Discipleship Network Forum

All the way through elementary school, I did my writing with pencils. Each year, “#2 Pencils” were on the top of the school supply list.

But when I arrived in middle school, we were expected to use ink pens instead. The writing experience was certainly better with the pens, but there was one major problem: Ink is difficult to erase.

Eventually, some clever marketers came up with “erasable” pens. But that was false advertising, because they were still hard to erase. More than once, I ripped a hole in the paper while trying to erase the ink from my pens.

Recently I’ve found myself lamenting the demise of pencils. The pens are now better than ever – and I absolutely love writing with the new gel pens. But the pens still can’t be erased very well. And White Out usually isn’t a good option either for covering mistakes.

Here’s what I’m going through on this: I miss the days when every mistake seemed easily erasable. Oh for the carefree days of elementary school…

Of course, most people now use emails and social media to do their writing, not pens. But that has made the problem even worse! Have you ever tried to retract an inappropriate email you sent (such as sending a “Reply All” when you didn’t mean to)? Or perhaps you’ve posted something stupid on social media and then tried to cover your tracks. Good luck on that.

It turns out that once things are in cyberspace, they are even more difficult to erase than ink pens.

Let me share story about this from my good friend Ron…

A few months ago, Ron met a nice Christian woman on an online dating site. They seemed to really hit things off when they chatted on the phone one night. He could tell they both loved the Lord and had much in common.

Ready to take the next step, a few days later Ron asked her out for dinner that weekend. To his surprise, she sent a text message declining the invitation. The reason? She said he was too old for her!   

Ouch. Yes, Ron is in his 60s and this nice Christian woman was in her 50s. But should that age gap really matter?

You’re probably wondering what this has to do with pencils and pens…

Once again, Ron was greatly surprised when this same woman contacted him a few weeks later, asking if they could keep in touch as “friends.” Although he was open to the idea, there was a problem: Ron couldn’t ERASE the memory of her previous comment that he was too old. Like permanent ink, her evaluation seemed to be forever etched onto his brain.

What a reminder that words are powerful things, capable of imparting “death and life” (Proverbs 18:21). No matter how they are communicated, our words don’t erase easily. And sometimes negative words cause lifelong scarring of the psyche.  

However, God can help us heal from people’s words – especially when we spend time listening to HIS words to us instead.

Nevertheless, painful words from people are likely to keep coming from time to time. Right when Ron was beginning to heal from the “You’re too old!” feedback, he met a woman who said he was too fat for her…

Fortunately, your Heavenly Father has a very BIG eraser, capable of removing countless mistakes, flaws, and emotional wounds. Take time to look into the mirror of His Word today, and you’ll probably find that you look a lot better than what people are saying about you.

During David's reign, there was a famine for three successive years; David sought the face of the LORD. 2 Samuel 21:1 NIV

When life knocks you to your knees, that is a good prayer posture. You can talk to Me about whatever troubles you. I am always available—ask Me, and I will swiftly help.

When there is a famine of joy, seek My face. When your soul tells you to talk things over with Me, enjoy heart-to-heart conversation with your Greatest Friend.

When you are crying the blues, seek My consolation. Deposit your anxiety at My throne, trusting that I care about what is going on. In My Presence, calm down and cheer up.

When you are nervous, seek My assurance. Follow heaven’s blueprint for peace of mind—pray about everything, tell Me what you need, thank Me for blessings, and enjoy peace more marvelous than you can imagine. You will be unable to explain this

celestial tranquility, but you can experience it even when there is terrestrial trouble all around you.

At the end of your rope, seek My power. Naturally, you are weak. Supernaturally, you are strong.

When there is no rain for your desolate spirit, seek My showers of blessing. Sincerely seek My face and walk away from your evil ways—then I will pay attention, forgive your sin, and transform arid sluggishness into productive living.

In the face of sadness, the best course is to seek My face. Faith triumphs over depressing circumstances by joyful inner-stances. Even in drought, you can experience greater joy than happiness caused by bumper crops of grain and wine. When skeptics and

cynics question the possibility of better times, let the smile of My face warm your heart. Believe My promise of a bright future—march forward in confident step with My Spirit song of hope.

Seek My face today—let My love shine on your countenance. Reflect My glory by becoming more and more like Christ day by day. By degrees, almost imperceptibly, you will grow up spiritually as you trust and obey Me.

I am your Face Healer—I heal frowns of discouragement with courageous expressions, tears of sadness with joyful songs, and wrinkles of despair with hopeful sparkling eyes. Though hard times may go on, never give up. Before you know it, you will have My smile on your face.

I am the Victor over sin, death, Satan, hell, and the grave—trust Me, there is absolutely nothing for you to worry about. Relax.

© 2013 Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

This Thanksgiving was a chance to reflect once again on my “Gratitude Quotient.” I concluded that I’m happier and more grateful than I’ve been in many years.

However, I uncovered a blog I wrote several years ago admitting two disturbing things: (1) I’m still not nearly as grateful as I should be for how God has blessed me; and (2) Many of the things I’m now MOST grateful for are past events I wasn’t grateful for at all when they were taking place.

I call this second point “gratitude in retrospect.”

Perhaps you can relate. Have you gone through difficult times when it was extremely difficult to give thanks? But now, as you look back, you see that God was at work through it all. Gratitude (finally!) rises in your heart as you see how the painful events have been beautifully woven into the fabric of your life.

• Maybe you had a relationship breakup that tore your very heart…but it paved the way for the Lord to provide someone much better in your life.
• Maybe you faced a severe trial in your health…but it caused you to make lifestyle changes in your diet and exercise – and now you’re feeling better than ever.
• Maybe you lost a job you thought you’d have until retirement…but God opened (or will open) a new door that’s a much better fit for your gifts and passions.
• Maybe you’ve experienced a financial meltdown, such as foreclosure or bankruptcy…but you learned vital lessons that eventually put you on the path to prosperity.
• Maybe you went through some other difficult experience that has now given you a platform to help others.

These are just a few examples of how “gratitude in retrospect” can occur. I first noticed this in my life a few years ago, when a friend suggested that I write a book about church splits. “That’s the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard,” was my initial thought. “Even though I’m an expert on church splits, who would ever be interested in a book about that?”

But my tech-savvy friend pointed out that 8,000 people every month do a Google search on the subject of church splits. “Wow. There must be a lot of people dealing with this,” I concluded.

As a result of that conversation, I wrote The Complete Guide to Church Splits: Prevention, Survival, and Recovery (which I can send you upon request). This event was a great example to me of Paul’s statement that we can comfort others with the same comfort we received from God during our own times of affliction (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

Working on my book about church splits sparked something much bigger in my heart than just a new book project: I discovered that God had been a lot more faithful than I had given Him credit for. And I became much more grateful for the difficult things I’ve experienced in life – even though my gratitude was too often in retrospect.

I’m still troubled by my struggle to be grateful at the same time as my trials are occurring. The Bible instructs us to give thanks “IN everything,” not just AFTER everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

I’m also sad that although I’ve given lip service to Romans 8:28 for decades, God’s amazing promise there is still not rooted as deeply in my life as it should be. Paul had gone through incredible trials (2 Corinthians 11:22-28), yet he said, “We KNOW that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

As the truth of Romans 8:28 becomes more a part of my life, I hope to become more grateful all the time – not just in retrospect. I want to become increasingly aware that God is always working to “connect the dots” in my life, creating a masterpiece I could never have imagined during my times of adversity.

So I pray you will join me in being grateful TODAY – no matter what the day brings…no matter what you may be going through. You may not understand it all today, but you can be confident the Lord is working out His wonderful plan nevertheless.

Ever since his divorce several years back, my friend Ron has complained to me this time of year about the upcoming holidays. He has his reasons, to be sure, but he’s begun to sound like a broken record.

“It’s just not the same,” he moans. “With my wife gone and my kids living far away, it’s always an agonizing time for me.”

Then he typically cites the gluttony, commercialization, overspending, and other holiday sins as justification for his negative attitudes. You’ve probably met people who think like that.

“Let’s face it, Ron,” I sometimes tease him. “With your ‘humbug’ attitude, your parents should have named you Ebenezer!”

A few weeks ago, he threw in a new line that really got me thinking. “I wish I could just press the fast forward button and wake up on January 2,” he told me. Although part of me sympathized with Ron on this, I spent some time praying we would gain a new perspective.

Then suddenly it hit me: Thanksgiving and Christmas aren’t just ordinary holidays. They represent two of the most important attributes of a happy, successful, and impactful life.

Let me explain…

If you asked me the most important attitudes a person could ever cultivate, my answer would clearly be GRATITUDE and GENEROSITY. Yet although I’ve lived more than six decades now, somehow I overlooked the fact that these are exactly the core principles behind Thanksgiving (gratitude) and Christmas (generosity).

Notice that gratitude and generosity are both “magnetic” traits. People in the secular world or New Age Movement call this “The Law of Attraction,” but it’s a Biblical principle too. Gratitude and generosity attract blessings and favor to our lives, both from God and from people.

In contrast, blessings and favor are repulsed by INGRATITUDE and STINGINESS. No wonder Scrooge didn’t have many friends until his epiphany came.

Through gratitude (a heart of thankfulness) we enter into the gates of the Lord’s presence (Psalm 100:4). And have you noticed how people love to give things to a person who’s truly grateful?

Likewise, generosity is one of the primary keys to a life of blessing and impact. Proverbs 11:24-25 (NLT) beautifully points this out:

Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Do you want to prosper? Then set your heart on becoming more generous.

Do you want to enter into a time of refreshing in your life? Then make it your aim to refresh others.

More importantly, do you want to become more like your Heavenly Father? Then one of the very best ways is to become more generous. You see, a central character trait of your Father in Heaven is that He’s a GIVER. “God so loved the world” that He didn’t just think more positive thoughts toward us – He GAVE His Son! (John 3:16).

If you truly see how loving and generous your Father is, you’ll be that way too. But if you view Him as stingy and miserly, you’ll end up behaving like Scrooge and having a miserable life to show for it.

So, what about Ron?

Armed with this new understanding of how Thanksgiving and Christmas mirror God’s two major character traits for a happy and holy life, I’ve been endeavoring to help Ron gain a new perspective too.

“Ron, you may not like every aspect of the holidays,” I’ve told him. “But what if you used Thanksgiving as a monumental opportunity to work on your GRATITUDE? And what if Christmas became your yearly reminder to live a life of GENEROSITY?”

In all likelihood, next year at this time I’ll have to remind Ron again. But who knows? If he truly begins to practice a life of gratitude and generosity, he may even attract a new wife by then. That would be amazing, but miracles really do happen…especially when we’re consistently grateful and generous.

I’m not an expert on the subject of grief by any means – far from it. Yet recently several friends have had loved ones die suddenly and unexpectedly. I’ve found myself wondering, how are they supposed to handle that?

Then today I noticed a woman at the grocery store who had some sort of Christian bracelet. When I asked about the bracelet, she told me the heart-wrenching story of how her sister had died just two weeks ago of a rare form of cancer.

Wow. How is she supposed to handle that?

As I pondered these situations, a story in the life of Jesus came to mind. John the Baptist – Jesus’ cousin and the preacher who had inaugurated His ministry – was beheaded by King Herod. It was a gruesome event, with the severed head of Jesus’ forerunner put on a tray and given to his persecutors before his friends buried his body.

Knowing that He cared deeply about John, we’re told that John’s disciples “went and told Jesus what had happened” (Matthew 14:10-12 NLT).

So, how did Jesus respond to the news? He apparently didn’t spout a bunch of spiritual platitudes as we might have done. I probably would have offered some lame and inappropriate words of comfort, like “God will work it for good,” or perhaps the old standby, “He’s in a better place now.”

Jesus didn’t do that. In fact, we’re not even told what He said. However, we can see three significant things He DID in the wake of His grief over John’s death:

1.      He withdrew and spent time by Himself (vs. 12-13). Often after a loved one dies, we’re surrounded by well-wishing friends and family. That’s fine – up to a point. But Jesus went “to a remote area to be alone,” and usually we need to follow this example. Withdrawing shouldn’t make us feel guilty! It’s part of the grieving process, a necessary step in getting our bearings again. 

How long should this “withdrawal” step last? A day? A week? A month? Longer? There’s no way to set a firm time limit, because everyone is different. In verse 23 Jesus again went to be alone, which shows that this step may need to be repeated from time to time. Yet it’s big mistake to get stuck in this phase forever, because we will eventually need to move on to step 2.

2.      He found people needier than He was (vs. 14-21). I’ll never forget my first Christmas after experiencing a significant loss in my life. It was going to be an incredibly lonely time for me, but God gave me a helpful strategy: I took my guitar and went to sing for people in a nearby nursing home! Although I’m not sure they particularly liked my singing, they seemed glad I was there. And my gloomy disposition certainly improved as I set out to bless people who were even lonelier than I was. 

Of course, Jesus didn’t visit a nursing home after hearing of John’s death. But He reached out to heal a bunch of sick people and then took five loaves of bread and two fish to feed thousands of hungry people.

If you’re facing some kind of grief today, perhaps it’s time to reach out with the love of Jesus to someone who’s needier than you. Taking that step won’t immediately relieve the pain, but you’ll find it beneficial to put your grief in the rearview mirror instead of making it your constant focus.

3.      He (and Peter) walked on water (vs. 22-32). I’ve probably lost you at this point. First of all, you assume it’s impossible for you to walk on water. And even if you somehow could pull it off, how could that accomplishment have any bearing on your grief?

But you see, walking on water is a beautiful picture of going beyond yourself and doing something that once seemed impossible. In order to truly overcome grief, something supernatural must take place. Put simply: You need God’s help!

Not only did Jesus walk on water, but Peter did too. Peter did something he never could have done in his own strength – and so can you. Despite the initial devastation brought by your loss, you can make it. You really can be OK again. His grace is always sufficient if you take time to draw upon it (2 Corinthians 12:9).

This story also reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus amid the wind and waves around us. Grief and fear are frequent allies, and our fears become overwhelming if we focus on the stormy conditions swirling in our path. Miraculously, the Bible says “perfect peace” is available when our eyes are fixed on the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 26:3, Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 4:4-9).

Perhaps, like Peter, your grief and fear have conspired to give you a “sinking feeling” down deep in your soul. But remember: Even when you feel like you’re about to drown in your sorrows, Jesus will be there to grab your hand when you call out to Him.

If you’ve suffered a major loss in your life, there’s a good chance you know a lot more about grief than I do. If so, I encourage you to take time to comfort others with the comfort you’ve received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). As you stretch out your hand to others, your own healing process will be accelerated (Mark 3:1-5).

Even though you may feel bewildered by the loss you’ve experienced, never forget that the Lord is WITH you through it all: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18). When grief comes sweeping in like a flood, let it lift you higher and draw you closer to Him than ever before. 

Sometimes preachers have thoughts during their sermons that did not occur to them during the preparation time.  It happened to me several years ago on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  As expected, I was preaching on being thankful, using the example of the one leper out of ten who returned to thank Jesus for healing (Luke 17:11-19), when I suddenly departed from my notes and suggested the folks think of three people for who they were thankful, then tell them of their thankfulness in the next three days, before Thanksgiving Day. Later that day, the thought hit me that I too, should take this advice.  Thus, began an annual Thanksgiving week tradition for me.  Unknown to me, one of the people I thanked that first year was a relative of a man who was in the congregation where I first offered the suggestion.  The Sunday following Thanksgiving, that man, thanked me for practicing what I preached.  I was sure glad I responded to my own suggestion.  How about you?  Are there people you need to thank this week? May I suggest you do so? 

The men of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba.

But the men of Judah stayed with their king and escorted him from the Jordan River to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 20:2 NLT

I am the King of hearts—including yours. Others may forsake the True God to follow the world’s ersatz god, but by grace stay with Me all the way. Make your resolve like Peter’s—never join ranks with the deserters of Jesus; unflinchingly refuse to disown your King! Then go one better than Peter—do not ruin your worthy resolution by rebellion. At sunrise, when the cock crows, you will not cry your eyes out because you have denied Me during your night of trial. Continue to passionately adore Me as your First Love, Ruler of the kingdom of your emotions. Stay with Me—and stay serene.

I am the King of hope—the Solid Rock of certainty in shifting sands of circumstances. Through life’s picnics and problems, I stay by your side as your Dependable Friend. Change surrounds you, but I stay the same, beside you through it all. Others may leave Me to search for stability elsewhere, but stay faithful to Me, and I will pour My blessings on your life day by day. Focus on getting to know Me—then everything else in the universe will make more sense. Instead of imitating society’s behavior, let My Holy Spirit transform you from inside out by changing how you think. Let My thoughts become yours—permit My Holy Spirit to course through your intellect. Loyally yield to My reign over your mind, humbly making Me your Best Thought day and night. Stay with Me—and stay sane.

I am the King of heaven—your permanent home. I am preparing paradise for you, where we will stay together forever. Certain of your eternal destiny, you are free to sing as you make the trip. You may feel faint in the Faith Marathon, but struggle on until you hear finish-line applause. I will reign over your future—surrender to My reign over your present. Fight until the battle is won. Run until the race is completed. Stay faithful until you meet the Author of faith. When I ascend David’s throne to rule over the universe, you will receive an eternal reward for remaining loyal to the King. Stay with Me—and stay satisfied.

No matter how many turn from Me to follow that loser Satan, stay loyal to your King all the way across the Jordan of challenge to the new Jerusalem of celebration—you will always be glad you did!

© 2013 Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Right now, in the middle of the chaos going on around us, it is emotionally disturbing.

You can feel the frustration building up within you- knowing this is the world we live in.  The chaos begins to pull us in without us realizing we are being pulled in.

When we hear a child killed their parents, a child killed himself because someone was bullying them. When we hear murder is on the inclined, the weather full of hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes are showing up in places for the first time or the second time through out history. Fights and wars going on. It will gets to us.

However, this is expected (See John 16:33, 2Timothy 3:1-17, to name a few).

Here's where the private retreats are priceless

I remember the time spent with Him, alone. 

As I write this, a smile of peace is rising up within me.  It is so peaceful, calming, loving, genuine, safe, and merciful. The Lord is and more. Just to be in His presence, nothing can come close.  His embrace is warm, loving, gentle, yet firm.

God holds on to you. In the quiet of His presence, He firmly speaks, encourages, and directs.

Ahh! How it gets me through the chaos immediately around me, when I cannot physically be in the quiet place.  It restores my being with strength, courage, hope, and faith in Him; to keep moving forward.

Be  encouraged my fellow reader. Be in His presence and let Him talk to you.  It will...increase your relationship with Him and it will encourage your knowledge of His character that is of no other.

Ok...I will stop here.  I just needed to get this out in sharing Him with you about why private retreats are necessary.

   "When you fall, look around, God is reaching for you to get up"

May the word of my lord the king bring me rest.

2 Samuel 14:17 NIV

I am the King of hearts and Lord of every dimension of your life. When you seriously seek Me, I tranquilize your worry. When you sincerely pray, you experience unparalleled peace of mind.

When you humble yourself in My Presence, you are safe and sound. Falling on your face to honor Me, I gladly and freely help you. Focusing your thoughts on Me and trusting Me, you enjoy perfect peace.

I will not ignore or reject you when you seek My face. My heart goes out to you. Whatever skeptics think and philosophers theorize, I personally care for you.

My heart is a sanctuary of peace and quiet. The shadow of My wings is divine shelter from the storms of temptation and chaos. Nestling near My loving heart brings invulnerable joy.

Turn your anxiety into prayers—tell Me what you need, and thank Me for everything I have done. I will command battalions of angels to encircle you and guard your mind from despair. My royal word brings you rest.

When you are tired and worn out, look to the King of life for renewed vitality. When you are frazzled, seek My blessing. When your burden is impossible to bear, trade it for My servant cross. When you are frustrated by life’s challenges, learn from Me how to live gracefully.

Humble yourself in the presence of the King of kings, and find supernatural help. My invisible clock keeps perfect time—I will have the last word. Submit your will to your Sovereign, and in My good time I will honor you. My smile counts more than any human recognition.

Bring your aggravations to the King of peace, and recover balance. Give all your worries to Me, because I care about what happens to you. If you try to handle stresses and struggles by yourself, you are saying you do not trust Me, and you will fall apart. Listen to My hopeful melody—calm down; cheer up; pray as you go; come to rest.

Rely on the King of love, and find all the grace you need. I promise to write a beautiful ending to your earthly life and a glorious opening line to your life with Me in eternity. Trying times are a parenthesis in life’s grand sentence; someday the parenthesis will close—leave the rest to Me.

© 2013 Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

I noted in last week’s post that Christianity experienced a seismic paradigm shift when Martin Luther and other reformers essentially zero-based the church’s traditional doctrine of salvation and rebuilt it using only God’s Word—“Sola Scriptura.”

Then I stepped back from the details and considered applying that same strategy to discipling ourselves and others. I asked you, “If we zero-base our understanding of what it means to disciple ourselves and others, and then rebuild our understanding Sola Scriptura, how will our strategies—our “discipleship programs”—differ from what it is right now?

Why ask such a question? Because a recent Barna Group survey of discipleship across America (Dec 2015) alerts us to a disturbing situation: Despite our numerous church and parachurch discipling tools, programs, and activities, research reveals “the disconnect between how people think about their spirituality and what’s actually happening in their lives.” Among their conclusions: “Church leaders and congregants need better methods of thinking about and evaluating their discipleship efforts.”

Our key problem is this: People outside the church see woefully little difference between “Christians” and non-Christians. We need to discern that, acknowledge that, and change that. We need to make disciples who make a difference. Further, we must begin with ourselves, and only then influence others as disciples.

If we apply that zero-based strategy, here is what I envision we’ll remember and return to:

• We’ll honestly and intentionally make love our aim. Agape love is a disciple’s distinctive feature (John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13).
• We’ll more clearly discern the relationship of discipline (e.g., solitude, prayer, memorization) and process (e.g., one-on-one, small group) to outcome (agape love, which shows in our Christlike character). Disciplines and processes are many and flexible; the outcome God desires is fixed. God challenges us in His Word to focus more on being than doing; on becoming more purposeful than process-full (Psalm 19:14; Matthew 15:8-9). And knowledge (e.g., theology) plus skill (e.g., Bible study) minus Christlikeness (agape love) leads to collapse.
• Our testimony—in sharing our faith and in discipling—is more about what others see in you and me than what we say (Matthew 5:14–16). Again, let’s make love our aim. Let’s walk in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1-2; 5:1-2).

This week, 500 years ago, marked the start of the Protestant Reformation. Could this week in 2017 mark the start of a Discipling Reformation? “Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.”

The letter instructed Joab, “Station Uriah on the front lines where the battle is fiercest.

Then pull back so that he will be killed.”

2 Samuel 11:15 NLT

The letter instructed Joab, “Station Uriah on the front lines where the battle is fiercest.

Then pull back so that he will be killed.”

2 Samuel 11:15 NLT

It is the height of foolishness to reason that the only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it. It is easier to get off sin’s slippery slope at the top than midway down. Better yet, stay off the slope!

King David did not go off to war, yet he fought another war—an internal civil war between passion and purity. Unhappily, he lost his battle with temptation. In hand-to-hand combat on the front line, Uriah died—a casualty of an arrow shot by an enemy archer. And David died spiritually when he sinned with Bathsheba—a casualty of an arrow shot by the enemy of his soul.

Seduced by his own evil desire, he let himself be dragged away and destroyed. Desire conceived and gave birth to sin, leading to death. Moral fighting was savage; but instead of combating evil impulses, he flirted and lost the struggle.

When David saw Bathsheba bathing, he should have turned around and gone inside his palace; instead, he gazed on her with lust. David should have occupied his mind with the battle against the enemies of Israel; instead, he occupied his mind with Bathsheba’s beauty, asking for trouble.

Retiring prematurely, he lazily stayed in Jerusalem while his valiant warriors deployed. With much to eat and drink and no noble task, he committed moral suicide.

David should have canceled his sexual plans when he learned Bathsheba was married; instead, he sent for her with a losing proposition. David should have stopped when he saw Bathsheba; instead, he slept with her. Adultery and murder were crimes against people; and they were sins against Me. What the king should have done—and what he did—were two vastly different matters.

Uriah was not the only man on the front lines of intense fighting. Though Uriah died physically, his death was more honorable than David’s spiritual defeat. David had done as he pleased, but I was very displeased. Iniquity with impunity is an impossible combination. Forgiveness does not cancel consequences.

Avoid mental adultery. The act is wrong—so is the fantasy. Be loyal to your spouse with your mind, as well as your body. When you meet temptation, turn to the right and see My exit sign. When Satan aims fiery arrows of temptation at you, use the faith shield to extinguish them.

With My help, you can win even the fiercest battles. I am on the front line fighting right alongside you.

© 2013 Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

How special it is for us to be alive 500 years after the Protestant Reformation began in Wittenberg! This is an excellent time to thank God for what He did during those years to revolutionize peoples’ understanding of His Word, transform their hearts, and move them from uncertainty and fear through the church to confidence and freedom through Christ.

The core outcome of the Reformation was the revolution in scriptural understanding and worship by parishioners through direct access to God and His Word. As people across Western Europe read and studied the Bible themselves—in their own language rather than Latin, which very few understood—God gradually opened their eyes to uncluttered truth. It generated a paradigm-changing upheaval in faith and practice that is comparable to a magnitude 9.9 earthquake.

Especially the truth about salvation. Beginning with his “tower experience” and study of Romans 1:16–17, Martin Luther and then others realized this: According to the Scriptures alone, we are redeemed by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for God’s glory alone. They essentially zero-based their traditional doctrine of salvation and rebuilt it using only God’s Word.

This enlightenment exposed various unscriptural church practices, starting with the church’s abuse of indulgences by selling them to raise money for building a big cathedral. It grew to protests against several traditions that cluttered or countered the truth of God’s Word. It led also to the development of Protestant churches and networks.

What does all this have to do with discipling today?  First – The best way we can celebrate the Reformation is to personally re-embrace these realities—and their implications—and then lead those we influence/disciple to do the same: According to the Scriptures alone, we are redeemed by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for God’s glory alone.

Second – Let’s ask each other a question: If we zero-base our understanding of what it means to disciple ourselves and others, and then rebuild our understanding Sola Scriptura, how will our strategy, our “discipleship program,” differ from what it is right now? I have an idea on that; I’ll share it for your consideration in my next post.

Prayer: “Almighty God and loving Father, we thank You for Your deep love and amazing grace! Through Your Spirit in us, please help us care so much about these realities that we will personally re-embrace them and rest in their reality. And please help us share this re-commitment with at least one or two others around us. In Jesus’ name and for Your glory alone, amen.”

The king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the unfailing, unsought, unlimited mercy and kindness of God?”

2 SAMUEL 9:3 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE

I am King of kings—nevertheless I am infinitely kind to you. David’s graciousness to Mephibosheth, a no-kin cripple who had done nothing to merit such benevolence, pictures My divine hospitality to you. Israel’s monarch invited Saul’s grandson to live in Jerusalem in his palace and eat at his table. I invite you to reside in the realm of peace and dine regularly at the table I set for you. I fill your soul with a spiritual banquet fit for a king. Though you are sometimes emotionally crippled, I carry you near My heart. Realizing you are a spiritual beggar, I treat you royally. Feasting in My palace, you never go hungry.

I am King of heaven—I extend heavenly citizenship to all who give Me heartfelt allegiance. Allowing sin to rule would place you on death row; permitting Christ to reign puts you at ease. Living as a child of the King, you enjoy life at its best. Cultivating an appetite for lasting meaning, you avoid hell’s unhealthy fast food and enjoy real nourishment.

I am King of love—I have always loved you and I always will. Unlimited mercy charmed you to My side. Unfailing kindness holds you near My heart forever. Loving-kindness makes us inseparable.

I am King of joy—Heaven’s benediction is in giving, not getting.

I am King of kindness—I set the prime example of real love. I have been kind to you, a spiritual cripple, so be kind to the handicapped. Express faith in Me via deeds of kindness mirroring My servant lifestyle. In a cold, cruel world, I am the heartwarming God. Be like Me by building a fire of hospitality to cheer the hearts of discouraged people around you. Reflect My heart of love by being sympathetic to everyone you meet—they are all having a hard time in one way or another. Behind the scenes there is silent struggle, unknown agony, unresolved dilemma, unvoiced pain. For heaven’s sake, show godly kindness every way you can.

My Son gave His life to forgive your sins and remove your guilt. His love was totally unselfish. Walk in His steps by having a heart for others. Let your concern go beyond affection—live sacrificially, like the King who kindly died for you.

An unrung bell is of little value. An unsung song cheers no one. I did not place love in your heart merely for your benefit—not until you give it away does it fulfill its purpose.

I am kind to you—see that you are kind to other people. You have received freely of heaven’s kindness—give freely in kind.

© 2013 Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whiseprs from Eternity

We once had a beautiful long-haired dachshund. Even in her later years, all I had to do was say the word, “Go” and she would jump from wherever she was sitting and run to the nearest door. Funny how I have become like that dog. I know I need to say “no” occasionally, but every time someone sends me an invitation to speak, I jump to the occasion. I’m not sure how old Jeremiah was when he wrote that God’s word, “was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones” (Jeremiah 20:9) and perhaps he was even older when he wrote of God, “From above He has sent fire into my bones” (Lamentations 1:13). I just can’t say “no.” Even when I want to decline, something inside of me says, “yes.” I know what it is – that “fire in my bones.” It is that calling I received from God as a teen-ager. It’s still active. God has not yet decided to retire that call, nor am I ready for Him to do so. Who would want to keep living after God was finished with them? British/American author, motivational speaker and marketing consultant. Simon O. Sinek asked, “What good is having a belly if there’s no fire in it”? I like that. Belly-up! The fire is still burning. How about you?

A firestorm erupted recently when I wrote a blog that was deemed critical of the counseling profession. I have lots of friends who are counselors—excellent counselors—and several seemed to think I was including them in my critique of incompetent counseling. Meanwhile, I also have countless friends who’ve been helped by skilled counselors, and they rose up to defend the counseling profession and share their gratitude for a job well done.

My blog’s main point was simply that effective counseling must endeavor to get to the heart of the matter, not just address the symptoms. Admittedly, this is no easy task, but Solomon said it’s a worthy objective: “Counsel in a person’s heart is deep water; but a person of understanding draws it out” (Proverbs 20:5 CSB). A good counselor must be “a person of understanding,” able to probe the “deep water” of a person’s heart. Definitely not an easy job.

The prophet Jeremiah had a similar message: “They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14 NASB). Indeed, there is no genuine and lasting peace in a person’s heart unless God’s Spirit is allowed to penetrate deeply and touch the broken places—strongholds usually well-protected by our defense mechanisms.

Let’s be honest: We all need more than superficial healing, don’t we? At one time or another, we need the kind of transformation and restoration King David so desperately sought:

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and uphold me with a willing spirit (Psalm 51:10-12 ESV).

David’s cry for inner transformation brings up the number one reason why counseling so often fails. Yes, there are incompetent counselors out there, but there’s a problem much bigger than that:

Counseling most commonly fails because the counselee either doesn’t really want to change, or doesn’t want it badly enough to take the necessary steps!

This principle is illustrated in a seemingly crazy question Jesus asked a disabled man at the Pool of Bethesda one day (John 5:2-9). The man was with a crowd of people who were waiting for an angel to stir the waters so they could be healed. The scene was similar to a doctor’s crowded waiting room during flu season, except that these people had much more severe ailments: They were blind, lame, or paralyzed, often suffering conditions that had already lasted many years.

Amid this crowd hoping for healing, Jesus had the nerve to walk up to this one disabled man and ask, “Do you want to get well?” (v. 6 NIV).

Think about it. Wouldn’t EVERY sick person want to be healed? The answer is clearly no, sometimes we really don’t.

You see, if we’re healed, we won’t have as much to complain about. Nor can we play upon people’s sympathy or get handouts. We’ll be forced to quit making excuses for why we can’t support ourselves or make the world a better place.

Jesus’ question was particularly audacious because of where it occurred. This man was in line for healing, or so it seemed. Wasn’t it obvious that he sincerely sought to be healed? No, people go to doctors and counselors every day without any intention of following through on the advice they receive.

Another intriguing part of the story is that Jesus didn’t allow the man to be a passive bystander during his healing. The Lord gave him an assignment, something to DO: “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk” (v. 8 NIV). Basically, Jesus was telling him to do the impossible—something he had been unable to do for 38 years!

This is important: Many people claim they want to be healed…or lose weight…or cast off depression…or find better relationships. But when a counselor tells them such things may require some CHANGES or even some WORK on their part, often the counselee is unwilling.

Typically, people’s unwillingness is masked by excuses, just like this man tried to offer Jesus:

“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me” (v. 7 NIV).

If we want to get better—no matter what the issue may be—we must be willing to confront and discard our excuses. In this story, Jesus the Wonderful Counselor was able to break through an excuse this man had been using for years. Only then could the disabled man receive his miracle of healing.

We all have our excuses, don’t we? I guess that’s why we need good counselors.  

P.S. If my last blog was too hard on counselors, perhaps this one is too hard on those who need physical or emotional healing. It’s certainly no fun to be emotionally paralyzed or in pain, especially if the condition has gone on for a long time. But the good news is that Jesus can pick you out of the crowd and give you a new beginning, if you let Him. Do you want to get well?

After dating several women who told him he had “issues,” my friend Ron finally decided to look for a good counselor.

“That’s a great move,” I encouraged him. It was all I could do to stop short of adding, “And it’s about time, Ron!”

Yet the conversation grew darker when he asked my advice on how to go about finding a counselor who could actually do him some good.

“That’s a tough one, Ron. You’re a pretty hard case,” I chuckled. “And 95% of the counselors out there are either well-meaning but incompetent, or else they’re total frauds, just out to make money.”

I later had to admit that I had no scientific basis for my “95%” statistic. Perhaps the situation in the counseling community is even worse than that!

When Ron asked why I was so down on the counseling profession, I told him my Parable of the Dandelions.

“There are four kinds of counselors, Ron,” I explained. “Picture someone approaching four different advisers for input on controlling the dandelions in his yard.”

Counselor #1: This kind of counselor looks at the yard and says, “I don’t see any dandelions. I think you’re doing great!” This is the counselor of choice for those in denial. The person going for counseling denies he has any addictions or psychiatric conditions, and the counselor comforts him by agreeing! A variation of this is the kind of counselor who provides reassuring comparisons: “Well, sure, you have dandelions. But there’s no need to worry about it, because all your neighbors have dandelions too!”

Counselor #2: This kind of counselor specializes in validation. After spending an hour with the patient and charging $160 or more, the counselor says, “Yes, you surely are depressed” or “Yes, you really do have a lot of anxiety.” Of course, the counselee already knew that before spending his $160, but it feels good to have someone validate and confirm all the things he’s been feeling. The problem with this, quite obviously, is that nothing has really been solved by the counselor. In essence, he’s just saying, “I see the dandelions you’re talking about!” Frequently, this kind of counselor also tries to validate your perspective on the cause of your problems. By the end of the counseling session, you’ve found other people to blame for your troubles, leaving you guilt-free. “I agree with your assessment that your spouse is a jerk,” the counselor assures you. “So it’s no wonder you have anger issues.” Or you’re told, “Your self-esteem problems are all the fault of your parents.” You feel a remarkable sense of relief in knowing you’re not to blame for your current condition—but your condition never changes when you insist on shifting all the blame to others.

Counselor #3: This kind of counselor goes a little further than Counselor #2. “Yes, you definitely have dandelions, and we’re going to do something to fix that!” However, Counselor #3 opts for the same approach I once took when my dad told me to get rid of the dandelions in our yard: I simply pulled off the dandelion heads, and soon the yard looked dandelion-free. Counselor #3 typically accomplishes this by providing medication to mask a person’s pain, anxiety, depression, or other unpleasant symptoms. The greater the emotional pain, the higher the dosage that is prescribed. I’m sincerely thankful that medication can relieve some of these troublesome symptoms, and some people need that approach, at least in the short run. However, I can’t help but remember what happened when I pulled off the dandelion heads in our lawn. For a few days, it seemed like I was a genius, eradicating all signs of dandelions. But soon the dandelions were back, even more prevalent than before. And that’s why we need counselors like #4…

Counselor #4: I’m convinced that most counselors fall into the categories of #1, #2, or #3. You might wonder how they stay in business when they’re so ineffective. The answer to that question isn’t hard to find: Instead of truly being healed and delivered from their sins and dysfunctions, many people would prefer to live in denial, find affirmation that their problems really aren’t so bad, or find medication that will cover up the symptoms. In contrast, Counselor #4 understands that our emotional “dandelions” must be honestly acknowledged and then pulled out by the roots.   

My friend Ron, like so many other people, stands at a crossroads. It’s tempting to pay a counselor to tell him he’s not nearly as messed up as those women say on his dates. And if he had some good medication, he probably wouldn’t worry about their opinions anyway.

The search for competent help won’t be easy, but I’m praying for Ron to find Counselor #4—someone with the spiritual discernment and patience to unearth and remove the roots of his emotional pain.

Tell me what you think. Am I being too hard on the counseling community? What kinds of remedies have helped you find help and healing for your emotional wounds? Ron could use your advice.

#PrayForRon

David became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him.

2 Samuel 5:10 NLT

The kingdom is Mine forever. I am Jehovah—the One Who Will Always Be Who I Have Always Been. I am the King of hearts.

I am the Undisputed Ruler of all the kingdoms of your life. I was High King of the universe before time. I am your Eternal King in sovereign control of every dimension—physical, emotional, intellectual. Details do not escape My notice. Nothing—pleasant or painful—gets to you without going by My throne first. I cause or permit everything for My glory and for your good. I hold you together—give Me credit.

The power is Mine forever. I am Elohim—the One whose strength is unrivalled by any power. No force anywhere in the universe equals the dynamic energy of My Spirit. Humans discover traces of divine power in the atom, but no created being is able to create.

Keep in mind that you cannot live life richly, relate well, serve Me, resist temptation, face tomorrow confidently, make correct decisions, or carry out your responsibilities without My power. Independently of Me you can accomplish absolutely nothing. Sooner or later you will learn that striking out on your own leads to failure. I am the Vine and you are one of the branches—nothing is closer. Stay near Me and your life will produce sweet fruit to cheer your despondent world.

Your power depends on connecting to the Ultimate Power Source. In My infused power, you find the secret of surviving every situation. With My reinforcement, you can stand up to Satan’s attacks. Energized by My Holy Spirit, you are ready for anything. You cannot imagine what I can accomplish by My work within you—purpose beyond highest ambition, tranquility beyond dearest wish, joy beyond sincerest prayer, power beyond most desperate need. Take heart.

The glory is Mine forever. I am the Almighty—the One who deserves honor for the success you achieve in making spiritual progress. The only reason you can ever be strong is because I am with you. Fear nothing, with Me on your side. Let nothing overwhelm you, since I overshadow you. Let no enemy ever intimidate you, marching in Christ’s triumphal procession. Live exuberantly, energized by the Infinite One.

Take up residence in Me, the Mighty Fortress, and grow stronger with every heartbeat. Draw closer to Me every passing day, and be steady and strong in all circumstances. Standing tall in life’s storms, do not break your arm patting yourself on the back—bow your head and give thanks.

© 2013 Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

This was the beginning of a long war between those loyal to Saul and those who were loyal to David.

As time passed David became stronger and stronger, while Saul’s dynasty became weaker and weaker.

2 Samuel 3:1 NLT

As long as you breathe in your mortal body, civil war will rage between your sinful and sanctified natures. While a resident in time, you will have to deal with tension between your human and heavenly sides. Beguiling carnality and ideal Christlikeness are locked in interminable combat. Struggling with sin drags on and on, but never surrender to evil. Travel the high road—avoid swampy detours.

Contradicting actions puzzle you. You cannot seem to find a way to accomplish holy goals. It seems an invariable fact that though you strive for perfection, you keep missing the mark. You really love My law, but sin still attracts you with its advertised pleasure. Good intentions sabotaged by sin, you are miserable in addiction’s shadows.

Without Christ’s assistance, sin will always win over sacred aims. You are powerless to defend yourself against hell’s onslaughts. Up against more than you can handle, never try to stand up to temptation by yourself. Always depend on your Savior. Your Commander in Chief is engaged in hand-to-hand combat against Satan in the trenches right beside you. His Presence takes the terror out of the front line.

There is one cure for spiritual schizophrenia, one strategy to win the war against evil habits, one ray of hope in the night of slavery to vice—Jesus Christ. When the fog of war confuses you, claim His power and enjoy freedom and victory! Do not waste time in useless self-reliance and human willpower—rely on My Holy Spirit to break evil chains. Depend on your ingenuity, and you will be overcome by evil in the blink of an eye. Keep in step with Me, and you can nail evil desires to the cross.

First-century Christians held hands and participated in a tripedion—a dance of three steps forward and two steps backward, reminding them of their life of faith. When you step backward, repent. When you step forward, rejoice. Never give up the dream of Christlikeness. Day by day, by degrees, almost imperceptibly, you are becoming more like Christ—stronger in grace, brighter in understanding.

Stay unflinchingly loyal to the Son of the Most High—one day you will reign with Him when He ascends the throne of His ancestor David. Satan’s regime will weaken into oblivion, his subjects forever tortured. Citizens of Christ’s kingdom will celebrate eternal victory. Until then, hold My hand—I will teach you how to dance for joy.

© 2013 Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked.

The Lord said, “Go up” David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron,” the Lord answered.

2 Samuel 2:1 NIV

Lamenting his earthly friend Jonathan’s death, David looked to his Heavenly Friend to learn what he should do next. In his sadness he conducted a search.

At times your life is like that. Brokenhearted by emotional disaster, you need time to recuperate and get back to normal. I graciously provide the healing time you need—then comes the day when you feel it is time to move on. Your heart says it is time to ask, “What next, Lord?”

Grief is not forever. Hard times come to pass, not to stay. You have Me to thank for the steady passage of time. I am the Lord of all your days.

My clock is invisible, but it keeps perfect time. I understand your personality better than you know yourself. I know what is best for you—I comprehend when transitions should best occur. You can trust Me at every twist and turn of life’s roller coaster.

I do not answer your inquiries with Urim and Thummim, as I did Israel’s second king. By lights and perfections of My Scripture and Spirit, I direct your life’s course.

Go beyond meditating on My map for the maze—hit the road! Do more than study My business—get to work! I want more than sentimental love letters—I want devotion expressed in every detail of your life.

Whatever your address, I am your Home.

You cannot understand how I speak to your heart, but praise Me that I do. My quiet voice encourages and leads you on your journey through life. The course of time educates you for eternity.

I am King of kings—I am also King of your life. The government of your life rests on My shoulders, not yours. Make your heart My throne—allow Me to rule every dimension of your experience. Give Me credit for blessings you enjoy—sing My praises.

Include Me in all your travel plans.

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked.

The Lord said, “Go up” David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron,” the Lord answered.

2 Samuel 2:1 NIV

Lamenting his earthly friend Jonathan’s death, David looked to his Heavenly Friend to learn what he should do next. In his sadness he conducted a search.

At times your life is like that. Brokenhearted by emotional disaster, you need time to recuperate and get back to normal. I graciously provide the healing time you need—then comes the day when you feel it is time to move on. Your heart says it is time to ask, “What next, Lord?”

Grief is not forever. Hard times come to pass, not to stay. You have Me to thank for the steady passage of time. I am the Lord of all your days.

My clock is invisible, but it keeps perfect time. I understand your personality better than you know yourself. I know what is best for you—I comprehend when transitions should best occur. You can trust Me at every twist and turn of life’s roller coaster.

I do not answer your inquiries with Urim and Thummim, as I did Israel’s second king. By lights and perfections of My Scripture and Spirit, I direct your life’s course.

Go beyond meditating on My map for the maze—hit the road! Do more than study My business—get to work! I want more than sentimental love letters—I want devotion expressed in every detail of your life.

Whatever your address, I am your Home.

You cannot understand how I speak to your heart, but praise Me that I do. My quiet voice encourages and leads you on your journey through life. The course of time educates you for eternity.

I am King of kings—I am also King of your life. The government of your life rests on My shoulders, not yours. Make your heart My throne—allow Me to rule every dimension of your experience. Give Me credit for blessings you enjoy—sing My praises.

Include Me in all your travel plans.

 Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity