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A few years ago my family was on vacation in Northern Wisconsin. We were only about an hour from the upper peninsula of Michigan; a place neither my wife or I had ever been. We talked at great length about whether or not we should make the drive up there one day. With limited time, resources, and an infant with us; we chose not to go. Ever since then we have regretted that decision. That was the last time we were close to the U.P., and we are unsure when (or if) we will be in a position to make that trip again.
Luckily we learned from our mistake. Just this past week, our family was able to spend a few days on the North Shore of Lake Superior. We were only 20 miles from Grand Marais, MN, another place we have never been but have always wanted to see. Again, we found ourselves deliberating over whether or not we should make the short drive. Yes, we were short on time and had two tired little ones. However, with the bitter taste of regret from our previous trip still in our mouth we decided to load up the van and make the drive. Now that we are back, we are glad we did. No Regrets this time.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if our lives would be free from regrets? Wouldn't it be wonderful to reach the end of our life and have no “wish I would have” thoughts? Impossible? Not really. Listen to what the Apostle Paul says in Acts 20:25-27
“Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God."
Paul was leaving Ephesus for good, and would never see the Ephesians again. Instead of tearful goodbye's and regret laden speeches, Paul simply says "I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God."
Paul could leave Ephesus with a clear conscience, because he did not hesitate to share Christ with them. According to Acts 19:10 he spend over two years with them. Yet he did not simply live, work, and enjoy their friendship. No. Paul used his time carefully sharing Christ, pleading with them to believe, teaching them God’s Word, and training them to be leaders when he left.
If some did not believe, it was not his fault. If some fell away, he was not responsible. For he had made the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5-6), sharing the good news of Christ.
Do you have regrets? What if your neighbor, friend, or loved one passed away tonight? Do they know Christ? Would you have a clear conscience? Or would you wish for one more chance to share Christ with them? We are not responsible or burdened with someone’s response to the Gospel, but we are given the task to share Christ.
Don't wait until it's too late. Make a “bucket list.” Not of things you want to see or do before you die, but of people you want to make sure you will see when you die.
The Upper Peninsula will always be there - however our friends and family may not.
Labels: Acts 19:10, Acts 20:25-27, Bucket List, Christ, Colossians 4:5-6, Death, Devotions, Evangelism, Family, Regrets, Vacation
I’m not a fisherman. In fact, I’ve never caught a fish. True I did grow up in the land of 10,000 lakes, but I never learned nor had the desire to fish. Moreover, I can count the number of times I’ve “gone fishing” on one hand. Although I am not a fisherman, nor do I claim to possess any knowledge on the topic, there is one thing I know for certain. You do not catch a fish every time you cast your line - see I’ve never caught a fish.
If this were true, if you really did catch a fish each time you baited your hook, I would not be able to say this. I would have caught something. But no. Casting and catching are not always married.
In fact, it is possible to cast your line hundreds if not thousands of times without reeling in anything. But that does not stop the fisherman. No, he continues to cast his line in spite of his results. Even a long day (or night) of pulling up nothing but his bait doesn’t stop him. He returns not defeated, maybe a little discouraged, but not defeated. Instead of hanging up his pole, he fixes his eyes on the next opportunity to head back out and fish again. For he knows that sometime he will catch a fish, if he only keeps on casting.
The same is true for the Christian as well. In Matthew 4:19 Jesus invites us to come and follow Him, and promises that if we do He will make us “fishers of men.”
Fishers of Men? Why did Christ choose that phrase? Why did he choose that profession? He had many to choose from. He could have looked at Matthew the tax collector and said “come follow Me and you will settle spiritual accounts.” But no. Jesus said, “fishers of men.”
Just like the fishermen who cast for walleye, muskie, or sunfish will not have success each toss of the line; the fisher-of-men will not always catch a soul each time he casts the gospel either. Yet much like the fishermen, the fisher-of-men must not give up. He must keep casting, keep seeking, keep sharing the good news of Jesus.
I’ve never caught a fish. But then again I haven’t tried very many times either; and unless I cast again I never will. Sadly, many Christians are like me. “I’ve never seen anyone come to Christ.” they say. Yet when asked how many times they have shared their faith, most could count that on one hand as well.
Keep casting. Keep seeking. Keep sharing Christ; and sometime you will see someone come to Christ.
You might not catch a fish each time you cast, but you will if you don’t stop casting.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
Labels: Casting, Catching, Christ, Devotions, Evangelism, Fisherman, Fishers of Men, Fishing, Matthew 4:19
Those who know me best understand that rendering me speechless is not an easy or common thing to do. I am rather quick on my feet and rarely fazed by what people say. Although, I will admit from time to time, something one says will catch me off guard without any reply.
This very thing happened to some religious leaders in Jesus’ day. The Pharisees & Sadducees were always trying to trap Jesus; attempting to coax Him into saying something that they could use against Him. In Matthew 22 a group of them set out to accomplish this.
The scene started in verse 15 as the Pharisees went and asked Christ about Roman taxation, hoping to catch Him speaking some words which could be interpreted as rebellion against Caesar. Yet, Christ’s answer amazed them. Hoping to accomplish what the Pharisees couldn’t, next the Sadducees went and tried to trap Jesus with questions of their own, but again His answer proved to be too much.
The Pharisees didn’t give up. They came back again with more loaded questions, and like the last time, Christ answered them beyond what they dreamed possible.
Beaten yet not yet ready to give up, the Pharisees huddled together in verse 41 to come up with a question that surely would stump this great teacher. However as they were scheming, Jesus challenged their conception of the Messiah quoting Psalm 110:1. After He said these words, Matthew 22:46 plainly states “No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.”
Each time the Pharisees or Sadducees tried to trap Christ, He answered with the Truth of Scripture. Each time His accusers were left standing in silence. Luke records it this way in 20:26 “They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.”
This is always the effect of Truth, it silences everything else. Just as the light casts out all darkness, the truth casts out all lies. For just as Jesus said in John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The truth of God’s Word silences the lies of the Devil, the World, and ourselves. The lies that tell you your sin is too great for God to forgive, that if people really knew you they wouldn’t accept you. The lies which tell you this one time really won't hurt, or the reward outweighs the sin. The doubt and questions posed by those who seek to destroy your faith. Answer them all with God’s Word, and watch them remain silent.
Christ did this in the wilderness when tempted by the devil, Peter did this when accused by the Jews, and Paul tells us the only way to overcome sin and guilt is to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
As you let God’s truth speak to you and through you, It will defend and protect you refuting all the lies thrown from the evil one.
Next time you’re tempted to sin, accused by Satan, or challenged by a non-believer, turn to the Truth and let It silence your accusers for good.
I still remember the feeling of fear and loneliness I had one afternoon as a boy in grade school. For some reason the bus reached my home quicker than usual that afternoon. As I walked down the driveway and into the house, I was shocked to find it dark and empty. My father was still at work, like normal, but my mom, who was always home, was nowhere to be found. In a matter of a few short minutes, I made a quick, yet thorough, check of every room in our modest ranch-style home. Even checking the scary basement and garage. No one was home.
Feelings of fear, loneliness, and despair set in fast, followed by plenty of irrational thoughts only a child was capable of. There was only one choice. Lay down on the couch and try to sleep. Maybe, just maybe when I awoke someone would be home.
What seemed much like an eternity (actually only a few minuets) my mother’s car came whipping in the driveway, and my fears and feelings were finally put to rest.
Nevertheless, it took years for me to fully recover from the incident. After that, every morning, right before I would head out the screen door to wait for the school bus, I asked my mother the same question. “Mom are you sure you’ll be home when I come home?” and she would answer each morning without delay “Yes Eric, I will.” Every day when I stepped off the bus her car was in the driveway - and she was waiting for me in our home.
Each one of us has times in our lives where we are lonely. Times where we feel like we are all alone. However, its during these darkened times in our lives where Christ’s Words in Matthew 28:20 bring great comfort. “And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Always! No matter where we are, no matter what we are going through, He is there with us. There is no place too near or far, for Christ’s presence; or time too early or late for Christ. He is there; even to the end for the age!
Next time you feel all alone, grab on to and take comfort in Christ’s last words and promise: He Is With You!
Thank you Jesus for never leaving me, no matter where I go, or how dark life seems. You are there. Let me find comfort in your presence no matter what tomorrow holds.
There is nothing more scary to a child than being alone. As a boy, one of my greatest fears was being left alone; that my mom and dad wouldn’t be home when I stepped on the bus after school. Each morning before I walked to the end of our driveway, I would ask Mom “Are you going to be home when I get home?” Every day she would assure me that she would be there waiting for me.
The disciples experienced a similar fear. In John chapter 14 Christ announced that He would be leaving soon; going to prepare a place for them. The disciples were shocked, hurt, and confused. Their friend and master, the one whom they devoted three years of their life to, was leaving. What were they to do?
But before the questions could linger, and fear settle in, Christ offers this promise in John 14:3-4, “and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may be with I am.”
Wow, not only is Jesus going to prepare a place, He is going to come back and take all who believe with Him. His is our own escort out of this world and into the next. This beats any form of travel or entourage used by even the most important dignitaries of our day. Not to mention the destination! It’s not to some press conference, or fancy meeting. Not to a formal dinner, or an ornate hotel. But to the very presence of God Himself for all eternity.
When the disciples heard this great promise, there was some confusion and misunderstanding. Thomas worried that he would not know the way, and would not able to find this great place of promise.
Yet as Christ did so often, He answered His disciples with grace & patience in verse 6 Jesus answered, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
Christ’s answer stands the same today. He is still the Way, the Truth, and the Life. There is no other way to God, heaven, or everlasting life except through faith and trust in Him. For He has paved the way, opened the gates, and invited us to follow and trust in Him.
Christ promised to go and prepare a place for us, when it is ready He promised to return for us.
The Question for each of us, will you be ready to meet and go with Him?
Thank you Jesus for being my salvation!
My family and live in a parsonage. This has been a real blessing for us; in fact, the blessing began even before we moved in.
In the months preceding our move into the parsonage, the church made sure it was ready for us. Many men and women, and even a few kids, spent countless hours cleaning, painting, fixing, and, in many areas, remodeling the house. During the renovations, the church kept us in mind, often asking our opinion on colors, styles, or other various aspects of the work. My wife and I were truly honored, and each day are grateful for the thought, work, and preparation that was put into the house for our sake.
I’m reminded of another home that is being prepared just for me. It is not found in Amery, Wisconsin, or even in the United States. I will never get to see this home before I take up residence there. Yet I am confident that when it is time move in, it will be finished and perfectly designed just for me.
Where is this home? In heaven of course; and the person making all the preparation is Jesus Himself.
He gave us this promise in John 14:1-2.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled, Trust is God, Trust also in me. In my father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
Think about this great promise. For all who trust in Christ alone are promised a room in the great house of God the Father. This will not be some generic guest room, or hotel-like place. No. This home is being specially prepared for each of us by Jesus Christ Himself. He has prepared the way, paid all necessary fees, secured our safe travel, and our permanent residency in heaven with His own blood; and nothing can take that away.
What a great promise from the Lord! Regardless of what this life might hold, or what cards we are dealt, there is a place waiting for us in heaven. A place owned and operated by the Creator of all, a place free from any and all economic crises that come, a place being prepared for you by Christ.
Let us heed Christ’s commands, and not let our hearts be troubled; but place all trust in Him as we await our glorious home in heaven.
Thank you Lord for building a home in heaven for me to dwell for all eternity.
Labels: Bible, Carpenter, Custom Built, Devotions, Economic Crises, Eternity, God, Home, House, Jesus, John 14:1-2, Parsonage, Promise
I’m not one for protests. I don’t particularly like picketing, nor am I an activist. However, there is one cause that needs more attention: fatherhood. It’s no secret, fatherhood (and Biblical manhood), is rapidly becoming extinct. Today, many lack a solid father figure in their life: or the life of their children. Others are left wounded, hurting, and in some extreme cases bitter by the difficult experiences shared with their dad.
Many men today desire to be a great dad and yet have no idea who to be one. This is too bad, for even Sigmund Freud correctly stated the importance of fatherhood when he said, “I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.” What makes a good Dad? One who is Faith-Filled.
There is not a better example than the Father of Nations, Abraham. In Genesis 22:1-17, we read of the time when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, his own heir, the one promised to him by God himself. In this account we see four distinct Characteristics of a Faith-Filled Father.
A Faith-Filled Father: Obeys the Lord. Abraham didn’t waste any time. Verses 3 tell of his immediate obedience. “Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac.” He didn’t ask God again, or wait for another sign to confirm what was said. He didn’t dilly dally around, instead he acted in direct and immediate obedience to God. Leaving early in the morning, despite how crazy the request of sacrificing his son seemed, he obeyed holding nothing back.
A Faith-Filled Father: Trusts the Lord. It didn’t take Isaac long to notice the missing element, a lamb; and when he questioned his father about it Abraham replied in verse 8. “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Abraham had a complete and confident trust in the Lord; holding nothing back, not even his own son. He trusted God to keep His promise to bless the whole world through his seed.
A Faith-Filled Father: is Blessed by the Lord. As Abraham walked in faith and obedience, God stopped him from killing his son, and instead provided a substitute sacrifice, giving Abraham his son back. As they finished offering up the ram, the Lord spoke again, confirming the promise He had made many years ago. That it was through Abraham’s offspring all nations would be blessed, and saved.
A FAITH-FILLED Father places God before anything; including himself and his family. He is constantly listening to hear God’s plan for his life and his family, is willing to trust and obey no matter how crazy God’s call seems, and to stand blessed by Him in this life and the one to come.
Labels: Abraham, Dad, Devotions, Father, Father's Day, Fatherhood, Genesis 22:1-17, God, John 3:16-17, Manhood
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