COMPASSION; MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Jude 1:22-23 And of some have COMPASSION, making a difference: 23 And others save with FEAR, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by flesh.

Meditating on this verse today…

We all have those dear ones that we hold close to our heart, yet grieve daily because they are far from God.  We pray and don’t see any change.  We wonder; what will it take?  Can anything or anyone reach them?  Our mention of “End Time, Prophetic” news reports are met with derision; even fear doesn’t touch them.  We preach, then they no longer come around…and we weep.

Maybe it is time for COMPASSION.

Lose the “End Time” reports.  Stop the preaching and offer a hug instead.  Greet them with a smile.  Ask about their life, WITH INTEREST and WITHOUT CONDEMNATION!   Above all…Tell them you LOVE them.

I see so many that love Jude 1:23.  They are always ready to point out spotted garments and use fear and guilt to minister to the hurting.

BUT REMEMBER…

Verse 22 comes first and it contains a key word…COMPASSION!

A little FEAR may get their attention but it is COMPASSION THAT WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

IF I; THEN GOD

There are many promises in the Word of God that include the conditions, IF I; THEN GOD WILL!

We leave so many blessings "on the table" because we grab hold of the last part of the phrase, "THEN GOD WILL" but ignore the very important first two words, "IF I."

As we journey along the road of life, we must understand that following the plan of God and enjoying His many blessings requires COOPERATION or an "IF I."  Here is one for you to meditate on today.

IF I WILL:

Habbakuk 3:17-18 Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls—18 Yet I WILL REJOICE in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

THEN GOD WILL: 

19 The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Praying you have a blessed day as you COOPERATE WITH GOD!

MORE THAN A FRIEND; A CONFIDANT

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the FRIEND OF GOD.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines FRIEND as “One attached to another by affection or esteem; a favored companion.” 

In today’s vernacular, the word “FRIEND” has so many different meanings.  It may signify an acquaintance, a colleague, someone favorable to a cause and of course in Facebook Land, a “FRIEND” is someone who is connected to your page.  You may have never met them, actually spoken to them or really know anything about them but they have given you a “thumbs up” on many occasions and you read their posts and status updates, so you call them “FRIEND.”

James 2:23 tells us there was one man in the Bible that had the distinct title, “FRIEND OF GOD.”  Because of his unwavering FAITH in God and his WILLING OBEDIENCE to the call of God, Abraham would be immortalized in Scripture as a “FRIEND OF GOD.”

It would be awesome to be known in your community, because of your steadfast faith, as “One attached to God or a favored companion of God.”  Your epitaph, the words etched on your tombstone; the words your descendants would walk by and read, would be “SUSAN; FRIEND OF GOD.”

Yes, a “FRIEND OF GOD” would be an awesome, yet humbling title, but I believe Abraham had an EVEN MORE IMPORTANT TITLE; Abraham was a “CONFIDANT OF GOD!”

Genesis 18:17-18 And the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him.  

Then he adds in the first part of Verse 19 “FOR I HAVE KNOWN HIM.”

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines CONFIDANT – One to whom secrets are entrusted – comes from an Italian adjective “Confidente” meaning TRUSTWORTHY.

We read in Genesis, just after Abraham receives Angelic Visitors to assure him that God has not forgotten HIS PROMISE and that he and Sarah will have a son. Then Abraham walks with them away from his dwelling; he and his visitors walking in the Shekinah Glory of God.  Abraham’s faith was so steadfast, that God esteemed and honored him by taking him into His confidence.  GOD STILL HONORS FAITH!

God said, “I will still destroy Sodom BUT not without alerting MY FRIEND;” Abraham became the CONFIDANT OF GOD.  God entrusted His Secrets to him.

So what did Abraham do with his new status and knowledge?  I can assure you he DID NOT grab his Smartphone and post his new job title, “CONFIDANT OF GOD!”  He status update did not include the cryptic message, “SO BLESSED TO KNOW THE MIND OF GOD.”  He didn’t hang a “shingle” on his tent or regale his friends and family with boastful stories of his new-found favor…NO, ABRAHAM BECAME AN INTERCESSOR!

Does God know you well enough to honor you with His plans? What would you do if God entrusted you with the knowledge of His future actions?   Perhaps, He is or already has…REMEMBER that time you were wide awake at 3 a.m. with a burden to pray for that wayward loved one?  Or that time, during devotions, you were overcome with grief and could only weep for the lost?  Or perhaps it was the time that an impending sense of tragedy overwhelmed you and you asked God for protection for a friend….GOD MADE YOU HIS CONFIDANT; YOU WERE AN INTERCESSOR!

 It could be that even now God is saying, “Shall I hide from Susan, what I am doing?”   God is calling you to an honor far above that of FRIENDSHIP; He is calling you to be HIS CONFIDANT because someone needs you to BECOME AN INTERCESSOR!!!

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE SHIP; IT'S ABOUT THE ANCHOR

Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an ANCHOR OF THE SOUL, both sure and steadfast and which enters the Presence behind the veil,

I recently listened to a wonderful message by my friend Pastor Wendell Maynard, entitled, ‘THE ANCHOR HOLDS.”  His messages are always anointed, encouraging and beautifully delivered, AND…set my mind spinning…so I apologize and thank my friend, in advance, for inspiration and for taking his thoughts in a different direction.

Pastor Maynard’s message related Paul’s account in Acts 27, of his experience at sea in the midst of a powerful storm.  Paul received a Word from the Lord and commanded that the anchors be let down and everyone was to STAY IN THE SHIP.  In his message, THE SHIP is THE CHURCH and if we stay IN THE SHIP we will all be saved.  A great exhortation…God’s Church  is a place of safety; a haven in the time of a storm BUT it is important that you make sure you are in GOD’S CHURCH and make sure to what THE ANCHOR IS ATTACHED!

We read a little further in Acts 27 and realize not all was perfect…the Captain of the ship LET GO of the ANCHORS, hoisted the main sail and RAN THE SHIP AGROUND, where the STERN WAS BROKEN by the violent waves…KNOW THE CAPTAIN OF THE SHIP!

Then we read that a Centurion, in order to save Paul, ordered the prisoners to JUMP OVERBOARD, grab hold of ship scraps and get to shore however they could manage. 

Have you ever felt like one of these prisoners?  You were riding high in ‘THE SHIP” when suddenly a storm hit and the ANCHOR DIDN’T HOLD.  You were thrown overboard, told to grab whatever you could find floating beside you and try to get to shore.  Some of us made it to shore but so many did not.

Which brings me to my thoughts…

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE SHIP; IT’S ABOUT THE ANCHOR!

The security of the ship is only as dependable as the mooring to which you attach the anchor. 

In March a storm blew up over Pensacola Bay.  We watched from the deck of our condo as a boat came loose from its anchor and was tossed out of control toward the docks.  The owners waded out in the storm, jumped in the boat and finally got it started to steer away from the docks and secure the anchor.  The anchor had been dug into the sandy bottom, which works when the sun is shining and the waters are calm but when the winds began to blow and the storm raged, a more secure mooring was required for attaching the anchor.

Are you facing a raging storm in your life?  OR perhaps you’ve been thrown overboard and you are grasping a broken plank, just trying to keep your head above water.  If your anchor was attached to a congregation or a specific pastor, you are not going to make it to shore.  BUT, if your anchor is in JESUS CHRIST, let the winds blow, let the storm rage; even if the ship breaks up or you are thrown overboard; TRUST THE ANCHOR!

The words of this old song remind us that there is no need to fear when we are ANCHORED TO THE ROCK OF AGES!

♪♪ “I’ve anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I’ll brave.

I’ve anchored in Jesus; I fear no wind nor wave.

I’ve anchored in Jesus, for He has power to save.

I’ve anchored in the Rock of Ages.” ♪♪

CROSSING OVER AND NOT COMING BACK

Joshua 1:2 “Moses, my servant is dead.  Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving them-the Children of Israel.”

The children of Israel had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.  It had not been an easy life, since leaving Egypt, but God had led them and made provision along the journey.  They had witnessed the awesome miracles; parting of the Red Sea, water from a rock, manna from Heaven and they even had shoes that never wore out; oh the anticipation as they began the preparations for crossing over into the Promised Land. They were all excited, that is except for the tribes of Rueben, Dan and Manasseh.

Numbers 32:5 Therefore they said, if we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession.  Do not take us over the Jordan.

Numbers 32 records the leaders of these tribes approaching Moses with a strange request.  It seems that during their journey through the wilderness, they had acquired many sheep and decided that the beautiful land of Jazar and Gilead suited them just fine.  They and their families were tired, everything they required and desired was in this land, it would become their “PROMISED LAND;” why cross over Jordan?  Moses reluctantly agreed that they could settle without crossing over but only if they would go fight with their brothers so that the other tribes could obtain the inheritance that God had promised.

Every time I read this passage, I question, WHY? 

Why would anyone faithfully make the journey and stop short of the Promised Land? 

Why would anyone fight for truth alongside his brothers then say, “it’s yours now, I am tired, I will return to all I have accumulated, rest and enjoy a few of life’s pleasures before I die?”

 Why would anyone settle for less than all of God’s blessings?

 IT HAPPENS!!!  We have fought, we have labored; then just on the banks of crossing over, we hit the wall, tiredness settles in and this side of Jordan doesn’t look so bad.

I believe God has led the Church to the banks of Jordan, the Promised Land is in view and the Priests, with the Ark of the Covenant on their shoulders have already taken that first step into the water.  I can feel the excitement as I find my place.  I want to be as close to the front as I can, behind the priests because I’M CROSSING OVER!!!  My “tambourine” is ready; I have a song on my lips and a dancing in my feet. 

IT’S TIME TO CROSS OVER.

I have been walking, following the cloud.   I have been fighting, holding onto truth.  It is time to cross over into God’s Promise and once I do there will be NO GOING BACK!  Stay on this side of Jordan if you want to; settle for less than God’s best, if you must, but I WANT MY MOUNTAIN!!  The greatest day for the church has arrived, don’t stay on this side of Jordan;

IT’S TIME TO CROSS OVER!!!

BUT HE CAN'T LIFT A CAR; NO ONE CAN DO THAT

BUT HE CAN’T LIFT A CAR; NO ONE CAN DO THAT

Mark 9:24 Immediately, the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord I believe; help my unbelief.”

4 year-old Caleb and Grandma were sharing an early morning conversation and making exciting plans for the day.  I assured him that Grandpa would carry the toy downstairs as soon as he got out of bed. Of course he wasn’t satisfied and wanted to know why I didn’t just bring it down.  I explained that Grandpa was much stronger than Grandma, so we would have to wait.  Caleb, boastfully, replied, “My Daddy is very, very, very, very strong.  But he can’t lift a car; no one can do that.”

Do you remember a time when your Dad could do anything?  I do!  There was no one as strong or as smart as my Dad.  He could fix anything that was broken, accomplish the impossible and had the answer to every situation that we faced.  I don’t remember when it happened but one day I broke a toy that couldn’t be fixed, a situation arose that even Dad didn’t know what to say, and then his body became so weak that most tasks became impossible.  I wanted my strong, smart, capable, Hero-Dad back and the reality made me sad.

Do you remember a time when you believed God could do anything?  There was nothing broken that He couldn’t fix, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the impossible could be accomplished and there was no storm that He wouldn’t see you through.  I don’t remember when it happened but one morning I found myself thinking, “God you are very, very, very, very great.  You can do anything, but not that; no one can do that!”  Then it hit me, God really COULDN’T do that in my life because I didn’t believe that He could or would. 

Just as Caleb had voiced his thoughts regarding his daddy, I believed God was very great BUT there had to be some limitations.  The only place I could go was to my knees.  As the man in Mark 9:24, I cried, “Lord I believe; help my unbelief!”

 It’s true; sometimes a Dad can’t lift the car, but GOD CAN!  Lives become so broken until even a Dad can’t fix them, but GOD CAN!  Dads grow weak, run out of answers and situations become impossible, but not to God; HE CAN!!! 

Whatever you are facing today; the broken can become whole, the unanswerable can be solved and the impossible accomplished because…

“MY GOD IS VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY STRONG AND HE CAN LIFT A CAR;

HE CAN EVEN DO THAT!”

IT MATTERS THAT YOU'RE THERE

Mark 9:41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My Name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.

  

“It doesn’t matter what you say, it matters that you’re there.”(Commissioner Frank Reagan, Blue Bloods)

These words sunk into my heart as I watched an episode from one of my favorite dramatic series.  We’ve all been in situations where we just didn’t know what to say.  They are always difficult situations involving death, hurt or loss of some kind and we struggle to give comfort and encouragement with our words.

We have devised platitudes and clichés just to have something to say.  Please believe me when I say, “God needed another angel,” or “Heaven needed them more than earth,” or “at least they are not suffering anymore,” or “they are in a better place,” really does not give comfort and may actually add to their grief and anger.

When my Dad passed away, I heard all the “canned” phrases and I understood that people were just trying to give comfort when no comfort could be found, but one friend’s words or “non-words” have stuck with me for17 years.

We had come back home to Saginaw, there was no family surrounding me and the grief was overwhelming.  I couldn’t bring myself to go to church that Sunday evening and my friend Sophie asked if she could come and sit with me.  She walked in the door, gave me a hug, a beautiful plant and said, simply, “Tell me about your dad,” then listened to me and cried with me.  IT MATTERED THAT SHE WAS THERE!

Someone in your world NEEDS YOU TO BE THERE!

A quote, attributed to Francis of Assisi, although not verified is “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.”  What a beautiful portrayal of a Christian’s daily life, at least ideally.  Unfortunately, we have found that it is easier to “use words” than it is to “be there.”

BEING THERE is BEING HIS HANDS AND FEET but BEING THERE TAKES EFFORT!

As you go to church this morning, carry that commission with you.  As you pray with someone this morning, you are BEING THERE!  As you shake hands or give someone a smile and a hug, you are BEING THERE!  When you ask that visitor to sit with you or share your Bible, you are BEING THERE!

Don’t worry about the words; they may not even be necessary if you WILL JUST BE THERE!