Pre-tuned Radios

I remember when....


When I was a child, missionaries often visited our church. I remember one couple who worked in Bible translation ministry in South America. They had translated a  tribal language and had small schools set up in the area to teach the residents how to read and write, in their own language,  and to be able to read for themselves  what the Bible said about Jesus.

Some of the tribal people could not come to the schools, however, and were out of contact most of the time.

And so these missionaries were raising money for pre-tuned portable radios to give out to them.

These radios were pre-tuned to the Christian radio station broadcasting the gospel in the native language - available 24 hours a day!

What a great way to reach these people with the gospel message.

Today we would call this an example of intentional evangelism.

Maybe we should ourselves be examples of intentional evangelism-- be pre-tuned to give out the gospel - always ready to broadcast the good news of Jesus - every time we leave the house and every time someone "tunes us in" -- it's the only message we have to share of any real importance!

Someone "turns us on" and we speak about Jesus!

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you...1 Peter 3:15

Can you explain "the hope that is in you" to someone else?

Why now? - Why not now?

 Why now? Having some rough times now?

Sometimes things go nice and smoothly and you soar long with the wind beneath your wings! Then troubles come -- often in multiples! Illnesses,  family conflicts, tragedies, money problems...and you ask "Why me? Why now" and "What am I doing wrong?"

Wrong questions!

When we go through these times, C S Lewis reminds us that God is at work inside us -- forcing us up to a higher level, putting us in situations where we will have to be very much braver, or more patient, or more loving, forgiving, obedient, more trusting than we have ever dreamed of being before.

'It seems to us all unnecessary. But that is because we have not yet had the slightest notion of the tremendous thing He means to make of us!'

We thought He wanted to change some of our habits and make us more pleasant and easier for people to be around.

No! He wants to make us images of His Son! Like a pony who wants to be able to jump a small fence or pull a cart...But God wants him to be a Pegasus -- a flying horse! A winged creature that can fly  over the rainbows and throughout the universe!

God has a bigger plan for us. He wants to make us like Jesus!

There Is No Hurry

A Sort-Of Made-Up Story

Scene: Satan and several of his esteemed advisors are meeting secretly

Satan is worried. 

He is behind schedule. By this time he had planned to have God and His influence completely erased from American culture. But he has met far more résistance than he had anticipated. He calls an emergency conference with his top advisors.

"What can we do to speed up our work?" he begins. "We must get rid of all acknowledgment of our Enemy! We must erase him. We cannot let him win. We are too close to victory!"

One advisor speaks up. "We just keep telling them their god is a myth, that there is no god like that. There is no god at all. We are making progress on the campuses. It just takes longer than we thought."

Satan becomes angry. "That hasn't worked! We have been trying that for decades. The Enemy's followers just come up with more ridiculous propaganda. We need a new plan!"

Another suggests: "Let's discredit the Enemy. Tell people he really doesn't care about them. He does not love them! They are believing in a fairy tale."

"No," Satan booms. "Our Enemy does love them - those ridiculous bi-peds! I don't know why but he does and they know it!"

The last advisor hesitates and then speaks up quietly, "I have an idea. Let's keep them on the fence. Tell  them not to worry about it -- there is no hurry...Just take their time and consider all possibilities. Don't be in a hurry to throw their lives away!"

Satan beams! "That's perfect! Don't make a decision yet. Wait. There is time. There is no hurry! I love it! That is now our official strategy! There is no hurry!"

(2 Corinthians 6:2 -- "Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation.")

Remember Linus and His Blanket?

                                         Remembering Linus

Remember Linus and his blue blanket?  

Probably Linus, from Peanuts, is best known for that blanket. He carries it everywhere. He doesn't even seem to be embarrassed that he needs it for security and comfort. To calm his fears.

His sister, Lucy, is embarrassed and especially dislikes it. She buries it, makes it into a kite, and tries to get rid of it on various occasions. Even Linus himself, on various occasions, seems to think he is too dependent on it and lets it go from  from time to time, but he always retrieves it.

But then we come to that wonderful movie, A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Remember when a frustrated Charlie Brown asks, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

Linus, with his security blanket, steps center stage and quotes the angel's message to the shepherds that holy night outside Bethlehem.

              Fear not. I bring you good news of great joy...

Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you;

 He is Christ the Lord.

You will find Him in a manger....

When he comes to "Fear not," Linus drops his blanket...permanently!

I like to remember that those words were spoken to the shepherds...A Savior has been born to you...not to mankind in general, but to you...and you can find Him.

Individuals, like the shepherds, like Linus, and like you and me.

And He is our Savior and we need never be afraid again! 

I have some security blankets  I need to get rid of. Maybe I should make today Christmas!

What Jesus Didn't Say

 "On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the  Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord" (John20:19-20).

   It was too good to be true! He was there - and gave them a loving greeting. What had He said? Did they hear the words correctly?

   What He didn't say was the surprise. Not "What a bunch of cowards you are!" "I  told you so!" "You couldn't even stay awake and pray with Me in the Garden." 
"I called you My friends. Where were you when I needed you? I must have chosen the wrong men for My Kingdom." 

   No. He brought peace. The one thing they needed most. Into their darkness, their shattered dreams, their hopelessness and fears and guilt, He brought peace. 

   He gave everything. They gave nothing.

   Isn't that the way it is for all of us today? Into our messed up lives, our brokenness and desperation, He brings us peace. Even if we have locked the door -- He still enters in.

   He gives everything, We give nothing.

   They call it 'grace.' Its first name is 'amazing'!