• ” . . . scared the devil out of me!” (whenever somebody got really frightened)

• ” . . . the devil whippin’ his wife” (whenever rain and sun were present at the same time)

• “The devil got into him.” (whenever one succumbed to the temptations of the evil one)

Scripture teaches us that the battles we wage as believers really are largely battles of good versus evil. Too often we let evil have victory in our lives — in the so-called ‘little things’ that perhaps don’t make much difference. Or so we say.

The truth is that Satan, while extremely shrewd, is also limited. There are only so many tricks he has up his sleeve. The sad thing is that even though we can spot his arsenal pretty much anywhere, we still let him have his way far too often without so much as a whimper, let alone a fight.

For those who are in Christ, the best hope the devil has is to discourage our hearts, distract us from our mission, and define us by our past. He knows that Christ has already won the victory, and the pages of history are just playing out according to God’s perfect plan. Therefore, Satan focuses on us with laser-like precision in a battle for our minds. You see, if he can get us in a mental tug-of-war, we’ll never be effective for the Kingdom of God.

HERE ARE THREE LIES SATAN CAN’T WAIT FOR YOU TO BELIEVE:

1. “You don’t really belong to God.” With this lie Satan aims at the very heart of our faith. He challenges us to doubt our salvation experience — and pulls out lots of ‘evidence’ from our emotional pile of dirty laundry. “If you belonged to God,  you wouldn’t do these sinful things,” he whispers. Reality Check: Not all doubts are necessarily from Satan. However, while salvation is a point of decision/acceptance of God’s gift to us through Jesus Christ, personal discipleship is a process that will not reach completion until we meet Jesus face to face

2. “God doesn’t really care about you.” This is a real manipulative power play that has only one goal: confusion. In this mode, Satan brings all our problems to the forefront of our mind: debt, health issues, relationship and intimacy problems, dissatisfaction with work, etc. I think some of Satan’s chief channels for communicating this ridiculous message are the proponents of the ‘health and prosperity gospel.’ That’s not to say that those individuals are not believers — but to point out that Satan can use even believers to bring about confusion. We live in a fallen world. Problems come. People die — which in most cases involves developing some sort of health issue — no matter how faithful they are to the Lord.

3. “This is as good as it gets.” Every now and then, Satan tries to convince us that the Bible is just one big fairytale. He tells us there’s no God, no heaven, no abundant life. In this line of attack, the devil strives to drive daggers in our very hope. If we begin to think there’s no hope, then we’ll certainly not be sharing the Good News with others.

I believe that everyone has doubts from time to time; otherwise, there would be no need for faith. However, when those doubts arise, the only proper response is to confess them to God (He already knows what you’re thinking and feeling), challenge them with Scripture, and command in Jesus’ name that Satan have no power over your mind.

And always hold on to the powerful truth of Scripture:

“This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:2-4, NIV [emphasis mine]

IT’S YOUR TURN!
What are some other lies that Satan tells you? How do you handle those times when doubts arise?

Did you like this post? If so, you might also be interested in these previous posts:

• God is in control

• It’s time to get serious!

• The process of becoming

Of course, there are many who will make resolutions to improve themselves in some way during 2012. Surveys have indicated that most resolutions don’t make it past the month of January. Today I offer you ten secrets to guaranteed success:

1. Don’t personalize your goals. Simply read one of those New Year’s articles in Sunday’s paper and use that as your goal-making guide. Better yet, just ask your friends what their goals are and resolve to do the same. Just think of all the time you’ll save.

2. Don’t write down your goals. Not on paper. Not on your computer. Not on your bathroom mirror. Nowhere at all! Before a week has come and gone, you’ll have forgotten any of these silly little dreams and can get back to being the same ol’ you that you’ve always been.

3. Don’t be realistic in your thinking. Shoot for the stars! Don’t settle for  just a little self-improvement. Go all out and aim for a total life transformation.

4. Don’t pace yourself. Accept no waiting! Do you really want that perfect body in 30 days? Then flip on the TV and order the latest, greatest gadget from one of those overnight infomercials. They really work. Plus, you almost always get a free gift or two if you ‘order now.’

5. Don’t believe in yourself. Adopt a ‘No I Can’t’ mentality.This is a well-kept secret of some of the most successful people in the world. For example, if you really want to drop some pounds, just say ‘no’ to every temptation that comes your way. Not one Hershey’s kiss. Not one potato chip. Not one carrot dipped in extra Ranch dressing. Ever!

6. Don’t set a deadline. By keeping your options completely open, you can be your own judge of progress made toward your goals. In six months’ time when you haven’t really seen any change at all, you can honestly say you haven’t failed but are just waiting to identify the perfect moment to break out of your rut.

7. Don’t tell anyone about your goals. Not. One. Soul. Once people know your business, they tend to lord it over you acting as your moral and spiritual compass. They’ll ask how you’re doing . . . remind you of your target . . . encourage you — and maybe even pray for your success. You certainly wouldn’t want anyone interfering like that.

8. Don’t do anything too hard. Simple is often better. Keep breathing. Keep eating. Keep sleeping. Basically don’t attempt to do anything a cat wouldn’t. Success is sure to be yours.

9. Don’t evaluate your progress or adjust your goals. Of course, if you follow #2 carefully, then this one will be a real piece of cake.

10. Don’t ask for God’s help. There’s what . . . seven billion people on this rotating rock called Earth? Surely He wouldn’t be interested in you. Do everything in your own power, and just think of the boasting you can do at the end of the year.

OK, so maybe you’ve picked up on a bit of sarcasm in this post. Someone once said that they weren’t making resolutions for the new year because last year’s resolutions were as good as new. Don’t let that be your testimony. I encourage you to take some time to identify just a few areas in which you’d like to see some improvement. Even if you haven’t fully specified your goals as of January 1, a few extra days of sincere and thoughtful planning will likely pay big dividends in the long run.

If you’re serious about making some changes in this new year, then I wish you all the best. Aim for S.M.A.R.T goals: Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic, and Time-Sensitive. Remember that moderation is preferable, and accountability is almost always essential.

In closing, consider these powerful and familiar words from the Apostle Paul:

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:12-14, ESV

May God richly bless you and your family in this new year of life.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
What are some things you wish to improve upon in this new year? What are the biggest challenges to reaching your goals?

You know how the Doppler effect kicks in with a motorcycle or freight train? You hear the sound coming in the distance . . . then it gets really loud when it’s right beside you . . . then it fades off into the distance. Well, I think there’s a little bit of Doppler in the way we greet people too. Think about it. How often does someone ask you how you’re doing — only to walk right past you without skipping a beat? If we’re honest, it happens pretty often. If we’re doubly honest, we can probably say that we’ve been guilty of doing the same thing to others.

Life is hard. Times are tough. Worries are rampant. Every time you turn on the news, there’s something else to be concerned about. Rising costs. Falling home values. Broken families. Sometimes the burden of care becomes too great. If it weren’t for the power of Christ at work within me, there would be absolutely no way I could function in this world.

People today bear a lot of hurts, wounds, scars, sorrows, anger, confusion. You get the point. Every day we have a responsibility to help someone move closer to God. A warm smile, a gentle touch, and a friendly hello can go a long way to make one’s day a bit brighter. We never know how God is going to use us from one minute to the next, but we can be assured that He cares deeply about people — and wants us to care too. My wife, Michelle, recently said it this way:

I want to leave people better than I met them. I want to bring joy, peace, and gratitude to the people I encounter on a daily basis. I want them to walk away feeling better. Sometimes this requires a simple smile. Other times it requires kind words, forgiveness, and/or a listening ear. It isn’t always easy, or convenient.  It may require me giving up my way – or losing an argument.  But, in the end, it is sharing God’s love with them.

As you go through the rest of your week, I encourage you to make time for people. Don’t just offer a trite, rhetorical “How are you?” Instead, take time to listen to people. Take time to connect on a personal level. Take time to bask in the interruptions of life in order that they might become ministry opportunities.

I’ve long heard the statement, “You may be the only Jesus some people ever see.” Will they see Jesus in you today?

IT’S YOUR TURN!
How do you feel when someone takes time to show interest in and concern for you? How can you be more sensitive to and available for those in your workplace, neighborhood, or church?

Ministry leaders are particularly prone to discouragement due to the intense demands on their time and families as well as the extremely relational nature of the work. The truth is that most of us really do want to please people, but there’s absolutely no way to please all the people all the time.

It’s on these down days that my affirmation file comes in very handy. I keep this tattered file in one of my desk drawers. It has made a number of moves through the years as I’ve followed God to different places along my ministry journey. The label on the tab says simply ‘Affirmation/Encouragement,’ and it’s filled with cards, letters, and notes of appreciation from various people I’ve met along the way. Over the past few years, an increasing percentage of these items are in the form of email and Facebook print-outs. Most of the notes are from people I know pretty well, although some are from those with whom my life intersected only briefly as I led a workshop, officiated a funeral,  or ministered in some other way.

I’ve kept a file like this for as long as I can remember, and I strongly recommend that you keep one too — for several key reasons:

1. You need reminders of the really good moments in your life. One of the enemy’s greatest and most effective tools is that of discouragement. Written words have value long after the ink dries. When discouragement comes I essentially have two choices: I can wallow in self-pity (which accomplishes nothing helpful), or I can focus on my blessings, strengths, and past accomplishments. I like to think that the apostle Paul might have kept an affirmation file too. Writing to the Philippians, he said:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8, ESV

Paul is often described as a sort of spiritual superhero who, like Superman, underwent an almost instantaneous transformation when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. Clearly, as one who had a legacy of persecuting believers, Paul could have focused on his past sins and selfish actions. Instead he made the choice to channel his energies into being different and doing good things, all for the sake of the gospel message.

2. You need perspective in times of self-doubt. We often go through seasons of life in which our struggles seem never-ending. Re-reading the materials in my affirmation file helps me remember that God uses me to make a difference in the lives of others, even at times when I’m totally unaware of my influence. I find that I am my own worst critic, and the notes in my file remind me that plenty of people are with me, for me, and behind me — encouraging me to finish strong in this marathon of life.

3. You need “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” Those are words from one of my favorite hymns, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” I draw a lot of strength from the power of God’s Word. So many of the items in my affirmation file contain a Scripture verse that is just what I need to hear in days of trial. Many of those verses are near and dear to my heart. They are constant reminders that God’s Word never returns void.

An added benefit of keeping an affirmation file is its intrinsic ability to help me practice gratitude to others. A hand-written note or other expression of encouragement can absolutely speak life into someone’s day.

May you find joy and encouragement as you live and lead, and may you find joy as you affirm others along life’s path.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
Do you keep an affirmation file? How are you impacted by a written expression of gratitude?

Michelle really enjoys watching almost anything on HGTV. She has a love for houses — and a keen eye for interior design. Every now and then we encounter a house that has a history. An obviously bad history. Sometimes the damage seems only slight — perhaps needing fresh paint, new carpet, or just a deep cleaning. Other times the damage is absolutely overwhelming. We’ve seen homes with faulty plumbing (and subsequent water damage), buckled floors, trashed walls, broken windows — and that’s just in the first half of the house.

Sometimes the problems are due entirely to neglect. In others, a very different story is told. In one particular case, it was clear that the previous occupants had lived together during a nasty divorce. If walls could talk . . . well, the holes in them did.

The question for the prospective buyer is a big one indeed: Where in the world does one begin to repair the damage? The options are seemingly endless, and the amount of time and money required are hard to conceive.

The same is true for ourselves — on a spiritual level. There are times when we get off track. The slide begins with a lack of attention to daily time with God (usually paired with a rationalization of recurring sin), and it proceeds to sporadic church attendance and almost non-existent personal worship. One day we wake up and realize that we are completely disconnected from the community of faithful believers that once was so vital to spiritual health and growth. A similar question begins to emerge: How does one begin to repair the damage?

The answer is perhaps not as hard as you might think. I suggest a four-step approach:

1. Be honest with yourself — and with God. Take some time to think through the reasons for your getting out of sync spiritually. Incidentally, this may require a serious evaluation of your true spiritual condition. If you’re trying to be a ‘good Christian’ in your own power, then you’re way off base. Remember, we’re saved by faith alone — but our actions bear witness to His transforming work in us.
2. Commit to begin again. Everybody needs a fresh start every now and then. Fortunately, the Lord’s mercies are new each morning. He constantly pursues a love relationship with us, and He will gladly help you as you re-engage by doing the things you know you should be doing. Identifying past barriers and obstacles to your spiritual growth can help prevent another such slide.
3. Find someone to help you. I absolutely can’t emphasize this one strongly enough. While your relationship with Christ is a personal thing, you need to realize the necessity of having others to help you. I encourage you to find a couple of solid Christian friends (same-sex, if you’re married) to hold you accountable, particularly in the areas where you’re prone to struggle most. And by all means, make sure you’re involved in a Bible study class or small group that provides an opportunity for fellowship with other believers.
4. Follow through. Realize that nothing you think about doing will be helpful until you actually do it. So many times it’s easy to identify trouble spots — even obvious solutions — and then get distracted by something else. And to be quite frank, Satan is counting on you not following through — or being sidetracked by things of the world. The reality is that only you can decide whether your relationship with Christ is really priority in your life. I happen to believe the old saying is still true: “Jesus has no place in your life unless He has first place in your life.”

IT’S YOUR TURN!
What are some other things that help you get back on track when you falter in your spiritual life?

Indeed the first one-third of this year has been full of trials for many all over the world. From the political uprisings in the Middle East, to the earthquakes and tsunamis in various places, to the violent and deadly storms just this week, the news reads like a dramatic screenplay of Matthew 24.

In times like these I often ask the question, “How do people who have no faith in God make sense of the trials of this life?” I don’t necessarily know the answer to that question, but I do know that He has placed believers in this world to be the hands and feet of Christ to a world that very much needs to know He is real.

It’s easy in a world populated by some six billion people to have a diminished sense of responsibility. How often have you thought — or even said — to yourself, “Someone else will do it?” Friends, what if we are that someone? Now is not the time to roll over and say, “Woe is me.” Now is the time to stand up to the challenges at hand, with full confidence and faith in Christ that He will work through us to help usher in His Kingdom on earth.

In his book Missional Small Groups, author M. Scott Boren writes:

I find it interesting that Jesus told His disciples, “You are salt, . . . light . . . a city on a hill.” He did not say, “You should be . . . ,” “You would be if . . . ,” or “You could be if . . . .” He declared who they were and equipped them to live in a way that fit this declaration.

Jesus never promised His followers that this life would be easy; quite the contrary. His words in John 16:33 are clear: “In the world you will have tribulation.” Thankfully He doesn’t stop there. “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” He will walk with us through the storms of life, and that brings me great comfort.

I also love this reminder from Psalm 46:1-3:

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (ESV)

No matter what happens in this world, we can be assured that God is still fully in control.

Whatever trial or trouble you may be facing today, know that if you belong to Christ, then you need not worry about the things of this life because we have the promise of ultimate victory in Him. Just know that the trials we face often provide us with a context in which to connect others to the redemptive message of the Gospel. Let’s be diligent to not squander such opportunities.

I’m mindful today of the words of this familiar chorus:

People need the Lord. People need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door.
People need the Lord. People need the Lord.
When will we realize that we must give our lives,
For people need the Lord.

(Phillip J. McHugh & Greg Nelson, 1983)

New Year’s Resolution Guide
                                       
IT’S YOUR TURN!
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If so, how do you keep on track toward your goals? If not, why not?

I know . . . it’s not especially deep at first glance. But when you spend some time with it and really think it through, I think you’ll agree that it’s a question worth keeping around.

I ran across this post about mega-churches the other day, and I’ve been giving it some considerable thought. In fact, I’ve found myself asking that question: “What are you pretending not to know?”

Having served in a number of churches through the years, I can attest to the fact that young adults indeed seem to be leaving the church — or at least migrating to nearby mega-churches. Whether it’s the coffee shop, the bookstore, or the high-energy children’s programming that draws them in, many medium-sized churches are feeling that frustration and discouragement that comes from having ‘missing generations.’

I have a number of friends and ministry colleagues involved in leadership at some of the nation’s most vibrant mega-churches. These are good people with strong values and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Having grown up in the country, I’ve had my share of turns helping a stubborn old goat get its horned head out of a fence. That experience sure gives practical weight to the old adage, “The grass is always greener on the other side.”

I think that statement bears consideration by the leaders in mega-churches and — dare I say it? — regular churches.

Sure, the folks in ‘regular’ churches are aware at least on some level that:

• The quality of facilities and technology may never match that of mega-churches.
• The younger generations are drawn for some reason to the mega-church model.
• The number of specialized ministries is largely limited by the number of individuals available to staff them.

But the folks in mega-churches are, I believe, also aware of some key things:

• The anonymity factor of the mega-church model makes it more difficult to connect individuals in the life of the church.
• The self-focused consumer mindset of many mega-church attenders presents some real challenges to leaders.
• The bigger the crowd, the more difficult it is to know and respond to individuals in need of ministry.

Rather than looking with envy at another church, why not take some time to focus on the main things?

• God loved us enough to send His Son, Jesus, to die for us — that we might live!
• Regardless of church size, the individuals in them should function as a family.
• People need the love, support, prayer, accountability, and encouragement of other people.
• Our focus is not supposed to be on ourselves but on Christ — and making sure the people in our community and our world know Him too.

Sure, there are lots of things that we often pretend not to know about our specific situations. But today one thing strikes me most that perhaps we pretend not to know. That is the fact that if Satan can get us focused on other churches and their ministry models, other people and their hidden agendas, or our own selfish desires, then he’s got us right where he wants us — in a place of paralysis that prevents us from effectively ministering in our own context.

Let’s stop pretending that ‘if only’ this or ‘if only’ that, then . . . .

STOP IT!

When the trumpet of the Lord sounds, and time is called here on earth, I don’t think we’ll find God asking us why we didn’t do as well as the church down the street or the church across town. I think we’ll find God holding us accountable for doing the very best with what we had and what we knew to be true.

Perhaps more than anything else we need to stop pretending that we’re somehow responsible for the harvest and just be diligent to faithfully and joyfully sow seeds.

INTERACT WITH US
What are some things that you and/or your church are pretending not to know? How are those thoughts impacting your ministry effectiveness? Join the conversation on the Facebook page.

Just this week alone I’ve found myself in the path of a wide variety of people — people in my office, people on the street, people many states away via phone or internet — people who are . . .

. . . questioning the existence of God

. . . struggling to know He cares

. . . dealing with the reality of death

. . . grieving a complicated loss

. . . seeking to connect with God

. . . processing impending unemployment

. . . celebrating a newborn baby

. . . asking tough questions of God

. . . working to save their marriage

. . . dealing with rebellious kids

. . . contemplating the purpose of life

. . . hoping for the best

. . . expecting the worst

Sometimes there are no words.

Sometimes there are no actions needed.

Sometimes the tears just come. And I realize that no words are required. Only love. Only compassion. Only tenderness.

It’s at those times that God takes over, and I sense His Holy Spirit at work in me and around me.

And I know that He is good . . . faithful . . . completely in control.

And I remember that He is love.

And that His grace is enough for me . . . just as it is for you.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who controls our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. — Romans 8:26-27

INTERACT WITH US
How have you had the opportunity to minister this week? How has God used someone to minister to you in a time of need? Let your words encourage someone today. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.

Cat’s in the Cradle
by Harry and Mary Chapin

A child arrived just the other day,
He came to the world in the usual way.
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay.
He learned to walk while I was away.
And he was talking ‘fore I knew it, and as he grew,
He’d say, “I’m gonna be like you, dad.
You know I’m gonna be like you.”

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
“When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when,
But we’ll get together then.
You know we’ll have a good time then.”

My son turned ten just the other day.
He said, “Thanks for the ball, dad, come on let’s play.
Can you teach me to throw?” I said, “Not today,
I got a lot to do.” He said, “That’s ok.”
And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed,
Said, “I’m gonna be like him, yeah.
You know I’m gonna be like him.”

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
“When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when,
But we’ll get together then.
You know we’ll have a good time then.”

Well, he came from college just the other day,
So much like a man I just had to say,
“Son, I’m proud of you. Can you sit for a while?”
He shook his head, and he said with a smile,
“What I’d really like, dad, is to borrow the car keys.
See you later. Can I have them please?”

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
“When you coming home, son?” “I don’t know when,
But we’ll get together then, dad.
You know we’ll have a good time then.”

I’ve long since retired and my son’s moved away.
I called him up just the other day.
I said, “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind.”
He said, “I’d love to, dad, if I could find the time.
You see, my new job’s a hassle, and the kid’s got the flu,
But it’s sure nice talking to you, dad.
It’s been sure nice talking to you.”
And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me,
He’d grown up just like me.
My boy was just like me.

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
“When you coming home, son?” “I don’t know when,
But we’ll get together then, dad.
You know we’ll have a good time then.”

Life is precious. Time is fleeting. Every day counts. As a father myself, I pray that I will be the kind of role model that I’ll be glad for my children to follow. If you’re a dad reading this and aren’t exactly proud of the example you’ve been, I encourage you to take some time to reach out to your children and decide to make the most of whatever time and opportunities you have left. You can’t turn back time, and words can’t undo any damage that’s been done. But every day counts.

One never knows what tomorrow holds.