God Will See You Through Philippians 1:6-8

6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

How many times have you been told (or told someone else) that God will see you through? People say it because it is true. We also say it because many people (often we ourselves) need to be reminded. In the passage above Paul wanted to remind the Philippians that God will continue to be God in his and their lives. I need to be reminded of this on a regular basis.

Paul mentions confidence. Quite the positive word, isn’t it? But confident people can either inspire or annoy me. Some confident people possess an amazing ability to be self-assured and humble at the same time while some are down-right arrogant. I have always said that there is a thin line between confidence and arrogance. It is quite easy to respect a self-assured person but be irritated by those who come off as arrogant. 

The kind of confidence Paul mentions in Philippians 1:5, however, is not related to his abilities in any way. He is merely stating that he is absolutely certain that God is going to continue to be God. His confidence is in what the Lord can and will do. That's the best kind of confidence. 

God is going to continue to use us in spite of the “stuff” of life because that is how He works. The work of the gospel is a "good" work. Charles Spurgeon reminded us:

"The work of grace has its root in the divine goodness of the Father, it is planted by the self-denying goodness of the Son, and it is daily watered by the goodness of the Holy Spirit; it springs from good and leads to good, and so is altogether good."

Because of the gracious goodness of God you and I can continue to face and overcome the challenges that come with what He has given us to do in life. We each have been created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1: 16) with the purpose of serving Him in a good work. In fact, because of His graciousness toward us we can continue to face life in every circumstance, not just the work of ministry or service. God will continue to be God. The real question is …

Do you truly expect Him to be? Will you be confident that God will see you through?

We should expect this. Why? Because Paul noted that we have received the same grace that he received from the Lord (you all are partakers of grace with me). This is why he desired to be with them so much (how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus). He wanted to be with people who loved what he loved, lived for what he lived for, and served the God that he served. That’s normal and expected.

We have received the outpouring of God’s grace and we are surrounded by people who hve received the same. This means that He loves us enough to give us what we don’t deserve and spare us from what we do. That fact alone should cause you to beam with confidence that God will see you through.

Blessings,

~Tony Guthrie

Out of Kilter? No Worries

I don't remember when I first heard the expression "I am so out of kilter." I am sure I was a kid when I did. But I have always known what it means. I am sure you have as well. It is an expression that means things are out of order or chaotic in your life.

I will not bore you with the details but at the time of this writing things in my life are certainly out of kilter. And trust me, it is no fun dealing with the uncertainty and confusion related to times of kilter imbalance. But I have a firm grasp on the situation and I know that soon "kilterness' will return.

I have made it a habit in my life to watch people. When I was a full-time pastor I needed illustrations for sermons and people gave me the best ones. I never used people as illustrations that members of the church knew because that would have been awkward. But as I went through my daily affairs people I encountered just tended to provide me with the best stuff.

So because I watch people I see how they respond and/or react to various situations and circumstances. I have seen countless people who were out of kilter. People typically react in one of the following ways:

Anger

Fear

Worry

Depression

Sadness

Frustration

Obviously these are all negative responses or reactions. They never help and usually make things worse. So, why go there?

Although I am not the world's foremost expert on overcoming out-of-kilterness, I do have a few suggestions that I believe can help in bringing order back to your life. Without further ado, here they are:

Stop

I have learned that trying to rush through the day and get things reorganized is usually a mistake. When things are out of order we can make poor decisions if we don't slow down and really look at what is going on. So, STOP.

Just park yourself for a few moments and stop rushing. Drink a relaxing beverage. Take a walk. Thumb a magazine. Vacuum the car. Do something other than the task that you are trying to re-kilterize. I know that you will argue that you don't have time to stop. But you really do. You don't have time NOT to stop. Think of the added price of time you will pay if you make poor decisions by rushing.

Slowing down and stopping simply brings a sense of peace and calmness.

Reflect

Think about the chaos of the situation. Take the time, perhaps while you are stopped, to really think through the facts and details. Then jot down on paper a list of the things that seem to be out of kilter. Usually looking at a list of the things that you think are so important helps you see that each item is actually quite manageable.

As you see the list you will likely chuckle at yourself for allowing such manageable tasks to get to you. For instance, if the car has to be taken to the shop for repair and this is the worst possible time to be without a car, remember, the rental place is always willing to help. Maybe the auto shop has a loaner car. You see, no big deal. This is just one example of how solutions to unkilterness are easily discoverable.

Just reflect.

Get Perspective

Is it really that bad? Really? Do you have to get frustrated and angry? Is there really a need for worry and stress? Really? I don't think so. I have seen people lose their jobs and immediately hit panic mode. I understand why. It is frightening to be unemployed. There are obligations that only income can meet. But does panicking get the job? Of course not.

When things get out of kilter it is best to try to keep it all in perspective. If you are honest then you know you have seen things like this before. Throughout the course of your life you have had times when things were chaotic and disconcerting. But you survived it. You saw it through. You lived to see another day. You may have received a few scars or even lost something, but you survived. You will again.

Pray

Just start the day with prayer. Don't plead with God to fix the problems. Ask the Lord to show you why you are in this state of unkilterness. We rarely consider that the Lord just may have us at a place so He can teach us something or make us stronger vessels and servants for Him. James 1: 2-4 reads:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

This simply means that trials and difficulties can make us better and stronger. So, don't ask God to fix the problems. Ask Him to use the situation for His purposes. You know, He may just have you right where He wants you right now.

Trust

Trust your instincts. You have been you for some time now. You know you better than anyone on this earth. Yes, get advice from caring friends and family members, but don't assume that what they suggest is the right solution for you. As you listen to their ideas your own creative flow kicks in. At least that is what happens to me. When a caring friend is giving advice I do listen. But I also have an internal conversation in my mind. I think, "that won't work but THIS will." My friend's ideas are simply simulating my own. Trust those thoughts. Trust yourself. Trust your own judgment.

I hope these thoughts have been a blessing to you.

Tony Guthrie
tguthrie1961@gmail.com

So Different Yet So Much the Same

Recently I was called to jury duty selection. Perhaps you know the drill: You receive a letter telling you when and where to appear; you show up at the appointed time; you sit and wait and wait and wait until those that called you determine whether you are worthy to serve or not. Some are released while others are selected. Bada bing.

I am always observing and reading every situation/environment I find myself in, especially if other people are involved. I'm weird I know, but I always watch people to see what they do or how they react. Groups of people are always great sources for illustrations. For example:

At one point, during my jury selection encounter, the powers that be called out 40 names (there were over 100 of us stuffed in the room). Each name called was given an assigned seat number. I was among the fabulous forty.

We were told to sit in the required seat in order to receive our instructions. These instructions were given in about 5 minutes. Then we were told to remember our seat number but we could get up and move around the room until the group was called.

I immediately got up so I could roam around. A sitter I am not. This is when I observed this interesting phenomenon. We could move freely OR go get another seat with more arm and leg room. We did NOT have to stay as we were. BUT more that 90% of those numbered seat-sitters remained firmly planted in the assigned seat. Now, this is a government process. I knew full well that no one would come for us for an hour or two. I am sure these people knew this as well, but there they sat, elbow to elbow and shoulder to shoulder, "I shall not be moved." I found this fascinating. So, I snapped the photo with my dumbphone.

Here were people of various ages, races, ethnicities, political views, and so on. They were as different as they could be by appearance and philosophy of life. But when it came to sitting in a government mandated environment, they were like Martin Luther: "Here I stand, I can do no other." But they were more along the lines of, "Here I sit, I could do other but I shall not be moved." They were exacty the same. Yes different, but the same.

I will leave the deep explanations of such phenomena to the sociologists. But I have always found it interesting that as different as we are, we are also remarkably similar as a species. If you attend church you will notice that the worship service will be filled with people who are amazingly different but each week they trod to the same seat they have sat in since the dawning of man.

So, is this a bad thing? I guess not. I suppose that somewhere in God's hard-wiring of humanity He made us this way ... amazingly different but possessing similar traits for given situations. There are some of us, like me I suppose, who have malfunctioned. I am among that rare and small number that "ain't gonna" just sit somewhere that I was told to sit. I am a free bird.

As Christians we are remarkably the same but incredibly different as well. The Bible speaks of the various spiritual gifts God has given. We all have a mandate to serve (we're the same) but we each have different God-given gifts and talents to use in that service. We are all the same, but we are amazingly different. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul spoke of this:

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the sameGod who works all things in all persons. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

Paul went on to add that no gift is more important than another. All gifts have their respective place in kingdom service. He also added in Romans 12:

3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, beingmany, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry,let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

The point is a simple one. We are all different, but remarkably the same. As Christians we share a common mandate to serve; yet we do so in different capacities. No service is greater than another. Hmmm, so I suppose it's okay to sit like a slug elbow to elbow in a warm room next to someone you don't know for hours when you actually have the freedom to move. :-)

And no ... I wasn't selected. YES!!!

I hope this has been a blessing to you.

Tony Guthrie

When You Are Pushing Too Hard

I can remember when I was working on my Ph.D. Was it ever a life-consuming effort! I had to read hundreds of pages from books each week. I had to attend two seminars each week that were packed with intensive information. I took copious notes as fast as I could. I had to write 2 major and 2 minor papers each semester. The minimum number of pages for a major paper was 70 and for a minor paper, 35. I lived in the seminary library.

At that same time I was serving full-time as a pastor of a great church. I prepared weekly sermons, made hospital visits, attended church functions and events, conducted staff meetings, and sat in on church committee meetings.

I also served as a doctoral fellow for a professor. This meant I had hundreds of exams, projects, and papers to read and grade almost every week. I am not even going to mention that I had a family and a personal life too. Let's just say that I never had a free moment.

It may seem impressive that I carried such a heavy load during that time. I was relatively young (mid 30s) and thought I could do even more. But I was tired all the time. I was trying to show the people of my world that I could meet and exceed their expectations. I felt drained and on edge much of the time. I was not on a good road.

Then the day came when I was literally running across the campus to get a paper to my professor. I never turned in anything late and I was in a mad dash to get this one in. After I turned in the paper I walked out of his office, walked down the stairs, and collapsed in the foyer of the building. I never felt myself fall. An hour later I was laying on a exam table at my doctor's office.

After a thorough exam he told me that nothing was wrong with me physically. He said that what had happened was that my body decided to send me a message since I was mistreating it so badly. He said, "Your body decided it needed to stop. So it did. And if you don't receive the message it is sending you, it may decide to stop permanently." Message delivered, message received. Remember, I was only in my mid 30s.

Sometimes we can feel invencible even if we are well beyond mid-life. The level of energy possession varies from person to person and age to age. Some people are amazingly energetic and strong into their 80s. Some act as though they can barely move in their mid 20s.

My point is that you need to know your body and become familiar with the messages it sends. I have always been hyperactive. I loathe laying around. I have never been a couch potato. If you have ever been around me you know that I move constantly. This does not mean, however, that I am not susceptible to over-doing it. I did. In a big way.

I want to provide a few thoughts for staying healthy when you push too hard. There may be times when you have to have a full plate ... but this does not mean your body has to pay such a heavy price to carry it. Remember, your body may decide to not take it any more. We have all heard stories of people (some quite young) who left this world with a heart attack or stroke because they didn't do the things I am suggesting below:

Keep Things in Perspective

My doctor asked me what my rush was all about. I told him I wanted to get the PhD by a certain time. He chuckled and said, "Enjoy the ride. What difference does it make if you get it this year or next?" He told me to sit down and consider everything I was doing. He advised me to live by the Pareto Principle (learn about it here), slow down, and keep everything in proper perspective. He said that I would enjoy earning the degree much more as a healthy man than I would as a sick one. He was right.

Hit the Gym

Whether it's the gym on the corner or in your spare bedroom ... hit it. Now, I am not necessarily talking about pumping iron and body-building. Really all you need to do is some stretching, cardio exercises to get your heart rate up for 30 minutes, and a few resistence excercises. In 30 to 45 minutes you can be done and on your way to feeling healthier and stronger. You will have more energy and stamina.

It is so interesting that people avoid exercise because it makes them tired and gets them sore at the moment. But it is just for the moment. If getting tired or sore for the moment keeps you from exercising then you are a whimp and deserve to feel the way you do. Just sayin'.

Consider Your Eating Habits

Of course this is obvious. But eating on the run is rarely healthy. All the fat and sugar just sort of find a place to dwell in your body. It welcomes more fat and junk to join it every day and over time it gets stronger. All the fat and junk sit idle for a while but all the while it is planning its attack. Like a fault hundreds of feet below the surface it can remain calm for decades (even centuries). But we all know that one day the earth will quake with devastating results.

This is what WILL happen once your body has stored enough junk. It will one day quake and the results may be so severe that you cannot recover.

Eat healthy 6 days a week. Take one day to eat A meal that would kill you if you ate it every day.

Read the Funnies

What I mean is laugh and laugh a lot. I don't know or understand all the science behind it but I do know that laughter causes the brain to release endorphins. This natural chemical helps to alleviate stress, pain, and even provides a feeling of happiness and good health. (Read about endorphins here).

What makes you laugh? Find it. Do it. If you do, the pressure of pushing will not seem so severe.

Get Medical Advice

If you feel stressed, tense, on-edge, and under the gun you may want to go see the white coat guy or gal. She may give you some simple advice that makes sense OR she may want to test you for something more severe. There's just something about that white coat. If a person is wearing one we just seem to take their advice more readily. I think we should.

The only thing I tend to disagree with when it comes to our white-coated friends is their readiness to prescribe anti-depressants. Drugging ourselves into being able to face life just doesn't seem to make sense to me. I am sure there are some people who actually need these drugs. But I believe most don't. I believe God has placed within us the ability, and even the desire, to possess energy and face the day.

Let me leave you with this from God's word:

Isaiah 40:31New American Standard Bible (NASB)

31 Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

I hope this has been a blessing to you.

Tony Guthrie

When Your World Seems to Crumble

You may be familiar with the expression, "when it rains, it pours." It has always meant that when a person experiences bad stuff in life, a lot more can easily follow. It is similar to Murphy's Law ... if anything can go wrong, it will. I understand these sad realities very well. I understand EXACTLY how it feels when the world seems to fall apart. In fact, I know how it feels when it actually DOES fall apart. Perhaps you feel as though your world is falling apart.

I have great news for you though: It really isn't. You may have some challenges that are bigger than you expected or needed. You may be asking, "What happened? Everything was so good but now everything is collapsing all around me." It isn't, it just seems that way.

A good friend reminded me the other day that he has been there. I remember talking to him when his world actually was falling apart. So, when we spoke a few days ago he said, "Tony, as you well know, I have been there. But now I am on the other side. You will see this through." I know he is right.

So, I wanted to share a few thoughts I have learned from my friend and from experience. When your world seems to crumble ...

Fight the Anger

For many of us, when things seem out of control, we get angry. This is the emotion I have seen the most in people when things go awry. I have seen other emotions like fear and depression. But anger seems more common. We may see the situation as the fault of some one or something else. We didn't do anything to cause the problem. So, our world seems to be crumbling because of something beyond our control. This can make us angry. Intensely.

Fight it. Fight it hard. Anger tends to do more damage to the one possessing it than the one receiving it. The more intense the anger, the more damaging it can be. Physical and emotional illness can result from it. Fight it. Fight it hard.

My mother taught me decades ago that two things never change a situation: anger and worry. These two things only make you sick. Fight it.

See the Possibilty of the Good

Yeah, I know. It's cliche'. Look for the good in the bad. Blah, blah, blah. I can just hear some of you arguing back at me: "You know Tony, that looking for the silver-lining stuff is meaningless psycho-babble."

Believe me, I get that. But do it anyway. Because as meaningless as it seems, it is actually beyond valuable. Looking for the good gives a sense of hope and allows you to realize that the situation is indeed only temporary. You WILL take something from it that allows you to benefit for years to come AND to help others with as well.

Pour Yourself into Creative Service for Others

As a pastor I have always told my congregants that there is always someone who has it worse than you do. I don't have the gift of mercy even though I can be merciful. But I have to reach down deep to do so. I have very little compassion for people with minor little ailments ... especially if they are always talking about them as if they are the sickest people in the world. This is because I have seen children die. There's nothing more painful. People with the gift of mercy will minister to people with these minor concerns, but I tell them to stop whining. I often say to them; "If you want to see sick, go to the childrens cancer ward at the hospital."

I bring this up to point out that there are always people whose worlds are crumbling so much more so than yours or mine. Find them and serve them. Pour your effort into helping a fellow human being. Find creative ways to bless them. Do what the Bible says: "Consider others more highly than yourself." (Philippians 2:3)

Giving yourself to blessing others takes the focus off of you and your situation. You will likely find that by giving yourself in service to others will lead to others serving and assisting you.

Sing Sing Sing

Music soothes the savage beast. How true. Music is emotional stuff. It can change your mood in an instant. Not focused on God right now? Pop in a praise and worship CD or listen on your dumbphone. Need a lift? Listen to your favorite tunes and sing along ... loudly.

Why? Because it will get your mind off of the burden for the moment and remind you of better days (that will return). I love soft rock of the 70s and 80s. The stuff today doesn't do it for me. I love the Eagles, Paul McCartney, REO Speedwagon, and yes, LOL, even the Bay City Rollers.

Let me leave you with this.

Does it get any better?

I hope this has been a blessing to you.

Tony Guthrie


Ping-o-matic

Obvious Christianity May Hurt

In America, and I think especially in the south, sports fans are almost obsessed with college football (did I say "almost"?). Fans have their favorite teams and they support them in countless ways. Tee shirts, hoodies, cups, mugs, bumper stickers, emblems, dashboard figurines, and so on. So proud are people of their team that they are sometimes willing to argue for hours, ad nauseum, as to why their team is the greatest of them all.

I have actually witnessed fist fights between fans of rival schools. Isn't that insane?

I readily admit, I am a fan too. I love the kids in orange that play in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. Being located in the south I have interaction with fans of the other schools of the Southeastern Conference. Ridiculing each other is commonplace and is mostly done in fun. But I have been literally verbally attacked because a fan of a lesser school :-) saw my Big Orange sweat shirt being worn proudly. I was insulted and called ignorant. People like that just can't see that we are supporting 20 year old kids on a field. They actually allow the actions of those kids to make or break their week depending on the outcome of the game. I decided years ago that I would not allow the actions of kids on a field to determine if I would have a good week or not.

But think with me about this: when we are sporting our fanware we are making an obvious statement: "I am a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide! Roll Tide Roll!" We don't expect to be ridiculed for being a fan. But I think most of us have felt at least a little heat here are there. What I am saying is that there is a level of risk we assume when we wear our team support on our sleeves and bodies. So, if we want to never partake in an uncomfortable conversation or feel the heat for being a fan; then don't wear the gear and don't talk about it. It's as simple as that.

19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:19-20)

Many Christian people, maybe even most, go through their entire lives without ever receiving any criticism or rebuke because of their faith. There really is only one reason for it: They don't wear the gear. Now, I am not talking about Christian necklaces or Jesus tee shirts and coffee mugs. I am talking about the fact that they don't make their faith obvious. Oh, they may attend church but really, beyond that, the evidence of their faith is pretty hard to detect. In a country where we have freedom to express our faith, many (maybe most) do not.

But Paul (in the verses sited above) wore the hoodie, had the mug, touted the colors, and spoke boldly of his support for the Lord Jesus. He did so in a land in which it was not popular (and in some cases, not legal) to be a Christian. Now I am not saying that it is a badge of honor to be ridiculed. I don't think one is a "better' Christian because they are criticized from time to time. But those who are ridiculed and persecuted are usually the ones that are so proud of their faith that they let the world know. They are following the mandate of the Lord, "Go and make disciples,"

Paul was arrested and imprisoned because he boldly proclaimed his faith. Even though he knew it could get him arrested or even executed. And he was arrested. And during the ordeal he continued to proclaim his faith. He knew that true Christians would pray for him and that the Lord would provide for him. He was an avid fan. He spoke boldly of his faith like so many college football fans do. He did so in boldness even though he knew it could cost him his life. His goal was to exalt Jesus in his life or even how he died. He expected to be delivered, but he was good with whatever happened because he believed whatever happened would exalt the Lord. Wow! Hmmm?

The point: Being bold about your team can get you ridiculed. Being boldly obvious about your faith in Christ can hurt.

I think the reason that many (perhaps most) Christians aren't obvious about their faith, even in a country where it is legal to do so, is because they know that it may hurt or, at the very least, get them in uncomfortable conversations.

Makes me wonder: Where are the Pauls today?

I hope this has been a blessing to you.

Tony Guthrie
=========================

Bad Situation? Expect a Blessing!

I don't know how many times people have asked me to pray for them over the years. I am sure you have been asked countless times as well. People will find themselves in a difficult or challenging situation and they immediately want it fixed. They want life to return to normal. I suppose this is normal to want to be normal :-\

In recent months I have faced a challenge unlike any I have ever faced. I have faced many obstacles and difficulties in my life and with patience, prayer, and perseverance I have seen them all through. But this season of challenge seems to be as big as it can possibly be (even though I know it could always be bigger and more challenging).

In many ways you could call what I am going through a bad situation.  But in my preaching over the years I always told my congregants to not fret or stress when things seem bad, tough, difficult, painful, or challenging. I told them that "God causes all things to work together for good for those that love Him ..." (Romans 8:28). I reminded them repeatedly that even in the worst of times they could expect a blessing. I insisted that they not ask God to "fix" the problem but rather have people pray that God would help them see the blessing in the burden.

I am striving to do that same thing now. I am truly expecting God to literally explode in my life in the most gracious of ways. In spite of my weaknesses and failures He has assured me that He loves me and has a wonderful plan for the rest of my life. So, in the bad situation I am expecting a blessing.

Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel ... (Phil. 1:12)

The words above from the Apostle Paul are the source of my expectancy. I mean, here was a man in Roman imprisonment and he was actually celebrating the blessings of God. He noted that in the badness of the situation (being in prison) the word of the Lord was still going forward. In fact, his situation was actually motivating other Christians to work even harder to spread the word (vs. 14). To Paul this was such a huge blessing because he viewed his life purpose as the spreading of the gospel. He was actually elated in the bad situation.

This is what I am striving to do. Be elated. Be expectant. Be ready for the blessing to come. In fact, I have already seen some of it come into view.

• I wonder if you can grasp this concept? 
• Can you see the potential for blessing in the midst of the bad situation? 
• Can you actually NOT ask someone to pray that God will "fix" the problem? 
• Can you see that God causes ALL things to work together for God? 
• Can you?

Expect a blessing through the badness of the situation. Remember this is the God that made the greatest sacrifice for you because He loves you. And if He loves you that much, then wouldn't He want to show you His best in even the worst of your situations?

I trust this has been a blessing to you.

Tony Guthrie

When God is Silent

Silence has its benefits at certain times. When you're studying, reading for enjoyment, trying to sleep, when the kids have finally left for school :-) ... and at other times as well; silence is a good thing. It is never beneficial or enjoyable, however, when you feel as though you are getting the "silent treatment," especially from someone important to you.

I am a communication guy. To me, without talking and sharing we cannot know the thoughts and feelings of another. When someone will not speak to us we can experience a number of feelings from anger, rejection, and loneliness. Rarely are we comfortable during times when we are not communicating normally with a significant someone in our lives.

Obviously I am telegraphing my introductory comments. You know from the title of this post that I am going to say, "It's even worse when you feel that God is being silent toward you." :-)

Many of us have experienced times when it seemed that God was not speaking with us. Perhaps we are used to receiving daily inspiration and instruction from Him as we study His word. Maybe it is commonplace that we get a sense of assurance or direction from Him as we pray. We may even receive direct communication from our pastor's sermons or from a Bible teacher.

But what if you have seemingly slipped into a season when you sense nothing from the Lord. This can be quite frustrating if you are used to having regular communication from Him.

I am no expert in this area but I can share a thought or two that a loving seminary professor gave to me many years ago. I had gone to see him because I felt I could hear nothing from the Lord at that time. He said to me that there may be two reasons God is silent in my life.

Something May Need to Be Confessed

He said that sometimes we can possess a sinful trait that we don't even realize is "sinful." Sin is always birthed from selfishness. My desire at that time was to preach. I wanted to preach in churches every Sunday and I was getting no opportunities to do so. It dominated my thoughts and mind. I was frustrated and somewhat angry at pastors for not inviting me. I was even a little disappointed with God because of it. After all, He had called me to preach ... so shouldn't He get me some churches? This was my mindset.

To me, that desire didn't seem like sin. But in reality, it was. My thinking was that it couldn't be sin because I was simply wanting to honor my call. But the desire to preach was not the sin. The frustration and anger I felt because I was not getting opportunities was the sin.

I needed to confess the anger and frustration. I needed to wait upon the Lord. I wasn't hearing from the Lord because He was waiting for me to return to the place where I trusted everything to Him. This is what I did.

If God is silent in your life right now it may be because there is something you need to confess. Maybe you are like I was and don't believe certain things you desire are actually selfish. But even if they are good desires, they can actually possess a selfish aspect. My desire to preach was both God-honoring and selfish at the same time. Reflect on that for a moment. Let that sink in.

There is a second reason God can seem silent. The good professor told me that ...

You May Be Running Ahead of God

Timing is everything. When I was a pastor it was not uncommon for loving church members to come to see me with a ministry idea. Some of the ideas were simply not well thought out. Others were actually really good. But that did not mean I endorsed them immediately. In spite of how good the idea was, the timing was not right for the church.

This may be the case with you if you are not hearing from God right now. You may have some things in mind that you want God to sanction and honor. To you, these ideas are really beneficial to others. So, you may have a ministry idea, a spiritual goal for one of your children, a career thought, an investment idea, etc. But God is not saying much. Well, you may be running ahead of God. The timing is not right; yet.

I know. It's hard to wait and be patient when YOU have such a GREAT idea (emphasis intended). But God's ways are not always our ways and His thinking certainly supersedes ours.

As I said, I am no expert here. So, let's allow God to share a thought or two:

Psalm 27:14 - Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

The good professor told me that God may be preparing me for something else other than what I was hoping for. He told me to put my ideas aside and quit trying so hard to move the heart and hand of God. He said, "wait upon the Lord." He may be preparing to blow you away with something far greater than what you'd like.

I trust this has been a blessing to you.

Tony Guthrie

When Life Hurts

We all hope that life would be a wonderful song and dance. We'd prefer that each day be filled with laughter and joy. I know that you can easily think of really good days where everything went well and the day was filled with smiles and enjoyment.

But such is NOT life every day. I am sure you know what I mean, Life can hurt sometimes. There are days when circumstances cause emotional, physical, or even spiritual pain. Sometimes the pain comes and remains for what seems like an unending season. I know people who believe they wrote the book on how to possess pain. For them, it seems that pain is just the continual reality of their lives.

Here's a silly question: Ever hurt? Ever had someone or a circumstance cause you pain? Of course you have. Each of us handle those pains differently. For me, if the pain is intense enough my reaction is to flee from it. I leave the environment thinking it will remain behind me. But I have discovered it just goes with me ... every time. As a matter of fact, when I flee I seem to ponder the pain even more. I feel alone and afraid ... but still my instinct is to run.

We all handle our pain differently. Some people hide their pain under intense anger. Others turn to alcohol or drugs. Some withdraw.  Others put on a show that all is well in their life. It's just a mask.

What is the better course when facing a painful day or season of circumstance?

Pray

Of course you knew I would suggest that. But truly it does help. Prayer is simply talking to the Lord. And please, don't pray this way: "Lord take this away." James chapter 1 tells us to consider it joy when we face trials. James says these painful times can actually be used of God to teach us to possess perseverance (endurance). So, the prayer should be: "Lord, what are you trying to teach me in this situation." Ask the Lord to make you a better Christian person because of it. Try to find the joy in the pain. And joy comes from knowing that the Lord is working in your life.

As weird as it may seem, the painful situation you find yourself in may be exactly where God wants you right now. Why? So He can move in your life in beneficial ways. So, don't ask the Lord to take the pain away. Ask him to show you why He is allowing it. The silver lining may be more obvious than you realize.

Ask Forgiveness if Necessary

If the painful situation involves another person, then ask them to forgive you (even if it is their fault - and we know it is ALWAYS their fault) :-) Seriously, nothing begins the healing process quite like asking for forgiveness. Of course you know that some people can't find it in their heart to forgive. Some people, I have discovered, just want to be angry. They tend to make themselves angry. This is their modus operandi. Not much can be done with these kinds of people.

But most people do have that soft spot that will eventually allow for forgiveness. Just ask them to forgive you and then do an act of kindness for them. Usually this will produce a very positive result. If it doesn't then you can have peace that you have done all you can do and the issue is with them, not you.

Pain does not exist in an environment of loving forgiveness. In fact, it cannot.

Get to a Happy Place

Now this may not get rid of the pain but it certainly can serve as a way to move it from the forefront of your thinking. Happy places can be anything of distraction and enjoyment. Reading, watching a favorite movie, taking a drive, visiting parents/grandparents, going to the driving range and smashing some perfect drives over 280 yards :-) ... whatever!

Temporarily removing yourself from the painful situation tends to ease the heaviness so that when you return it doesn't seem quite as bad.

Remember Better Days

Life is full of seasons. Many of them positive and happy. When life hurts it is easy to focus on the current season. But pondering and processing the pain will only maximize it's destructive affect.

The better approach is to realize that the current pain is simply that: current. It is a season. Seasons have a beginning point and an ending point. The pain will end. So, rather than dwell on the pain, reflect back on a better season. God gave us the ability to remember for beneficial reasons.

So, take out a picture album and walk down memory lane. You will find yourself smiling as you remember people and events from a better time. Then connect with an old friend on Facebook and talk about how it was back then. Talk with them about the fun of those days This is sure to produce laughter and enjoyment.

Looking back will help you realize that as you look forward you know that the end of the current pain will soon be in view.

Turn to Caring Friends

Please, when life hurts, don't block out the people who are closest to you. And when they ask you what's wrong, please don't say: "I don't want to talk about it." The most useless and meaningless sentence in the English language is: "I don't want to talk about it." You need to talk about it. With a friend for sure BUT especially with the person(s) that may be involved in the painful circumstance.

Talking about it gets its out there. There is no more wondering on the part of the friend or the adversary. This way the air can begin to be cleared and normality can resume. If you are just talking about it with a friend they will likely remind you that all is not bad in your world. You have special friends who love you. And when you know you are loved, truly, you can handle just about anything.

I hope this has been a blessing to you.

Tony Guthrie

Please leave your comments below. I would love to hear from you.

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The Hopes of a Christian Friend

As I have shared before, we all want and need good friends. In every arena of life having people to share things and experiences with just makes life so much more enjoyable. Certain people (our friends) simply meet many of the needs of our lives.

If I were to ask you to reflect back over your life and remember certain friends it wouldn't take long for a smile to form on your face. These people may not be as involved with you as they may have been at one time, but there indeed was a time when you were pretty thick. Social media sites, like Facebook, have made it possible to reconnect with friends long removed by time, distance, and/or circumstance.

A few nights ago my daughter texted a photo to me. She had found an old fake magazine cover with a picture of me and my best friend at the time, Jerry. The photo was taken circa 1979 at Liberty Land theme park in Memphis Tennessee. Jerry and I were both into professional wrestling at the time (Why? I don't have a clue). Jerry and I were tighter than any two friends could have ever been. But life moved us in different directions and only recently have we re-connected via Facebook.

We know what we want and need from our friends. But do you ever ponder what you really want for them? I assume that if you are reading this blog then there is a good chance you are a Christian. Of course Christians haven't cornered the market on friendship. All people understand the value of others in their lives. But Christian people strive to love their friends from a biblical perspective.

I think it is safe to say that all people want the best life offers for their friends. But Christian people think somewhat like Paul did when he wrote:

⁸ For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. ⁹ And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; ¹¹ having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Phil. 1:8-11)

It is clear to see that Paul wanted two things for his friends. (1) He wanted to be with them. But he wanted to be with them "with the affection of Christ Jesus." Jesus' kind of affection was to show compassion. So, Paul wanted to be with his friends so he could demonstrate compassionate love to them in the same way Jesus did. He wanted to serve them and minister to them.

How often do you desire to actually serve a Christian friend? Yes, we can be buddys and hang out together. But do you think about ways you can serve and minister to them in real and practical ways? The hope of a Christian friend is to be able to discover ways to serve others.

(2) Christian friends hope that their friends will grow deeper in their love, understanding, and service to the Lord. Paul prayed that his friends would grow in Christian love so ...

that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment...

Paul knew that growing in the love of Christ causes one to understand (discern) the Lord more deeply. He also wanted them to grow in love so that they could see the excellency of serving the Lord and others themselves. This way little blame could ever be leveled against them.

Christians hope they can find ways to serve and bless their friends in the same way Jesus blessed the people he ministered to. They also hope their friends will grow more deeply in love with the Lord each day so they too can see the blessing that comes from blessing others.

I trust this has been a blessing to you.

Tony Guthrie

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The Test of Fellowshipping Friendship

There is no doubt that God placed the need and desire for fellowship and friendship inside of us. We need other people in our lives. He also told us to love one another. It's interesting that God never said, "Like one another." He didn't require liking because it is simply not possible to like some people. Of course I never understand it when someone doesn't like me. I always think to myself, "What's wrong with them?" :-) But I digress.

Personality types and beliefs systems of other people simply clash with ours on occasion. So, we may not "like" someone. I think it is important to note, however, that not liking someone does not equate to hating them or wishing ill-will upon them. What I mean is that there are some people in the world and in your realm that you'd prefer to spend less time with. There's just something about them that simply rubs you in less-than-positive ways.

But God still says to love others. This includes those you may not like. Loving others shows itself in many ways but one way that stands out is serving the needs of others.

Yes God has placed that desire for friends and fellowship in us. So, after reading "It is only right for me for me to feel this way about you all because I have you in my heart ..." (Phil. 1:7a) I wondered what happens that causes us to have certain people in our hearts. What causes us to desire fellowship with others (for a definition of fellowship, click here). Paul obviously had great love for the Philippians. He even gives us clues as to why he had such a special place in his heart for them ... they had been there with and for him in the trials of serving the Lord.

So, I considered the concept of fellowshipping friendship and it's attributes. I also considered the people that have demonstrated these attributes toward me and I toward them. Here's a few "tests" that came to mind.

Bearing One Another's Burdens

Burden-bearing is a biblical concept that, at least in my opinion, rarely shows itself ... even among Christians, The idea of burden-bearing is simple and direct. It is NOT well-wishing. It is NOT hearing of the struggles of a friend and saying to them, "Wow, I am so sorry. I'll be sure to pray for you."

Burden-bearing involves rolling up the proverbial sleeves and lending a hand that helps. Yes pray, but DO something too. Okay, Okay! I know what you may be thinking, "We can't meet all needs or help in every situation." But does that mean that we should get a pass on every burden? There is always something that can be done.

Isn't the church supposed to be a burden-bearing center? I believe Galatians 6:2 says "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." The context of the verse has to do with someone who is carrying the extra heavy burden of falling to sin. The church is mandated to walk with them and restore them. There is nothing about consequences, judgment, or punishment ... just restoration. What better way to bear the burden of sin than by forgiving and restoring the one who committed it?

Serve people in and through their burdens, My closest friends are the ones who have shown the trait of burden-bearing. They have lifted me up, carried me, helped me, listened to me, and loved me in meaningful, practical ways. Yes they have prayed. But my true friends have done something tangible to help. I have done the same for them.

Forgiving One Another

People blow it. I blow it. You blow it. All God's children blow it. Ever blown it? Ever needed forgiveness because you did? True friends forgive. They don't punish, hurt, make you pay a price, or cast you out from them. They forgive even as Jesus did. Jesus forgave even when we deserved no forgiveness. Am I making the point?

Encouraging One Another

Paul said in Ephesians 4:29 to "let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Without boring you with all the Greek implications and yada, let me just simplify it for you. Say only good stuff to others. Encourage them. Use words to build them up rather than tear them down. This is the idea of edification.

I know people, as you do, who have mastered the tear down. They say hurtful and senseless things to and about others. They seem to get their kicks by doing so.

But my best friends always edify and encourage me. They know me well. They know my weaknesses and faults but they do not focus on them. When necessary they may point out a flaw. But again, only when necessary. Most of the time they simply build me up and encourage me with words of wisdom, support, and grace. I like to think I have done the same for them.

This is fellowship.

I hope this has been a blessing to you.

Tony Guthrie
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