Keys to the Kingdom by Carolyn Tucker

 

Have you ever said something during a conversation and the individual gawked at you like you were a nut hanging from a tree? No matter where we grew up, we all use colloquialisms;  and those of us in the same region understand each other perfectly! For example, someone could say:  “He‘s got a heart the size of a washtub; he’d give you the shirt off his back. But, bless his heart, he’s a brick shy of a full load.“ Or, “Give her an inch and she’ll take a mile.”

 

I’ve been blessed with family and friends that don’t fit into the “give an inch and take a mile” category. The God-kind of love doesn’t function like that; real love looks for ways to give, not take. But I am very aware of any enemy that’s completely hateful, selfish, and destructive, and that’s the devil. If you give Satan an inch, he’ll snatch it and turn it into a nightmare trip. That’s why the Bible tells us, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you” (James 4:7,8 NLT). Don’t forget the first and last portions of this scripture, as they are important keys to resisting the enemy who hates you as much as God loves you.

 

Don’t be asleep at the wheel! “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith” (1 Peter 5:8,9 NLT). There’s no such thing as a joy ride with the  devil. Don’t even give him a ride around the block!

 

A good song can inspire me as much as a good sermon. There’s a story song about the devil being a hitchhiker. Some of the lyrics are: “Don’t let the devil ride. If you let him ride, he’ll want to drive. Don’t, please don’t, let him drive your car. If you let him drive your car, he’ll surely go too far. Don’t let him drive! Don‘t do it, don‘t do it, don‘t do it.”

 

Sin always takes you farther than you want to go, keeps you longer than you want to stay, and costs you more than you can possibly pay. In the Garden of Eden, Eve didn’t see any harm in having a friendly conversation with the worst enemy in the world. We all know that particular interaction went south in a flash.

 

Believers are to, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11 NKJV). How often do we put on your clothes? That’s how often we’re to put on the armor of God. The devil is capable of luring unsuspecting Christians into sin. Following Christ requires godly decisions, purposeful effort, and proper use of the equipment God has provided for you. “Wiles” can be defined as clever schemes used by Satan to trap you through temptation, threat, intimidation, and deception through trickery. But you are not powerless, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him [Jesus Christ] who loved us“ (Romans 8:37 NKJV).

 

The Key: Don’t let the devil ride in your car — just put the pedal to the metal.

Award-winning author/historian/speaker Dr. Rebecca Price Janney was contacted by a Moms for Liberty local representative to speak to a group of children about the U.S. Constitution. The venue would be a local public library. Dr. Janney, dressed as Martha Washington, would present her original rendition of the Constitution to a group of elementary students at the public library to promote a positive platform for children to learn about American history.  How fun, and how exciting for those little ones, right?

Apparently not.  Protestors, finding this teaching inappropriate because Moms for Liberty backed it, planned to block her performance. (MfL promotes parental authority and opposes public schools having pornography in their libraries and teaching sexuality to young children, especially apart from parental consent.) Prayers encouraged this brave woman to continue to do what she knew was God’s work.  The last email we received from Dr. Janney addressed her experience:

“I had been informed a few days ahead of the library event that there would be four police forces on hand, including undercover law enforcement. The protestors, led by one very vocal local woman, sort of our version of the 1960s Madeline Murray O’Hair, promised there would be between 75-100 of them. The police designated a place where they could stand, and I was so relieved when they said none of them, or the media, would be allowed inside for my presentation. One of my biggest concerns was being shouted down, having the kids be scared, and having the event turn ugly. Moms for Liberty requested that there not be a counter-protest, but some private citizens turned up to support us, without signs, just their presence.”

Dr. Janney shared that her husband Scott and a friend, Jen, to avoid the protestors, arrived at the library early.  God was at work.  The weather, cold and rainy, kept many of them away.  Most of the library staff were cordial.  Three local police officers stood near the presentation room, so Dr. Janney struck up a conversation with them, thanking them for being there.  They responded that it was an honor to protect her and the children.  The story continues:                “Scott positioned himself just outside the entrance and, dressed in a colonial outfit, played colonial tunes on his fiddle. When the protestors arrived with their hate-filled signs and their banners, all 20 of them, and they started chanting as people brought their children into the library, Scott would play ‘Yankee Doodle’ loudly, and the children’s attention was on him, not these protestors, many of whom appeared quite bizarre.”

After recruiting children to dress in colonial outfits and help with readings about the Constitution, Dr. Janney felt encircled by prayer and good will. The event had reached the library’s capacity of 30 people, and everything went better than planned.  The kids were energized by what they had learned.

When the event was over, Dr. Janney, her husband and her friend were escorted out a back door so they did not have to face the protestors.  We on the prayer chain celebrated that Dr. Janney had persevered and not caved to those who disagreed with her.  Her prayers before that day touched many of us as we saw her great love for those protesting: “I do pray they will have eyes to see and ears to hear how much God, who made them in His image, loves and affirms them as His created ones… But it is also a huge privilege to stand for truth, and I pray I’ll be everything He desires me to be in this, to the praise of His glory!”

Amen and amen. May we all be as convicted and loving when God moves in our hearts.

 

Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

My Dad was a horseman and he taught my daughter and I to ride and love horses. I always rode my Missouri Foxtrotter at one of two gaits; either a foxtrot or running walk. I don’t recall ever coaxing my horse into running so I could experience the powerful speed of the animal. I’ve watched a lot of Western films where the bank robbers ride out of town at breakneck speed and soon a posse leaves close behind them. No man ever headed out of town on foot when he was in a hurry — he always rode a horse.

 

God’s prophet Elijah had just called out all the false prophets of Baal. Everyone watching found out that Baal was not the great god his followers thought he was. Elijah made certain the people understood that Jehovah God, and not Baal, was sending the rain to end the three-year drought. The showdown at Mount Carmel was like a called-out gunfight in the street of Dodge City — and God had Elijah‘s back.

 

After Elijah’s prayer, God answered by fire, which proved He was (and still is) Almighty God. Then the false prophets of Baal were led down to the Kishon Brook and Elijah killed all 450 of them. “Then Elijah said to King Ahab, ’Now, go and eat. I hear the roar of rain approaching.’ While Ahab went to eat, Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel, where he bowed down to the ground, with his servant, ‘Go and look toward the sea.’ The servant went and returned saying, ’I didn’t see a thing.’ Seven times in all Elijah told him to go and look. The seventh time he returned and said, ’I saw a little cloud no bigger than a man’s hand, coming up from the sea.’ Elijah ordered his servant, ’Go to King Ahab and tell him to get in his chariot and go back home before the rain stops him.’ In a little while the sky was covered with dark clouds, the wind began to blow, and a heavy rain began to fall. Ahab got in his chariot and started back to Jezreel. The power of the Lord came on Elijah; he fastened his clothes tight around his waist and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel [about 25 miles]” (1 Kings 18:41-46 TEV).

 

Only once in the Bible do we find a man outrunning a horse. Elijah was given added strength by the Lord to outrun a chariot. I’m impressed. Do we really pause to think about what these scriptures mean? It takes a lot of energy to kill 450 men by yourself. It takes a lot of faith to pray seven times about the same thing until the expected results happen. It takes a lot of energy to outrun a king’s horse for 25 miles. Either we believe our God is big enough to give us what we need, or we do not.

 

Tough experiences in a believer’s life are comparable to a showdown between the devil and Jesus. Isaiah 43:2-5 states “when” you go through deep waters, rivers of difficulty, and fire of oppression, not “if.” It’s during these tough times that God will give strength and grace for the task — if you ask. I have buried my parents, my husband, and my brother, and I look back on those experiences and ponder, “How did I do that and not crack into a million pieces?” The answer is GOD. He promises to give what you need when you need it. If Elijah could outrun a chariot, we, too, can outrun a broken heart or any other problem in life. God’s Word tells us that what starts as mourning can end in joy (Jeremiah 31:13). If we will continually look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we will find increased strength and grace to face everything that comes our way.

 

The Key: The prayer of faith provides grace and strength to outrun a horse (problem).

When I visited Israel a few years ago, I learned much about its preparation for an attack.  Every house and apartment had a safe room with a steel door about four inches thick where families would go, should there be a missile headed in their direction.  When we were there, we were removed from a tourist bus because the sirens warned that the missiles had been launched.  Scary stuff.

Fortunately, Israel’s Iron Dome (missile interceptors) shot them out of the sky before they landed.  I learned that these interceptors are fired only if an incoming rocket poses a threat to a populated area. If not a threat, then the incoming rocket will land in an unpopulated area.

Recently, Israel’s enemy Hamas has purposed to bring horrific evil to God’s chosen people.  “Time Magazine” reported the assault: “A world in which you see an entire tribe of people as lesser—as roaches, as vermin—this is how you justify gunning down hundreds of unarmed teenagers at a concert, how you rationalize men going house to house and murdering parents at point blank range in front of their children, how you legitimize intentionally setting houses on fire with infirm, elderly people trapped inside, unable to escape; how you explain kidnapping toddlers still not old enough to speak and mocking them in front of the camera; how you excuse desecrating corpses, stepping on their faces while grinning for the camera.”

As shocking as all of that is, what is almost as incredulous is how some students at Howard University are blaming Israel for the massacre of its own citizens. No matter how much one hates another group, albeit based on religion, politics, gender, ethnicity, etc., the brutality of this attack cannot be legitimized.

So, what are we to do?  Dr. David Jeremiah, one of my favorite Biblical scholars, has asked that we pray this prayer for Israel:

“Heavenly Father, the psalmist tells us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”  So I pray for peace for Your chosen people, Israel, and their beloved city today.

“You have planned for Israel, provided for Israel, and protected Israel for thousands of years.  But as in days of old, there are those today who seek to harm, even destroy, Your people. So I ask you to keep Israel in Your loving care.  Put a spiritual hedge of protection around Your people and their land.  Watch over this nation as a Good Shepherd watches over his flock, and may Your chosen people find their ultimate safety and security in You.

“While You watch over Your people, may Your Spirit awaken in them a hunger to embrace their Messiah—the One who died for them—until they see Him face to face.”

I might add to that prayer that if any of us harbors hate towards anyone (including the college defenders of Palestine), may we ask for forgiveness and see them as God does—children who need a Redeemer…no different than any of us.

 

 

 

 

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

While in Sunday school class back in the 1980s, I heard a definition of “joy” that I’d never heard before and have never forgotten. Joy was explained as simply “Jesus” “Others” and “You.” At the beginning of 2023, I chose joy as my word for the year.  My maternal grandfather, Lawrence, was affectionately referred to as “Lawrency.” Although he died before I was born, I’ve heard many stories regarding the funny things he said and his comical outlook on life. My Grandpa and Grandma Jennings had 13 children, so I’m sure their sense of humor and ability to laugh helped them raise that passel of youngins.

 

Since I come from a laughing family, I’m naturally drawn toward those who love to laugh. I actually look for excuses to laugh at myself. While shopping, I spotted a piece of metal décor that was fashioned into the word “LAUGH.”  I studied it for a few seconds and quickly decided that it belonged in my home. It’s the first thing you see when you walk into my kitchen. The Bible states, “A merry heart does good like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV). I had a severe allergic reaction once to a certain antibiotic, but I’ve never had a negative reaction to laughter. I always feel fantastic when get tickled and  belly laughs erupt while tears of hilarity run down my face. Laughing is truly a blessing from God. Mom always said, “You might as well laugh as cry.”

 

I’ll be the first to admit that life’s not always a bowl of cherries. But even when it’s a bowl of gravel, I don’t want to be a sad sack. I don’t want to be a partly-cloudy person; I choose to be a partly-sunny person. I expect the joy of the Lord to show up in my life every day because He loves and cares for me and I love Him. As a kid, I remember singing this song in church: “If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it. If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.”

 

Scripture reveals the truth about where a believer’s joy comes from. “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NLT). God enables us, through the Holy Spirit, to have hope, joy, and peace when life’s circumstances are heavy.

 

Without Jesus in their hearts, people don’t even have the proper tools to love God, others, and themselves. Life without Jesus means we’re just selfish to the core. Selfishness will ruin every relationship you ever try to develop. However, anyone can choose Jesus as Savior and then be filled with His love and joy. “He [Jesus] will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of His birth” (Luke 1:14 NIV).

 

Loving others by serving them, being good to them, and including them brings joy to both individuals. Enjoying life is a choice and attitude of the heart. Experiencing joy is a privilege and blessing from God that lifts us above life’s challenging turn of events. When believers are a blessing to others, it will ricochet back to us in astonishing ways. Simply do what God leads you to do and watch Him work joy into your life. When we surrender every part of our being as an offering to love God and others, it’s certain to bring us joy.

 

The Key: The joy of the Lord often erupts in laughter, so grab your belly and go for it!

Air bags hurt.  A lot.  Trust me, I know.

Last week, I totaled an Excursion with six of my relatives in the vehicle.  I missed a turn after entering a cloud of gravel and dirt on a country road near my son’s ranch and ended up in a deep ditch.

We left the Red Bull practice event at Adam’s ranch around 8:30 P.M. Dave’s family had flown in from Las Vegas to watch the festivities, all of them serious dirt-bike racers.  To be able to watch the professionals perform their stunts was a dream-come-true for them.  We loaded up in the car, everyone seat-belted in, with my step-daughter, her husband, their daughter and her husband, and their two children (a one-year-old and three-year-old) buckled in and sharing their thrills from the evening.

Because of a drought in our area, the roads were dry and dusty.  Nothing I haven’t seen before.  The details aren’t important, except that when we jerked to a halt, On-Star was activated and asked if it needed to call 9-1-1.  “Yes” was said in unison.  (We later found out that OnStar notified the emergency room that the hysterical cries of the babies was all the answer it needed.)

Cars coming up behind us immediately came to our aid, helping excavate those who had difficulty exiting the vehicle, tending to those who were bleeding or burned by the air bags, offering any help needed.  The emergency vehicles were close behind, all providing necessary aid and transportation to the hospital.

Clearly, God had protected us from a much worse fate.  Within twenty feet of where we landed was a telephone pole.  Had we hit that, or had I jerked the Excursion to make the 90-degree turn, the outcome could have been much more deadly.

When we viewed the vehicle the day after the wreck, Dave, my son-in-law, noticed several triggered safety precautions.  The brake lights were still on (serving as a warning to drivers behind us that we wrecked, and the brakes were locked (to keep us from continuing forward, should we be on a cliff.) Seat belts were extended, preventing anyone from buying the vehicle in this unsafe condition.

Sometimes, pain teaches the strongest lesson.  When we loaded into the car, Tyler, the passenger in the rear seat, tried to lock down the headrest in front of him but couldn’t. That ended up being a projectile that hit the one-year-old above the eye and left a V-shaped hole in Tyler’s forehead that necessitated eight stitches.  It seemed like such a little thing at the time.  Another “little thing” I ignored was that a friend at the Red Bull site set a pin on my phone to navigate my way out of Missouri.  When my son-in-law said that he knew the way, I never pushed the “pin” button.  Had I done so, this accident would not have happened.

In the Bible, Solomon warned of the “little foxes” that spoil the vines, things we dismiss that lead to grave consequences.  Drops of water are very small, yet how often they become a raging torrent. The termite is a small insect, but it can destroy a three-story house if ignored. Starting with one cigarette can make you feel cool until you end up with lung cancer.  Sneak peeks at pornography are the leading cause of men and women entering sex-trafficking.

Louis of Granada, a Dominican priest of the 16th century, in The Sinner’s Guide advises us to resist small sins “for there is no enemy too weak to harm us if we make no resistance.” A careless sin life we label as small can morph into a lifestyle devoid of God.

Dear readers, it’s never worth the risk.

 

 

 

 

Keys to the Kingdom

I love and treasure my childhood memories. Part of my growing-up years consist of not being big enough to do everything I wanted. I couldn’t ride a bicycle until I mastered the tricycle. I had to wait until I was big enough to wear makeup, ride a horse, drive a car, etc. I have happy memories of being little and carefree. But at some point, I became big enough to worry; and that is not a milestone to celebrate. For many years now, I’ve done my best to believe God is who He says He is. And I can testify that He is exactly who He says He is. God’s Word backs Him up to not be a liar and I choose to agree with Him.   

 

“God says, ‘Be silent and listen to Me…Let us come together to decide who is right’” (Isaiah 41:1 TEV). I’ve gotten big enough to shush my blabbing and be quiet so I can hear  God’s gentle voice. “The Lord is the everlasting God; He created all the world. He never grows tired or weary. No one understands His thoughts. He strengthens those who are weak and tired“ (Isaiah 40:28-29 TEV). I may not perfectly understand what God has up His sleeve, but those are fabulous opportunities to live out my absolute trust in Him.

 

“I, the Lord, was there at the beginning, and I, the Lord, will be there at the end” (Isaiah 41:4 TEV). I was not born alone, I do not live alone, and I will not die alone. My beginning, middle, and ending all include being snuggled in my Father’s strong arms.

 

“I will make rivers flow among barren hills and springs of water run in the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water…I will make cedars grow in the desert…People will see this and know that I, the Lord, have done it“ (Isaiah 41:18-20 TEV).  The children of God are walking billboards for the Kingdom of God. And the people of the world will see good things and miracles in your life and will ultimately understand that God has made it happen. He’s big enough to take a nobody and make him/her a somebody in Christ.

 

“To whom can the holy God be compared? Is there anyone else like Him? Look up at the sky! Who created the stars you see? …He knows how many there are and calls each one by name!” (Isaiah 40:25-26 TEV). Our Tucker Family Band performs an Elvis cover entitled, “Somebody Bigger than You and I”, written by Hy Heath, Sonny Burke, and Johnny Lange. The contemplative lyrics and beautiful chord structure make this one of our favorite gospel renditions: “Who made the flowers to bloom in the spring? Who made the song for the robin to sing? And who hung the moon in the starry sky? Somebody bigger than you and I. He lights the way when the road is long; He keeps you company. And with His love to guide you, He walks beside you just like He walks with me…. When I am weary, filled with despair, who gives me courage to go on from there? And who gives me faith that will never die? Somebody bigger than you and I.“

 

God is big enough to perfectly handle all of life’s issues for the believer. Since He created and knows all the stars and calls each one by name, we can rest in His tender care because He knows our frame and name too. Why, oh why, can’t we really get a hold of this vital  truth and learn to trust Him with all our being? God simply does not know how to fail.

 

The Key: Somebody bigger than you and I knows your name and will take good care of you because He‘s big enough.

Where do you go when there’s no where to go?  When you have been handed a life sentence of taking care of someone with mental or physical issues?  When the doctor gives you the diagnosis, hands you some pamphlets to read and tells you “Good luck.”  No “We’re here for you.”  No “There’s a great support system in your area.”  No “It sounds worse than it really is.”

None of that.  Just “Good luck.”

This past week, I had conversations with seven people whose lives have turned upside down because of their children’s needs.  The first call came from my dear friend (“Karen”) whose son has fought drugs and whose daughter-in-law has battled alcohol but have been doing well, off and on, for about three years.  Then they decided to take their four, young kids to Las Vegas for a weekend of fun.  When Karen got the call that her grandchildren were in Nevada’s protective custody because her daughter-in-law, in a drunken rage, had tried to strangle her son, doped up on cocaine, and the people in the hotel room next to them had called the police, she and her husband, Jack, were livid.

The only way the youngsters would be released into their custody was if they moved to Nevada, one state over from where they live and work.  So, they moved.

The next call (#2) came from my “Job-friend” named after the Biblical character who endured indescribable pain. Parkinsons disease is destroying her ability to do anything for herself.  Her youngest son and father recently died, and last week, her oldest son stopped breathing, his wife gave him C.P.R., and he underwent emergency surgery because his body was filled with blood clots.  And she can do nothing to help.

When a former student (#3) texted and suggested my next book (ha!) should be about life being unfair, we set up a meeting so I could hear his story.  I won’t share it here, but his life will never be “normal” because of the plate he has been handed.

Two days ago, I did a Podcast with #4, a Christian author/speaker who spent an hour discussing my book.  When our Zoom call ended, I exited the call, only to realize that the taping was over, but she wanted to have closure to our conversation.  When she called back, I had a chance to ask about her life.  Oh, my! Her husband was in the Air Force, so she raised her four young girls with him absent much of the time.  All four have serious hearing/speech disabilities and were made fun of in school.  My heart ached for her, and when I prayed for her, she wept.

Two other young women (#5 and #6) shared with me the difficulties of adopting special-needs children who rank high on the autism scale. They can’t take their kids out in public because of their outbursts and inappropriate behavior. As they told of their daily sacrifices made to protect and love these kids, they didn’t stop smiling.  I told them both how blessed those kids were to have parents like them. I can’t imagine.

Then last Sunday, I met #7 when I spoke at Rinehart Church.  I was introduced to a kind, soft-spoken man who had been led by the Lord to start a class to help people addicted to pornography.  I asked him about his family.  He has twelve (12!) children.  His wife passed away last year of cancer.  I had prayed for this family when his wife was first diagnosed, but to meet this man who loves the Lord and is faithful to serve Him was a blessing I cannot describe.

Seven people (six Christians) in seven days who know that luck has nothing to do with their daily battles.

They rely on God and God alone, and they set an example for me to live with a grateful heart.

More than that, I need to pray for them. I hope you do the same.

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

I was shopping in a very small store out of town and overheard two friends talking. Both ladies knew I was there and obviously didn’t care. “Betty” asked “Susan” if she had quit coming to church. Susan answered, “No, not yet anyway.“ After a few more exchanges, Susan said, “Well, I’m a good person, I don’t go out and sin, I don‘t…blah blah blah.” Then both women proceeded to criticize and complain about the worship music that they hated. Then they began to tear down the young pastor. They freely talked as if I wasn’t there hearing every word. I assure you, God heard every word too.

 

As I was subjected to this negative barrage of words, I became disheartened and greatly saddened. I realized that both of these dear ladies had no idea what God thought of their conversation. Although Susan considered herself to be a forthright individual, she was completely clueless that God was offended and displeased with her conversation. God is all about love because He is love. He is full of mercy and lovingkindness, and I heard none of those life-giving attributes in the words being uttered. The young pastor needed their prayers, support, and encouragement — not their criticism and judgment. Like an F5 tornado, these destructive attitudes and words will kill anything in its path.

 

I have the capacity to be just a hop, skip, and a jump away from doing the very same things that annoy the socks off of me. So every day I need to be purposely mindful of that unruly member of my body (the tongue). “With our tongues, we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women He made in His image” (James 3:9 MSG). “And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” (James 3:10 NLT).

 

It’s human nature to look at ourselves through rose-colored glasses. “…I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves” (Romans 12:3 NLT). Like a gunnysack full of rattlesnakes, I want to stay away from being proud and holier-than-thou. Jesus opposed the attitudes and actions of the “religious” people because of their pride and self-righteousness. “There are people who think they are pure when they are as filthy as they can be” (Proverbs 30:12 TEV).

 

“Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give You a tenth of my income.‘ But the tax collector stood at a distance and…prayed. He beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ’O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 18:9-13 NLT).

 

I must keep a critical mouth closed and a loving heart open. Let’s always take the high road and choose love because Jesus said it wins. And the apostle Paul said love was the greatest of anything.

The Key: Let’s use our mouths to speak love and life because we don’t want to kill anybody around us.

 

I would love to see that invitation on the marquis of every Christian church, wouldn’t you?  Zig Ziglar tells of a time he invited a friend to go to church with him. The man answered, “Well, I’d like to go. But the church is so full of hypocrites.” Ziglar replied, “That’s okay. There’s always room for one more.”

Let’s face it.  We all are sinners.  If we were to appear before the local judge and charged with “talking the talk but not walking the walk,” we all would be behind bars.  Even King David, called “a man after God’s own heart,” was confronted by the prophet Nathan about this very thing.

The story cannot be read without being furious at David.  He is not content with being an adulterer.  Once he finds out his bed-mate Bathsheba is pregnant, he sets in motion plans to lay paternal responsibility on her husband, Uriah.  When that fails, David has Uriah killed.  Desperate measures for a desperate man, yet he refuses to repent.  We pick up the story in 2 Sam. 12:1-6 where God intervenes.

The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.

“Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.”

 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die!  He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.”

David is clueless as to Nathan’s motive.  I can only imagine how the king reacted when Nathan put his finger in the King’s face and announced, “You are the man!”  He then reminds David of all God has done for him and explains the repercussions of his actions: This is what the Lord says: “Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight.  You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.”

All of which came true, and all which contributed to David’s repentance.

Hypocrisy is the #1 excuse for people looking for a reason not to come to church…or to Jesus, yet it is a defense that is terribly flawed.  As Josh McDowell and Don Stewart write in their book Answers to Tough Questions Skeptics Ask About the Christian Faith, “Christianity does not stand or fall on the way Christians have acted throughout history or are acting today. Christianity stands or falls on the person of Jesus, and Jesus was not a hypocrite. He lived consistently with what He taught, and at the end of His life He challenged those who had lived with Him night and day, for over three years, to point out any hypocrisy in Him. His disciples were silent, because there was none.”

Every one of us is a hypocrite.  That’s because, as the Bible says, we are sinners.  The next time someone calls you that, tell them that they are right.  But also tell them that the only non-hypocrite to ever live died for your hypocrisy…and wants to do the same for them.