From His Heart

[Judy Harder]

What to do With Weakness

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace , that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:15 - 16


I hate to admit it, but honesty demands it: I have a weakness when it comes to sweets.  I just love a good dessert.  And I love to run it back for round two.  I think to myself, Surely that second piece of pie would taste even better than the first piece ... especially if I add a little ice cream this time.

One year, my dear friend Louis got me a tee shirt for Christmas.  It simply said, "I Beat Anorexia."  He still laughs over that gift.  He knows how much I like to eat, and how weak I am when it comes to saying no to the dessert menu.     

WHAT'S YOUR WEAKNESS?

Let's face it.  Weaknesses are something none of us like ... but all of us have.  Our weaknesses are not the same.  Some are weak when it comes to food, whereas others are weak when it comes to worry and fear, or anger and control.  Still others are weak when it comes to the lust of the flesh, or the desire for material things.     

Whatever your weakness, I've got good news: The Lord Jesus can sympathize with it.  He doesn't excuse it ... but He understands it because He was tempted to the nth degree "in all things as we are."  The only difference between Him and us is that He never succumbed to the temptation.

And because He never sinned, He is our perfect sacrifice who made a way for us when there was no way for us to draw near to Holy God.  He tore the veil in two when He died for us on the cross.  Now the throne room of heaven is wide open, and we can get close to God and receive His grace to help us in our area(s) of weakness.

DON'T LET THE DEVIL DECEIVE YOU

The devil is a master at pointing out our weaknesses and sins.  He will tell us, "You can't come before God.  Look what you did!"  But he is a liar and the father of lies.  The truth is that we can come straight to God's throne of grace if we come with brokenness and humility.  He will receive us, cleanse us, and pour out His grace (His undeserved favor and power) to help us in our time of need.  He is a good God who knows us backwards and forwards ... and loves us still, even when we fall and fail.

Take time today and every day to thank the Lord for His unfailing love.  Make your way to the throne of grace on a regular basis, so that you can receive His grace and power to stand strong.  You and I cannot make it without Him.  So let's quit trying and start trusting, and take God at His Word.

  Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries

[Judy Harder]

Better Things

But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation..." Hebrews 6:9

I have had the great privilege of getting to know Mack Brown, head football coach of the University of Texas Longhorns, my alma mater. Coach Brown is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He genuinely loves people and does a tremendous job of not just coaching football but developing boys into men.
I told him I thought he had the greatest quote ever after the 2005 National Championship Rose Bowl victory over USC. He told his jubilant team in the locker room:

Finally, this is the most important thing I want you to hear tonight. Remember that we love you. Be proud of what you have accomplished, and enjoy this moment. Let this be a great thing in life, but don't let it be the best thing that ever happens in your life. Go on from here, be great husbands and great dads, and make a difference.

Wow! What an awesome and challenging word to share with a group of young champions. When I saw Coach Brown a few weeks after that Rose Bowl game, I gave him a hug and whispered, "When I heard that quote of yours, I said to myself, 'That is why I love Mack Brown.'" He graciously and humbly thanked me for the encouragement.

BETTER THINGS AHEAD
The beautiful thing about the Christian life is the hope we have in Jesus. He promises better things ahead for us each and every day. One of my favorite verses is Romans 15:13: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." When the God of hope is your God, better things are always just ahead. 
Have you hit a downward slide in life? Have you felt like the best things are past? No, my friend, God promises better things ahead for you if you know Christ. He wants to use your life today to make a difference in the life of someone else.

REMEMBER EDWARD KIMBALL
Edward Kimball was a Sunday school teacher in the 1800s. He was a nobody in most people's eyes, but he was used so greatly by God. He was the one who told Dwight L. Moody about Jesus and His love. Dwight L. Moody became a Christian as a result of Kimball's witness.

Moody went on to become a mighty, worldwide evangelist. Through his ministry, Wilbur Chapman was changed. Chapman went on to preach the Gospel and was used to reach Billy Sunday. Billy Sunday became a powerful evangelist and was used to reach Mordecai Ham ... and Mordecai Ham was the preacher God used to bring Billy Graham to Christ. Billy Graham has led millions to the Savior.

What a chain reaction! And it all started with a little nobody named Edward Kimball. The extent of Kimball's reward in heaven is yet to be determined, as his witness is still reaping dividends for the Kingdom of God.

TODAY
Don't fail to see today how your life can make a difference. Yesterday may have been great, or it may have been a bust ... but take comfort and be encouraged. Better things are ahead!



Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries

[Judy Harder]

Better Things

But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation..." Hebrews 6:9

I have had the great privilege of getting to know Mack Brown, head football coach of the University of Texas Longhorns, my alma mater. Coach Brown is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He genuinely loves people and does a tremendous job of not just coaching football but developing boys into men.
I told him I thought he had the greatest quote ever after the 2005 National Championship Rose Bowl victory over USC. He told his jubilant team in the locker room:

Finally, this is the most important thing I want you to hear tonight. Remember that we love you. Be proud of what you have accomplished, and enjoy this moment. Let this be a great thing in life, but don't let it be the best thing that ever happens in your life. Go on from here, be great husbands and great dads, and make a difference.

Wow! What an awesome and challenging word to share with a group of young champions. When I saw Coach Brown a few weeks after that Rose Bowl game, I gave him a hug and whispered, "When I heard that quote of yours, I said to myself, 'That is why I love Mack Brown.'" He graciously and humbly thanked me for the encouragement.

BETTER THINGS AHEAD
The beautiful thing about the Christian life is the hope we have in Jesus. He promises better things ahead for us each and every day. One of my favorite verses is Romans 15:13: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." When the God of hope is your God, better things are always just ahead. 
Have you hit a downward slide in life? Have you felt like the best things are past? No, my friend, God promises better things ahead for you if you know Christ. He wants to use your life today to make a difference in the life of someone else.

REMEMBER EDWARD KIMBALL
Edward Kimball was a Sunday school teacher in the 1800s. He was a nobody in most people's eyes, but he was used so greatly by God. He was the one who told Dwight L. Moody about Jesus and His love. Dwight L. Moody became a Christian as a result of Kimball's witness.
Moody went on to become a mighty, worldwide evangelist. Through his ministry, Wilbur Chapman was changed. Chapman went on to preach the Gospel and was used to reach Billy Sunday. Billy Sunday became a powerful evangelist and was used to reach Mordecai Ham ... and Mordecai Ham was the preacher God used to bring Billy Graham to Christ. Billy Graham has led millions to the Savior.
What a chain reaction! And it all started with a little nobody named Edward Kimball. The extent of Kimball's reward in heaven is yet to be determined, as his witness is still reaping dividends for the Kingdom of God.

TODAY
Don't fail to see today how your life can make a difference. Yesterday may have been great, or it may have been a bust ... but take comfort and be encouraged. Better things are ahead!


  Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries

[Judy Harder]

A New Normal

Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant saying, "Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel."  Joshua 1:1-2

Moses was dead.  The man who faced off with Pharaoh and faithfully led God's people through the wilderness for over forty years was dead.  The man who was the human instrument of so many miracles was dead.  The man who met face to face with God in the tent of meeting was dead.  As the news traveled through the camp of Israel, you could hear the gasps, "Say it isn't so!"  "What are we to do now!?"         

The people wept and mourned Moses' death for thirty days.  Then God appointed a new leader, Joshua, and told the people to get up and get on with life.  Moses was dead, but God wasn't ... and they weren't.  And He had much more for them to do as the Promised Land lay before them.           

HAVE YOU FACED A MAJOR CHANGE RECENTLY?

Without question, when Moses died, the people faced a tremendous change in life.  Death to a great leader has a way of doing that.  Perhaps you too have faced a big change recently.  Perhaps you have experienced the death of a loved one, or the loss of a job, or the devastation of divorce, or the deterioration of health.   

What do you do when life changes suddenly, unexpectedly, and without your permission?

1.  You mourn.  It is normal and natural to mourn when something or someone you hold dear is taken away.  Emotional pain is not sinful.  It is part of being human.  Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus and mourned the death of John the Baptist.

2.  You stop mourning.  While it is good, right, and permissible to mourn, you cannot get stuck in a state of mourning.  We are told to walk through the valley of the shadow of death; we don't build a house there and set up shop.  Life does go on ... and you need to go on, too.         

3.  You trust God that the best is yet to be.  The people could mourn themselves to death and be buried on the plains of Moab ... or they could arise, dry their tears, and enter the Promised Land.  Just because a major change had come, that didn't mean that life had to lose its sweetness.  In fact, they were getting ready to experience new and greater blessings from God as they took possession of a land that flowed with milk and honey.

Listen, your best days are not behind you!  They are ahead of you.  God has a Promised Land in store for you, both in this life and the life to come.  So ... keep rejoicing, keep praising, and keep trusting Him.  The Lord wants to turn your new normal into new opportunities and fresh encounters with Him.  What do you say?  Will you arise and cross this Jordan?


  Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries

[Judy Harder]

Do You Need Help With Prayer?

I love the LORD, because He hears my voice and my supplications.  Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.  Psalm 116: 1- 2

My wife is a very disciplined and organized person.  I love that about her because organization and discipline don't come easy for me.  If you look at my closet, or my desk, or my dresser drawers, you will likely find something other than the picture of tidiness – and it tends to drive Debbie crazy.

When she can't take the mess any longer, she will help me clean up.  We throw away things I don't need, file things I do need, and set everything in order.  Left to my own devices, the clutter and disorganization would persist.  But given her help, we tackle the job together.

DO YOU NEED SOME HELP WITH PRAYER?

I have found that lots of Christians have trouble when it comes to the subject of prayer.  Could that be true of you?  Do you tend to be easily distracted when you pray?  Do you run out of things to talk to God about after a minute or two?  Do you find yourself repeating the same things over and over, day after day?  Be honest here, do you see prayer more in terms of a chore you have to do – like cleaning up the closet – rather than a joy you get to do?  Sweet Hour of Prayer may be a great hymn, but it is not a great reality for the vast majority of us.

If most of us are honest, we could certainly use some help to "clean things up" so we can really connect with God and enjoy a vibrant, fulfilling prayer life with answered prayer the norm, not the rarity.

Many years ago, I ran across Psalm 116:1-2.  Those verses jumped out at me as I felt God say, "Jeff, I will really listen to you if you will really pray.  My ear is open to you, and I am ready to help you ... so call upon Me with confidence."  That truth changed my thinking on prayer.

GOD HEARS YOU AND WANTS TO ANSWER YOU

Remember, to pray effectively you don't have to speak like William Shakespeare and pull out the King James English.  You just need to talk to God from your heart.  Tell Him your struggles, your doubts, your fears, and your failings.  Ask Him for those things that you need.  Share with Him the challenges of the day.

Visualize prayer this way: You are coming into the very throne room of the King of kings.  He welcomes you into His presence ... and into His very lap.  Although He is running the universe, He seems to have all the time in the world to listen as you openly share your heart with Him.  Visualize His smile upon you as you look to Him with a desire to be changed and to do His will.  Know that He has heard you and will respond to your requests in a way that is best.                 

Prayer was never designed to be a chore.  It was designed to be a great joy and blessing as we talk to the Mighty King ... who is also our loving Father.  His ear is open to you right now.  Will you come into the throne room and call upon His name?

Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve

[Judy Harder]

The Secret to Staying Fresh

"And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will bust the skins, and the wine is lost, and the skins as well; but one puts new wine in fresh wineskins."  Mark 2:22


A few months ago, I ran across an article about American-born Walter Bruening.  Walter died in April of 2011.  While he did nothing particularly noteworthy in his life, he was famous for one key thing: his lifespan.  Bruening lived in good health until the very ripe old age of 114 ½ years.  Wow!  He held the unique title of World's Oldest Living Man from July 18, 2009 to April 14, 2011.  He has the longest recorded lifespan of any American in history.

When asked about the secret to his longevity, Bruening said, among other things, "I am always embracing change."  I like that answer.

EMBRACING CHANGE

Have you come to realize the fact that the world is ever-changing?  Unless you and I embrace change, we will become an old wineskin, brittle and unfit for new wine.  But, if we will adopt the Walter Bruening philosophy and embrace change, we can be used of God, season after season.

In the Book of Psalms we read, "The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green" (Ps. 92:12, 14).

If you want to stay full of sap and very green, even as the years go by, keep your heart soft, tender, and pliable in the Lord's hands.  When unexpected and unwanted changes come into your life, don't allow yourself to get resentful and bitter and stubbornly "kick against the goads."  Trust that God has a plan and really does "work all things together for good to those who love Him."

God is a God of newness and freshness.  He wants us to stay fresh in our walk with Him.  "Sing to the Lord a new song" is a command repeated over and over in Scripture.  So when a new song is sung in church, don't fold you arms in protest, longing for a familiar hymn from your childhood.  Embrace the change, and "sing to the Lord a new song."           

Remember, our message is anchored to the Word of God.  That message never changes, just as God's character and nature never change.  But our methods must be changing with the changing times so that we can be effective in communicating the gospel in the context and culture of the day.  May God help you and me to stay fresh and embrace change so we can be the people He wants us to be, until He comes again.


  Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries

[Judy Harder]

Beware of Losing Your First Love

"But this is what I have against you:  you do not love Me as you did at first."  Revelation 2:4 GNB

The church in Ephesus seemed to be doing well.  All would have said it was a great church, a model church, a church on the move for God.  But Jesus had a problem with the church.  The people had lost their passionate love for Him.  They were doing lots of good things, but they were missing the most important thing: a growing love for Jesus.

Did you know that it is easy to lose your first love?  It is easy to start out so in love and on fire for Jesus ... and then lose that fire and passion.  Could that be true of you?  If Jesus evaluated your heart for Him today, would He say to you, "You do not love Me now as you did at first."   

TEST YOURSELF

When I was in college, my Bible study teacher, David Ferguson, gave us a "heart check" to see if we were losing our first love.  Let me warn you, these statements are convicting.

I am in danger of losing my first love when ...

1.  I delight more in someone else than I do Jesus.

2.  My soul does not long for fellowship with God and God alone.

3.  My thoughts during leisure moments are not on God.

4.  I view the commands of God as restrictions on my life and my fun.

5.  I inwardly strive for the acclaim of man rather than God.

6.  I fail to make Christ known for fear of rejection.

7.  I refuse to give up questionable activities.

8.  I am unwilling to forgive another.

9.  I become complacent of sin around me.   

(I told you these statements were convicting.)  So what do you do if you are guilty of losing your first love?  Two things: Remember and repent.

Jesus told the church at Ephesus, "Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first" (Rev. 2:5).  Remember that it is all about loving Him.  Remember how much He loves you.  Remember how He died for you – "while He was on the cross, you were on His mind."  Remember how it used to be with you and Jesus.  And repent for letting other things take first place in your heart.  Turn from your selfishness and self-centeredness and start seeking the Lord like you used to ... with newness, freshness, and tremendous gratitude for His love and grace.   

Remember, "we love, because He first loved us" (1 Jn. 4:19).  Fill your heart everyday with His great love for you, and you will grow in your love for Him.



Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries

[Judy Harder]

The Power of Example

"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."
1 Timothy 4:12

I am a visual learner.  I have to see something in my mind to be able to really understand it.  If I cannot see it or at least envision it, the idea, concept or instruction will remain fuzzy to me.   

I think lots of people are visual learners.  That is why illustrations are so effective in sermons; they help people see the point being conveyed.  If people can picture it, they can grasp it. 

THE BEST ILLUSTRATION

Without a doubt, the best illustration of the Christian life is a Christian really living it out.  Paul told young Pastor Timothy to live a life of example... to be a living breathing illustration of what a Christian is - a person who honors and glorifies God in the way they talk... walk... act... react... love others... and believe/trust God.  Example gets people's attention far better than the best sermon ever preached.     

Years ago, I heard a great poem by one of my favorite speakers, Guy Doud, 1986 Teacher of the Year.  It goes something like this...

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.
I'd rather you go with me than merely point the way.
The eye is a more ready pupil than ever was the ear;
Good advice is often confusing, but example is always clear.
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER

There is only one reason that God leaves us on this earth after we come to know Him as Savior and Lord: to be His witnesses (Acts 1:.  And the best way we witness is through example.  If we "talk" Christianity and do not "walk" Christianity, we are viewed as hypocrites (play actors), and rightly so.  We turn people off to Jesus if they perceive we are not genuine, honest and sincere in our relationship with Christ.  But, if our walk matches our talk, we make an impact on the lives of people.

THE BACHELOR PARTY

Many years ago when I was working in chemical sales, I went to a bachelor party for one of the sales guys in my office.  We were having fun playing cards, eating, and hanging out.  Then someone said, "Hey, let's go to the strip joint!"  I knew that I could not do that.  I politely declined.  My boss said something to the effect that I needed to go and be part of the team (they were all going).  I said that I could not go.  He said, "Just go... and don't look!"  Ummm... I do not think that would have worked for me.  I again politely declined and went home.

The next week at work, two of the guys at the party (both Christians) talked to me about my not going to the strip joint.  They said they were so impressed that I stood up for what was right.  They said they wished they had said "no" too.  God used that situation in both their lives to convict them, challenge them, and draw them closer in their walk with Jesus Christ.  What made the difference for them?  The power of example!

BE AN EXAMPLE

There are people in your office, home, neighborhood, school and church who are watching you to see if you are for real.  They are listening to how you talk and how you walk.  And Jesus has come by His Spirit to live in you... so He can live through you... so you can be the example He wants you to be.   

Surrender to Him and His will today so that your life can shine like the sun for the Son of God.  As Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven"(Matt. 5:16).


  Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries

[Judy Harder]

The Power of Example

"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."
1 Timothy 4:12

I am a visual learner.  I have to see something in my mind to be able to really understand it.  If I cannot see it or at least envision it, the idea, concept or instruction will remain fuzzy to me.   

I think lots of people are visual learners.  That is why illustrations are so effective in sermons; they help people see the point being conveyed.  If people can picture it, they can grasp it. 

THE BEST ILLUSTRATION

Without a doubt, the best illustration of the Christian life is a Christian really living it out.  Paul told young Pastor Timothy to live a life of example... to be a living breathing illustration of what a Christian is - a person who honors and glorifies God in the way they talk... walk... act... react... love others... and believe/trust God.  Example gets people's attention far better than the best sermon ever preached.     

Years ago, I heard a great poem by one of my favorite speakers, Guy Doud, 1986 Teacher of the Year.  It goes something like this...

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.
I'd rather you go with me than merely point the way.
The eye is a more ready pupil than ever was the ear;
Good advice is often confusing, but example is always clear.
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER

There is only one reason that God leaves us on this earth after we come to know Him as Savior and Lord: to be His witnesses (Acts 1:.  And the best way we witness is through example.  If we "talk" Christianity and do not "walk" Christianity, we are viewed as hypocrites (play actors), and rightly so.  We turn people off to Jesus if they perceive we are not genuine, honest and sincere in our relationship with Christ.  But, if our walk matches our talk, we make an impact on the lives of people.

THE BACHELOR PARTY

Many years ago when I was working in chemical sales, I went to a bachelor party for one of the sales guys in my office.  We were having fun playing cards, eating, and hanging out.  Then someone said, "Hey, let's go to the strip joint!"  I knew that I could not do that.  I politely declined.  My boss said something to the effect that I needed to go and be part of the team (they were all going).  I said that I could not go.  He said, "Just go... and don't look!"  Ummm... I do not think that would have worked for me.  I again politely declined and went home.

The next week at work, two of the guys at the party (both Christians) talked to me about my not going to the strip joint.  They said they were so impressed that I stood up for what was right.  They said they wished they had said "no" too.  God used that situation in both their lives to convict them, challenge them, and draw them closer in their walk with Jesus Christ.  What made the difference for them?  The power of example!

BE AN EXAMPLE

There are people in your office, home, neighborhood, school and church who are watching you to see if you are for real.  They are listening to how you talk and how you walk.  And Jesus has come by His Spirit to live in you... so He can live through you... so you can be the example He wants you to be.   

Surrender to Him and His will today so that your life can shine like the sun for the Son of God.  As Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven"(Matt. 5:16).


  Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries
 

[Judy Harder]

Why the Tears?

"Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping?'"  John 20:15

When Mary Magdalene came to the tomb on Easter Sunday morning, she met the resurrected Christ in the garden.  She did not know it was Jesus because her eyes were filled with tears, and she was preoccupied with her deep hurt and utter despair.

Her hopes and dreams had crashed and burned as she saw Jesus beaten and crucified.  Her Lord and Savior was now dead.  How could that be?  Wasn't He the Messiah?  And to add insult to injury, someone had even taken His body from the tomb.  It couldn't get any more heartbreaking for Mary.     

And in her profound state of grief, Jesus asks her this simple but probing question, "Why are you weeping?"     

You see, Resurrection Sunday was not a day for tears, but a day for cheers.  The Lord was not dead!  He was alive ... and is alive forevermore!  When He came out of that tomb, He defeated death, hell, and the grave.  His resurrection proved that there is no problem too big for Him.  He is more than able to handle our sins, our sorrows, and our setbacks.

HIS QUESTION TO YOU

Perhaps you are heavy-hearted today.  Perhaps life has kicked you in the teeth, and your hopes have been crushed by unwanted and unwarranted circumstances.  Perhaps your eyes are filled with tears, and your heart is filled with fears.  You don't know what to do or how to go on.   

Jesus sweetly asks you, "Why are you weeping?  Why are you acting as if I am dead and gone?  Why are you standing there without hope when I am the God of hope?  Why are you not able to see that I am able?       

The reason we weep is because we don't see Him in the midst of our pain and grief.  We are so focused on the perceived enormity of our problems that we fail to see He is far greater than anything our minds can imagine.

So dry your eyes and begin to praise Him!  Let the resurrected Christ arise in you, and your enemies be scattered (Ps. 68:1).  There is no need to live in hopelessness, despair, and sorrow.  Jesus can turn every Calvary into an Easter, every mountain of a problem into a miracle of provision.   

Your Lord is alive and well.  Live out that truth!  He is not dead, He is risen ... and there is nothing in your life that He cannot accomplish as you look to Him and trust Him!

  Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries