It Has Been an Honor

There are various ceremonies and celebrations that are related to honor. We watch and listen as people describe the privilege of serving or being served by those most often in attendance. The words are carefully chosen and spoken with a distinct level of passion so as to leave every ear tingling with a sense of appreciation.  While I am sure my words will not be comparable to those who speak with such eloquence, I pray they will leave the same indelible impression. Eleven years ago the Bewley family entered Bristol for the very first time to fulfill a speaking engagement which we thought would be a two service adventure. However, we like many others overlooked the wise words of Solomon who stated, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”  Little did we know the path God had chosen for us. It is one that has taken us into the lives of some of the most incredible people on the face of the earth. Grace Point your love has made our journey easy. We have received more than we have given. You have allowed us to witness incredible faith, contagious worship, and fervent prayer. You have granted us the privilege of dedicating your babies, marrying your children, and blessing those who have preceded us in death. You have treated us as friends and loved us as family. To you we would like to say, it has been an unforgettable honor to serve as your pastor. Our lives will never be the same for having served you and known you. We love you and want you to know “It has been an honor!”

The Unappreciated Dance

It was one of the most glorious days in Israel’s history. After years of absence the Ark of God was being returned home. This initiative began by a King who had a heart for God and believed the Ark should be restored to its rightful place. Thus, David upon taking the throne made it a top priority. With everything in place He and his men made the trip to Obededom’s house and began the journey home. Every six paces travelled resulted in a dance, a sacrifice, shouting and the blowing of the trumpet. Why all the celebration? It was not by requirement but because David felt God deserved it. This king left nothing in reserve.  He parted with his royal vestments girded himself with a linen ephod and danced before the Lord with all his might. The people loved it. They saw the King’s actions as a statement of humility. However, not everyone was pleased. Watching from a distance were the eyes of one that judged his actions with great disapproval. The one observing was none other than Michal the queen.  In her opinion the king’s actions created embarrassment and she could not wait to share her critique.  Upon his arrival home, she meets him and begins her verbal assault. “How glorious you were today uncovering yourself in front of the handmaids and servants.” The point was well understood.  The King had not acted kingly. However, David refused to allow her to deter his worship. To his enemy this was an unappreciated dance.  In your pursuit of God you might find yourself being faced with similar words of opposition. If so I encourage you to remember two things: who you are worshipping and why. Our dance is the music God loves and its purpose is to escort glory. Although unappreciated by some heaven’s audience will applaud. That being said dance with all your might!  

Encountering the Glory

In John chapter 11 there is a remarkable story. Jesus has been summoned by Mary and Martha to come and visit Lazarus who is terminally ill. But he decides to take his time getting there. It is a decision that results in death because His beloved friend dies.  Upon arrival Martha approaches him and shares her disappointment.  If He had only been there this catastrophe could have been avoided. Then Jesus gives an awkward response. “This has happened for a reason and if you will believe you will see the glory of God.” I’m not sure she understood or greater still if she had ever experienced glory.  She’s not alone is this respect. It took almost 22 years of ministry for me to arrive at this portal. I had encountered God’s presence continually but not His glory. And then in 1997 it happened. What an awesome experience! The same manifest presence that carried Lazarus from the tomb carried me out of the grave of discouragement and despair. Now some 18 years later I find myself once again surrounded by the same cloud. Words cannot express my appreciation for God’s kiss.  But the truth of the matter is He is no respecter of persons.  The timeless admonition given to Mary and Martha is one issued to all—“if you believe you will see the glory of God.”  To all who read this blog and especially Grace Point Church, the heavens are open; God’s glory is available and attainable.  Go after it with all that is within you!

Making Plans

I read the story recently about Joe who was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the family business. When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sick father died, he decided he needed a wife with whom to share his fortune. One evening at an investment seminar he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her beauty took his breath away. “I may look like just an ordinary man,” he said to her, “but in just a few years, my father will pass, and I’ll inherit his large fortune.” Impressed, the woman took his business card and three months later, she became Joe’s stepmother. Oh how the poet’s words “the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry” are ever so true. Life is about interruptions and status changes. That’s why James by inspiration wrote “Look here, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” This means the Father sets our daily agenda. We can never know for sure what He has in mind which confirms the wisdom of the humorist who remarked "if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans."  He is the creator of revisions and detours but the one thing I have learned is you can trust Him. So chill out, lean back, and enjoy the ride. Make plans but realize you will always be living a plan--less life.  

A Generational Gap

Have you ever found yourself being faced with what’s called the “Generation Gap?” It’s a given if you are the parents or grandparents of older children. Just recently Addison our granddaughter came for a visit. During all of her previous trips clothing was not an issue; however this time was different.  When Sunday came she appeared dressed for church in what we old folks would call questionable attire. Her grandmother immediately said “Addi honey, those shorts are not appropriate for church.”  Of course this was not an issue to a twelve year old getting ready to become a teenager. She then informed us that her dress clothes had not been packed. After some deliberation and searching, her grandmother found some black pajama bottoms that were suitable. On the way to church our little girl was unhappy. She was quiet and preoccupied which is unusual for her. Although the clothes looked fine to me I knew the thoughts running through her mind. “I can’t go to class like this. All the kids will know I’m dressed in pajamas; how embarrassing.” So, upon arrival I told her to stay in the car that we were going shopping.  We rushed to the K-Mart down the street and went in. I told her to go pick out something. She replied, “I can’t. I never go shopping. Mom always goes for me.”  That’s okay simple enough, so I asked what size she wore. She responded, “I don’t know.” Now I’m stressing because I certainly did not know and time was of the essence. Needless to say I felt helpless and frustrated. Finally with the intervention of a Good Samaritan cashier we were able to accomplish the task. The end result—she looked great and was very happy. Years down the road when much older she will remember that day. What will she reflect upon? Hopefully her thoughts will turn to a grandfather who faced a Generational Gap crisis, but in that moment took the time to care and relieve the worries of a little girl who felt temporarily embarrassed and humiliated while wearing pajamas.  God our father is forever closing the “Gap” on our behalf letting us know He cares. That’s what makes visiting with Him such a wonderful experience.    

How Do People Identify You?

Just recently I was privy to an amusing conversation between my two oldest granddaughters. They were discussing the number of houses that had been built in their subdivision recently.  A definite point of contention arose between the two of them as they were counting. The oldest declared there were thirteen, the youngest countered with fourteen.   What created the amusement was the way in which Addison described her neighbors while counting.  She said to her sister, “You don’t even know all the people who live in the neighborhood.”  As she went around the circle she began to identify them.  “The people who never come out of their house live here; the weird people live there; the nice people on the corner; our friends live at this location, and the mean people live in the house up the street.”  The saga continued until she had named everyone while at the same time winning the argument. Indeed there were fourteen houses. While laughing I began to reflect upon the dialogue asking the question, “Wonder how people identify us?”  This brought to my mind one of the teachings of Jesus.  He used a similar tactic by stating, “You will know them by their fruits.”  Some will have the semblance of rotten apples, others wild grapes, while a few will carry the aroma of a melon patch. However, in essence the best identification can be found in Paul’s writings to the Galatians.  Each should be indelibly branded with love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness and faith.  Such marks will allow us to be pleasantly remembered as friends and neighbors of high regard. So, let me ask again “How do people identify you?”

The Cloak of Conviction

A young police officer was taking his final exam for the police academy and was given the following problem to solve. “You are on patrol in the outer city when an explosion occurs in a gas main in a nearby street. On investigation you find that a large hole has been blown in the footpath and there is an overturned van nearby. Inside the van there is a strong smell of alcohol. Both occupants—a man and a woman—are injured. You recognize the woman as the wife of your Chief of Police, who is at present away in the USA. A passing motorist stops to offer assistance and you realize that he is a man who is wanted for armed robbery. Suddenly a man runs out of a nearby house, shouting that his wife is expecting a baby and that the shock of the explosion has made the birth imminent. Another man is crying for help, having been blown into the adjacent canal by the explosion, and he cannot swim. Describe in a few words what actions you would take.” The young man thought for a moment, picked up his pen and wrote, “I would take off my uniform and mingle with the crowd.” Are we the church guilty of taking off the cloak of our convictions and mingling in the crowd? Over the last few months radical decisions have been made that has altered the face of our nation.  However, those making the decisions did not rise to positions of power by themselves. They had to have help.  When you calculate the numbers, there are enough Christians in America to amend any decision that stands in opposition to their faith. Through the power of prayer and our vote we can make a difference. It’s sad to say but it appears as if too many have removed the cloak of conviction and are merely mingling in the crowd.  

A Blessed America!

President Ronald Reagan once stated, "America was founded by people who believe that God was their rock of safety. I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it’s all right to keep asking if we’re on His side." No truer words could be spoken especially in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling on marriage.  This decision has sent emotional tremors throughout our nation. While multitudes are erupting in praise, others stand weeping. The turmoil has caused me to reflect upon God and our Christian response to decisions of government that disappoint us.  So, how should we react? The humorist, Mark Twain once said "It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them." That directive will result in a display of wisdom in most situations; however, it will not work for all of life’s challenges.  These are days of anger, frustration, and perceived futility. But for the Christian they can be looked upon as a season of testing.  We have the freedom to express our thoughts and feelings; the freedom to uphold and embrace those convictions that are in keeping with a pure conscience believing that God is standing with us. Yet, in the expression of that freedom we must continually ask, “Are we on God’s side?”  Although we find disagreement with decisions that oppose our faith, any speech given without prayer, any statement offered without love, and any attitude displayed without respect, places us at odds with God.  In essence, we are to exemplify the life of Christ. He wasn’t given to compromise but was considerate. He never sought for uniformity but for unity. He never lingered with the antagonists of God’s law but loved them ceaselessly. We as Christians should do the same. Following His example will merit the Father’s favor and will perpetuate a blessed America! 

Underdog—A State of Mind

A few days ago my son and his family came to visit. The day before making the journey he adopted a Great Dane. Of course this newest addition to the family could not be left at home by itself so he brought it along. If you know anything about dogs you know Great Dane’s are huge and can be rather intimidating. Two of our pets, Cassie and Tiny were terrified of the beast but not Coy. Although much smaller in size, he refused to allow our guest to make him feel inferior so he dug in and stood his ground. As far as he was concerned this brute had invaded his territory but would not be granted the privilege of becoming King of the Hill. That was his position and it would not be relinquished regardless the cost. Needless to say it developed into an interesting visit. But most of all the experience helped bring me to a state of reality—being an underdog is a state of the mind. It has to do with our thinking as much as anything else. For example Israel saw themselves as grasshoppers when seeing the giants of Anak so they were defeated before ever going to battle.  On the other hand, David saw himself as a champion before ever stepping towards the giant.  All of us will face insurmountable odds in life but just remember being an underdog is nothing more than a state of the mind. 

A Father’s Legacy

I had the privilege of spending a few days with my father this week.  Since he and mom live five and a half hours away our time together is a cherished commodity. At 85 years of age his step is getting much slower and his memory slipping. Yet dad’s mere presence demands such respect.  Throughout the years he has been a steady influence and an invaluable source of wisdom and knowledge. All the children know when we sit down together we will hear the same stories and will get the same reply from mom; “Honey you have already told them about that.” I’ve often wondered why life delivers such repetition. On the one hand it creates humor but on the other concern. But could it be that God in His infinite wisdom orchestrates such a plan because of purpose. Is it His intention that we hear over and over precepts that should not be forgotten? For instance, during this visit Dad chose to tell me again how he came to be appointed to his last pastorate.  It involved fasting, prayer, a vision, a demotion, and yielding to God’s will. To the natural mind these variables might seem insignificant, but not to me.  Somehow this time was different. Whether intentional or not, God allowed me to walk away with some truths that cannot be ignored. Here they are: communication with God is needed especially in times of transition; visions make clear those things that appear to be a blur; bigger is not always better; and there is no greater satisfaction than finding God’s will in life. For me those ingredients add up to the gift of a father’s legacy.   

No Back Moves

In his book, “The Luggage of Life”, Dr. Boreham has a chapter titled, ‘Back Moves.” He begins by recalling an incident that happened to him in his own home.  He was sitting reading by the fireside.  His children were playing a game at the table.  Suddenly the quietness was broken by one of the children calling out sharply, “You can’t do that.  There are no back moves.” No back moves? Is this true?  While it may not be absolute with everything, it is in relation to life.  None of us has the luxury of living our lives over. If we could I’m sure there are multitudes of things we would change, but it’s just not possible.  That being said we begin to understand why the Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the oft quoted words concerning the sinful; “their sins and iniquities l will remember no more.”  When you can’t step backward the only other alternative is to move forward, and the initiative that allows us to do that is forgiveness.  It is only through this medium that we can go back in time and transcend the past. So, the next time you hear that all familiar voice whispering in your ear, “there are no back moves” tell him it’s not so. Bring correction by saying, “for you this is true but not for me.” The removal of those things formerly held against me has been made possible by Christ, the redeemer of my past, present, and future.”  

He sat Beside Me

A few years ago I made a trip to Israel with my brother. Since it was such a long journey I booked our seats together and made sure mine was an aisle. The day arrived and we flew out of Knoxville without a hitch. However, when boarding our connecting flight I suddenly realized our seating was incorrect. For some reason everything had been switched.  Ken was near the window and I wound up in the middle next to a stranger who had the aisle--my seat! I’ve heard of people in church getting upset because someone sat in their place and on this day I was like one of those disgruntled members. The last thing I wanted was to spend thirteen hours crunched between two robust men. That within itself would have been enough but it got worse.  The man sitting beside me was completely inept when it came to personal hygiene. The sweaty body odor was so bad it made me nauseas. It took away my appetite and ability to rest with any sense of comfort.  Needless to say I was not a happy camper. I moaned, complained and thought “if I had a bottle of cologne this dude would be experiencing a baptism right now and it would not be in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Was I ever thankful when we landed and disembarked the plane. While remembering that experience a few days ago the Lord began to speak to me. He said “that’s exactly what happened to me when I entered earth and sat down beside you. The smell of sin was unbearable but yet I refused to change seats; and you need to know it was not out of obligation but because of love.” Having heard the Lord’s voice it gave me a whole different perspective and suddenly I was thankful that a stranger sat beside me. I realized once again it is by God’s grace that the repugnant is turned to righteousness, and the rank to the smell of the rose. For that I am forever thankful!      

Lest We Forget

We have just celebrated Memorial Day; a day set aside for us to remember. Being forgetful can be a good thing especially when certain memories are focused upon our sinful past. However, remembering those who sacrificed their service and lives for our freedom is something we should never forget. That’s why we stop and pay reverential honor to those men and women in the military who are presently serving or have served our country.  Their sacrifice is greatly appreciated. But this is also a time to reflect upon and memorialize the one who fought, died, and secured the forgiveness of our sins. Without His selfless service we could have never been promoted to the position of kings and priests becoming righteous in God’s sight. I think the following story says it best. A certain Persian king was elevated from a poverty-stricken home to the glory of a royal throne. After he became king he sent his servants to the old shack where he was reared, with orders to gather every relic of those days. They brought fragments of his home: many broken toys, his patched shirt, a crude wooden bowl from which he ate, and numerous worthless mementos of his childhood. All these he arranged in a special room of his palace, and each day he spent one whole hour sitting among the memories of his humble past. On the wall hung a prayer: “Lest I Forget!”  Should our story not be the same as this king? God has brought us so far and blessed us with so much. We should be filled with gratitude and always cautious “Lest we forget.”

I’m Not Budging

Have you ever heard anyone use the statement “I’m not budging?” Normally we hear words like these when someone wants their way on a matter. However, such a stance has proven more than once to be devastating.  For instance, in the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn’t a technology problem like radar malfunction-or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship’s presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late. Was this not the case with King Saul when he refused to obey the command of God regarding the Amalekites? Was his attitude not the reason he was rebuked by Samuel and told “stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” In other words it’s as evil as it gets. The problem is we so often attribute such feelings as being inherent in the worst of sinners. Not true! I more often than not find myself wrestling with this culprit wanting to have my way. God speaks I refuse to listen; He gives a command I fail to obey. In essence by yielding to this inner sanctum of the will is to say “I’m not budging.” And if the truth be known you have been guilty of the same.  Added to it is the irony of such resistance. Are we not to treat the enemy with this kind of behavior rather than our Father who loved us and gave Himself for us?  Saul lost his kingdom due to being stubborn and so do we. God’s will is to enthrone rather than to dethrone. He wants us to be kings and priests but the only way to do that is to have the attitude of Jesus which was one of a submitted will. He refused to budge in respect to the Father’s will and word. Oh yes the words “I’m not budging” was certainly in His repertoire. When the devil tempted Him, the religious crowd ridiculed Him and His friends doubted Him He wouldn’t budge.  Having this level of stubbornness is the recipe for success. But used in the wrong way will result in certain defeat. How are you using yours?    

I want to be a Hit Man

Over the last few days I have been reading what I call a pleasure book. Those are the ones that fit into the less than spiritual, theological category. The aversion helps me to momentarily escape the world of endless responsibility and obligation. The journey during this particular read carried me into the life of an ex-mafia leader.  Needless to say each page was filled with excitement and intrigue.  The leader’s sinister lifestyle involved wire fraud, gambling, tax-evasion, and brutality. While any of the aforementioned was bad enough for judgment the most hideous of sins was the hit put on people’s lives.  And while this leader never ordered a personal hit on anyone he confessed that it happened often.  The knowledge of one ordering the death of another person was not a surprise. Some of the greatest hit men of all time are read about in the bible. Pharaoh ordered the deaths of hundreds of Hebrew babies.  Herod upon being deceived after the birth of Christ put a hit on every Israeli child two years old and younger. Saul before he became Paul put a hit on Stephen. All of these did so because of fear and insecurity. Those kinds of emotions can result in a person doing some desperate things. Strangely enough I want to be a HIT man. However, my desire is not to bring physical or emotional harm but to act in faith—the kind Robert Schuller talks about in his book “Be Happy You Are Loved.”  It’s an occupation that refuses to surrender in defeat.  It’s the kind of faith that says, “I’m not going to give up! I’m going to be an H.I.T.—Hang-In-There person. Things will turn around.”  Such a lifestyle is not void of suspense. When one chooses to be a HIT man the enemy will always present challenges. Yet, in the end it’s worth it.  Like the Mafia, God is always looking for recruits. But He needs those who will beckon to every command refusing to back down. Would you like to a H.I.T.—Hang-In-There-Person?

The Vapor of Life

In the book of James we find an often used passage. “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Normally we hear it read and addressed at funerals or in evangelistic settings.  And although it may seem like a strange passage to write on in reference to Mother’s Day, I think it’s very appropriate. Let me explain why. When thinking about the life of Jesus a few days ago I found it really interesting that in Scripture, his life is presented to us in three brief segments. There is his birth, his trip to the temple when twelve, the start of his ministry and then his death somewhere around the age of thirty-three.  While it could be said the Holy Spirit chose to limit total disclosure of his life, in this blog I would rather like to think He did so for a purpose--to show us the brevity of life. Life passes so quickly. I can’t believe my son just turned forty and my daughter will be 37 in a few days. I can’t believe our oldest grandchild is 16, old enough to have her own car.  Time flies by! The weeks and years pass so fast.  Mary at some point may have said, “Wow where did the years go.” Jesus himself may have thought “my goodness I can’t believe my life has passed by so quickly.” In any event because of its brevity I think we should take note especially when thinking of Mothers. Moms I would encourage you to cherish every diaper changed, bottle washed, ballgame attended, conversation held, and every picture taken. That two-year old will turn twenty-two in a vapor. Sons and daughters take note of the deeds done; prayers prayed, words of wisdom spoken, trips taken and hugs given. Your mother’s dark hair will turn a distinguished gray and her fair skin will wrinkle with age in a vapor.  Given this reality for those of you whose mother has already passed on take every opportunity to reflect upon the good times and the legacy she left you. For the rest who continue to be blessed by her presence, take advantage of every occasion to communicate your appreciation and love; because in the end all the time spent will seem like a vapor. 

Excess Weight

August 10, 1628 was a dark day in naval history.  On that day the royal warship Vasa set out on her maiden voyage.  The ship’s builders had worked two years on the magnificent vessel. This pride of the Swedish navy lavishly decorated and holding 64 canons sank only one mile out to sea. What went wrong? The excessive load was too heavy to make her seaworthy. Excess weight pulled the Vasa to the bottom of the ocean. When you think about it we all wrestle with the temptation of taking on too much weight. Physically we hear people say, “I’ve got to shed all these extra pounds.” The same can be heard in the spiritual. “I’ve got to back away from a few things.” Both can be life threatening if not addressed.  Due to the physical threat we have become bombarded with health conscious programs and products. Also, because of spiritual excess the writer of Hebrews through the Holy Spirit gave warning. “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”  Whether it be in the flesh or the spirit weight loss is never easy. And while I am a guru of neither, wisdom tells me that I should draw upon the words of those who are.  What do the health experts and the bible have to say about losing weight? Take in plenty of liquid—water and Spirit; exercise often by utilizing tracks, treadmills and truth; eat a balanced diet of greens and grace; practice forgiveness daily; meditate, learn to say no, and last but not least resist the late night temptation to feast on carbs and sensuality that  pack on the pounds. This will move us from sinking to sailing because we have chosen to deal with those things considered excess weight.      

Love’s Energy

Several years ago my wife and I while in Las Vegas decided to tour Hoover Dam. Needless to say it was a magnificent sight. During the visit we learned about the Dam’s construction and its generation of power.  However, there was something very intriguing that we discovered.  Although it has enormous turbines that are able to produce tons of energy it produces nothing if the gates are closed.  That means its ability to produce energy only happens when the gates are opened and water is allowed to pour through them. A similar truth came to me the first time I visited the Holy Land. The guide took us to the Sea of Galilee which is alive with fish; afterwards he showed us the Dead Sea which is dead—salty, incapable of supporting any life. Both are filled with the very same water from the Jordan River. However, there is a great difference between the two.  The Sea of Galilee gives all its water back. It takes the Jordan in from the north and gives it back to the river in the south. The Dead Sea takes in the water of the Jordan and holds onto all of it giving nothing back. The same can be said of love. It is only energized when given away.  Imagine a young bride being told she is loved by her husband but he never releases that love. Their marriage would lack energy because energy is produced by the gift of love. This is true of any relationship. Oscar Hammerstein in The Sound of Music said it best, “A bell is no bell til you ring it. A song is no song til you sing it. And love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay---Love isn’t love Til you give it away.”  You want to be energized—love God and your neighbor as yourself. In other words give it all away, then you will experience love’s ultimate energy.        

The Walk of Faith

The story is told of a famous tightrope walker named Jean Francois Gravelet, who was known professionally as the Great Blondin. Blondin was famous for balancing on thin wires and walking across just about any chasm. No height or stunt was too great. On June 30, 1859, he became the first man in history to walk on a tightrope across Niagara Falls. Over twenty-five thousand people gathered to watch him walk 1,100 feet suspended on a tiny rope 160 feet above the raging waters. He worked without a net or safety harness of any kind. The slightest slip would prove fatal. When he safely reached the Canadian side, the crowd burst into a mighty roar. One reporter applauded his success and said enthusiastically, “I bet you could even do that pushing a wheelbarrow.” Sure enough, Blondin did. The reporter was blown away and exclaimed: “I bet you could even walk across with a person in the wheelbarrow.” Blondin replied. “If you’re so sure, hop in the wheelbarrow. You can be that person.” At that point the reporter’s faith waned and he declined. The ability to believe is a powerful thing. Yet, there is distinction between believing in something and believing it. For example, there are people who believe in airplanes, but they are afraid to fly. They say planes are a good thing, but they do not believe a plane will carry them safely to their destination. Similarly, there’s a big difference between believing in God and believing God.  Those who walk the walk of faith know that God exists but their belief goes far beyond that.  They know God can do all things. They’re not afraid to get in the wheelbarrow when the Creator is working on a tightrope and it doesn’t get too risky or outlandish for them to follow. They do not walk according to feelings but facts because they know the word of God is more absolute than mathematical equations or scientific speculations. He’s God and they are never afraid to trust Him.     

Post Resurrection Scars

The subject of scars is one that everyone can identify with because most if not all bear the marks of one.  And it goes without saying every scar carries its own story.  That’s why the old adage “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours” seems to apply to every generation. When you read scripture you find that Christ bore scars upon his body.  So did the apostle Paul who stated, “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” If we took the time in any given family gathering or church service it would be amazing the stories that could be told as to how people received theirs. For many the memory of that story might produce great pain, especially, if those scars are connected with sin or some heart-breaking event.  This might be the case because we tend to look at our scars as being negative.  Yet, it’s amazing to me that after the resurrection Jesus appeared with scars in his hands, feet, and side. Being the Lord of glory, you know he could have reappeared without any indelible sign of physical abuse or death, but he chose not to. Just as amazing is the fact that He draws attention to his post--resurrection scars inviting the disciples to look and even to touch them. Why would he do such a thing? Roger Fredrickson in his commentary on John states, “These scars are the marks that prove the crucified Jesus is the risen Christ.  These wounds are also His credentials in ministering to all suffering humanity. They are the scars that the church, His body on earth, must bear if it is to continue the authentic ministry of Jesus.” In essence scars can be a good thing. The crucified Christ chose not to remove his scars but raise attention to them because they were proof of his overwhelming victory.  That’s why we the church must appear to the world not being marred but scared.  These scars are the testimony that we have weathered the storms of opposition and prevailed.  They are the witness of our victorious survival. In Jesus’ life they were evidence that the weapons of the enemy did not prosper, because even in death God gave deliverance.  This reality gives us great hope because when those struggling and battle weary ask “Is it possible to make it” our response can be “Yes! Let me show you my scars!”