Don’t Give Up the Bible

Historically, Americans have always had an appreciation of the Bible. It is not just limited to one place or generation. Consider these quotes with me:

George Washington (1732-1799) once said, “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.”

Patrick Henry (1736-1799) once said, “The Bible is worth all the other books that have ever been printed.”

U.S. Grant (1822-1885) once said, “Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties. Write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives.”

Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) once said, “In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.”

Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) once said, “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is wort h more than a college education.”

Those quotes are impressive. Do you believe America still values the Bible? That question takes us to our scripture reading, Acts 8:26-31.

The main character in the story is the apostle, Philip. He is instructed by an angel to go to the road that runs between Gaza and Jerusalem. The distance between those two locations is fifty miles. Somewhere on that road he finds a unique traveler, an Ethiopian eunuch. We know two things about him. First, we know his nationality. He was from Ethiopia. In those days, Ethiopia was considered the upper Nile region. Second, we know his occupation. He was the treasurer of the queen of Ethiopia, Candace. He was a eunuch because he worked with the queen and fornication will not be tolerated. He has a wonderful job, but his personal life was lacking. Confused, he sat on the side of the road studying the Old Testament. His life is filled with questions, and he wants some answers.

This is where the text begins to speak to us. The Ethiopian is reading the scriptures, but he does not understand the scriptures. It is one thing to read the words. It is another thing to understand the words. When was the last time you played the part of the Ethiopian? When was the last time you read the Bible, but you didn’t completely understand the words?

I will be the first one to admit it: the Bible is complex. Only fools think the Bible is simple. Just think about it for a moment. There are sixty-six books in the Bible: thirty-nine in the Old Testament and twenty-seven in the New Testament. Have you ever read the Bible cover to cover? Have you ever stopped to consider how many kinds of literature are found in the Bible? Have you ever stopped to consider the age of the Bible? Have you ever studied the original languages of the Bible – Hebrew and Greek – to expose some hidden meaning? Have you ever considered how much time passed between the oldest words in the Bible and the newest words in the Bible? Have you ever stopped to consider how much time has passed since the Bible was completed? Everyone agrees the Bible is complex; no wonder the Ethiopian Eunuch needed some help. However, the complexity of the Bible is not an excuse for not reading it. Reading the Bible is vital to your spiritual maturity. Let me give you two reasons why.

First, the Bible is practical. Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) once said, “Within the covers of the Bible are all the answers for all the problems man faces.” The Bible addresses a wide variety of practical topics. How would your life improve if you applied these Biblical models to your daily life? How many of the problems would not exist if you would have followed the Biblical model from the very beginning? Are all your relationships healthy? Are your finances strong? Are you still worried about your salvation? The Bible covers these things because the Bible is practical. The Bible can help you with the biggest problems you are facing today! The Bible is practical!

Second, the Bible is eternal. The piece of scripture the Ethiopian is trying to understand is found in Isaiah 53, the suffering servant passage. Approximately 700 years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah talked about Jesus. The great reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546) once said, “The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid.” Luther understood the real meaning of the Bible. The Bible is all about Jesus, our only hope of salvation. The Bible is eternal!

The whole situation is sad. Our national Biblical illiteracy rate is at an all-time high. The Lifeway Research Group reported in 2017, 85% of all Americans own a Bible. The average American home possesses 4.4 Bibles. The problem is not possession, the problem is practice. Few are reading them. Only 10% of Americans read their Bible daily, only 25% percent of Americans read their Bibles once a week. 40% of Americans have never read their Bible.

When Jay Leno (born 1950) hosted The Tonight Show, he had a segment called Jay Walking. He would walk through the streets of Hollywood and ask people simple questions. It is amazing what people don’t know. One night he asked three college-age men questions about the Bible. He asked the first young man to name one of the Ten Commandments. He answered, “Freedom of Speech”. Then, he asked the second young man to complete this sentence: “Let the one who is without sin…” He answered, “have the most fun”. Smugly, the third young man laughed at his friends. Leno asked that young man, who in the Bible was swallowed by a great fish? The young man smiled with confidence and answered, “I know this one. It was Pinocchio!” We laugh at those ridiculous answers, but it really isn’t funny. It isn’t just true of the unchurched. It is true of the church too.

In 1989, I was appointed to a United Methodist congregation in Garfield Hts., Ohio.

When I first arrived, I did my best to get to know everyone. I did my best to discover what kind of activities they would support. In the first few months, I took a survey to learn more about them. On the survey were a wide range of questions. One of the questions was: “Do you think this church have a regular Bible study?” 98% of the congregation said, “Yes!” So, I planned a weekly Bible study and decided to use the biggest room in the church. After all, 98% of the people said the church should have a weekly Bible study. On the night I held the first Bible study I learned two things. First, I didn’t need the biggest room in the church. Second, I found out that evening I asked the wrong question. I should have asked, “Would you attend a weekly Bible study?” The survey told me 98% of the congregation said there should be a weekly Bible study, but less than 2% of the congregation came. I didn’t need the biggest room in the church. I could have held my Bible study in a phone booth.

It has been a long time since my unsuccessful weekly Bible study. Do you know what happened to that congregation? It pains me to say it. The church is now closed. That church did not close because the people were bad. That church did not close because the people were lazy. That church did not close because the people were not devoted to their church. That church closed for spiritual reasons. I believe that church was closed, because it was spiritually immature. Having no interest in the Bible is a sign of spiritual immaturity. Why would God lead people to a church that was spiritually compromised? Are you spiritually compromised? Spiritually mature people read the Bible. How often do you read the Bible? Actor Denzel Washington (born 1954) once said, “I read my Bible every day.” How often do you read your Bible? Never give up the Bible!

Don’t Give Up Worship!

When I first retired, I worshipped in a small membership church. When I say small, I mean small. They averaged about twelve every Sunday. That figure is not really accurate because three of the twelve never attended worship. They escaped into the basement. They said they were preparing for the coffee hour after the benediction. I believe it was their time to visit with their adult daughter for their weekly visit. Can I state the obvious? When you only had twelve and three leave, the congregation grew a little thin. I suppose you could get mad at “the three.” I look at it differently. I felt sorry for “the three” because they are missing the best part of church. They illustrate a simple point. You can go to church and never worship. Have you ever gone to church and never worshipped? That takes us to our scripture, Isaiah 6:1-8.

Years ago, before our country was threatened by a civil war, before Columbus discovered a New World, or a man named Jesus was resurrected, there was a man who spoke on behalf of God. His name meant “The Lord Saves,” but we call him Isaiah. His ministry began about the year 740 B.C., which makes him a contemporary of Amos, Hosea and Micah. Isaiah lived in politically stormy times. The Assyrian Empire was expanding; Israel was declining. Perhaps, that is why Isaiah’s major themes are dark. He spoke about judgment and salvation. However, our reading is not about either. Instead, he talks about the importance of worship. He tells us we won’t experience three things if we don’t worship.

First, if you don’t attend worship, then you won’t experience God! In today’s scripture reading, Isaiah had a vision. In his vision, he experienced God. The first four verses of the text try to explain what he saw when he looked at God. The Lord is seated high and exalted. His robe fills the temple, and He is surrounded by divine creatures. Don’t get lost in the details of the text; look at the text in general terms. Isaiah is experiencing God, and I believe people who attend worship want to experience God too. The goal of every church is to get you to experience God. For once you experience God, everything in your life will change.

That is why Satan doesn’t want you to experience God. He likes you just the way you are. So, he promotes secondary things in the life of the church to a primary position. Have you ever been preoccupied during worship by some secondary thing in the life of the church? The temperature is too low. The sound system is too loud. The usher isn’t wearing a tie. The greeter didn’t know your name. The person next to you is annoying. The tables and chairs need to be set up for the next dinner or fundraiser. I could go on, but you get the point. Satan doesn’t want you to experience God, so he promotes secondary things. You can go to church and never worship. This is the sad truth. Most do not even go to church. According to Gallup Research, only 20% of Americans worship weekly, only 41% of Americans worship monthly. That leads us to our second point.

Second, if you don’t worship, then you won’t hear the truth. We go to church to learn about God. Look at the text with me one more time. In Isaiah’s vision, he compares himself to God. The experience is revealing. Isaiah identifies his own imperfections. Verse 5 says, “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” Verses six and seven are key. They tell us something about the very nature of God. God does not strike him down because of his imperfections. God has a solution to his imperfection. A hot coal is placed on his lips and his guilt is taken away. Isaiah learns about God’s loving ways. If he had not experienced God, then his theology would have remained uncorrected. One of the reasons we have a poor national theology is that fewer Americans are worshipping all the time. In church, we learn the truth about God. If you don’t go to worship, then you will learn about God from other unreliable sources.

Augustine of Hippo (354-430) once said, “Our hearts are restless until we find our rest in God.” Augustine was saying within each person there is a spiritual hunger that must be satisfied. If people no longer go to church, then they will find their spiritual food in other places. Is your theology based on some creation from the entertainment industry, your craze for angels, your local fortune teller, your random acts of kindness, or your personal opinions? In worship you hear the truth. You learn about God and his plan of salvation for the world. How much do you know about God? How much of your personal theology is built on something you found outside of the church? Just because you have a thought or opinion about God does not make you wise or correct. In worship you learn the truth. That takes us to the third point.

Third, if you don’t worship, then you will never discover your purpose. You were born to be more than a consumer. You were created for a purpose. The scripture lesson ends with the famous words of verse 8, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, here am I. Send me!” Isaiah hears something in his vision that we often forget. Life is not about us; life is about others. The world tells us the key to happiness is to make yourself the star of your universe. Worship reminds us that the key to happiness is serving others. Researchers tell us people who serve others live longer, happier lives. Wouldn’t you like to live a longer, happier life? Our world is filled with problems. God expects you to make a positive difference in this world.

When I was young my best friend was named Jimmy. If you know me personally, then you know his last name. He lived five houses up from my family home. Being the same age, we were always in the same class at school. I cannot tell you how many hours we spent together. I never had a brother, but I had something better, Jimmy! He was always fun, and we shared our dreams with one another.

Don’t Give Up Fasting

Scottish evangelist Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) once said, “The Sermon on the Mount is a statement of the life we will live when the Holy Spirit is getting his way with us.” Jesus is setting the standard high. The Sermon on the Mount is found in the sixth, seventh and eighth chapters of Matthew. There are rich teachings found in these chapters. The Semon on the Mount includes the Beatitudes, and Jesus’s teachings on murder, adultery, divorce, along with his teachings on love, prayer and judging. In these chapters, Jesus teaches us to care for the needy. Standing with these memorable teachings is our reading, Matthew 6:16-18, about fasting. Many have chosen to ignore these words. I am one.

I was an active member of the clergy for 40 years. I served as a youth director in Frankford, Indiana for a year. I was the pastor of a small membership church outside of Danville, Kentucky for three years. Then, I served three United Methodist congregations in the old St. Clairsville District of the East Ohio Annual Conference for two years. I served a church outside of Medina, Ohio for a single year. Then, I served a church in Garfield Heights, Ohio for five years. During my last 28 years I served a church in Canfield, Ohio. That all adds up to 40 years. Conservatively, I have written approximately 2,000 sermons. Do you know how many sermons I have written on fasting? Including today’s blog, one! There is just something wrong with that imbalance. Jesus taught us about fasting, but we have ignored the whole topic. It is not just me. It is true of other preachers too.

My favorite website for “canned” sermon illustrations is called sermonillustrations.com. All the illustrations are arranged alphabetically in order of topic. If you want an illustration about grace, then you look up grace. If you want a sermon illustration about love, then you look up love. If you want an illustration on pickles, then you look up pickles. I thought they had an illustration on every topic, but I was wrong! I looked up an illustration on fasting and I got this response, “No illustrations yet”. I went to the internet highway and “GOOGLED” the question, what percentage of Americans fast? I was given information on the number of Americans who eat fast food.

Do you know of any Christians who fast for spiritual reasons? Through the years, I have met some amazing Christian people. I have known people who haven’t missed worship in decades. They even worship when they are on vacation. I know people who value prayer. I call them prayer warriors. I have known people who have studied the Bible and can quote it by chapter and verse. Just give them a Bible verse, they will quote it. Can you quote Ezekiel 31:9 right now? I have known people who take Holy Communion at home daily and people who won’t take an infant outside until after its baptism. I have known people who have served on all the church committees three times. I have known many people, but I have never known a single Christian who fasts for spiritual reasons. Do you know of anyone who fasts for spiritual reasons? That leads me to another question.

Jesus assumed in our reading people would fast, so why don’t we? Why have so many decided to ignore the spiritual discipline of fasting? I believe there are a couple of reasons. Some don’t fast for medical reasons, and they shouldn’t. If you are pregnant, then you should not fast. If you are a diabetic, then you should not fast. If you have a physical condition that depends on a regular diet, then you should not fast. Some don’t fast because they don’t completely understand the concept of fasting. A fast is not a diet. The goal is not to lose weight so you can look good in your swimsuit this summer. A fast is not a hunger strike where you refuse to eat to get attention for your cause. Many don’t fast because they are preoccupied with food. This is it in a nutshell: Most of us are more infatuated with food than we are with God. I don’t want that to sound harsh or judgmental. I want it to sound observant. How many people do you know who talk easily about food, but they never talk about God? The whole situation is sad.

However, those Christians who do fast say there are spiritual benefits. This is the list:

Fasting will strengthen your prayer life

Fasting will help you find God’s guidance

Fasting will help you grieve

Fasting will help you find divine deliverance or protection

Fasting will help you truly repent

Fasting will humble you before God

Fasting will enhance your sincerity

Fasting will help you overcome temptation

Fasting is not for those who are just curious about God. Fasting is for those who are infatuated with God. Are you just curious about God, or are you infatuated with God? John Wesley (1703-1791) said, “Fasting and prayer make a powerful combination.” The topic of fasting always reminds me of an experience I had years ago.

I decided to try a new program at my church. During that season of Lent, I formed a group called “Lunch with the Pastor”. The idea was simple. We would meet at noon in the fellowship hall and discuss that day’s sermon. I wrote a list of hard-hitting questions to discuss and ordered a sandwich ring. It was a simple straight forward idea. I thought, what can go wrong?

On the first Sunday of Lent, the little group gathered. On paper plates, we ate our sandwiches and chips. We drank out of paper cups. I couldn’t have cared less about the food. I wanted to dig into my hard-hitting questions. Before I could ask my first question, someone asked me a question. It torpedoed the whole group. This was their question: “Russ, what did you pay for the sandwich ring?” I didn’t remember. It was somewhere between a dollar and a million dollars. It didn’t matter, because I paid for it. She said, “I’ll cook lunch next week. I can serve this group for a fraction of the cost.” That grabbed everyone’s attention because everyone knows the purpose of the church is to save money and eat. She went on to tell us in detail everything she could cook and save money. I don’t think we covered a single question that day. We spent the whole time talking about food. The next week, I thought, this week will be better. I was wrong! When the time came, she provided lunch, and the food was cheaper and better. Someone else in the group announced they would cook the next week and then we had another fascinating discussion about cooking. On the third week, I gave up. My sermon discussion group with my outstanding hard-hitting questions turned into a recipe exchange club. We never met again, and no one ever missed it. I never tried such a group again. I just can’t compete with food. Can I state the obvious? Food is a good thing! However, there is something better: God! It’s a fair question: Are you more infatuated with food, or with God?

In the Bible, Moses, King David, Elijah, Queen Esther, Daniel, Anna the prophetess, the Apostle Paul and Jesus Christ all fasted for one reason. Each one was infatuated with God. Are you infatuated with God? Or are you more interested in food? Fasting is giving up something good to experience something better. There is nothing better than God. Never give up fasting!

Don’t Give Up Prayer

We find ourselves in the eleventh chapter of Luke. The story begins with Jesus praying. This is not surprising because Jesus prayed often. The scriptures tell us he prayed when he was alone and he prayed in public. He prayed before meals. He prayed before, and after healing. He prayed before making an important decision. He prayed to do God’s will, and he prayed before he taught about the importance of prayer. I feel comfortable saying, no one has ever prayed more than Jesus. This story begins with Jesus praying.

Once he had finished praying, the disciples asked him to teach them how to pray, like the followers of John. The disciples are not looking for instructions on how to hold their hands or close their eyes. The disciples are looking for exact words. Every rabbi, every teacher, taught their students, or disciples, scripted prayers. If you heard the prayer, then you could identify the individual’s rabbi. John had taught his disciples a certain prayer that was unique from all other rabbis. Jesus’s disciples wanted him to teach them a unique prayer so they can be like everyone else in their uniqueness. Luke’s version of the Lord’s Prayer has five different petitions. Matthew’s longer verse of the Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6:9-13, has seven petitions. The disciples asked Jesus about prayer years ago, but the topic is still relevant.

Many people in our time do not understand prayer. As I have mentioned in recent blogs, prayer is not about getting what you desire. Prayer is about cultivating a friendship with God. During this season of Lent, I would encourage you to examine the attitudes you bring into your prayer life. Never forget, you are speaking to the God of the universe, not your next-door neighbor. Let me ask you three questions.

When you pray, do you pray with a grateful spirit? In Jesus’s prayer, he was thankful for his daily bread. Jesus doesn’t just want us to be thankful for life’s extras. He wants us to be thankful for life’s basics: your home, your food, your loved ones and your health. This is a fair question. Do you see what you have, or do you only see what you want? When you pray, do you pray with a grateful heart?

When you pray, do you pray with a forgiving spirit? In Jesus’s prayer, he tells us to forgive others, as God has forgiven us. Do you need to be liberated from your unforgiving heart? The event may have happened years ago, or it could have happened recently. In the end, your unforgiving heart is damaging you. Who do you need to forgive today? Is it possible you need to forgive yourself? How can you talk with God, who forgave you of so much, and not forgive someone else? When you pray, do you pray with a forgiving spirit?

When you pray, do you pray with a trusting spirit? In Jesus’s prayer, we are to trust God. “Lead us not into temptation.” The key word in that line is lead. There is a world of difference between being led and being an adviser. Many want to advise God. How far do you trust God? When you pray, do you pray with a trusting spirit? Let me end with this story.

Years ago, I was visiting someone at a local hospital. I parked in the parking deck, crossed the street and entered the hospital. After getting my person’s room number at the information desk, I headed for the elevators. I punched the up button and waited for the elevator to arrive. As I waited a young man joined me. He was wearing a knit cap and a red, green and black leather jacket. We stood side by side waiting for our elevator, but it was clear we came from different worlds.

I couldn’t help but notice he was holding a six-pack of Colt 45 under his arm. Don’t be so pious – you know what Colt 45 is. At one time, Billy Dee Williams (born 1937) was Colt 45’s spokesperson. It’s a malt liquor. I will be honest with you, I have never drunk a single Colt 45 because I am afraid. I am sure it tastes horrible, and someone told me when I was young, it could cause blindness. This is where the story gets interesting. I couldn’t resist. I looked at the young man and asked him if he bought the six-pack at the hospital gift shop. He laughed and smiled, revealing his gold tooth. He said, “No sir, I bought it at the gas station across the street.” I was afraid to enter that gas station too. He continued, “I’m taking them to my sick friend here in hospital and we are going to split them.” He asked me if I was visiting a sick friend. I said, “Yes,” and told him I was a minister. He put down his Colt 45 and stuck out his hand. As we shook hands, he said, “My name is Rodney. Why don’t you come with me to my friend’s room? You can say a short pray for him and the three of us can share some Colt 45.” I thanked him for the invitation but refused. My mom raised no fools. I just couldn’t see how it could end well. Can I ask you a question? Do you think Rodney had the right attitude about prayer? Maybe this is a better question.

Do you have the right attitude about prayer? Prayer is not just a way to get what you want. Prayer is cultivating a friendship with the God. The next time you pray ask yourself three questions: Do you pray with a grateful spirit? Do you pray with a forgiving spirit? Do you pray with a trusting spirit? Did you know 55% of all Americans pray daily? How many of those people pray with the right attitude? The great reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546) once said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Never give up prayer!

Ash Wednesday

We are instructed from the Gospel of Luke. The author of this book is never mentioned by name, but we know certain things about him. He was a Gentile, who was well educated in Greek culture, and a physician by trade. He penned this Gospel approximately the year A.D. 70. The outline of Luke is geographical. The first section revolves around Jesus’s time in Galilee. The second section revolves around Jesus’s time in Judea. The third section revolves around Jesus’s time in Jerusalem. In our reading, Luke 9:18-26, Jesus is in Galilee.

In our reading, Jesus was a celebrity. Everyone was talking about him, and everyone wanted something from him. Everyone was guessing his identity. However, Jesus was not interested in everyone else’s opinion. Jesus was only interested in what the disciples thought about him. So, he asked them the question that changed everything: who do you say I am? The usually chatty disciples grew strangely silent. It is not that they don’t have an opinion, it was that they didn’t want to be wrong. It is Peter who answered first and correctly. He said, in verse 20, “God’s Messiah.” Jesus instructs the disciples to keep his identity a secret. The reason is simple – their generation misunderstood the word, Messiah. They longed for a military Messiah to liberate them from foreign rule. Instead, Jesus was a spiritual Messiah who came to liberate them from sin itself. Jesus says it clearly, but the disciples don’t listen. As the spiritual Messiah, Jesus will suffer, be rejected and die. However, that is not the end of the story. In the end, Jesus will be resurrected.

The power of the empty tomb is such a glorious thing. Jesus invites others to share in his glory. However, if you are going to follow Jesus, then you must be completely committed to him. People traditionally give up things for Lent to show the world they are completely committed to Jesus. If you are reading this blog, I am assuming you have decided to follow Jesus too. Let me ask you this question:

What are you going to give up for Lent? Did you know 24% of all Americans observe the season of Lent. Many give up something for Lent. Maybe you are giving up one of these things? The list changes from generation to generation. Are you giving up:

Chocolate or sweets
Alcohol
Smoking
Fast Food
Swearing
Social Media
Shopping
Sports
Caffeine
Meat

I hope you know the truth – Lent is not a season of self-deprivation; it is a season of spiritual renewal.To be honest, I don’t normallygive up anything for Lent, but I don’t think it is a bad thing. Instead I always try to be a better person.

Unlike Christmas and Easter, Lent has not crossed over into the secular world. The reason is obvious. Christmas and Easter emphasize receiving something. Lent emphasizes giving up something. There is nothing wrong with a little self-discipline. However, there are some things you should never give up. It is those things that grab our attention during this sacred season. The things we should never give up are the spiritual disciplines. You should never give up:

Prayer When was the last time you prayed? 55% of Americans pray daily. That number escalates to 88% when a loved one is facing hardship.

Fasting When was the last time you fasted? Do you understand the concept of fasting? Fasting creates time with God.

Worship Is worshipping a priority in your life, or is it something you do when your calendar is clear?

Meditation This is hard to do because time is limited. When was the last time you had time to just think about God and his mysterious ways?

The Bible When was the last time you read the Bible for your own edification? With over five billion copies sold, the Bible is the all-time best seller. Sadly, only 11% of Americans read the Bible daily.

These are five of the spiritual disciplines. I am going to look at each one over the coming weeks. I hope you read each one, because each one of these disciplines is vital to your spiritual health. Remember, Lent is a season of spiritual renewal.

Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxonword lencten,which means “spring.” Excluding Sundays, because every Sunday is a little Easter, Lent is a forty-day period. It correlates with Jesus who fasted forty days before being tempted by Satan. Lent begins this year on March 5, and it ends on Holy Saturday, April 19. What are you going to give up for Lent? Maybe this is a better question: What are you not going to give up for Lent? It has been said, Lent is not something we do for God, Lent is something we do with God.

Why the Transfiguration is Important

According to the Revised Common Lectionary, this Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday where Matthew, Mark and Luke tell of the transfiguration. We are looking at Matthew’s version, Matthew 17:1-8. The scene is set up in the previous chapter. For in that chapter, Jesus gives the disciples a little quiz. There are only two questions. This is the first question: who do people say that I am? They give a variety of impressive answers. Then, he asks the disciples the second question: Who do you say I am? Only Simon Peter’s answer is recorded, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” That answer in itself means the disciples are making spiritual progress.

To show his approval, Jesus takes three of the disciples, Peter, James and John, to the top of a mountain. The Mountain was probably Mount Hermon, which raises 9,000 feet above sea level. The inner circle must have believed they were going to receive some special instruction from the Master, but they received so much more. According to Matthew 17:2, Jesus was transfigured. We are not exactly sure what that means. It will have to suffice to say, Jesus was glorified. His face began to shine like the sun and his clothes began to glow. It was an amazing scene. Then the scene grew more complex. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared. They are endorsing Jesus’s ministry. The disciples are rattled, but then the truly miraculous happens. God, himself, suddenly appears. He identifies Jesus, so his identity is clear to everyone. Verse five quotes God. He says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” The scene ends as quickly as it began. It is one of the great scenes in the Bible, but what does it mean?

Warren Wiersbe (1929-2019) was an American pastor, Bible teacher, theologian and author. He said there are four things about the transfiguration of Jesus that should never be forgotten. Each one is Biblical. Consider them with me, they have merit.

The glory of His person – The transfiguration of Jesus came from his inside. It was not something that happened to Jesus, like a spotlight. It was something that came from within Jesus. His glory was permitted to shine. (Hebrews 1:3)

The glory of His kingdom – Moses and Elijah represented the Old Testament law and the Old Testament prophets. They were the great characters in the Old Testament however they are inferior to Jesus. Everything in the Old Testament pointed to Jesus and his ministry. Jesus was the final piece of God’s plan of salvation for the world. (Hebrews 1:1)

The glory of His cross – The transfiguration reminds us that suffering and glory go hand in hand. In time, the transfigured, glorified Jesus would be nailed to the cross and die. (1 Peter 1:6-8)

The glory of His submission – In many ways, the transfiguration is the beginning of the end. Jesus did not go to the cross because he wanted to go. Jesus went to the cross because it was part of God’s plan of salvation. Jesus submitted to God’s will.

The transfiguration of Jesus reminds us of the supremacy of Jesus. Within the life of the church, if we don’t have Jesus, then we have nothing at all. In my forty years in the ministry, I have reminded people of that divine truth countless times. It sounds simple, but it is easy to forget. Churches get so involved with building maintenance, fundraising for a good cause, and helping the needy that they forget about Jesus. Churches are not service clubs or community action groups. Churches are different because they are all about Jesus. Without Jesus, churches have nothing at all. That is why every congregation must keep Jesus the focal point of its ministry. That is why denominations must keep Jesus the focal point of their ministries. It is sad when churches forget about Jesus.

If you know me personally or read my blog regularly, you know I attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. During those years, I served a small membership church between Danville and Lancaster, Kentucky. It was called the Pleasant Grove Christian Church. I am happy to report it is still active. I have nothing negative to say about that congregation. They were kind to me at a time when I needed kindness. In those three years, I got to know other churches in that community as well.

One of those churches was the Mount Olivet Baptist Church. In Kentucky, at that time, every church was Baptist, regardless of the sign. Their theology leaned to the right. It was named after the Mount of Olives. Since I left that area, the Mount Olivet Baptist Church closed. The reason is sad. The church simply shattered over a series of differences of opinions. It all began when the Board of Elders held an emergency meeting. They were upset their pastor, and his wife had filed for divorce. They believed in the Bible and the Bible’s teaching against divorce. They decided to let their preacher go. The problem was the church was divided over his dismissal. Everyone who had suffered through a divorce, or had a family member who had been divorced, was upset. There was an ugly church meeting and A large portion of the congregation left. They swore they would never return. That group was true to their word. They never returned.

A search committee was formed to find a new pastor to fix the mess. They collected a few names. One of the names was a woman. She was by far the most qualified. She had an excellent education, could preach up a storm and was effective in every church she served. There was only one problem – she was a woman, and you know what the Bible says about women speaking in church. For that reason, she didn’t get the call. They called an inferior man, who made a bigger mess. Everything was supposed to be done confidentially, but the word leaked out. Once again, the church was in an uproar. Everyone seemed to know of a gifted and effective female pastor. From that moment on, the Mount Olivet Baptist Church splintered. Both sides quoted Bible verses, and each side claimed they were right. Both sides memorized Bible verses, but both sides forgot about Jesus. Everyone used the Bible to support their opinion. They forget we are called to love people, not judge people. In the end, the once healthy church struggled paying basic bills. In time, the church building and property were sold to a local brewpub. It wasn’t all a loss. I hear both the food, and the beer are great. Can I ask you a question?

Why do you think the Mount Olivet Baptist Church closed? Did it close because of a lack of Bible? Did it close because the people were not passionate about their church? Did it close because of a lack of money? I believe Mount Olivet Baptist Church closed because they forget about the supremacy of Jesus. Without Jesus, churches have nothing at all. Do you remember what God said? He said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Praying for the Lost

Our reading is 1 Timothy 2:1-6. This epistle was written in the year 60 by the apostle Paul. It is a personal letter. Paul is writing to an individual, Timothy. It cannot be overstated, the relationship between Paul and Timothy was close. Many believed Paul led Timothy to faith in Christ. In time, Paul trusted Timothy enough to lead the church in his absence. This letter is a word of instruction to a young pastor.

Our reading needs some interpretation. Paul is encouraging Timothy to pray for political leaders. When these words were written the ultimate political power was Nero. (A.D. 54-68). Paul wants Timothy to pray for Nero, as well as other political leaders. He is not interested in them making wise policies on behalf of the country. Paul is asking Timothy to pray for their salvation. Verse three and four say it best, “this is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” The salvation of these political leaders means two things. First, it means they will have better lives in this world. Second, it means they will spend eternity with God. When was the last time you prayed for someone else’s salvation? Do you know of anyone who is spiritually lost? This blog is about praying for the spiritually lost. There are three reasons, let me list them for you.

In 2004, mighty winds blew down the backyard fence of Barne’s family home. Within a matter of minutes the family dog, named “Sam I Am,” ran away. They looked everywhere for him, but he couldn’t be found. Sad but true, the family pressed forward without him. For two years the family functioned with a void in their lives, especially seven-year-old Brett. However, he never forgot his dog and never gave up hope. Two years later his faithfulness was rewarded. The Florida family received a phone call from McHenry County Animal Shelter in Illinois. They had in their possession “Sam I Am.” The dog was identified with the help of a microchip in his collar. No one could answer how the dog survived for the two-year period? Or how “Sam I Am” traveled more than 1200 miles? Seven-year-old Brett didn’t care about the details. The only thing that mattered to him was that his lost dog was found. This is the best part – the dog didn’t even know he was lost. That is the story of our world. Two-thirds of our world are lost, and they don’t even know it.

Sometimes people are lost because they are misinformed. I know this will sound politically incorrect, narrow-minded and judgmental, however, our only hope of salvation is in Jesus. Christianity is the only religion in the world that offers the truth. I respect the beliefs of other world religions, but I believe Christianity is the truth. There are 8.025 billion people in the world. Two-thirds of the world’s population does not follow Jesus; Two-thirds of the world’s population is misinformed. Your belief in Jesus is not optional; your belief in Jesus is indispensable. The salvation of your very soul depends upon it. Sometimes people are spiritually lost because they are misinformed.

One of the great stories in the Bible comes from the twenty-third chapter of Luke. It is late in Jesus’ earthly life. It is so near the end Jesus finds himself hanging on the cross. You remember the story. He is one of three to die that day and Jesus is hanging in the middle. As they wait for death to come, the three talk. One man asks Jesus to save him. The other man rebukes him. He says they deserve to die for their deeds, but Jesus has done nothing wrong. In Luke 23:43, Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” The man did nothing to deserve salvation, but he was going to heaven. It wasn’t logical. He was saved by grace and by grace alone. It doesn’t sound logical, but we are saved by grace and by grace alone.

Sometimes people are spiritually lost because they are misguided. This happens when people try to make their salvation logical. There is nothing logical about the Christian faith. The cornerstone of our faith is the illogical resurrection of Jesus. It breaks scientific law. Your salvation is not logical. You cannot earn your way into heaven. We are saved by grace and by grace alone! Sometimes people are lost because they are misguided.

Sometimes people are spiritually lost because they are misdirected. That happens when church people replace Jesus with the organizational church or a pastor. The organizational church cannot save you. Your pastor cannot save you. Churches only exist for three reasons. First, churches exist to worship God. Second, churches exist to teach you about Jesus. Third, churches exist to help you live out your purpose. Pastors are called to orchestrate these three things. Don’t confuse your devotion to your organizational church with Jesus. They are two different things. You can know everything about your church and nothing at all about Jesus. Do you know of anyone who loves their church but is only slightly interested in Jesus? Sometimes people are spiritually lost because they are misdirected.

In 1994, my daughter, Anna, was four years old. My wife Kathryn entrusted her to me after a church dinner one Sunday. I got busy talking to people and the time passed quickly. When it was time to go home, I began looking for Anna. She had been playing with a few other children, so I began looking for her in the normal spots, my office and the nursery. Then, I looked in the Sunday school rooms, and I called down the back hall. I walked through the parlor and into the kitchen. I asked everyone, “Has anyone seen Anna?” No one had seen her, but one of the saints named Bob offered to help me look. We looked behind the stage and in the narthex. I began to panic as I looked under the pews in the sanctuary. I thought about the last child on the news who had been abducted. I thought about telling my wife our daughter was gone. I remember feeling like a horrible parent, and I will be honest, I almost began to cry. As the first tear was coming, Bob returned and said, “I found her.” He motioned me to follow him, and he led me to the front of the church building. Anna was sitting under the portico throwing rocks. While I was dying a thousand deaths, she was having the time of her life! This is the truth.

When I get to heaven, I am going to look for Anna again. It wouldn’t be the same without her. I am going to look for her and I am going to find her. I have no question about my children’s salvation. I have no question about my wife’s salvation. We know it begins and ends with Jesus. But I am not just going to look for them. I am going to look for other people in my life. When I get to heaven, I am going to look for Bob and thank him for his help on that day. I am going to look for all the people who have filled my life. This is the question you must answer. Do you know it all begins and ends with Jesus? He is our only hope of salvation. Heaven wouldn’t be the same without you! Who are you going to look for when you get to heaven?

Praying for the Sick

There is an old preaching story from the mission field. An African tribe had collected their sick and delivered them to the medicine man who stood in front of a fire. He examined each one and divided them into three groups. He stood in front of the first group and gave them something to eat from the boiling pot that sat behind him. Then, he sent them home. The second group he gave herbs from local plants. Then, he sent them home. He simply prayed for the third group. Then, he sent them home. A Christian missionary witnessed this event and was filled with questions. He asked the medicine man later, “What does this mean?” The medicine man replied, “The first group was sick because they needed a better lifestyle. I gave them vegetable soup and sent them home to rest. The second group needed medicine. The local herbs I gave them had healing power. The third group needed more help than I could offer. I prayed that God would heal them in miraculous ways.”

That story makes one point: all healing really comes from God. You may experience healing if your lifestyle improves. You may experience healing through modern medicine. You may experience healing because of divine intervention. Don’t dismiss any of these methods. The sick don’t care about how they are healed, the sick only want to be healed. Have you ever prayed for someone who was sick? Before I look at the scripture text, let me examine these three sources of healing.

Sometimes people experience healing because they just need a healthier lifestyle. America is facing a health crisis. According to the national Institutes of Diabetes and Kidney Disease, nearly one in three Americans is considered obese. There are thousands of websites devoted to losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Each website seems to have a list of things to do. The Mayo Clinic has a website devoted to healthy living. This is their list of what to do:

Eat nourishing food
Sleep seven to eight hours per night
Keep company with good people
Avoid news overdose
Get regular exercise
Do something meaningful each day
Think good thoughts about others

Do you do everything on that list, or do you have some work to do? Sometimes people experience healing because they need a healthier lifestyle.

Sometimes people experience healing because of modern medicine. Late in 1949, my paternal grandmother, Orbie Adams (1893-1949), came home from church. Her morning had been filled with Sunday School children and worship. She was doing what she always did after church – preparing lunch for her family. It was during that normal routine she suffered a fatal heart attack. She knew she had high blood pressure, so she watched the amount of salt she consumed. My grandfather, Roger Adams (1893-1980), said she didn’t take blood pressure medicine because there weren’t any blood pressure medicines in 1949. I inherited my high blood pressure from my father, Ronald Adams (1920-1996), who inherited it from his mother. The only difference between me and my grandmother is time. I have been taking blood pressure medicine for the past thirty-eight years. These are good times to be alive. The advances in modern medicine are truly incredible. Sometimes people experience healing because of a better lifestyle. Sometimes people experience healing because of modern medicine.

Sometimes people experience healing by divine interaction. At one time Kathryn Kuhlman (1907-1976) was a polarizing figure in America. She was born in Missouri in 1907 and became a born-again Christian through the ministry of the Methodist Church in 1921. At the age of sixteen she began preaching in the west. However, her identity is not as a preacher. She will always be remembered as a faith healer. She claimed to have many healings during her “healing crusades” from the 1940s into the 1970s. Her ministry reached its zenith when her television program, I Believe in Miracles, went nationally. Some believed she had divine power; some believed she was a fraud.

How do you feel about faith healing? The Gospels are filled with miracles. The lame could suddenly walk. The blind could suddenly see. Demoniacs were made whole. The lepers were made clean. I believe that in our world there are still instances of divine interaction. Those stories are important because they remind us God is active in our world. Have you ever known someone who has been healed? Sometimes people experience healing because of a better lifestyle. Sometimes people experience healing because of modern medicine. Sometimes people experience healing by divine interaction. That takes us to our scripture reading.

Our reading is James 5:13-16. Written in the early 60s, James was the oldest stepbrother of Jesus. According to Acts 15, James was a prominent Christian leader in Jerusalem. This letter was written to the scattered Christians throughout the world. It is clear that James understood the power of prayer. These few verses can be broken down into two sections. The first section deals with physical healing. Verse thirteen and fourteen tells us to pray during life’s hardships, including sickness. The second section deals with spiritual healing. Verse sixteen tells us to confess our sins so we may be healed. Do you see what James did? He connects physical healing and spiritual healing. Why? He knows physical healing is temporary, but spiritual healing is eternal. We are preoccupied with physical healings because we are preoccupied with the things of this world. God, on the other hand, is preoccupied with spiritual healing because God is preoccupied with eternity. Don’t miss the point – everyone Jesus healed physically is now dead; everyone who accepted Jesus spiritually is still alive!

When I was in seminary, I had a friend named David. He was from the state of Michigan and was part of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church. I liked him from the very beginning. However, his story was sad. Prior to his seminary days he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. His body was weak from that battle. However, his mind and spirit were sound. For two years he had been tumor free, but in the last year of his studies the unthinkable happened. The brain tumor reappeared. Everyone prayed for him. The seminary community prayed for him. The Christian Missionary Alliance Church prayed for him. Loved ones in Michigan prayed for him. Everyone who heard David’s story prayed for him. We contacted everyone at home to pray for David. God heard our prayers and God responded to our prayers with a loud, “No!” In time, David died. I went to David’s funeral and heard all the stories.

Someone spoke about what had happened to David one Sunday night. He was physically weak, but he had enough strength to go to a healing service. It was at that healing service David received some misguided teaching. The preacher anointed David with oil and told him healing was still possible. All he had to do was believe. The only thing holding the healing back was his own lack of faith. David was not healed, and he left that prayer service broken-hearted. He felt like a second-rate Christian, full of doubts. It was in that broken state that David died a few days later. He left this world feeling like a spiritual failure. That healing service preacher did David a great disservice. The preacher applied guilt to a man who needed grace. Do you know of anyone who died feeling like a spiritual failure? David wasn’t healed physically, but David was healed spiritually. No one questioned his salvation. When I get to heaven, I am going to look for David. Sometimes healing comes because of a better lifestyle. Sometimes healing comes from medical treatment. However, real healing comes from Jesus!

Praying for Loved Ones

Today, Amanda Knox (born 1987) is an advocate for the unjustly incarcerated and a campaigner for just reform. The reason is obvious. At one time she was unjustly incarcerated. Do you remember her story? She was a University of Washington student who went to Italy to study. It should have been a dream come true, but it became a nightmare. In 2009, she was found guilty of murdering her roommate, Meredith Kercher (1985-2007). In 2011, that verdict was appealed and finally revised. On the day that verdict was read her loved ones gathered, including her grandmother, Elizabeth Huff (born 1942). No one can question Elizabeth’s love for Amanda. She went $250,000 in debt from the legal fees. Huff said, “I have been praying for Amanda every day. She is a good girl, and she needs a hug. I need a hug too!” When was the last time you prayed for a loved one? That takes us to our scripture reading.

Our reading is Philippians 1:3-11. The city of Philippi was a prosperous Roman colony in present day Greece, whose citizens were considered Roman citizens. The background of this epistle is interesting. Paul wrote this letter to them from a Roman prison cell in the year 61 A.D. You can consider it a thank-you note. He is responding to a gift they had sent him. In other words, Paul and the Philippians had a connection; there was an intimate spirit between them. They had history. That congregation understood Paul; they respected Paul. They knew the importance of his mission, so, they sent him an unknown gift. However, the gift wasn’t just a gift – it was a reminder. They wanted him to know he wasn’t alone. They were praying for Paul, and Paul was praying for them. Paul’s prayer is very personal. This blog is about praying for loved ones. Our reading will help you when you pray for your loved ones. Paul’s prayer acts as a model for us. Consider these three things. This is the first one.

When you pray for a loved one, be appreciative. For many years. Kathryn and I traveled to Russia to help orphans who would never be adopted. On many of those trips we traveled to Dmitrov, which is approximately fifty miles north of Moscow. It is the home of the Renewal Orphanage. Those trips were life-changing for everyone who traveled with us.

One year, we took a teenager from my church. I met with his mother before we left.

She said, “I am looking at this trip to Russia as a once in a lifetime opportunity. I want him to see how the rest of the world lives, so he will appreciate the things we have in America!” She was right. It was amazing what you miss about home when you are gone. However, it is my experience, the thing team members miss the most are the relationships they have in America. What do you miss when you travel? Who do you miss when you travel?

When you pray for a loved one, be appreciative. In other words, their very presence is enough for you. Verses three and four say, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” Those are positive words. How thankful are you for the people in your life? Their very presence is enough. Pray with a positive spirit when you pray for someone in your life. Are you thankful for their very presence? How would your life change if they were suddenly gone? Never take your loved ones for granted, be appreciative. This is the second one.

When you pray for a loved one, be reflective. Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) was born on February 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Kentucky. He had a hard life as a young man. He wasn’t close to his father, Samuel (1778-1851). Their relationship was difficult. Lincoln didn’t even return home when his father was near death. His biological mother died when he was nine years old. When Lincoln was ten his father married a widow from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Sarah Bush (1784-1818). She had three children of her own. However, she treated young Abraham like one of her own. Lincoln recognized her as the greatest influence in his life. From the very beginning he called her mother. She was the first one to recognize his brilliance and encouraged him to study.

When you pray for a loved one, be reflective. In other words, reflect on how that person has changed your life. Verse seven says, “It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.” That is not a general proclamation, it is a personal comment. Paul changed their lives by introducing them to Jesus, but they changed Paul life as well. How have the people in your life improved you? Who has had the greatest influence on your life? When you pray for your loved ones, be reflective. This is number three.

When you pray for loved ones, be purpose driven. Verses nine through eleven says, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” In other words, Paul is reminding them what is important in life – Jesus!

One of the greatest challenges in life is finding your purpose. Your purpose is not necessarily your profession; the two are not necessarily the same. However, they do stand side by side. Your profession is how you make money. Your money does two things. First, it meets your needs. Second, it funds your purpose. In 1648, The Westminster Confession of Faith was finalized and has influenced the Presbyterian Church since. It says the purpose of life is to glorify God. How are you glorifying God in your life? When was the last time you prayed for someone else’s purpose? Let me end with this question.

When was the last time you prayed for a loved one? It may be an aging parent who is struggling to remain independent. It may be a child on the first day of school. It may be an adult child who is self-destructive. It may be a sibling who can’t keep a job or find love. It may be your spouse, you have a front row seat to their drama. They are tired, stressed out, sick, depressed or overwhelmed. After all, life is not easy. Have you ever prayed for a loved one’s salvation? How could you enjoy eternity without them? Those are personal prayers. I would guess most of our prayers revolve around our closest relationships. How often do you pray for the people in your life? In those prayers be appreciative, be reflective and be purpose driven. American Episcopal clergyman Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) once said, “A prayer is a wish turned Godward.”

Praying for Yourself

Years ago, before man walked on the moon, before a civil war threatened to divide our country, before Columbus discovered a New World, there was a man who spoke for God. His name means “help” or “helper,” but we simply call him Ezra. He lived during the fifth century B.C. and spoke to the people of Judah, who had returned from exile. His goal was to restore the community. Tradition tells us he wrote First and Second Chronicles in the Old Testament.

Our scripture reading is 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. It is a short prayer hidden in the genealogical text of Judah. The one who uttered that prayer was Jabez, who was an ancestor of the kings of Judah. Jabez means “he makes sorrowful,” because his mother had a hard time at his birth. Yet, his name did not define him. He grew up to be a doctor of the law, who was known for his noble character. In his prayer he asks for the desires of his heart. He asks for God’s protection, and asks for God to increase his wealth. Jabez is praying for himself. God answers his prayer with yes. Perhaps that is why so many are interested in his prayer. We believe in prayer, and we would like God to smile on our requests.

Did you know, according to the City Square Research Group, 85% of Americans say they use some kind of spiritual practice to connect to a higher power?

Did you know 61% of that group pray?

Did you know 50% of prayers pray when they are awakened in the morning?

Did you know 55% of prayers pray at bedtime?

Did you know 61% of prayers pray in their car?

Did you know 46% of prayers pray in their place of worship?

Did you know 87% of prayers believe they have received an answer to their prayers in the past twelve months?

Do you know of anyone who doesn’t believe in prayer?

In 2000, Multnomah Books released a book call The Prayer of Jabez. It was written by David Wilkerson (1931-2011). I remember the uproar over the book. It sold more than nine million copies. The book was popular because many believe in prayer, and everyone wants God to grant them their requests. However, Jabez’s prayer does not hold a secret formula on how to prosper, but it does raise two questions. I want to look at those two questions in this blog. These questions and thoughts are not original. They came from Thomas Tewell (born 1949) of the United Presbyterian Church. This is question number one.

Should you pray for the desires of your heart? Peter the Great (1672-1725) led Russia out of isolation. He introduced the Russian people to Europe. He grew to be a rich and powerful man. In his court there was a philosopher of outstanding ability who had little money, and he asked Peter for financial help. He was told to draw whatever he needed from the imperial treasury. But when the man requested an amount equal to $50,000, he was refused – the treasurer needing to verify that such a large sum was authorized. When he asked Peter, the ruler replied, “Pay the money at once. The philosopher has done me a singular honor. By the largeness of his request, he shows that he has understood both my wealth and generosity.”

The prayer of Jabez says, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I may be free from pain.” Jabez’s prayer illustrates for us that we should be honest with God. Those were the things he wanted. Those were the greatest dreams of his life. What is your greatest dream in your life? You have the license to share your dreams with God; He wants us to be honest with him. You need to believe in a great big God, who is generous with his blessings. Jabez asked for protection and riches, and he received it. What are the desires of your heart? The answer to every prayer is no until it is asked. Feel free to ask God for the desires of your heart. This is question number two.

What is answered prayer? I will always remember Jean as a big-hearted person. She was a friend of my sister’s. When we were young, she was always at our house. At some level, she was family. As an adult she became a foster parent to children who needed love. She taught home economics in the Youngstown City Schools in Ohio and had a passion for her students. Jean deserved better, but one day the test results came back, and she had cancer. She asked everyone to pray for her and we did. We prayed for her, until the day she died. Even though Jean wasn’t my friend, I felt the loss. On the day she was buried some say God didn’t answer our prayers. They were wrong. Just think about it for a moment.

Many experienced God through Jean’s illness. Her death changed us. We discovered what was important in life. Because of those prayers we rekindled childhood friendships. Because of those prayers she experienced the power of the church. Jean was not a church going person, but the church reached out to her. Because of those prayers, we learned to appreciate every healthy day of our lives. Because of those prayers, we learned to appreciate the people in our lives. Because of those prayers we experienced God.

Answered prayer is not getting what you want. Sometimes God answers our prayers with a “yes.” Sometimes God answers our prayers with a “no.” Sometimes God answers our prayers with a “later” and sometimes with an “are you crazy?” Never forget, prayer is cultivating a friendship with God. Answered prayer is being aligned with God’s will. The great missionary E. Stanley Jones (1884-1973) once said, “Prayer is surrender –surrender to the will of God and cooperation with that will.” Our prayers are answered when we experience God.

Sir George Adam Smith (1856-1942) was a Scottish theologian. He told a story of how he and his guide were climbing the Weisshorn in the Swiss Alps. It was stormy and they were making their climb on the sheltered side of the peak. When they reached the summit, they were filled with exhilaration. Sir George forgot about the fierce winds. He leaped up and was nearly blown over the edge to the glacier below! The guide grabbed hold of him and exclaimed: “On your knees, sir. You are safe here only on your knees!” The same is true of life. We are only safe when we are on our knees. Alfred Lloyd Tennyson (1809-892) said, “Nearer than hands and feet, even than breath, that is how near God is to us when we pray.”