When Every Day is Sunday

My mother-in-law has lived with us for the past year. She is also living with dementia. It is such a difficult disease that robs one of memory for sure, but also so much more. Over the last year I have often said, "Every day is a different day," which has multiple meanings from my perspective. Each day brings different challenges, surprises and awareness. At one level, we never know what to expect day to day as a family experiencing dementia together. However, in contrast, there is also a level of sameness that comes along with the disease.

Often a person living with dementia will give the same response to common questions. They often tell the same stories. Sometimes they ask the same questions. One of the regular questions we get from "Mommaw" is, "What day is this?" That is the most important question for her.

She gets up every day and gets dressed. Nearly every day she puts on a dress, the way she would if she were going to church. Very quickly she wants to determine what day it is, mainly (I believe) because she is hoping it is Sunday. You see, for her, Sunday is the best day. It is the day she knows where she will be and what she will be doing. It is the day she goes to church, the day she sings, the day she enjoys the fellowship of a community also engaging in worship. While many things have changed in her world over the last several years, her desire to worship Jesus with a congregation has not faded. When the answer to her question is, "Today is Sunday," there is a noticeable shift in her demeanor. It seems like she lives as if every day is Sunday. What a great lesson for me.

What if I approached every day eagerly anticipating the opportunity to worship? What might be different about my life if I lived with laser focus, hoping to experience the presence of God? What if I forgot about all the things that distract me from the goal of living out my faith and engaging with others? The truth is, every day is an opportunity to worship God and enjoy his presence. In fact, every moment is an opportunity to experience his grace. Because of Jesus, I am always connected to God's power and love. Sadly, my life can become full of distractions, busyness and unhealthy ways of living that keep me from enjoying God's presence. I can forget that his "mercies are new every morning." Even as a pastor, engaged in regular ministry, these struggles are real. [Eek, hope I didn't burst your bubble...every pastor is a human being...with flaws, and prone to struggles, just like yours!]

But thankfully, my lapses in memory and faithfulness never diminish God's love for me. God is always for me, day by day and moment by moment. And I am always welcomed into fellowship with him.

Why Men Oppose the Bible

Many who articulate an opposition to the Bible do so by dismissing it as merely "a book written by men."  Of course men were the vessels used by God.  Still others claim the Bible is simply an ancient relic and not valid for modern times.  However, I submit there is something much deeper that causes men to oppose the Bible.

Here are four reasons men oppose the Bible:

1) The Bible contains the law of God - this reveals man's sin

2) The Bible proclaims the judgement of God - punishment for man's sin

3) The Bible depicts God as Sovereign - and man is not (and we desperately want to be)

4) The Bible asserts that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ - not works, religion or man's goodness

The irony is that these are some of the very things that we all need to know and understand.  When the Holy Spirit brings us to the point of repentance and faith, these four truths become foundational in our understanding of God, His grace and who we are in Christ.  And God has provided all of this and preserved it for us in His Word.  "Take up and read!"

Encouragement from our Father

I am always astounded at how the Lord works. He is God. He is Sovereign. He is always 'working.' Yet, when I actually see firsthand what He is doing, I am blown away. What makes this even more incredible to me (weak faith warning) is when I pray and ask Him for something and then (BAM) the evidence of God and His work in answer to my prayer is right in front of my eyes. This is such an encouragement to me!

I know He hears my prayers. I know He answers my prayers. However, as if to show His grace for me, He lets me actually see it with my physical eyes and not merely through the eyes of faith. This was my experience today, and it was so sweet! God is good, all the time. Yet, there are times when He is just so good. To the praise of His grace!

Words I Needed

Today is Monday. A pastor friend of mine told me that early in his ministry he often felt discouraged on Mondays. In fact, he said that for a while he thought about quitting, nearly every Monday. I have been there.

For me, there usually seems to be a big build up to Sunday. After that, I sometimes sense a bit of a let down. I realize that much of this is the flesh and the Enemy.

Today I read a few poignant words from Charles Spurgeon that I really needed to hear. He was writing in regards to Numbers 11:23 which states, "Is the LORD'S power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not." Here are the comments of our dear friend Mr. Spurgeon:

"The ground of faith is not the sufficiency of the visible means for the performance of the promise, but the all-sufficiency of the invisible God, who will most surely do as he has said."

I needed a reminder. On Sunday or Monday - on every other day, my faith is not in my own strength. It is in the One who raised up my Savior. The One who opened my heart to see His beauty. The One who still awakens dead sinners. The One who will certainly accomplish His will. I will trust in Him, alone!

Christian in Name Only

"In countries to which Christian civilization has spread, large numbers of people have covered themselves with a decent, but thin, veneer of Christianity. They have allowed themselves to become somewhat involved; enough to be respectable but not enough to be uncomfortable. Their religion is a great, soft cushion. It protects them from the hard unpleasantness of life, while changing its place and shape to suit their convenience. No wonder the cynics speak of hypocrites in the church and dismiss religion as escapism." John Stott, Basic Christianity, pg. 137

No further explanation from me is necessary. Care to comment?

The Genuine Article

Many today cry for "diversity." I suppose it has its place. However, when it comes to Christians, while there are many shapes, colors and ages, there is only one type of genuine believer. Those who have embraced the cross of Jesus Christ by faith as their only hope of salvation. Have you noticed though that there does seem to be some diversity among folks that attend our churches?

I'll share with you some insight on this topic I gained from Richard Bewes. He has penned a handy little volume entitled "150 Pocket Thoughts: Let The Bible Reinvigorate Your Day." Here's what he says:

"There are different kinds of believers found in every church. Some people are Mis-believers. They've picked up various bits of Christianity along the way, but it's all a jumble, and they would never be able to make a clear explanation of what they believe...Some among us are Make-believers. They may have joined the church, but they are deluded as to what a real Christian is...others are Half-believers. When things are going well, you will see them in church...we even find Fake-believers in the church. They are there for what they can get out of it...their faith is only a con." pg. 124 (I have edited this piece, but only for brevity. The content and message has not been altered.)

Look around your church. What do you see? Better yet, check that guy in the mirror. It is right for each of us to examine our faith. See if yours is the genuine article.