New Year, Big Changes

I hope you had a joyous Christmas and New Year!  We sure did!  While it was busy with year-end items and preparing for our World Race team, we also managed time for rest and fun in the sun.

Now as we look ahead to a new year, I’m looking ahead to big changes as well, as this year will be one of transition for me.  With my visa expiring in June, I’m planning to move back to the US in May.

The 6 years I’ve been in South Africa have been an incredible journey – I’ve learned a lot, grown a lot, and been blessed to have a job I love that has also blessed others.  But I miss home as well, and feel the time is right to return to be with family.

I wish I could say I knew exactly where the Lord is calling me next.  The director/manager/planner in me would sure feel more comfortable if I was being called out of South Africa into something else.  But He hasn’t revealed that to me yet.

I just know that I feel a release and peace with another missionary joining us soon, someone to whom I can transition many of my responsibilities.  I also know that as I step out in faith the Lord will reveal His next steps and timing.  (It’s strange how returning to the US feels like just as big a faith step as originally coming here…)

Honestly, we’ve been soooo busy the past several months I’ve had little time to pray, plan, or prepare for next steps.  I also wanted to be sure to remain focused on ministry here.  But with this new year, I’ll have to focus more on transition planning…

So for now, I would love your prayers:

• For confirmation and peace about what to do with my beloved dog Zoe

• For God’s revealed will about practical matters such as finances, housing, work, vehicle, etc.

• For doors to open that allow me to live in the US yet still be involved in ministry, missions and Ignite South Africa

• For supporters to stay engaged with me until I return home, that finances don’t dry up once they hear the news

Thank you for everything.  You’ve been a tremendous support and blessing to me.  I appreciate it so much!  

Blessings, Jill

Lacking Nothing

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1: 2-4

Being a Christian isn’t easy, even God will attest to that.  Every day we find ourselves in various trials and difficult situations.  The word used here is peirasmos which is not a temptation to sin, but rather a testing that is directed towards an end.  The goal is to emerge better, stronger, and purer from the testing.

It’s clear that God’s will for us is to have patience and perseverance, so much so that He gives us countless “opportunities” to develop it in our lives.  Big ones.  Small ones.  Major once in a lifetime ones.  Everything from life altering events to minor everyday annoyances.  Each an opportunity to develop and display the fruit of the Holy Spirit…or not.

James teaches that when endurance, steadfastness, and patience are fully developed in our lives we too will be fully developed, lacking nothing.  The devil can’t control us when we are mature, patient, persevering Christians.

James also teaches that we should be joyful about such trials, the AMP says to be wholly joyful.  Obviously that’s a tough thing to do unless we have the right perspective - that mind of Christ that is also wholly assured that the trial will prove, exercise and strengthen our faith and produce good results.

Often times we lose our patience and then make the excuse “I’m just not a patient person.”  As if patience is an inherent characteristic that you either have or you don’t.  How many other character flaws do we accept as a given, unchangeable  part of our nature blinded to the fact that God expects more from us and gives us the power to change?

I almost think it’s easier to patiently endure the major tests in life.  Not only do we recognize them for what they are, but we also bear down and put forth all our effort.  What about those “pop quizzes” that occur every day?  The screaming baby, the slow driver, the misplaced or messed up paperwork, the lady counting out exact change, the unhelpful help desk operator…

When it’s just a minor annoyance or inconvenience we try to fix or control it, figure out why, vent our frustrations or assign blame.  While trying to fix a problem is a good thing, we mustn’t let the problem steal our joy, extinguish our patience, or tarnish the fruit that we’re developing and displaying to others.  And we mustn’t overlook it as a divinely assigned test from God.

Christians shouldn’t be impatient, grumpy, lashing out people.  Sure if we’re in a bad mood we can forgive and extend grace, we know God does.  But unbelievers don’t know grace, they just see impatient, grumpy so-called Christians.  And when we behave in a manner unworthy of Christ, they see hypocrites. 

The Lord expects joyful, enduring patience from His children, and He gives us the Holy Spirit to help us develop it so that we lack nothing.  Tests and pop quizzes are simply means to that end and should bring us pure joy, because when we’re lacking nothing Satan can’t gain a foothold.

Lord, please reveal to me times when I’ve been impatient, when I’ve let trials weaken my resolve and steal my joy, when I’ve lashed out or withdrawn and disengaged instead of patiently, joyfully persevering.  Lord, I want to be complete in you, lacking nothing.  Amen.

Truth and Consequences

In this picture are Kiara and Taryn  as Good and Not So Good Fruit trees.  They were great sports as our children's church stuck them with apples.

As I read Psalm7 the word “consequences” kept coming to mind.  Even for Christians – those who have had their past, present and future sins washed away by the blood of Christ – there are always consequences for our actions.  Our liberty in Christ does not give us license to sin.

David is seeking refuge and protection from his enemies.  But he’s also cognizant that his consequences may be of his own doing.  He humbles himself and gives God permission to search him, evaluate him, and see if there’s something he’s done wrong to deserve what he’s going through.  If he is guilty of wrong-doing, he’s ready to face the consequences of his actions, even if it means death.

God doesn’t usually intervene when we’re about to make a mistake.  He lets us make our own decisions and choices.  But he does stand waiting on the other side ready to forgive us if we ask, and redeem the situation if we let him.  Either way, consequences can still be far reaching, life-changing…permanent. 

So David cries out for refuge and deliverance, but is also willing to face any consequences God so chooses.  But then comes another plea and praise of God.  Rise up.  Take charge.  For those who follow Him, God is their shield.  He’ll save the righteous.  He’ll judge rightly.  He’ll fight for us and with us.  While consequences still unfold around us, we can be assured that God’s love and faithfulness remain steady even when ours doesn’t. 

Even when we mess up.  When we repent, God forgives.  When we humble ourselves, God redeems.  God doesn’t forsake us just because we mess up.  He may let us reap the consequences, but he doesn’t leave us.

And speaking of consequences, the ones for unbelievers - those who reject God and deliberately rebel against Him - those consequences are doozies.  V16 says the trouble he causes recoils on himself, his violence comes down on his own head.  Ouch!

So consequences or not, we should always give thanks to the Lord for His righteousness.  We should always sing His praises.  And when we mess up, we should repent.  Repentance means a sincere turning away from ourselves and our sin, and turning toward God.  It means an about face and new direction – in mind, heart, and action.

It’s tough to ask God to search me, convict me, point out what I’ve done wrong.  But I know He only does so out of love and for that reason it’s a bit easier.  I sincerely want to please Him so awareness, confession and repentance are just part of the process.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

My Eyes Grow Weak

Psalm 6 echoes out from the depth of David’s struggles, from a soul weary of anguish, from a body and mind worn out from the burden of despair.  He teaches us that in our own struggles we can and should cry out to God.  The truth is that He’s there with us and there for us.

But the fact that David is drenched in tears, faint with sorrow, and weak from groaning out also tells us that his struggle is long-lasting.  I think our hardest struggles are the ones that seem to go on and on and on.  Those are the ones that can make us wonder where God is, to doubt His presence. 

We know God hears our prayers…but does he?  We know God is always with us…but is he?  We know God answers our prayers…but does he?  He does.  He is.  He does.  Although maybe not always in a way we expect or understand.

As I read through my journal I came across an entry from 3 months ago.  The day prior we didn’t have enough money in the bank to make payroll.  This year has been an ongoing financial struggle for Ignite and some months me personally.  Our leadership team had been praying, trusting, trying, and expecting God to provide each month…and that month He didn’t. 

So I did.  I emptied my account to make payroll and pay a few other bills to give us some breathing room.  But rather than seeing it as a way God provided for us and praising Him for it, I became angry, fearful and resentful because God seemed nowhere to be found. 

“My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?” (v6)

And why?  When battles rage on and on we tend to ask why?  Or maybe it’s just me.  On the one hand we should because if there is something we need to repent of or resolve in our own lives we need to do so. 

But after that, the why doesn’t matter.  From there we just need to press deeper into God and trust Him.  Trust that He’s with us.  Trust that He cares.  Trust that He’s in control.  Trust that He’s working and will, in time, deliver us.  And trust that He can and will redeem whatever was lost in the battle.

What does matter is who we become through the struggle.  Do we allow God to develop our spiritual maturity – faith, courage, perseverance, trust, prayer, fasting, etc.?  Struggles expose the chinks in our spiritual armor, those vulnerable places where a weapon can make solid contact.  Struggles raise the heat so that our impurities can rise to the surface and be drawn out.  We come out of them refined, stronger, better protected for the next struggle…because there will be one.

“My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.” (v7)

For David, spiritual blindness was setting in, which was the case for me as well.  His cries to God turned to reasoning with God.  If you let me die, who’s going to praise you?  Wouldn’t you prefer praise?  I tried to reason with God as well.  It doesn’t really work.

Then somewhere in between verse 7 and 8 David rallies.  He realizes how weak he sounds.  He remembers God’s faithfulness.  He reminds himself that God has heard his cries and is fighting on his behalf.  David ends full of faith, convinced that he will be delivered and his enemies taken down.

My journal entry ended with “Lord, help me to rally like David did.”  And He did.  God is always with us.

When All Hell Breaks Loose

Psalm 2 says blessed are those who take refuge in the Lord rather than in someone or something else.  Which begs the obvious question, where do I take my refuge?  And with no higher power, no greater protection or provider than God, why would nations, or anyone for that matter, work against Him?

I think of the US, and it seems like we are sliding down the slippery slope of morality.  Anything goes.  Everything that’s wrong is someone else’s fault.  I see so-called Christians with no need for God, thinking their liberty in Christ gives them the license to do whatever they want.  Christ’s sacrifice didn’t give us freedom to sin, it gave us freedom from the power of sin, which means freedom and power not to sin.

So rulers and common-folk alike will be judge by God, and I think rulers and leaders more harshly because of the added responsibility they were entrusted with.  Those who mock God, disregard him, reject him will find themselves mocked, disregarded, rejected by God in return.

There are always consequences to sin.  Sometimes they are major, and other times more subtle like the Lord simply stepping back and letting people reap what they sow.  Unchecked, unrepented sin only escalates.  Once one Bible-defined sin becomes tolerated, then accepted, then legalized and even celebrated, what’s next?  Which sin is next in the escalation?

When God steps back and gives our unregenerate human nature what it wants, all hell breaks loose.

Those who follow God, call Jesus Savior and Lord, submit to His rule – those are the ones who can ask God for anything and He’ll provide.  Imagine an entire nation devoted to the one, true, living God.  That would be a powerful, blessed, abundant nation indeed.  Imagine the amazing victories they’d have against nations who do not serve the same God.

Unfortunately, so-called Christian nations (and people) are blind to the fact that they aren’t really Christian.  That Christian values were discarded by the wayside in a quest for power, prosperity, popularity, and tolerance.  You can’t make everyone happy – not sinners and saints alike.  When you try, God gets pushed away to make room for human thinking.

Love is from God.  Tolerance is not. This psalm talks about the consequences of nations turning away from God and His ways.  With nations being comprised of individuals, the same principles would definitely apply.

Thomas Jefferson once said “In matters of style, swim with the current.  In matters of principle, stand like a rock.”

So where do you find your refuge?  Is the one, true, living God the source of all things in your life?  Do you stand on His Word and for His Word when others reject it?

The Ways of the Wicked

I finished another read through of the Bible and was unsure of where to start next.  As I prayed, I felt pulled towards Psalms, maybe because things have been challenging lately on several fronts.  I’ve heard the same from so many people, that the Enemy seems to be working overtime sifting, stressing, and battling with God’s people.  I guess I felt drawn to all that David endured - his highs and lows, and how he cried out to God expressing fears and frustrations, yet still rallied his trust and faith in God.  Lessons I need to learn from.

Psalm 1 teaches that those who walk in God’s ways rather than the ways of the world will be blessed.  So what are the ways of the world?  Sin.  Hanging out with sinners.  Taking their advice.  Mocking God.  Thinking you know it all and can do it all by yourself.  Living for yourself or for the moment with no concern for the consequences.  These are some things that came to mind.

Rarely do we think of ourselves as wicked.  It seems like such a harsh word – a word reserved for pedophiles, rapists, and serial killers.  Surely I’m not an evil, wicked sinner, right?  But what about being arrogant, prideful, hurtful, self-promoting, self-righteous, independent, or indifferent?  Do any of these descriptions fit or is it just me?  Because these are sins as well.  And sinners are the folks who will blow away like chaff – their lives and everything they’ve worked for.

On judgment day those who lived for temporal, worldly gain will fall before God.  They won’t be able to stand in his presence.  They won’t have anything to show for their lives.  In contrast, those who delight in God’s Word and do what it says will be blessed and cared for.  They will produce fruit that lasts eternally.

Verse 6 says “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”  There are basically two paths to choose from, and it’s our choice which one to take.  For me, this psalm gives us a glimpse into the abundant life the Lord offers, but also shows that we have to choose it. 

And we have to work at it.  Living according to God’s ways isn’t easy.  We need to know what sin is.  We need to work to avoid it.  We need to study God’s word and reflect on it, letting it renew our thoughts, desires, and motives until we love what God loves, hates what he hates, and desire his will above all else.

I thank the Lord that he calls me righteous even though I misstep into sin.  I thank Him that he forgives me and watches over me helping to keep my path straight.  I thank Him that each day I am blessed in small and large ways, and pray that when I’m too caught up in myself and the circumstances around me that he reminds me to return my focus to him – the author and perfecter or my faith.

Second-String

“Let’s face it.  Sometimes your past simply disqualifies you from doing certain things for God, but that doesn't mean He doesn't have another great plan for your life. “

So let me ask you this, does God really have a second-string?  I know that second-string isn't the best term to use, but you know where I’m going with this…A team of disqualified people that he’s trying to use by making “the best of it.”  Because I've seen entire churches, ministries, and organizations led by broken, put-back-together people.

Many years ago, a friend gave me this “wisdom” and “consolation” as we talked about being called into full-time missions.  He was sure, bold, moving full steam ahead.  I was less sure, still seeking God’s will, wanting more confirmation and preparation.  He equated my uncertainty with God’s certainty that missions just wasn't for me.

You see, it was my divorce that brought me back to the church. 

I had been raised Christian, but somewhere along the way I missed the part about having a personal relationship with Christ and living for Him on a daily basis.  My faith guaranteed that I would go to heaven when I died, but it didn't really impact how I was to live, if that makes sense.  The result was that good things in my life actually became obstacles or idols.  2 college degrees, a successful career, marriage, a house, and all the other stuff needed to "keep up with the Joneses."  Each of these would be blessings under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, but I didn't know that at the time.  So when my husband and I divorced after 3 years of marriage, my search for purpose and meaning led me back to God and what it really means to be born-again.  I'm eternally grateful that He welcomed me with open arms.

So…Did being divorced disqualify me from entering the mission field?  Or from leading as a witness for God?  Did I have to remarry to serve alongside a husband?  Was remarriage even an option in God’s eyes?  Did I need to remarry my ex, or would being yoked with an unbeliever just compound the sin?  I wrestled with these questions for many years - with God, and with the help of godly leaders, mentors and teachers…all the while feeling increased calling and confirmation to lead His work overseas.

In hindsight, I can see how God used my friend to assure me of my calling.  To guarantee it was deeply ingrained in my heart.  Because through 10 years in missions and now 4 in the South African field, my calling has been questioned, doubted, shaken and attacked more times than I can count.  By Satan, by people, even by me… It happens, again and again.

I know I have been called by God.  And anyone who has walked my journey with me knows it too.  Thankfully, in my moments of doubt and weakness, God uses these loved ones to encourage and remind me.  And now that I’m wiser in faith and stronger in my relationship with Christ, I realize that our pasts don’t disqualify us from being used by God.  Anyone who doubts that doubts the redemptive power of Christ.  Because me being in the mission field, and me leading in ministry, has nothing to do with me and everything to do with God.

I Corinthians 1:27 says “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”  We throw that verse around a lot, often in mock humility.  But God really, really, truly, truly does use the foolish things.  As one of those foolish things, I know this from experience.

The deepest yearning of my heart is to remarry someday.  To be yoked with a man who loves the Lord, lives for Him, and has His heart for reaching the lost.  God knows my desire, cares about it, and will either fulfill it or change it someday.  But in the meantime, He and I have some work to do. 

I don’t think that means as second-string, but I’m ok if it does.  What do you think?

They Didn't Recognize Him

In John 21:1-14 Jesus shows up by the Sea of Galilee where some of his disciples had been fishing all night without a catch.  Interestingly, these guys didn't recognize him.  Jesus asked how things were going, gave some fishing advice, and still…nothing. 

Why was it that the disciples didn't recognize Jesus?  How is that even possible?  Was it merely because it was out of context and they weren't expecting him?  Was it because they were too preoccupied with their own activities?  Perhaps it was because Jesus veiled his identity at first in order to build their trust and leave them with another miracle.

I’m not sure.  But I can relate to each of these scenarios.

“The man” told them to throw the net down on the right and there would be fish.  They did, and the catch was miraculous.  That the net didn't break was pretty miraculous as well.  It was then that they realized it was Jesus who was with them. 

“Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.” John 21:12

Imagine having breakfast on the beach with Jesus Christ!

At first I thought the whole “not recognizing” thing strange, inexcusable really given what these guys had all been through together.  But then I paused and realized that I probably do the same thing every day.

How often do I fail to recognize Christ’s presence because it seems out of context?  Either I’m not expecting it, or I’m expecting it to be my own way.

How often to I fail to recognize Christ because I’m preoccupied with myself, my own needs and wants, my own agenda and activities?

Does my failure to notice him in the quiet, everyday moments force him to hold out for those less frequent but grander appearances that will actually get my attention?

Where is it that God is clearly working, yet I’m overlooking thinking he’s somewhere else rather than right here with me?

Like with these disciples, Jesus is right here with you and with me.  He wants to lead us as Lord, rescue us as Savior, and just have breakfast with us as a father or a friend.

Pray for eyes that recognize him – his presence, his hand, his help.

 

PS.  In this picture, our coaches are having a great time during our year-end Durban celebration.

Who is it you want?

Jesus and his disciples went to the Mount of Olives.  Judas had already betrayed him, so a group of soldiers also arrived on the scene to arrest him. 

“Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”  

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.  

"I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.” (John 18:4-6)

These soldiers were looking for Jesus, yet when they found him they shrunk back and fell to the ground.  Why?  They knew he wasn't a violent criminal; he was merely a Jewish teacher who healed the sick, helped the poor, and made wild claims about repentance and being the Son of God.  Surely he was no match for a group of well-trained, armed soldiers.

Did they fall down in fear that his claims might be true, that they might really be face to face with God himself?  And if so, were they ready for such an encounter?

While the soldiers were still on the ground, Jesus had to ask them a second time, “Who is it you want?”  “Jesus of Nazareth” they repeated.  (John 18:7)

As I read this, I pictured Christ pursuing us asking “Who is it you want?”  I also pictured the litany of responses he may have received.  People who receive him with gratitude, humility and joy.  Others who down-right reject him, wanting someone or something else for their lives.  Then those who are just not sure, wanting him but then shrinking back and falling down when he says “I am he.” 

I remember the years I spent searching for that “someone” or “something” but not really knowing it was Christ I was looking for.  I grew up thinking I was saved without realizing God had so much more to offer – love, relationship, guidance, a purpose, gifts to carry out that purpose, blessings, etc. 

So if you would have asked me 15 years ago who it was I wanted, it sure wouldn't have been Jesus.  And as Jesus lovingly, patiently pursued me, I continued to shrink back from each encounter…

Until finally I didn't…I surrendered.  I stood before my Savior and Lord and asked that his will be done in my life.

Who is it YOU want?  Don’t shrink back when you encounter Christ; embrace Him as if your life depends on it.

To Hell in a Hand Basket

In John 17 Jesus prays for himself, then for his disciples, and then for all believers.  His prayers are powerful and set the example for how we should pray for ourselves and others.

Jesus prayed that believers may be one, united in their faith in Christ, just as Jesus and the Father are one.  He emphasizes unity four times, so it must be important.  He prays for   

·         Unity in fellowship.  There is strength in numbers. (John 17:11) 

·         Unity in witness bearing.  This could mean evangelizing the lost, but more importantly I think of consistently modeling God’s Word in the world. (John 17:21) 

·         Unity in the glory of Christ.  Sharing the honor, rewards, and blessings that come from being a child of God and co-heir with Christ. (John 17:22)

·         Complete unity.  How?  Through Christ in us.  Why?  So that the world will know Him through us.  (John 17:23)

It is through our complete unity in faith and reflection of Christ as believers that the world encounters Him, learns His plan for salvation, and experiences His unconditional love.  The world will know Christ when his people stand united in their faith. 

How?

The Lord keeps leading me back to sanctification.  While salvation occurs the moment someone accepts Christ as Savior, sanctification is a process that continues throughout the rest of a believer’s life as he or she grows in Christlike character, attitudes, behavior, etc.  Sanctification comes through knowing, hearing and obeying God’s Word.

Based on recent news, it seems the world is “going to hell in a hand basket,” and the US, true to form, seems to be going faster and more efficiently than everyone else.

The Lord prayed that His people would be sanctified by the truth of His Word.  Yet we (I’m talking about believers here, myself included) seem to make so many compromises with what God’s Word says.  Where things are written in black and white, we rationalize varied interpretations and applications.  We change God’s Word to fit our desires and circumstances.  We try to turn Christ into someone we can live with when the whole point is that God’s people should be different, set apart, unyielding, and uncompromising when it comes to His truths. 

Think about all the hot topics in our recent election campaign – gay marriage, abortion, fiscal responsibility.  Think of the undercurrents that were also being evaluated – character, honesty, integrity, morality.  God’s Word is black and white in these areas.  Yet we as Christians often waver back and forth, and like my puppy, track mud through the house until everything is a dingy grey.

We tolerate sin calling it “not judging.”  We accept sin calling it “forgiveness.”  We commit sin calling it “the way God made us” or “OK because of God’s unconditional love and grace.”  We compromise, even re-write, God’s word wearing our “tolerance”, “progressiveness”, “liberalism”, “open-mindedness” and so-called “maturity” as a badge of honor. 

Except that this not sanctification or spiritual maturity, it’s the complete opposite.  We separate ourselves from God when His heart is to unite us with him and with each other.  We kick God out of our lives and then wonder where He is when we need Him.

As the saying goes, if the shoe fits wear it; if it doesn’t, don’t.  But I have to believe we all have areas where compromise is distancing us from God, impeding His will, and muddying our witness.  Or maybe this is just for me…

So pray for yourself, for me, and for all believers – that we may be one as Christ and the Father are one, that our lives reflect Christ in such a way as to draw others to Him, and that we continue to grow in God’s Word as our guiding and absolute truth – no compromises.

Jesus Prays For His Disciples

In John17:6-18, Jesus prays for his disciples – those given to him, those charged with carrying his Word and will out into the world, those commissioned to bring glory to his name.

What did Jesus pray for them?

First, for God’s protection by the power of his name, the same power God gave Christ.  Jesus’ disciples were learning that they had the same power as Jesus himself.  Jesus had been teaching them all along that they could do the same things as he, and even greater.  Did they believe that?  And what was the goal of experiencing the power of God’s name?  So that they may be one as God and Christ are one.  A united front.  An effective team.  A witness to nonbelievers.  A formidable force in the world. 

Second, that they may have the full measure of Christ’s joy in them.  They were going to encounter some rocky roads.  The world would hate them because of him, so Jesus wanted them to be able to face those challenges with joy.  Notice that Jesus didn't intend to take them out of the world, away from the challenges and persecutions, rather he prayed for their joy and protection in facing them.

Another way I think the disciples would experience the full measure of Christ’s joy is by following Christ’s example of focusing on others above himself.  Jesus knew he was about to face a horrific crucifixion and death, yet he put the needs and welfare of his disciples above his own.  Putting others first is a way we can experience Christ’s joy, peace, compassion, power, authority, character, you name it!  When we love and trust him enough to look beyond our circumstances and focus on the bigger picture – God’s calling on our lives – we experience the full measure of Christ in our lives.  And Jesus modeled this in his prayer for his disciples.

Third, that they would be sanctified with God’s truth.  The basic meaning of sanctification is to be set apart for God.  It has a moral connotation of holiness or purity.  Whereas salvation occurs the moment someone accepts Christ as Savior, sanctification is a process that continues throughout the rest of a believer’s life as he or she grows in Christlike character, attitudes, behavior, etc.  And as Christ showed through his prayer, sanctification comes through knowing, hearing and obeying God’s Word.

Jesus knew his disciples needed to be equipped with power and protection, to stand together in unity, to retain an attitude of joy through all circumstances, and to be ever-growing in spiritual maturity to carry out his mission for them in the world.

And what is even more amazing is that this is also Christ’s prayer for you and for me.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,” (John 17:20)

When I read this I was compelled to go back through his words with this new perspective in mind.

We Know the Way

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me…You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:1, 4)

In John 13 Jesus had predicted Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial, and explained that he’d soon be leaving.  Put yourself in the shoes of the disciples.  Were they sad, shocked, or fearful about what would come next?  What were they thinking?  Perhaps how could one of us ever betray or disown Jesus?  Am I capable of such a thing?  Will we ever see Jesus again?

That’s when Jesus interrupted their thoughts saying don’t let you hearts be troubled, just believe in me.  Trust in me, and trust that you know the way to where I am going.

As believers, we too know the way to God and eternal life with Him. But for all those Thomases out there, with too many doubts and too little faith, Jesus goes on to tell us in no uncertain terms. 

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John14:6-7)

Not only do we know the way to God, but we know God as well. We’ve seen him through Christ because they are one in the same. God didn’t send Christ simply to pay for our sins; rather he paid for our sins in order to restore our relationship with him, a relationship that was broken when sin first entered the world.

Like these disciples, we also know the way to walk in Jesus’ steps here on earth.  Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John14:15) “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.” (John14:23) Our obedience is evidence of our love and trust in him.

In real life we have seen so many twisted, imperfect, sinful examples of love, power, and authority that we cringe at words like commands and obey. And doesn’t the word if sound manipulative? Perhaps it’s been used on you or by you when motives weren’t so pure.

But Jesus isn’t trying to manipulate here. He’s telling us to put our love, faith, and knowledge of him into action. If we love him, trust him, realize that his plans are perfect, know his motives are pure, trust that he only wants what’s best for us and knows what that is…if we love him, we’ll obey his commands. 

Thomas’ question was how can we know the way?  My question is now that we know it will we walk it out?

Wash Your Feet

In John13 Jesus is with his disciples, sharing the last meal they’d have together.  As I read this passage, the word “so” at the beginning of verse4 caught my attention.  Jesus knew that his time had come, that God was in control of all things, and that His plan was being fulfilled.  Soon Jesus would be betrayed, arrested, crucified and resurrected.  “So” he interrupted the meal in progress to wash his disciples’ feet.

Why was it so important to do right then and right there?

Imagine what these guys were thinking.  Foot washing was an act reserved for slaves.  It was considered the lowest of tasks to be performed by the lowest of people.  So as mentor, teacher, and Lord, Jesus showed us that no one is above anyone else when it comes to serving.

When Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, he showed the full extent of his 

• Service and Sacrifice (Mark10:45)
• Humility (Philippians2:3-4)
• Love (John13:1, Matthew 22:37-38) 

Jesus also set an amazing example for us to model.  So this lesson was as powerful as it was practical.

But Peter didn’t get it.  He didn’t want his teacher and Lord to stoop so low as to wash his feet.  That’s when Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” (John13:8) 

What did Jesus mean by that?  Is he still talking about service, sacrifice, humility and love? 

Peter didn’t know, or care actually.  True to form, Peter was all in.  Then don’t just wash my feet, wash my hands and head as well.  You’ve got to love Peter’s enthusiasm.

That’s when Jesus responded, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean.  And you are clean, though not every one of you.”  (John13:10-11)  Now Jesus wasn’t using his spiritual gift of wisdom to “out” those who had woke up late and skipped their shower that morning.  He was obviously talking about something different.  The one who was not clean was Judas who would betray him.  The rest of the disciples were already clean, except for their feet that is.

When Jesus finished he asked if they understood what he just did.  Did they?  Do I?  This is more than a lesson in humility and service.  There is a deeper spiritual application as well. 

When we are saved we are cleansed from our sins. 

All of our sins are forgiven – past, present, and future.  When we use the term “born again”, it’s our spirit that gets born again, not our minds or our bodies.  The unrighteous, sinful spirit that we inherited from Adam gets recreated when we accept Christ.  That’s what restores our right-standing or relationship with God.  Water baptism is a symbol of that process.  We get submerged as old creations, and we rise up as new creations washed clean.

Just like after you take a bath or shower, you are clean.

However, walking in this world pollutes us with sin.  Dust and dirt clings to our feet.  As Christians walking in this world we are defiled by things like nasty talk, looking at unholy things, working with ungodly people.  That’s why it’s so important to guard what you see and hear each day.

And it’s not only the world, those external forces around us, that pollute us.  We also pollute ourselves when we make selfish choices, entertain temptations, and sin.

These are the things that cling to us like dirt on our feet.  Even though our bodies are clean as believers in Christ, our feet are always getting dirty as we walk in this world.  That is why we need to constantly wash them.

Spiritually, that cleaning takes place with the washing of God’s Word.  As we read it, study it, hear it, discuss it, and do what it says, we are cleansed from the sinful influences around us.

If we neglect God’s Word, we remain soiled and those sinful influences begin to take their toll in our lives.  We grow less concerned about sin, more tolerant.  We compromise on what we know to be true.  We rationalize overlooking sin.  We justify our own sins.  And sin escalates from there.

This what Jesus meant when he said unless I wash you, you have no part with me.  While saved, and hence clean, we need to stay that way by remaining in Christ and his Word.

He was also challenging us to serve one another.  Practically, but also spiritually.  We can help keep each other clean through continued fellowship over God’s Word, sharpening each other, teaching and learning from each other, holding each other accountable, lovingly exhorting each other from Scripture.

In the words of Christ, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John13:17)

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” (2Corinthians 2:15)

I don’t know about you, but I prefer a pleasing aroma over stinky, dirty feet any day.

Leave Her Alone

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.  Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor.  Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.  Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.  And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”  (John12:1-3, emphasis added)

I’m sure the dinner guests were shocked, but it was Judas who said what everyone else was thinking.  Why such a waste?  Couldn’t this expensive perfume have been used for something better like selling to give to the poor?

His point was valid, even if his motives were less than altruistic.

As a missionary serving the poor in South Africa, it’s challenging to steward resources and meet all the needs around us.  The never-ending needs drive us to sacrifice more and more.

I’ll admit, sometimes I feel deflated, defeated, even depressed because I can’t help everyone.  Another temptation is to become cynical, distrustful, or hardened to the needs that can’t be met.  And sometimes in my desire to serve, in that conditioning to sacrifice everything, I take my eyes off Christ as my number one priority.

Whether talking time, treasures or talents, Christ must get our first and full devotion.  After that, everything else will fall into place.

Yes.  Mary “wasted” a year’s wages to anoint and honor Christ – our Lord, Savior, Redeemer, Provider, Creator, Sustainer, Helper.  Do you see where I’m going with this?  How can that be considered a waste?

Sometimes faith isn’t practical, but it’s always priority.

And look what Jesus says next…”Leave her alone”.  (John12:7)

She was just following her heart, obeying her prompting to honor him, fulfilling God’s purpose for what she possessed.  That perfume was intended for Christ.  Jesus goes on to say “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”  (John12:8)

Jesus isn’t discounting the needs of the poor or his love for them.  He's teaching a more important lesson.

About priorities.

There will always be needs swarming around us.  We’re called to do what we can, with the spiritual always taking priority over the practical.  Otherwise our sacrifice, our serving, our giving becomes more about us than Christ. 

And maybe “do what we can” is better said as “do what we’re told.”  That’s what Mary did, and now her example is eternally commended in God’s own Word. 

This was a divine reminder that I can’t do everything, only something.  Fortunately God has the power to multiply that something into something pretty major.  Through my small efforts and those he calls to partner with me, we are making a huge difference. 

And we’ll continue to do so as long as Christ remains our priority.

The picture above is a devoted cook and social worker with the Maluti Child Care Program.  MCCP feeds 500-600 children per day from kitchen containers just like this one.  They can’t reach every child in need, but the 4500 they do receive a nourishing meal served with the love of Christ.

Which comes first?

Which comes first?  Seeing or Believing…

When Lazarus fell sick in John11, his sisters immediately sent word to Jesus.  They knew Jesus loved their brother dearly and would be able and willing to help.  Verse 5 reaffirms Jesus’ love for them, yet he didn’t drop everything to rush to Lazarus’ sickbed.  God’s delays are not necessarily denials.  It’s during those times that we need to remind ourselves of God’s power, control, and most importantly, his love for us.

Two days later Jesus was ready to go back to Judea.  The disciples tried to talk him out of it, afraid because the Jews had tried to stone him there before.  That’s when Jesus revealed that Lazarus had in fact died, but that he was glad he didn’t make it in time because these disciples needed to see something to make them truly believe. 

I love how Thomas was on the fence tottering between wanting to see something spectacular and not wanting to die.  And I love how that was enough faith for Jesus to work with.  Sometimes seeing is believing; and sometimes Jesus is willing to meet our doubts with mercy, grace and a miracle to help us believe.

By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been dead four days.  The sisters were distraught, discouraged, even angry.  How could Jesus let this happen?  But within that raw emotion was an undercurrent of faith that believed God was still in control and would do whatever Jesus asked.

Speaking to Martha, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”” (John11:25-26)

Martha believed.

Next Mary came and showed Jesus where Lazarus was laid to rest.  Jesus wept.  He cares.  When tragedies hit, we can’t go to that place of thinking Jesus doesn’t love us, doesn’t care, or isn’t in control.  We need to believe that Jesus does love us, does care, and is in control, and then see the situation through that lens.

The sisters were grieving, yet they still had a peace, trust, and faith in Jesus.  They believed.  And as a result they saw a miracle.

When we believe in Christ, we give him permission to move in our lives.  We also recognize his workings for what they are – his glory – rather than rationalizing them away as something else, taking them for granted, or taking the credit.  Belief in Christ changes how we see the world, or should anyways.

Many people who witnessed Lazarus’ resurrection believed in Christ that day.  But many didn’t.  Really?  A miracle’s effect in our lives depends on the condition of our heart.  If our heart is sinful, hard, rebellious, or unbelieving then we won’t believe even after seeing someone raised from the dead.  We won’t be touched by testimonies of lives changed by Christ.

Believe.  See the glory of God.  Don’t believe.  Miss out.

The True Shepherd

In John 10:1-21, Jesus is trying to teach the Pharisees what it means to be a good shepherd.  The Pharisees considered themselves the rightful shepherds of Israel.  But as Jesus pointed out, a true shepherd enters the pen through the gate, with the watchman opening the gate because he knows him.  True shepherds don’t climb in some other way like a common thief. 

The Pharisees were like the robbers, appointing themselves in charge, seeking to rule over the Jews, taking what wasn’t rightfully theirs, while doing everything they could to hinder people from accepting Jesus as the Messiah.  Jesus is the True Shepherd, entering the gate that was opened before him by prophecy, messengers, and God himself.

Also true of a good shepherd is that the sheep recognize his voice and follow him.  With Jesus as our shepherd, we’re to do the same thing.  Know him.  Recognize his voice.  Follow his lead.  This means cultivating a relationship with him, listening, and obeying what he says.  Jesus knows each of us personally and intimately.  He wants us to know him the same way.

True shepherds lead their sheep, they don’t drive them.  Jesus doesn’t ask us to go anywhere he hasn’t first gone himself.  He knows what we’re facing – been there, done that – and cares. 

And true sheep follow.  Although, often times we forget that, or at least I do.  I try to lead myself, and that’s where I get off track staying far away from the fold.  Thankfully Jesus is pursues us and guides us back to the flock, as each and every sheep is precious to him.

True shepherds lay their lives down for their sheep.  Something that a mere hired hand wouldn’t do.  He doesn’t own them, nor does he care about them like the shepherd does.  “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father —and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15)

We become true sheep when we accept Christ as our Savior, when we surrender our lives to him as Lord.  With that comes an increasing desire to follow his lead, and an increasing ability to recognize his voice.  That same ability or instinct is also what helps us flee from strangers or other dangers.  Temptations.  Wolves.  Pharisees.

Too bad these guys didn’t understand.  They thought of themselves good shepherds, when in actuality they were thieves and wolves.  “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

Jesus is our true shepherd.  Are you willing to follow?