Why Isn't America Marveling At Him? (And What We Must Do About It)

Yesterday's landmark Supreme Court decision has far-reaching ramifications for American Christians. While the nation's pundits and "experts" argue about health care and taxes, the true impact of yesterday's ruling goes largely unnoticed.

Justice John Roberts, in the majority opinion, affirmed that Congress cannot mandate behavior. However, Congress can use its taxing power to regulate behavior in any way it chooses.

Whether you follow politics or not, this should alarm every Christian.

In a society that's growing more hostile to biblical Christianity every day, the Supreme Court has ruled that Congress has the power to force U.S. citizens to do (or not do) certain things.

Why does this matter?

Your Pastor has the right to speak out against abortion, right? We have freedom of speech, and no one can take that away from you. But they can say, "You want to speak out against abortion? Go ahead. But we're going to tax your church 100%." Now what, Christian?

You need to be prepared. Real persecution of Christians in America is right around the corner. We could experience the types of horror going on all over the globe - in your lifetime.

Perhaps even before your next birthday.

Are you ready for that kind of battle?

How We Must Respond

1. Look in the mirror.

Christians must realize that much of our nation's moral decline is our fault. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men."

Our Pastors give Sunday morning pep talks in front of thousands in a football stadium instead of discipling a flock with God's Word. Christians get "slain," bark like dogs, and seek after the next sign at a faith healer's conference instead of taking God at His Word. God wants us to seek Him, be continually filled by His Spirit and be satisfied in Him.

When we do, we'll preserve the morality of our nation like salt preserves meat. We'll make the world around us thirsty for Jesus like salt produces thirst. Why would anyone want what we have? Our divorce rate is higher than nonchristians. We bicker and fight worse than nonchristians. We act more prideful than nonchristians. We are bland in America. But at least we make a lot of noise.

It's time to look in the mirror, get into our bibles, and allow God's Spirit to reveal Jesus Christ to our hearts. Only God can restore the saltiness to America, and it's only going to happen when individuals truly lay their lives aside and decide Jesus is all they need.

A time is coming, very soon, where it's really going to cost something to be a Christian in America. Will the cares of this world choke you out, or will you stand?

2. Preach the Gospel.

When each one of us decides we're tired of playing church, and that Jesus is all we need, we'll want to share what we have. And only the Gospel holds the power to affect any change in America. So it's time to make our choice. How's the music at church? How's the fellowship? Getting goose bumps at the latest conference? Read any good books about how to have your best life now?

Is that what Christianity is about? Singing songs about how much we love Jesus while most of America perishes, forever? Having our best life now instead of being fully satisfied by the bread of life? If we care about the people around us, we'll seek to save them from the oncoming train that's racing toward them, before it's too late. The power of that life-giving message is America's only hope.

3. Pray for your leaders.

Most of all, pray for them to make wise decisions. That we'll live in peace to worship freely and freely tell others about Christ. Soon, you won't even recognize America. Make sure you have your faith in Jesus Christ when every institution America holds dear comes crashing down around us.

4. Respond like Jesus.

How would Jesus respond to an out of control government, seeking to limit liberty while levying unfair taxes?

Thankfully, we don't have to wonder. All we have to do is roll the tape.

"Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. When they had come, they said to Him, 'Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?'

But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, 'Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.' So they brought it.

And He said to them, 'Whose image and inscription is this?' They said to Him, 'Caesar’s.'

And Jesus answered and said to them, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.'

And they marveled at Him."

(Mark 12:13-17)

Christian, Jesus lives in you. Right? The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead empowers you right now, in this moment. Right? Then why isn't this nation marveling at Him?

When the people of this nation see Jesus, they'll marvel. They'll thirst. And they'll drink from the living water that satisfies. They'll experience the forgiveness that cleanses their soul, and the new birth that replaces a wicked heart with one that reflects the love of Jesus.

They'll be like Him, and the moral character of this nation will be restored. Only then will this nation turn around.

And they'll only see Jesus through you and me.

Or will they?

Lord, Where's That "Refreshment" You Promised?

Ever struggle during prayer, not knowing what to say or even what to talk about? The bible promises that when you become a Christian, times of refreshing will come from the presence of the Lord (see Acts 3:19). If that's true, then why is prayer so hard sometimes?

Why does prayer feel so awkward, like I'm talking with a stranger I've never met? It's like I'm at an uncomfortable dinner party, looking for any excuse to leave. "Oh! Would you look at the time? I've got to run."

So my prayer turns into something like this: "Well, Lord, um...well, you know...I ... well....thanks for um, like the cross and stuff, and well, um.... Betty's sick so Lord, please bless her Father, and um, you know the light bill's due. Please help us with the bills Lord. And um, well, I gotta go. Because, well, the boys are fighting and all. Lord, please help them shut up. In Jesus' name Amen."

Whew. Prayer? Check. What's next on my to-do list?

It doesn't have to be that way.

You've probably heard a thousand sermons about how to pray. So have I. How's that great advice working out? For me, not so good. Too often, I struggle to put some "formula" into practice that's going to energize my conversations with the Lord.

But I was wondering: What does God want from our prayers? What does He get out of it?

Does He want us to ask for spiritual blessings? The bible says you and I already have every spiritual blessing (Eph 1:3). So why would I ask for something I already have? No wonder it feels awkward when I pray for spiritual blessings.

Should I ask God for what I need? Well, the bible says He already knows these things (Mat 6:8). No wonder it feels awkward to list all my needs, as if I'm informing Him of stuff He doesn't know. He's already on the case, meeting every need. Even the things I don't know I need. He's got that covered, too.

Before my wife goes grocery shopping, she always asks: "Is there anything you need from the store?" "Yes, honey. I need (fill in whatever junk foods I happen to "need" that day)."

That's what my prayer turns into sometimes. "Lord, I just want to let you know, while you're making plans for tomorrow, that I need you to do these small errands for me. If it's your will, of course. Thanks!"

Does He want us to ask? Sure. But not like someone who's bringing these things to His attention. I tell my wife things that I'm struggling with. I ask her questions. I listen to her perspective (or at least pretend to). That's how our conversations work. And - except for the pretending part - that's how God wants our conversations to work, too.

What does He want? All He wants from our prayer is to walk with Him in the cool of the day. Like Adam and Eve did before their sin and rebellion wrecked it all (Gen 3:8-9). Jesus died on the cross to restore that opportunity. Now, through Jesus, we can once again walk with God in the cool of the day. And that's all prayer is. No more, no less.

So, how can you do that?

First, when you read the Bible, seek above all else to know who God is. Don't go to the Bible to learn what rules to follow. Go to learn who Jesus is. When you see Him, you'll be like Him (1 John 3:2-3).

The stuff you think you "should" be learning how to do will come naturally to you as you fall deeper in love with Him. And you'll only fall deeper in love with Him as He reveals Himself to you in His Word.

Seek to know Him through the pages of His Word. Make that your only goal of Bible study. You'll love Him more, absorb more of what you read, and experience the times of refreshing God promised you.

Second, pause for a few seconds before you pray. Reflect on who God is (see Psalm 46:10). Think about what you're learning about who God is in relation to your situation:

• He's the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3).
• He's the God who understands what you're going through (Hebrews 4:15).
• He's the God who provides (Gen 22:14).
• He's the God who says again and again, "Be strong and very courageous!" (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9)
• He's the God who says, "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Heb 13:5; Deut 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5).

Who do you need? Reflect on His character as it relates to your situation, and breathe life into your conversations with the Lord.

Finally, ask God to help you if it's hard for you. Don't be ashamed. Guess what? He knows it's hard for you. Nothing is hidden from His eyes. Just get it all out on the table. If you ask anything according to His will, its a done deal. (1 John 5:14-15) You can walk away this instant, knowing God will revitalize your prayer life and your relationship with Him. You have His Word on it.

The question is: will I take my own advice?

I Have Some Good News and Some Bad News

Which do you want first?

Every time someone asks me this, I always want the bad news first. The good news takes away the bitter taste of the bad news. Well, I've got some bad news, and it might not be easy to swallow. But the good news will leave a sweet taste in your mouth. So let's get the bad news out of the way first, ok?

The Bad News

You're not the person you think you are.

Reading the bible is fun - especially the exciting adventures of God's heroes. It's exhilarating to imagine ourselves as David, mighty in faith, slaying the big bad Goliath with nothing but a slingshot and a tiny pebble. Or to place ourselves in the lion's den like Daniel, as morning comes and we emerge triumphant over impossible odds. Like Joshua, we look at the giant obstacles before us and proceed with total confidence. God has given us the victory! So what if they're tall and mighty? I believe that we will win! Who's with me? Let's do this!

The sad reality is that you're not that person at all. That's why the bible is hard to understand sometimes. You're not Peter at Pentecost. You're not unwavering Paul.

I hate to break it to you, but you're the one in the story that gets it wrong.

You're an Israelite, cowering in fear at the reports of the giant obstacles ahead. You hear, "Come on! God will give us the victory!" But you look at those giants, and know that defeat is imminent. You wander and make excuses. You clam up and waste years - maybe decades - wandering in a wilderness of defeat.

You're just like Jonah. You have your own plans. You see the world your way. You ask God to bless your plans, instead of seeking His way. When He asks you to do things you don't like, you run in the opposite direction. You're the captain of your own ship. When you finally realize that God will accomplish what He wants, you grudgingly, reluctantly "obey." But your heart continues to taint your perspective and color your world in dark shades. Ominous clouds surround your view. You do what God says, but you don't really "mean it."

You're just like Gideon. Having heard from God, you continually request "proof" because you really don't believe. You're scared to trust God. It's easier to trust "signs." You wait for God to "open a door" or seek "confirmation" of His will, even though you know He's clearly spoken to your heart.

When you read the bible, imagine that you're the goat of the story. You're not the mighty victor; you're the one who gets it wrong. You fail. You fall. You strike the rock when God says to speak to it. You ask for a fleece, and then another, instead of believing God's Word. You're not Joshua; you're the naysayer. You're not David; you're the scared, faithless onlookers.

So What's the Good News?

When you read the bible like this, the bible will come alive in a whole new way for you. Your spiritual pride will melt into humble gratitude. When Peter says something dumb, you'll no longer think, "Boy, that Peter's really an idiot!" Instead, you'll hear the Holy Spirit whispering to you, "See? That's you. Right there."

The result? You'll love Jesus more. You'll appreciate His sacrifice that much more. You'll cut the people in your life some slack, because you'll see yourself in truth instead of a prideful mirage.

Try it today. Pick up your bible, and read one of your favorite stories. But don't imagine being the hero this time. Instead, imagine that you're the bonehead. See if you don't see things in a whole new light.

To All Whose Mother's Day Is Hard

Mother's Day provides us with a tremendous opportunity to thank all the moms who mean so much to us in a special way. It's a celebration that often has a flip side that I hardly ever see mentioned, and that's sad. I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and I wanted to compose this post before I got too tired to make heads or tails of the thoughts running through my head.

But through all the well-wishes, thank-you's, and proud pronouncements wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day, it doesn't seem like the people who hurt most at Mother's Day get any mention or attention.

There are women all around us who struggle every day, because they can't have children. My family experienced that heartache day after day, month after month for a long time before God blessed us with our first child. Some are experiencing that frustration today. How hard it must be for those ladies to watch as everyone celebrates the very thing that keeps her so heartbroken day in and day out.

Or the moms who have difficult children. Who love their children dearly, but suffer daily through major challenges, doubts and depression at the journey they must travel.

Or the moms who have children who are older, and they see their children living contrary to everything they were taught. How helpless, alone and hopeless some of those times must be.

But everywhere, I see Happy Mother's Day cards, hugs, and thank you's. As a church, we should be reaching out and seeking those who hurt deeply because of this day. We must be sensitive to realize that for every mom who deserves this day to celebrate who she is and her contribution to our lives, there's a woman who aches deeply because it's Mother's Day, and she feels like doing anything but celebrating.

Who's going to comfort those who hurt? Thankfully, the God of all comfort will never let you down. To all ladies, whether you're a mom or not, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in whatever situation you're in.

And remember that your worth isn't found in being a mom, or not being a mom. It's not found in being the perfect parent. It's not found in the lives your kids live now or after they're grown. Your worth is found in Jesus Christ. And please know that the "Happy Mothers" may get all the press, but you, too, are not forgotten today.

Are You Awake? Are You Sure?

Sometimes, only the aroma of a strong, fresh, piping hot mug of coffee wakes me up. Sometimes, it's the sound of laughter, or screaming boys that should've stayed in bed longer.

What about you? What wakes you up? The piercing sound of an alarm clock? Or maybe you've tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep at all.

What about spiritually? What does it take to wake you up, spiritually? What does that even mean?

The center of a Christian's spiritual universe is the Gospel. Jesus died for our sins, rose from the dead, and makes forgiveness available to all who repent and trust in Him. A clear conscience. Eternal life. What could be better than that? If you had the choice between a million dollars and forgiveness of sins, which would you choose? A lifetime of financial security, or Jesus?

Jared Wilson, in his book Gospel Wakefulness, offers you and me a spiritual wake-up call. He says that we may not be living in the center of the Gospel like we think we are. We say we're spiritual, play the part, and go through the motions of this "Christianity" stuff. But our lives may not be as Gospel-centered as they could be. Could he be right?

Wilson gives us 11 statements that help us determine for ourselves whether we're truly awakened to the Gospel or not. Could you really not be as Gospel-centered as you think you are?

How many of these statements are true of you?

1. The Gospel doesn't interest you that much, or other subjects (end times, for example) interest you more.

2. You take nearly everything personally.

3. You frequently worry about what other people think.

4. You treat inconveniences like minor or major tragedies.

5. You're impatient with people.

6. In general, you have trouble seeing the fruit of the Spirit in your life. (Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, patience, and self-control).

7. The Word of God holds little interest.

8. You have great difficulty forgiving. You harbor a grudge.

9. You are told frequently by a spouse, family member or close friend that you are too clingy or too controlling.

10. You think someone besides yourself is the worst sinner you know.

11. The idea of Gospel Centrality makes no sense to you.

How'd you do? When I look at myself in the mirror in the morning, I realize how much damage my appearance has suffered from the night's "rest." As I look at my heart through this list tonight, I must admit that I look a lot like that man in the mirror.

How about you?

So, what can we do about this condition, then? We do this, every single day.

Can You Do This, Too?

I'm Just Like You

I never want to set myself up as a hero. I'm proud of my Savior, who died for me and rose from the grave. I'm thankful to Him for all He has done and continues to do daily in my life. I want to share that message that brings hope, life and peace to wilted, dying hearts. 

But the truth is, despite the fishing stories you see on this blog, I'm a big fat chicken when it comes to evangelism. I kid that I know God has gifted me to evangelize because I'm an introvert who hates starting conversations with strangers - especially controversial ones. That way, I know any fruit that comes from me sharing the Gospel gets credited to God.

But I chicken out. All the time. The reason I started this blog was to encourage weak-kneed, feeble, chicken Christians like me to share the Gospel. 

You Can Do This, Too!

I want everyone reading this blog to know that God has given you everything you need to share the Gospel. If you're scared, that's perfect. If you don't know what to say, that's perfect, too. That will drive you to your knees and to the bible. And that's when your conversations will have eternal impact - when God works through you instead of you trying to do it on your own.

It's the Spirit of God that gives you power, wisdom and courage. All you have to do is ask, and continue asking. 

Listen, I wimp out way more often than I obey the Spirit's tugging on my heart to start these conversations. But I want you to know that you can be bold for Jesus and share the Gospel - even with strangers - if you'll pray and believe that God will fill you with the wisdom and courage you need. It's not that I have to share my faith. I want to, because I have words of life that everyone needs. I want people to experience life the way I experience it. People search all their lives for meaning and purpose. I know why I was created. I don't have to waste my life searching. Neither does anyone else, if they'll believe the good news I have to share and place their trust in Christ. In an instant, everything changes. That's what I want to see. That's what you want to see, too, or you wouldn't be reading this. But how?

The Chicken Little Guide to Evangelism

Here's how I started, and how you can start, too. 

First, I studied people who actually evangelize. You can download a million sermons on evangelism, from pastors and preachers who don't regularly share the Gospel. 

But let me ask you a question: if you wanted to make a million dollars, would you ask your Uncle Buddy (who's always broke) how it's done? Of course not. Stop listening to anyone who isn't doing what you're after. 

Search Youtube for guys like Mark Cahill, Ray Comfort and Todd Friel. I learned a lot by watching conversations these guys had with unbelievers. Apologetics strengthens your faith, but you can't spend 30 minutes explaining creation to a person in a one-on-one conversation that lasts 5 minutes. You'll get sidetracked and never get to the Gospel. How do you stay on track? Watch how these guys do it, and learn from them. 

Second, start small. Grab some well-written, creative tracts. I get mine from Living Waters. I use the "World's Best Optical Illusions" one the most. Why? Because I can say, "Did you get one of these?" and get away quickly before they realize it's a Gospel tract! See? Told you I was chicken.

When you hand them a tract, say "Did you get one of these?" That stirs up curiosity in many folks. They wonder what they're missing out on. Try it!

For a week, commit to carrying tracts with you every time you leave the house. Set a goal to give one tract away per day. Before long, it will come easily to you.

Third, practice conversations in internet chat rooms. If you make a mistake and look foolish, who cares? You'll quickly learn what you don't know, in a safe training ground where the pressure's off. You'll go to your bible and find out that answers exist for all of these stupid questions fools (atheists) will throw out at you. You'll also see that some questions are genuine, and learn to navigate the conversation back to the Gospel gently and lovingly through practice.

Finally, if you can, find a friend that wants to evangelize with you. I'm so thankful for my fishing buddy. he helped me get my feet wet. He was my bodyguard when I did stupid things that got us into trouble (okay, I made that part up). But you'll be a lot more fired up when you evangelize in twos. I think the main reason Jesus sent His disciples out in twos was so they could build each other up and stir each other up. When you get discouraged, your buddy will be right there to push you forward. Try it and notice the difference.

Not everyone is called to be an evangelist, but every Christian is called to evangelize. Equip yourself through prayer and bible study, learn from the conversations of others, prepare through always carrying Gospel tracts, and find a buddy. Above all, know that you can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you. Start sharing your faith, and I promise you that your walk will never be the same again.

Oh, and one bonus tip: worried about not having all the answers? I've found that one of the most effective answers I can give in a witnessing conversation is "I don't know." People respect you more when they realize that you're just like them. You don't have to know all the answers. "I don't know. Can I find out and get back to you?" Grab their email or something. Easy peasy. They'll be more likely to listen to the rest of what you have to say when you show them you don't know it all. 

Can I ask you a favor? If this blog is an encouragement to you, would you please tell a friend to check it out?  I want to encourage as many people as I can through these words. 

What do you struggle with when sharing your faith? Please let me know in the comments. 

The Most Important Blog Post You'll Read This Year

Every day, I see Christians trying so hard. I hear people talking about the heavy load they carry, and how they need more faith to trust the Lord with these heavy weights. It's obviously God's will to struggle through life, it seems. But didn't Jesus say that his yoke is light?

There's a missing ingredient that I've found. hidden right under my nose. After years of trying to lift this heavy burden of "Christianity," whatever that means, I believe I've found the one secret to a successful, fulfilling, joyous Christian existence, no matter what's going on in my circumstances. Once you grab onto this secret with all of your might, and refuse to let go, I believe you may be shocked at how much simpler this whole "Christianity" thing becomes.

Can it really be that simple? One thing that makes this whole walk smooth? I've found it to be true in my own life. Lighten the load, with one simple, singular focus. Feel the peace that surpasses understanding and get on with living life the way God truly wants you to live it.

We are at war. But that doesn't mean you have to be constantly struggling, moment by moment, in a never-ending tug of war with yourself that you feel you can never win. Give yourself a break already.

And once you really embrace this one simple understanding, you'll be in a better position to lighten the load others carry. Instead of well-meaning advice that often falls on deaf ears, provide your loved ones with words that genuinely bring comfort and restoration to their souls when times are at their toughest.

Ignore this truth, and the people around you will feel it. You'll project your struggles onto everyone around you. Even with the best of intentions, you'll sabotage relationships, cause unnecessary tension and turn hopefulness into heartache.

Christianity was never supposed to be a frustrating experience of fits and starts, where you take 2 steps forward and 3 steps back. Where you feel close to God one day and so far from him the next. Where you wrangle and hustle and struggle, only to find yourself falling short and feeling tired.

The bible says that if we take hold of this simple truth, then times of refreshing will come from the Lord. I don't know about you, but I could use some refreshing from the Lord.

What is the lone truth you need to guide you to the refreshing experience of Christianity that the bible promises? The Gospel.

You say, "I already know the Gospel." Are you sure?

What is the Gospel? Take a few minutes and really think about it. First, take a few moments to really meditate on your sinfulness. No, this isn't a guilt trip. I mean really think about how God sees every thought. Every cross word. Every time I've lost my temper or acted selfishly. Every time I dishonored Him. How many times have I done that today? 10? 50? It's true that I'm desperately wicked. I choose iniquity. In fact, I drink it up like water. How about you?

Now, how sweet is the cross, in light of all of that? Even though that's who you are, in truth, God demonstrated His love for you on that brutal, bloody cross. He did that for you. He created this whole world. Everything you see. He owns it. You've cursed Him with your thoughts and with your actions, but look how much He loves you anyway.

Doesn't that make you want to worship Him? Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me? How amazing is God's love for us!

Take a few moments to bask in this truth, and everything seems a little different, doesn't it? But here's the thing: you've got to do this every day. You've got to put aside everything else and meditate on the Gospel every day. Otherwise, Christianity (and life, for that matter) will just become a heavy burden. There's only one way it'll be different: meditating on the Gospel every day.

Know what else? How you think of others will change when you do this, too. You'll start seeing people as God sees them. You'll stop (consciously or unconsciously) trying to "punish" others, because they've already been punished. When you want to fight, you'll take your fight to the foot of the cross, look up and suddenly break into worship.

When things are hard, you'll take that to the cross and realize that you've gotten far less than you deserve, and far more than you deserve. Your circumstances will cause you to worship God. You'll experience the times of refreshing your soul desperately longs to taste.

You say, "Don't all Christians already know the Gospel?" Paul seemed to think he needed to remind Christians of the Gospel constantly. Read through his letters. He's constantly preaching the Gospel - to born again believers. Why? Because we constantly need to meditate on the truth of the Gospel.

Because we are at war. And much of this war is fought in your mind. The only antidote is reminding ourselves that Christ died for us. That He was, and we are, resurrected to a new life because our God is rich in mercy and grace and love toward us.

Every day, we need the manna of the reminder of how much God loves us and demonstrated that love. Yes, it's good to read your bible, pray, go to church and tell others about Christ. But the most essential part of this whole journey is constantly spending time meditating on who you are, and who Jesus is, and what He has done because He is so merciful.

If you think this is too simplistic, I challenge you to pray this through. For the next week, take just 10 minutes, close your eyes and really stop to think about your sinfulness. Who you are in truth. The thoughts no one sees. Think about the brutality of the cross. The blood He shed for you. The anguish. A pain we can never even begin to understand. Yet he cried out, "Father, forgive them." He cried out, "It is finished."

After a week, I promise you that your burdens won't be so heavy and your heart will worship Him more and more. God invites you to walk with Him in the cool of the day, like Adam and Eve once did. This is how. Will you walk with Him today, meditate on the Gospel, and experience the time of refreshing He longs to have with you?