Chuck’s World

by Leslie Snyder

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.  Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6: 67-69

In the scene above, there had just been a mass exodus of followers of Jesus.  Jesus addresses His closest disciples, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” which seems to imply Jesus was checking to see if they too had doubts.

Sometimes, if I’m really honest – I mean the type of deep down honesty that rarely finds its way out of the darkness of my soul and into the light of day – I have to admit that there times I question my faith.  Yes, I grew up in the church, attended literally thousands of Sunday school classes, heard just as many sermons, sang in the choir, and followed the prescribed “Christian” path.  I went to a Christian college, married a pastor, and even went into ministry myself.  But, even so, there are times when questions, fears, doubts and uncertainty seep into my spirit.

One thing that helps me most during times like this is the fact that I’m not alone in my experience.  In Psalm 13:1-3a, David cries out in anguish to God, “How long, O LORD?  Will you forget me forever?  How long will you hide your face from me?  How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?  How long will my enemy triumph over me?  Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.”

From prison, John the Baptist sent his own disciples to Jesus with one question, “Are you the one who was to come or should we expect someone else? (Matthew 11:3)”

If these great heroes of the faith expressed question and doubt, it should be no surprise to us that we, too, may wrestle with similar questions and experiences.  One thing I am learning is not to fear the questions, but rather to acknowledge them, embrace them, and then take them to the best source I’ve ever known for answers, Jesus Christ himself.

by Jim Liebelt

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. — Romans 12:2

Some of my friends tease me about my so-called obsession with electronic gadgets. One of my favorite purchases of recent years was my noise-canceling headphones. I use them whenever I’m traveling by airplane. These headphones actually quiet much of the noise generated by the jet engines. The manufacturer suggests that noise cancellation reduces the stress and fatigue associated with air travel. The science behind the noise cancellation is that the headphones have microphones that monitor outside noise, then process those sound waves and generate into the headphones opposite sound waves, which cancel out the unwanted noise. It really, really works! When I use the headphones, and the jet noise is quieted, I am amazed how you can still very clearly hear the voice of someone speaking to you from the next seat.

This noise cancellation technology reminds me that in our relationship with Christ and our interaction with the Scriptures, we have a noise cancellation system. When we study and apply God’s Word to our lives; when we passionately pursue Jesus’ Lordship daily, the noise of the world is quieted and we can hear Him clearly. Sure, you still know the noise is out there, but the level of the roar is reduced. But, when we ignore these basic disciplines, the noise of the world increases and can become deafening – and our lives suffer because we no longer hear God’s word.

Jesus didn’t intend to remove us completely from the noise of the world with its temptations, hurts, injustices and evil. No, rather He intends to protect us in the midst of these dangers – effectively canceling the world’s noise – to a point where we can hear and respond to God’s Word and our lives can be lived joyfully and effectively for Him.

by Robin Dugall

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice! — Philippians 4:4

“There is a joy which is not given to the ungodly, but to those who love Thee for Thine own sake, whose joy Thou Thyself art.  And this is the happy life, to rejoice to Thee, of Thee, for Thee; this it is, and there is no other.”
—  The Confessions of St. Augustine

I’ve never been a person who has had a hard time being happy.  In fact, most of the people who I know are pretty optimistic and glad with their lives.  If you think about it, in our contemporary culture in the United States, who wouldn’t be?  We live in one of the greatest countries in human history.  We are at the top of the world when it comes to materialistic blessings. Most of us live pretty healthy lives.  We have access to cutting-edge medicine and scientific techniques that have lengthened our life expectancy to over 80 years.  For most of us, we will live our lives without feeling any sense of want.  Our jobs provide the necessary resources to put food on our tables and nice roofs over our heads.  This country provides us with immeasurable freedoms and choices.  We can travel at will…eat anywhere we can afford…visit historical and natural attractions in order to expand our knowledge of our environment.  Bottom line:  no wonder we’re happy!

It’s important in times of joy and abundance that we remember to give credit to Whom the credit is due.  As the Bible says, “every good and perfect gift comes from God.” (James 1:17)  God is the source of our joy.  God is the Creator of happiness and peace.  In fact, everything that you and I experience in this world that is good is ultimately an expression of the God Who brought it into being.

I love the two quotes at the top of this devotion. In the Scripture passage from Philippians, the Apostle Paul tells us to rejoice, not in circumstances or even the blessings that we have, but in the originator of all good: God!  There is really no one else or nothing else that gives us the opportunity to enjoy life, from the air we breathe to the beauty that surrounds us daily.  In every gift, in every situation, in every relationship, in every experience and person who brings a smile to our face, the blessings we receive all come from the very hand of God.  Today, rejoice IN THE LORD!  Give credit to Whom credit is due!

by Jim Burns

He called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said- “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34

I recently read of a man who bought a hotel in Spokane, Washington. There was only one problem: The hotel’s restaurant was the big moneymaker, since the bar grossed 10,000 dollars a month. But the new owner wasn’t going to keep the bar. It’s not that he wanted to impose his own views on other people, but as a Christian he chose not to run a business subsidized by alcohol sales. The hotel manager argued with the new owner that if guests couldn’t drink they would be out the door to a competitor. He also gave the new owner some convincing statistics showing that he couldn’t make it financially without the bar. The owner listened politely and closed the door to the bar. He had to stick to his convictions. That manager promptly quit.

The owner remodeled the hotel lobby and turned the bar into a cozy coffee shop. In the first couple of years of business, food sales went up 20 percent and room bookings were up 30 percent. Still, profits weren’t what they could be if the bar were open. But the hotel owner’s reply was, “Beliefs aren’t worth much if a fella’s not ready to live by them!”

by Micca Monda Campbell

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” Psalm 33:12 (NIV)

Devotion:

Tomorrow, November 4^th, millions of Americans will have the opportunity to elect new leaders of government. If you live in the United States, I encourage you to be among them and exercise your right to vote. I encourage you to vote for both your national and your local leaders.

While the Bible does not command us to vote, it does command us to be good citizens wherever we live. One way we can be a good citizen, honor God, and assist in guiding our nation is by voting.

As a woman, I’m honored to take part in determining the direction of our nation. Before the 1900’s, women in America were not allowed the privilege to vote, and in some countries they still cannot. I look at voting for our leaders not only as my citizen’s duty, but also as a privilege millions of people in the world do not have.

I take my right to vote so seriously that in 1992, while nine months pregnant and restricted to bed rest, I had my mother drive me forty-five minutes to vote in the presidential election. I allowed nothing to stand in my way of exercising my right to vote. Eight days later, I gave birth to a healthy little girl - to whom I hope to pass on my political passion for voting.

There’s no doubt about it, voting is both a duty and a privilege. However, I realize that some people won’t take the time and trouble to vote because they don’t believe their ballot will make much of a difference. That’s not true. Statistics show that many elections have come down to only a handful of votes.

What would happen if most people felt that their vote didn’t really matter and didn’t bother to vote? It would mean that our country’s future would be decided by only a few of its citizens— who perhaps don’t hold the same convictions as yours.

Deciding whom to vote for can seem a daunting task. But voting is easier once you and I pray about it, and seek out good information about the candidates and the issues they address. The fact that there is moral haziness in politics these days indicates our need to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance when examining the issues as well as the candidates.

November 4^th is a day of opportunity for America. It’s a day to stand up for what we believe in. It’s a day to voice those beliefs and be heard. It’s a day to take the time to vote as we honor our Christian heritage, and bring glory to God. For “blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!”

by Robin Dugall

“I Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God…” — Romans 1:1

One of the things that I love about reading the letters of the Apostle Paul is that I get a chance to see someone who was very clear about his identity.  There wasn’t much confusion in how Paul saw himself.  There wasn’t a lack of clarity on how God has taken a hold of him and molded him into who he was.  My experience tells me that many people are confused these days.  We don’t know who we really are. We don’t understand the core of our identity.  Below are some statements that might help you reclaim what God has done and is doing in your life.  As you read the following, make it your own.  Understand that these are not just hopes for whom we would like to become, but realities of how God has reshaped and transformed you into His likeness.  They are already part of who you are!  Know them and live them!

“I am a follower of Christ.” When the disciples were first called Christians, it was because they were “like Christ.” Their belief was more than intellectual. It was worked out in the actions of their lives. They joined Jesus on a journey.  Believe that God has called you to this journey as well…to a life-long process of being conformed to His image.

“I am a regular guy/gal.” Many of us struggle with thinking we are the center of the universe.  The reality is that we are no different than any other follower of Christ. We experience the same joys and struggles as everyone else.  We are all in need of the moment-by-moment covering of the grace of God. There’s only one star in the Kingdom of God - and it’s not you or me. His name is Jesus.

“I am called to be a difference-maker in my world.” Jesus’ plan was to make His love real to people through us, His followers. The truth is, you can either influence or be influenced.  What do you think Jesus had in mind for you?

“I am a lover of life.” In light of eternity, we are given a small amount of time on this planet. Jesus said that He has come to give us life to the full, not some dull imitation. During our time here, live so as to finish the race, fighting the good fight, and keeping the faith.

“I am not finished…not even close.” Everyday, if we open our eyes, we can see the work of God in our lives.  We are continually working out this gift that God has given us.  As Paul says, “he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it” (Philippians 1:6).  Pray for more of Jesus…more of His love…more of His power in your life…more of His nature living in and through you.

by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

Exodus 3:11
But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?”

Have you ever thought about how Moses felt after he murdered an Egyptian and, fearing for his life, fled into the wilderness? For 40 years Moses lived in the desert, undoubtedly hounded by a host of condemning voices.

So when God appeared to him in the burning bush, Moses was struggling with an identity problem-the result of failure and rejection. Just look at how Moses responds to God in Exodus 3 and 4. God told Moses that He was going to send him to free the Israelites, but Moses replied, “Who am I?” God simply said, “I will be with you.” Above all, Moses needed God’s reassuring presence. Without Him, Moses could never stand before Pharaoh; left alone, he would certainly fail.

But Moses continued to question God, even after repeated assurances and demonstrations that God would work miracles to free His people. Finally he said, in essence, “I can’t do what you’ve asked. Please choose someone else” (see Exod. 4:14). Rather than focusing on God, Moses focused on himself. He was like the little boy in the school play whose one line was, “It is I, be not afraid.” But on the night of the play, the boy came out on stage and exclaimed, “It’s me, and I’m scared!”

Only when Moses saw that there was no way out did he submit to God’s call. He was so convinced of his own worthlessness that it took time for God to convince him otherwise.

Likewise, your mate also may have a difficult time believing God and you. Note that in this chapter of Moses’ life, part of God’s solution to Moses’ crisis of confidence was a companion-Aaron. The two brothers became a team. Undoubtedly, Aaron frequently reminded Moses of the truth: He was God’s man for the assignment, and God would be faithful to His promises. Just as Moses needed Aaron, your mate needs you.

by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

Ephesisans 4:32
And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Someone once asked, “Did you know the longer you carry a grudge the heavier it gets?” Refusing to forgive those who wrong us can be a wearying weight on the soul.

On the other hand, when we choose to forgive, we shed a huge burden we simply don’t need to carry through life. It can make us absolutely “lighthearted” to put down the burden of a grudge.

What can you do to keep from carrying grudges and an unforgiving spirit through life?

For one thing, clarify your “inner occupation.” Do you want to make judging others your spiritual career path? Jesus said, “Do not judge lest you be judged” (Matt. 7:1), indicating that pursuing the occupation of judge will boomerang on you.

Judging, just like taking vengeance, belongs to God, not to people: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19, KJV). Even after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed, he said to God, “Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned” (Ps. 51:4).

Since God makes the rules, He is the only true Judge. People who wrong others really wrong God more than others. Relieve yourself of the responsibility that actually belongs only to God.

Giving up the judgeship means you also relieve yourself of the responsibility of punishment. Forgiving someone doesn’t necessarily mean we forget immediately or even completely, but it does mean we no longer hold a private grudge that desires to punish, or to see them punished.

We can also avoid carrying grudges by resolving conflicts as they occur. “Do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Eph. 4:26). Which would you rather face-the short-term, emotional pain of asking another to forgive you for your anger, or carrying the cancerous feelings of bitterness for a lifetime? It’s your choice.

by Susanne Scheppmann

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law,” -Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

Devotion:

Autumn harvests laden our table with fresh fruits and vegetables. We decorate our homes with a hollow, horn-shaped wicker basket called a cornucopia, or the “Horn of Plenty.” Apples, oranges, bright gourds, and multi-colored Indian corn spill from the basket as reminders of the abundance of God’s blessings in our lives.

The apostle Paul speaks of another kind of fruit – the fruit of the Spirit. He writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).” We do not need to worry about over indulging this type of fruit. God desires us to be so full that we absolutely overflow with His Spirit.

However, in order to harvest the fruit of Spirit we must sow it in our lives. Galatians 5:25 gives us a tip on how to begin to reap this crop, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” As a farmer labors to produce his crop, so we must work hard, too. When we allow the Holy Spirit to fill our lives, we choose to react in a godly manner when people annoy us and circumstances move beyond our control. We must determine to keep in step with and surrender to the Holy Spirit rather than allow our human nature to overtake us. Think about the following circumstances in which we could allow the Spirit to take control of our attitudes and emotions:

·        A fight with our spouse

·        Parenting teens

·        Neighbors who annoy us

·        An unappreciative boss

·        A fender-bender in a parking lot

·        The dishwasher overflowing

·        An uncaring doctor

What would you add to the list? Whatever creates irritability, impatience, or discontent could be added. Of course, the key to any type of adversity is to remember the words of Jesus, “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7, NASB).” The Helper is the Holy Spirit. He will help us produce the fruit of the Spirit if we allow it. With the Spirit’s help, we can obtain an overflowing abundance of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and of course, self-control.

Will you join me in a harvesting the fruit of the Spirit this autumn?

by Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  (NIV)

Friend to Friend
Patience is not one of my greatest strengths. In fact, I tend to live each day with a schedule in mind, an agenda by which to live that day and several goals I need to meet before the day’s end.  God does have a sense of humor.  I can’t tell you how many times my schedule falls apart, the agenda is completely forgotten and I have to move today’s goals to tomorrow.  I am learning that when God wants to build a certain quality in my life, He puts me in the opposite circumstance.  For example, if God wants me to be more patient, He arranges the hours and minutes of my day in ways that demand patience.

What is patience?  To be patient is to have the ability to endure, but it doesn’t stop there.  Patience must also have the capacity to be wronged and not retaliate.  In other words, patience is love persevering and love waiting.  We are not only to be patient in the way we face difficult situations but in our relationships as well.  That just about covers life, doesn’t it?

One of the most powerful bible passages on patience and perseverance is found in the book of James.  “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  Do you want to be blessed?  Stand firm in your trial.  Do you want to be rewarded?  Stand firm in that tough circumstance.  Be patient – because patience really does pay off.  God promises blessings and rewards to those who persevere and stand firm in hard times, but the reason we can stand firm is because He loves us unconditionally and promises to walk with us through every dark moment life will bring.  Nothing touches our life that does not pass through God’s hand, with His permission.

Remember the bible story of the man named Job?  Job was a faithful servant of God, strong in his faith and unwavering in his obedience to God.  Satan didn’t like it.  In fact, he went to God and asked permission to test Job.  I love that truth!  The devil had to go to God like an errand boy in order to get permission to touch His child, Job.  Satan was convinced that if Job lost everything God had given him - his health, his family, his possessions - if Job lost everything, he would curse God and follow Satan.  God told the serpent to give it his best shot, convinced that Job would persevere.  Satan stripped Job of his health, his possessions, his wealth and his family – everything Job held dear.  Job stood firm.

Every trial must come through His love but every trial has a purpose.  Every pain has a purpose, every ordeal contains a seed of victory and there is a promise for every problem you and I will ever face.  The psalmist writes, “The LORD is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.”  (Psalm 28:7)

Patience pays off in many ways, but one of the greatest rewards of patience is joy, a deeply-rooted confidence that God is in control.  Warren Wiersbe writes, “when God permits his children to go through the furnace, He keeps his eye on the clock and his hand on the thermostat!”  God will never let us face more than we can handle with His help.  Hebrews 12:12 says it so well, “So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs.” I have been there, done that and can relate to a weary heart and shaky legs.  Can’t you?

Patsy Clairmont shares the true story about her son, Jason.  When he was seven, she sent him off to school one day.  After a little while, there was a knock at the door and when Patsy opened the door, it was Jason.  “What are you doing here?” she asked.  “I’ve quit school” he said.  “Why have you quit school, Jason?” she demanded.  Jason said, “Well, it was too long, it was too hard and it was too boring.  And I didn’t like a lot of it!”  Patsy responded, “Jason, you have just described life.  Get back on the bus!”  When God sees patience at work in your life, He is pleased by your choice to “get back on the bus” in obedience and in faith.

An evangelist told the story of his friend who, during the depression, lost a job, a fortune, a wife and a home, but he held onto his faith because it was all he had left.  One day, he stopped to watch some men building a stone church.  One of the workers was chiseling a triangular piece of rock.  “What are you going to do with that?” asked the friend.  The workman said, “Do you see that little opening way up there near the spire?  Well, I’m shaping this down here so that it will fit up there.” Tears filled the eyes of the broken man as he walked away.  It seemed that God had spoken through the workman to explain the trials of his life.”  God is using the trials here on earth to refine and purify us.  In Colossians 1:11, the apostle Paul writes, “God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient!”

No matter where you are today, where you have been or what you are facing tomorrow, be patient, knowing your God will strengthen you to stand firm.