Ted Harris – the Power of I

I knew it was coming. The warning signs were all around. And then one morning… BAM! My peaceful morning commute through the country was blocked. Road Closed to Thru Traffic. Detour. Now What? I had the perfect route. I had it timed down to exactly when to leave the house? Now What?  If you have to travel between Brownsburg and Zionsville you know what I am talking about. Let’s be honest, if you are traveling at all in the state of Indiana during orange barrel season you know what I am talking about!

Have you ever hit a God-detour? You had a great plan, a spiritual plan, even a God-honoring outcome. And you were faithfully working the plan. You are even convinced that God is in it…how could he not be! You had mapped your life, or at least the next chapter of your life, and BAM…Road Closed to Thru Traffic. Obstacles. Road blocks. Detours. It all made sense and now…
The Book of Proverbs – that Old Testament book right after Psalms – is many times left unread, unstudied. It is a book of wisdom handed down from God to Solomon and speaks in practical ways to our every day lives. One of the wise sayings is this
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 
These wise words are speaking to the very thing I am talking about – God sized road blocks that seemingly mess up my best laid plans.

What do we do when our best laid plans are presented with seemingly God laid road blocks? I am glad you asked.
1. Pray – This is the first answer to any question we may have but it is often not the first thing we do. When your life gets hit with an unforeseen obstacle – Pray. When your life is sailing along on smooth waters and all seems to be going great – Pray. The roadblock doesn’t automatically mean you are wrong about the plan you had. God may just be saying, “Yes, but this is the path we are going to take to get there.”

2. Wait – Psalm 27:13-14, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”  God knows the best time for the plan to play out.  We can actually wait in confidence that, because of the goodness of God, the waiting is not in vain. He is directing our steps. Someone once said, “God’s waiting room is the hardest place to be.” She wasn’t wrong! And while you are waiting, Pray!

3. Trust – Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Our own understanding? You mean my human plans? The way I think things ought to go? When we give those plans to God, he not only will direct our steps but will make the path straight. A straight path is the most efficient way to get somewhere! 

Remember a detour is simply a promise of better days ahead. Something is being improved. It is not a complete stoppage. This new road may very well make my commute even easier. And what perfect plan or promise of God didn’t come with a road block or detour. Abraham was to be the father of a great nation but was childless, 75 years old, married to a barren wife. He couldn’t see how he would be a father at all.  Moses was called to lead the nation out of slavery, out from under Pharoah’s ungodly rule. Pharoah refuses, then says yes, then refuses – 10 Times! Then there is that whole road block of the Red Sea.  Why doesn’t God just do it? Why doesn’t he just make it happen? Why the obstacles? Well, God gets the glory if what seemed possible before has to first go through the impossible obstacle.  Would Abraham’s story have the same impact if he and Sarah were 30 years old, vibrant, healthy and gave birth to a son? But overcoming the obstacle was all God!

That obstacle you are facing; that roadblock that seems to be holding you back; might it be God’s way of doing the impossible.

“Pray – Wait – Trust – Persevere”

When was the last time you had to ask for directions somewhere? Guys don’t need to answer, we already know! I honestly can’t remember because with all the smart phones you just punch in the address and let the nice lady tell you when to make every turn.

But when was the last time you tried to give someone directions somewhere? This topic came up in two separate conversations this week and I was reminded that different people have very different ways of giving directions. If you grew up in the country you may very well use words like north, south, east or west. For a city boy like me those are not helpful. I need straight or left or right. Or maybe your directions are based on landmarks. When we first moved to Pennsylvania and asked directions, I can remember being told that what we were looking for was out past the ‘old’ Walmart and not too far from the new ‘Sheetz’. That was not at all helpful as I wasn’t sure where the new Walmart was and had no idea what a Sheetz was. 

Giving directions is actually an art form. To be able to direct someone to a precise location who has never been there and not at all familiar with the area is not as easy as it sounds. You have to be clear and anticipate where the pitfalls and possible wrong turns will come. You have to know the way very well yourself!

Now, what about heaven? How good would you be if someone were to ask directions to heaven? How do you get to heaven? You have to be precise. This person is already lost and you don’t want to compound their lostness.
When Jesus was meeting in that little upper room with his 12 disciples the night he was killed, he was trying to explain to them what was going to happen. Trying to comfort them in the fact that he was leaving and returning to the Father in heaven. At one point he tells them that they know the way to where he is going. Thomas says, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, how do we know the way?”
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” Apparently the way to heaven is a one way street and it passes through Jesus. Talk about precise. There aren’t multiple ways to get there. There aren’t multiple ways of thinking that all lead to God. There is only one street, and apparently it is narrow and can be easily missed (Matthew 7:13-14).

While there is only one way to God, through Jesus, there are probably countless methods of explaining the one way to get there. Personal testimony is probably the best, tell them simply how you got there! But here is another tool, a way to answer the question. It’s called Romans Road and it is five truths that a person needs to believe and act upon. Even if the person you are talking to doesn’t believe the Bible, remember they have never been here and aren’t familiar with the area – just explain the truth behind the statements.
1. Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Foundational truth that we are all equally sinful, born that way in fact and separated from God.
2. Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The unconditional love of God that in our rebellion he still loves us and longs for a relationship with us. Introduces Christ as the sacrifice for sin, but why?
3. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin comes with a cost. Death, the wrath of God, is the just outcome of sin. But Christ sacrifices his sinless life, to pay the wages for my sin.
4. Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This is the really good news. Christ’s death is an acceptable form of payment for sin, for every single person. And with the payment made there is no condemnation, no future penalty, no wrath. Paid in full
5. Romans 10:9, “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The way to secure this payment is through confess Jesus as Lord. That means confessing our own sin, believing Jesus is Savior and as Lord, living our life to please him. There is a repentance or turning from the old life of sin.

Five Truths, five right turns in a world filled with wrong turns, back alleys and deadly exit ramps. Know these truths for yourself, memorize the way and begin asking God for the opportunity to point someone in the right direction.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15

“Heaven?, I’m glad you asked!”

She was maybe 4 years old and wanted to go play in the backyard. The backyard had a treehouse-swing set combo that she loved to play on. There was one problem, no stairs on the treehouse, only a ladder to move from ground to first floor and then first floor to second floor. While she was big enough to climb up, she hadn’t mastered climbing down. So out she headed with very clear instructions to not climb up the treehouse until Daddy came outside. She could only use the swings!
She stood and stared at the tree house for awhile and then proceeded up the ladder to the first floor. This is when I entered the backyard, unbeknownst to my little adventurer…and just watched! She stood, looked around and felt pretty proud of herself. Proud and confident enough to head for ladder number 2 and the second floor. No problem! Daddy continued to watch, remaining unseen. Her pride soon turned to fear as she realized she didn’t know how to get down and Daddy said not to climb up. I let her struggle for a little bit and then appeared around the corner of the garage and asked “Do you need some help?”
With a little bit of fear, and a couple of alligator tears she nodded her head. I climbed to the first floor and reached up and lifted her down setting her on the edge of the first level. With both of our feet dangling over the edge, I reminded her of my instructions not to climb. She nodded in agreement. We talked about the importance of following directions and that I only told her not to climb to keep her safe until I could come and help. She promised to listen next time and we jumped down and headed for the swings.
As I was pushing her on the swing, I was reminded that I sometimes do the same thing with God. He has given me commands or instructions. He knows the best way to do something, or what will be harmful or unsafe for me.  And yet when I get in the backyard, I stare at the treehouse and decide to climb it anyway. I decide to go against his command, not follow his instructions, decide that I know what is best for me and do it my way. Only to find myself in trouble, unable to climb down.  And I hear God say, “Do you need some help?”  And usually with a little fear and maybe some alligator tears, I confess my disobedience and ask for his forgiveness. To which he always climbs to where I am, lifts me to safety and reminds me he knows what is best for me.
Where do you find yourself today? Have you climbed into a situation that went against God’s commands or design? Have you followed after what you want, thinking you know what is best for you? Have you thought or said something that God said you shouldn’t think or say? Do you just find yourself on the second floor, maybe not even sure how you got there and can’t get yourself down.  “Sin will always take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay.” 
Where ever you find yourself today? Jesus is offering help – Jesus is your rescuer – Jesus offers forgiveness for sin and will lovingly set you back where you need to be.
So how about it…

Do you need some help?

In all my years of playing sports, I never enjoyed sitting on the bench. For me it was never enough just to be part of the team. (I don’t like participation ribbons, and I have been known to throw a 2nd place trophy in the trash!) I learned this about myself early in life. 8 years old. Douglas County Amateur Baseball Association – the DCABA. I showed up at the designated time, on the designated field with a lot of other 8-10 year olds planning on a fun summer of baseball. I tried out, made a team, started going to practice 2-3 times a week. Was handed my jersey (Bullets, #15) and my hat (which never fit my head) and couldn’t wait until the first game. 

I had never played organized sports before so I don’t know what I expected but the day of the first game came and I was ready to go.
The starting lineup was read and Harris was not on it…I was forced to sit and watch from the bench. 
I don’t remember a whole lot from that game – I am sure I got in (right field most likely) – but I remember not liking to sit the bench.
I was determined not to let that happen again. By the end of that first year I was seeing more playing time (occasionally center field and left field) and the following year was one of the starting pitchers and found my place at first base. I started every game for the next 7 seasons.

For me it was frustrating to be on a team and not be in every play. 

 Did you ever experience sitting the bench…maybe not literally on a baseball team…
            In school you were never chosen first or even second.
            At your job you never seem to get the recognition – low man on the totem pole always.
            You’re not the room mother that comes up with the way cool craft at the school Christmas Party.
            You just never seem to shine – always take a back seat– end of the line to everything.
Maybe you have been the successful one. Dean’s List. Promotions up the corporate ladder. Fantasy Football League Champ 4 years in a row. But when it comes to church. When it comes to spiritual things. I don’t know enough.  I could never teach or lead a small group. I don’t feel comfortable “ministering.”  I don’t have any real gifts or talents to offer. I do better if I just blend into the crowd. Fill my seat a couple of times a month, drop a few bucks in the offering and cheer the others on.
But there is a problem with that mindset – that view of church. If we think about it, ultimately it is a low view of God. 

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
God has created you, designed you, has given you spiritual gifts and abilities and invited you to be a player on his team. There is a position that he has prepared in advance for you to play. God made you to be in the game. You have a position to play. The rest of the team is counting on you, needs you.

Howard Hendricks – “I’ve never met a Christian who planned to live a mediocre life, but I have met plenty of mediocre Christians.”

Many Christians live their lives as if they are on God’s B-team – they come to practice – come to church – fill a blue chair – but the rest of the week they sit the bench, leaving the ministry game for others to play.

God doesn’t have a bench. God doesn’t have a B-team. God isn’t looking only for all-stars, super Christians.
As believers we are all on the team – all in the game – all expected to play our position.
You are God’s handiwork! ( a part of God’s Team)
Designed to do good works! (you have a position to play)
Prepared in advance for us to do! (get in the game!)

Put me in Coach!
(the picture is actually my 10 year old team and that’s my Dad, the best coach ever, standing behind me)

I remember a time when we were first married and we were driving to my parents. They lived about 30 minutes from our apartment and as we were leaving, Sari noticed that my gas gauge was on E. She commented on this fact and I assured her that we were good to get to Mom and Dad’s and I would fill up before we headed home. Mom was cooking supper for us and I was hungry. After we had driven about half way and passed about 20 gas stations, you will never guess what happened.
Chug, chug, spurt, spurt and coasted to the side of the road! I did not make eye contact!

We were stranded and this was before cell phones. I got out of the car and walked to the nearest house and called my dad. I slinked back to the car and let Sari know that Dad was on his way with some gas. I still don’t think I made eye contact. After what seemed like forever, Dad arrived, put gas in my car and we drove straight to the nearest gas station. 

If Dad hadn’t been there I don’t know what we would have done. At that moment, we were totally dependent on my Dad to rescue us. Today, if we head out and Sari notices the gas gauge nearing E and mentions that we need gas. I look her straight in the eye and say, “Nah, we could get to mom and dad’s easy!” And then drive to the nearest gas station.

Paul was given the incredible task of taking the gospel to the Gentiles. A task he was not going to be able to rely on his own resources, abilities or good looks to accomplish. He was totally dependent on God and he knew it.
And he wanted the Ephesians to understand in their own life that God was more than sufficient to meet their every need and empower them to do what they didn’t believe they could do.
God’s dream for us, his individual vision for our life, the best he has to offer us is limited only by our ability to depend on his power and not our own.

Our ability to experience everything God has for us is limited only by our ability to depend on him for everything.

God longs to use each of us in a special way as he carries out his overall plan for this world
He longs to place us in places and positions to accomplish his dream. “His power at work within us”

So the question that begs to be asked is, What or Who are you depending on? Where does your dependence lie?
Dependence means – relying on or needing someone/thing for aid support. And I don’t mean for help when you run out of gas – I mean the bigger questions. I mean for the really important things like future, purpose in life, value, worth, identity and meaning.
If we put our trust in things of this world or things that do not last we are destined for disappointment
Our dependence must rest in the person of Jesus Christ – everything else and everyone else will let us down.
How confident are you in God’s capacity to come through?

Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Maybe you better check your tank!

September 11, 1931
While the day, 9/11, resonates with every American, the year, 1931, holds significance to only a few. It was on that day almost 92 years ago that the person who has had the most influence on my life, hands down, came into the world. It was on that day that Elsie Swales, my mom, was born to a carpenter and a school teacher. The youngest of four girls, not knowing at the time that two brothers would follow putting her into the middle of six kids. She herself would become the mother of 5, one of which died prematurely before ever coming home from the hospital. And it was through her influence on her family, specifically those 4 kids and the 12 grands that would follow, that her influence on the world would have its biggest impact.

The calendar says that Sunday is Mother’s Day. God has said that one of the 10 principles by which every person should seek to live their life is, “honor your father and mother.” 

I see my mom’s influence in the lives of my brothers and sisters. The things that she taught us, the values she passed on. 
Like – Family first. She always said that being a mom was the most important job she would ever have. She would do anything for family. And that went beyond us four kids. Nieces and nephews were often at our house because family comes first.

Or Like – Winning isn’t everything but it is something! I got my competitive nature from my mother. If you were going to do something might as well strive to be the best at it – or at least give it your best! Her response to failure was to learn from it and try it again!

Or, one of my favorites growing up, Dessert is a priority. My Mom baked – cookies, cakes, pies and she was really good at it. Every evening meal had dessert. You always ate those vegetables because you knew something good was coming next! And no! Jello is not a dessert!

That was my Mom. But I have come to learn over the years how fortunate I am because not everyone had a godly mother like I did that loved them unconditionally and baked cookies on a regular basis. And even though she wasn’t perfect, she is easy to honor. But when God gave Moses those commands and told us to honor our mothers, he doesn’t mean only the honorable ones. That command does not speak to the character of the mother but the character of the son or daughter. What I have found in watching my own mother honor my grandmother is that the best way to honor them is by how you live your own life. Conduct your life in a way that would bring your mother honor – a life she would be proud of. And that is not dependent on a mother’s character but on the character of the child!

Proverbs 17:25, “A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him.”
Proverbs 15:20, “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”

The foolish life of a child (age doesn’t matter) is a cause for grief, bitterness, lack of joy for a parent. There is no honor in a fool’s life. Psalm 53:1, “The fool says in his heart there is no God.” Which seems to mean the wise says in his heart there is a God. But my Mom also taught us that there is a difference between knowing God exists and having a relationship with God. Because the next verse of Psalm 53 says that God is looking down from heaven to see if any one is seeking him. The wise child, the one who seeks after God, is the one who brings joy to a parent.  Honor isn’t about the character of the parent but the character of the child.

So, how will you honor your mom this Mother’s Day? But more importantly, how will your life bring her honor the other 364 days of the year?

“Love you, Mom!”

I love when God takes unconnected, unrelated messages or scripture readings and provides a theme throughout the week. That has happened to me recently. Sunday’s sermon walked us through Psalm 1 with the charge to plant trees which led to a great small group discussion Wednesday night on how much a tree illustrates the Christian life. The need for roots to go deep. That what goes on below the surface determines what happens above the surface.

And then later that week, as I am reading a new book, Lead by Paul David Tripp, he takes us into Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
² to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
³     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.

‘Oaks of righteousness’ – a description of one God has called to ministry. Really a description of every believer as we are each called to be ministers and given a ministry from God. Look at what Tripp says,
“What a beautiful and provocative picture. What is the gospel good news to the poor? That they will be ‘oaks of righteousness.’ Why is an oak tree tall and strong? The answer is longevity. Oak trees are powerful and majestic because they have weathered years and years of withering sun, gusting winds, and bitter cold. Year by year, season by season, they grow in strength.. They send their roots deeper and deeper into the nutrient soil until they are virtually unmovable.”

The oak tree plays the long game. The long constant growth. A commitment to strengthening over time as it gains what it needs through its roots. The Christian must be committed to the long game. The years of growth! The number of seasons, weathering storms!
Not so the mushroom. The mushroom plays the short game. It grows at the base of the mighty oak. Popping up over night and not lasting very long. No roots, easily knocked over or picked with a simple tug.

God wants to develop in each of us – oak trees! Everyone of us needs to continue to mature in our faith so we can stand the storms that life brings us. Storms that God will use to make us stronger.
The long game means discipline. Daily doing the things we may not want to do in order to be able to do the things we do want to do. Bible reading. Bible study. Prayer. Fasting. Silence. Solitude. Community. Worship. These are all parts of the long game playbook.

How about you? What is your long game? What is your plan for spiritual maturity, growth, longevity? It won’t happen over night and it won’t happen accidentally.

Together, let’s be a community, a grove of trees, playing the long game!