Garth And Unanswered Prayer
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3
In Garth Brooks’ hit “Unanswered Prayer,” he sings of how thankful he is that God didn’t answer his prayer to marry his high school honey. Instead, God led him to meet and marry the right woman for him. The song has good insight about God. He only wants what is best for us.
God answers prayer. Every single time. He does it in three main ways: yes, no, and wait awhile.
If it’s yes, do we have the courage to move ahead in faith?
If no, are we willing to trust that God knows best, and accept it?
It may not be what we want, but it will always be for our best. This is what Garth calls “unanswered prayer.” And if the answer is wait awhile, are we willing to do that?
When it comes to prayer, we have to be willing to accept God’s answers to experience God’s best. Sometimes it will be a yes-in a while, but we have to be willing to wait on God’s timing. Otherwise, we can really botch things up. So I thank God for how He always answers prayer – with yes, no, and wait a while.
Help Me with My Prayer Life
“Pray in this way…”
Matthew 6:9
People often ask me questions about prayer. Jesus was asked, by His disciples, how to pray for they saw that He often got away to pray. Here is a summary of what Jesus said to do:
Address God as Father. Through Jesus, we can know God personally as our Father. The Embodiment of the ideal Dad.
Praise. Praise His name and His character traits. It makes our problems seem small when we remember how great God is.
Pray for His will to be done. This begins with us but carries over to praying for others.
Pray for daily needs. God wants to meet our needs. But don’t confuse needs and wants.
Confess your sins. Ask God’s forgiveness and ask God’s help in forgiving others who wrong us.
Ask for protection and strength in the face of temptation and evil.
Jesus teaches the basics on prayer. Find a quiet spot and give it a try. And, remember, prayer life gets better with practice.
Memorial Day
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13
As we come to another Memorial Day, it’s very appropriate that we take a moment to say a word of thanks to those who have put their lives on the line to preserve our freedom. Give thanks to those who have given their lives for their country. We think about those who did this in World Wars I and II, in Korea, in Vietnam, in the Gulf War and now most recently in Iraq.
We remember those who gave their lives in these wars. Jesus said, “Greater love has no man than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” Certainly these have set the example in service to our nation. But Jesus Christ has set the ultimate example in giving His life for all mankind.
On Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their lives for our nation and the One who gave His life for our salvation. I hope you’ll take time to remember these people who have paid the ultimate price.
Getting Through Grief
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
Losing a loved one or close friend is never easy. If you have recently faced the death of someone you love, or know someone who has, understanding the stages of grief can help.
Grief involves:
Numbness—an inability to feel when the news of death arrives.
Denial—a sense of disbelief that the person is really gone.
Tearful Emotion—as the reality of permanent separation sets in.
Anger—at God or at life itself as the world continues and you are hurting so badly.
Depression—in feeling there is little reason to live. Life may seem meaningless when the loss of a loved one has occurred.
Acceptance—coming to terms with the loss and beginning to move on.
The grieving process takes time, sometimes months and sometimes years, but it can be overcome. The greatest strength for getting through it can be found in the Lord. Remember, God understands grief. He knows what it’s like to have a child die. He saw His own Son, Jesus, die for us all. He loves you and wants to help you overcome your grief. Just tell Him you need His help.
All Things Work For Good?
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
Some people believe the Bible teaches, “All things work together for good,” but this is nuts! All things don’t work together for good for those who die and wind up in hell!
What the Bible does teach is that, all things can work together for good for those who love God and are living in His will. We have to love God through Jesus Christ and live according to His teaching in Scripture. To believe anything or to live any way we want nullifies the truth of this verse.
But when we love God and are living for Him, then with any tragedy, any suffering, God can bring good. For with every tragedy and every setback, our choice is to grow bitter or to trust God to bring good out of the greatest grief and difficulty. I hope you’ll choose to trust God, even when life doesn’t make sense. Look for the good that God can bring.
Laziness Vs. Workaholism—Finding The Right Balance
“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”
Exodus 20:9
All of us want to be successful when it comes to our work, but let’s think a moment about the two most common problems when it comes to work.
One is laziness. We live in a society that so often glorifies the irresponsible—those who won’t work—as victims. This is insulting to those who are truly unable to work. God’s Word is clear; laziness is not good. God wants us to work hard.
At the other extreme is workaholism, and there are four common traits of the workaholic:
1. Tends to be the first person at the office and the last to leave
2. Tries to please others, but has a tough time saying no
3. Tends to only talk about work
4. Feels guilty in taking a day off
Neither workaholism or laziness are God’s intention. The right balance is working hard to please God yet taking time to back away and rest. Take a weekly Sabbath. It is one of God’s great ideas for successful living. When we do, we find ourselves refreshed and ready to give our best to our work.
Living Together
“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.”
Psalm 37:5
In June of 2001, USA Today revealed the disturbing results of a poll about how twenty-somethings in America feel about living together. Sixty-two percent said living together before marriage is a good way to avoid divorce. And 43% (almost half) said they would only marry someone if that person agreed to live together first. These are troubling statistics that show a deep-seated fear of commitment and trust in marriage. But it is an understandable result of so many who were scarred by their own parents’ divorce or troubled home.
Couples living together want sex, companionship, and love. They’ll get sex and companionship, but they’ll never experience real love without commitment. For without commitment, there is no real love. Living together, by its definition, is always looking for a way out. No commitment. No trust. No real love.
God’s way is love and commitment first, and then companionship and sex. And that sex will be far better because of the trust in Him and in your spouse.
Enemies
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”
Matthew 5:44
The word “enemy” has been defined as anyone not for us. In light of that definition, we all have folks we work with, cross paths with, and sometimes even live with, who are not like us. Jesus Christ said, “You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies.” To love our friends is not unique, but to love our enemies is.
At the end of the Civil War, many Northerners were demanding that the South be punished for the devastation the war had caused the United States. In the midst of this issue, a group visited President Lincoln in the White House to let him know he was being too soft on the South. One man became so incensed that he pounded on Mr. Lincoln’s desk and he said, “Mr. President, I believe in destroying my enemies!”
President Lincoln sat and reflected a moment, and then he slowly stood and said, “Do we not destroy our enemies when we make them our friends?” That is true Christianity that literally changes the world. The question is, is that you?
Parenting Parents
“Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”
Luke 6:31
There are few greater challenges in the parent-child relationship than parenting our parents. It involves a role reversal that neither the parent nor the child wants. Yet it’s part of honoring our parents. It is caring for them when they are unable to care for themselves.
But difficult questions arise. When does the adult child intervene? Should the parent live with the adult child, or just nearby? There are no easy answers but I offer some suggestions to the question, “How can I best honor my parents by caring for their needs?”
• We honor our parents when we put their needs over what they or we want.
• Our parents need the gift of time, love and sacrifice—something they did for us when we were children.
• How we care for our aging parents is how our children learn to honor us when we’re no longer able to care for ourselves.
Parenting our parents has long-term implications for our families, our nation, and us.
Discouragement
“Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts…”
Romans 5:5
Do you ever feel discouraged?
We all do. If you feel discouraged, start by looking outside. Look up. Oak trees abound, and they cause us to look up.
That oak tree is pointing to heaven. Focus on God, our Creator. He promises that “we can do all things in His strength.”
Practice prayer as the first resort, not the last. God is interested in anything that interests you. Talk to Him about your concerns. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit, the Encourager and Comforter.
Get enough rest. Fatigue makes cowards of us all. When our bodies and minds are rested, we view circumstances differently.
Refuse to quit. Keep on keeping on! Perseverance produces character, and character, hope. Hope comes in trusting God to see us through. And remember, an oak tree is just a little nut that refused to give up!
If you’re dealing with discouragement, look to God. He’ll give you the strength to knock discouragement on its face.
Sabbath
“He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.”
Genesis 2:2
In the 1920’s, George Bernard Shaw predicted that, in the 1980’s, the workday would last no more than two hours. He thought advanced technology would bring this about. Shaw was a bright man, but a poor futurist. People are working longer hours in spite of all the technological inventions to save us time. As a result, leisure gets squeezed out.
God’s Word is clear about the need for balance between work and leisure. Hard work is good, but God’s gift to us, to bring balance to our life, is the Sabbath. Everyone needs at least one day a week to rest from his or her regular job. To enjoy this gift requires discipline. To ignore it is to hit the wall of burnout. Here’s the real good news—if you maintain this weekly discipline you’ll be better at work.
Do you have that balance between work and rest? Ask God to help you enjoy a weekly day of rest—a Sabbath. You’ll be glad you did.
Honoring Our Soldiers
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Romans 12:10
It’s always appropriate that we take a moment to remember those who have put their lives on the line to preserve our freedom and to give thanks for those who have given their lives for their country.
We should especially honor those who served in Vietnam. Never has our nation acted so shamefully as it did to the men and women in uniform who served in that conflict. They served in a war they did not start, to preserve freedom for those they did not know, yet time and again our soldiers returned home, only to be spat upon by citizens of this land.
Chances are, you know someone who served in Vietnam and never considered the trauma they faced, not only in war, but caught in the crossfire of a nation divided when they returned home. Always honor those who have given their lives for their nation. But let us especially take time to thank those who put their lives on the line in Vietnam.
If you were one who served, I salute you. If you know someone who did, it’s time to say thanks.
Stock Market
“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10
Are you bullish or bearish? Is the Federal Reserve on the right track or not? When you think about the Dow Jones, is it buy or sell? Hold or liquidate? As important as financial advice from Wall Street is, there’s a more reliable place to gain understanding on managing our money. That place is the Bible. Amazingly, Jesus speaks more about money and possessions than He does about heaven or hell.
The problem is, we don’t want to do it God’s way. God’s way says to give and share and provide for those who have less. It’s advice diametrically opposed to what our human reason tells us—to get, to keep, to hoard. God’s way is to spend less than we earn. The world’s way is to build up that debt. Charge it, baby.
Face it. The best financial planner is the Creator of the world. Why not learn what He has to say about managing money and then try it His way? It’s always best.
Work – A Calling Or A Curse?
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…”
Colossians 3:23
Do you see work as a calling or a curse? Is your only reason for working to make a living, or do you live for your work? Is your work drudgery or fulfilling, monotonous or challenging? One thing is certain, it was never meant by God to be a curse. He invented it.
When man was placed in the garden at the beginning of time, God told him to care for it and cultivate it. Obviously that called for work. After man sinned, He said work would be harder, but He still meant it for good.
So how can we have a healthy view of work?
Listen to the words of Scripture: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” When we adopt that view, no matter how difficult, monotonous, or challenging the work, our motivation changes. To work heartily to please God is the key to finding meaning in work.
So, whatever you do, be it a plumber or a president, a carpenter or a teacher, a janitor or CEO, see your work as a calling, and a privilege to serve God by doing your best.
A View Of Hell
“…to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord.”
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
Have you ever taken a minute to think about hell—who’s going to be there and exactly what it’s all about? Did you know that Jesus spoke more about hell than He did about heaven?
Jesus tells an interesting parable about a rich man, and a beggar named Lazarus. The beggar would sit each day at the gate of the rich man’s house, hoping for some leftovers from the rich man’s feast, but they never came. Both men died. Lazarus, the poor man, went to be with God, and the rich man went to hell. Seeing Lazarus across a great divide, he begged that Lazarus might dip his finger in water and bring even a drop to cool his tongue because of the agony of the heat, but it was too late. They were separated by the great divide—forever.
Many people act like hell doesn’t exist. They believe everyone eventually goes to heaven for God is love. What if they’re wrong? Jesus believed in hell. Do you believe He was wrong or do you believe He tells the truth?
A truth about eternity—until you believe in the bad news of hell, you can’t understand the good news of Jesus. For He came to save us from hell and guarantee us a place in heaven. So the question is, what do you believe about hell? What Jesus says, or something else?
What Is Heaven Like?
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
John 14:3
What is Heaven like?
The most common image is a place of clouds where people wear white robes and halos, and do nothing except play a harp with a goofy smile on their faces. That’s a view of Heaven that sounds more like Hell to me! What a bore!
What is Heaven really like? Jesus spoke very little of it, but He did say this, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. I go to prepare a place for you.” What is heaven like? It’s like home, with a loving Father. It’s a place of security, a permanent place to live, and a place of refuge. There’s a longing within all of us to find home. Heaven is like home with a Father and loved ones as they’re supposed to be.
How can you be sure that you’ll get to that home? Is there a map or some rules to follow? No, it comes through a person, Jesus Christ Himself. As He talked about a heavenly home, He also added that He is the only way to ever truly come home.
Legacy
“I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hananai, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do.”
Nehemiah 7:2
As you think of the future, I have a question. What do you plan to leave to your heirs? Stocks and bonds? Property? Investment quality art? As important as planning is for the future, there is one fact that so many fail to recognize. You’re creating a legacy that will live beyond your death. Your character will continue to speak for good or evil after your life on earth has ended.
“Unquestionable character” is one of the greatest gifts we can leave our heirs. So many, by concentrating on amassing financial wealth, fail to help build honesty, responsibility, compassion, or love for God and their fellow man, into the life of their kids.
Character begins with your example—your life. It’s more caught than taught, but teaching is important too. You can’t leave your heirs a greater gift than this.
Wouldn’t you like to know that your life will be remembered for more than money? What a legacy we leave our kids when they reflect on our life and say, “You know my Mom or my Dad, why, that’s the finest person I’ve ever known.”
Moms Are Important
“Her children rise up and bless her.”
Proverbs 31:28
When Thomas Edison’s intelligent and sympathetic mother learned that his teachers felt he had inferior ability, she educated him at home. He said, “My mother was the making of me. She was so true, so sure of me, that I felt I had someone to live for, someone I must not disappoint.” A mother’s love and a mother’s time are vitally important to the development of a child. Just think of the ways we benefit today from the investment of time on the part of Thomas Edison’s mom.
British psychiatrist John Bowlby said, “The young child’s hunger for his mother’s love and presence is as great as his hunger for food.”
Moms, you’re pulled in so many different directions today. The stress can be unbelievable, but remember that nothing is more important than the investment of time in the life of your child. God’s Word tells us that when a mother does this, her children rise up and call her blessed and her husband praises her, saying, “Many women have done virtuously but you exceed them all.”
I’m certainly thankful for my mom and have been tremendously blessed by her love and devotion.
God Knows Your Name
“…the Lord knows who are His…”
2 Timothy 2:19
Years ago the great Methodist preacher, Charles Allen, was asked by a wealthy Texas oilman who he believed was our greatest president. Dr. Allen said, “That’s easy. LBJ.”
The man’s face turned red with anger. He said, “Dr. Allen, how in the world can you say that lying, scheming scoundrel was our greatest president?”
He replied, “Well, one day I was standing in the lobby of a hotel and LBJ came through. He shouted to me, ‘Dr. Allen, you keeping those Methodists straight?’ The reason I feel he was the greatest president is because he is the only one who knew my name.”
When important people know our name it makes us feel good. But when they call us by name in front of a crowd, we really feel special.
Good news. The most important person who ever lived knows your name. His name is Jesus. He knows everything about you and He loves you anyway. When you get to know him as Savior and Lord, He’ll make you feel important and significant—even more than the president calling you by name.
Submission
“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”
Ephesians 5:23
One of the most counter-cultural teachings in scripture is “wives submit to your husbands.” Now ladies, before you get bent out of shape, let’s remember what the Bible doesn’t teach.
It doesn’t teach that women are to submit to men. If a Christian man has a female boss, he’s called to submit to her authority at work.
It doesn’t say men and women are unequal. Men and women are different, but both are made in the image of God; therefore they are equal before God. The Bible would not prohibit a female president of the United States. There are great women leaders in all walks of life.
But for some reason, God’s Word teaches that the husband is to lead in the home. And the way husbands do it best is to submit. Submit to Jesus. The husband is commanded to love his wife like Christ does the church—to be a servant leader, never a dictatorial leader.
But remember, it only works well when both the husband and wife submit to Christ. Are you willing?
The Road To Financial Security
“How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.”
Proverbs 3:13
Are you on the road to financial security? Let me suggest a few goals to strive for in seeking personal financial security.
• You need to know what you make, and if you’re on commission, estimate conservatively what it’ll be.
• Spend less than you earn. I know it seems so obvious, but it is so overlooked that it has to be mentioned.
• Have a personal or family budget. Budgets help us prioritize and meet our goals.
• In developing that budget, focus on four major categories:
1. A goal for giving
2. An estimated amount for taxes;
3. A goal for savings and investments;
4. Figure up your fixed expenses, such as car, house, groceries, etc.
Finally, what’s left is discretionary income and you will want to set goals in this area. It includes such items as clothing, furniture, vacation, and entertainment.
From where does all this practical insight come? It’s based on principles right out of the Bible. You’ll be amazed that, when you look to Scripture, you’ll find the keys to financial security.
The Bible
“Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
The Bible is the best seller that many people buy but never read. Yet no book is richer or more timeless than the Bible. Listen to what it says:
All scripture is inspired by God. Amazing! Over forty authors who wrote over a period of 1600 years were all inspired by the same God to give a clear and coherent message.
It’s also profitable for
Teaching—about God, man, and life.
Reproof—it tells us when we go wrong and need to get right.
Correction—it helps us get on the right track; Like a good doctor, it points out the problem and tells us the cure.
Training in right living—it’s a manual for living in a way that’s pleasing to God.
Scripture shows us how we can face every challenge with wisdom and with strength.
The Bible is a good book. I hope you’ll read it with the faith that God wants to speak to you through His word. You just may find the answer to life.
Finding The Right Mate
“Do not be bound together with unbelievers.”
2 Corinthians 6:14
When it comes to finding the right mate, one of Hollywood’s more famous philosophers comes to mind. He says, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”
Amazingly, many approach finding a mate with the Forest Gump philosophy. But finding the right mate is a biggie! Let me suggest a few thoughts:
• Are you compatible? Do you have similar backgrounds when it comes to faith, education, socio-economics and interests? Does your giftedness complement each other or push you apart?
• Is this person your best friend? If not, you haven’t found the right one.
• Do friends and family who know you well affirm the choice?
• Are you excited about spending the rest of your life with this person, no matter what?
• Finally, are you aware of their shortcomings and do you still love them anyway?
If all your answers are “yes,” you might have found the right one. If not, you may want to slow down or even call it off. But remember, most of all, seek God’s will. He knows you best and knows what is best for you.
Motherhood
“Behold children are a gift of the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward.”
Psalm 127:3
Dr. Leila Denmark, a well-known Atlanta pediatrician, said, “Every animal on earth takes care of its own until they’re able to take care of themselves, except us. We have brainwashed people into thinking that there’s something greater out there than being a mother.”
Ellen Wilson Fielding, who left her prestigious job as book editor of the Wall Street Journal to be at home full time with her son, came to see it this way: “I felt I was going to a greater thing when I left the Wall Street Journal to care for my son.” She said, “For the essence of motherhood is the acceptance of God’s offer to share in the creation and development of another human being. The question was not whether the job was good enough for me, but whether I was good enough for the job.”
Motherhood is the toughest, most demanding, yet most important job in the world. With the many choices for women today, let’s not forget that there is no calling of God more important than being a mom.
