Manufacturer Recall

This is different. It was sent to me by Robert Loden and is worth passing on.

RECALL NOTICE:

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion


The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.

The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is:
P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.

Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!

GOD

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!

Because He Lives

One Step Away from Failure

“Love the Lord, all his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:23-24 NIV).

“Love God, all you saints; God takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone. Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.” (Psalm 31:23-24 MSG).

Strange that saints would have to be reminded to love the Lord isn’t it? Jeremiah reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV). That is the heart that beats in everyone of Adam’s fallen race. It beats in my breast and it beats in yours. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NKJV).

Every so often someone will come into my office devastated. They’ll sob, “I try so hard, but I just can’t do it! I’m unworthy of God’s forgiveness.” To which I’ll respond. “That’s right.” The shock is immediate (as it may have been for some of you who read those words). Then I’ll explain, “We are all unworthy, that’s why we need Christ and that’s why it’s called grace (unmerited favor). We’re all in that boat! I use to try to argue with the devil when he would fill my mind with such thoughts. I never won. Now, the minute that thought enters my mind, I simply say, ‘Yes, that’s right. That’s why I need Christ.’ And I promise you, that battle is over.”

All of that to remind those of us who are believers never to forget that we are who we are not because of who we are but because of who He is and what He did! Everyone of us is one step away from spiritual failure, that is why we have to be reminded over and over again to love the Lord. I make my living proclaiming His grace and glory, yet even I have to be reminded daily that I need to love the Lord personally; I need to love Him just as much in private as I do in public. That is a battle all believers face, and the minute we forget that, we are doomed for spiritual disaster. The minute we think we are something is the minute of our spiritual demise! “God takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone.”

When God Seems Absent

“In my alarm I said, ‘I am cut off from your sight!’ Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.” (Psalm 31:22 NIV).

Difficulties come, troubles arise, and even God’s most faithful saints succumb to fear and panic. You are not alone. In His darkest hour even the sinless Son of God cried out, “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). So if you find yourself in a period of darkness and doubt, take heart, you are in good company!

Blameless and upright Job (Job 1:1) of whom even God said, “There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Job 1:8 NIV), even this man laments, “ Then Job replied: ‘Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning. If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! . . . But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.’” (Job 23:1-3; 8-9 NIV). I think at some time in our Christian lives, most of us are familiar with such feelings. Job however goes on to remind us of an important theological truth: “ But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10 NIV). We don’t have to always see where God is or understand how He is leading, but we do need to remember that even when we lose sight of Him, He never loses sight of us! He hears our cries and dispatches mercy!

What is it that you struggle with today? What fear? What insecurity? What problem? God knows all about it and you can be sure that He who rules the universe is at work both for your good and His glory. Trust Him. Surrender to Him.

God is Good--All the Time!

“How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. 20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.” (Psalm 31:19-20 NIV)

“What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, Ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world. 20 You hide them safely away from the opposition. As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces, you silence the poisonous gossip.” (Psalm 31:19-20 MSG).

In the early fall of 2004 the Gateway Praise Team and I ministered in Trinidad. We had a wonderful time. One of the things our host churches proclaimed over and over again was these words: (Pastor): “God is good!” (People responded): “All the time.”

Those words would never be more powerful or affect me in a greater way then when one of our team members, Kim Garvey, uttered them from her hospital bed. Kim almost did not come on the trip. She had been ill, fighting what she thought was a serious sinus infection. She came a day late, ministered powerfully and faithfully (although we knew she did not feel well), and at the end of our tour, she became very ill and had to be rushed to a local hospital.

Out of respect for her (I did seek permission for this thought) and HIPPA rules, I will not go into any of the details of her illness, but I will say that she was in serious medical trouble. After transferring from the public hospital to a private one near where we were staying, she looked up at us and said, “God is good.” Then she shared how her illness had given her opportunities to witness for Him.

God is good. Even in our difficulties God is good, and if we will run to Him we can experience that goodness. He is a wonderful shelter for those who seek refuge in Him.

When Lies are Told

“ I have heard many insults. Terror is all around me. They make plans against me and want to kill me. Lord, I trust you. I have said, ‘You are my God.’ My life is in your hands. Save me from my enemies and from those who are chasing me. Show your kindness to me, your servant. Save me because of your love. Lord, I called to you, so do not let me be disgraced. Let the wicked be disgraced and lie silent in the grave. With pride and hatred they speak against those who do right. So silence their lying lips.” (Psalm 31:13-18 NCV).

David is in trouble. But the trouble he is in does not appear to be military trouble but personal trouble–rumors are being spread about him, lies are being told, and, as you read this chapter you discover that those lies have separated him from friends and family. Slander will do that. People may not really believe what they hear, but well, let’s just say they have their questions; their doubts, and so they distance themselves just to stay above the fray. Never do they stop to realize the isolation--the horrible feeling of aloneness; abandonment–that the victim, their “friend” is undergoing. David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, marvelously catches and verbalizes what such experiences are like.

We don’t know the circumstances of this particular Psalm. Experience leads me to believe that there was some kernel of truth in the cornfield of lies. That’s the way it usually is. I feel for David. As a pastor I know what it is to suffer when someone gets upset and begins to spread lies. The desire to defend myself is there, but the knowledge that to do so would require me to divulge confidential information prevents it. Over my years of ministry I am convinced that those who spread the lies count on such integrity.

I recall one such incident where I was in deep trouble because of the lies of one individual. I called a meeting of my leaders to deal with the problem, and this individual proceeded to attack me in front of them all. The scary thing for me is that I could tell they believed the individual!

Now I had dealt with the craftiness and deceit of this particular individual before and been harmed by it. This particular time I asked my source if I could use her name if it became necessary. She graciously granted her permission. After a tirade of thirty minutes or so when it was obvious that the individual had succeeded in swaying my leaders to their side, the individual smugly smirked, “If what you were saying were true, you’d be able to give me the name of your source.” The thrill of victory was evident on the individual’s face. I was done for. There was no way I could break such a confidence and undermine this individual’s story.

However, with the sources permission, I simply gave her name. The thrill of victory look quickly gave way to an agony of defeat expression, not only on the face of the individual but also on the faces of my leaders. The individual stammered, “She wasn’t suppose to tell you.”

That was an unusual occurrence. Normally I have to accept the criticism in silence because of confidentiality. I know that there have been times when my reputation and ministry has been damaged because of this. I identify with David. I am grateful that at such times I can run to God. He knows all the facts and there is tremendous comfort knowing that “my life is in (His) hands.” (v. 15a).

Do you have that confidence today? Perhaps you are stinging from the hateful stories of jealous co-workers or former friends. The stories have you jumpy; uneasy–anxious. Take it to the Lord. He understands, He cares and He has your life in His almighty hands.

Some of the best advice I’ve ever received comes from an unknown source who wrote, “When men speak ill of thee, live so no one will believe them.”

God's Mercy vs. Men's Demands

“O Lord, have mercy on me in my anguish. My eyes are red from weeping; my health is broken from sorrow. I am pining away with grief; my years are shortened, drained away because of sadness. My sins have sapped my strength; I stoop with sorrow and with shame. I am scorned by all my enemies and even more by my neighbors and friends. They dread meeting me and look the other way when I go by. I am forgotten like a dead man, like a broken and discarded pot. I heard the lies about me, the slanders of my enemies. Everywhere I looked I was afraid, for they were plotting against my life.” (Psalm 31:9-13 TLB).

We stated at the beginning of our study in this particular Psalm that the thing that makes this Psalm interesting is David’s plea for deliverance here is not from the foxhole but from the palace; the enemies he fears are not military generals but malicious gossips. How do we know that? Look again at verse 13, “I heard the lies about me, the slanders of my enemies. Everywhere I looked I was afraid, for they were plotting against my life.”

Experience tells me that physical wounds are far easier to heal than the emotional wounds caused by thoughtless words or the character assassination of unscrupulous gossips. It is much easier to defend ourselves against physical attacks than it is to protect ourselves against the character attacks of those unscrupulous people who spread rumors and lies. Look at the description David gives, “My eyes are red from weeping; my health is broken from sorrow. I am pining away with grief; my years are shortened, drained away because of sadness . . . I stoop with sorrow and with shame. 11I am scorned by all my enemies and even more by my neighbors and friends. They dread meeting me and look the other way when I go by. I am forgotten like a dead man, like a broken and discarded pot.” Sound familiar? When lies are spread, even close friends can be affected.

Did you notice the omission of the middle part of verse 10? That was on purpose. Let me give you those words now: “My sins have sapped my strength.” David was not totally innocent. There was truth to the rumors, and although David had dealt with his sin and found the forgiveness of God, the forgiveness of men is another thing! How sinfully proud it is of men to retain an accusing memory of another’s past failures and demand a ‘pound of flesh’ before we will be ‘satisfied’ that our brother or sister is ‘truly repentant.’ What a double standard we have when we demand mercy for ourselves but dispense ‘justice’ to others!

Perhaps you find yourself in a position like David. I urge you like David to cry, “O Lord, have mercy on me in my anguish.” Here’s is what you will find: “. . . you make your mercy new everyday. You change my life in so many ways You cradle me in your sweet grace, You fill me, yeah. Yesterday, today, forever more, there’s one thing I know for sure; fresh as the morning dew, You make your mercy new, every morning.” (From Philipps, Craig & Dean: New Mercy).

When Grieving

“Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me. Help me, O Lord. You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” (Psalm 30:10-12 NLT).

Grief. We all face it eventually. Death is total in every generation,* and this fact assures us of grief. Jacob grieved over the (supposed) loss of Joseph for over 20 years. From the time Joseph was sold into slavery until he got word of him being alive and well in Egypt (Genesis 45:27). Even Jesus wept at the tomb of a friend (John 11:35). And Paul reminds us that Christians can grieve, but in our grief we should always recall the blessed hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

David was grieving. 70,000 men had died because of his sin. I am sure this tender-hearted king grieved not only over their loss but also for the plight of the 70,000 families that were left without husbands and fathers. In his grief he cried to the Lord for mercy and help. From our text, it is obvious that help came. “11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.”

Perhaps you are struggling with grief today. No human can help you. There are those who might be able to offer words of comfort, insights which may bring encouragement, but when all is said and done, the only one who can turn “mourning into joyful dancing” is God Himself. He is the God who can do the impossible! I link that “impossible” with the exchange of mourning for joy because that exchange is humanly impossible. We are not talking keeping a “stiff upper lip” here, we are talking about a real change, from grieving to gladness; from sorrow to real joy. Only Christ can produce such a change and He will if you will let Him.

*There is one exception to this statement. The generation of believers that experiences Christ’s glorious return will have the privilege of being transformed by God’s power without passing through the shadow of death. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-52).