“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world” 1 John 4:14

Ice hockey is quite an action-packed game with many exciting aspects.  There’s one particular situation that brings an extra dose of high drama. It’s called a penalty shot.  This is awarded when a team loses a clear scoring opportunity on a breakaway because of a foul committed by an opposing player. The non-offending team is given an attempt to score a goal without opposition from any defending players except the goaltender. For this week’s Message of Hope, let me begin by asking a question:  If you had one penalty shot with no time left in the game to determine the Stanley Cup winner, who would you pick to take it?  Some might say, Wayne Gretsky, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr, Gordie Howe and the list of great players goes on.  Regardless of your top pick, the opposing goalie would get positioned to become the goal blocker, and the resulting challenge would ensue.

The Bible says we all fall short of the glory of God. It is because of this underlying tendency to crosscheck, hook, interfere, slash, or trip that we find ourselves afoul of God and His Holiness. While we may be deserving of the resulting whistle, here’s where the most incomparable penalty shot comes into play.  It’s the one already taken and scored for each of us at Calvary by the most sure-handed scorer of all time. His unrivaled moves on our behalf affords those who would call upon His name the opportunity to enjoy a restored relationship with the Father in Heaven. His Name – which stands above all names – is Jesus Christ! Some may consider other great religious figures as their choice to take their last shot.  Yes, Buddha, Confucious, Muhammed, or the Dalai Lama may have risen to great heights in religious history, but none of them died for our sins to pay our sinful penalty due, rose from the dead, or are characterized as an eternal being.

So, family and friends, truth be told, the most action-packed game is life itself.  Ultimately, every soul will reach the final horn. When that last breath arrives and the goalie of sin, death, and the grave gets positioned, whose name will you choose to overcome what seems impenetrable? By faith, the goal we need and want at that point is the one Jesus Christ already scored for us on the Cross at Calvary.  In Him, we’re forgiven and saved. With that, the gates of Heaven open and the crowd of angels thunder in joy!

Luke 2:11; Matt 1:21; Titus 2:13; 1 Tim 2:3-4; Acts 5:31; John 4:42; Rom 10:9-11

“O Lord, I know the way of a man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23)

If we can agree that life throws more challenges than solutions, then let’s look together at what Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible, suggested as a way to proceed, progress, and persevere in the best of winning ways.

His first order is for us to enjoy life because it’s a gift from God. “And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God” (Ecc 3:13). Critically then, do we personally appreciate life as a gift of God to enjoy or not?

In addition to enjoying life as a gift, Solomon offers a second element. Though much of life is frustrating and futile, there are opportunities we must take advantage of when they come along. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest” (Ecc 9:10). In other words, we are to fully exercise our gifts in life and leave no room for regret, recess, or retreat when our time comes to depart from this Earth.

Thirdly, because we live in a world that presses us from every side, it’s incumbent upon us to rely on an unyielding support. Under these and all conditions, Solomon admonishes us to be right with none other than—God Himself. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc 12:13).

Fourth, and perhaps foremost, is the importance of possessing awareness that one day we will all be judged. “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil” (Ecc 12:14). Hearing, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” rather than, “I never knew you,” must always be our heart’s desire and divine influence behind the choices we make.

As people with flesh to satisfy and thoughts to filter, we will never live a perfect life. Fortunately, Jesus is our Creator, model, and comforting friend in any time of need. At the behest of His Father and for our benefit, He was and is the only One able to perfectly and lovingly face and overcome a world system with occupants laced with sin-fired hatred and wickedness.

So family and friends, in the midst of our lives, let’s rely on Christ (The Word) and God’s Holy Spirit 1) to appreciate and enjoy life as His gift, 2) to help us grow to our full potential, 3) to reverence Him and obey His commandments, and 4) to know that one day, based on honoring God’s standards and divine guidance, we choose to leave this life to be with Him, forever!

Matt 25:21; Psalm 37:23; John 10:27; Psalm 25;4; Psalm 48:14

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”John 8:12

Someone once said a title is like a stamp. You can stick it anywhere but the value of the stamp doesn’t guarantee the contents of the envelope. Many of us call ourselves “Christians.” I’m sorry to admit that I made a mockery of the title Christian by calling myself one for over forty years. Let’s be reminded that Satan and the demons are believers in Christ, and that Judas was a disciple of Jesus. This should make it obvious to us that a label just isn’t enough; we need the right contents.

Pastor Andy Stanley insightfully reminds us that following Jesus forces us to focus on where we are rather than where others are not.  The Apostle Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ. Jesus admonished us to follow Him.  So family and friends may I challenge us to qualify ourselves more thoroughly these days by calling ourselves Christians if we believe, disciple, and really follow Jesus Christ.  Below is a modern day story that has the elements of what it means to be a real Christian:

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, ‘You’d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.’ Then he thought, ‘Oh, forget it, it’s only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a ‘gift from God’ and keep quiet.’

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, “Here, you gave me too much change.’ The driver, with a smile, replied, ‘Aren’t you the new preacher in town? ‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘Well I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I’ll see you at church on Sunday.’  When the preacher stepped off the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, ‘Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.’

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read.  This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test!  Always stay focused–and remember: We carry the name of Christ on our shoulders when we call ourself …”Christian.”

Edwin Luis Cole once said that a person’s true position and condition can be discovered by looking at their date book and their check book.  Where one spends their time and money speaks volumes about our Christian walk.

So family and friends, let’s stay focused—and remember: We carry the name of Christ on our shoulders when we call ourselves “Christian.”  Let’s watch our thoughts, they become our words. Let’s watch our words; they become our actions. Let’s watch our actions; they become our habits. Let’s watch our habits; they become our character. Let’s watch our character; it becomes our destiny.

May our week be more pleasing to the One who deserves not only our intimate fellowship, but as critically…our followship!!

 Phil 3:14-17 & John 12:26; Matt 19:27-30; Luke 9:61-62

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom 15:13

Sometimes we don’t know what we don’t know. For example, I recently was sharing with a seasoned mountain-climbing friend about personal exploits in what I thought was mountain climbing. His first question to me was, “What kind of ropes do you use?” Yikes!–Ropes? His simple question exposed my posturing as a mountain climber to what I truly was qualified to claim — a mere hiker up steep trails.

Appreciating climbing distinctions, we can all relate that life this week will be like all others; a contrast of happy things and good times with unhappy things and tough times. The trials, tests, and circumstances may be dressed a little differently for each of us, but they’ll be there for all of us to endure. In a way, we’re all facing our own mountain of specific challenges; perhaps even requiring a necessary life-saving and connecting rope or two.

Our resolve is to stay hopeful during our week’s trek (no matter what). As followers of Christ, how can we do that? Here’s an “uplifting” suggestion. In Him, if we believe we can make it, then we will. If we only make believe we can make it in our own posturing, then we will fall short. Quitting before we start or simply surviving won’t qualify us as a real overcoming climber either.

We must determine to tap into our God-given potential before we start. As we gather at the base of our life-climbing journey, let’s trust Him, commit to His flawless plan, and put one foot in front of the other, knowing how much He truly loves us. Before we begin, may we cover ourselves with this prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Please guard, guide, and govern us this week. Walk with us as we climb to take on the tough challenges in our life. There is no greater mountain top experience than to sense Your presence and loving hand extended to protect us. Bless our family and friends in every aspect of their lives. Thank you for originating hope and giving us the ability to rely on You or those you send along our path as our life-connecting ropes—especially when our climb is most trying! In Jesus’ name, we confidently anticipate and pray. Amen.

Celebrate your victorious climb!

Phil 4:13; Jer 29:11; John 10:10; Is 40:31; Prov 23:18; Rom 8:28

God’s ways are not our ways.  His ideas are heaven higher than ours! Is 55:8-9

Did you know that if you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner?  The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet.  Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.

An elephant has already been conditioned by large chains around their ankle area to convince him that roaming freely is impossible. Even after the training chains were removed the elephant we got to observe at the circus marched around in a circle as if they were still there.

A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out.  It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.

In many ways, there are lots of us acting like the buzzard, elephant, and the bumblebee. We’re frustrated in what seems to be unsolvable problems and challenges. We’re trapped in false beliefs, and imprisoned by old ineffective thoughts, habits, and traditions. The advantage we have that none of these other creations have, however, is the choice to look up to the awesome God who created us; the One who loves us so much he sent His Son into the world to die and free us from our sinful natures.

God declares that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Ps 139:14).  He says we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Phil 4:13).  He’s promised to never leave us or forsake us. (Heb 13:5).  His Word further declares that we can renew our mind and have His knowledge, wisdom, power and presence to be overcomers and victorious in life.

Family and friends, we are crowns of God’s creation.  If we find ourselves imprisoned or limited in our current circumstances, that’s a divine sign for us to stop and reassess.  Freedom and wholesome limitlessness is always rediscovered in the One who lives around and in us to show the way.

 Psalm 123: 1-2; John 8:31-32; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Cor 3:17

Editor’s Note:  A very relevant message. Praise the Mighty King!!

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Col 1:9-10

Peter Pan entertained us with the self-centered fantasy of never growing up in a place called “Never-Never Land.”  At the other extreme, merely getting older can become a kind of never-never land too.  For example, at my age, if not careful, I could become magnetized to senior citizen discounts, think orthopedic shoes only, or live in frustration denying northern body parts heading south.

There’s an element of fun in the story of Peter Pan and certainly some wisdom in acting one’s age.  Growing older is easy.  Growing up is another story!  For today’s encouragement, may we consider that at any point, it’s never too late for us to begin “growing up” in a solid and mature way in the land of the Here and Now.

There’s always a suspicion when one puts a formula together to guarantee anything. My heart-felt desire to grow up rather than dry up or blow up forces me to at least try. Please bear with me as I share a simple four-level strategy I believe will help us (me) accomplish the long-term goal of  “growing up.” Ready….. here we go:

At the basic level, we have a need to be Christ-centered and truly believe in being chosen and valued as part of God’s family. Secondly, for an alert to the fact that we have the capacity to remain childlike (not childish) in our enthusiasm for the challenges of life. Thirdly, to being a conscientious, effective and competent doer, not just an audience, monitor or dreamer.  Lastly, persevere in life, no matter what challenges come our way.

As His work in progress, one day each of us will end our journey here on Earth.  Only God can offer a promise of  a “Forever-Forever Land” that we can believe in and hopefully accept.  That’s the place He calls Heaven, where we’ll spend eternity in the child-like enthusiasm with Him, and demonstrate once and for all what being “grown up” truly means.

Many blessings your way.

1 Cor 13:11; 1 Corinthians 14:20; Rom 12:2; Philippians 3:13-15;

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 4:4

Gravity is a truth no longer debated. Whether an apple really fell out of a tree and landed on Sir Isaac Newton’s head to spur revelation regarding the subject is the funny and debatable part. We also know that to overcome gravity, a greater force (called power, thrust, and lift) must be in play. The next time we see an airplane flying above, we can be certain of that greater force being in effect. As we take off on our separate journeys this week, let’s look to being confident in flying high…. in spite of what daunting forces might be in place to weigh us down.

Situational challenges and our thought life can be gravitational too. As we all know, stuff, sometimes terrible stuff, happens! It’s also fascinating to learn of research that suggests well over 90% of our thoughts are self – directed and about the same percentage of the words we use are of a negative nature. Life is tough enough, and we have a tendency to apply an additional dose of our own gravity in what we think and say during our daily business. Here are a couple of examples of simple conversations we may have with ourselves or with someone else: What a beautiful day! “Yea, but it’ll probably rain tomorrow” or….” It’s about time”, or…. What’s so beautiful about it?” Up for a moment, and then down we go!

What great truth can we rely upon to pilot our lives this week? Is there a truth that will provide the continual power, thrust, and lift no matter how many apples fall, challenges come, selfish thoughts arise, or what negative spins we intend to use in our own vocabulary? Here’s a fact. We can choose to believe there is an ultimate hopefulness or there isn’t. If I may be transparent for a second… For me to overcome my own challenges and stinking thinking —– I believe in the One who said He is truth and His name is Jesus Christ.

You may have a positive thought or object of your own that will help you gain altitude this week, but may I remind us of John 14:6. Jesus said,” I am the way, the TRUTH and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.” Subsequently, there’s the conversation between Magistrate Pontius Pilate and Jesus that took place just prior to His crucifixion. Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?”. Jesus remained silent to the relative question. He didn’t have to speak because absolute TRUTH speaks for itself.

May Almighty God relate to us in a way that inspires us to respond in kind. May His love fill our tanks this week with His values, His desires, and His attitude–the kind that blends eternal encouragement with what we’re to face today and this week ahead as mere mortals. With the right wings, we can fly! Let’s prepare our hearts for takeoff and be sure if we do it in spiritual relationship with the Ultimate Pilot, we’ll stay up no matter what.

1 John 5:4-5; Rom 8:37; Psalm 3:3; John 1:5; Phil 4:13

You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. Ex 19:4

Please give this image a closer look.  Perched, as you can see, is a snap shot of an awesome creation.  The story is told where our forefathers, after much debate, chose the eagle over the turkey as our National symbol.  Most would agree that the appropriate bird was selected.  Not that there is anything wrong with turkeys. After all, what would Thanksgiving be without them?

In the midst of all the challenges that face us these days, we are consistently reminded of something special about our land in our associating with such a magnificent creature. Speaking boldly, we do not share the plight of the turkey. We are not imprisoned, fearful of being cooked, or even worse, consumed. We are a people of a different and far more hopeful feather. The eagle is uniquely majestic and an accurate image to pin on those of us who call America home. It soars high above the fray with a deep sense of freedom, power, vision, determination, and endurance.

In a complementing way, a Native American friend of mine, once presented me with a distinct 2″x3″ card entitled THE EAGLE from the St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota.  It says the eagle is a “winged” symbol of the Lakota people… it is the strongest and bravest of all the birds. For this reason, the eagle and its feathers have been chosen as a symbol of what is highest, bravest, strongest, and holiest.

Even more critical than patriotic learning and symbols is discovery and truth. May we share a quick and related reference from the Bible that can comfort and guide us as USA  citizens during these times of political uproar, relentless pressure, and sweeping change. The inspired book points to the non-elected person in whom we must ultimately trust; The highest, bravest, strongest and holiest is Father God.  In Isaiah 40:31, it says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.”

Our prayer this week is for us to confidently fly and move as Isaiah predicted.  Let’s not just appreciate the historic lessons, the times we’re in, or the majestic image; let’s also choose to operate with an eagle-like attitude in our week ahead.  May we rise above the circumstances that will come against us, see beyond our challenges to the finish line, and ride a victorious truth-wave right to week’s end.

Have a blessed flight!

Gen 1:26; Gal 6:9; Prov 3:5-6

Editor’s Note: “Humility causes you to be exalted. Lay down your ego and you’ll fly with the eagles!”

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matt 19:26

Some of us have a tendency to aim for a target that is below our potential. Our wholesome desires and expectations can be subverted by our own doing. The truth of the matter is that a positive, humble approach may be all that is needed to hit the higher and more honorable mark. May we be encouraged today to look up in a way that provides the power, direction, and determination to fight the good fight of life.

One of the best indicators of our repressive ways can be heard through our “yeah, but” pattern of speech: “Yeah, I could help so and so, but they live too far away; Yeah, I could give to such and such, but a vacation fund is more pressing; Yeah, I could go to school, but I’m too old…”

May we consider a new pattern that can change everything–one that stresses the positive by holding to the words “But God“:

• We say, “Yeah, but it’s not worth it.”But God says, “It will be worth it” (Romans 8:28).

• We say, “Yeah, but nobody loves me.”But God says, “I love you” (John 3:16, John 3:34).

• We say, “Yeah, but it’s impossible.”But God says, “All things are possible” (Luke 18:27).

• We say, “Yeah, but I’m too tired.”But God says, “I’ll give you rest” (Matthew 11: 28-30).

• We say, “Yeah, but I’m not able,”But God says, “I am able” (1 Corinthians 9:8).

• We say, “Yeah, but I can’t do it.”But God says, “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you” (Philippians 4:13).

• We say, “Yeah, but I’m too worried and frustrated. “But God says, “Cast all your cares on me” (1 Peter 5:7).

Family and friends, let’s be reminded that it’s not so much what we think in our head but who we know in our hearts that makes the difference. When the relationship springs from the heart, the “Yeah, buts” inevitably will fall away to a renewed mind and the  hopefulness of the “But God’s.”

Speak these words with boldness and watch as our potentials unfold!

Rom 12:2; Ps 73:26; Rom 8:9; Jon 2:6; 1 Cor 1:27; Gen 50:20; Heb 13:5

With God, all things are possible.  Matthew 19:25

Charles (Chuck) Colson, who passed away thirteen years ago, remains as one of my all-time heroes.  He had two contrasting histories – one of his power brokering military and political life and the other as a repentant sinner transformed into a serving minister of Jesus Christ.  As best-selling author and the founder of Prison Fellowship, his episode below in an Indiana Maximum Security Prison, is taken verbatim from his book, Loving God (Pgs 200-202).  I’ve read these words to myself and read them out loud several times to others.  Even writing them has had the same affect –  I cry with joy in the amazing grace of God!   Now, if you don’t mind, it’s your turn….

After speaking to more than two hundred inmates in the auditorium for a Prison Fellowship seminar, I asked the warden to let us visit death row.  I knew things were tense there because Stephen Judy had just been executed (electrocuted). But I wanted to see two Christian inmates with whom I’d been corresponding.  The warden agreed and invited a group of our volunteers to come along as well.  So about twenty of us made our way through the maze of concrete cell blocks to the double set of barred doors that led into the most despairing of all places – death row – the end of the line where men live for years from appeal to appeal.  The only way out is a new trial or death.

The warden opened the individual cell doors, and one by one the men drifted out, slowly mixing with our volunteers and gathering in a circle on the walkway.

I was especially glad to meet Richard Moore, whose wife had written me such moving letters, and James Brewer, a young black man who, though seriously ill with a kidney disease, was a powerful witness to the others on death row.  Whether his death would come swiftly by several thousand volts of electricity or slowly by uremic poisoning, James was at perfect peace with God and his warm smile showed it.  Nancy Honeytree, the talented gospel singer who often goes with us into the prisons, played her guitar and sang a few songs.  I spoke briefly.  Then we all joined hands and sang “Amazing Grace.” (Nowhere do the words of that hymn have richer meaning than among a group of society’s despised outcasts condemned to die for the most awful crimes.)

My schedule was extremely tight, so after we finished “Amazing Grace” we said our goodbyes and began filing out.  We were crowded into a caged area between the two massive gates when we noticed one volunteer had stayed back and was with James Brewer in his cell. I went to get the man because the warden could not operate the gates until we had all cleared out.

“I’m sorry, we have to leave,” I said, looking nervously at my watch, knowing a plane stood waiting at a nearby airstrip to fly me to Indianapolis to meet with Governor Orr.  The volunteer, a short white man in his early fifties, was standing shoulder to shoulder with Brewer.  The prisoner was holding his Bible open while the older man appeared to be reading a verse.

“Oh, yes”, the volunteer looked up. “give us just a minute, please.  This is important,” he added softly.

“No, I’m sorry, I snapped.  I can’t keep the governor waiting.  We must go”.

“I understand”, the man said, still speaking softly, “but this is important.  You see, I’m Judge Clement.  I’m the man who sentenced James here to die.  But now he’s my brother and we want a minute to pray together.”

I stood frozen in the cell doorway.  It didn’t matter who I kept waiting.  Before me were two men: one was powerless, the other powerful; one was black, the other white; one had sentenced the other to death.  Anywhere other than the kingdom of God, that inmate might have killed that judge with his bare hands—or wanted to anyway.  Now they were one, their faces reflecting an indescribable expression of love as they prayed together.

Though he could hardly speak, on the way out of the prison Judge Clement told me he had been praying for Brewer every day since he had sentenced him four years earlier.

The next morning the judge cancelled his court calendar and spent the day in the Prison Fellowship seminar.  His testimony—and his story of meeting with James Brewer, which quickly spread through the prison grapevine – brought dozens of men to Christ.