Drawing from the well within

I've seen a few dotting the landscape mostly rural communities, but I can't really say that I have ever drank from one---a well, that is. As a city dweller, I'm so used to getting water from a protected, chlorinated supply that is conveniently piped into my home. So glad I don't have to go outside in all kinds of weather to drop a bucket down a hole in the ground. As for which is better--well vs tap-- I've heard that well water tastes better; and may even be better for you. But regardless of where it comes from no one would argue that water is essential to life. Makes me wonder if that's what God had that in mind when he created the seas first and had them cover two-thirds of the earth's surface. And even though he created man from the dust, our bodies are composed of 60 per cent water; some organs, like the brain, are as much as 90 per cent water.

Besides being a necessity for life, water can kill. People have drowned in it. Whole communities like New Orleans, La. and Johnstown, Pa. have been flooded by it. Wars have been fought over it (water rights). The BP oil disaster demonstrated how reckless pollution of our waters can devastate both human and animal species. Our dependence on water for survival is universal for human and animal kind alike. Even if we journey into outer space to explore other life forms, the first thing that astronauts look for is whether there is a sustainable water source on the planet.

Jesus often used water as a metaphor for spiritual things. The Holy Spirit is often referred to as "living water" freely given to those who ask (John 4:10). The Bible speaks of water to illustrate the purifying effect of God's Word in making us holy "by the washing of water through the word (Eph 5:26). By contrast, a church that doesn't preach the Word of God, and a people that won't heed and obey God's Word are a dirty bunch---carnal and undisciplined. Who complains of thirst, and then, when a glass of water is set before him, just stares at it?  In the same way, Jesus offers sinners "living water" but to enjoy its benefits, we must come to the source and drink freely. Are you thirsty?

Its Harvest Time

One of the joys associated with summer is plentiful crops of fresh fruits and vegetables. They remind me of visits with my grandmother, watching her till the soil in the small vegetable garden in her backyard. Everything we ate came straight from her garden. In those days, we didn't know what processed food was because grandma cooked everything from scratch. From her garden, she picked vegetables the moment they were ripe on the vine because as any good farmer knows, when the crops are at their peak, its harvest time.

Grandma's garden provides a nice segue into the harvesting of souls that Jesus talks about in the book of John. Perhaps the most evangelistic book of the four Gospels, John provides a blueprint for leading others to Christ. My personal favorite is the story of the Samaritan woman found in John 4: 4-41. I like Jesus' low keyed approach as he engages the woman in a conversation about which she is concerned and obviously knows a lot about---water. This approach both gets her attention and piques her interest in him. The conversation turns to things spiritual as she begins to ask questions pertaining to the "living water" comment that Jesus makes. But my objective is not to dissect word for word, line by line the actual conversation between Jesus and the woman; but rather to use this story to illustrate how every day encounters and conversations with people can become evangelistic opportunities.

Someone once told me that each day God has a divine appointment (assignment) waiting for us. Jesus alludes to this in John 4:35 ---" You know the saying, 'Four months between planting and harvest.' But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest (NLT)." The will of God for his "then and now" disciples (every Christian) is to finish the work Christ started by harvesting the lost souls that God desires to bring into his Kingdom. They are already waiting, and they are ripe for the picking. We cannot say that we are truly doing God's work if we are not engaged in winning lost souls to Christ, whether through organized evangelistic efforts at church or personal evangelism on our own. Nothing that we do means more to God than this. After all, Christ gave his life that men might be saved. Its our job to take the gospel to them. The Bible says that there is joy in heaven when [even] one sinner repents (Luke 15:10). That's awesome to know that by leading another to Christ we make the angels in heaven rejoice. Its a high calling and a privilege that God reserves only for us. The fields are white already. Its harvest time.

The power of a prophetic church

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."--Luke 4:18-19 NIV

To paraphrase a familiar gospel song, "If we ever needed the Church before, we sure do need it now." Especially now, in the face of increasing wickedness, sin, hopelessness and peril. Have you taken a look at the world lately? The Church, which was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, has a God-given mandate to be the difference maker in people's lives by telling them about Jesus. When Jesus walked the earth more than 2000 years ago, he put hurting, destitute and lost souls first on his agenda; and that agenda has never changed. In fact, he passed it on to his Church to fulfill in this age. As Christ's ambassadors, we represent him in the world (2 Cor 5:20). What's more, Christ gave power to the Church to finish the work he started: "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father"--John 14:12.

But is the Church doing greater things to the extent that it should be? For example, in some neighborhoods, churches share the block with drug dealers, prostitutes and bars. Who do you think should have a greater influence on the community? One would hope the answer would be--the Church; but sadly that is not always the case. In spite of the Church's presence, many communities have become battlegrounds for good vs evil. So we ask, "What should be the Church's response?" Well, it would be foolish for the Church to engage in open confrontation with the criminal elements of our society. But neither should the Church yield its territory to them without a fight. When a Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is active in its community that community should be noticeably different from all those around it. For example, when I was growing up in Baltimore, the local newspaper sponsored a "Clean Block" campaign to beautify inner-city neighborhoods by enlisting neighbors to keep sidewalks and streets free of trash and debris. Block captains were chosen to make sure each household kept their trash picked up and their white marble steps clean. Each week, a picture of the winning block was featured in the newspaper and a banner hung over the winning block so that everyone would know that this is a clean block and no trash is allowed.

Likewise, the Church must make its mark by using the transforming power of the gospel to clean up the streets, and bring life back into the communities it serves. This is not a monumental task considering our weapons (2 Cor 10:3-5). These weapons are faith, prayer and the word of our testimony (witness). The enemy cannot stand in their wake. So then, what's stopping the Church? The problem is TRADITION. Tradition says it is easier to drop money in the collection plate than to lace up our tennis shoes and hit the streets to witness to people where they are. We give monetary contributions to help fund God's work, but it takes hands and feet to accomplish it. And that is what's lacking in the Church today--sufficient hands and feet willing to go into the highways and byways after the lost. Jesus observed in Luke 10:12: " The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest. Ask him to send more workers into his fields."

We must rid the Church of its "If we build it, they will come" attitude. The Church cannot assume that the poor, who sleep within our gates against winter's cold or summer's heat, will one day walk through our doors unless we give them a compelling reason to come inside. In short, we must go out after them. Look at what radical extremism has produced in the Middle East--a kind of religious fervor that is spreading like wildfire. Imagine what the Church could accomplish if we would embrace the religious fervor of the early Christians and become radical extremists for Christ. With this attitude, the Church could win souls, change lives and transform whole communities. This kind of radical change starts with each one of us. What change do you want to see in your block? In your family? On your job? What are you doing, besides complaining, to bring about the changes you would like to see? Have you looked at the man or woman in your mirror lately? Before complaining about how bad things are getting ask what have I done to make things better? The Church needs every believer to help win  communities for Christ.

Is your head in the sand

People who act as if they are oblivious to the happenings around them are often characterized as behaving like an ostrich with its "head buried in sand." I don't know much about the habits of the ostrich bird but I can see the same analogy applying to the those who see wars, earthquakes, famine, pandemics, rampant crime, environmental upheavals, seasonal changes and the like; and yet fail to recognize these as signs of the end times (Matt. 16:2-3).

Catastrophic events like these are unfolding worldwide almost daily, even in our own country. The popular culture believes that the world will one day solve all its problems and be at peace with itself. But scripture warns us that nothing can be farther from the truth.

For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you brothers are not in darkness so this day should not surprise you like a thief (1Thessalonians 5: 2-4).

The word "should not" in that passage suggests that some brothers (and sisters) will be caught off guard, and hence totally unprepared for the Lord's return. Where do you stand? Are you prepared for the Lord's return?

In Matthew 25 tells the story of ten virgins— five wise ones and five foolish ones— who were warned to be ready when the bridegroom [Christ] comes for them. The five wise virgins were obedient and heeded the advice, keeping their lamps trimmed and with plenty of oil with them at all times. One day, when the bridegroom suddenly came unannounced, the five wise virgins were ready to go with him. But the five foolish virgins were caught off guard—their lamps had no oil. To their anguish, the bridegroom left them behind. The point of this parable is the importance of being prepared when he comes. Scripture warns, "we know not the day or the hour when [Christ] will return."

The first step in being prepared is making sure that you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or to put it another way, you must be born again. Just being a good person doesn't cut it. People often deceive themselves by thinking that because they are kind hearted, or attend church that this somehow means that makes them right with God. Not so. The Bible says in John 3:7 that you must be born again. Romans 10 spells out the conditions for salvation through Christ:

First, there must be a confession of sin with true repentance. Followed by acceptance of Jesus as God's son, who died on the cross for our sin and who was also raised from the dead. Next, an invitation to Christ to come into your heart; and finally, believing in faith that Jesus has done what you have asked. 

Here's the test. If you cannot specifically recall a date or time when you made this confession or similar to God in a prayer, you would be correct to question whether you are really in the family of God. If you are not sure, don't allow Satan to deceive you about your standing with God. Satan wants nothing more than for you to keep your head buried in the sand of "self-righteousness." Open your heart today, and allow Christ to change your life. The bridegroom is coming, and is even now knocking at the door.

Don't cry for Haiti

There is a God in Haiti. He's in the faces of the survivors who spent long days and nights pinned under unyielding slabs of concrete, wondering if they'd make it out alive. There is no doubt that God was with them. He's in the faces of the rescuers who worked tirelessly, searching amongst the rubble of toppled buildings for sights or sounds of life. He's guiding the hands of the doctors and nurses who are caring for the injured under unimaginably tough conditions. He's in the hearts of people the world over who are donating money and other goods to help ease the suffering of a grief stricken, weary nation. While some skeptics may question and even blame God for this tragedy, the Haitians who survived the earthquake's terrible destruction know better. They are the ones that we see on TV dancing and singing praises to God for having escaped from the valley of the shadow of death.

Oddly amazing. Or is it? A poem written by Annie Flint some years ago perhaps explains it:

He gives more grace when the burden grows greater.

He sends more strength when the labors increase.

To added affliction, he adds his mercy;

To multiplied trials, his multiplied peace.

To outsiders and onlookers, "it does not yet appear what [it] shall be" but with faith, Haiti will rise again to become a better nation, even a God fearing nation for having been through this incredible experience. Already, this once forgotten people now command center stage in the world's affairs. Isn't that just like our God.

New Year, New You!

In just a few hours from now fireworks will light up the night sky, champagne corks will pop, horns and whistles will blow, hugs and kisses will be exchanged and well wishes for a Happy New Year will be on the lips of many the world over. Behind this annual celebration is the hope and expectation that the New Year will bring about a change of fortune, as well as, an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start afresh. Even advertisers and purveyors of self-improvement products and services get a piece of the action by promising to fulfill the wishes of customers who desire to transform themselves "from the old me into a new me." But 364 days down the road, the unfortunate reality is that human will and human effort alone is not enough to prevent us from falling short of our desired goal to transform our lives and to make them better.

Man's attempts at self-improvement are often rooted in the superficial and the external. We think change is a matter of our will. If we will ourselves to stop this or start that, we think that this is enough to produce the change we desire. But if that were the case, the first diet you tried would have worked or the first time you decided to stop smoking, drinking or the like would have been enough to produce sobriety in you. And yet, every new year, we find ourselves back at the same place, reciting the same vows, trying to make the same changes we promised to make a year ago.

What's wrong with us? The answer lies in the fact that the created cannot recreate itself---for that, we need the Creator. In Psalm 34, King David recognizes his inability to change his ways and so seeks the help of his Creator: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me (Ps 51:10 KJV)." David recognized that without God's help he would continue to be lost in his sins. Paul explains the dilemma we all face as human beings in this world: "I have discovered this principle of life---that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh what a miserable person I am. Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God. The answer is in Jesus Christ, our Lord! (Rom 7:21-25 NLT)"

The only way you can become a new you in this new year is by surrendering your life to Christ who alone has the power to make all things new. For the sinner, he will cleanse you and forgive you of all your sins. For the Christian who has strayed, he will forgive you of your sins and restore you to the family of God. You don't have to wait until the clock strikes 12 midnight for your new life to begin. It can begin right now with a simple prayer of confession. Happy New You!

Where Are the Shepherds When We Need Them?

The White House announced recently that the Presidential holiday card would expressly omit any mention of Christmas or Jesus' birth. The words and meaning behind "Merry Christmas" has been replaced by "Happy Holidays" in almost every facet of American life today. Nativity scenes have come under attack and are illegal in some public places in many communities across this nation. The commemoration of Jesus' birth has become sadly, even for some Christians, a day of tree trimming and gift giving without a pause to honor the greatest gift of all. And like the Presidential card, Christians send out greeting cards full of holiday cheer, and no mention of the joy that came into the world when Christ was born.

The proclamation of Jesus' birth did not end with the shepherds. As 21st century Christians, we have a calling to proclaim this gospel message until the day of Christ's return. During this most holy of Christian observances, we have an opportunity to declare the real reason for the season: that Christ came into the world to save sinners. How can we sit on our salvation while there are still so many even at our doorstep who don't know Jesus Christ as Savior? The Shepherds left their sheep, and probably lost their jobs, to spread the Good News of Christ's coming. The words, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life," still have power to change lives in any season. This is the message of Christmas that Christians should be telling the world.

We must take a stand for Christmas, refusing to allow the world to dictate who, what and how we should celebrate. When someone says, "Happy Holiday" to you, don't be ashamed to respond with, "And may you have a blessed Christmas" or the like." As you gather around the Christmas tree with family and friends, read the story of the birth of Christ found in the Gospels before opening your gifts. As we honor the Savior, we can proclaim with the angels "Peace on earth, goodwill toward men."