“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.’” John 4:13-14

The founding Pastor of the church I attend, (Faith Christian Center in Seekonk, MA) Sam Smith, once described a person who helps another, metaphorically, as a hose. He said, “When a hose is used to deliver water, it gets wet too.” I have a sense that we all could use a good watering experience this week. Not only that, and how awesome is this…if enough of us choose to act as a hose, we’d create a type of nurturing sprinkler system. Here are a couple of encouraging stories to help turn on the faucets for the coming days.

There was a father and his young daughter standing on a deck of an ocean liner. The little girl said to her dad, “I can’t see, daddy.” So, in quick response, he picked her up and saddled her up over his shoulders. Her comment then changed to”Daddy, now I can see farther than my eyes can look.” We can expand our limited perspective too.

Let’s stand a little taller this week, peer over our rails of life, and see things beyond where our eyes can look in helping a neighbor, family member or friend.

Someone defined character as what you are in the dark. What about Helen Keller? She literally spent her life in physical darkness. In spite of her blind condition, she was a woman of bold character; one whose monument will forever shine in our hearts. As we begin our week, let’s consider one of her more incredible and illuminating quotes: “I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”

Her character and realistic expectation can be a glowing model for us this week. Each of us is a one too. Let’s not refuse to do what we can do because someone else in our sphere of influence may need our assistance!

In the name of Jesus Christ, may the God of Hope drench us in His energizing and never-ending love this week so that we can act as His children. May we serve as His hose and get wet ourselves, in bringing refreshment to others. Amen

Have a great week…and splash away!!

Rev 22:17; Psalm 65:9; Proverbs 25:25

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

One of the more outstanding moments in my life occurred nearly 25 years ago.  My late and wonderful neighbor, Pastor Mary Walsh, walked across our yard, strode up the steps of our deck, and sat down next to me on one of our lounge chairs. It was always nice to be in contact with Pastor Mary because she inevitably generated a grown-up confidence and a lively and contagious hope.  Her company was always welcomed.  This time was no different, except for the profound influence of our ensuing conversation: It was awesome, but nothing I expected. 

After our usual pleasantries, Pastor Mary swung in a different direction and asked me this interesting and unusual question:  She said, “Are you open for growth?”  Because of her track record of trust and investing in my life and the fact she was by far my favorite neighbor, I quickly told her, YES, I was. Then, in truth and in love, she let me have it.  She told me, that I seemed to be on the arrogant side, and she wondered if I had given up being teachable.  In other words, she was concerned about my walk as a Christian.  YIKES! 

So here I was, a new believer of about two years, thinking I was flying high and pleasing God with all of my being.  I thought if I was a sail boat, I’d be a lead in a regatta, in full sail with the wind at my back.  Instead, her honest observation sucked the wind away and left me bobbing in a doldrum.  In reality, I knew she cared about me and the condition of my soul, and what she was telling me was the truth.  What an incredible wake -up!

So friends, some times we don’t know what we don’t know and that can be very perilous.  I will be forever grateful to Pastor Mary Walsh for effectively caring about me and my destiny with her simple, yet wisdom-ladened question that we all may face answering – Are you open for growth?

1 Timothy 4:15; Philippians 1:9;Rom 5:2-6; Job 8:7; Hebrews 5:12-14; Matthew 6:33;Gal 6:9

 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

The dictionary meaning of “greatest treasure” refers to the most precious possession or experience that a person values above all else. This could be material possessions, such as money, jewelry, art, or intangible things such as love, family, friendship, or happiness. It is something that is deeply cherished and holds great significance to an individual.

With that said, may I suggest there’s more… The greatest treasure a human being can discover is readily available, can change any and all earthly circumstances, and is absolutely free. Nothing is its rival. It is the Living Hope that never ends, founded upon the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This is where Living Hope lies—in the resurrected Christ.

As a believer, He becomes our greatest treasure or Living Hope. (1 Peter 1:3) Peter defines the Living Hope as an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. When held against any inheritance on earth, the inheritance we have as God’s chosen people is far superior. The things of this world will all perish, are all defiled, and all inevitably shall fade. Living Hope, on the other hand, is never-ending and sustains us no matter the level of thriving or suffering.

Yes, Jesus, as a person, is our Living Hope—not some eternal abstraction. His resurrection from the dead made possible our salvation to be with Him forever and marked us heirs to the many blessings He brings.

Living hope is called the anchor of the soul, because it gives stability to the Christian life. This hope is not a simple “wish” that such-and-such would take place. R.C. Sproul said, “Rather, it is that which latches on to certainty of the promises of the future that God has made.”

Living Hope in Paul’s writings focuses on the future blessings that believers obtain by faith in Christ and the realization of His love for us in salvation. This hope is based on God’s promises. We share in His sufferings, and we share in His glory. We have been given the Holy Spirit and a living relationship with God. If the scripture “God is for us, who can be against us” literally settles the faith issue, then Living Hope stands alone as our greatest treasure.

Rom 5:3-5; Prov 13:12; Is 40:31; Heb 10:2-3; Jer 29:11; Luke 12:34; 2 Cor 4:7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Prov 3:5-6

If we can agree that life throws more challenges than solutions, then let’s look together at what Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible, suggested as a way to proceed, progress, and persevere in the best of winning ways.

His first order is for us to enjoy life because it’s a gift from God. “And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God” (Ecc 3:13).   Critically then, do we personally appreciate life as a gift of God to enjoy or not?

In addition to enjoying life as a gift, Solomon offers a second element.  Though much of life is frustrating and futile, there are opportunities we must take advantage of when they come along.  “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest” (Ecc 9:10).  In other words, we are to fully exercise our gifts in life and leave no room for regret, retreat, or return when our time comes to depart from this Earth.

Thirdly, because we live in a fallen world that presses us from every side, it’s incumbent upon us to rely on an unyielding support.  Under these and all conditions, Solomon admonishes us to be right with none other than—God Himself. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc 12:13).

Fourth, and perhaps foremost, is the importance of possessing awareness that one day we will all be judged.  “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil” (Ecc 12:14).  Hearing, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” rather than, “I never knew you,” must always be our heart’s desire and divine influence behind the choices we make.

As people with flesh to satisfy and thoughts to filter, we will never live a perfect life.  Fortunately, Jesus is our Creator, Redeemer, model, and comforting friend in any time of need.  At the behest of His Father and for our benefit, He was and is the only One able to perfectly and lovingly face and overcome a world system with occupants laced with sin-fired hatred and wickedness.

So family and friends, in the midst of our lives, let’s rely on Christ (The Word) and God’s Holy Spirit 1) to appreciate and enjoy life as His gift, 2) to help us grow to our full potential, 3) to reverence Him and obey His commandments, and 4) to know that one day, based on honoring God’s standards and divine guidance, we choose to leave this life to be with Him, forever!

Matt 25:21; Ps 25:4-5; Prov 2: 6-9; John 10: 3-4; Ps 25:9; Matt 7: 7-11

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Heb 12:1-2

When an athlete trains in a sport other than the one in which he or she normally competes, it’s called cross-training.  The goal of training this way is to improve overall performance (e.g., a golfer who weight lifts, a tennis player who rides a bike and a boxer who jumps rope). More effective preparation and eliminating weaknesses is the idea behind this process. 

Surely, cross training holds many benefits for those who practice it. Athletes around the world have seen great improvements in performance as a result of intentionally stretching their bounds. Amazingly, there is another form of “Cross Training” that promises to improve performance at a far greater level. As followers of Christ, we believe the key to heaven and the key to a new and fulfilled life on earth hung on a Cross over 2000 years ago. 

In this season of such general uncertainty, we discover in 1 Cor 6:19 that we are temples of His Holy Spirit; we are not our own, we have been bought with a price, and because we are His, we are to glorify Him in our personality and body.  In Romans 12:2, He says we must escape conforming to this corrupted world system by being transformed in the renewing of our mind.  In 1 Cor 10:31, His Word says, “Whatever we eat or drink or whatever we do, we are to do to His glory.” In 1 Thes 5:23, the apostle Paul connects the divine dots further when he prays, “And may the God of peace sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Some of us may have chosen to be athletes of particular sports. Let’s be encouraged to carefully examine our current training program to help make us perform at the best level.

Family and friends, in the natural, all of us are athletes in “playing life.” May we run from anything that is not God’s super-natural training agenda—the one that powers us Spiritually, renews our mind, and helps us to act righteously. May the great Apostle Paul’s primary focus and motivation to preach Christ, the cross, and Him crucified inspire us within to behave in a more holy fashion.

Dedicated belief, an attitude of gratefulness for what He’s done and will do on our behalf, and a burning heart to invite others to join with us in His “Cross Training” is the true-life flow and the best place for us to start, especially for such an uncertain time as this.

1 Tim 4:8; Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 139:14; Phil 1:6; 1 Peter 2:24-25; John 6:63

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.  And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matt 18:2-4 (NIV)

An “X” could have easily marked the spot of this troubling scene. Traffic was backed up; and tempers were about ready to blow. A team of top-flight engineers were called to the site because a boat and trailer had caused a major blockage. It was found the cargo atop the flatbed was inches too high to travel under an overpass. Despite the experts’ many sketches, theories, and calculations, the wisdom of a nearby child ultimately yielded the answer. His simple suggestion of taking the air out of the trailer’s tires won the day.

In the face of the maddening spiritual traffic jam and battle among the philosophers and religious “engineers” of our day, is it possible for any of us to serve as childlike bystanders with a profound, simplifying message? On this wonderful day, I ask God to help me to be that voice…

A theologian, religious historian, prophet, pastor, or cult leader I am not, I’m just a bystander watching the major religions and humanist proponents battle over the genuine bridge to divine truth. There seems to be a worldwide traffic jam as to how to proceed; and tempers already are at the level of a boil. Spiritual and intellectual engineers equipped with “holy books” and new solutions seem to be everywhere, complete with convenient sketches, self-serving theories, and varying formulas for people’s salvation. Where is the truth? Where is the solution?

Just as an “X” could have marked the spot in the above example of the boat and the overpass, this bystander suggests that the ✞ (cross) marks the spot for every manner of faith and philosophy. When one honestly visits the ✞, the seemingly complicated dilemma of finding the bridge to the truth turns simple. It is at the cross where one figures, ponders, intellectualizes, ignores, quits, or believes. Either Jesus Christ died for our sins in the most unconditional act of everlasting love and forgiveness or He didn’t. Either He rose from the grave in resurrection power or He didn’t. Either He is God and the Messiah or He isn’t. Either He is the way, the truth, and the life and the only way to the Father in heaven or He isn’t.

To cross a particular bridge in an earthly setting is one thing. To come to the cross declaring that Jesus Christ is the bridge to eternity is entirely another. The heated debate that has come as the result of contending religions and secular movements is undone with the beautiful wisdom of a child. If Jesus Christ is who He says He is, then that makes Him mankind’s simple solution.

So, as the child who stood alongside the “X” at the scene of the boat and the overpass, I stand at the foot of the ✞ — the most troubling yet redeeming spot–and declare to the seekers of truth that Jesus Christ is the answer.

John 14:6; Matt 16:16

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. Eph 1:18

Apostle Paul prayed that God would give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus Christ; that our eyes of understanding would open as dramatically as when our eyes first opened as a baby. His focus was to literally revolutionize our perspective. Although we are all quite unique, perhaps a personal lesson in this truth can benefit you too. Please read on to find out if it does…

Without the need to get into great detail, a trusted friend, gently pointed out that I had a tendency to lament about certain things or events that happened in my past; and doing so was fruitless and not doing me any good. What this person said was obviously true, but more importantly was the opportunity for the Spirit of God to present Himself into the context of Paul’s prayer and our conversation. A stirring within me brought up Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Romans 8:28 – “All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Add Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee,” and Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith Jehovah; thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.”

My understanding, belief, trust and surrender to a previous way of thinking, reflecting, speaking and behaving relative to surveying things of my past suddenly came under the purifying and living laser of God’s Word. If God is the Creator and knew me (and you) before we were even formed, then anything we’ve ever done or had done to us He already knew about. In spite of it, He declares that no matter what we’ve gone through, He is working it for good IF we love Him and surrender to Him and His purpose for our life. Not only that, He is for us…not against us. His thoughts are peaceful toward us; and in Him, our outcome is hopeful.

What then is my (our) lesson? Our faithful God and Father has been with me (and you) all along and way before. His grace and mercy or work in my (our) life is what’s critical and to be continually expected and appreciated. My (Our) unrestrained imagination and critical attitude no longer deserves first or any place in my (our) healthy thought process.

So family and friends, as people we still have a right to our say and how we perceive our past. Loving God and knowing that what He says is truth, however, should settle how we reflect, understand, believe, trust, and surrender in a more comforting and renewing way. As far as our redeeming God is concerned, our past is not beyond His powerful majesty and forgiving and restorative nature. With that established in our creative and positive imagination (eyes of understanding), it helps to make our today as good as it is… AND, with His divine heart, helping hand and hope, His best for us is yet to come!

Phil 3:13-14; Psalm 18:2; Psalm 56:13; Col 1:13; Eph 4:22-25; Rom 12:1-2

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Ps 139: 14

Apostle Paul, credited with writing most of the New Testament, didn’t have it easy. Either shipwrecks, snake bites, horrible beatings, verbal abuse, or torment seemed to be part of his day. Through it all, his persevering attitude was a tremendous example of the words he shared in Philippians 4:11-13: He learned to be content when things were going well or when they were horrible; that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him.

Someone defined character as what you are in the dark or when no one is looking. What about Helen Keller? She literally spent her life in physical darkness. In spite of her blind condition, she was a woman of bold character—one whose legacy will forever shine in our hearts. As we begin our week, let’s consider one of her more incredible and illuminating quotes: “I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”

Helen Keller’s character and realistic expectation can be a glowing model for us this week. Each of us is a “one.” Let’s not refuse to do what we can do!

Fundamentally, and most importantly, let’s also be reminded that the same Christ who strengthened Paul and brought resolve to Helen Keller is alive and well today too. As a Spirit, the only space He’ll take up is in our willing heart. If we are open to be a “one” in Christ, then our week ahead is a challenge just waiting to be overcome.

John 8:12; John 17:21

Know you not that you are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Cor 3:16

An automobile Global Positioning System (GPS) is designed to assist people in navigating more accurately in their travels. An amazing device, it can coordinate destinations with audio directions, provide maps, reroute around traffic congestion, and do all sorts of helpful things such as locate points of interest, fueling stations, hospitals, etc. My wife and I use one and it helps us eliminate time wasted in being confused, frustrated and lost. For us, it’s a good thing.

As with our GPS, there are inner guidelines in life that pack great truth, trustworthiness, and wisdom. These are the ones that help realign our balance and destiny so we can live, and move, and have our being more righteously. In today’s message, may we share what we consider a particular inspiration that qualifies as the premier guideline or inner product.

The ancient text says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matt 5:3) With a new spiritual nature, the Bible says those of us in God’s family can now be led by His Spirit (Rom 8:14). So by faith, and in the most reverential way, let’s call it God’s Positioning Spirit or GPS.

When we’re on the top of the mountain with a perfect view and everything is moving smoothly, we sometimes forget the impending valley. In reality, it’s in the valley where we’ll spend most of our time; the place of misdirection, confusion, challenges and daunting jams. So what about this inner guideline we can access? Brace yourself….the following gem comes from the diary of Matthew Henry, famous author and practical commentator of the Bible back in the early 1700’s.

This is what this man wrote in his diary right after he was mugged: “Let me be thankful first because I was never robbed before; second, although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.”

Conviction strikes as we read his words. If you are anything like me, my natural bent is not to pause to be grateful in all circumstances but to look to get even or retaliate. Only the inner Spiritual influence and dedicated software programming of an ever-loving God can effectively transform our fundamental attitude like He obviously did with Matthew Henry.

May our prayer be that, by God’s grace, we be more righteously positioned to walk in an attitude laced with grateful wisdom, no matter what our circumstances. Lord, help us eliminate wasted time in being angry and/or lost in sin and unforgiveness. Speak to our hearts and help us hear Your guiding, guarding, and governing voice so we can navigate in pleasing You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

May our “journeys” this week be determined by God’s Positioning Spirit. For each of us, that would be more than a good thing… Yes, a God thing!

Psalm 37:23; Col 3:15; Prov 3:5-6; Rom 12:2

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly….Ps 1:1

The Book of Ephesians is so rich that a trusted Pastor friend has called it Spiritual cheese cake! In fact, every time I read any of the chapters, new insights abound. Let’s take a quick look at this book from a practical or coach’s perspective and discover an in-Christ performance formula for personal or team success.

The first chapter declares that we are privileged to become part of the body of Christ, His church, or “team.” In a similar way, a person agrees to take advantage of resources already prepared to become a golfer, archer, or play as a participant in a team sport.

The second chapter talks about being united in the body of Christ. In a similar way, a successful individual or team performer must be united in purpose. Double mindedness or division among the ranks is a sure way of draining energy and spoiling the vital focus to prevail as a winner.

The third chapter declares that the purpose of our being part of Christ’s body and to be united in our connection is to glorify God. The worldly parallel would be for the individual or team (heavyweight fighter, Yankees, Patriots, etc.) to be hailed as boxing’s, baseball’s, or football’s best and be glorified as #1.

The fourth chapter speaks of preparation necessary to do the work of the ministry. This is the first mention of personal responsibility and accountability in becoming Christ-like. In a secular sense, these would be the prerequisites of what it really takes to become a functioning champion of the sporting activity in question.

The fifth chapter focuses on relationships and the guidelines for those to prosper. Inner family truths are outlined as for marriages, parenting, and business associations. In the athletic and world system, people skills and their varying dimensions are always part of the critical journey.

The sixth chapter talks about armoring up or putting on the uniform, as would a bowler or a basketball player appropriately dressing for their event. In the sacred sense, we are to put on Christ to be an overcomer. The helmet of salvation, boots of peace, a shield of faith, belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and the sword of the Spirit make up the uniform. Prayer follows and is mentioned as most vital. This is where the power comes in that by faith the plays are directed by the Coach Above who knows everything.

The significant difference between God’s formula for victory and man’s gleaning of it for secular purposes is in the critical substance and destiny. One is for a goal, a good shot, a trophy, or bragging rights for the here and now. The One that matters is living in Christ and to one day hear God and our Ultimate Coach say, “Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant”; that’s the one that plays on forever!

Jer 29:11; Book of Ephesians