life. His is a whisper among the screaming of the world.

4. Backed up by Scripture. (stories and principles) Because he doesn’t contradict Himself, whatever He relates to you can be backed up by Scripture. And not by one random verse you try to use for your own purposes. It will be backed up time and time again.

5. Always out of love. Everything God says and does is out of love. Because He is love. If the messages you’re getting aren’t saturated in love, your messages aren’t coming from Yahweh.

6. Verifies through others. This is one of the principles spoken of in number four. Most times (in my experience anyway), the Lord verifies the message He is trying to get across to me by using another person. Whether it’s a spouse, best friend, mentor, or pastor, either run the message through them or listen closely to see if they say anything pertaining to your message.

7. Conviction. A message from God is usually followed by a burden. Not an overwhelming one designed to drag you down. But more of a feverish desire to carry out the message you've been given.

No Shortcuts In The Kingdom

Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT)

You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

As John churned out story after story during the first “Back to Basics” series, I was feverishly writing. Both taking literal notes and making mental notes for future devotions. One of John’s simplest thoughts - no more than a sentence long - stuck with my spirit more than anything. In the midst of the should-we-start-a-church drama, there were seven open pastoral vacancies in local Baptist churches. Should he have so chosen, John could have plugged in at any of them, done good work, and made a comfortable living. Instead, John chose to follow through with what the Lord was calling him to, thus refusing to take the easy way out.

Pastor’s example provides us with a greater example, a Biblical example. Read today’s Devotional Passage again, this time from the Message: “Jesus says “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easy formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life - to God!- is rigorous and requires total attention.””

The modern-day church gets bashed enough as it is so I’ll refrain from lashing out. I will, however, bring it to a personal level.  From experience, I can tell you how easy it is to slip into the comforts of a “Christian” life. Oh, how easy it is! Show up for the service. Smile. Shake a few hands. Go on about our business. Live a good life. Take care of the family. Play with the kids. Watch the ballgame. Go shopping. All while failing to allow Jesus to saturate our conversations and actions. It's not that we fuss and cuss or commit crimes or do deplorable things. It's that we just do enough to get by. But “getting by” doesn’t “get by” with Jesus.

Read the passage yet again. If we’re going to follow Jesus, it requires our whole heart. Trusting him, just as Pastor did. Just because an easy way presents itself, it's not the best way. The road may be pocked and punctured by pitfalls, but the “narrow path leads to life.”

In the Biblically inspired words of America’s greatest poet (in my opinion anyway), Robert Frost, “…I shall be telling this with a sigh, Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”

What a Church Should Look Like

Acts 2:42-47 (NLT)

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Now that we’ve properly defined “the church” (the body of Christ), we can answer the next question Pastor explored. The question posed - “What should our church look like?” We already understand the church is the body of Christ, so we must then explore what the body of Christ should look like. As with anything in our Jesus Walk, we begin with prayer and Scripture. We need not peer any further than the first church, the early church of the Book of Acts, to garner our example. I’ll stick to ten things. And I’ll bow out and allow the Scriptures to do the talking…

Characteristics of the Early Church:

1. Christ is the Head. (Ephesians 4:15-16)
2. Unity. (Acts 2:44, Acts 4:32)
3. Lives of worship and joy. (Acts 2:46-47)
4. Fellowship. (Acts 5: 12-13)
5. Shared everything. (Acts 4:32)
6. Read Scriptures. (Acts 6:1-7)
7. Collective Prayer. (Acts 6:1-7, Acts 4: 23-31, Acts 3:1)
8. Discipleship. Building up the inside. (Acts 2:42)
9. Church Planting. Building up the outside. (Acts 12-20)
10. Healing. (Acts 5:16, Acts 3:1-11)

Doesn’t get much clearer than that. Just imagine if Refuge followed through on ALL ten of these things. Let us vow to become a healthy, thriving body of Christ, so we can be both pleasing to Him and appealing to a hurting world.

Morning Message

Scripture References:

Title or topic of message:

Notes:

Questions I have about the message:

How can I apply this message to my life?

Reflection and Meditation

1. Do you maintain a consistent quiet time with Jesus? How often do you pull away from as many distractions as possible and focus on God? What types of things do you do during your quiet time? What can you add to your quiet time to relish the time with God even more?

2. List a time in your life where something miraculous happened to you and you found out the “whole” (behind-the-scenes) story later? Describe how it made you feel to know God was working behind-the-scenes on your behalf?

3. Who is / are your mentor(s)? What characteristics from their life have you taken or do you desire? Are you yourself a mentor? List some ways you can pass down what you’ve learned and experienced with others.

4. Have you ever experienced the urgency to share something on your heart? Do you feel that way about your relationship with God?

5. Are you a part of a small group who holds you accountable, offers encouragement, and loves you? Describe what this group means to you. If you don’t consider yourself a part of one, list some Christ-following people you can connect with to help in this area.

Small Groups (not cliques!)

Acts 2:42-47 (NLT)

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Perhaps nothing is more healthy within a church than cohesive and consistent small groups. The church in the book of Acts began as small groups meeting in people’s homes and became the foundation of our modern church.

Please don’t misunderstand here - this isn’t a clique, a group of people with like interest who deny others the opportunity to join them, excluding them for one reason or another. Think of small groups as the individual bricks of a building, with Jesus as the foundation. After the foundation is laid upon Jesus, the small group bricks are piled on and interlocked to form the church.

A small group isn’t only the frame of the modern day church but for the original church as well. A small group of twelve were commissioned for this task. Jesus ran around and instilled the vast majority of his teaching into a small band of followers. The small group setting allows for intimacy, trust, accountability, and time management. It provides a sort of backbone for all involved, so that when the individual pieces of the group reach out to others to form new small groups, they always have the stability of their home group to fall back on. Isn’t it ironic (or rather isn’t it a God-thing) that Refuge was also started by a dozen common people with an uncommon call?

Perhaps you find yourself in a small group. A few things to consider:

1. Ensure your small group is just that, a group who loves, prays, helps, and welcomes others. Not a clique, which is just the opposite, a brood of gossips with superiority complexes.

2. Is your small group living out the commission? Are you considered a “worthy” example of a Biblical small group?

The Urgency

James 4:13-15 (NLT)

Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”

No other word is needed more or used less: urgency. Webster defines urgency as “a need for action, haste, necessity, insistence, immediate action.” Urgency is needed in our relationship with Jesus and our sharing that relationship with others. Urgency is needed badly in the various ministerial arms branching out from Refuge. We must look no further than our very own flock to find our example of urgency.

As John continued to hammer out the Refuge story in week one of the “Back to the Basics” series, he mentioned an episode involving Chris Helms. Hungry in his walk with God, Chris sought Him through numerous avenues, including listening and watching Francis Chan, a noted Christ follower, author, and church planter. As Chris absorbed a DVD about the planting of a church and the subsequent move of God as a result, he was convicted to do something. An urgency spawned by the Holy Spirit ignited in his heart. He had to share what the Lord shared with him. He calls John. And called again. And called again. To the point where John was a little concerned for Chris. With his mind fixed, Chris showed up at John’s house, waiting for him in the driveway. As they watched the video together, the urgency arose anew. And that principle of urgency became another chapter in the Refuge story.

We at Refuge claim to be a book of Acts church. The church in the book of Acts was a body driven by urgency, an urgency to love Jesus with everything, an urgency to share their story, an urgency to reach the lost, broken, and hurting.

Truth time: Are we urgent with our message? With the Gospel of Jesus? Pray that God will light the fire of urgent love in our hearts!

Passing the Mantle

2 Kings 2:6-14 (NLT)

Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.” But again Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together. Fifty men from the group of prophets also went and watched from a distance as Elijah and Elisha stopped beside the Jordan River. Then Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground! When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress. Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across.

Of the many lessons gleaned from yesterday’s reading, I feel the need to elaborate on one further. As you’ll recall in the Refuge story, Jamie (as John’s pastor at the time) and his humility in stepping “below” John in ministry and his becoming willing to follow John in the direction the Lord was leading him. This was no status thing or false flattery or intimidation. Rather, this is a beautiful and appropriate picture of the “passing of the mantle.” The mentee becoming the mentor. A passage to spiritual adulthood. A lesson in humility from both.

As new believers, our only real function within the church is to share our story and soak up as much Scripture as we can. We focus on ourselves so to speak. We take baby steps of faith and lap up the milk of basic Bible teaching. We walk, wobble, and fall. We look to spiritual parents (pastors, mentors, leaders) to cling to or pick us up when we fall or offer encouragement and affirmation. This goes on sometimes for years.

But like young people, there comes a time in life in which we grow out of the childish (selfish) phase. It's often a subtle shift. We find ourselves reaching out to others. Not only sharing our story, but the wisdom of our knowledge and experience. We assume or inherit a mantle of leadership, a mantle of mentorship. We inevitably become like our mentors. The change wrought in us by the Holy Spirit comes full circle. We, like Jesus, love God with our whole heart. And others as ourselves.

This is the natural progression of spiritual maturity. Unfortunately (and devastatingly) many in the church are only seeking God to “feel good,” selfishly soaking in the role of mentee rather than growing in faith to become a mentor.

So, here is a call to grow up. Spiritually. Is it time for you to take the next step? Is it time to bend and stretch and flee your comfort zone? Start with that “Spiritual Gifts Survey” that was passed out at church Sunday. Then do something about it! 

Behind the Scenes

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

If you’re a movie buff (or just plain bored), you’ve gotten caught up in scrolling through the special features included on DVDs these days. All the usual suspects are present: commentary, interviews, out takes, and the blooper reel. Perhaps the most fascinating though is the behind-the-scenes footage. Most times, we watch a film and think of a handful of headlining directors, actors, and actresses who splice together a masterpiece. What we don’t realize until the credits and behind-the-scenes features roll is the hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of people involved in delivering a film to the silver screen.

The same thing happens in our walk as believers. Take, for example, another of John’s stories from the current message series. While still a youth pastor, John got the dreaded “we-need-to-talk” request from his pastor at the time, Jamie Mathews. Fearing the worst (being fired), John approached reluctantly, already thinking about what he was going to do next. Instead of being fired, however, John received a surprise - God had moved on Jamie’s heart to step down as pastor. Further, he was led to follow John into whatever ministry capacity the Lord was leading him. John then shared with him what the Lord had been placing on his heart and on the hearts of many others. And the rest, as they say, is history. Or in this case, the history… of Refuge.

What this story so vividly imparts is the way God works out his “stories” behind-the-scenes and with many different characters. Dozens of people, with a million different stories, who had been crying out for a church that was real and different. Many who were in churches but who sought an end to the slavery of men’s rigorous religious standards. Others who were struggling through countless issues. But God, ever the Creator and creative director and writer, was weaving Refuge together like the plot of a captivating novel.

Everyone playing their small, but all important role so that a story - the Gospel story - could be shared and spread throughout the Delta.

A Tale of Two Quiet Times

Mark 1:35 (NLT)

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.

Since beginning this devotion, quiet time has been a recurring theme. (This must mean its very important!) Quiet time, you’ll recall, is simply one-on-one time you spend with Jesus away from all distractions. It's just as vital as corporate worship or our various Bible studies. It’s the water to grow our relationship with Jesus, because like any relationship, it provides time for him to speak to us as well as allowing us to speak openly and honestly with him.

In sharing the Refuge story, John related an evening in which he and Tabitha were conducting individual quiet times; he in the living room and her in the bedroom. Tabitha had spent time in prayer and Bible reading and John, through his own admission, was sharing his quiet time with Man -vs.- Wild host Bear Grylls. He was not only involved in “quiet” time, but learning how to fashion a canoe using only a decaying camel carcass. Free of distractions, Tabitha was able to hear the Lord clearly as he told her of his desire for John to start a church. Afterwards, she set off to pass the news to John. Unfortunately, John paid her only half attention, due to his taking notes on surviving on the digestive juices of a cow’s rumen .

Their contrasting quiet times display invaluable lessons which we can all apply. Lessons already shared, but worth repeating:

1. Find a quiet place free from as many distractions as possible.

2. Pray. Open up the communication lines. Talk to the Savior and listen as he speaks to you.

3. Study a (small) portion of the Bible or a devotional. We’ve been given the gift of Scripture for a purpose. Read and apply!

4. Sing. Belt it out. Make a joyful noise. Only God is listening anyway.

5. Prayer and Meditation. Focus on a particular verse or principle in Scripture. Then live it out!

Morning Message

Scripture References:

Title or topic of message:

Notes:

Questions I have about the message:

How can I apply this message to my life?

Reflection and Meditation

1. Why do you consider Refuge your “home away from home?” How can we make others feel more welcome?

2. Do you have an active prayer relationship with God? Do you seek the Lord wholeheartedly? Do you walk by faith?

3. Do you consider yourself “the church”? Explain your answer.

4. Have you experienced Jesus as a result of being part of Refuge? Go back to the beginning and explain what drew you to Jesus?

5. What did you learn about yourself when you were writing your story? Who can you share your story with?

The Story of Us

Mark 5:18-20 (NLT)

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.

Throughout the course of this “Back to Basics” series, John has shared the Refuge story. The tale of a dozen regular folks who were led to start a “different and real” fellowship. More than its obvious purpose, John’s sharing shows all of us something else - we all have a story! From the greatest among us to the least among us. And everyone in between. And its this story, these memories and moments in life, that shape and mold us into who we are. It's what we are to go out and share with the world.

That being said, this devotion will be brief because I have a request of you - write your story! You don’t have to give the graphic, juiciest details at this time. Do an edited version. Just write your story. In doing so, you’ll discover that you do have a story to tell.

And with the holidays upon us, you’ll have plenty of people to share it with.

Experience something different… Experience something real...

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 (NLT)

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.

Yesterday, we studied a phrase that was much more than just a catchy slogan. The same can be said about today. When you look below the creative and meaningful Refuge logo, you’ll find the phrase “experience something different…experience something real.” Maybe you’ve never noticed it. Maybe you’ve read it and thought, “That sounds cool and relevant.” Maybe you’ve even pondered it on a deeper level, only to struggle for the right words to explain. Or maybe, as I’ve witnessed firsthand, you understand it and live it out. No matter what category you fall into, permit me to elaborate on these words for a moment. Because far from mere words, these bits of truth will radically change us - and Refuge - if we live them out.

Whether in or out of church in your younger years, a desire for something different drew you to Refuge. You were the kid from the broken home and needed a different family. You were the alcoholic or addict and needed a different life. You were the soul-searching, empty vagabond and needed a different purpose. Or perhaps you reached the point I was at.

When the Lord romanced me back to him, my desire was to forget everything I had heard He was like, what I was supposed to do and be, and how every one else acted that supposedly followed him. My prayer was a fresh start. A clean slate. A new beginning. Discarding all the unrealistic expectations and scuffing away the gilded covering over glamorizing Jesus. I wanted the Savior of Scripture, who loves unabashedly, forgives completely, sacrifices enthusiastically. Forget everything I thought I knew: about who God is, who I am, what church is supposed to be like, what church people are supposed to act like. That’s what “experiencing something different” and “experiencing something real” means to me.

Now its your turn to respond. Have you experienced the Someone who is different and real? I challenge you to forget everything you think you know about God (unless you’ve already been through this process) and experience him by falling head over heels in love. For the first time or in renewal.

I Am the Church

Ephesians 5:29-30 (NLT)

No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body.

I Corinthians 12:27 (NLT)

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

What makes a church a church? Is it a beautifully adorned steeple? A catchy name and logo? A trendy and eloquent pastor with a crowd? A building with a denominational moniker? A social club complete with musical entertainment? A place to go to feel less guilty about our empty lives? A holiday hangout?

It’s none of those things actually. Allow me to define the church according to the Scripture: The church is the body of Christ. To put it in laymen’s terms: I am the church. You are the church. We are the church.

Before joining the Lord in eternity four years ago, my friend Greg McClendon was fond of saying, “I am the church.” He even went so far as to create shirts with the slogan blazed across the chest. A lot of people thought his slogan and shirt were “cool” so they would ask him where they could get one. Many went away sad, however, because he wouldn’t give them one unless they could explain what the phrase meant.

Beloved, I don’t want the same to be said about Refuge. As nice as it is to have a roof over our head, gifted musicians and pastors, a booming sound system, PowerPoint capabilities, and plenty of space, all of that isn’t Refuge Church. I am Refuge Church. You are Refuge Church. We are Refuge Church. Together, we make up the body of Christ. So, whether you’re the hands, feet, or the rear end, let’s fulfill the Great Commission of Christ - to go out into the world and make a difference!

Instead of raising our fist and yelling about a revolution, let’s open our lifted hands and proclaim in unison, “We are the church of the Living God!”

In This LifeTogether

Jeremiah 29: 11-14 (NLT)

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

Contrary to popular belief, God does have a plan for you. And for Refuge. That plan will bring hope always.

Many of you may ask, “Really? How can people walking away or divorce or adultery or sexual impurity or gossip or pride or any number of other things we’ve witnessed over the past year be part of the plan - part of the “good, undisasterous plans giving us hope and a future?”

Without getting entangled in a theological debate, those things aren’t part of God’s plan. These things occur when we wander into our own plans and priorities. God’s plans for both us personally and collectively (Refuge) is laid out in the second part of the reading. God’s plans and promises include:

1. Responsive Prayer - Yahweh says when you pray, He will listen. Translation: When you’re in constant communication with God, He listens. And we, in turn, will listen as well. Staying in touch with the Lover and Romancer of our soul will keep us from disastrous circumstances.


2. Seek Wholeheartedly - Yahweh desires Refuge to seek Him. Not just with mere curiosity, but with our whole heart. In this sermon message, John mentioned the metaphor of a dating relationship. When we fall in love, we want to spend the majority of our time with our love. We want to know everything about them. And we want to give them our whole heart. Same thing with God, on an even greater level. We will find God and His plan, when we give Him all of our affection.


3. Faith - The final verses in the reading deal with faith. Refuge must believe (wholeheartedly again) that God is who He says He is and that whatever He tells us will come to fruition. We must have the faith to stand in His promise. We must take His word, even when we can’t “see” His plan or understand it.

These simple things are God’s plan. God always does such a complete healing in us that we often think the disasters befalling us are somehow a part of His plan. They aren’t. But His plan shines through them.

Let us “make every effort to fulfill our high calling” that He is carrying us towards.

A Place To Call Home

Jeremiah 29:10 (NLT)

This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.

As John read this verse aloud a month ago, I thought back to a lyric I’d written years ago. It went something like this: 

Look at the boy / the one that all ignore / can you see him dying, fading away
Internally life left him / in the past, he struggled on / but now his time has come
He tried everything
He tried nothing at all
Always longing for a place to call home

The stench of death in the air / the breath has left his lungs / his heart is empty and his mind is bored / the numbing effects of the painkillers have left / and he’s found hopeless once again
He tried everything
He tried nothing at all
Always longing for a place to call home

Found no peace within / illusions of this hell / living in this world but not part of it /
should have seen this coming / now he’s gone away / extent of his misery never known
He tried everything
He tried nothing at all
Always longing for a place to call home
I want to go home
I want to go home
I want to go home
Home.

That “desperation” driving me to pen those words in the throes of depression is evident in an even greater level as God announces here in Jeremiah, “I want you to come home.”

Whether its been the Biblical 70 years or simply a couple, God comes with an invitation to draw us home. Home for us is Heaven, which makes us homeless so long as we live on this earth. However, God has established fellowships of believers like Refuge (foster homes if you will) to prepare us for our future home. To give us an opportunity to love and to be loved. To give us shelter from the ravaging storms of life. To give us instruction as to the paths we’ll walk. To give us hope in the midst of our hopeless situations. These things are the good things He promises. And we’re blessed to witness them within our body.

If you’ve been devoted to these devotions, you possess the desperation I spoke of in the poem. May this Scripture, poem, and the “Back to the Basics” series be a constant reminder of our need for God and our finding our home with him. 

Morning Message

Scripture References:

Title or topic of message:

Notes:

Questions I have about the message:

How can I apply this message to my life?

Reflection and Meditation

1. What steps can you take to find common ground with others from Refuge? Now come up with a way to begin taking those steps. Prayerfully ask God to help you reach out.

2. What does Jesus and Refuge Church mean to you? Are you “melting in gratitude” with a “love magnified?”

A Personal Note (Regarding a Fresh Start)

Revelation 21: 3-7 (NLT)

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.

Crouched within the deepest recesses of our soul, it lurks, gnawing voraciously at each of us. Other than air, water, and Jesus, it’s the most sought-after need that we possess. No, it’s not the latest smart phone or the newest hunting rifle or the most stylish purse. It’s a new beginning. A fresh start. A do-over. Whether it’s a fresh start at life or church or whatever, we desire it with such ferocious desperation that we opportunistically snatch it up. The idea of a fresh start conceived Refuge Church. And it can change you, either for the first or the thousandth time.

To both the founders, and those who’ve come along the way, Refuge represents a fresh start. For me, it’s been only the second “church” I’ve truly felt at home with. It reminds me of a beloved book, Les Miserables. Referring to his protagonist and the product of grace, Victor Hugo writes:

“…And he thought that at two critical moments of his life two of God’s houses had taken him in, the first when all other doors were closed and human society rejected him, and the second when society was again his enemy and the prison gates were again open: without the first he would have drifted into a life of crime, without the second into a life of torment. His whole heart was melted in gratitude and his love magnified.”

This is me. A man “melting in gratitude” and with a “love magnified.” To the fresh start Refuge afforded me. But above all to the One behind Refuge, and the church worldwide, Jesus Christ.

Remember your fresh start. Both in life and at Refuge. Thank God for it, then ask yourself if the quote can be said of Refuge - that “we take people in when all other doors are closed“ to them.

A Common Thread

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. - Acts 2:44 (NLT)

All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. - Acts 4:32 (NLT)

In introducing the “Back to the Basics” series, John related the story of a leader who found an odd way to bring his people hope. The leader was Herb Brooks, coach of the US Hockey team for 1980 Winter Olympics. When he inherited the team, it was comprised of a rabble of unruly rivals, unsavory attitudes, back-biters, glory hounds, and uncooperative babies. (Sounds an awful lot like the modern-day church.) Coach tried all of the usual psychological coaching techniques to get them on the same page but each attempt was met with humiliating failure. Arguments and fights were the norm. After all the failures to bring them together, there was little hope they would even take the ice. Then, Coach Brooks tried something different. In order to help his team find at least one thing in common and as a last resort, he decided to make them hate him. Practices became a living hell for the players as they did drill after drill and sprint after sprint. Coach hollered constantly and always demanded more than was humanly possible. After games, the work was not finished, because they were back on the ice, sprinting and doing drills. The players began to bicker and complain. But their complaints were no longer aimed at other teammates, but at the coach. They began talking and sharing stories of their “abuse” by the coach. And slowly, they realized they had something in common and became a team. A team that would go on to shock the world by beating the top-ranked Russian and Swedish sides and winning the gold medal. All while praising the coach and others they had once despised.

When God reminded John of the film in his message, it was no mistake. It was an appropriate way to spark the series because it’s the entire process laid out before us. We are a group from many different walks of life, with issues and personalities as diverse as our looks. And like the “Miracle on Ice” team, we must find common ground. Not a hate of our coach (even if John pisses you off sometimes) but of the hope we have in Jesus. If you get down to the heart of the matter, that’s what this (Refuge) is all about.

Jesus. And our hope of a closer relationship with him and others.

Author's Note

Greetings, LifeTogether family. As we sit on the cusp of the third month of these devotionals, things must be said. First, thank you for your faithfulness in joining as one to forever change our relationship with Jesus by walking through these devotions. Together. As one body. As Refuge. My prayerful hope never wavers - that He changes you through His leading, the Scripture, and the readings as much as he changes me as I write them.

Second, I want you to be aware of a change in focus with the LifeTogether devotions. For the time being, we’ll set aside the book of Mark and use the devotions to elaborate on, and reinforce, the Scriptures and thoughts John delivers in his “Back to the Basics” sermon series. For those of you wishing to go even deeper, take advantage of Jason’s toil and technology and listen to the sermons again before embarking on this month’s devotions. Or drop the dollar for the cds. Nothing you sow into the kingdom of God returns null and void.

With that said, experience the next chapter in the LifeTogether journey. I continue to praise God for adopting me into His family and thank you for welcoming us into the Refuge family.

End-of-the-Month Reflection and Meditation

Well, done. Good and faithful servant…

If you have made it this far, you have nearly completed two month’s worth of devotionals. My prayerful hope is your relationship with Jesus has never been as close and intimate as it is now. Take a few minutes to praise and thank him for walking with you over the last month. Then take a few more minutes to finish the reflection questions.

1. Has your personal relationship with Jesus changed over the last month? Explain.

2. Of all the Scripture, devotionals, sermons, or meditations, which one stuck out the most to you? Why? Explain.

3. How have you applied what you have learned or read to your daily life? Be specific.

4. What can you begin doing today to share what you’ve learned with others? Be specific.

5. List some reasons why you’re thankful to God.

6. Pause to praise God. Thank Him for who He is and all He has done for us. Confess any lingering sin. Accept his forgiveness. Ask of Him your needs (and even your wants).

7. Remember… Jesus loves you just as you are, but He also loves you too much to let you stay that way!

The Scraps of Heaven

Mark 7: 24-30 (NLT)

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in, but he couldn’t keep it a secret. Right away a woman who had heard about him came and fell at his feet. Her little girl was possessed by an evilspirit, and she begged him to cast out the demon from her daughter. Since she was a Gentile, born in Syrian Phoenicia, Jesus told her, “First I should feed the children—my own family, the Jews.It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.” “Good answer!” he said. “Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter.” And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone.

It’s the peaceful, quiet moment in the midst of a personal storm. It’s the healing coursing through your fragile human body. It’s the encouraging Word during the Sunday morning message. It’s the mood altering chords and lyrics of a worship song. It’s the random act of kindness from a friend. It’s the life-changing encounter with a stranger. It’s the unexpected check in the mail before the bill is due. It’s the playful love and wonder of a toddler.

They’re all scraps from heaven.

For whatever reason, when I read this Gospel story, I think of the table being the great divide between heaven and earth. Those already wallowing in the indescribable glory of God’s presence are feasting at the table. Every once in a while though, one of the scraps from that miraculous meal spills off the table and falls to us “dogs” down here on earth. They fall in the form of those things listed in the previous paragraph and they display to us God’s love and his constant reminder of that love.

I admitted in a devotion long ago that I’m a sucker for a good story - especially a truthful one about God’s grace (scraps from heaven). So allow me to share one here.

Some years ago, a little girl was born with a painful condition which made it next to impossible to touch her. It was some sort of nerve ending disorder where the slightest contact sent ripples of fiery pain through her little body. The doctors had to devise a contraption to cradle her to give her some comfort but her mom and dad could only have minimal snuggling time. As you can imagine, it broke the parent’s hearts. But they trusted in God and prayed and over the course of a few years, Jesus healed the little girl. The full extent of her healing came as she sat in the bleachers with her folks watching her brother’s baseball game. An afternoon shower was brewing when her head shot up suddenly, startling her parents. “Do you smell that?” she cried out. “What…What is it? Rain?” her parents stammered. “Yes, rain. But it smells just like Jesus. I remember how he smells because he used to rock me as a baby.” The parents realized that when they couldn’t hold their own baby, Jesus had been cradling her the entire time. And they praised God because of it.

A scrap from heaven.

Scrubbing the Heart

Mark 7: 17-23 (NLT)

Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant by the parable he had just used. “Don’t you understand either?” he asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.) And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”

On Friday, we studied a metaphor of what goes on in your heart when it deals with thoughts. How you have a guard keeper whose job it is to deter the corrupt thoughts of the flesh while welcoming in the righteous, holy ones. Now, we turn our attention to the uncomfortable task of self-analysis. Not the thoughts vying to get in to your heart, but those already making a home there. In recovery circles, we call this “taking inventory.” Looking at ourselves honestly and transparently. No air-brushing. No gray areas. No pie-in-the-sky thinking. Just the real, raw, and relevant you!

Read through the “unclean” list in verses twenty-two through twenty-three.

(Don’t skip this part! Really read back through them!)

Now ask yourself the following questions, which all correlate with the list above. Answer them honestly. This is between you and God:

Does your mouth utter unwholesome talk, from innuendo to gossip? Do you want women, men, or other things you don’t have? Do you steal physical possessions or the joy from others? Are you cutting people down with your words or actions? Are you involved in a physical, mental, or emotional affair with another besides your spouse? Do you want what you can’t have? Are you constantly racked with evil, sinful thoughts? Do you cheat people or only offer half-truths? Do you go around flirting and fanning the flames of lustful behavior? Do you narrow your eyes at people who offend you? Are you involved in a lie about someone else to ruin them personally? Are you too good to ask for help or to admit you don’t know it all? Do you behave more like an immature child than an adult?

If you answered yes to these, you aren’t alone. But its these types of things which make for an unclean heart before God. Before finishing your quiet time today, I encourage you to talk to God. Confess those things. Know that He loves you and desires to forgive you and renew a right heart within you.

Morning Message

Scripture References: 

Title or topic of message:

 Notes:

 Questions I have about the message:

 How can I apply this message to my life?

Reflection and Meditation

This week, we have discussed issues like the adventure of faith, facing the skeletons in our closet, Refuge as the body of Christ, relationship over religion, and taking our thoughts captive to see their motives.

With that in mind, reflect and meditate on the following questions:

1. Describe your journey of faith from its beginning to the present? List some things you have learned as a result of your spiritual “climb.” Take a minute and thank God for carrying you through it and teaching you those lessons.

2. Do you have any skeletons, any unconfessed sins that haunt you? If you do, what is holding you back from giving those to God? If not, list some accountability measures to keep it place so that no more “ghosts” pop up.

3. Do you truly believe that Jesus can change lives through His Body here at Refuge? What things can you give God to make this “dream” a reality. Begin today praying specifically that God will help us shine so bright that people will come running from all over the community to worship with us.

4. Are you involved in religion or relationship? Do you follow church guidelines and standards because you think you’re expected to or because you love, and want to please, the Savior?

5. Can you honestly say that you are taking every thought captive and interrogating it for motives? What things can you put in place to strengthen the “guard” at your heart? If you don’t have one already, consider asking a close friend to be your accountability partner. Share your thoughts with them and pray together about this very issue.

Clean and Unclean

Mark 7: 9-16 (NLT)

Then he said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition. For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: ‘Honor your father and mother, and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death. But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents. And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.” Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”

If you’ve lived long enough, you know all too well the depraved state of our society. Sin runs rampant, from illicit sexual pleasures, to the greed of money and possessions, to desires for people or things not ours, to godless acts of violence and perversion. As deplorable as these things are, they don’t make us unclean. Its only when we allow these things on the outside to come in the door of our hearts that they wreak havoc. It's when they return to the outside taking our very soul with them.

This is how it was taught to me by my mentors and how I will now pass it on to you as well.

We all have a heart. And not just in a literal sense. On our heart is a door and at that door is a guard. Whenever thoughts, both good and bad, approach the heart, they must encounter the guard. Our guard is stronger if empowered by the Holy Spirit and obviously weaker without the connection. If acting according to the Word, the guard must take EVERY though captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) to see if its Godly and uplifting. Depending on our level of spiritual maturity, many of the thoughts from the list above may be included. Our guard must be prepared to keep our heart clean by running off or killing those lustful thoughts. If our guard slips up or flirts with those lusts, they will weasel by and begin their pollution. Left unchecked, these lusts will further materialize in our actions. And the uncleanness is complete.

Can you see the difference? Do you understand what Jesus is talking about? That it's not the outside things which pollute us but those things coming from within. Finally, consider this thought from (my favorite) author and thinker C.S. Lewis, which reiterates this Scripture:

“If we insist on keeping hell (or even earth) we shall not see Heaven: if we accept Heaven we shall not be able to retain even the smallest and most intimate souvenirs of hell.”

Relationship Not Religion

Mark 7: 1-8 (NLT)

One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They noticed that some of his disciples failed to follow the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. (The Jews, especially the Pharisees, do not eat until they have poured water over their cupped hands, as required by their ancient traditions. Similarly, they don’t eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to — such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles. So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, “Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony.” Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote,

   ‘These people honor me with their lips,
      but their hearts are far from me.
    Their worship is a farce,
      for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’

For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.”

Many of us at Refuge have stepped out of other churches to join the fellowship here. The reasons we have done so are numerous. Some of us have done so to escape the bondage of rigorous religious traditions and man-made standards . Religion has obscured the grace, mercy, and love of Christ into a list of “do’s and don’ts.” This hits home with some of you. Remember the days of being at the church every time the doors are open. Remember the pressures of trying to be perfect, reading your Bible daily, saying the correct prayer so God will hear you, making yourself feel guilty for things out of your control, staying in a spiritually sanitized environment, not associating with sinners, bowing your head and folding your hands to pray, throwing a certain amount in the offering plate, wearing holiness clothes, adopting doctrinal speaking points as Scripture, never questioning anything (and being judged if doing so). Remember the “us versus them” mentality, the “holier-than-thou” arguments. Remember the gnawing hypocrisy of sweeping dirty things under the rug.

Even if Refuge is the only church you’ve ever attended, you can no doubt remember the damages of religion. It’s a sickness within the church and it’s a sickness Jesus dealt with head on during his time walking the earth. Jesus hated religion and despised the traditions of the religious scholars. They had taken a relationship with God and turned into a religion. They served the system rather than the Savior.

My prayer is we not be bound with the chains of religion but with the freedom of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Refuge As the Body of Christ

Mark 6: 53-56 (NLT)

After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. They brought the boat to shore and climbed out. The people recognized Jesus at once, and they ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was. Wherever he went — in villages, cities, or the countryside — they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.

I don’t claim to be a prophet; nor do I brag about seeing future events. I do, however, consider myself a man of faith, hope, and love. And Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (NIV). So allow me to speak of something I “hope for and am certain of”: people from all over this community running in droves to find hope and healing at Refuge. Not because we are Refuge but because we have stepped into the role of Jesus, become his hands and feet, his body.

In the Gospel reading today, we follow Jesus as he wanders about the whole region healing people and ministering to the needs of those communities. They mobbed him. Even those touching the edge of his clothes were being healed! What life-changing power! Now here is the kicker - we (the church, Refuge) are the body of Christ, meaning when we get serious about walking with God, we can do similar things.

I can envision the look on some of your faces as you read this (because I’ve been there). Are you telling us people will flood into Refuge and we will heal people and be the talk of the entire community? These are not my words but those of Jesus Himself. “..There are no “ifs” among believers. Anything can happen.” (Mark 9:23, The Message).  “…What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27, NIV).  “…Ask in my name, according to my will, and He’ll [the Father] most certainly give it to you.” (John 16:23, The Message).

Everyday, I find myself closer and closer to taking God at his word. What if you and I together, what if all of Refuge would start walking in this type of faith? What if we not only believed in Jesus but became His body? What if we had the faith to see our mission statement come to fruition?

What if people saw Jesus-in-us so clearly that they come running to Refuge from all over the community?

From Faith to Fear (and Back Again)

Mark 6: 47-52 (NLT)

Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here! Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.

The skeleton in the closet. The body buried under the boards. The monster that rears its ugly head. The ghosts in the basement cellar.

You’ve heard the phrases before, ways of expressing our deepest, darkest, long-buried secrets, sins, and fears. Things we’re terrified for others to find out about. The thought of our ghosts being discovered and brought to light scares us. Causes us to fear. Causes us to cringe and run for a shovel. Forget all these literary words - it freaks the mess out of us!

Much like it did the disciples on that long ago night when they thought they saw a ghost. Take into account all the disciples had seen and done: the miraculous meal, casting out demons, healing the sick, preaching the Gospel, and so on. Then, shortly after all of this, their chomping on their nails in terror over a ghost. A ghost that turns out to be Jesus, with yet another miracle.

It’s not that different from us. Not long ago, my ghosts (hidden sins and lusts) would wander through my mind’s eye. I would scream in terror, scared of what the ghosts were capable of, destroying my life or reputation. But now when these ghosts trample across the waves of life and come ever closer, I, like the disciples, see Jesus. I’m no longer afraid of my ghosts because when I see them now, I witness firsthand the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ.

Those demons are not things to fear, but to give to Jesus. They are not things to terrorize me, but remind me of grace. They are not there to torment, but as opportunities to share with others the hope and healing he provides.

Mountains and Mole Hills

Mark 6: 45-46 (NLT)

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.

While this appears to be a verse of little importance, filler between two miracles of Jesus, there is a wealth of wisdom and insight. Let’s consider this verse one word at a time.

First, we have “Jesus.” Jesus - Son of God, God-wrapped-in-flesh, the sacrificial lamb sent for reconciliation with fallen humanity, full of love and forgiveness, our ultimate example.

Secondly, “climbed / went up." Unlike hiking, climbing involves hard, arduous, often excruciating work. One must not only negotiate the mountain itself but falling rocks, loose footing, sharp corners, fluctuating weather conditions, and mental fatigue.

Third, the “ the mountainside / the hills.” I’ve described some of the toil already, but the mountain itself represents an insurmountable human hurdle. It’s a symbol of human weakness, a daunting display to remind us how small we truly are. Those attempting it must be brave (or silly in some cases) and willing to lose life and limb to scale it.

Lastly, “to pray.” Prayer is simply communicating with God. Speaking and listening. Bonding. One-on-one relationship.

Putting all the pieces together, the beauty of this word puzzle enlightens further. Our faith mirrors this verse in many ways. We walk toward a “mountain” of impossibility, of life. And in our desire “to pray” and seek God, we must undergo the rigors of “climbing.”

But like Jesus here, to do so is the adventure not only of a lifetime… But of eternity!

Morning Message

Scripture References:

Title or topic of message:

Notes:

Questions I have about the message:

How can I apply this message to my life?

Reflection and Meditation

This week, we discussed  the tragedy of pushing away the Holy Spirit, feelings of abandonment, slowing down and resting in Jesus, joining the Holy Spirit in its work, and how Jesus makes something from nothing. With that in mind, reflect and meditate on the following questions:

1. Remember back to the time when you first experienced the tug of the Holy Spirit? How did you respond? Do you find yourself more sensitive to its tugging these days? List some positives and some negatives about submitting / not submitting to the Holy Spirit’s direction in your life.

 2. Have you ever (or do you now) feel like the ruler from the story? Like God has laid aside your needs to meet the needs of others? How do you respond when that seems to happen? What might you learn from the ruler’s reaction to Jesus?

 3. Are you guilty of getting wrapped up in the traffic jam of ministering to every need you can without getting any rest? List some benefits to resting and refreshing yourself with time alone with Jesus.

 4. List some areas of your life where you see the Holy Spirit at work around you. Pray about it, then choose one of those works to get involved in.

 5. Describe a time when Jesus took a nothing in your life and miraculously turned it into a something.

Something From Nothing

Mark 6: 35-44 (NLT)

Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.” But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!” “How much bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and find out.” They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” Then Jesus told the disciples to gave the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves!

It’s the mountain every seeker must scale. The lingering question every soul must inquire. How? How can something come from nothing? Or next-to-nothing? How can we die and still find life? How can we be strongest when we are at our weakest? How does surrendering lead to victory? How can all these divine paradoxes be true?

Here is yet another Jesus story which has been watered down into a fairy tale children’s story. While this culinary episode is far from a mere wives tale, it’s a hump many truth seekers can’t get over. Up to that point, people witnessed many apparently unexplainable things - from the stormy weather subsiding, to healings, to exorcisms. But all that could have possibly been staged. (It wasn’t, of course. I’m only trying to make a point). Imagine, however, the scene at this supper as Jesus takes next-to-nothing and pinches off piece after piece. Except the fish and bread aren’t losing any mass! Its as if it regrows the instant his fingers snag another piece. From this meager meal for one, over five thousand are fed. With twelve doggie bags to spare! How can this be?

Quite simply because we as humans respond the same way the disciples did when Jesus challenged them to solve the problem. We try to fix it materialistically, by purchasing something instead of trusting him with the impossible. We want to win the lost with a great new ministry or fancy gadgets or corporate Christianity, when the whole time Jesus waits to take our “next-to-nothing“ - a message, a verse, a testimony - and feed thousands.

With leftovers to spare!

Winds of Change

Mark 6: 33-34 (NLT)

But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

After selling out to Jesus seven years ago, one of the first devotionals I consistently completed was Experiencing God. Over the course of those weeks, I encountered dozens of truths that stick with me to this day. Among them is a statement by the authors (and backed up Biblically) which went something along the lines of, “Don’t try to reinvent the Spirit. Watch where God is already at work…and join him there!”

This must have been the same slogan for the crowd in our reading today. They had no real clue as to the full extent of who Jesus was, that He had come to be the sacrifice for sins and the restorer of humanity, that He loved them more than they could possibly imagine, that encountering Him would radically change their lives. All they knew was wherever He traveled, hope, healing, and wholeness followed. Desiring to be filled with such things, they watched where He was going (where God was already working) and joined him. Even beat Him to the spot in this case.

Which leads to our next observation: sometimes we see where God is leading, get there, and, like the crowd here, wait with joyful patience of his arrival. We step out in faith, volunteer for a ministry, enter our calling, do the right thing. And God seems not to be in it immediately. We continue to pray. Continue to wait upon him. Then at His appearance, everything changes. The miraculous occurs. He brings with him the glory and power of the Father. The fruits of the Spirit.

These people experienced it firsthand. And so may we.

A Refuge

Mark 6: 30-32 (NLT)

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.

Admit it. Many of us get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life we often forget to rest. Not sleep, but rest. Our society is consumed by busy-bodies. We have to go to work, church, school, the grocery store, the mall, out of town, this and that practice, watch the game or the latest reality show, help so and so, pray, read the Bible, complete the daily LifeTogether devotional, get gas, hit the bank, hang with the guys or girls, find a babysitter, take the kids to the park, and so on. Again, all good things as long as you stay balanced with rest. Jesus’ example in the Gospels is clear - there is great wisdom and value in pulling away from time to time to find rest. Not only for your bod… But your soul as well.

As we witness with the disciples (and many of us can attest to from experience), serving God can be hard, often hectic, work. Our lives mirror verse 31, “There was constant coming and going.” (The Message) Our lives, both in and out of Refuge, are as much. And not just for the leaders of the various ministries. Stop to think about the last time you sat quietly with God, distanced from the appeals of others and the pressures of the world. Without feeling guilty, we should carve out such beneficial time to withdraw (even if it's in a deer stand) and pray. And if you’re allowed to do so, return the favor for someone else. Watch the kids for your spouse or knock out errands for a friend so that they may enjoy such personal time with the Savior as well. Withdrawing into brief times of isolation is the mark of a mature believer. Because we don’t do anyone good when we burn ourselves out.

Listen as Jesus says, “Come to me and I will give you rest.”

The Apparent Abandonment

Mark 6: 21-29 (NLT)

Herodias’s chance finally came on Herod’s birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee. Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. “Ask me for anything you like,” the king said to the girl, “and I will give it to you.” He even vowed, “I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!” She went out and asked her mother, “What should I ask for?” Her mother told her, “Ask for the head of John the Baptist!” So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, “I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!” Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn’t refuse her. So he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John’s head and bring it to him. The soldier beheaded John in the prison, brought his head on a tray, and gave it to the girl, who took it to her mother. When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb.

Few in the Bible have entered the scene with more bang than John. We see him first flipping in his mother’s belly when he came near the embryonic Jesus in Mary’s belly. Then we witness him explode back into the Gospel story by departing into the wilderness and shouting about repentance and the coming of the One who will rescue the world from their transgressions. He baptizes this Savior and then disappears before springing back up in prison. Although in jail for serving the Savior, we have no record of Jesus going to visit John. We only have Jesus’ response to John’s soul searching questions, in which he affirmed that He was Messiah and the blind were seeing and the lame walking. But still no personal visit from the Savior.

Have you ever felt like John? Like you were chosen by God to do a great work? Like you had been faithful to do and complete the work? And then, for some reason you can’t explain, God abandoned you? Like he failed to come visit, failed to offer encouragement, failed to say thank you, failed to release you from whatever prison you’re incarcerated in? We have all been rocked by these emotions at some point. We have all, like John, asked God if He is indeed the Savior and thereby, given the lonely sentiment that we’re feeling neglected.    

Similar to our learning from Herod yesterday, we can learn from John today.

Despite not understanding fully the plan of God, John remained faithful. He trusted God and endured to the end. He questioned but never quit. And he was never truly abandoned or alone. And he is enjoying the prize now!

What Could Have Been

Mark 6: 14-20 (NLT)

Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because everyone was talking about him. Some were saying, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. That is why he can do such miracles.” Others said, “He’s the prophet Elijah.” Still others said, “He’s a prophet like the other great prophets of the past.” When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, “John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead.” For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip’s wife, but Herod had married her. John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.” So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod’s approval she was powerless, for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.

Last month, one of our devotionals dealt with the great tragedy of the believer who snuffs out the light Jesus ignites in the heart. Perhaps equally tragic is the story of Herod. Herod was a living human, but he has also become a tragic symbol of what almost was. Or could have been. Despite living in sin, this leader was mesmerized by John (the Baptist, not the Pastor) and his teaching on repentance and death-to-self. He perceived something special, something holy in the Jesus freak. The Message says, “[Herod was] Convinced that he [John] was a holy man, he gave him special treatment. Whenever he listened to him he was miserable with guilt - and yet he couldn’t stay away. Something in John kept pulling him back.” (verse 20)

The world usually refers to it as guilt. We who believe refer to it as the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It’s the Holy Spirit. It pulls and tugs us toward God. It helps us realize when we’re wrong. It guides us into a greater understanding of the mystery of the Gospel. It compels us to share the Good News with others. It empowers us to our callings. And it does all of this without stomping all over our free will. Like Herod, we have the choice. We can continue to push away the Holy Spirit and go at life alone, “miserable with guilt” and living a serrated existence. Or we can submit to its pull and find true freedom. Find an unexplainable serenity, a “peace that surpasses all understanding.”

You may find yourself at this crossroads now. If not yourself, you know someone experiencing it now. After the sermon, as John and Jason open the altar for the invitation. As you surf the lustful pleasures of the internet. As you rip someone apart with gossip. As you wallow in envy, desiring all you don’t possess. As you cling to your drug of choice, prescription or otherwise. As you drown in the worries of the world.

The Holy Spirit - God’s Spirit - is whispering, “There is a better way. Walk with me. Find faith, hope, and love. Find me. I will woo you with my love.”