December 01


Vulnerability


Now you are my friends….

John 15:15b (NLT)


Jesus shows us how to develop deep relationships, and isn’t it interesting? Jesus spends three rather intense years with these disciples, and finally, He calls them “friends.”

In addition to the heavy investment of time, Jesus reveals the other foundations of deeper relationships: love, sacrifice and … communication. This last one is key. Jesus said, “I have told you everything….” You can’t get deeper than that. Sadly, it’s what most of us men are missing today—deeper commitment and more significant communication with others ... especially other men.

I have to ask myself, how many friends know: a. what’s going on in my home, b. how well things are going between my wife and I, c. my financial situation, or d. my hopes and dreams for the future? Answer: not enough.

When it comes to friends, we need to be more like Jesus: opening ourselves up, sacrificing our pride and getting real with others. Very real. We call it … vulnerability.


Father, You have my life. Help me share it with others. Help me be a friend. Amen.

November 30


Feelings


Again feeling very upset, Jesus came to the tomb.

John 11:38 (NCV)


Though He was perfect, Jesus still had feelings. This tells me something important. Feelings ... aren’t sinful. If you struggle with feelings, look at Jesus and what He did. Jesus cried (John 11:35); Jesus prayed (John 11:41-42); and ... Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43-44).

Hmmm…. So, what am I saying? It’s not wrong to cry? It's not wrong to experience a burst of righteous indignation? I am. Feeling depressed, being sad, even sensing fear creeping in—these are not the problem—that’s just life. No, it’s how we respond to our feelings that can get us into trouble.

Feelings can be a test—boy, can they be a test!—especially when they take us for a ride. When they do, will we sulk? Will we turn our focus inward or lash out at others, or will we consider taking our feelings to Him? Will we trust God? Will we seek God's help?

When we do, we not only find help to pass the test, we come to life.


Father, Jesus not only teaches us, He shows us so much more. Help me to be like Jesus. Amen.

November 29


Superman


Or don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?

1 Corinthians 6:19a (NLT)


I will listen to every prayer made in this place, for I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be my home forever. My eyes and my heart will always be here.

2 Chronicles 7:15-16 (NLT)


We are Superman and Superwoman and we don’t even know it. We are Clark Kent with amnesia—clueless to what lies within.

So much potential ... so little progress. We have the power but not the passion.

The prophets prompt us to look to God, to get right with Him, to praise and worship Him. The apostles join in with a new wake-up call, a new reality: God in us! Think of it. We have what Elijah had and David and Moses. We are so blessed, and we don’t even know it. Before, the Holy Spirit was for the few, but now, in these last days, the Spirit is for the many—for any who believe, for any who will trust in Him. We have the power of the Spirit and God's very presence in us. We are indwelt! And as we walk with Him, we are filled! We overflow.

We are Superman and Superwoman—not because we are great, but because His gift is great. His gift in us. Him.

It’s time to open up to Him. It’s time to unwrap our gift.


Lord, fill this temple to overflowing and let Your glory shine! Amen.

November 28

Enduring the Uphill Climb


For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Matthew 11:30 (NKJV)


As I was praying this morning, a light came on. God brought this verse to mind as I prayed for my church, my family and dear friends, the President and some very special kids. Deep in prayer and full of concern, Jesus words burst into my mind. These were welcome words. It was as if the Lord were reminding me, “Come on, Craig. Really … this burden you carry and cling to … is light.

We struggle and we plead. We beg God to help and to heal. It all seems so hard sometimes, but it’s not. He has made it easy.

All He asks of us is to trust Him.

Think of it. Salvation is the free gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). It is not something we earn or deserve. It is a gift, and all we need to do is accept the gift. We do and Voila! We are born again. Simple. Easy.

Then there’s this thing of sanctification—working out our salvation. We say the process of being “set apart” or sanctified is difficult … but by who’s measure? Usually ours.

Jesus tells us His yoke is easy—a perfect fit and the burden is light. I can shoulder this backpack and you can too. In life, my backpacking has mostly been a joyful thing. The beauty and splendor of a crystal blue sky as I break out on a ridgeline and survey a host of snowy peaks, the smell of the fragrant grove of fir trees, and feeling the chest-pounding might of the thunderous waterfall all a pleasure!

Christ’s work in and through me is a pleasure too.

Yes, I suppose it is a testing, uphill walk, but the burden Christ gives us is for good. It is for healing. Our packs contain what the world hungers for, and we have the joy of delivering it.


Father, help me take joy in the simple tasks You give. Give me strength to do everything You want me to and wisdom for the way. Amen.

November 27


Touching Lepers


And behold, a leper came and worshipped Him, saying, “Lord, if you are willing, You could make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched Him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Matthew 8:2-3 (NKJV)


For a healthy person, especially a Jewish rabbi, to touch a leper in New Testament times was unheard of. But Jesus did. His touch was not only a healing touch, it was heroic. But then, this was the very hand of God reaching out to a sick and sinful world.

Once again, Jesus reminds us just how deeply God loves us … in spite of our sin … in spite of our disease (Romans 5:8). And in Jesus, we have our example. So, if we are to be true Christians (truly “like Christ”), won’t we love the unlovely? Won't we care for the castoffs? Won’t we touch the untouchable?

The thought begs the question, who are our lepers? We don’t see real lepers on our streets, do we? But society does have its castoffs. What of the so many someones suffering from physical, mental, or social disease? The people, both young and old, dieing from AIDS? The criminal whose gross acts have landed him behind bars? The homeless woman who lives out of her car or rides the subway all night long? Does Jesus not love them? Shouldn’t we? Sometimes a healing touch comes in the form of a smile, an acknowledgement or a kind word. Sometimes it’s more, but usually it’s not less.

So what’s wrong? What are we afraid of? Do we fear being contaminated … by fellow lepers? Or do we realize our other great sickness—not doing the healing work of the One who healed us?


Father, forgive me for being slow to show love, for thinking of myself as better when really I am not. Heal this cold heart of mine. Amen.