"The Narrow Road": Blogs By Shane Kastler

Prayer & Obedience: A Lesson From the Life of David

By Shane Kastler

(Note: This article is scheduled to appear in the September 16 edition of the Linn County News.)

In the Old Testament, Israel’s King David was described as a “man after God’s own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14) David was not perfect. A study of his life shows that there were times when he fell into horrendous sin. Yet over the entire course of his life, you can also see an undying devotion to his Lord.

One of the traits that made David so holy was his prayer life. Before he became King, he was a valiant warrior. And before he entered into any battle, he would seek the Lord’s will as to whether or not it was a fight he should undertake. In 1 Chronicles 14, we read: “Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. David inquired of God, saying, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? And will You give them into my hand?’ Then the LORD said to him, ‘Go up, for I will give them into your hand.” (1 Chronicles 14:9-10 NASB)

Not only did David seek the Lord’s will, but he also acted promptly once he knew it. Like David, you and I must be committed to seeking the Lord’s will in all things. And once we know what the Lord would have us do…we must do it. But once we know God’s will and do God’s will, we must remember that our relationship with God through prayer is not over. And when God blesses us, we must remember that it is He, not us who deserves the glory.

After David defeated the Philistines, the Bible tells us: “So they came up to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there; and David said, ‘God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like the breakthrough of waters.’ Therefore they named that place Baal -perazim.  They abandoned their gods there; so David gave the order and they were burned with fire.” (1 Chronicles 14:11-12 NASB)

Not only did David give God the glory for the victory. He saw to it that the idols of the Philistines were destroyed. David wasn’t interested in the one, true God sharing attention with false idols. Through his prayer life and obedience, David brought glory to God. Can the same be said for you?

What God Are You Praying To?

(Note: This article is scheduled to appear in the August 5 edition of the Linn County News.)

“The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” (Psalms 24:1 NASB)

There are a lot of misunderstandings in our world today about prayer. Some people believe that prayer is meant to be a time in which we can set God straight on how things need to be. They figure that they know what their life needs so they’ll simply tell God to do it and he’ll dutifully jump through whatever hoop they order him to.

Others believe that God might be able to grant their request, but he might not. After all there are a lot of forces at work in the world and if God’s having a good day and ate his Wheaties that morning, he might be able to handle my problem. Both of these views regarding prayer are absolutely false and even dishonoring to the Lord. Here’s the truth about God and prayer…

God is in absolute control of our world and nothing is beyond his power. Furthermore, he doesn’t need our counsel since he is God and knows far better than we do how things should be. So what is the point of prayer? It’s a process where we bring our requests to God, in conjunction with reading his word, fellowshipping with his people, and worshipping in his house. By doing these things, God begins a process of conforming our will to his and sometimes even changes how and what we pray for. God is powerful enough to immediately grant any request we ask of him. He might do that. He usually doesn’t. The end result of prayer should be that we grow closer to God in the process and we love him more deeply regardless of whether or not he gives us everything we want.

The only way we should even dare approach God is through his son Jesus Christ. Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6 NASB) Apart from God the Son you cannot know God the Father. If you haven’t turned to Christ as Lord, then your first prayer should be one of repentance and faith. You should turn from your sin and commit your life to Jesus as Lord. Then, and only then, can you truly have a relationship with God, and begin the lifelong process of prayer and submission to His perfect will.

Misunderstanding Prayer

(Note: This article is scheduled to appear in the July 8 edition of the Linn County News.)

Prayer is one of the primary spiritual disciplines that God wants all Christians to be daily involved in. Its also one of the most misunderstood. Many people view prayer as simply a process of people telling God what to do. We know what we want out of life and we expect God to “jump through hoops” and get it done. But such selfish thinking misses the entire point of what prayer is supposed to be.

Prayer is supposed to be a practice whereby we submissively bring our requests before God in a process of discerning and doing His will, rather than our own. Prayer is one part of what should be a multifaceted spiritual life that leads us into God’s will. Prayer works best when done in conjunction with Bible study, church attendance, fellowship, and Christian accountability. Many people simply offer prayers when they’re in trouble and expect God to meet their every whim. But that’s not the way it works. The Bible says: “You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” (James 4:2-3 NASB) When something is heavy upon our hearts, or we don’t know God’s will in a particular matter, by all means we should come to Him in prayer. But we must look at our own motivation behind the prayer and truthfully ask whether or not we are asking for something that will glorify God, or something that will simply feed our selfish desires. God’s glory should be paramount, but all too often, our comfort trumps God’s glory in our personal prayers and desires.

Is Jesus Christ the Lord of your life? If not, then the first prayer you should offer to God is one of repentance and faith. As sinners, we all need to turn from our sin in repentance and commit our life to Jesus Christ as Lord. Until you’ve done that, other prayers will be useless because you’re attempting to pray to a God who you don’t have a relationship with. It’s only through Jesus Christ the Son that we can access God the Father. Make no mistake, God wants to hear from you; but He wants to hear from you with the right kind of motivation and the right kind of heart.

Praying For Government Leaders

(NOTE: This article is scheduled to appear in the January 28, 2009 edition of the Linn County News.)

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NASB)

Sometimes the Bible calls Christians to do things that are difficult to do. Scripture tells us to pray for those in the government with authority over us. This can be easy…if you’re preferred candidate won. But what about if your candidate didn’t win? Either way, you are still called to pray for your leaders.

In Bible times, the people seldom had any voice over who their leaders were anyway. Their leaders might be good, or they might be evil…but in either case the Christians were called to submit to government authority and pray for the leadership. The only time in which Christians were to disregard the law of man was if it was a direct violation of the law of God. In other words, if the government forbids acts that Scripture commands, then Christians are to obey God over man. (see Acts 5:27-32)

It can be very humbling for a Christian to pray for a leader that doesn’t share their values. But those might be the very leaders that need the most fervent prayer. If a leader is acting in such a way that he appears to be a Non-Christian, then Christians should pray for his or her salvation. If a leader claims to be a Christian but is making policy decisions that are unbiblical and oppose God’s will (like government supported abortion), then Christians should pray that God’s Spirit would bring conviction and that the leader’s decisions would change. Though the world may be awestruck over government leaders, God is not awestruck. In fact, Scripture teaches that God is sovereign over all world leaders, both good and bad. And can therefore turn their hearts however He wishes. (see Proverbs 21:1)

So make a commitment to pray for your government leaders. City, county, state, and federal leaders need our prayers. And as Christians we are commanded to intercede on their behalf. According to 1 Timothy 2, our desire should be to live “tranquil and quiet” lives in “all godliness and dignity.” Pray that your leaders are a help, rather than a hindrance to this noble and worthy goal.

An Open Letter to Christians Regarding the Election of Barack Obama

Dear Christian,

The election of Barack Obama as our 44^th President will undoubtedly have a profound impact upon Christian Pastors, Leaders, Evangelists, Missionaries, and Lay people at large. While Obama isn’t the first liberal elected to the office – He is quite possibly the MOST liberal ever elected, and potentially the most opposed to Biblical Christianity. Many don’t seem to understand this because they look at him and see a friendly, handsome, articulate man who seems to be quite decent. But his stated views are antithetical to Scripture…some of his record is downright evil (i.e., partial birth abortion/ infanticide), his associations are leftist to the point of being Marxist (a claim he admits in his autobiography), and many of his advisors are clearly outspoken in their contempt of Biblical Christianity.

As a Pastor…and as an American, I’m currently prayerfully analyzing what changes may take place on the American landscape during an Obama administration…and how we as Christian leaders should respond. Here are some thoughts:

1. Pray. Pray for Obama and other leaders. This may be pride swallowing and difficult to do. But Scripture commands us to do it. (see 1 Timothy 2:1-2) As I study God’s Word, I realize that God is sovereign over all things…both good and evil. Consequently, that also assures me that God is more than able to change the heart of any world leader; no matter how entrenched he is in his views.

In the Old Testament, Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar was so vile and wicked that he repeatedly persecuted God’s people and put them do death. He demanded worship, as though he were God…and he got away with it, until the REAL God said, “No More!” Nebuchadnezzar’s mental faculties were impaired to the point that he behaved like a cow for 7 years, until his wicked heart became a repentant heart and he praised the true God of Heaven. (see Daniel 4:4-37)

The point of this story is not to wish for God to turn Obama into a cow…but to wish that God would turn Obama into a Christian. You may flinch at this and say he’s already a Christian…but no one who’s heard the infamous Jeremiah Wright preach could rightly assume that Wright even knows the gospel…much less preaches it. And one cannot look at Obama’s views and conclude he is born again….If he was, the conviction of opposing, something like the Born Alive Infant Protection Act would eat him up.

Therefore we must pray for Obama’s salvation…and we must pray that he would truly govern in a way that pleases God. Of course in order for this to happen, he will have to buck the advice of some of his closest advisors…or he’ll have to replace them with other advisors. Both are worthy prayer considerations.

2. Prophesy against the Nation’s Sins. When I say to prophesy, I’m not referring to predictive prophesy whereby we seek to foresee specific events. Nor am I referring to prophecy in terms of “new revelation” from God. The canon of Scripture is complete, and God has spoken clearly. Our job as 21^st century “prophets” is to proclaim that written word, in power, in completeness, and in love. Unapologetic Apologists (defenders) for the truth of God’s Word. I believe it is impossible to look at our current political landscape and not see that our ministries will have to take on a clearly prophetic and confrontational tone. And we find no greater example in Scripture than that of Jeremiah.

Jeremiah’s world was eerily similar to ours. Israel/Judah had once been godly, but in his day they were rebellious, relativistic, severely depraved, and apostate. God would judge the nation unless they repented. And Jeremiah would proclaim this message to a nation that closed its ears and mocked the messenger. Sound familiar? Jeremiah’s calling is the calling of all Christians in 21^st century America. Nobody wants to hear the message: “Repent or perish!” But it’s the only message that is faithful to God, and it’s the only message that will save man. Christian pastors will have to “gird up their loins” and prepare for spiritual battle. They will have to toss aside the silly, self-help, psychobabble that permeates American Christianity…and take up the prophet’s mantle to call a nation of sinners to repentance. And those who don’t have the backbone for it will need to find a new line of work in Obama’s promised booming economy. Any pastor who doesn’t have the courage to speak out against the sins of the people in his church, nation, or government is Biblically unqualified for the office he holds and should remove himself, lest he force God to remove him by other means.

I’m currently teaching through Jeremiah on Wednesday nights…and I’m amazed at the similarities between then and now. Furthermore, my good friend Scott Tibbetts, missionary to Thailand, recommended I read Francis Schaeffer’s Death in the City, which is a penetrating analysis of how American culture in our day mimics that of Israel in Jeremiah’s day. Schaeffer rightly observes that America was once a nation that largely knew and respected God’s Word. But that America no longer does. Ironically, Schaeffer originally wrote this book in 1969….if he could only see what America has become today, (he died in 1984) he would know just how accurate his analysis was.

It’s never popular to preach against sin in a roomful of sinners. But we cannot preach the gospel of salvation, unless we point out that there is something to be saved from. A Savior is of no use to someone who doesn’t understand they need saved. And the good news of the gospel cannot be properly shared, without the bad news of sin. Jeremiah was called to speak out against the specific sins of his day…so must we. Abortion is the intentional murder of a defenseless child…and we must thunder that from our pulpits. Homosexuality is a bizarre perversion of God’s intended design…and we must thunder that from our pulpits. Gay marriage is a mockery of the family and a brazen attempt to nullify all marriage as hokey and meaningless…and we must thunder that from our pulpits. Some may say that “thundering” is the wrong approach. But “thundering in love” is the Biblical approach. We cannot deny how passionately we feel about these vital truths and be sincere to the culture that already often accuses us of hypocrisy.

These things may seem easy to speak against for some preachers…but let’s see how easy it is if Obama’s ilk succeeds in having such proclamations classified as “hate speech” that is illegal under new “hate crimes” legislation. How many preachers will have the nerve of Peter and John and say, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20 NASB) My prayer is that many will boldly speak God’s Truth, by God’s grace and in God’s power…regardless of the consequences. Will this make us popular with society? No. Will it make us faithful to the God whom we serve? Yes. And that’s all that matters. Schaeffer rightly said: “Christianity is not romantic and soft. It is tough-fibered and realistic. And the Bible gives us the realistic message that Jeremiah preached into his own days, a message I am convinced the church today must preach if it is to be any help in the world. Let us not be surprised at the world’s reaction. The Bible makes it plain that this message is going to be poorly received by a church in revolt and by a culture in revolt…So if you are a Christian looking for an easy ministry in a post-Christian culture, you are unrealistic in your outlook. It was not to be so in Jeremiah’s day, and it cannot be so in a day like our own.” (Death in the City, By Francis Schaeffer, Volume 4 of Compete Works, pg. 226)

3. Politics won’t save America…and politicians certainly won’t. Politics by its very nature is the art of making compromises to get things accomplished…but some things must be off the negotiating table when it comes to political deals…and as Christians we must make this clear to our elected representatives.

I’ve heard many Republicans say in recent days that the party needs to become more liberal, so as to include more people. This is a colossal mistake. John McCain didn’t lose because he was too conservative. He lost because he was a middle of the road, left-leaning Republican who seemed much more comfortable placating Democrats than he did inspiring Republicans. Conservatives embraced him begrudgingly, at best. And for good reason.

But the calling of the Christian is not to sell out God’s truth for the sake of political expediency. The calling of the Christian is to stand for God’s Truth come Hell or high water. Some are saying that Conservatives need to soften their stand on social issues like abortion and gay marriage so the Republican Party can “expand its base.” But this will only serve to obliterate the base and turn the party into a slightly less liberal version of the Democrat party. So future elections will be between two nearly identical versions of the same political hacks who have gotten our country into the mess it’s in today. Though politics will never save America, we should use the governmental system we’ve been placed in to fight for the moral decency of God’s Truth.

Take Daniel as an example. Though placed in a pagan Babylonian culture, Daniel refused to bend in his allegiance to God; while at the same time serving within the government of the wicked nation. By so doing, he was a Godly voice in an un-Godly society…and he didn’t do it by going soft on his beliefs. He did it by staying true, and speaking out at the peril of his life. Too many of our political leaders today are only concerned with lining their pockets and expanding their power. The thought of taking an unpopular moral stand for the sake of truth is foreign to them. We need more Daniels.

It is my sincere conviction that Christians must answer the call during such perilous times as these. Our nation has lurched left, but we must stand for what is “right.” As Christians, we can truthfully say that “Our God Reigns” – and His Sovereign power trumps all politicians, parties, nations, organizations, armies, and people. Ultimate power doesn’t reside with the government, nor with the people. Ultimate power belongs to God. So it is with full confidence and faith in the power of God to protect, embolden, and save that we as Christians must commit to courageously living and speaking the truth of God. It won’t be easy, but it will be necessary, if we are to be obedient to our God, and a witness to our culture. Prayer, Prophesy, and Politics in the way that I have defined them, is what we must commit ourselves to. We stand on the precipice of potentially dramatic changes to our country and our freedom. Edmund Burke said: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Good and Godly men (and women) must act. We must be courageous. We cannot be cowards. Our country has enough of those already. The coming days in America could be very interesting. I wonder aloud, how the people of God will respond. I wonder how Pastors will respond. I wonder how YOU will respond.

Best Wishes,

Shane Kastler, Pleasanton, KS

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” Psalms 91:1-2 (NASB)

“Please Take My Life, O Lord”--- Some Thoughts On The Suffering Of The Saints

“And Elijah requested for himself that he might die, and said, ‘It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.’” --1 Kings 19:4

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Sometimes you’ve just had enough.  When you study the Scriptures, you frequently come across some of God’s people who have reached their breaking point.  Circumstances, exhaustion, family problems, fears, and numerous other issues can cause a person to say, “Enough!  Just take me home, Lord.”  This happened to Elijah.

            The fascinating thing about Elijah, is that he was fresh on the heels of a tremendous mountain top experience (literally) with God in which he was victorious over the prophets of the false god Baal.  Elijah’s faith was strong, and God had shown Himself powerful when He rained fire down upon Elijah’s sacrifice.  But no sooner had Elijah celebrated the victory, than the wicked Jezebel made a vow to take his life.  Elijah fled.  Elijah isolated himself in the wilderness.  And Elijah prayed that he might die.  ‘It is enough; now, O LORD…’   But death remains in God’s hands, and Elijah’s day had not yet come.  God provided rest.  God provided food.  God provided strength.  And in due time, God provided His own Presence to sustain and restore Elijah.

            The Prophet Jeremiah had a similar experience.  He preached exactly what God told him to preach…and he got beaten and placed in the stocks for it.  Some of his listeners hated him, some of his listeners made fun of him, and some even wanted to kill him.  Jeremiah had enough, and cursed the day of his birth, wishing that he had been “killed before birth, so that my mother would have been my grave.” Jeremiah 20:17   But God’s plan was different.  God sustained Jeremiah, and appointed him to faithfully preach a largely ignored message well into his eighties.

            Moses, who was commissioned to lead over 600,000 Israelites, had no food to give them.  They mourned.  They complained.  They pleaded.  And Moses asked God to take his life.  “So if You are going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once.” Numbers 11:15 (NASB) Once again, God proves faithful, saying that he will provide meat for all the people, but Moses argues.  How are You going to do that God?  Are you going to give us every fish in the sea?  Are You going to slaughter every animal on the planet?  There are 600,000 of us…and we have NO FOOD.  What’s Your plan God?

            Have you ever asked that question?  What’s Your plan God?  Because from my perspective, it looks like I’m doomed.  From my perspective nothing is going right.  From my perspective….I can only say, “It is enough O Lord….please take my life.” 

            God’s answer to Moses is an incredible reminder of where our faith must rest.  God’s answer to Moses is an answer to ANYONE facing a crisis.  God’s answer to Moses, is an answer for YOU and I as well. “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Is the LORD'S power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.” Numbers 11:23 (NASB) In Hebrew, God literally said, “Is The Lord’s Hand Short?”  It’s as though God said, “I don’t care if there’s 600 BILLION people Moses….I’m GOD!...AND I CAN PROVIDE.”  And provide He did.

            As Christians, plodding along in a world that so often opposes us…we need constant reminders of GOD’S ABSOLUTE POWER….and GOD’S PERFECT FAITHFULNESS to use His power for our good (Romans 8:28).  So often we encounter circumstances that seem completely hopeless….Yet there is ALWAYS hope, when your GOD is the LORD.  Even The Apostle Paul faced circumstances so overwhelming that he “despaired, even of life itself.” (2 Corinthians 1:8)  Yet God allowed those circumstances “So that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:9) 

          Our trust in God is never risky.  God is always faithful to execute His perfect plan.  The fact that we don’t know what that plan is…..or don’t particularly like the way God is carrying it out, is irrelevant.  Sometimes we want to live….and God lets us die.  Other times we want to die, and God makes us continue living.  Sometimes we pray for things, and then complain when we receive them.  Other times God gives us what we never thought to ask for, and we take it for granted.  Some days we’re filled with joy….other days we’re broken with despair.  But, even when the dark clouds move into our soul, we must cling to what is good.  And take comfort in the fact that God is clinging to us.  “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give eternal life to them; and they shall never perish, and no one shall pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28) As it’s been said, even on the darkest and cloudiest of days…the sun is still shining as bright as it ever did…just beyond the clouds.

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‘It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life.” (1 Kings 19:4) 

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“Is the Lord’s Power limited?” (Numbers 11:23)

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“Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail, And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold, And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NASB)

When GOD Seems Gone

Have you ever felt like God has abandoned you?  Every Christian feels it at times.  Sometimes those “times” are short…but great despair comes when those “times” are long.  Days and weeks give way to months and years…and God appears to have vanished.  Prayers hit the ceiling and bounce back mockingly.  Trial after trial after trial torture the soul to the point of giving up.  Why doesn’t God do something?  Doesn’t He know how deeply I would worship and love Him if only He would deliver me?  But that’s really the catch isn’t it?  ANYONE (including scoundrels) will worship a God who gives constant comfort.  God is looking for those who will be satisfied in Him alone when things are good….and when things are horrendous.

            C.S. Lewis’ renown book, The Screwtape Letters, gives a fictional (yet packed with truth) account of letters written from a “Senior demon” to a “Younger demon” on how to discourage and destroy Christians.  The book is short, easy to read, and yet deeply profound.  It's well worth your time and the $10 it costs to buy it.  At one point in the book, the young demon Wormwood thinks he has his “Christian subject” right where he wants him, because he’s brought despair into his life.  The older demon “Screwtape” rebukes him, saying:  “Do not be deceived Wormwood.  Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desires, but still intends to do God’s will.  He looks around at a universe from which every trace of God seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken…and still obeys.”  (page 42) 

            That's what it's all about isn't it?  Even in the darkness, trusting God to the point of childlike faith...and obedience.  Trials are a major test of faith.  Yet, they truly are a “test.”  Are we willing to endure the pain, obey the Father, and continually cry out to Him?  Or shall we give up, throw in the towel, and grant Satan a victory?  The temptation to give up is overwhelming at times…but by God’s Grace, it must be resisted.

            Old Testament Job knew plenty about suffering…and he knew what it was like to feel abandoned by God.  "Behold, I go forward but He is not there, And backward, but I cannot perceive Him; When He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him; He turns on the right, I cannot see Him.” (Job 23:8-9 NASB)  Sound familiar?  I look to the right and left, front and back….and God is NOWHERE that I can see.  But God was still there, and Job knew that.  “But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10 NASB) 

            When you think about it, the important part is not that we always know what God is up to…the important part is that God always knows what we’re up to.  God is fully aware of our circumstances…regardless of whether we “feel” Him or not.  Our trials are designed to test us and make us more like Christ.  That’s easy to say…but HARD to live.  VERY HARD.  Job got discouraged.  Job wanted to die.  Job was confused.  Job’s life was ruined.  But Job knew, deep down, that God had NOT abandoned Him…and when the massive test was over, he would shine forth as gold.

            I’ll close with one more example of a man feeling deserted by God.  Do these words ring a bell:  “My God, My God, Why Has Thou Forsaken Me!” (Mark 15:34) You think you’ve got it bad?  Try getting betrayed by a friend, denied by another friend, having everyone dessert you, the police arrest you and beat you to a pulp, then sentence you to a public, naked, execution within hours of your mock trial.  If that’s not enough, how about enduring the jeers and taunts of an uncontrollable mob.  Then be spit up on.  Then have a crown of thorns pushed onto your head.  Then be nailed to a cross.  Then be separated…for the only time in history….separated from the perfect fellowship you’ve always had with your Heavenly Father.  Jesus wasn't "feeling" abandoned...He ACTUALLY WAS abandoned from the Father...on YOUR behalf.  (Let THAT ONE sink in for a moment.)  Then try having the wrath of God being poured out upon you for sins that you didn’t commit.  See if you aren’t tempted to cry out:  “My God, My God, Why Has Thou Forsaken Me!”

          Jesus knew what was going on.  He was “in” on the redemption plan from day one.  But knowing God’s will doesn’t eliminate the pain and despair one feels when they’re living through God’s will.  But aren’t we glad Jesus didn’t throw in the towel?  He had legions of angels at His Divine disposal (Matt. 26:53)…yet he held his peace, endured the cross, so He would pay for our sins and SHINE FORTH AS GOLD!  (Job 23:10)  Now we, as His followers, must imitate Him.  Paul said:  “For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.”  (2 Corinthians 1:5 NASB)  Comfort we crave. Sufferings we loathe.  But God HASN’T abandoned us.  He’s there.  He’s in control.  And He will make His presence abundantly clear in His perfect time.

            So endure the trial, and wait for His decreed ending to it.  Continue to trust in Him, and follow Him, and obey Him.  Resist the overwhelming urge to quit and go home.  Your eternal home will be here sooner than you realize, and the pains of today will be swallowed up in the splendor of HIS Presence.  Today the trial might remain.  Tomorrow it might too.  But persevere and rest assured, the day is coming when YOU…just like Job, and just like Paul, and just like Jesus…YOU will pass the test, feel God’s presence, and SHINE FORTH LIKE GOLD!

Have You Considered Fasting?

Fasting is one of those Christian disciplines that is usually misunderstood, and therefore usually neglected.  I once had someone tell me they were unable to fast.  When I enquired as to why they told me, “Because it makes me hungry.”  As a great Theologian once said…. “DUH.” 

            Actually, there are physical reasons that can prevent fasting.  Diseases and maladies, some temporary, and some permanent.  However the most common reason not to fast is a lack of discipline, coupled with a lack of understanding.  What’s the point of starving yourself?  If you only see fasting as “starving yourself” then there really is no point.  The main reason to fast is to develop a hunger for God that is greater than your hunger for the things of this world.  Rather than have a cheeseburger at lunch, you spend 30 minutes in prayer.  Rather than a Bueno-chilada platter for Dinner, you spend 30 minutes reading your Bible.  At first it might seem really painful.  But fasting, when done right, can bring you into deep levels of intimacy with God….and in so doing, loosen your dependence upon the world.

            Are you struggling with a particular sin?  Consider fasting.  The disciples once tried to cast out a demon and were unable.  Jesus showed up on the scene and succeeded.  When they asked why they were unable, Jesus mentioned their lack of faith AND said, “This kind can only be cast out by prayer and fasting.” (Matt. 17:21; Mark 9:29)  While the more reliable manuscripts don’t have the word “fasting” (which is why the NIV omits this part) we can clearly see from Jesus’ life, that He considered fasting to be an integral part of Godliness.  When Jesus began His ministry He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he fasted for 40 days.  Then Satan showed up to tempt Him. (See Matthew 4:1-2)  If Jesus felt the need to fast for 40 DAYS…..how much more you and I?

            It’s important to keep in mind that fasting is not commanded in Scripture…but it is assumed.  Jesus gave instructions for it saying: “WHEN YOU FAST…do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, WHEN YOU FAST, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”  (Matthew 6:16-18 NASB emphasis added)  Not only does Jesus assume fasting will take place (“when you fast”), He also gives instructions for it.  Jesus’ point is clear.  If you fast, don’t draw attention to it so that everyone will be impressed with how holy you are.  Fasting should be a time between you and God.

            With that said, there were also “public fasts” which were sometimes called for in Scripture.  The Day of Atonement had a fast that coincided with it, and I’ve heard of other times when churches have asked people to voluntarily fast for some cause.  Public fasts are OK, if they are voluntary.  But the emphasis must be upon a heart hungry for God, rather than a heart hungry for man’s praises.  One of the most humble men I know fasts every Friday to pray for world missions.  He mentioned it to me one day in passing, when I was enquiring as to why he seemed so shaky.  He made his fasting known to me….but I truly believe it was not out of conceit, but simply informational.  When I fast, I have to let my wife know….since she cooks most of my meals.  If I didn’t clue her in, she would perhaps feel like I was sick of her cooking….and I sure don’t need that misunderstanding causing problems in my house (otherwise I may be spending more time in the kitchen than I care to).  My point is…you may have to sometimes let people know when you’re fasting…that’s OK, as long as your heart is not seeking their glory because of your spiritual endeavor. 

            Do you have a major decision to make?  Consider fasting.  In 1999 I was considering moving my newlywed bride and myself to Kansas City to attend Seminary.  I felt a calling to preach, and a calling to prepare…which meant a major move for the Kastlers.  My wife and I both had good jobs in Tulsa, and family close by.  Moving 300 miles is not something you do flippantly, and I wanted to be sure of God’s will.  So I fasted.  For one week I did a “lunch time fast.”  For one hour everyday, I went to a cemetery close to my work and prayed and read my Bible rather than eat. (Cemeteries are a great place to find solitude, even in a big city.)  By the end of that week I had an overwhelming assurance that Seminary was the right decision…and Kansas City was the right locale.  I might have made the right decision with or without the fasting….but I sure had a lot more assurance because of the fast. 

          One more verse I’ll mention regarding this.  It also comes from the lips of Jesus. “Then the disciples of John came to Him, asking, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:14-15 NASB)  Did you notice what Jesus said?  When the bridegroom is taken away….THEN THEY WILL FAST.  Fasting shows our longing for the return of our Lord.  If the longing is deep enough, the fasting comes naturally.  Have you ever been so bereaved that you had no appetite?  It’s something you feel when a loved one dies…or a loved one leaves you.  Sometimes we lose our appetite because of excitement, like when a loved one is returning from a long journey.  Sometimes our affections trump our appetite……and we fast because of our love for another.  Sometimes, our affections (for God) are WAY TOO LOW….and we must fast to deny our appetite, and increase our love.  Do you feel distant from God?  Have you considered fasting?

            In closing…here are some tips on fasting.  First, don’t let me guilt you into doing it.  If God isn’t leading, then you’ll probably get nothing out of it.  Second, don’t assume fasting is only for “super-Christians.”  Jesus assumed all Christians would fast after He went back to Heaven.  Shall we disappoint Him?  Third, don’t become legalistic with fasting.  As I said earlier, it’s not commanded in Scripture, but it is assumed.  Fourth, to the best of your ability, make it a matter between you and God alone.  As I mentioned earlier, that’s not always possible.  But if you must tell someone, make sure your motives are pure.  Fifth, consider doing various kinds of fasts.  As mentioned earlier, I once did a “lunch only fast.”  Usually, when I fast, I’ll still drink water (sometimes juice and milk too).  There’s no law on how many meals to miss, nor on the specifics of the fast.  You might even consider fasting from something other than food.  A week without TV?  A week without the newspaper?  A week without the internet?  The Bible even mentions married couples fasting from something else in 1 Corinthians 7:1-5.  (I’ll leave you to look that one up on your own.)  Finally, don’t just skip meals….use the time to pray or read your Bible.  Skipping meals alone is just starving yourself…..skipping meals TO SPEND TIME WITH GOD is fasting.

            Are you struggling with sin?  Are you facing a major decision?  Are you lacking a closeness to God?.........Have you considered fasting?  Try it.  You might be surprised.  You may pass on a meal, and find a new taste for the “bread of life.” (John 6:35)  You may lose 5 pounds of blubber, only to add a new layer of holiness.  You may think it will bring you misery…only to find it has brought you unspeakable joy.  Have you considered fasting?

………

P.S.----John Piper has a great book on fasting called “A Hunger For God” that explains the discipline, and why it’s important.  I strongly encourage you to read it…and you don’t even have to buy it.  He has the entire book online at his website, click here to read it.  If you prefer the hard copy, click here to buy it.  Best wishes…and “happy fasting!”

A Prayer Request From Virginia Tech

A good friend of mine is a Campus Minister at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) of Oklahoma State University.  This week they got an e-mail from Darrell Cook, a Campus Minister from Virginia Tech.  I have posted Mr. Cook's letter below, so we can know better how to pray for them as they minister to college students during this horrific trial.  Here's the letter...

...

We have been overwhelmed by the support and prayers of our campus ministry family around the nation. Thank you for the emails, calls, and prayers. We obviously can’t respond to them all right now, but know that they have been a huge encouragement. We are doing all we can here to help students walk through the first steps of grief. Here are some prayer requests…

- Pray for the students as names are released today and the reality of connections and relationships bring the grief to another level.

- Pray for the family of Brian, a grad student in our ministry who was killed yesterday. Pray for our alumni and students that were close to Brian as well.

- Praise for a gathering of 300 plus students here last night to pray and begin to walk through the grief process.

- Pray for wisdom for our staff (Laura, Mark, Leah, Susan) and student leaders in all the opportunities that will come through relationships on campus this week.

Again, thank you, thank you so much for all the prayers and encouragement.


Blessings,

Darrell Cook

BCM at Virginia Tech

Does God Care About the “Little Things?” ----- A Boy, A New Fishing Pole, & A Mother’s Prayer

For his 5^th birthday, my son Andrew got a new fishing pole and tackle box from Danny & the Sullins family. I’ve been meaning for some time to take him fishing, but I just hadn’t got “around to it” yet. (See Blog entitled “Don’t Procrastinate”) I wanted to do everything “legal” and go buy my fishing license, and I planned on doing all of this at the church campout last week, but things have just been WAY too busy. Finally on Monday I said, “that’s it we’re going fishing.” I got the fishing poles, loaded the tackle box, went to Wal-Mart and bought a fishing license, and bought us some worms. Actually they were Canadian night crawlers (sorry Kevin, that’s ALL they had--I begged the guy for Kansas Night crawlers, but he just stared at me like I was an idiot), but I figured they would work. Little did I know, I wouldn’t need the bait…

…

As we drove to the Lake, I told Erin that Andrew might be in for some disappointment. “I think he has the idea that you just cast the line out there and the fish start jumping on your hook,” I told her. Of course I knew better. I’ve fished my whole life (though not very much in recent years). My experience has been that it is not uncommon to go HOURS without catching anything, which can make fishing VERY boring, especially when you’re five years old.

We got to the lake and I rigged up his pole. Before handing it over to him I decided to cast it out (with no bait--just a bare hook) to make sure the pole was working right. My line was in the water for about 1 second and then it took off. I pulled and started reeling--a few seconds later I had a catfish in my hands. Savannah was giggling--Andrew was wide-eyed--Erin was surprised--I was stunned. Needless to say, Andrew may be “hooked” as a lifetime fisherman because of the excitement of that one moment. Now how did this happen? I have a few guesses. Either:

1. I snagged the fish. He was swimming along minding his own business and I hooked him.

2. OR--the fish was attracted to my shimmering hook. I find this one hard to believe, but this is Les Shaw’s theory.

3. OR--My hooks are made out of a special kind of exotic metal that attracts catfish.

4. OR--Danny put some “magic spit” on the hooks before he gave them to us.

5. OR--God let me catch that fish.

Some of those options can be eliminated pretty quickly. But I really like option number 5. Jesus kind of specialized in “miracles at the Lake.” You’ll remember that after fishing all night and catching nothing the disciples were directed by Jesus where to throw their nets. They caught so many fish their boat almost sank. (see Luke 5:1-11) Another time Jesus rebuked the wind during a storm and immediately the water became calm. “Who is this man that even the wind and sea obeys him?” asked the disciples. (see Mark 4:35-41) Is God sovereign over everything? Even the wind and the fish? There’s no question about that. But does God care about the little things in our life?

Erin told me later she had prayed we would catch a fish. Andrew had been practicing his casting in the back yard the night before and I was surprised at how quickly he got the hang of it. He was excited about the fishing trip…but I figured he was primed for disappointment. Yet, a praying Mother made a humble request to God...and in this case God granted it. He doesn’t always grant what we want. He knows what’s best. It could have been that God wanted us to teach Andrew a lesson about “disappointment.” Instead, on that day, we got to teach him about “answered prayer.”

Perhaps you’re thinking, “that’s a cute story, but God has more important things to worry about than a kid in Kansas catching a fish.” Need I remind you that Jesus said God had even “numbered the hairs on our head.” (Luke 12:7) He also said that even a sparrow’s death is known (and ordained) by God. (Matt. 10:29) HE is completely sovereign and able to handle every single moment--in every single part of the world--at exactly the same time. If he cares about sparrows and hairy heads…Doesn’t he also care about a 5-year-old’s fishing trip and a Mother’s tiny request for success? Of course He does.

I’m not saying we should be ridiculous in our prayers. Nor am I suggesting “name it and claim it.” Don’t pray for a million dollars to buy a mansion when you know others in your area are homeless. But I am asking, “What has God laid upon your heart to pray about…and to pray for?” God really is there and He really is listening. And if the prayer is one that He laid on your heart there is a good chance it will be answered. The question is, “Will you persevere in prayer?” (see Luke 18:1-8) God knows and cares about the little things in your life. He is in control of everything, and if you don’t see that--then you’re envisioning a God much, much smaller and weaker than HE ACTUALLY is.

We caught three more fish that day. One of the one’s I caught I had Andrew reel in…so officially it was his first catch. Erin & Savannah had gone to town to buy lunch and Andrew wanted to throw his fish back (he thinks that’s fun). But I insisted we keep him and “show Mommy.” When they got back, Erin was greeted by a dirty little boy with a Styrofoam cup half full of muddy water…and a tiny little perch swimming in it. Andrew was grinning ear to ear. He likes fishing. He REALLY likes fishing……I’m so glad he has a Mommy who prays…and is “naïve” enough to think (and smart enough to KNOW) that God really does care about the little things in life……..Until next time…