HELP ME, I'M WEAK
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

As I have shared in the past, I am divorced. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions and changes. Some days I am feeling good about where my life is headed, but other days I am sad as I look at all the things I lost in my divorce. To go from having someone there to come home to, to suddenly coming home to an empty house is tough. Or to go from shared responsibilities to having to handle everyday life alone is challenging. Add into the mix children, and life can quickly move into a state of survival. Now before I get nasty comments and all, let me advise you that my children are my world, and anyone who knows me knows I try hard to provide for my children. I refuse to be the 'Disney Dad', or the weekend and holiday dad. It has never been my intention to take my kids and run, or hurt my ex-wife by taking from her who is dear to us both. But the point I am trying to make, is that life is hard.
Life is hard whether or not you are divorced, though. I can look at others in my life and see they too have their hard times. My father is suffering from ALS. Everyday he struggles to breathe, or make a movement, or even talk. And my mother is faithful and takes care of him, from administering his food, to cleaning his tubes, to dressing him. And she does it all with a merry heart. Ask her years ago if she would have expected to see herself in this position and chances are she would have said no.
So what is it that keeps people like my father from giving up, or keeps my mother serving daily in tasks that make me nauseous? What is it that keeps me holding on when I like George Jetson am screaming out, "Get me off this crazy thing?" Where does the energy come from? On my own I have none. But here in Isaiah 41:10 we see that God provides the strength we need. I am fearful about my future; I don't know the next steps. I am concerned about what will happen to my father, and concerned who will help my mother since I do not live close by. Yet God says it so clearly. "...I will strengthen you and help you..."
Why am I so afraid that God will forget me and that I will be left to fend for myself. God says He will never leave me nor forsake me, yet I question if He even knows my name at times. The creator of life speaks these words to me, to my mother and father, and to you right now that He is our strength. It is true, I am weak. But in my weakness I find myself exactly where I should be. I am where even John the Baptist was when he responded, "He must become greater; I must become less." (John 3:30). Only in our weakness do we find His strength.

FOLLOW THE LEADER
"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." I Corinthians 11:1

When I was around the age of 12, my parents gave me a great responsibility. As one of the big brothers, my job was to ensure then that my 8 year old sister would be at the bus stop on time. Well it took only a few missed buses before I finally had a brainstorm of how to accomplish this. True with most children, curiosity and slow walking were our failure. So I took it upon myself to compose an idea that would grab her attention. The next day we played Follow the Leader. Knowing how much time we had, she followed my example of skipping, walking, waving hands, and when needed, running. By the time we got to the bus stop, we had time to spare. This idea worked so well that it became a daily game, everyday changing the actions some, and everyday making it to the stop on time.
I've read this verse many times over the years, and my mind always reverts back to those days of Follow the Leader. It wasn't that it was a magical game, but it was more that it kept my interest as a player and a leader for what actions were coming next. As I reflect on these days and consider the words of Paul, I can't help but think the same thing. The city of Corinth at this time was filled with fornication and every evil sinful act possible. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, his message was about immorality, marriage, standard practices, communion, and the resurrection of Christ. In his stance for the truth in these matters, Paul wrote the bold words, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
Follow the Leader, though, is never a one person game. Infact, following Christ is not even a one person game. Amos 3:3 questions, "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" The Leader, Christ, is always willing to play and is looking for those who will join Him in the game. There will be times of running, skipping, walking, but also times of showing compassion when we would rather not, blessing others when we are in need of a blessing ourselves, and dieing to Christ daily when we feel He is asking too much. The question then becomes, will we play this game with Him?
My sister was too young to know the point behind my method of the game. To her, it was just fun: to me, it was my responsibility of making sure she was on time. But you and I are old enough now to see that we are being beckoned to play this game, knowing the reason. The point is not hidden from us. It goes two ways, us following Christ, and us being an example or leader for others. The challenge I leave with you is this. Are you willing to follow His example in your life? Sure, it might mean giving up things. It might mean letting go of hindrances and sins that you are attached to. But isn't it worth it, following God into a life of freedom? And isn't it worth it to others you influence in so doing, to bring them closer to Christ as well because of your example as the leader?

DEVOTION AND CRAMPED HANDS
“…but he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.”
II Samuel 23:10

I love finding the little known stories in the Bible that pack a punch. The story of David’s thirty-seven brave warriors happens to be one of those. In fact, when I first read it I had to do a double take to make sure I was reading it right. Let me help paint the stage for you. David had a group of men known as his mighty men, and according to I Chronicles 11:10, gave his kingship strong support to extend over the whole land. They were all trained warriors and were devoted to David. If someone or something was in the way, they removed it. One of these mighty men was Eleazar, the son of Dodai the Ahohite. The Bible does not say much about Eleazar, but it says enough to make me think. Eleazar’s claim to fame was a tired hand. The Philistines were being taunted for battle at Pas Dammim. However, Israel retreated as they got close to a barley field. Eleazar did not retreat with the rest of Israel. No, he held tight to his sword, placed his feet firm in the ground, and began striking the oncoming Philistines. II Samuel 23 records that he fought so fierce that his hand froze and cramped around his sword. When the day was finished, David and his men received God’s victory.
The whole section concerning Eleazar happens to be just a few verses, but still I see something in there that we need to grasp. DEVOTION. Eleazar, as well as the other thirty-six men, were devoted to the king. Webster’s defines devotion as:
Religious fervor; the fact or state of being ardently dedicated and loyal.
David’s men were loyal to him. They not only helped him get and keep his kingly status when others challenged David’s authority, but they also laid down their lives for the king. Even in this example we see that where so many shrank back, these men stood their ground.
Devotion is something that many Christians lack. For instance, Exodus 20:3 shows the first commandment as, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Devotion would say through action that nothing is more important than God. Devotion would resist temptation and flee evil. Devotion would not let things like gluttony, porn and lust, money, or any other idol come before God. But that is not true of our culture; at least it was not for me. For years I called myself a follower of God because I had prayed the sinner’s prayer, but my lifestyle was not portraying God as God. My idol was pornography. My god was lust. The object of my affection was what made me feel good. I was loyal and dedicated, but not to God, but rather to my god.
I don’t know where your devotion lies, but I can only pray that like me you have seen the light. I pray that you have made God your God and that now you are devoted to Him. With the same tenacity that Eleazar had as he held on to his sword to defend his king, I pray that you are holding your ground when evil and temptation come at you to distract you from God. Know this, life is not easy. Our devotion will forever be challenged; sin will always be crouching at our door. But, here is our hope spoken from Jesus, Himself. “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

SURPRISING ANSWERS
"Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Mark 11:24

This past weekend the kids and I attempted to watch the fireworks. The day was going well till about 5:30 or so when I looked out the window of the pizza parlor we were in and noticed it was starting to rain. Our hope was that the rain would pass and we would be able to see the show still. However, our wish was not granted and around 8:15, with no hope in sight of a clearing, we started our journey back home.
I will be honest, I have a hard time driving in the dark, and an even worse time during the rain. When we started to drive back home, it was a sprinkle. However, about 10 minutes down the road the sprinkle became a down pour. Panic came over me as I drove. I could not tell if I was in my lane or that of oncoming traffic, and many times I had to come to a complete stop when other cars approached me. When the opportunity came, I pulled off the road and sat there in the car with the kids to wait out the storm. Still it pounded, and still we sat.
I grabbed my son’s hand, as he too was afraid, and we prayed. We prayed for peace, prayed for protection, and prayed that the storm would lighten up to allow us to get home. Within two minutes of our prayer the rain was light enough for me to drive, and my son was sleeping in the backseat, just like his sister. The drive home was completed and we were kept safe.
Here is the question I ask myself. Why was I so shocked when God answered my prayer? If I believe in who God is, then why am I so amazed when God shows Himself true? I believe Abraham had enough faith to trust that even if he did sacrifice his son, God was God enough to bring Isaac back to life. David had faith enough to know that God could use him to smite Goliath. Hosea trusted God enough to believe that Gomer would be reunited with him in marriage. The prophets believed that the prophesies about Jesus would come true. And the women with the issue of blood had enough faith to believe that in touching Jesus’ garment, that she would be healed. But yet I pray and wonder if God will do what I pray, and then am surprised when it comes to pass.
Hebrews 13:8 says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. So if God did miracles, signs, wonders, and healings back when He was on the earth, then would He not still be able to do these same miracles, signs, wonders, and healings today? Any why am I so surprised when my prayers are answered? I have been on missions and seen people get healed, delivered, and turn their heart over to Christ. Yet every time this happens I am shocked to see that God has used me. Do I have faith? Do I believe that God hears everyone but me? Does God hear me?
The answers to all these questions are yes. God hears me when I pray. James 2:1 tells us that God has no favorites. My challenge is to believe that when I pray, not only does God hear me, but also wants to answer me. When I pray God’s will, He will give me the desires of my heart. Let’s bring this back to my drive home, though. God wanted me to have peace and safety. It should not surprise me to see God heal, giants fall, relationships healed, and unreachable people come to Christ. Nor should it surprise you. Our challenge is to believe when we pray. After all, God IS the same.

ARE YOU READY TO DIE?
“What man can live and not see death, or save himself from the power of the grave?”
Psalm 89:48

This week we mourn the death of three people: Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson. The odds of three American icons dying in the same week should seem strange, but really it is more common than we may care to believe. Once the first person passes, I find myself wondering who will be next. But everyone in America knew these three, despite who you were. Ed McMahon brought stars to the stage, and we all wished we were the lucky winner of that big check. Farrah Fawcett was not only Charlie’s Angel, but an American angel who made age seem like a number and not a lifestyle to embrace. And then Michael Jackson, who in my definition, was one of the most talented dancers of my time.
The Bible says that it is appointed to all men to die once (Heb 9:27). The question is, are we ready? When Adam and Eve ate the fruit, they were warned that the consequence would be death (Gen 2:17). Yet tempted with twisted words, they took a bite and their eyes were opened to their nakedness and shame. Were they ready to die? Isaac had no real choice. Abraham his father was obeying God and placed Isaac on the altar to sacrifice him. God intervened and told Abraham not to lay a hand on the child (Gen 22:12). But was Isaac ready to die? Esther laid down her life for her people. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the blazing furnace. Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den. And let us not forget about all the disciples. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs tells us about others being crucified, tortured, burned, cut, beheaded. Were all these followers ready to die?
Are you ready to die? I am not. There is more I want to do in life. The problem is that I am running against the clock. If I cannot stop death and have no power over death itself, then I need to make sure my life is in order. Sure I have personal goals for myself, like visiting every state, traveling to see some of the greatest landmarks built, growing old and even, God willing, getting married again. But right now I am talking about my life in relation to God’s standards. Because of His love for me, Jesus gave up His life to save mine. Was He ready to die, to save a wretch like me? And yet because of His sacrifice for my life, He paved the way so that I can, in some peaceful way, be ready for death.
Do I want to die? No. But I know that when it is time, I will go to Heaven. How can I be so sure? Romans 10:9-10 is my guarantee. “That if you confess with your mouth that ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” We will all die, there is no escape from it. The question to ponder is will we be ready when that time comes. I hope to live a nice full life, but if God saw fit to take me soon, then I would be ready because of the condition of my heart.
I do not know the beliefs and hearts of these three icons; I cannot sit in the judgment of these three. I can only judge my own heart. The same is true for you. Ask yourself right now, am I ready for death? Do you believe in God, and in the sacrifice He made to pave the road of love for us? Maybe you think that your good works or donations will get you into heaven. It will not; the only way is Jesus. Michael cannot dance his way into heaven. Farrah cannot act so well that the truth is not seen. Ed cannot hand Jesus one of those big checks. God looks at our hearts and listens for our confession. Do you believe and have you confessed? If not, then right now I challenge you to accept Christ into your heart.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING
“And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
Est 4:14

I am going to be honest and tell a story from my college days. My junior year I decided I wanted to be a student chaplain. I applied, and began my series of interviews. The first one was a quick, "Why do you want to be a chaplain?" five minute meet and greet with a current chaplain. My second interview included a devotional taught to the guys of a chaplain I was paired up with. This last interview, however, seemed to be the most dreaded as it was done by the men's chaplain and two of the more seasoned chaplains.
There I sat, waiting my turn, not knowing what was about to be asked of me. I was ushered in and the questions began. I was doing well...and then the question I wasn't ready for. "So other than Jesus, who is your favorite character of the Bible?" Paul came to mind, but that would be too common. I wanted something different. Panic started as the three second pause in the room became a three minute pause in my head. "Esther," I said. The men looked at each other, and then at me and questioned, “Why Esther?" Honestly, this is what came out of my mouth. "Because she was HOT!" I was able to redeem myself after the looks and laughs, though, as I then said how she was a key character in the Bible and in showing how God works behind the scenes to save His people. And truth be told, it really is.
Here was Esther, dragged from her uncle Mordecai and required to be part of a royal beauty contest. Her hidden secret was that she was a Jew, so to save her life she was requested by her uncle to tell no one. Esther pleased King Xerxes and won his heart, yet still she did not reveal her nationality (Est 2:19). Haman the Agagite was elevated by the King and all the royal officials paid honor to him. All except for Mordecai. Knowing not that Queen Esther was a Jew, nor a relative of Mordecai, Haman became angry that Mordecai would not bow down and honor him. So Haman approached the King and discussed the Jews and his plot to kill the race. When Mordecai told Esther of Haman’s intent, he challenged her with these words. “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Est 4:13-14).
For the queen to come before the king uncalled upon was death. Yet Esther put her life on the line and dressed in her royal gown, approached Xerxes. Her only request was for dinner with the King and Haman, to which they both agreed. When the king questioned her reasoning for dinner, she told him she would tell him again the next night, if they agreed to dinner again. And so they did; and so the King asked her intent. Esther cried out for the salvation of her people. “If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life – this is my petition. And spare my people – this is my request” (Est 7:3).
God had placed Esther in her position for just that moment, and used her to save a nation. To this day, Purim is celebrated by the Jews as a memory of what God did. Was Esther’s journey easy? By no means. Being taken from her family, forced to marry by decree, and having to find the strength to not only be a queen, but to stand up for her people in the face of death…that is courage. And yet we are no different. God has called us all to something great, but the question is will we be like Esther and rise to the occasion? God is willing to give us the strength we need to face the kings and the Haman’s in our lives. He was able to give David the strength to stand before Goliath. And he was able to take a runt like Gideon and use him to smite an army when he thought he was no good. So how about us? Are we any different? No. So then, it must be true also of you. Who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?

MAKE UP YOUR MIND
“Elijah went before the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.’”
I Kings 18:21

So the prophet Elijah lays down a challenge to King Ahab. He tells Ahab to gather the people from all over Israel to meet him on Mount Carmel. This includes the four hundred fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah. And once they are all gathered together, Elijah posses this question. “How long will you waver between two opinions?” You see, the people of Israel were not necessarily trying to rid God from their lives, but were moreso trying to mix a blend of God and other gods into their daily practices. They wanted to combine a worship of both.
Elijah then challenged the prophets of Baal to choose a bull and prepare it, call on the name of Baal, and request that he send fire on the altar. So the prophets spent the morning preparing and calling out, even dancing around their altar, yet no fire came. Elijah taunted them by saying that maybe their god was asleep or traveling, and that they should shout louder and work harder to get his attention. And the prophets did, cutting their bodies, screaming louder and continuing frantic prophesying until evening. When there was still no response, Elijah stepped up to the plate.
Elijah took twelve stones and built an altar, dug a trench around it to hold about five gallons of water, fixed his wood and meat, and then had four jugs of water poured on the altar three times. By all accounts the wood was soaked and should have been too wet to even burn. Then Elijah lifted a simple prayer. “Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God.”
“Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench” (18:38). God came down in a mighty force and showed himself true. How could those who watched this event deny that God existed? How can you and I, who read this story and the countless others in the Bible, deny God or still try to mix God with sin in our own life. Years before this event, Joshua said pretty much the same words. In Joshua 24:15, we read, “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”The challenge here is easy to see. We must choose between God or the gods that steal us from Him. The choice is not so easy, though. Sure, the temptations of life call our name and beckon us to follow and give in. And I admit, I have given in many times myself. But it is time that we make up our mind and consider the words that Joshua and Elijah dared challenge us with. Stop wavering and make up your mind.