Oh, Joseph!

There's a line in the movie, It's A Wonderful Life where Clarence, George Bailey's guardian angel, is being subdued by Bert the cop. In a moment of desperation, Clarence cries out, "Oh Joseph", in a cry for help from his angelic boss. Help comes comes in the form of Clarence disappearing, thus escaping Bert's clutches.

The church world as a whole is like Clarence. At times we get into desperate situations prompting us to cry out for deliverance. In the church's case, it cries out, "Oh, Jesus". In those moments God sends His answer, often in the form of a "Joseph."

Joseph, the 11th of Jacob's 12 sons, was a dreamer whose dreams seemed preposterous at the time. Time, however, proved that there was deliverance in those dreams. Over time, Joseph was used of God to bring deliverance to Egypt from famine. The right person, at the right time.

When God responded to the prayers of many people for a move of His healing power, He sent a "Joseph" by the name of Oral Roberts who, along with others, demonstrated the healing power of God during the great Healing Revival of 1947-58. When the hearts of many hungered for the teaching of God's Word, God sent a "Joseph" in the person of Kenneth Hagin to teach faith to multiple generations around the world. Both men had visitations from God involving the world as a whole, starting where they were living.

We need more "Josephs" in the Church-those who have believed on Jesus as their Lord and Savior-to deliver us from modern-day "Berts"-forces which are at work to subdue us, to hold us back from achieving and enjoying the success God has made available to all of us.

Maybe you're one of God's "Josephs", a dreamer whom He wants to use to bring deliverance to His people-you and me. Rather than healing or teaching God's Word, God may want to use you in the area of technology, social media, or some other arena to deliver folks from the famines of mediocrity, the status quo, and refusal to change.

In the end, It's A Wonderful Life shows George Bailey becoming the richest man in town by doing things differently than Old Man Potter. One man's life changed an entire community-and Clarence got his wings.

How does God want to use you? God doesn't need another Oral Roberts or Kenneth Hagin; He has something for the one of you. What is He speaking to your heart to do to influence those around you? What kind of a dream has God put in your heart? How big is it? More importantly, what are you doing about it?

 Finally, if you can bring your dream to pass without God, it's too small. Sweet dreams.

Do You Speak in Christianese?

Speaking in tongues is an experience, subsequent to salvation, where Christians receive the ability to pray in an unknown (to them)  language, as enabled by the Holy Spirit. The one doing the speaking has no idea what he/she is saying, although someone listening might recognize the words as being in the hearer's native language.

Over the years I've seen-and experienced-a phenomenon that is just the opposite: the language being spoken is seemingly understood by the one doing the speaking.  Too often, however, the words being spoken are either not being understood at all or (worse) are being misunderstood by the hearer. It's called "Christianese".

What is "Christianese"? Christianese is a compilation of words, phrases, and expressions used by Christians to describe experiences and/or events relating to one's walk with God. These experiences/events often refer to something happening in a church service-on the platform or at the front of the auditorium, for examples. Right or wrong, good or bad, well intended of not, Christianese can be confusing to those new to the faith-especially those with little or no church background. Why is this?

Such phrases as "slain in the Spirit", words like "anointed" and "sanctified"-these are everyday expressions for those who've walked with God for a while. For those, however, who are fresh out the womb, spiritually speaking, this may be as unknown as speaking in tongues was to those in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost.

I touch on this, briefly, in my book Born To Win: A Study Guide for the New Believer, available on kindle and ibooks, or through our office. In the book I offer definitions for some phrases most Christians will hear at some point, including "slain in the Spirit." Since the Holy Spirit isn't going around killing people, it would be more accurate to say "fallen in the Spirit" to describe someone having fallen under the power of the Holy Spirit. Even accuracy, however, can be misunderstood by those new to the faith.

There's a real need among those in leadership to simplify their words, phrases, and expressions when teaching, in and out of the pulpit. Don't expect everyone to understand all those Christianese words you're tossing around. Don't assume that someone over 40 knows what you mean. Some folks come to the Lord with absolutely no church background, whatsoever. For some, coming to Christ in a service was that person's first venture through church doors.

Without compromising let's work to keep our words simple and clear. Let's keep them void of unexplained phraseology that confuses, rather than clarifies our message.

It worked for Jesus. It will work for us.

Do you speak in "Christianese?" I know I have, and I'm working to do better. What are some ways you can simplify your words, without compromising your message?

Truth or counterfeit?

Years ago I was part of a nationally known ministry. Each summer we held an indoor campmeeting, three services a day, that drew thousands of people from around the world. One year I was assigned to help supervise this ministry's book table. Due to an influx of counterfeit bills being introduced into this country from abroad an agent, trained in identifying counterfeit bills, came to our table to educate us in how to spot the counterfeit from the real.

What the agent proceeded to tell us was simple, yet so effective. In training bank employees to spot counterfeit bills, participants saw only authentic ones throughout the course; they never saw the counterfeit. When asked why, the answer was simple. The instructor wanted those taking the course to become familiar with the true , making it pretty easy to spot the counterfeit.

The same is true in our walk with God. We have the Bible, God's Word, to guide us in life. We have God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit, to lead us in line with the Word, which is the Truth, according to John 17:17. The Holy Spirit will never lead us apart from His written Word. It is, therefore, very important that new believers are taught the truth from birth, spiritually speaking. From the time someone becomes a Christian it is other Christians' responsibility-not just pastors-to teach the truth to that new believer.

In teaching basic truths to Christians, I've found that the sooner I can reach new Christians with the truth of God's Word, the easier it is for them to be rooted, built up, and established in Christ. That's why it's so important to teach God's Word to children, who'll then have the privilege of growing up with the Truth, rather than counterfeits. God, our Heavenly "Instructor", wants children of all ages to be able to distinguish truth from counterfeit, in every area of life.

How, then, do I distinguish truth from counterfeit, right from wrong? In math, 2+2=4, not 3.9,  4.1, or some other close number. Pretty simple, right? In teaching the truth of God's Word, Jesus said that He was the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). This being true, anything contrary to what Jesus said is not truth; it's counterfeit.

Can you see the importance of filling our hearts, mouths, and minds with the truth of God's Word? What would happen if our focus would be on the simplicity of what God is saying in His Word, rather than opinions, theories, and experiences out of line with New Testament teaching? How can today's post help you to stay focused on the Truth, rather than counterfeits?

What are your thoughts on this subject?

Codependency

In the broadest sense, codependency is where each person in a relationship offers something that the other person in that relationship is dependent upon. Marriage relationships often fall into this category: each spouse depends on the other for spiritual, emotional, and/or physical fulfillment. Taken to an extreme, being codependent leads to selfishness, abuse, and regret.

Being codependent can be healthy when all parties forgo what they want, to meet the needs of the other person. We see this in our relationship with Jesus, the Head of the Church-those who have believed on Him as Lord.

The book of Ephesians illustrates our relationship to Jesus using body parts. Ephesians 1:22,23 portray Jesus as the Head of the Church, the Church being us. Ephesians 3:29, 32 points this out as well. Colossians 1:18 states that Jesus is "the head of the body, the church:..." You get the picture.

We all agree that our physical body is helpless without our head. As believers we, the Body of Christ, are just as helpless without our Head, Jesus Christ. At the same time we need to recognize that Jesus, as our Head, is helpless without us believers, His Body. If our physical head cannot function apart from our physical body, how can we expect Jesus, our spiritual Head, to accomplish His will, plans, and purposes for mankind apart from the Church, His spiritual Body?

As impossible as this may seem this is still true, which is why the devil fights so hard to keep believers like you and me from finding this out. Why? Because he knows that the Body of Christ-the Church-will put him on the run at every turn, once they see themselves as possessing the same life, nature, ability, and authority as Jesus, its Head.

As the Body of Christ, we are His hands and feet taking the Good News of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Is that something we do apart from Jesus, our Head? No, the body is dependent on the head for instructions, direction, and guidance. At the same time the head is equally dependent on the body for carrying out the head's orders. Your head may tell your body to go to the store, however it needs its body to get there. Ever seen a head drive without its body? I haven't either, not even in the movies.

Do you see why there's a codependency between Jesus, the Head of the Church, and us, His Body? It's a relationship that's mutually beneficial: God accomplishes His will for Mankind through Jesus and His Body. In return are to enjoy God's abundance in every area of life right here on earth, even before we get to Heaven. Heaven on earth.

If not already, it's time for all of us to see the codependency Jesus and us have on each other. Not selfishly but, rather, in ways beyond our natural reasoning.

Have you ever thought of God being dependent upon you, about Jesus needing you as much as you need Him? How has your viewpoint changed from reading this post?

Failure Is Not Defeat

One fine summer afternoon in late July, 1968, two baseball teams competed for the right to play in the city finals. The game was close; one pitcher pitched a no-hitter, allowing no hits in the entire game. The other pitcher did likewise, through most of the game. Neither side was hitting, much less scoring any runs. Near the end of the game one batter managed to hit a short fly ball between second base and center field. The second baseman failed to catch the ball, allowing it to fall for a hit. A few walks and an error later, the runner scored the only run of the game. The final score was 1-0, ending the season for the losing team. Their second baseman was in anguish, knowing that the ball that fell could have been caught.  Failure on his part to catch a ball led to the only run of the game, and subsequent defeat.

I was that second baseman.  Although no one blamed me for the loss, I viewed my failure as causing our team's defeat.

Fortunately, God doesn't see failure as defeat. Even those who became successful failed, sometimes quite often. The Bible paints pictures of success stories with sordid details of many who failed, yet were not defeated:

Moses: murdered an Egyptian/had problems with anger management

David: combination adulterer/murderer/poor father

Peter: severe case of foot-in-mouth disease/lied to Jesus about never leaving Him/denied Jesus three times

Each of these men failed, yet succeeded. Moses led over a million people to the edge of the promised land. David had a heart after God; wrote most of the book of Psalms. Peter wrote two books of the New Testament. boldly serving the Lord until he died a martyr's death.

You may be a failure in the eyes of others-even your own-but not in God's. Why not begin to see yourself as God does-successfully carrying out His will for your life? You are who God says you are, you can do what God says you can do, and you have what God says you have, according to the New Testament.

Failure is not defeat for you, unless you choose to have it that way. What past failure(s) do you need to let go of today to enjoy life?

By Invitation Only

Like me, you've probably received countless invitations over the years. For me these invitations have ranged from weddings and graduations, to credit-card issuers and time-share resort "opportunities", with some birthdays thrown in from yesteryear. Hardly a day goes by without some kind of invitation arriving in my mail. The most important invitation I've ever gotten came from God Himself, inviting me to be in His family, the greatest family of all time. That invitation, written in  John 3:16, was addressed to "whosoever", of which I am one, as are you. Here God Himself extends a written invitation for "whosoevers" everywhere to believe on His Son, Jesus Christ. Doing so brings that person into an eternal relationship with God knowing Him as one's Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ.

This divine offer is by invitation only. For those with a bible, this is a written invitation. In areas where bibles are scarce or banned, word of mouth invitations still work.

I hope that today's post has helped you see how special it is to be in God's family. After all, it's by invitation only.

Have you responded to God's invitation? Remember, being His child-being able to enjoy an eternal relationship with God as your Father-isn't something you apply for, work for, or claim by inheritance. If you aren't in God's family, but would like to be, you can pray this simple prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the Name of Jesus, Your Son, Who gave Himself for me. I say with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, believing in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead for me. I thank you for receiving me as Your very own child. You are now my very own Heavenly Father. I am saved! I am now in Your family, the family of God."

If you just prayed this prayer I welcome you into God's family. Tell someone of your decision to live for Jesus Christ. If we can help in any way please contact us through our website at: hubertgardner.org

For those who are already in God's family how thankful are you that you responded to God's invitation when you did?

Faith to Fear to Faith

Of all those mentioned in the New Testament I admire Paul more than anyone other than Jesus, but I identify more with Peter. Why Peter? Because here's a man with a severe case of "foot-in-mouth" disease who God made into someone mightily used for the Gospel. In a moment of revelation, Peter boldly proclaims that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Later, in the crisis of the moment, this same brash fisherman turned fisher of men denies even knowing Jesus at all.  How quickly faith can move to fear in times of crisis, when the storms of life come crashing down. In Matthew 14:22-33 we see the account of Jesus coming to the disciples by night, walking on the water. Peter, in a display of faith, said, "Lord, if that's You walking on the water, have me come join you (my paraphrase)". Jesus responded with an answer that both convinced and challenged Peter: "Come." On that basis Peter stepped out of the boat and began walking on the water. Yes, Peter got his eyes on the wind, became afraid, and began to sink; however before there's any criticism of Peter, when's the last time anyone you know walked on water?

In an instant Peter went from faith to fear. To Peter's credit he got back into faith, with a helping hand from Jesus. The two then walked back to the boat. Jesus didn't carry him; Peter walked. Like a lot of folks, Peter needed a helping hand to get from fear back to faith, where he eventually spent the last years of his life-living a life of faith.

Maybe you've stepped out in faith, for healing, finances, restoration of a broken relationship, or finding your place in life. When the "winds" of adversity came, did you get your eyes off of what God said and, in fear, start to "sink"? Who did God send to reach out a helping hand to get you back in faith? I've had a lot of helping hands in my life to help me in my faith walk. Now, I have the privilege of helping others to get rooted, built up, and established in their faith, in Christ. I've been blessed to be a blessing.

How about you? Are you comfortable walking on "water", always in faith, or have there been times where looking at the "winds" distracted you from your walk? Disciplining ourselves to stay focused on God's Word will help us walk by faith, as Peter eventually did. Remember, the winds didn't stop Peter; it was fear. Returning to the boat in faith was accomplished despite the winds.

What part of this post can you relate to? Are you currently on the receiving or giving end of the helping hand of faith?

I Love Mysteries

I love mysteries, especially the "who dunnit?” ones. Some of my favorites crime solvers are Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot and the Hardy Boys. My wife and I also enjoy many of the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) mystery movies shown on PBS. Chief Inspector Clouseau did not make my list. What is a mystery? A mystery is something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain. I like this definition for mystery: a secret. Mysteries involve the process of revealing a secret about a person or situation that solves the unknown, regarding a case or search for meaning in life.

The Bible is the greatest mystery book ever written. The New Birth-passing from spiritual death to newness of life-is a mystery to the unbeliever.  The Apostle Paul was used of God to reveal another mystery: Gentiles are to be fellow partakers of the Gospel , along with Jews.  How do you explain being one in Christ, regardless of gender, appearance, status, or background?

For us to be unified in Christ He has to be in each of us, individually as well as collectively. According to the Apostle Paul this is a mystery. Colossians 1:27 states that this mystery is "Christ in you, the hope of glory". Through the Holy Spirit Christ is living in every believer, those who are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). How is this possible?  How do you explain a mystery?

The natural mind will never receive nor understand the things of God (I Corinthians 2:14). Some things are better "caught" than "taught". The fact that some mysteries can never be fully explained neither dilutes their truth nor detracts from their impact on society. These mysteries are hidden for you, not from you. Understanding will have to be done with our hearts, our spirits.

What about you? Have you ever thought of the Bible as a mystery book?

How do you explain the mystery of the New Birth to the unbeliever?

Has reading about Bible mysteries changed the way you see yourself? In what way?