Truthworks

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed ~ he only had eyes for God!” (Acts 7:55 The Message).

It is one of the great, dramatic moments in Scripture — Stephen giving his defense before the High Court of Israel. His presentation was masterful and respectful. His recall of history was exact and compelling. The case he presented was flawless and clear.

But as he spoke he saw the smug indifference etched deep into the faces of his judges. Their hearts were hardened by pride, their eyes blinded by bigotry. Stephen, realizing that nothing he could say was going to change their prejudice, shifted gears and got straight to the point.

“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears!” he cried. “You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”

As any student of the pugilist arts knows, no champion ever relies on a single punch to knock out his opponent. No, he peppers him with jabs, rocks him with a one-two combination, and then drops the bomb – a left hook and a blinding overhand right. BAM! Stephen does the same.

While the council was reeling from his stunning indictment, Stephen continued, “Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute?” Before they could compose themselves to reply in religious double-speak, he delivered the knockout blow – “Just as your fathers killed those who told us that the Messiah would come, now you, their sons, have betrayed and murdered the very Messiah Himself!”

The Bible says, ” Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.” One translations puts it this way, “At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective.” We are then told, “At this the council members covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.”

Amazing, isn’t it, the depth of evil that lurks in the hearts of religious people? From the moment Cain murdered Abel, religion has found no other way but violence to force its claims against those with whom it disagrees. Oh how quickly those esteemed as holy and impartial judges turn to nothing more than a band of alley thugs.

But now, set in sharp relief against this dark backdrop, get the point of our opening text: “Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed ~ he only had eyes for God!”

Wow. How wonderful it must be to “hardly notice” the dumb, outrageous, banal, and vindictive attacks of the devil through people and circumstances around us. What is the key? How did Stephen manage to remain so detached? The word says, “he only had eyes for God!”

 O Lord, give me eyes only for you!

“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? “ (Psalm 85:6).

Gypsy Smith, an old time evangelist years ago, would lock himself in a private room and mark a circle on floor with a piece of chalk. Standing inside that circle he would pray, “Lord send a revival; and let it begin with me!” That circle was ground zero; the flash point of a cardiac revolution. And you, my dear friend, are standing in that circle right now.

Take these words of the old Pentecostal hymn, written by Charles Gabriel in 1912,  and make them your prayer until fire falls from heaven upon the altar of your heart.

Lord, as of old, at Pentecost,
Thou didst Thy power display,
With cleansing, purifying flame,
Descend on us today.

For mighty works for Thee, prepare
And strengthen every heart;
Come, take possession of Thine own,
And never more depart.

All self consume, all sin destroy!
With earnest zeal endue
Each waiting heart to work for Thee;
O Lord, our faith renew!

Speak, Lord! before Thy throne we wait,
Thy promise we believe,
And will not let Thee go until
The blessing we receive.

Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power!
Thy floodgates of blessing, on us throw open wide!
Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power!
That sinners be converted and Thy Name glorified!

“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.” Colossians 4:17

Have you ever been in a place where the phone kept ringing and nobody answered it? In moments like that it seems everybody is busy with something else, assuming that somebody else will answer the call. But nobody does.

After awhile it can get to be quite annoying. There is something irritating about an incessant, unanswered call.

Over the years I have noticed a similar thing in the lives of many people – a call that is not being answered. A call from God. Busy with so many other things, and sure that the call is for someone else, many loose themselves in trifling moments and miss the momentous opportunity to answer the call of God on their lives.

One of the greatest fears people face is having lived a meaningless life; a life that didn’t matter; a life that made no difference. It is a dreadful thought that haunts even the most accomplished of individuals.

Indeed, few things could be more unsettling than to get to the end of one’s life, cast a cautious glance back over time and discover what has been suspected all along, “My life didn’t matter!” Each of us long to know that our lives counted; that we accomplished what we were put on this earth to do. We want to maximize every opportunity, seize the day, and live life to its fullest.

Yet, in an odd contradiction, nothing is more common than unrealized potential. Most of us settle for far less than we are capable of being, and of doing. On the one hand we want our lives to count; on the other hand, we seem far too willing to become marginalized into mediocrity. Our only hope is to answer the call of God upon our lives.

Abraham traveling into the unknown, Joseph remaining faithful in Egypt, Moses crossing the Red Sea, Joshua conquering the Promised Land, David slaying a Giant and becoming a King, Isaiah telling his visions, Zechariah telling his dreams, Daniel in the Lion’s den, Nehemiah rebuilding the Walls, Zerubbabel rebuilding the Temple, Simon Peter leaving his fishing nets, Paul preaching the Gospel, John writing the Revelation ~ each one answered the call.

They heard God’s voice and followed Him with trusting hearts. And now it’s your turn.

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well.” (Mark 7:37)

Someone once said, “A discerning eye needs only a hint; and an understatement leaves the imagination free to build its own elaborations.” The first followers of Jesus had that discerning eye, and bit by bit they slowly realized they were in the presence of a truly extraordinary man. Eventually, walking with Jesus and watching Him in action,  they came to a place where they were astonished beyond measure.

In his Gospel, Mark builds the case very deliberately. First he tells us, “Everyone was amazed at his teaching”(ch.1:22). A few chapters later he says, “they all marveled at His words”(ch.5:20). And then once again Mark adds that “many hearing Him were astonished, saying, ‘Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!’(ch.6:2).

Amazed, marveling, and astonished — doesn’t that pretty much describe how you feel about Jesus? Yeah, me too! Indeed, all who are followers of Jesus today can equally attest to our own increasing astonishment over His boundless ability to comntinually astonish us. Hey, it’s not called “amazing grace” for no reason!

Like Mark of old, our testimony in today’s world is, “He has done all things well!” Talk about an understatement that leaves our imagination free to build its own elaborations — there you have it!

The best example of one such elaboration comes from the Wuest New Testament. The translator puts this spin on Mark’s verse: “And they were completely flabbergasted, and that in a superabundant degree which itself was augmented by the addition of yet more astonishment, saying, He has done all things well!”

Now that is the ultimate destination for all of us who are following Jesus! We will be astonished beyond measure!!

“Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 15:26

Marketers have called it the World’s Most Successful Ad. It was posted in The London Times in 1905 — “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages. Bitter cold. Long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in event of success.” Signed E. Shackleton.

He was looking for a crew to help him discover the South Pole. The next morning, over five thousand men were waiting outside the Time’s office ready to go. Something in the ad touched something deep inside each man.

But there is an even more successful ad posted in the Acts of the Apostles, and over the centuries millions have responded to its higher call in an even deeper way.

Paul and Silas were commended as men who hazarded their lives. Contrary to what one may initially think, this does not mean to be reckless or irresponsible. The Greek word means “to give over to another.” In other words, they were men who had handed their lives over to Jesus Christ, so as to bring great honor to His name. And while the underlying thought might seem to be one of self-abandonment, the truth of the matter is that this is the ultimate act of personal responsibility.

Paul said, “My friends, because of God’s great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer.” (Rom.12:1, Good News Bible). The Amplified Bible says it is the “reasonable, rational, and intelligent” thing to do.

You and I were put on this earth to make Jesus famous. It is reasonable, rational, and intelligent for us to use our gifts and abilities to honor Him. But that’s not going to happen if we hold on to our own reputations as something to be cherished and mollycoddled, as they said in the old days. We must hazard our lives.

There is something deep inside every person that is stirred by the daring challenge to live a life of greatness for something other than oneself.

Still, not all choose to do so; not every one hands their lives over. Some settle for the pampered, risk-free environment of a lifeless faith and live out their days making no difference at all. But not you; surely not you.

Start now and from this day onward, hazard your life for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.” James 1:7,8 (The Message)

Some people trust in the Lord to help them save themselves.  ”Lord, help me out here,” such a person prays. “I can do it, but I need a little push.” They trust the Lord, but not completely. They still keep other options open.

We’ve all heard the old saying, “God helps those who help themselves.” While the sentiments behind this whimsical adage are admirable, the saying itself is quite untrue.

Yes, it is true that a person shouldn’t sit around aimlessly all day just expecting God to do this or that for them, while they themselves do nothing. But the adage errs significantly by failing to realize that God in fact does not help those who help themselves; rather, He helps the helpless.

He is the Defender of the defenseless; He rescues the perishing, saves those who are falling, and lifts ups those who have been struck down. He is a Father to the orphan, a Friend to sinners, and the Champion of those who are weak. Indeed, Paul summed it up — “when we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).

The problem with “helping yourself” and asking God for a little assistance is that you’re the one still calling the shots — keeping all your options open. Few things are more insulting to God than for a man to come before Him while holding onto other options….just in case the “God thing” doesn’t work out.

Remember when Peter walked on the water? The moment fear overcame him and he began sinking, he cried, “Lord save me!” To help you feel the force of his prayer, think of it this way — He did not say, “Lord, help me.” He was not at all ambiguious in that moment.

Or, how about Lazarus, the dead man? He had no options whatsoever. Jesus stood before the cold stone which sealed his tomb and ordered it removed, and then called out, “Lazarus, come forth!” And the dead man did so, now fully alive. A significant part of this event is contained in the name Lazarus — it means “without help.” You see? God helps the helpless.

Like Peter sinking in the sea, or Lazarus of old lying cold in his tomb, you and I will never be called into a new and deeper, more vibrant and wondrous walk with Jesus until we realize we truly have no other options but God.

The ambiguious man will always sink or swim; and eventually his strength will fail and he will go under. But the man and woman of faith will walk on the water in fellowship with the Lord.

“The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble.” (Psalm 20:1).

What if you were in trouble, great or small, but trouble enough that it pressed you to cry out to somebody…to anybody for help. Wouldn’t it be great to know that the Lord Himself heard you, and to see Him respond in an open and unmistakable way?

What if you were exposed and vulnerable to those who wanted to hurt you badly, even if you were unaware of their intentions. Wouldn’t it be great if the Lord kept you safe from all harm – even the harm you didn’t know was there?

What if you were alone and friendless, surrounded by unfaithful men and women, living in a place of increasing ungodliness. Wouldn’t it be great if the Lord noticed you and did something special to turn things around for you in a positive and uplifting way?

What if you had been kind and generous to many people over a long period of time, but were feeling that nobody noticed or really appreciated what you had done. Wouldn’t it be great if suddenly you were aware that the Lord had not only noticed and appreciated each and every kindness you had shown, but that He actually had a record of them all and was preparing to give back to you much more than you had given – even though that was not why you did it.

What if you had great dreams but no means of making them happen. Wouldn’t it be great if the Lord supplied you with the resource and relationships necessary to completely realize your noblest ideas and accomplish your best of plans.

What if you were faced with a titanic struggle and though unsure as to how it would turn out, you stood your ground and fought with faith and courage….and you won. Wouldn’t it be great if all of your family and friends were told the news of your victory and leapt to their feet cheering in honor of God. 

What if every time you prayed in earnest, thoughtful, humble faith – God answered your prayer. Say, now wouldn’t that be great?

 By the way, these are not the wistful longings of a loopy dreamer, nor are they the vain imaginations of a spent cynic. No, not at all. For everything I’ve just touched upon is all covered in one single prayer found in the Bible; one great blessing uttered ages ago that stands in rich supply for all, even unto this very day.

Here, read it for yourself….

“In times of trouble, may the LORD respond to your cry. May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm. May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem. May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings. May he grant your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers.” Psalm 20:1-5 (New Living Translation) 

May I suggest this prayer as a good way to start out your day? Pray it for yourself, to be sure; but, to really see its fullest blessing unleashed in ever-expanding measures – pray it specifically, intentionally, and continually for others also!

Say, now wouldn’t that be great?

“But I will trust in thee.” Psalm 55:23

It is one thing to boast of faith when all things are great and wonderful. But it is an entirely different matter when one can walk in the triumph of trust while things are desperate all about.

The Psalmist here is a man whose prayers are not being answered; indeed, it would seem to him that his voice is not even being heard in heaven at all. And it’s not like he’s asking for vain things. No, quite the contrary; for all hell has broke loose and he’s fighting for his life!

“The terrors of death are fallen upon me,” he says, “Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me!” It’s a bad day.

Furthermore, he is painfully aware of his own powerlessness in the situation; he doesn’t even have the ability to run away and hide somewhere. He would gladly scamper if he could, but even that is beyond his supply. He is captive in a Philistine prison.

He’s stuck in a bad deal, and it’s only getting worse. A friend, a dear friend; a treasured friend has betrayed him cruelly. A man who worshipped with him in the presence of the Lord, a man whose friendship he had never doubted and on whose loyalty he had staked his life – this man had proven to be false and broke David’s singing heart.

And in this downward spiral of sorrow he cried to God above — and nothing. No answer at all. Nada. Zippo. Zilch.

Yep, it’s a bad day; a real bad day.

Anybody would understand if at this moment David had decided to call it quits on God; after all, people do it all the time. “C’mon David,” they would say, “join the rest of us who are done with childish things like faith and prayers, Bible verses and silly love longs. Welcome to the real world!”

But David was cut from another stock than that, and now in this darkening moment a single ray of light still remained — it was the light of trust. He refused to regard God’s silence as indifference, or to consider God’s inactivity as impotence. No, instead, he triumphed in trust.

“Heaven might be brass today, and God withdrawn and silent, but I will trust in Thee,” he said. “Winds may be howling and demons may be growling, and all things lovely to behold may be blown away, but I will trust in Thee. My heart is faint, my hopes are dim, and my power is gone, but I will trust in Thee. And though friends have fallen and turned to foes, and none can give solace to my deeper wounds, nevertheless I will trust in Thee.”

We know now that David’s trust in the Lord paid off huge, for history holds him forth as one of the greatest of Israel’s kings. And the Church holds him dear as one of God’s great champions. Who knows but that a similar destiny awaits you on the other side of this ordeal?

Stay the course, my friend, and stand in the triumph of trust!

“How shall you contend with horses?” (Jeremiah 12:5)

Jeremiah, a young man facing opposition and growing increasingly impatient in the process, complained to the Lord about the injustice in life — the wicked prosper, and the righteous suffer, and God seems to sit back in silence. “Lord, I have a problem here – why do the wicked prosper, and the faithless always succeed?”

Have you ever wanted to say something to God along those lines? Before you do, you should hear how He answered young Jeremiah’s complaint.

“Jeremiah,” the Lord said, “if you get tired in a race against people, how can you possibly run against horses? And if you complain in fields of ease, what will happen when your encounter the high tides of the turbulent Jordan?”

There God goes again, speaking in riddles. What on earth does this mean? He is telling Jeremiah that tough times are ahead, and these present difficulties are only preparing him for the steeper climb. And the question God puts to him is the same we ourselves must answer in our ever darkening world.

And even though the wicked may seem to have it made now; in that day when their world comes crashing down around them, will you have what it takes to stand?

If we cannot handle the inconvenience of the smaller thing, then how shall we meet the challenge of the greater thing? If we stumble over that which is now before us, how shall we advance to that which is yet beyond us?

To be sure, the Lord wants us to make measured moves to greater levels of opportunity and responsibility, but the climb is beset with necessary challenges that can only be mounted by an unflinching faith. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. said, “Faith is the highest passion in a human being. Many in every generation may not come that far, but none comes further.”

None but those who contend with horses.

“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15

If there is one lesson that stands out in life it is that good things take time to come to fruition. Nothing worthy ever happens quickly. Years ago as a young and eager aspiring preacher, I remember hearing an older sage of God say, “When God wants to make a squash, He takes six months. When He wants to make an Oak tree, He takes twenty years. Which do you want to be?”

I’ve been around long enough now to have seen for myself the truth of his words. I’ve seen young upstarts come and go, like fireworks on the Fourth of July. A big bang, a pretty splash, lots of ooohs and aaahs — and then nothing. Nothing but the same dark sky that was there before they popped. And then there are the others; those bright-light souls that are not really noticed by most people at all, simply because they are always there like the sun in the daytime or the moon and stars at night. Just there, doing what God ordained them to do — shining.

I’ll take steady over quick every time. I’ll take shine over flash as well. God give me grace to bring forth fruit with patience. Prove that I’m built for the long haul!

Remember the children’s song? “He’s still workin’ on me to make me what I oughta be. It took Him a week to make the sun and the stars; Venus, Mercury, Neptune and Mars. How lovin’ and patient He must be! ‘Cause He’s still working on me!!”

Jesus is the unhurried Savior. He’s working on a truly great masterpiece that will be displayed in glory. That masterpiece is YOU. For your part then, be an unhurried soul; keep an honest and good heart into which you may hear His word and treasure it; and then bring forth fruit with patience all the days of your life.