Daily Light - November 11, 2010

Daily Light from the Lighthouse

"Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all."

Proverbs 31:29

I have been blessed to have some very Godly ladies be an influence over my life. While each of them are very different, they have all played very important roles in my life. If you were to examine my spiritual DNA, you would recognize that every individual lady has left an impression upon my heart that has been an important part of the shaping and molding of my life. The lessons that I have learned from them could in no way be recorded in a small section such as this, but I can give you an overview of how God has used all of them to personally influence me.
As almost anyone would, I could begin with my mother. Angie Hudson taught me lessons of loyalty and sacrifice. As a teenage boy my father felt impressed by God to serve in the country of England as a missionary. In all honesty I had no desire to go. I felt as if I was going to miss out on some things in life if I was forced to go all the way across the ocean. I watched my mom, however, make that same sacrifice. She could have balked at the life change, but instead I saw her embrace the decision of my father and most importantly God's will for our lives. She left behind a newly married daughter and everything that was normal, but I know that all of these years later part of her still calls England home. Thanks, Mom, for following Christ and not your own will.
My grandmother, Myra Hudson, taught me what it meant to work. This little lady of less than 5' could work harder than most men twice her size. From early in the morning until it was time to go to bed, she labored diligently and fervently. She also taught me what kindness and tenderness is. She treated my grandfather and each one of us grandchildren as if we were made of porcelain, taking care of our every little need. There are days where I would give any thing to drive to Enterprise, Alabama, and sit at her table just one more time.
I have also been blessed with a Godly mother-in-law. Yes, I said mother-in-law! It seems that there is a pattern of short women in my life. Julia Palomino has loved me from the first day that I walked into her home. As the mother of seven children, she has embraced the heart of burden for each child and now for her over 20 grandchildren. Julia has taught me the meaning of the word faith. She trusts God day by day to be her provision and her help. Many of us would say that she extends herself too far, but I don't think that she knows to be any different. Her love and faith mix together to do her best for God and for others, sometimes at the great sacrifice of self.
My wife's grandmother, Kathy Rose, is a powerful reflection and shadow of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This lady with enormous talents and tremendous beauty in her face and heart gave her life to the people of South America. She surrendered all for the sake of God's kingdom. I honestly feel privileged just to have been in her presence. She also taught me what it means to love your spouse with all of your heart. Even after 50 years of marriage, she loved her husband like they had just gone on their very first date. She was enthralled by his presence. When he passed away suddenly, it was as if a light in the midst of her heart went out. She lived faithfully to the Lord for a couple of years, but her longing was to be with the two people that she loved the most: Jesus Christ and Gerald.
Finally, over 20 years ago I met a 17 year old girl named Susan Palomino. Little did I know at that moment in Houston, Texas, how big an impact that girl would have on my life. I have said this to her privately, and I mean it with all of my heart: There is not a man or woman that I know that I respect more than her. When we got married, I was in ministry, but my heart was far from God. She tried to plead with me often to get my heart right with the Lord, but it was to no avail. I had justified my behavior in the fact that I was in ministry. So, she quit talking and started praying. There is nothing more heart rending than to see your wife's face wet with tears as she prays for your life and soul! I can say today that God heard her prayers and has answered them. Susan's tremendous beauty is only surpassed by the beauty of her heart. I am eternally grateful to God for giving to me the precious jewel of Susan that was born this day 38 years ago in the Andes Mountains of Peru. How amazed I am at God that He had planned for our lives to come together from such a great distance! Susan, I love you, and I am thankful for all that you are to me and our precious children!
May you see the gifts that God has given you today!

Daily Light - November 10, 2010

Daily Light from the Lighthouse

"Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you."

Acts 3:6

It is true that we often do not realize how valuable something is when it is in our possession. I enjoy watching the Antique Roadshow for the same reason that most do. The items that people bring to the show are often very unique, and it is amazing how much the experts know about their particular subjects. I would imagine though that most of us wait to hear the value of the item. These seemingly worthless items that were once stuck in an attic, bought in a garage sale, or handed down by a family member are suddenly valuable relics. It makes you want to go digging through the junk in your own attic.
Peter and John had a possession that was absolutely priceless, but they knew it. When they approached this lame man, all the crippled man saw was two men that could possibly give him enough to buy his next meal. They did not look any more "valuable" than the rest of those entering the temple. They seemed outwardly typical, but maybe they had a coin or two that they could spare. Little did this man know of the valuable asset which they possessed. When Peter and John told the man to look on them, he expected either a donation or a verbal thrashing. As Peter said that they did not have any silver or gold, I am sure that the lame man's heart dropped. This was just another wasted conversation. However, Peter offered to him something greater than silver or gold. Peter offered to him the power of Almighty God. This lame man received the healing power of God, and he felt it flow through his body into his legs. His thin, weak limbs suddenly received strength, and he did what he had not done before. He bounded to his feet walking, leaping, and praising God.
There is within each of us this idea that we are of little value. I am convinced that this is a lie from the enemy that he tries to plant in the hearts and minds of men, women, boys, and girls. We consider people valuable only if they possess a certain amount of wealth or talent or beauty. The believer, however, has a value that has nothing to do with himself. Inside each of us who name the name of Christ, there is a well-spring of the power of God. It is unfortunate that we often talk as if we are poor because of our financial status, and we do not recognize how rich we are in Christ. You today are the precious possession of a holy God, and He has allowed you to possess the kingdom of God within you. You have more than you could ever ask or think. That is most definitely cause to rejoice! What God wants you to do with that wealth is to pour it out into the lives of others. Offer them the very best that you have: Jesus Christ.
May you distribute the wealth of God today!

Daily Light - November 9, 2010

Daily Light from the Lighthouse

"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

Philippians 2:12

They tell us that we have more gyms and work-out facilities in our nation than ever in history. There is an emphasis in many parts of our society on staying fit. Some stay fit for reasons concerning their health while others do it for the sake of appearance. It is also said that more than half of the people with memberships to a gym hardly ever go. They pay their monthly dues and tell every one that they are a member, but they do not ever take advantage of the benefits that await them.
The average Christian can be much like these individuals. In Jesus Christ we have all of the benefits of salvation at our disposal. God has saved us to accomplish His will for His pleasure. There is nothing that God does that is not good. Many believers, however, miss out on those things, because we are spiritually sitting on the sidelines. To me, there is nothing more boring than sitting on the sidelines during a ball game. I desperately want to be involved in some way. I want to be active. I pray that my spiritual life is always the same way. Why would I want to just sit back and watch every one else serve God and live for Him. Let me be on the front lines of what God is doing.
This passage of Scripture is not teaching that we work for our salvation, as some have interpreted it. In the context, Paul beautifully illustrated what Christ did for us by becoming man and being obedient to death, the death of the cross. With this illustrated, Paul is stressing to the church at Philippi that our obedience should be no less than His. What Christ has put in you by the salvation of your soul, must be active and real. James said it this way, "Faith without works is dead." What if Peter would have believed that he could walk on the water by the power of God but never got out of the boat? His faith would have been dead and insufficient. I would argue that it would not truly be faith. You cannot separate faith from the act of obedience. They go hand in hand.
If you are an individual that proclaims faith in Christ, then today "work out" that faith. Display that faith by a life lived for the sake of Christ. Let nothing hinder a life that is active and fruitful for the kingdom of God.
May you enjoy your work out today!

Daily Light - November 8, 2010

Daily Light from the Lighthouse

"Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem,

and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh

and cry over all the abominations that are done within it...

do not come near anyone on whom is the mark."

Ezekiel 9:4, 6

It is an encouragement to the believer that God knows those who belong to Him. He knows His sheep, and His sheep know His voice. What a joy it is to be a child of God! God knows His children so well that according to Scripture He places a mark upon their lives. It is a mark that cannot be seen by the human eye, and I am even convinced that Satan, who is not all-knowing like God, does not have the ability to see the mark either. God's mark is an indelible impression upon the soul of the redeemed that was forged by the power of God through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.
There are however some outward characteristics described throughout Scripture that accompany this mark. When the day of judgment comes, these characteristics will prominently stand out against the backdrop of wickedness and darkness. One such characteristic is given in this passage from Ezekiel. The prophet was being told of the judgment that would come to Jerusalem. He was told that those with the mark of God on their life would not be slain. It is also very interesting that as you study this passage you find that God's judgment started in the sanctuary of God. We often think of judgment being on those outside of God's house, but we must remember that God is no respecter of persons. Sin is sin whether it is inside or outside the temple of God. Even the New Testament tells us that judgment must begin at the house of God.
God instructed the angels of judgment and destruction to not touch those who had His mark on their lives. Therefore, we can conclude that there were those inside the temple that did not have God's mark on their lives. What was the characteristic that they were missing? Very simply, God said that those with the mark were those who sigh and cry over sin. They saw what was going on around them inside and outside the temple, and they were grieved and broken-hearted over the transgressions that they saw. Let's leave the world out of this for today and just deal with the church. Is today's church broken-hearted over the sin that is found within it? Yes, there is too often found sin in the church today. In my years of ministry I have seen sin covered by church leaders for a variety of reasons. Some have covered it to try to save their jobs. Some have swept things under the rug to save someone's reputation. Others have declared that they didn't expose sin for the "good of the church". Dear God, where is the grief and anguish over sin before a holy God? Who cares what man thinks about our sin? Why are we not broken over it for the sake of Christ?
Let me encourage you today to examine several areas of your life to see if there is sin. Examine your own heart. Examine your marriage and family. Examine the church in which God has placed you. If there is sin in any of these areas, fall before a holy God and repent. Call others to repentance with the knowledge that judgment is coming. God desires a pure bride for His Son without spot or wrinkle.
May we be that spotless bride today!

Daily Light - November 3, 2010

Daily Light from the Lighthouse

"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water;

He turns it wherever He wishes."

Proverbs 21:1

My wife loves politics. Almost every election cycle she loves to sit in front of the television and watch as the results pour in. Last night was no exception. She sat and eagerly watched as candidates won and lost. She could tell you who was favored, what races were expected be close, and how each race effected the balance of power in the country. She is most definitely well informed. As an American citizen with the freedom to vote that is an awesome privilege and responsibility. I commend her and others for being so eagerly involved in the process. I too enjoy being informed and knowing that my vote can make a difference in the preserving of our freedom and the molding of this country as it goes forward.

As I watched the coverage during this election cycle and listened to the public comments of people, there is one thing that made me take a step back and reevaluate our way of thinking. There are many in the church of Jesus Christ that seem to think that if a certain political party gains power then all of our problems will be solved. I believe we need to back up and take a deep breath before we start thinking in such a way. Politically I would call myself a thinking conservative. I agree with most of the conservative principles espoused by many of the politicians on that side of the aisle. I must say, however, that I have learned that my trust cannot and must not be in a man. There is only one person that I trust with my future and that is Jesus Christ. He is the only one that has ever kept His Word and can be counted on as completely trustworthy. His agenda is absolutely holy and righteous and that is a platform that I would like to stand on.

The Bible is full of illustrations where God raised men up and brought men down. He can use any individual to accomplish His purpose, because His power is not limited by the foolishness or wisdom of man. How marvelous it is to know that God can at any time turn the heart of any king to the direction that He would have them go. The best response that we can have to our current government is what we should be during for every government leader at all times. The church needs to fall on its face before a holy God and ask for His will to be done. Paul tells us to pray for all that are in authority that we might be able to lead peaceable lives. That peace only comes from the Almighty Prince of Peace!

May Christ be your King today!

Daily Light - November 2, 2010

Daily Light from the Lighthouse

"That we may have boldness in the day of judgment..."

1 John 4:17

If I had to describe this first epistle of John in one word it would be this: confidence. It is amazing how many times he makes statements that declare his confidence in his salvation through Jesus Christ. In a world that believes there are no absolutes, it is awesome to read such a positive and affirming declaration from one of Christ's most ardent followers. Let me allow the Scripture to speak for itself today.

"We KNOW that we KNOW Him, if we keep His commandments." (2:3)
"You HAVE an anointing from the Holy One, and you KNOW all things." (2:20)
"Abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have CONFIDENCE and not be ashamed before Him at His coming." (2:28)
"Beloved, now WE ARE children of God...we KNOW that when He is revealed, we SHALL BE like Him, for we SHALL seem Him as He is." (3:2)
"By this we KNOW love, because He laid down His life for us." (3:16)
"Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have CONFIDENCE toward God." (3:21)
"By this we KNOW that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us." (3:24)
"You ARE of God." (4:4)
"We ARE of God." (4:6)
"We have KNOWN and BELIEVED the love that God has for us." (4:16)
"He who has the Son HAS life." (5:12)

What an encouragement this letter from John is! There is no doubt in his heart that his faith in Christ has brought him hope and life for eternity. It must be noted that John's confidence had nothing to do with himself. It is all because of what Jesus Christ did for us. You can live in the knowledge of the fact that Christ is your boldness and confidence in this world today. Let me share one final passage with you.

"These things I have written to you who BELIEVE in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to BELIEVE in the name of the Son of God." (5:13)

May you be confident in Christ today!

Daily Light - November 1, 2010

Daily Light from the Lighthouse

"I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever."

Ecclesiastes 3:14

"Nothing lasts forever." "All good things must come to an end." You have probably heard those quotes a few times in your life. They are usually said whenever a situation goes from good to bad. We teach our children that this kind of reality is just a fact of life. Humanly speaking we are correct. The happiness of a moment will not last forever. The feeling of euphoria that we have whenever something good happens eventually fades. Most of this world lives trying to get that type of feeling back over and over again.

As believers of Christ in a fallen world, we are subject to this type of disappointment in our flesh as well. Time moves quickly, and it seems that it takes every thing with it. My four beautiful children seem to grow exponentially each day. They were once tiny infants that you could hold in your hand, but now they are growing into young ladies and men. Susan and I often discuss missing the times when they were little. It seemed to move by so rapidly.

Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, was expressing these same sentiments. It was all dawning on him that life was ebbing away, and he would one day be gone from this earth. It saddened him to think that all he had worked for and lived for would be placed into the hands of another. There was nothing that he had gained in this world that he could take with him. For a man that had every thing this was a bit unsettling. How humbling it must have been for a man who had lived his whole life in the palace as royalty to realize that the grave is no respecter of persons! Solomon had to stop and consider what really mattered.

This is what we must do. What do you have in your life that has eternal value? There are no things that you possess that matter in the eternal. It is only what you do with what God has given you and how you live according to your heart that matters. I am grateful to know that I have a relationship with Jesus Christ my Lord. He is my Savior, and there is nothing that can take that away. What Christ has done in my heart will last forever. I have been given a marriage by which I am to honor God. Susan and I prove a faithfulness and love for Christ by how we are faithful and loving to one another. I have been entrusted with children that need to be taught about life and about what happens at the end of life. I must teach them to know and live their lives for the sake of Christ, something far greater than this world can offer. There must be a conscious decision by each of us to live for the things that are eternal. What eternal value does the things that you are living for have?

May you see the eternal and everlasting God today!