From His Heart

[Judy Harder]

THAT'S INCREDIBLE

"The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious... who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin."  Exodus 34:6-7

In the early 80's, a new show hit the airwaves. It was called That's Incredible!, and it featured hosts Fran Tarkenton, John Davidson, and Cathy Lee Crosby. Real life guests would come on the show and perform jaw-dropping stunts and feats of skill, strength, and courage.  The incredible – that which couldn't be believed because it was beyond credible – became an awesome reality as performer after performer beat the odds and completed the often life-threatening act.

GOD IS INCREDIBLE

The God of the universe is incredible in much the same way.  He is almost too good to be true ... but He is true and totally faithful and trustworthy.

One of the most wonderful, incredible things about God is that He forgives sinners like you and me.  As someone well said, "He forgives from the gutter-most to the uttermost."  No matter what you have done, it is not greater than the precious blood of Jesus.  That blood, shed freely on Calvary's cross for fallen humanity, washes away the worst of sins.

When God revealed His glory to Moses on Mount Sinai, He proclaimed His name, His very character and nature to him.  It is clear that God is a good, gracious, and forgiving God.  His forgiveness is complete, as the three-fold delineation in Exodus 34:7 reveals (and more fully understood through a Hebrew word study).  First of all, He forgives iniquity – the twisted, crooked evil in our hearts that lusts and longs and plans out our sin.  He forgives transgression – the rebellious acts of disobedience.  Lastly, He forgives sin – the guilt that accompanies the disobedience and wrong committed.

DO YOU NEED FORGIVENESS?

I have found that many Christians live in the spiritual doghouse, so to speak.  They live under a heavy load of guilt over their sins of the past.  Even though they have confessed those sins to God, they still can't seem to get the victory over the guilt and shame.  What is the problem?  Does God not forgive us when we confess and repent?  Yes, He does.

He forgives completely.  He forgives incredibly.  Your challenge and mine is to make sure the incredible doesn't become something we can't believe, but rather something that is wonderful, awesome, and jaw-dropping.     

BUT I CAN'T FORGIVE MYSELF!

I hear that a lot.  How could I possibly forgive myself over ______________?  Whether your great sin is fornication, or adultery, or homosexuality, or abortion, or theft, or destroying your family, or whatever ... the truth is you don't have to forgive yourself.  What you have to do is believe and receive His complete and total forgiveness.  Your standards cannot be higher than the standards of Almighty, Most Holy God, can they?  If He forgives you, you are forgiven.  End of story.  Once you have truly confessed and turned from your sin all that is left for you to do is to believe the promise in His Word and trust Him for that incredible forgiveness.  Will you do it?

PRAYER

Dear God, I come before you a wretched sinner.  I have done __________________.  It was ugly and wrong and has brought me such shame and heartache.  I am guilt-ridden over it, and I am so sorry for sinning against You, Lord.  Today, I make the choice to believe your Word and claim Your compassion, grace, mercy, and three-fold forgiveness.  You say you will take away my sins as far as the east is from the west (an infinite distance), and I believe it and receive it!  Thank You, Jesus, for forgiving me of my wicked heart, my sinful act, and my guilty conscience!  I am forgiven and free.  Hallelujah!  What a Savior!

[Judy Harder]

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE WAITING ON GOD

"And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem,but to wait for what the Father had promised, 'Which,' He said, 'you have heard of from Me.'" Acts 1:4

Without a doubt, one of the hardest things to do in the Christian life is to wait on the Lord.  Yet we are commanded to do just that.  David said in Psalm 27:14,"Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD." 

We all tend to want God to be like a microwave oven.  We want Him to provide His miracles, His breakthroughs, His answers to our prayers in short order.  The reality is this: God isn't like a microwave oven.  He is much more like a crock pot.  If it feels like God is slow to answer your prayer and meet your need, remember that God is working in the waiting room of your life and mine.  He uses the waiting time to help us grow.

In Acts 1, the disciples were told to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them.  They waited ten days until the timing was right on God's calendar.  But their waiting time was not wasted time.  They did some important things that we need to hear, heed, and put into practice in our own lives.

What does God want us to do as we wait on Him for a mate, for a breakthrough, for that special door of opportunity to open?

1. Be active. Waiting is active, not passive.  The disciples were told by the angels to stop standing idly by (they were staring into the sky as Jesus ascended from their sight on the Mount of Olives).  Are you waiting for God to provide a job for you?  As you wait, look for a job.  Be proactive, energetic, and start beating the bushes.  The Lord made it clear in Matthew 6 that He feeds the birds ... but the birds don't lounge in the nest all day either.  As they look and scratch for food, God feeds them.   Waiting time is not the same as wasting time.  Be active.

2. Be obedient. The disciples were told to wait in Jerusalem.  So when Jesus ascended, they went back to Jerusalem, just like He commanded them.  As you wait on God, do the things He has commanded you to do.  Recently, a young mom told me she was praying for a spiritual breakthrough with her live-in baby daddy.  I told her she needed to get married ASAP.  Having sex with a man to whom you are not married is blatant disobedience and definitely not the formula to see God work miracles in your life.  "If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear" (Ps. 66:18).

3. Be unified. The disciples along with the other believers (about 120 persons) were in one accord, having the same passion and focus – to see the resurrected Christ glorified and made known.  There is great power in unity.  Couples, families, and churches that need a miracle need to come together in unity.

4. Be praying and praising. What did the disciples do during the 10 days before the coming of the Holy Spirit?  They were continually devoting themselves to prayer (Acts 1:14) and praising God in the temple (Luke 23:53).  There is tremendous power in unified prayer and praise.  Like a magnifying glass harnessing the rays of the sun to start a needed campfire, unified prayer and praise starts a spiritual fire that ushers in a great move of God.  Are you praying and praising as you wait on God?

5. Be preparing. In Acts 1, the group prayed and selected a replacement apostle for Judas, the apostate disciple who betrayed Jesus.  Peter knew the Lord wanted twelve apostles to witness to the twelve tribes of Israel.  Preparation needed to be made as they waited for the Holy Spirit.  In your waiting, prepare yourself for what lies ahead.  "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness" (1 Tim. 4:7).  If you are single and waiting on God for the right person, then prepare by being the right person yourself.  If you are waiting for doors to open in ministry, prepare yourself now for that next step.  When young David killed Goliath in that epic battle, he had been practicing with his sling shot, and he had already killed a lion and a bear.  Preparation is critical as we wait on God.

What is that issue in your life that you are waiting on God for?   Will you wait His way?

Love,

Jeff Schreve
www.fromhisheart.org

[Judy Harder]

BETTER THINGS AHEAD

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

As everyone who follows college football knows, Coach Mack Brown ended his 16 year career as head football coach of the University of Texas in late December of 2013.  Mack will forever be remembered as a man of class and moral character.  He didn't just coach football, he developed boys into men.

I will forever remember what Mack said to his players after they defeated USC in the Rose Bowl to win the 2005 National Championship.  Amidst the cheers and jubilation in the victorious locker room, Mack quieted the team and spoke these important words,

"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 challenge to share with a group of young men.  I saw Mack a few weeks after that championship game.  When I hugged him (Mack loves people and is not ashamed to give guys a big hug), I said, "What you told your players after the game was the best quote I have ever heard from a winning football coach.  That is why I love Mack Brown."  He graciously and humbly thanked me for the encouragement.

BETTER THINGS AHEAD

Maybe your life is going great right now ... or maybe you are stuck in the ditch.  Regardless, 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.   

For those of you reading this who feel like your best days have passed, think again.  God promises better things ahead for you if you know Jesus Christ.  He wants to use your life today and the days following to make a difference for the Kingdom, until He calls you home.

Living forever with the Lord in heaven is our ultimate reward.  Talk about better things ahead – But just as it is written, "THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM" (1 Cor. 2:9).   
     
Be encouraged and trust God.  He is not done with you yet.  And when He is, you get the greatest promotion of your life!  Thank you, Jesus.

Love,

Jeff Schreve
www.fromhisheart.org

[Judy Harder]

FOX HUNTING

"Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that are ruining the vineyards, while our vineyards are in blossom." Song of Solomon 2:15

Valentine's Day is that special day in America when lovers express their love for each other. Dating couples really look forward to Valentine's Day. Sadly for many married couples, their love was stronger, more passionate, and more exciting before they got married. As the familiar song laments, "You've lost that loving feeling." Why does marriage so often seem to do that to love?

In the Song of Solomon, God tells us to beware of the "little foxes" that can easily get into the vineyard of love and eat up all the fruit, leaving the relationship barren and ruined.

What are the little foxes in marriage that we need to catch and remove from the vineyard?

1. Selfishness. At the core of our fallen nature, there is selfishness – that rotten attitude that silently says, "I want what I want when I want it." For marriage to be successful and satisfying, selfishness must be caught and cast out. You can't have a great marriage if you are looking to your spouse to make you happy. Another human being can't do that.

Often husbands and wives adopt the Tick Attitude in marriage: The Tick Attitude states, "I am going to feed off my spouse to gain my happiness and satisfaction." The big problem with this attitude, however, is real marriage is two ticks and no dog. You and I must get our satisfaction and fulfillment from Jesus. He is the only one who can meet the needs of our heart. Once we realize that, we are free to see our mate NOT as someone who is there to meet our needs, but someone who is there so we can meet his/her needs.

2. Unconscious Neglect. This so often happens soon after we marry. We unconsciously quit doing the things we did when we dated, when we built our love relationship. We quit talking and listening and spending quality time together. We get so busy with work and the kids and the pressures of a hectic, fast-paced life that we quit focusing on the relationship.

A man is to focus on loving his wife. God commands a husband to love his wife (commanded three times in Eph. 5). Men, it is not enough to say you love her, she must feel you love her. That is the only way that your love truly counts in her mind. Does she feel it from you? Does she feel nourished and cherished? Does she feel like the most important person in your life outside of Jesus Christ? NEWSFLASH: She felt loved when you dated, so start dating her again. Talk to her, include her, help her around the house, call her from work, send her notes, and buy her little gifts that let her know she is on your mind. You will be amazed at how she will respond when she feels loved.

A woman is to focus on respecting her husband. In the same chapter where God commands a man to love his wife, He commands a woman to respect her husband (Eph. 5:33). Listen ladies, in every man there is a young boy who longs to be noticed, cheered, and bragged on. You respected him when you dated, so don't stop when you are married. Focus on building him up with your attitude, actions, and words. Quit tearing him down with your little barbs and snide comments. A wife is to a husband what a wind is to a fire: She can fan him up ... or she can blow him out. Which one are you doing? 

3. Unresolved Conflict. Conflict is inevitable in marriage. You know why? Because, men, you married a sinner ... and she married a bigger one! Put two sinners together and you will have conflict. For a marriage to survive and thrive, couples must share their hurts with one another, and seek and grant forgiveness. Marriages die on the vine everyday due to unresolved conflict. Remember, all hurt eventually turns to anger. And anger that is not properly dealt with – "Do not let the sun go down on your anger" (Eph. 4:26) – turns to resentment and bitterness. Once bitterness settles into a marriage, you are on the road to unhappiness, isolation, and possible divorce.

I want to encourage you to go fox hunting today. If you will rid your vineyard of love of these three little foxes, you will find the passion, excitement, and thrill that may be AWOL right now. God is all for us having an awesome marriage ... and "if God is for us, who is against us?" (Rom. 8:31).

Love,



Jeff Schreve

[Judy Harder]

WHERE DO YOU GO WHEN YOU'RE HURTING?

"The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him."  Nahum 1:7

Some years ago, Amy Grant recorded a very popular song that made people think.  The lyrics connected with brokenhearted people, making them think of what they were doing with their heartache and pain.  The song begins with these words:   


I call you on the phone
But you're not at home.
Where do you go when you're hurting?
I hear you're down again,
Lost the will to win.
Why do you run when you're hurting?
Oh, where do you hide your heart?
Where do you hide your heart?


So, what is your answer to these thought-provoking questions?

WE ALL FACE HURTS

No matter what one may believe about God and the big questions of our day, we would all have to agree that life is filled with troubles and trials.  We all face hurts - Jews and Greeks, Christians and non-Christians, men and women, boys and girls.  Job said it best, "A person who is born of a woman is short-lived and full of trouble" (Job 14:1 GW).

So, what do you do with your trouble?  Where (and to whom) do you run when you're hurting?  Do you go to a friend, a family member, or a neighbor?  Do you simply suffer in silence, slipping into a dark and lonely hole?  Or do you go to God with your troubles and problems?       

A GOD OF LOVE AND GRACE

The truth is that lots of people don't go to God.  Why?  Because they believe the lies of the devil as he whispers, "Why pray?  God doesn't love you – if He did, why would He let this happen to you?  God is not going to help you.  You disgust God.  He is through with you.  You have sinned far too greatly this time.  Why don't you follow the advice of Job's wife and just curse God and die." 

Have you ever had those lies filter through your mind, especially when you are hurting the most?

What's the real truth?  God does love you.  In fact, He loves you with an everlasting love, regardless of your rap sheet.  No matter what you've done or how you may be hurting, He invites you to come to Him ... and He promises to receive you and give you rest (see Matt. 11:28).

Where do you hide your heart?  Or better yet, where will you hide your heart beginning today?

God is waiting for you to come to Him.  He knows all about what you are going through – the  struggles, trials, loneliness, hurt, and pain.  He knows ... and He cares.  He wants to give you beauty for your ashes (Is. 61:3).  He wants to work it together for good.  He wants to hold you in His arms, wipe away your tears, and give you strength to continue the journey.  He indeed is good.

Love,

[Judy Harder]

DON'T BE A GRINCH!

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."  Galatians 5:22-23

In the classic Christmas cartoon, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a song is sung expounding on the meanness of the Grinch.  Perhaps you recall these memorable lyrics,

            You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch. 
            You really are a heel. 
            You're as cuddly as a cactus.
            You're as charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch. 
            You're a bad banana with a greasy black peel.

Surely none of us wants to be mean like the Grinch, right?  But the sad truth is that many people who call themselves Christians are just not all that nice and kind.  Their cuddliness and charm are more in line with the Grinch than they are the Great I AM.

KINDNESS COMMUNICATES

The Bible makes it clear that those who are walking by the Spirit exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (note it is called fruit, not fruits).  One of the nine pinpointed characteristics of a Spirit-filled life is kindness.  If you are really walking with the Lord, you will be kind and friendly to people.

Guy Doud was the 1986 National Teacher of the Year.  His testimony is powerful.  In it, he shares about the impact a sixth grade teacher, Mr. Card, made on his life.  You see, Guy was a shy, fat kid who grew up in a poor family from the other side of the tracks.  He was teased quite often and made to feel inferior.  Guy wasn't a Christian, and he didn't like himself very much.  But, God used Mr. Card to plant seeds that would one day grow into salvation for Guy Doud.  At the end of his sixth grade year, twelve year-old Guy was asked to write in Mr. Card's yearbook.  He wrote these heartfelt words, "Dear, Mr. Card: Thank you for being so nice to me.  Guy Doud."

Is there someone you can be kind to today?  There are hurting people all around us who desperately need to feel noticed, to feel loved and wanted.  They need someone to show them kindness.         

When I find myself in stores or restaurants or wherever, dealing with strangers, I make it a point to strike up a conversation with my waiter, waitress, cab driver, sales clerk, etc.  I want to let them know that they matter, that God loves them ... and I do too.  I want to shower them with kindness, not criticism and complaining.  You see, kindness communicates love.  And I always leave a good tip.  Nothing betrays your witness for Christ as much as stinginess.  And nothing enhances your witness for Christ like generosity.  Kind people are generous people.   

WHAT ABOUT YOU?   

Perhaps you are a little more cactus-like in your demeanor.  Perhaps you tend to be a little gruff, shy and quiet by nature.  Ask God to do a work in your heart.  Ask Him to make you more like Jesus in this important area.  Break out of your comfort zone and give a look, a touch, and an encouraging word to people you meet.  Be God's human agent of kindness.  Kindness really does make a difference.  It is a powerful way to communicate God's love.  Try it and see.

Love,

Jeff Schreve
www.fromhisheart.org

[Judy Harder]

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE ANXIOUS!

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.   Psalm 94:19

I remember a particularly difficult semester in college. My classes were hard, and the pressure was on to keep my grades in the A-B category. Thoughts of failure began to seep into my mind ... and those thoughts began to take root. I can recall sitting at the dinner table in the Dobie Cafeteria one evening, feeling so anxious, believing that disaster was about to overtake me. It was no fun, and it wasn't something I could easily shake off. The anxiety was sticking to me like glue. I desperately needed the peace of God. 

Can you relate? Have you ever had anxiety befall you? Has your mind ever flooded with anxious thoughts that begin to take root and breed?

Anxiety has been defined as an unpleasant state of inner turmoil, often accompanied by nervous behavior. Some symptoms are restlessness, fatigue, problems in concentration, and muscular tension. Regardless of how it may manifest itself, one thing is common to all who struggle with it: There is no peace.

GOD'S ANSWER TO ANXIETY

Obviously, God doesn't want us to live in a state of high anxiety. He has not given us a spirit of fear. In fact, Jesus told us that peace was a birthright for the child of God. He wants all people to experience peace with God (salvation) and the peace of God (sanctification). He doesn't want us to be anxiously looking about, but confidently looking up.

So what are we to do if we are being overtaken by anxious thoughts? We need to set our focus on God and His goodness. The comfort of His presence and His Word will turn the dread into delight. You see, anxiety is nothing more than an alarm clock, awakening us to the fact that we are anxious because we have taken our eyes off the Lord. Anxious people are filled with the worries of life. Peaceful people, on the other hand, are filled with the realities of God.

Isaiah 26:3 is a key verse for fighting anxiety - "You will keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because He trusts in You."

Where is your mind today? Is it fixed on the greatness of God? Is it actively clinging to His precious and magnificent promises? Remember, no matter how big your problems may seem to you, they are nothing more than a pimple on a flea compared to God. If God can speak worlds into existence, He can certainly handle whatever troubles you are facing right now. He is good. He loves you. You can trust Him.

DO YOU NEED THIS PRAYER?

Dear God, I have been so focused on my problems that I have lost sight of You. Please forgive me, Lord. I know you are a zillion times greater that this issue that is stealing my peace. I make the choice today to "turn my eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face." Lord, you promise peace for all those who keep their minds on You ... so I claim that peace, in Jesus' name.  Thank you, God, for being my refuge and strength, my unfailing Savior. Amen.

Love,

Jeff Schreve
www.fromhisheart.org

[Judy Harder]

TRUE OR FALSE?

In the past there were false prophets among God's people.  It is the same now.  You will have some false teachers in your group.  They will teach things that are wrong--ideas that will cause people to be lost.  And they will teach in a way that will be hard for you to see that they are wrong.  They will even refuse to follow the Master who bought their freedom.  And so they will quickly destroy themselves.  Many people will follow them in the wrong things they do.  And because of them, others will say bad things about the way of truth we follow.  These false teachers only want your money.  So they will use you by telling you things that are not true.  But the judgment against these teachers has been ready for a long time.  And they will not escape God who will destroy them.   
2 Peter 2:1-3 ERV


Not every preacher talking about heaven is actually going there.  Not every preacher who claims to speak for God actually does.  Jesus told us, "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matt. 7:15).

Can you discern the true from the false?  Here are some tell-tale signs of a false teacher given to us through the inspired writings of the Apostle Peter. 

1.  They teach things that are unbiblical and take the focus off the glory of Jesus Christ.  Like the Gnostics who infiltrated the church in the early days, the false teachers of today always seem to have some new truth to share.  Mark it down: If it's new, it's not true.  True preaching is reminding people in fresh ways what God has already said.  It is NOT coming up with a new version of the Gospel or taking the focus off the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is not elevating spiritual gifts above the Spiritual Giver.

Remember, the stated job description of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ (John14:16).  If a church is really led by the Holy Spirit, then Jesus Christ (the Son of God and God the Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity) will be center stage.  If anything else or anyone else takes the focus, beware.  Even the Holy Spirit did not come to glorify Himself.  He came to glorify Christ.

Watch out for teaching and teachers who seem preoccupied with self.  Watch out for teachers who slyly introduce selfishness and self-aggrandizement into one's service for God.  We are not to serve for gain; we are to serve for love.  The moment it becomes all about us is the moment we have lost our way.     

2.  They are consumed with money and materialism.  They promise financial blessings to those who will give to them.  They live lavish lifestyles, declaring God wants all His children to be financially wealthy.  Yet it was Peter himself who said to the lame man, "I do not possess silver and gold" (Acts 3:6).  Jesus was so unencumbered with the material things of this world that He stated He had "nowhere to lay His head" (Luke 9:58).  When He died on the cross, all He had were the clothes on His back.  The emphasis of the true Gospel is NOT financial abundance for the believer; it is spiritual abundance for the believer. "Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth" (Proverbs 17:24).   

To be sure, we all need money to live.  Money is not immoral, it is amoral, neither good nor bad.  It is not money that is the root of all evil, it is the love of money that is.  But, the love of money is a very real, dangerous, and seductive trap.  Tithes and offerings are God's way to keep you trusting in Him and not the false god of money.  Be sure of this: The god of false teachers is the almighty dollar ... and they are very skilled at getting you to give your dollars to them.  They are greedy to the core and live financially unaccountable to their flock.           

3.  They are arrogant and immoral.  The moral laws that God has given all of us to live by do not apply to them.  They feel as if they are above the law and can do as they please.  Peter goes on to say that they have "eyes full of adultery and never cease from sin" (2 Pet. 2:14).  Often, these false teachers flame out in scandal and shame.  When they do, the true believers get a bad rap.

Have you fallen prey to the seduction of a false teacher and his/her false teaching?  Have you adopted the heresy that what really matters is physical health, financial wealth, and personal happiness that trumps personal holiness?  Has Jesus somehow become your heavenly bellhop, obeying your every command as you order Him around through prayer?  God have mercy!   

May God give us discernment in these last days as we seek to live the truth, love the truth, and shine for Jesus Christ until He comes again.


Love,

[Judy Harder]

HOW DO YOU PICTURE GOD?

The LORD is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me?  The LORD
is for me; among those who help me.  Psalm 118:6-7


Pictures.  We love them, don't we?  Our minds are wired for pictures.  One of the great allures of Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and other social media sites is the ability to post photographs.  It is fun (and somewhat addicting) to scroll through the current pictures of our grade school friends from yesteryear.  Reading text is one thing, but seeing a picture takes it to a new level.  The old saying is really true, "A picture as worth a thousand words."

So, what do you "picture" when you think of God?

THE WRONG PICTURE

Sadly, many people picture God as a stern, impossible-to-please despot, sitting on the throne of the universe with a foul disposition and a hair-trigger temper.  He has a big billy club in one hand and a bag of thunder bolts in the other.  He is chomping at the bit to unleash fiery judgment on those who stray outside the lines.  Well, if that is how you view God, if that is the picture of Him that hangs in the halls of your mind, it is going to be impossible for you to ever get close to Him.  Why would you even want to?

THE RIGHT PICTURE

What does the Bible say about God?  Is He really mean, cruel, and condemning as the devil would have us believe?  Certainly not!  God is good, loving, gracious, merciful, and compassionate.  He is the God who is for us, not against us.  He is the God who wants to help us, not hurt us or condemn us.  He is the father of the prodigal son, the one who runs to us and showers us with kisses and compassion the moment we turn to Him in repentance and faith.

To be sure, God is holy and righteous.  He wants His children to walk in His righteousness, because it is in His righteousness that we find security, peace, and blessings.  He takes no pleasure in us when we go our own way and do our own thing.  It grieves Him to watch us walk in darkness.  He knows our rebellion will only produce pain as we get away from His will for our lives.  The prodigal sowed his wild oats ... and reaped a bitter crop of pig slop.  And the father wept for his wayward son.

So, what do we do when we miss the mark, succumb to temptation, and sin against God?  We quickly come to Him in godly sorrow and confession.  We remind ourselves of the truth that He wants to help us in our time of need (Heb.4:16).  We remember what the Nazi concentration camp survivor Corrie ten Boom said, "No matter how deep the sin, God's love is deeper still."

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR DISTANCE

Are you distant from God today?  Do you see Him as disgusted and displeased with you?  Take down that faulty caricature of God and replace it with the real picture.  He is never disgusted with His children.  Certainly, He gets displeased with our sinful actions, but not with us.  He loves us with an everlasting love.  He says to us today, "Come to Me.  I am for you.  I want to help you.  I want to turn your sorrows into joy and get your life back on track with Me."  What an awesome invitation from the King!  So, what is your answer to Him?

[Judy Harder]

HELP LORD, I'M STUCK!

Bretheren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:  forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Some years ago, Debbie and I took the girls (ages 10, 8, and 6 at the time) to Breckenridge, Colorado for a vacation in the snow.  Although neither of us ski, we thought it would be fun to play in the snow, sled, drive snowmobiles, and just enjoy the winter wonderland as a family.

Our "welcome to your rather expensive winter vacation" was an unkind slap in the face, however.  Our condo was on the third floor.  We nearly passed out in the thin air as we hauled the luggage upstairs.  The girls raced outside to play while Debbie and I got things situated in the condo.  Within minutes, our middle daughter Amy lost her glove and got snow in her boots.  She was crying, "I just want to go home!" UGH!

I told the girls we would find a hill to sled down and it would be great fun.  But as I was searching for where to go, I got the rental car stuck in the snow.  To say the least, I was not a happy camper.  In fact, I was spitting nails and wanted to join Amy in her lament, "I just want to go home!"  And then it happened.  Debbie's "nervous laugh" kicked in.  It was the last thing I needed to hear at that moment.  I was stuck in the snow and wanted to pull the plug on the vacation from hell.

STUCK IN LIFE?   

It is one thing to get stuck in the snow, but quite another to get stuck in life.  Truth be told, that is the case for many people.  They are stuck in life.  Could that be true of you?  Have you gotten stuck in the ditch, so to speak, unable to move forward because of adverse circumstances or failures of the past?  Are you holding on to hurts and heartaches from days gone by?  Do you find yourself longing for the "good old days" while the present days continue to march on without you?  What can be done when you are stuck in life?

Mark it down:  God takes no pleasure in a derailed, ditch-dwelling Christian, living forlornly in the past.  He wants you to forget what lies behind.  He wants you to get back on track with Him, moving forward as a force for Jesus Christ.

God is the Great I AM, not the Great I Was.  As such, He desires for you and me to live in the present, not the past.  There is a call to every Christian to press on with the Lord in obedience and the power of the Holy Spirit.  Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may never come.  All we have is today.  And God says to you today, "My child, walk with Me.  Let Me shine like the sun through you as you yield yourself to Me.  I have good works for you to do this day that will let people know I am real and alive in you."

You don't have to be stuck one more day.  You can get your life out of the ditch as you take the hand of Jesus and begin pressing on with Him.  Remember, He can forgive all sin.  He can give you beauty for ashes.  He can work all things together for good.  He is waiting for you to call on His name.               

PRAYER TO GET UNSTUCK

Dear God, I don't want to live stuck in the past, feeling like my life has lost meaning and purpose.  I want to press on with You.  Forgive me, Lord, for wallowing in guilt, resentment, and self-pity.  Thank You for the valleys and victories of days gone by.  Let me learn from them ... and move forward.  Thank You that You have big plans for me this day.  I choose to walk with You by faith.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.


Love,

Jeff Schreve
www.fromhisheart.org