Throughout the bible we are told to be humble, rejoice in suffering,expect ridicule, and endure hardship. Yet, conversely we are reminded to rejoice in the Lord, observe the heavens that show His glory, savor the beauty of this earth, know that He is with us, that He cares for us, love us, and will answer our prayers if we are found righteous!

As I continue in my walk with Christ, I am daily experiencing the “tension” of keeping my shoulder to the plow as I give up my selfish wants to become more like Christ by doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God. It is easy to immerse yourself into the struggles…the bending and twisting that is part of our daily path to knowing Christ and doing His will. Sometimes it just plain hurts require have a difficult time understanding why God would allow His dear children to suffer so.

The other side of the “tension” allows us to enjoy the beauty of creation, the marvels of science and technology, and the precious relationships that we hold so dear. It would be so wonderful to be able to wake every morning with the windows open and a balmy mountain or shoreline breeze (your choice) only to spend time in the word and prayer on a scenic balcony or deck. The rest of th day would then be filled with special times with family and experiencing the splendor of creation.

Well now comes the tension…should it be so tight that it is more painful and undesirable? Or, should it be as a carefully wound string on an instrument that can sound a beautiful symphony?

For me, I think it’s the symphony! Thought there are days when we must practice relentlessly and tune our instrument, there are also the days when we can rest and enjoy the melody that has been wrought. It helps me to remember at the instrument, the thing of beauty has been given to us by our Saviour with His instruction on tuning and execution. In this life we will have some beautiful concerts, and some duds. We will continue to work on the piece every day as we prepare for the ultimate symphony where we will play unencumbered before the master in a place of rejoicing,without the pain and cares of this world.

What we must remember is that the tensions of this world is preparation for the kingdom to come. For now we can embrace the toughness in life, while enjoying but small glimpses of the magnificence of heaven. We must be free in knowing that we will suffer but God also has provided much to rejoice in. We must seek to find a little margin now and again to enjoy His creation and worship Him for all He has done and created. “Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!”

The letter, which was beautifully written, informed us of what God is doing in her life at school, in her heart, and plans for a missions trip to Jamaica this summer. As I read, it amazed me at the clarity God has given this young woman as to the direction she is to follow. Near the end of the letter she shared a verse that seemed to leap off the page and into my heart. Mark 9:23-24 says,

²³ “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

 ²⁴ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Sometime we all get so busy and overlook some real blessing. Most times I scan such letters to get the highlights and rarely take the time to read the letter.

As you can see these verses alone contain some truth but need some context if you are not familiar with the story. Jesus had just come down from the “Mount of Transfiguration” where a crowd was gathering around the disciples. A man in the crowd had brought his son to be healed from epilepsy and not being able to speak. Just before verse 23 the boy’s father said “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us” that’s when Jesus answered: “IF you can??? Everything is possible for him who believes.”

As I read these word I immediately began to look inward at my life and realized how unbelieving I truly am. Circumstances become difficult and I still after all these years of walking with Christ, I seek to work it out myself while praying only with an “If you can” attitude.

I am so grateful for the Holy Spirit within that guides me and makes “catches” like this in a letter that I may have otherwise scanned. I am thankful too for a college Junior that was an example of faith to this seasoned old dude. May God raise up more like her, that break beyond the cultural norms to let their faith shine before a dying world. I am truly blessed..and yes, Jesus can.

Now let me start by saying that direct marketing, MLM, relationship marketing,etc. has been around for over 70 years in various shapes and forms. Currently there are over 1,100 companies that employ some form of direct marketing in their approach. In order to begin a clear understanding, I will define some of the terms used in this industry.

Direct Marketing, is perhaps the oldest of terms associated with the industry and simply refers to the fact that a given product or service is marketed directly from the company to the consumer through a single independent agent who is paid a commission. Over the years the name of the industry has taken on other descriptive names…and in some cases for good reasons to be discussed shortly. Other names associated with the industry are Network Marketing, Multi-Level Marketing, Relationship Marketing, and some other less used terms. The names have changed over the years in order to differentiate a company or its approach from those that have abused or exploited the industry.

Many fine companies have emerged using this approach but there have also been companies that have scammed or taken advantage of its reps and consumers to earn a quick profit. It is companies like these that have given the impression to some that all Direct Marketing companies are scams. When some of these companies were exposed it was clear that their pay system was flawed and took advantage of the average rep. Because the structure of these pay systems resemble a Pyramid, the industry had to endure bearing that name in a negative context for some. The FTC set up some very clear guidelines in the 70′s as to how these structures should be set up which removed some of the worst players. Some companies have continued to survive and operate fairly and with integrity so it is important to understand that the properly laid out binary pay system actually works effectively and legally to compensate a sales organization.

A binary system simply defined means that there are business streams below each rep. Keeping it fair and legal means that every rep regardless of current level in the system, has the exact same potential for earning as the person at the top. This is a sharp contrast to the corporate Pyramid where you have someone at the top earning a large salary and those down the ladder make less and less the further down the rungs you go.

Why would a company want to use this type of sales force and pay structure? Several reasons but the most prominent are:

An Independent Sales Force (no employees!)

Low Advertising Costs (because of word of mouth)

Helps Others (individuals can experience great pay)

While this is not an exhaustive explanation of Direct Marketing, it will, hopefully, provide some new insight and understanding. As with any industry on our planet, there are some bad eggs out there that make it difficult for the legitimate companies. It is always important to know who you are aligning with, the quality of their products and their reputation. A good company will also discourage high pressure and unethical approaches. So next time a relative, friend or colleague recommends something to you, give a look because they may truly be on to something!

When Micah wrote this, it was at a time when Israel had been straying from the Lord (again) and this particular verse was to remind them of what it was to be a servant of God and how they/we are to conduct themselves.

I was recently challenged to memorize more scripture so that it might “live in me”. That made so much sense to have the word of God so saturated in our hearts and minds that it was a natural resource for our daily use.

This passage in Micah has inspired a few insights by virtue of them beginning to “live” in me…for however God choses to use them.

To “do justice”. So many things come to mind, but it occurs to me to be so basic in that we must be people of justice. Not just in the sense of judgement or standing up for things that we know to be right and pure, but also to “do justice” on the behalf of others. My mind goes immediately to “helping others to be justified” This in itself goes beyond the simple holding out your hand to help someone less fortunate. I think it speaks to their soul as well, to help them find the kind and even justice that comes from a loving and compassionate God. Of course justice demands the consequence of injustice, but that is another discussion altogether!

The second part of verse 8 says to “love mercy”. Initially I found myself thinking that it was easy to love mercy, but quickly realized that it is only easy to love mercy when it is bestowed on me! How selfish! The aspects of mercy talked about in this verse, I think, goes way beyond an acceptance of mercy to actually cherishing the mercies of God so much that we show mercy to others…and love doing so.

It is so easy for me to put blinders on when I should be showing mercy to those around me. This isn’t always an action or thing you do, but I am convinced that it is also an attitude which we must adopt to be aware of situations and people who need mercy. What people need more than food, shelter and clothing (though these are important) is the mercy of God on their souls. We must be beacons of light for His mercy.

“Walk Humbly with your God” is perhaps the easiest to understand of these three elements but maybe not so easy to do consistently. To walk with God in humility requires that we lose sight of ourselves and devote ourselves to God. Painful as it may sound, humility requires a certain brokenness…to be brought to a place where we must rely on God completely and earnestly to supply our needs. Not only is this important in regard to the way we approach or walk with God, but it also is a fundamental essential when doing justice and loving mercy! How much more will the mercy and justice be received if it is given in humility!

My hope is that God will continue to reveal His truths to me through His word and through consistent prayer. May I be a man who “does justice, loves mercy, and walks humbly with the Lord God.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NIV

Well, that describes how I titled this post. All my life I have been pounded with the reality and power of prayer but save for a few scattered inner revivals, I don’t think I have really embraced prayer the way it is meant to be embraced.

We all say the prayers of desperation when things aren’t going well or we are in crisis. I have been no exception. After such time as I have exhausted my own efforts, I would then and only then “resort” to prayer! Pretty sure I’m not alone.

What I am discovering (again) is that prayer is so much more than asking for what I need or want. The Bible tells us that sometimes prayers are groanings especially when applied to the Holy Spirit praying to the Father on our behalf. (Romans 8:26). In Luke 18 Christ instructs to “pray without ceasing”. We all know that this is the time when we can speak with our God and Savior.

Our Pastor has a great passion for prayer and has been encouraging us to be better and more intentional people of prayer. The Church recently moved a weekly prayer meeting to Tuesday nights so that more of the folks who minister on Wednesdays can make it. Since I am in Choir the day change is perfect for me. Though the group is smaller that it should be, it is an intimate, transparent, and unified time of petition, pleading, and praising directed to our Lord. Prayer is totally contageous! If you spend time with your brothers and sisters in prayer it is so unifying. Many people seeking the same purpose.

My prayer for me and my dear brothers and sisters in Christ is that we can learn to remove the barriers of social strata, embarrassment, awkwardness, etc, and just embrace the gift of prayer as we lift one another up, whether we are grieving, rejoicing, crying out or groaning.

I have always been deeply into music and have a wide variety that was selected because of its beauty, a situation or place in my life when I first heard it, or for the way it cuts through the tangled web we call life. The latter is perhaps the most profound and important value for music in my life.

There have been times when a simple but meaningful text will cut directly to the heart of the matter at hand. Without a moments notice good music or text will minister directly to the need without the need of coaxing. Suddenly the answer I have been seeking lay bare before me because of a simple yet profound lyric.

Once the music has drawn me in and provided the initial balm of healing, it is then my heart and soul is softened to the point of pouring out in prayer and devouring the scriptures for more truth. There is no question that God uses music to draw us to Him. (Just read the Psalms!)

Today the song that brought me in was a classic Keith Green that is so simple but so real, so true for most of us at times. I wish for you to be bathed in the oil and wine today…as I have been.

“My eyes are dry
My faith is old
My heart is hard
My prayers are cold
And I know how I ought to be
Alive to you and dead to me
Oh, what can be done for an old heart like mine
Soften it up with oil and wine
The oil is you, Your Spirit of love
Please wash me anew in
The wine of Your blood” ~Keith Green

Our “cloud of witnesses” can be more recent in our families, our churches and other places where we meet people of influence. Today I am reminded of my Grandfather (called him Pop-Pop) who passed away only a few short months ago and was definitely on the top tier of my cloud!

My Grandfather, Fred Lewis, has always been an example to me in my faith and how that should look. Pop-Pop though he never finished school was brilliant in his knowledge and recall of scripture. Spending many years teaching Sunday school and being involved in church leadership he was truly a student of the word. I am so thankful that he had such a candid and unencumbered way of speaking. I always knew how he felt or where he stood on a given topic. He spoke the truth in love to all of our family even if it winced or embarrassed a little! Most notably in my mind, Pop-Pop was faithful.

In some ways one might observe my Grandfather Lewis as a simple man. Simple he was, but simple in his faith. I Timothy 2:2b says “…so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” and Mark 10:15 teaches “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” My Grandfather got this. His obedience to what the scripture said was childlike in that if it said it, he knew he was to do it. I never once observed him resisting or challenging the teachings of the bible, rather, he embraced it with unabashed devotion and allegiance and committed it to regular prayer.

Our church has lost 3 or 4 elderly saints recently that were icons of faith in our congregation. One of them was my Pop-Pop. These dear ones left a legacy that if we are cognizant, will follow with our whole hearts. I have to ask the question “What will be my legacy…what will my family and friends say about me when I’m gone?”

Lord give me the grace and obedience to come before you with a child-like and bold faith, just like Pop-Pop.

Something that stood out today was a selection in the worship guide (bulletin) that was taken from “The Valley of Vision” which is a beautiful collection for Puritan prayers for all occasions. While most of these prayers are rich with praise and adoration, they also contain a truthful and start tone of repentance for the depraved state of the sinful man. Today, the particular way that a sentence was phrased burned deeply on my heart. The writer of this prayer addressed the Lord in a way that acknowledge the Trinity like I have seldom seen. The paragraph of this prayers started out ” I come to Thee in Thy beloved name of Jesus;”. Do you see what I saw as I read this in preparation for communion? The author of this prayer is pleading to the Lord through Jesus whom he acknowledges as a name of God Almighty! Shame on me for my tired casual prayers repeating names of God that hold little meaning in my heart as I pray them! Forgive me Triune God for not embracing the fullness of who you are…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Interesting how God teaches us in small(or sometimes huge!) and unexpected ways.

First, know that for most of my life I have avoided things that upset me. Things that would bring on feelings of sympathy, grieving, and other types of emotional responses. Well tonight I couldn’t help but notice the care this family was giving this young man. I am not going to venture a guess as to his disorder or issues, but it was obvious he needs a good bit of care. The father particularly drew my attention as he tenderly held his son’s hand for the duration of my time at the restaurant. I fought hard to bridle my emotions. After all…how pitiful would I be crying for another’s enduring love in a seemingly difficult lot in life? Could I ever bear such circumstances had I been dealt the same? Please don’t misinterpret these feelings as some misguided pity (though we all have to recognize that there must be some very difficult times for those that care for special needs family members). I have to say it is more a moment of inspiration to see a family persevere, and love each other as evidenced.

Regardless of the health or disposition of my children, I want to be sure that my love for them is observable and pure…no matter what.  A love that reflects the love that Christ has shown all of us…unconditional love. Be thankful for what God has put before you. There is nothing that is insurmountable if you are tapped into His power. I once was in a class with a marriage and family counselor that was speaking to single parents who said “God has uniquely equipped you to care for your children as a single parent”. Wow…what a concept that reinforced my beleif in the fact that God’s grace is all sufficient for those who love Him.

Thanks for reading, I wish you the best.

Today I give kudos to Kirstie for being who she is (though I don’t agree with everything she says or does) and hope she can continue to rise above and take pride in who she is.

I’m just sayin.

~ Ken