Our Adult Bible Study Fellowship (Sunday School class for some of you) is embarking on a journey through Philippians. This letter from Paul to the congregation at Philippi is one of my favorites. You can read all about the gospel being presented to the residents of Philippi in Acts 16. We have also just finished Galatians and Ephesians. So over the next several weeks I will be diving into the Word of God to share rich truths from these letters. They are called "prison letters" because the Apostle Paul is in jail (actually house arrest) in Rome. So these letters are personal in their presentations.
One of my interests is with individuals who are only mentioned once or maybe 1 or 2 times. One of those is listed here in the letter to the Philippians. His name is Epaphroditus and he is only mentioned in this letter. Even though his name is not real familiar like Moses, David or Peter, he plays an important part in the advancement of the Kingdom. We find that Epaphroditus comes all the way from Philippi to minister to Paul in prison. Then we learn that he travels all the way back to Philippi to take the "Philippian" letter from Paul to the believers.
We learn several things about this man who has no monuments or statutes dedicated to him. Here is how Paul describes him in Philippians chapter 2.
1) Paul calls him a servant, a minister. Paul feels distressed that the Philippians might worry about him when he became sick. (vv. 25-26)
2) He is a risk taker. Paul calls him a fellow warrior. We find that he keeps risking his life for others when most who have taken the easy way and not ventured out from their home city and church. (vv. 25, 30)
3) Epaphroditus is a tire-less worker. It seems that his illness is related to his unending hard work ethic. (vv. 25, 27)
4) Paul calls him a messenger and advices the church in Philippi to give him a hero's welcome. (vv. 25, 29). It seems that Epaphroditus both led and served as became a spokesman for the body of believers at Philippi.
There are tons of Epaphroditus' in our congregations today. They operate behind the scenes. They are content to work hard, serve diligently and give all praise and credit to the Lord Jesus Christ. Every congregation has these wonderful folks who serve. Even though these servants seem to serve in obscurity they fill a vital place in building the kingdom of God. Even though we don't see their names mentioned very often...there is one who knows all and sees all and in His Kingdom, He gives out the rewards and the crowns. He won't forget their service...as He doesn't forget the name of this servant in Philippians...Epaphroditus.
Join us as we study and read through this wonderful "letter of joy" called Philippians. We will find rich nuggets of truth as we study.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Recommend Reading!
There a many books we could share and recommend. However I will put my
stamp on two for you today. One is just out. Max Lucado's new book, "Fearless" is
not only good but NEEDED today. Oh, how we need courage today. Courage to
live the life, courage to stand for truth, and courage to do the right thing.
Second book is by Charles (Chuck) Colson, "The Faith - Given Once, For All"
Jude 3
Here's a little to wet your appetite...
"The challenges of anti-theism and radical Islam could not come at a worse time
for the church, because most Christians do not understand what they believe,
why they believe it, and why it matters. how can a Christianity that is not
understood be practiced? And how can it be presented in its character as peace,
freedom, and joy? How are skeptics to understand Christianity's positive
aspects. Tragically, postmodern culture has been infected and weakened
the Church, particularly in the West."
Both are good. As with all my recommendations, if there is something you don't
agree with, research, pray and as always take the good of the writing.
God bless.
stamp on two for you today. One is just out. Max Lucado's new book, "Fearless" is
not only good but NEEDED today. Oh, how we need courage today. Courage to
live the life, courage to stand for truth, and courage to do the right thing.
Second book is by Charles (Chuck) Colson, "The Faith - Given Once, For All"
Jude 3
Here's a little to wet your appetite...
"The challenges of anti-theism and radical Islam could not come at a worse time
for the church, because most Christians do not understand what they believe,
why they believe it, and why it matters. how can a Christianity that is not
understood be practiced? And how can it be presented in its character as peace,
freedom, and joy? How are skeptics to understand Christianity's positive
aspects. Tragically, postmodern culture has been infected and weakened
the Church, particularly in the West."
Both are good. As with all my recommendations, if there is something you don't
agree with, research, pray and as always take the good of the writing.
God bless.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
What SHOULD the righteous do?
Psalm 11 is a very interesting Psalm. It is a chapter where the Psalmist asked the question in verse 3, “when the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” That definitely is a question that we should be asking in today’s society. When the fundamentals of the home are falling apart? When there are wedges between husbands and wives, parents and children? When the government is accelerating away from our Judeo-Christian principles? When schools are are pushing God’s Word farther and farther away? Even when it seems the church is eroding her principles and compromising the truth. What are we supposed to do as Christians? Should we barricade abortion clinics? Sign petitions? Boycott advertisers? The Psalmist asked the question “what can the righteous do?” Here are several suggestions:
• Live righteously. Someone once said a hypocrite is a person who complains about sex and violence on his VCR. God would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah for just 10 righteous people. The best way to reinforce the foundations of America is for Christians to act and live like Christians.
• Build Godly homes. Do we spend quality time with our mate and children? Do we pray together as a family? Do we study God’s Word together as a family? Are we involved in regular church attendance? Are we touching lives through quality projects that help and assist the less fortunate?
• Trust that God is in charge. Psalm 11:4 says, “The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord is on His heavenly throne.” No matter how helpless the situation seems, it is not hopeless, God is still on the throne. We put our trust in Him not in the crumbling systems of the world.
I John 2:17 says, “the world and its desires pass away, but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” There is a different between the soldier who just reads and manual and one who joins the army. There is a difference between a travel agent and a tour guide.
Ephesians 4:1 Paul says, “Therefore, I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to live a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.”
Let us live and act like the Christians we claim to be. How you think is how you will live. Think and live Jesus Christ.
I am praying for you and your family,
Leonard
• Live righteously. Someone once said a hypocrite is a person who complains about sex and violence on his VCR. God would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah for just 10 righteous people. The best way to reinforce the foundations of America is for Christians to act and live like Christians.
• Build Godly homes. Do we spend quality time with our mate and children? Do we pray together as a family? Do we study God’s Word together as a family? Are we involved in regular church attendance? Are we touching lives through quality projects that help and assist the less fortunate?
• Trust that God is in charge. Psalm 11:4 says, “The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord is on His heavenly throne.” No matter how helpless the situation seems, it is not hopeless, God is still on the throne. We put our trust in Him not in the crumbling systems of the world.
I John 2:17 says, “the world and its desires pass away, but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” There is a different between the soldier who just reads and manual and one who joins the army. There is a difference between a travel agent and a tour guide.
Ephesians 4:1 Paul says, “Therefore, I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to live a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.”
Let us live and act like the Christians we claim to be. How you think is how you will live. Think and live Jesus Christ.
I am praying for you and your family,
Leonard
Friday, July 24, 2009
Spiritual War
The Spiritual Attack
Adapted from David Jeremiah’s
Spiritual Warfare
Satan uses militaristic structure to carry out his war plans against the work of God. Paul calls them “wiles of the devil”. Ephesians 6:11
“Wiles” means “organized conduct”, “plans of war”, “strategy” or “methodology”. I have said for years that we are not in a game of “tiddle winks”, “Play Station” or “Wii”. This is serious stuff. Satan is coming against all who belong to God in a power on slaught of powerful devices with goal of destroying anything and everything that belongs to God.
Paul gave a stout warning to the Corinthian believers about being “ignorant of his devices”.( II Cor. 2:11) Remember in the Old Testament where Satan led Lot into Sodom, drove Abram into Egypt and in the New Testament Satan tricked Peter into denying Christ Jesus. It was Satan who made Ananias and Sapphira lie to the Holy Spirit. It was Satan who even attacked and tempted the Lord Jesus Christ. If Satan is so bold as to attack Jesus, he certainly will not hesitate to attack you and me. Peter says, “be self controlled, be alert, for the enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whomever he can devour.” I Peter 5:8
Remember friends that spiritual warfare is being carried out on Satan’s territory, not ours. This world lies in the power of the evil one, for John wrote, “…and the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” I John 5:19
So, what is Satan trying to do to the Christian world? He has 3 primary goals.
1) He wants to destroy your life, my life and every Christian.
2) He strives to destroy unity, purity and oneness in every family and Christian homes especially.
3) It is his top priority to destroy and work of the body of Christ, the church, by embarrassing it publicly, eroding her ministry, discrediting her leaders and wiping out her finance base.
When Peter describes the work of Satan as a “roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” we are talking serious business. The word for “devour” is the same word translated “drown” in Hebrews 11:29. Satan wants to completely engulf and overwhelm every Christian, every home, and the entire body of Jesus Christ, the church. He wants to drown, to extinguish the fire of my faith, your faith and the church so that there is no influence left. And, he will use every device and deception to his advantage to destroy the bride of Jesus Christ.
So, my friends be alert, be on guard. We must control our minds and our actions and bring them under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and be warriors fighting for our families, for our friends and for the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fight, stand. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. NO compromise. Pray for one another.
Adapted from David Jeremiah’s
Spiritual Warfare
Satan uses militaristic structure to carry out his war plans against the work of God. Paul calls them “wiles of the devil”. Ephesians 6:11
“Wiles” means “organized conduct”, “plans of war”, “strategy” or “methodology”. I have said for years that we are not in a game of “tiddle winks”, “Play Station” or “Wii”. This is serious stuff. Satan is coming against all who belong to God in a power on slaught of powerful devices with goal of destroying anything and everything that belongs to God.
Paul gave a stout warning to the Corinthian believers about being “ignorant of his devices”.( II Cor. 2:11) Remember in the Old Testament where Satan led Lot into Sodom, drove Abram into Egypt and in the New Testament Satan tricked Peter into denying Christ Jesus. It was Satan who made Ananias and Sapphira lie to the Holy Spirit. It was Satan who even attacked and tempted the Lord Jesus Christ. If Satan is so bold as to attack Jesus, he certainly will not hesitate to attack you and me. Peter says, “be self controlled, be alert, for the enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whomever he can devour.” I Peter 5:8
Remember friends that spiritual warfare is being carried out on Satan’s territory, not ours. This world lies in the power of the evil one, for John wrote, “…and the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” I John 5:19
So, what is Satan trying to do to the Christian world? He has 3 primary goals.
1) He wants to destroy your life, my life and every Christian.
2) He strives to destroy unity, purity and oneness in every family and Christian homes especially.
3) It is his top priority to destroy and work of the body of Christ, the church, by embarrassing it publicly, eroding her ministry, discrediting her leaders and wiping out her finance base.
When Peter describes the work of Satan as a “roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” we are talking serious business. The word for “devour” is the same word translated “drown” in Hebrews 11:29. Satan wants to completely engulf and overwhelm every Christian, every home, and the entire body of Jesus Christ, the church. He wants to drown, to extinguish the fire of my faith, your faith and the church so that there is no influence left. And, he will use every device and deception to his advantage to destroy the bride of Jesus Christ.
So, my friends be alert, be on guard. We must control our minds and our actions and bring them under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and be warriors fighting for our families, for our friends and for the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fight, stand. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. NO compromise. Pray for one another.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Go into all the world!
I have been reflecting upon an article that Boyce Mouton wrote many years ago on Matthew 9:38. After meditating a bit on this scripture, I have some comments for YOUR reflection on this verse.
“pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send
forth laborers into his harvest…”
W. E. Vine in his “Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words” list 12 different Greek words all of which translate the word “send”.
In the text, Jesus asked His disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest to “send” forth laborers. He chose to use a form of the Greek word, “ekballo” which means “throw” and “ek” before it signifies “out”. Therefore, we gather the meaning as “to throw out”. Thayer says it signifies “an included notion more or less of violence”.
This is the word the Holy Spirit uses to describe Jesus’ actions in “casting out” the moneychangers in Matthew 21:12; the word used in describing the way that Paul and Barnabas were driven out of Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:50); the way that Sarah wanted Abraham to cast out Hagar (Gal. 4:30); to describe the way that Jesus was “driven” into the wilderness (Mark 1:12); the way that Rahab sent out the spies (James 2:25).
So, you might be asking, ‘what’s all the fuss about in this one word?’ Well, this then is the way that our Lord sometimes “sends” forth laborers into the harvest. He finds us so utterly complacent that it is difficult for Him to get our attention.
If we are honest with ourselves, we must say that body of Christ, the church, is very complacent now days about sharing the gospel and moving into the “fields that are white unto harvest”. The Lord Jesus, therefore, lovingly increases the pressure until He gets our attention. He makes us uncomfortable. He doesn’t share in our complacency. So, He nudges, pushes, shoves until we are so uncomfortable we must act. Ultimately we are apt to find ourselves literally “thrown out” into the harvest.
Do you remember in the book of Acts how the Lord God used this strategy in moving the body of Jesus Christ, the church, out from Jerusalem into the world? In Acts 1, Jesus commanded them to “be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth”. Acts 1:8
So, after about 10 years of the Christians just hanging around Jerusalem, God turned up the pressure. In Acts 7, Stephen is stoned. In Acts 8:1 it says, “a great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem, and all the believers except the apostles fled into Judea and Samaria.” (NLT)
So, if we find ourselves very complacent, satisfied and stagnant, then be ready for some action some, on purpose pressure, from the Lord of the Harvest. He is ready, able and willing to “send” forth laborers into His harvest…WITH PRESSURE AND ON PURPOSE!
I am praying for you.
“pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send
forth laborers into his harvest…”
W. E. Vine in his “Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words” list 12 different Greek words all of which translate the word “send”.
In the text, Jesus asked His disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest to “send” forth laborers. He chose to use a form of the Greek word, “ekballo” which means “throw” and “ek” before it signifies “out”. Therefore, we gather the meaning as “to throw out”. Thayer says it signifies “an included notion more or less of violence”.
This is the word the Holy Spirit uses to describe Jesus’ actions in “casting out” the moneychangers in Matthew 21:12; the word used in describing the way that Paul and Barnabas were driven out of Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:50); the way that Sarah wanted Abraham to cast out Hagar (Gal. 4:30); to describe the way that Jesus was “driven” into the wilderness (Mark 1:12); the way that Rahab sent out the spies (James 2:25).
So, you might be asking, ‘what’s all the fuss about in this one word?’ Well, this then is the way that our Lord sometimes “sends” forth laborers into the harvest. He finds us so utterly complacent that it is difficult for Him to get our attention.
If we are honest with ourselves, we must say that body of Christ, the church, is very complacent now days about sharing the gospel and moving into the “fields that are white unto harvest”. The Lord Jesus, therefore, lovingly increases the pressure until He gets our attention. He makes us uncomfortable. He doesn’t share in our complacency. So, He nudges, pushes, shoves until we are so uncomfortable we must act. Ultimately we are apt to find ourselves literally “thrown out” into the harvest.
Do you remember in the book of Acts how the Lord God used this strategy in moving the body of Jesus Christ, the church, out from Jerusalem into the world? In Acts 1, Jesus commanded them to “be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth”. Acts 1:8
So, after about 10 years of the Christians just hanging around Jerusalem, God turned up the pressure. In Acts 7, Stephen is stoned. In Acts 8:1 it says, “a great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem, and all the believers except the apostles fled into Judea and Samaria.” (NLT)
So, if we find ourselves very complacent, satisfied and stagnant, then be ready for some action some, on purpose pressure, from the Lord of the Harvest. He is ready, able and willing to “send” forth laborers into His harvest…WITH PRESSURE AND ON PURPOSE!
I am praying for you.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Just a lump of clay
This article by Jennifer Heck appeared in the Southeast Christian Church newsletter paper. She visited a pottery shop and writes an analogy of how God relates to each one of us. I was blessed by her observations and pray that her article will bless your life.
“The master potter starts with a slab of hard clay. He throws it down onto a hard surface repeatedly to remove air bubbles and eliminate defects. He then examines the compressed clay as he mixes in softer clay to reduce stiffness and reach a desired consistency. The potter cuts the hunk of clay into pieces, softening one clump with the warmth of his hands. He kneads it as a baker prepares dough, squeezing and rolling it into a ball and weighing the lump for his intended purpose.
The potter then places the clay on the center of the wheel and pours water on top of the round mass as he adjusts the speed of the spinning wheel. He applies pressure with his hands and fingers to the clay reaching down into its heart and expands it from the inside. He adds water frequently to reduce friction, cradles the clay inside both his hands, molding its shape with external and internal forces.
Fashioning his work, the potter observes an emerging shape rising from the wheel. It becomes a bowl, a plate, cup or pitcher as the potter designs it. The clay has no say in the matter. The potter continues until the created piece, whether practical or decorative just right. He then prepares the pottery for the kiln by cutting away excess clay that isn’t needed. He carves into its surface his own signature, smoothing the rough edges and sponging it with more water. He sets it aside to dry under his protective care.
This unique creation is placed, by the potter, inside the oven been heated to 2,300 degrees. He leaves it inside knowing it becomes stronger and more useful the longer it remains in the fire. He then removes his precious pottery from the kiln after shutting off the oven at the designated time. He lets the piece cool for another day, reusing specks of discarded clay. The potter celebrates his finished creation. He delights in the fact that no two pieces are exactly alike, and that the pottery will be used to serve people in ways he planned from the beginning. We can celebrate that God is the Master Potter and we are the work of His hands.”
Isaiah 64:8
“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand”.
I am praying for you and your family,
Just a lump of clay,
Leonard
“The master potter starts with a slab of hard clay. He throws it down onto a hard surface repeatedly to remove air bubbles and eliminate defects. He then examines the compressed clay as he mixes in softer clay to reduce stiffness and reach a desired consistency. The potter cuts the hunk of clay into pieces, softening one clump with the warmth of his hands. He kneads it as a baker prepares dough, squeezing and rolling it into a ball and weighing the lump for his intended purpose.
The potter then places the clay on the center of the wheel and pours water on top of the round mass as he adjusts the speed of the spinning wheel. He applies pressure with his hands and fingers to the clay reaching down into its heart and expands it from the inside. He adds water frequently to reduce friction, cradles the clay inside both his hands, molding its shape with external and internal forces.
Fashioning his work, the potter observes an emerging shape rising from the wheel. It becomes a bowl, a plate, cup or pitcher as the potter designs it. The clay has no say in the matter. The potter continues until the created piece, whether practical or decorative just right. He then prepares the pottery for the kiln by cutting away excess clay that isn’t needed. He carves into its surface his own signature, smoothing the rough edges and sponging it with more water. He sets it aside to dry under his protective care.
This unique creation is placed, by the potter, inside the oven been heated to 2,300 degrees. He leaves it inside knowing it becomes stronger and more useful the longer it remains in the fire. He then removes his precious pottery from the kiln after shutting off the oven at the designated time. He lets the piece cool for another day, reusing specks of discarded clay. The potter celebrates his finished creation. He delights in the fact that no two pieces are exactly alike, and that the pottery will be used to serve people in ways he planned from the beginning. We can celebrate that God is the Master Potter and we are the work of His hands.”
Isaiah 64:8
“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand”.
I am praying for you and your family,
Just a lump of clay,
Leonard
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The Room
The Room
The following REALLY blessed my life and of course gave me great cause to really think about my life and what Jesus has done for me. I am praying that it blesses your life also. It was written by speaker and author Joshua Harris and is in his book, “I Kissed Dating Goodbye”. He says it was something he put on paper in Puerto Rico for the 1995 Billy Graham Crusade and it was published in Graham’s magazine the same year. As you read I pray as Joshua Harris does, that you will hear the message in the story.
“In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in the libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files stretched from floor to ceiling and seemed endless. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read, “Girls I have liked”. I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were the actions of my every moment, big and small. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and others a sense of shame. I looked over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. One file was “Friends” and another was “Friends I have betrayed.” Then came “Books I have Read”, “Lies I have told”, “Comfort I have given”, “Jokes I laughed at”. Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve Yelled at my brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I have done in Anger”, “Things I have muttered under my breath at my parents”. Often there were many more cards than I had expected. Sometimes fewer than I had hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed by my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked “TV shows I have watched”, the cards were packed tightly. Yet, after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed by the vast time I knew the file represented. No one much ever see these cards! I have to destroy them. In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. The size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. I was defeated and utterly helpless, and then I saw it. The title was “People I have Shared the Gospel With”.
The handle was almost unused. I pulled out a small box not more than 3 inches long. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then, the tears came. Sobs were so deep that they hurt. I fell on my knees and cried out of shame. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw HIM. No, please not Him. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally, He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said many things. But, He didn’t say a word. Hey he got up and walked back to the files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. Then I remembered the true meaning of salvation. He was wounded for my transgressions.”
Thanks to Boyce Mouton, Carl Junction, MO for printing this in his church newsletter.
The following REALLY blessed my life and of course gave me great cause to really think about my life and what Jesus has done for me. I am praying that it blesses your life also. It was written by speaker and author Joshua Harris and is in his book, “I Kissed Dating Goodbye”. He says it was something he put on paper in Puerto Rico for the 1995 Billy Graham Crusade and it was published in Graham’s magazine the same year. As you read I pray as Joshua Harris does, that you will hear the message in the story.
“In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in the libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files stretched from floor to ceiling and seemed endless. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read, “Girls I have liked”. I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were the actions of my every moment, big and small. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and others a sense of shame. I looked over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. One file was “Friends” and another was “Friends I have betrayed.” Then came “Books I have Read”, “Lies I have told”, “Comfort I have given”, “Jokes I laughed at”. Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve Yelled at my brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I have done in Anger”, “Things I have muttered under my breath at my parents”. Often there were many more cards than I had expected. Sometimes fewer than I had hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed by my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked “TV shows I have watched”, the cards were packed tightly. Yet, after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed by the vast time I knew the file represented. No one much ever see these cards! I have to destroy them. In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. The size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. I was defeated and utterly helpless, and then I saw it. The title was “People I have Shared the Gospel With”.
The handle was almost unused. I pulled out a small box not more than 3 inches long. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then, the tears came. Sobs were so deep that they hurt. I fell on my knees and cried out of shame. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw HIM. No, please not Him. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally, He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said many things. But, He didn’t say a word. Hey he got up and walked back to the files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. Then I remembered the true meaning of salvation. He was wounded for my transgressions.”
Thanks to Boyce Mouton, Carl Junction, MO for printing this in his church newsletter.
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