Drawing Closer to God

By Allen White

This was Stephen’s reply: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me. Our glorious God appeared to our ancestor Abraham in Mesopotamia before he settled in Haran. God told him, ‘Leave your native land and your relatives, and come into the land that I will show you.’ So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran until his father died. Then God brought him here to the land where you now live.

 “But God gave him no inheritance here, not even one square foot of land. God did promise, however, that eventually the whole land would belong to Abraham and his descendants—even though he had no children yet. God also told him that his descendants would live in a foreign land, where they would be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. ‘But I will punish the nation that enslaves them,’ God said, ‘and in the end they will come out and worship me here in this place.’

 “God also gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision at that time. So when Abraham became the father of Isaac, he circumcised him on the eighth day. And the practice was continued when Isaac became the father of Jacob, and when Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs of the Israelite nation. Acts 7:2-8 (NLT)

In his very last sermon, Stephen gives us the Reader’s Digest version of Abraham’s story. God gave Abraham a remarkable calling accompanied by quite a list of roadblocks and detours. Just the initial move from Mesopotamia (modern day Ur, Iraq) to Canaan (modern day city just north of Betel, Israel) via Haran was over 1000 miles. In Abraham’s day, travel was by foot or by beast. The trip was daunting to say the least.

Now, one might set out on a journey if they were assured of a pot of gold at the end. Abraham was just direct to go, so he did. Add to that a future 400 years of oppression and, of course, circumcision.

The rest of the story is that God gave Abraham “not even one square foot of land” (Acts 7:5). And, you were frustrated this morning. Suddenly, those reading this are having a better day already.

God fulfilled His promise to Abraham, but it wasn’t a direct route. You would think that clear direction plus courageous willingness to follow would equal smooth saying. If you take a glance at those listed in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11, you find that no one living a life of faith has ever had smooth sailing. But, neither has anyone else.

In a recent message, Richard Blackaby made the statement, “Some people say that the safest place to be is in the center of God’s will. That actually can be a very dangerous place.”

So, here’s the good news. God fulfilled ALL of His promises to Abraham. Abraham’s children were blessed. The nations were blessed. You and I are blessed because of God’s promise to Abraham.

Here’s more good news: when you follow God and face setbacks, it’s normal. God keeps His promises. God loves you. God hasn’t forgotten you. Interruptions and setbacks can certainly discourage us. Let the hard times serve as your teachers. Let them drive you to your knees. We are far closer to God in trouble than we are in peace.

What is being interrupted in your life today? God is trying to get your attention. Stop what you’re doing right now (seriously, stop) and make a quick connection with Him.

Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

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Where did the devotionals go?

I am in the middle of writing a book on small groups, so I haven't kept up with posting the devotionals. I will start posting again next week.

Allen

Most Read Posts of 2015: #1 God Doesn’t Want You to Worry

By Allen White 

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:27

We can’t add anything to our life by worrying. We might even shorten our lives by worrying.

When we worry about something, we put ourselves through the same physiological state as if the event was actually happening. Our brain knows the difference between what’s real and what’s imagined, but our nervous system does not. Worry puts our bodies in a state of emergency – fight or flight.

Our blood pressure goes up. Our heart races. Our palms begin to sweat. Our stomachs produce extra acid to digest what’s there. No wonder worriers end up with ulcers. The body doesn’t know the difference between a real emergency and an imagined one.

Our lives are in God’s hand. The length of our lives is determined by God Himself (Job 14:5). We can’t add to that. God is in control. We are not. So, what do we do when we’re overcome with worry?

The Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Since God is in control, there is really no reason to be anxious about anything. But, when we do feel anxious, it means that we’re out of our depth. We are worrying about things that are well into the future and out of our hands. When that warning light pops up on the dashboard of our souls, we must take the next step.

Give our worry to God in prayer. If we’re still worried about it after we’ve prayed, then give it over to God again and again and again. Wash, Rinse, Repeat.

God knows the resolution to every one of our problems. God knows what we’ll feel like when our current problem is resolved, so before the problem is even resolved, God gives us something that we don’t deserve. He gives us the peace that we will experience when everything is okay. But, He gives us the peace now, even though the resolution is still in process.

What are you worried about today? Stop and give the situation to God. Even if your prayer is “God, I don’t know what to do. Please take this over and help me.” He will help you.

Then, when you start worrying about it again (and you might), stop and pray again. If that warning light comes on again, stop and pray again.

I share a story in my stress management class about a woman who went to see a psychologist about worrying. The doctor prescribed a biblical remedy. He gave her a card with the word “STOP” on one side and Philippians 4:6-7 on the other side. He told her that every time she started to worry, she should get the card out and read it out loud.

The next week the patient was pleased to report that the first day she had to use the card 20 times, but by the end of the week she only had to use it twice a day.

What are you worried about right now? A worry is something you think about three times a day or more. What are those worries?

God doesn’t want you to worry. He’s got this one (and the next one). Place your worries into God’s hands, and He will give you His peace in return.

To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19 Ministries:

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Most Read Posts of 2015: #2 Emotions Are So Unreasonable

By Allen White 

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Matthew 26:36-38


Death is not a normal thing to volunteer for. Jesus spoke of His mission on this earth over and over with His disciples. Jesus knew that the end of His mission would result in death. But, even for our All-Knowing God, Jesus had never personally experienced sin and death. His Divine mission was confronted with a strong human reaction.


Jesus took Peter, James and John, His inner circle, a little further into the garden. He knew that His betrayal would happen sooner rather than later. He asked them to keep watch while He prepared Himself in prayer.


Jesus was overwhelmed. The Son of God, the Master and Creator of the Universe, the Savior of the world was overwhelmed. And, He should have been.


Emotions are just so unreasonable. Our emotions motivate us toward things that defy our logic. Some of us were even taught that emotions were scary or bad or both. But, emotion is a part of who we are.


No one should feel okay at a loved one’s funeral. We should grieve. Everyone should feel overwhelming joy and excitement on their wedding day. And, there are days when the circumstances of our life are completely overwhelming. There’s only one place to go on those days.


Jesus, being fully human and also fully God, was overwhelmed. With His disciples keeping watch, He chose to go by Himself and to connect with the Father. No person would understand His plight. No amount of ranting and raving would cure what ailed Him that day. Only a connection with the One who completely understood Him and His circumstance would help.


Where do you go when you are overwhelmed? Do you escape into a bad habit? Do you go to bed? Do you go ballistic? There is only One Person in your life that can take what you’re dealing with, and it’s also the only Person who will fully understand – your Heavenly Father.


God is not surprised by your circumstance. God wired you to feel what you feel. When you are completely overwhelmed, He completely understands.


What are you feeling overwhelmed by today? It’s time to get alone with the One who understands.

To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19 Ministries:

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Most Read Posts of 2015: #3 What If We Stopped Complaining?

By Allen White 

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16


For some of us, these verses seem impossible. Grumbling and complaining might feel like breathing. Or, if it’s not a complaint, it comes out as sarcasm. Whether our snide remarks are resentful or recreational, they reflect the condition of our hearts.


Grumbling and complaining comes from the simple fact that the world is not as we think it should be. Whether our expectations are realistic or not, when our lives don’t measure up to our expectations, we grumble and complain. When our lives are less than what we think they should be, we grow resentful and sometimes angry.


The problem, according to this passage, is that grumbling and arguing are obstacles to becoming blameless and pure. The ugliness of our attitudes corrupts the purity of our souls. When we are saved, God declares us to be righteous (Romans 4:5) and purifies our hearts (Hebrews 10:21-22). Negative attitudes can pollute what God has purified.


Sometimes we excuse our attitudes, because of the world that we live in and what we have to deal with. The world is an unfair and an unjust place. Just watch the evening news – there’s plenty to be bitter about. Just look at how people treat each other – there’s plenty to resent.


Don’t you find it odd that the first century A.D. was regarded as “warped and crooked”? If that generation was warped and crooked, then what does that make our generation? They didn’t even have Lady Gaga back then.


Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians from prison. That wasn’t fair. Why wasn’t Paul bitter? Paul knew, as we know, that neither people nor evil are ultimately in charge of the universe. God is.


One day, every wrong will be righted (Revelation 19:11). One day, justice will prevail and evil will disappear (Revelation 20:10). Until that day, we must choose to trust that God loves us, He has a plan for us, and He knows what we’re dealing with. If we choose to trust rather than complain, then we “shine among them like stars in the sky.” 


What are you known for these days – the light of Christ or grumbling and complaining? Complaining is really just a bad habit. There are times to bring things up. But, if the person that we’re talking to is not part of the problem or part of the solution, then it’s just grumbling and gossip.


It’s our choice to either become blameless, pure and bright or grumbling, complaining and dull. God will help us shine like stars. If we choose the other path, we’re on our own, consequences and all.

To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19 Ministries:

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Most Read Posts of 2015: #4 What Will Christians Be Judged For?

By Allen White

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

Your first thought is probably, “And, good morning to you too.” This passage is a bit of a rude awakening until you realize when and why believers will be judged.

Years ago I read a Chick tract on judgment day (that’s the actual name of the Christian publisher – you can’t make this stuff up). This miniature, not-so-funny comic book showed everyone standing before the judgment seat while movies of their lives were shown for all to see. Immediately I was confused by two things.

First of all, the church that I grew up in taught that going to movies was a sin. If there were movies in Heaven, and there is no sin in Heaven, then maybe movies weren’t so bad. The answer from my folks was still “No.”

Secondly, if God has forgiven all of our sin and doesn’t remember it any more, then what would there be to show? If our sins are as far as the east is from the west, then the tales of our sordid pasts would be erased (Psalm 103:12). It should be nothing but blank film. Maybe the lesson here is getting our theology from the Bible rather than from cartoons.

The Bible speaks of two judgments: the Great White Throne and the Judgment Seat of Christ. The Great White Throne is a judgment based on whether their names were written in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:11-12). If you have trusted in Christ for your salvation (Romans 10:9-10), then your name is written in the Book of Life (Hebrews 12:23; Luke 10:20). Believers don’t need to worry about the Great White Throne judgment.

The Judgment Seat of Christ mentioned in today’s passage is a test of the believer’s actions on earth. Non-believers aren’t judged based on their works. They are only judged on their names being in the Book of Life. So, for the folks who are working hard at good works in order to make it into Heaven, unfortunately, they are studying for the wrong test. God will consider our commitment to Christ before He looks at any of our good deeds.

For believers, judgment is not to determine whether we’re good enough for Heaven. We’re not, but our names are written in the Book. The Judgment Seat of Christ is expressly for rewarding us for our good deeds. The prize is to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

Which test do you need to prepare for? Have you committed your heart and life to Christ? If not, then all you need to do is ask: “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (Romans 10:9-10).

To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19 Ministries:

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Most Read Posts of 2015: #5 Getting What You Deserve

By Allen White 

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Micah 5:2 (NIV) 

God delights in the obscure and the humble. Bethlehem wasn’t the big city. In fact, for Joseph and his family, Bethlehem was a good place to be from. The town was important for Joseph’s ancestral heritage. But, that’s about where Bethlehem’s importance ended for them.

Lowly Bethlehem was much like its most famous resident: King David (Luke 2:4). When Samuel, the prophet, approached Jesse’s family to anoint the new king of Israel, Jesse lined up all of his sons. Well, almost all of them. Jesse presented the top seven of his sons anyway, but “Samuel said to him, ‘The LORD has not chosen these.’” (1 Samuel 16:10).

“So he asked Jesse, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’

“‘There is still the youngest, Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep’" (1 Samuel 16:11).
David wasn’t his father’s choice for king. In fact, David wasn’t even considered a possibility in his father’s mind. David was tending the sheep. Yet, this humble shepherd became the king of Israel and the great, great, great, great…grandfather of the King of kings.

Jesus was born in humble circumstances. Not only was his birthplace in a small town, he was born in a stable in a small town. Jesus was born into a working class family that didn’t have a lot of money. We don’t even know that Jesus received a formal education. From a worldly point of view, Jesus really wasn’t set up for success. These were humble circumstances for the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

God’s power doesn’t need a “leg up” from our social standing, education, wealth or pride. In fact, God’s power is clearly demonstrated in weakness, not in high stature. When we see God use a person who we might not expect Him to use, then we can see God’s hand very clearly. When we humbly submit ourselves to Him, and He allows opportunities or gives insights into situations we wouldn’t have on our own, we know that God is working in us.

How is your heart inclined today? Are you working hard to promote yourself or to humble yourself? A clear indicator is what you feel that you deserve right now. The less deserving we feel, the more humble we are becoming.

To make a tax deductible donation to Galatians 4:19 Ministries:

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