[Best of 2011] #4 Bypass the Freaking Out

By Allen White

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”

Matthew 8:23-27

The disciples didn’t know what they didn’t know. They knew enough about Jesus to leave everything behind and follow Him. But, they didn’t know enough to trust Him implicitly. They believed that Jesus was the Son of God, but they didn’t really understand what that meant.

As the storm began to rage, even the seasoned fishermen on board began to worry. In their heads, they knew that Jesus was the answer. In their hearts, they were freaking out.

The disciples did the right thing by turning to Jesus. They trusted Him to do something. They just weren’t sure what He would do.

Jesus, the Creator (Colossians 1:15-16), took authority over the forces of nature. Just like God had spoken the creation into existence, Jesus said just said the word. The wind and waves obeyed.

The disciples were blown away. “Who is this man?” They followed Jesus because they had never met another man like this. Then, they were astonished at His miracles, because they had never met another man like this.

The voice of fear said the disciples would perish in this storm. The voice of reason didn't disagree. The voice of faith, however, realized the Truth was asleep in the back of the boat. The disciples versus a fierce storm equaled catastrophe. But, Jesus versus the storm meant something completely different.

Now, before we look down on the disciples, think about how we handle things. We know that God can solve any problem. We know that God is greater than anything we face. We face a problem. Then, we try to solve the problem. We get frustrated and freaked out about the problem. Finally, in desperation, we cry out to God for help.

Here’s a little secret – save yourself the frustration – bypass the freaking out. When you feel the first signs of worry, turn the situation over to God (Philippians 4:6-7). The worst thing we can do is keep Jesus on reserve while we fret over our circumstance.

What are you worried about today? Anything you think about more than three times is a worry. Take a moment to give it over to God. The next time you worry about it, even if it’s three minutes from now, pray about it again. Jesus will calm the turmoil in your heart.

[Best of 2011] #5 God’s Will for Your Life

By Allen White


The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. Proverbs 16:33

When someone refers to their “lot in life,” it usually comes across as a fatalistic acceptance of whatever trouble they are forced to endure. Some people seem to be lucky, while others are not. But, some people make their own luck. They prepare for a situation. They see beyond the immediate circumstance. They recognize that there are no coincidences in a committed life.

Whether we look at our lives as purpose-driven or we look at our lives as a crap shoot, God is the One who is rolling the dice and determining the outcome. This too could seem quite fatalistic, except that we know God is working for our good (Romans 8:28). He has a plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11). He has a purpose for our lives (2 Timothy 1:9). But, beyond all of the details of our lives, bumps and bruises included, God wills one thing for each and every one of us.

Here is God’s will for you and me: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Whether things go our way or go the other way, God’s will for you and me is that we would rejoice, pray and give thanks in all circumstances. I will admit, there are some circumstances that are hard to give thanks for. There are situations that are hard to rejoice over. There are times when it’s hard to pray. But, this is God’s will for us.

It would be much easier if God’s will was for us to be healthy, wealthy and wise. If all of the good things that entered our lives were God’s will, we would know that we were blessed. If bad things came into our lives, we would know that we needed to straighten up and get our lives back on track. But, here’s the deal: “[God] causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45). When it rains, we all get wet.

So, let’s be honest, when have we grown the most, in good times or in bad? For most of us, the hardships of life have produced far more growth than the easy times. When we face problems, we are more diligent in prayer. We are more careful to remember and recite the goodness of God. Our past victories give us hope for the future. God is far more concerned about our character than our comfort.

What are you depressed about today? What can you rejoice about instead? What are you worried about today? Anything you think about more than three times a day is a worry. Pray about it instead (Philippians 4:6-7). What are you complaining about today? What can you give thanks for instead?

Is your car broken down? Thank God that you have a car. Are your water pipes leaking? Thank God that you have clean, running water. Many people in the world do not. (To get involved, check out the work of Water of Life at givefreshwater.org).

James wrote a sentence that is more than a little challenging to accept: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

That thing that is bothering you just might be the way that God is working in your life today.

Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419

To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog:http://galatians419.blogspot.com

[Best of 2011] #6 Hello, This is Peggy

By Allen White

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Ephesians 6:7-8

I took my son with me to Stop-A-Minit the other day. I was desperate for a Coke. He needed a treat – an Icee in this case. We also picked up a treat for his big brother.

As we waited in line to check out, the cashier’s attitude caught my attention. She truly enjoyed her work. You could tell that she loved serving other people. She wasn’t being fake friendly. She truly loved what she was doing.

I thought, “Gosh, I couldn’t work a minimum wage job, standing on my feet all day, and keep such a great attitude. I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t be my attitude in that job.” But, this gal served wholeheartedly. I left thinking, “Gosh, if you’re going to work a job like that, then why not make the best of it and give it what you’ve got.”

Most of us have experienced half-hearted service. Whether it was the restaurant server who filled our glasses when they got around to it or “Peggy” from the credit card company, half-hearted service is not a positive experience for anyone, including the server.

But, what if you work for a terrible boss? What if they don’t pay you enough? What if your co-workers are obnoxious? What if your work environment is not very pleasant? Do circumstances like that deserve our wholehearted service? Yes, they do.

Ultimately, our “boss” is God Himself. He deserves our best. God provides for all of our needs regardless of the size of our paychecks. God loves everyone of our co-workers and wants to use our lives to influence them.

Half-hearted or mediocre service is a poor reflection on God’s children. We make excuses like “if I worked with more Christians, then things would be better…” Don’t count on that either.

You may not be able to control anything around you. The culture and environment of your workplace may be well beyond your influence. You might be overwhelmed with frustration every day. After you’ve answered the question: Why are you working there? The next step is to be obedient to God.

Regardless of how you feel about things, no matter what other people are saying or doing, regardless of the difficulty of your circumstances, your job is to be obedient to God. If you don’t know how, then plead your case to God and ask Him how you’re supposed to do it. He will show you.

What is hard for you to accept about your circumstance? Where are you tempted to cut corners? Why do you feel that the situation deserves less than your best?

You and I perform for an audience of One, God Himself. No other opinion matters more than what God thinks of us.

[Best of 2011] #7 Killing Ourselves Over Things that Don’t Matter

By Allen White

Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”

He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here. Matthew 12:38-42

Jesus doesn’t perform signs on demand. In fact, the need for signs betrays a lack of faith more than the presence of great faith (read more here). The Pharisees didn’t need a sign from Jesus. They had witnessed plenty of signs firsthand. They certainly weren’t struggling to believe. They just didn’t believe Him.

Jesus pointed to a sign they would understand – Jonah. For those of us who spent years in Sunday school, we remember the high tech flannel graph illustrations of Jonah and the whale or more properly, Jonah and the great fish (Jonah 1-3).

A storm resulted from Jonah’s disobedience of embarking on the wrong boat. To save the crew, Jonah disembarked into the sea. The giant fish provided Jonah’s transportation to God’s intended destination.

Jonah’s disobedience didn’t stem from his dislike for the climate in Nineveh. Jonah didn’t like the Ninevites. He felt they deserved God’s judgment. If he preached repentance, they might repent. Jonah wanted nothing to do with that.

Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for the undeserving people of this world. He died and spent three days in the grave, just as Jonah spent three days “buried” in the great fish. At the end of three days, both Jonah and Jesus were raised in victory to proclaim Good News.

Jonah and Solomon both pointed unrighteous people to God. Jesus’ claim to the Pharisees was to be greater than both. What other signs did they need?

Sometimes we feel like we need a sign. Whether we’re making a big decision or just need assurance we’re headed in the right direction. Sometimes we’re so desperate; we’ll take any scrap of coincidence to validate what we’d like to do. But, we already have all the validation we need.

Believers today have all of God’s Word. Those in Jesus’ time had the Old Testament and Jesus’ live teaching, but they lacked the context and perspective that we enjoy today. By having all of the Bible and 2,000 years of Christian theology, we have a greater understanding of God’s plan than any of God’s people at any other point in history. So, why are we so confused?

We also have far more pressures and distractions than anyone at any other time. The world has dictated to us what we should have to be successful. Social media forces us into almost a daily interaction with every person we’ve ever met. Most of our lifestyles extend well beyond our means, yet we continually want more. We are killing ourselves over things that simply don’t matter. Why?

We lack direction. Often we lack perspective. When was the last time we stepped back and evaluated our lives? When was the last time we stopped doing something that wasn’t getting us anywhere? When was the last time we felt at peace? What was happening then?

You were placed on this earth for a purpose. If you feel frazzled and stressed out, you are not functioning in your purpose. You have too many competing values in your life. If you have children, they are part of God’s purpose in your life. If you’re children have become a bother to you, something has intruded on God’s purpose for you.

What do you worry about? A worry is something you think about at least three times per day. Why are you worried about these things? God’s purpose for your life shouldn’t be a worry to you. It’s what you were made to do.

Maybe it’s time to get alone with God for three hours. Take your Bible and a notepad. Tell God everything that you think and feel – write it, type it, say it outloud (not in public). Then, begin to write down the thoughts and ideas that come into your head. Make a To-Do list. Then, make a Stop-Doing list.

[Best of 2011] #8 When to Give Up on People

Writer's Note: After reading this devotional, two gracious readers repaired my grandfather clock at their own expense as a gift. I am deeply grateful to this pair for restoring my clock and showing their sincere loving care to me. Allen

By Allen White

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.Galatians 6:1-5

It’s far easier to replace something than to restore it. Several months ago, I received a call about an accident at our house. In trying to retrieve a toy, one of my children had knocked over the grandfather clock that my father had built. Fortunately, no one was injured. But, the clock is toast.

Of course, my child is more important than a piece of furniture. In fact, I drove home in the middle of the day just to give a hug and a reassurance.

How could I be some calm about the loss of a family heirloom? Because in my father’s house there are many grandfather clocks. In fact, there is another one exactly like my broken clock that my father also built. It’s easier to replace it than to repair it. The broken clock now sits in my garage. My neighbors walk by and think that, yes, I’m just that rich.

But, if that clock was one of a kind or if my father was no longer around to build clocks, the broken clock might have a different future. Not only is a handmade clock a valuable piece of furniture, but it’s also a special memory of my dad carefully handcrafting the clock in his basement shop. It would be hard to part with. It would be repaired at any cost. No expense would be spared.

We are surrounded by broken people. Each is unique. Not one can be replaced. Yet, it seems easier to part with people than to restore them.

The Bible tells us that as believers, we have a responsibility to each other – “carry one another’s burdens.” When someone in our small group has a problem, it’s our job to help with their problem. Provide a listening ear. Pray for them. Encourage them. When a person has sinned, it’s our job to restore them gently and not cut them off at the needs.

Now, bearing someone’s burden does not mean taking over their problem. We bear one another’s burdens, but each one should carry his own load. As John Townsend and Henry Cloud teach inBoundaries, everyone is required to carry his own backpack.

Everyone should take responsibility for himself. When the burden is heavy, then we should help. But, we shouldn’t be carrying what others need to carry for themselves. When we find ourselves carrying an abundance of backpacks so that others don’t have to carry anything, we’ve entered into a co-dependent relationship.

The other caution is that in restoring another, we don’t become overly sympathetic or even informed of their sinful ways. Otherwise, the temptation that pulled on them might begin to pull on us as well. Broken human beings are susceptible to the ugliness of sin.

Who needs your help? Whose burden is too heavy for them these days? What kind of help can you give? What kind of help should you give? Where should you draw the line? Sometimes the best help is to pray for them and then refer them to someone who has greater expertise. If you don’t know when to refer, read this post.

Oh, and if you’re interested in a “slightly used” grandfather clock, give me a call.

[Best of 2011] #9 Is Angry Birds Keeping Me From God?

By Allen White

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.Matthew 6:31-34

Our world is a distracting place. We are inundated by inputs. We can watch movies streamed to our phones. We can’t find many restaurants without giant TVs on the wall. When all else fails, we always have Angry Birds to keep us occupied, except the game needs more levels. I’m just sayin’.

We can fill our lives to the brim and running over with things to keep ourselves occupied. Sometimes we confuse possessions and pleasure with our purpose in life. God created things for us to enjoy. But, these things are not our reason for living.

We will become tired of our wardrobes. We will grow weary of eating the same old thing. But, fortunately, there is an endless variety to choose from. Our worry is not from lacking what we need. Our worry is over the plethora of choices. But, chasing these things is like walking on a treadmill. We expend a lot of energy, but don’t actually get anywhere.

Many Christians, especially those of the glass half full variety, believe that we must give up everything that we like to truly serve God. The implication is that obedience to God only gives us the chewy, cardboard fiber of life. If we think that, then we’ve missed what Jesus said.

Jesus doesn’t want us to live bland and boring lives. He came to give us abundant lives (John 10:10). He’s not asking us to change our likes. Jesus is asking us to change our focus.

When our first desire is for the things of God, then the rest of our desires are satisfied. That doesn’t mean that every item in our closets will bear the Jesus fish or our food will only follow an approved biblical diet. When our focus is enjoying God, we realize that God’s focus is on enjoying us. We receive without having to take, because He freely gives.

How often do you think about God? Hopefully right now, because you’re reading this devotional. But, in the course of your day, how often do you think about God? It’s easy to go through the day and not think about God at all. It’s easy to get distracted by the things of this world.

Try this: the next time you’re sitting in traffic, rather than pulling out your phone to check your email, stop and make a quick connect with God. “Hey God, instead of being frustrated by this traffic, I want to talk to you about a couple of things that I’m worried about today…” You get the idea.

[Best of 2011] #10 When You’re Paralyzed with Fear

By Allen White

So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:26-31

Fear is a powerful weapon. Some fear losing a job. Others fear failure if they take a risk. Some fear losing a relationship, because it needs to be improved. Still others fear rejection to the point of losing who they really are.

On day in a doctor’s waiting room, I witnessed a man who literally had trouble leaving the office. As he approached the door, he reacted as if he were about to cross a pool of piranhas or face a rabid dog. He even let out a little verbal panic.

He found a chair and sat down. A nurse offered to help him. He promised that if he sat for a minute, he would be okay.

I’m not sure what condition he was dealing with, but as he sat there by the door griped in fear, I thought, “He’s not the only one paralyzed over crossing a threshold.” Occasionally, it’s me, but not in that way.

Looking back over life, we can all identify times of uncertainty. At the time, we made some pretty risky moves. Now with 20/20 hindsight, we see some right moves, we see some wrong moves, and we see some lessons learned.

Jesus clearly identifies the obstacles and fears that surround following after Him. He has a mission for all of His disciples. That mission comes with an emotional price, and possibly a physical price as well. But, Jesus’ instructions are “do not be afraid.”

We don’t need to fear the secret schemes of others. We don’t need to wrestle with them in the muck. Whatever is being said and done behind our backs will be shouted from the rooftops. How do we know? Jesus said it.

We don’t even need to fear those who will do physical harm. That doesn’t give license for unnecessary risk. But, if God is watching over every little bird in creation, He is certainly watching over us.

When it comes to being afraid, it’s better to respect God who has control over both body and soul rather than those who can merely harm the body. That seems extreme. But, the concept goes a long way. Don’t worry about the opinions of people who barely know you. Honor the opinion of God who knows everything about you and loves you incredibly.

Who or what do you fear the most? What are you afraid to lose? An opportunity, a business, your reputation, a relationship? What are you allowing to be more powerful in your life than God? As you honor God by making him the “E.F. Hutton” in your life, He will put your fears in their place.