Finished

 Have you ever known the satisfaction of completing a hard assignment. Cleaning the house. Mowing the yard. A long work project. You get a feeling of satisfaction when it is done. When the last bale is hauled out of the hayfield. When the last cow is worked. When the last paper is written. When the last wind spring is run. When the last dish is washed and put away. When the last load of laundry is folded and put in the proper place. 

I just finished a two hour work out. Muscles fibers strained. They ached. They grew fatigued, but I kept pressing on until I finished my goal. There were moments I thought the grueling torture would never end. On this side of it, I am glad I endured and did not give up. In the middle of it I wanted to do just about anything rather than finish that workout. Except to shop or eat chicken. 

Finishing is a habit. So is quitting. Jesus finished the work He was sent to earth to do by joyfully enduring the cross. [Heb 12:2] He said from the cross, "It is finished." [Jn 19:30] The hard assignment for dying for the sins of humanity was completed. He was not finished. He is seated at the right hand of the Father right now. His redemptive work was finished. 

Jesus finished the work He was sent to do. Do you have some unfinished project you started and put off for one reason or another? Did you start something and not follow through to the end. I talked with a guy yesterday who wants to go back to school to finish his college degree after dropping out. That has been thirty years ago, but not finishing nags at him. He is plenty intelligent enough to finish. 

There is a contentment for a project completed. Like when you remodel and the last bit of work is finished, and you can sit down to enjoy the final result. Brenda loves to sit down and enjoy her clean house after a day of housecleaning. I like to look out over a freshly mowed lawn to enjoy it before the grass starts to grow again. 

 Some things in life are easy to complete. You start and just like that you are done. I am thinking of a child's jigsaw puzzle. Easy peasy. Recently, at our marriage conference each couple was tasked with putting together a 60 piece jig saw puzzle. I have never put together such a puzzle in my life. Never interested me. Brenda excelled at the project while I offered little help. When I tried I inevitably matched the wrong pieces together and she had to undo them. When we lost I was done. Brenda was not. She had to finish that puzzle. I admire her for that. She is definitely a finisher. May we follow her example. 

Paul finished his ministry to the end of his life. [Acts 20:24] He was constantly on the move from town to the next. He labored hard and suffered much for the cause of Jesus Christ. Even after beatings and imprisonment he did not quit. He finished. May we run our face with endurance to our last day and last breath. [Heb 12:1]

Weary and Heavy Laden

 Jesus invited weary and heavy-laden people to come to Him to find rest. [Matt 11:28] Hearers were weary from all the oppressive religious burdens heaped on the Jewish people by the Pharisees. They could not live under the burdens. Neither could they sustain the heavy tax burdens placed on them by the Romans. 

There are weary people in our days as well. They work hard but cannot seem to get ahead. People work hard but the American dream is further out of reach than ever. Home ownership is no longer affordable for my sons without God's miraculous intervention. The price of groceries, everyday household items, and transportation have soared to all-time highs. Add to that the decreasing health of the American people, the corruption in the government, and the brink of world war only add to the weariness. 

Jesus invites people to come to Him and find rest. A few years ago, I was told that that students in one high school were on anti-anxiety medication in the highest number in the history of the school. I am sure that also is true in other schools and other sectors of society. People do not live in peace and rest. 

We are told in [Ps 46:10] to be still, or cease striving, and know I am God. People strive all the time. Constantly keyed up. Working and worrying feverishly. There is no rest. People look for all kinds of ways to find rest. Medication. Substance abuse. Sexual escapades. None of these provide the long-sought rest. 

Jesus offers rest. Peace. Repose. Nothing else can provide that rest. No matter the source of your weariness and heavy burdens Jesus will take it from you in exchange for His rest. Why wouldn't any people accept that trade? It is a no brainer. To give up things of which we have no control releasing it all to the One who holds the whole world in His hands. 

You have a choice. Live under stress resulting in ulcers, insomnia, and heart attacks. You have another choice. You can pray about everything, not worry about anything, and receive God's peace in your heart and mind. [Phil 4:6-7] Prayer or stress. Burdens or peace. Weary labors or rest. We have a choice. Which will we choose?

Grappling With Grief

 Grief is deep sorrow when somebody dies or you experience a loss. It is a pain you feel in the pit of the stomach. Grieving people will walk around in a daze unable to fully comprehend that someone they loved so much is gone. After the initial shock wears off, the grim reality sets in of a life without the person who died. 

Many grieving people have told me that the big events are tough like Thanksgiving, Christmas and birthdays. They are able to kind of prepare themselves for those events. The tougher things are the little moments that remind of them of the deceased like a movie, a song, a face in the crowd, or the smell of their perfume or cologne. These are more difficult to navigate. They blindside without warning. 

Experts say people go through stages in grief. The first stage is denial. This is the initial shock of losing someone. They are there one day and then they are gone. Their life is snuffed out. The shock can make a person numb even to the point of not being able to accept it. Phrases like, "I just can't believe they are gone," might be uttered in this stage. 

The second stage of grief is anger. This is when the reality of death and loss set in. The anger may be turned against God. Why did He let it happen. Why didn't He prevent the death? Why did He not intervene? Others might be blamed for the death and anger unleashed on them.  

The third stage is called bargaining. In this stage survivors may constantly dwell on what they could have done differently to prevent the loss. They will play different scenarios over and over in their minds and wish they had done things differently. They reason to themselves if they had just acted or reacted differently the person they love would still be alive. 

The fourth stage is depression. Grieving people may withdraw from normal social activities like church attendance and spending time with family and friends. In the depressed state a darkness settles in on the mind obscuring hope. There is little motivation to do anything productive. People just want to sleep and weep. Consolation from others is not able to be comprehended nor accepted. It may feel like the grieving person's whole world has ended. They struggle to find a reason to keep living. 

The final stage is acceptance. When Christians get to this stage they find peace to comfort and God's reassuring presence to mend their broken heart. They come to accept the fact their lives will never be the same. They have to learn to live a new normal. Very often a very lonely normal. 

Pictures are great for memories, but pictures cannot bring the loved one back. You cannot even tell what the person was thinking when the picture was snapped. Grieving people would trade all their pictures if they could hold their loved one again. 

Grief is real. People move through the different stages at different paces. It may take some years to work through all five stages. Others may work through them much more quickly. Each person must grieve in their own way and in their own time. Some grieve stoically. Others grieve hysterically. Neither is right or wrong. 

I like what I heard a pastor say in a sermon recently when ministering to a grieving person. SHOW UP AND SHUT UP. I heard it put differently in Bible college. Be present and pray. Grieving people do not need to hear cliches like, "They are in a better place." That is not always true if the deceased never trusted Jesus as their Savior. You don't have to say anything. Just show up with a hug and listen. Offer a short prayer of comfort. That is what they need. 

You know what else I have learned? Keep showing up. Watch this happen. When someone dies people show up in the preceding days with food, and offers of, "If I can do anything for you please let me know." Once the funeral is over or the memorial service is concluded, people go back to their lives. The grieving person can't go back to their life as it used to be. They may be forced to go back to work and bravely show up for worship. Things are different. Other people forget but the survivor still grieves. Time move on and people forget about the grieving person. The church should keep showing up. Like one widow did for her friend when her friend's husband died. She called that newly grieving widow every single day for an entire year. 

My wife is an amazing woman. A far better shepherd of people than I am. She keeps record of the date people died and the date of the funeral. She still keeps in contact with people and sends messages to the grieving well over a decade after the death of a spouse, parent, or child. People love her dearly for it. Brenda truly cares about people and feels their pain long after the person dies and the survivors try to put their broken lives back together. We should all follow her example. 

Yes Lord

 In [Matthew 9:27-34] Jesus asked two blind men a question. "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" That is a question He asks us today. Our situations are all different. Our challenges are varied in size and scope. Our mountains are mammoth. This is not a question to take lightly. Jesus is asking each of us if we believe that He is able to do this. Whatever this is for you and your family. 

What is your this? For some it is health. For others it is finances. Some are pleading for open doors in a new job. There are those who cry out for restoration of a prodigal child or reconciliation of a fractured relationship. Everybody has a this. It is that one thing we need Jesus to do for us that we are incapable of doing for ourselves. To each of us Jesus asked the simple question, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" The word able is an important word. It means powerful and capable. This is not a theological theory question. It is a question of reality. 

How did the two blind guys respond? Two words. "Yes Lord." 

Now, how do we respond? Do we believe that Jesus is able to help us? Our faith filled response should be a simple, "Yes Lord." Yes Lord. An affirmation of faith. A triumph of trust over doubt and fear. A courageous statement of conviction. Yes Lord, we believe. We trust that You have the power to do anything. We believe for a bigger, better, and brighter future. Yes Lord. 

As you stand on a cliff of faith looking down at the risks and wondering if Jesus is able to help. If you do not believe you will take a step backward toward safety and security. If you have faith you will inch your toes over the edge with nothing but open air underneath. You will step forward courageously in faith. 

Which response defines your life? Yes Lord or no Lord. Yes Lord people are kingdom shakers and history makers. No Lord people are cowards who shrink back in fear and play it safe. Which one defines you?May we all be yes Lord people who believe God for great things. 

Fear or Faith?

 As the day unfolds how will we choose to respond? Fear or faith? There are plenty of opportunities for both if you choose. Things to fear are all around us. Look long and hard enough and you will find something that scares you. The price of eggs. The escalating price of everything. Disease. We even fear things that will never happen to us. 

It was just a year ago last Friday that the wildfires broke out and burned so much of the Panhandle. With that terror fresh on their minds, the predicted wind gusts up there today are forecasted to be as high as 70 mph. Definitely an opportunity to fear again. 

Or we can choose faith. Faith is the assurance of things of hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. [Heb 11:1] Two people can go through the exact same circumstances and one approach them from fear and the other approach them from faith. I read about such an incident this morning in [Matt 8:23-27]. A sudden storm arose on the sea while Jesus and the disciples were in a boat. Jesus slept. The disciples feared for their safety. How can that be? The same waves were toppling over the boat for both Jesus and the disciples. Jesus had faith that He was in the Father's hands of protection. The disciples gave into the frightening possibility of capsizing and drowning. Two responses to the same circumstances. 

How are we facing today? Things may be really tough and trying. It may be really hard sledding. The potential for dangerous devastation stare right in the face. Do we shake in fear and crawfish back in cowardice? Do we grab the shield of faith holding it firmly as we march forward in the battle? Faith can triumph fear. It really comes down to what you dwell on. 

Choose to dwell on God and His enduring faithfulness. There is not a trial that He cannot triumph over. There is not a sorrow that He cannot heal. There is not a financial need so large that He cannot supply easily from His abundance. Focus on God and faith will grow. Focus on faith promises and prayerfully watch what God can do. 

Fear is just doubt masqueraded. Repeatedly we're told in Scripture not to fear. Fear has to be replaced with faith. Faith will supplant fear. If we let it rule fear will overcome faith. So, which will it be? Fear or faith? Faith will usher in God's peace. Fear only leads to anxiety. 

Work Heartily

 Work can be a blessing and a curse. We learn from Genesis 3 that after Adam and Eve sinned part of the curse is that man would have to work for his food. On the other hand, God created us to do something. Some are farmers and ranchers. I met a saddle maker recently. He told me he can make anything out of leather. There are chefs who create culinary delights. Healthcare workers treat sick patients. Law enforcement officers maintain law and order to protect the people. Teachers invest in their students. 

The job title is not what is important. It is not even the magnitude of the work task. What we are called to do is to work heartily. [Col 3:23] That word heartily means to put your heart and soul into it. It does not matter what the task is. A student needs to put their heart and soul in studying. The mechanic needs to put heart and soul in repairs. The waiter or waitress need to put their heart and soul in serving customers. The Bible study leader needs to put their heart and soul in teaching their class whether it be a small group of toddlers or a large class of adults. The cashier needs to work heartily and efficiently getting customers through the line paying for their purchases. 

People do shoddy work these days. They do as little as possible to get a paycheck. They work only when they are watched by supervisors. When nobody is watching they don't do any work. They often have poor attitudes. This is sinful to the Lord. He demands that we do our work heartily. 

Many workers are under appreciated and under compensated. This impacts their work ethic. That should not be the case. We work for the Lord. The Lord sees and will reward our work. That reward might not happen in this lifetime. Work should be an act of worship. To do our very best. To offer our King our heart and soul work so that He is pleased. We may never be noticed for our work down here. We may be passed over for promotions. God will recompense in eternity. 

We need a total mind shift. Not to work for people down here, but to focus our work for the Lord. It is Him we labor no matter what the job might be. Washing dishes or waiting tables. Administering justice or administrating students at school. Performing for the school play or playing on the field in a ball game. God deserves our hearty work. Put your heart and soul into the task no matter what it is. 

Vision

 What is God's unique vision for you? Some people try to follow in other's footsteps mimicking their lives. Each life is uniquely and intentionally designed by our Creator. No matter how hard I try to be Billy Graham, I will never be like him or used like him. That was God's unique design for his life to reach millions of people for Jesus. 

I am convinced that each of us was created with purpose. See Psalm 139:14-16, Jeremiah 1:5 and Ephesians 2:10. Once God has revealed His vision to us we are responsible to live it out. The challenge comes when we want to compare God's vision for us to God's vision for someone else. We are not in competition with other's unique vision. God set the race differently for each of us. We are to run our race with endurance. Hebrews 12:1

God put you on this earth for something. He has an assignment for you. Susannah Wesley is not near as famous as her children. She had multiple children and raised them to fear the Lord. Two of her sons were used prominently while there is relatively little is known about the rest of the children. Her son Charles wrote a great many hymns. Her son John traveled England and the American Colonies preaching and calling people to Jesus. John is credited for starting the Methodist denomination and he and Charles for being instrumental in the First Great Awakening. 

Lottie Moon only stood about 4 feet 11 inches tall. Yet she fearlessly proclaimed Jesus in China like a giant. Today a missions offering is collected each year in her name. Her unique vision was to share Jesus with those who had not heard in a culture far different from hers. She tirelessly wrote letters back home to generate support for the work in China. 

Father Nash is very little known today. He was an associate of Charles Finney. Before Finney went to a town to preach revival meetings he sent Father Nash in advance. Nash would secure lodging and then started fervently interceding before Finney arrived. Finney got the attention because God's unique vision for Father Nash was to minister in the secret place where nobody saw his ministry. 

Sarah Havner is not a household name. Many preachers know about her husband. Sarah was married to Vance. Vance started preaching when he was only 12. He stood in a chair behind the pulpit to proclaim the Bible. He traveled the United States preaching in horse drawn buggy, trains, planes, and automobiles. Here is an interesting note. Vance never learned how to drive. Sarah did all the driving. Vance stood on stages in some of the most prominent churches in the land. Sarah sat quietly and prayerfully listening to her husband preach some of the same messages over and over again. She never had a home to call her home. They rented a home, but were seldom there because they were on the road most weeks of the years living out of suitcases. She never had children and yet was surrounded by children from all over the United States in church after church. Constantly changing scenery and meeting new people. Her unique vision was to help her husband live out his unique vision. 

The challenge is for each of us to live out God's unique vision for us. We each have a role to play in God's unfolding drama. Some are assigned lead parts. They will be displayed more than others and will get more notoriety from the crowds. Others will play support roles hardly noticed by the crowds, but known and appreciated by God. It does not matter what part God assigns us. We must play our part well and do it for the glory of God. Colossians 3:23 in fulfillment of His unique vision.