The Sweetest Christmas

Dr. Mike Murphy
December 5, 2018

A long, long, time ago, in a land that lies far, far away, our tale begins with a young woman named Gwendolyn.  Gwendolyn was the youngest child of a large family. A family that did not have many of the luxuries of life as she grew up, but a family with a mother and father that always looked to give Gwendolyn all she could truly need.  As Gwendolyn grew, her parents help plant two loves in her, a love for baking, and a love for Christ. Gwendolyn loved to bake, and even after both her parents passed, and her siblings had moved away, Gwendolyn still turned each day to her second love.  Every day, the whole neighborhood, could smell the aroma from the goods that Gwendolyn baked. A smell so sweet, that it would draw all to her house like a moth to flames. All day long, she would sell the goods she baked, to support her modest lifestyle.  And with each good she baked, she would attach a little handwritten note, that always pointed all to her first love. She would tie a single piece of paper to each baked good, that simply quoted her favorite verse from Scripture. “How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”(Psalm 119:103).  Each time attached as she looked to thank the Lord for the gift He had given her, and as her way of reminding all of the gift He had given everyone.

As the years past, Gwendolyn’s baked goods became known throughout the kingdom, as people would travel from miles around to sample the sweetness of all that Gwendolyn would make each day.  Soon, the popularity of Gwendolyn’s goods, also drew the attention of another in the kingdom, one who had always seen everything she had as the best of the kingdom. And as the queen heard so many describe what Gwendolyn baked, she soon decided she had to taste the sweets for herself.  So the queen sent out her guards to gather samples from the goods of Gwendolyn’s kitchen, bringing back to her a sample of each, so she could compare their taste with those the staff of her castle had to offer.

With one taste, the queen soon knew that what Gwendolyn offered, had to come from her kitchen.  Quickly the queen made an offer to Gwendolyn, to come to work as a baker for her. But Gwendolyn knew that to bake for the queen, would mean that Gwendolyn would also have to give up her first love.  As any good that went out from the queen’s kitchen had her seal on it, and nothing else. Making sure all attention was brought to the queen, not to a small, attached note that looked to bring all eyes to the Word of God.  As Gwendolyn refused, the queen became outraged. How dare this commoner, this young girl think she could refuse her queen! So the mind of the queen sought to do what her hardened heart had always done, she simple took what she thought she had the right to have.  Quietly, the queen sent guards one night to capture Gwendolyn, and to steal all the recipes from Gwendolyn. And as all awoke to find Gwendolyn gone the following morning, the queen soon falsely leaked a story that Gwendolyn had gotten in trouble, and had to quickly escape the kingdom.

As the days passed, all soon began to forget about Gwendolyn, and all of the baked goods they had each day enjoyed from Gwendolyn.  Not even realizing that Gwendolyn had not fled the kingdom, but was actually not that far away. Buried in the darkness and the depths of the castle’s prison, left to live out her life there without ever being heard from again.  But as Gwendolyn was placed in the cell of that prison, she soon learned that the one she was in the cell with, also had a connection to the queen. For over two years, Margaret shared that cell with her. A woman, that as soon as she spoke, you could tell how well educated she was.  A woman of class and posture, that drew your respect from simply being around her. A woman the kingdom had one day in the past also known very well, as she was actually the older sister of the queen. The rightful ruler of the throne, that the queen had conspired with powerful people, to take her place as the ruler of the kingdom.

As time passed in the isolation of the prison, Margaret grew more amazed each day with the young woman who shared her cell.  Despite losing all, Gwendolyn was always filled with peace, always quick to share her joy. Always heard praying to the Lord, thanking Him for all He did for her each day.  And as time passed, Margaret came to cherish the peace that she saw in Gwendolyn, the hope that this young woman still had, despite the nothingness that daily surrounded her.  A peace and a hope that Margaret came to more that just cherish, but one that Margaret soon sought for herself. A peace and a hope that led Margaret to her knees, as she gave her life to Christ.

As the days turned to months, and the months soon became years, Gwendolyn and Margaret began to accept their fate, and to look to the Lord to help them make the most each day of what their fate held.  Days filled with moments of talking to the Lord, and turning every moment over to Him. Of knowing He was there as the darkness and loneliness of the prison cell surrounded them. Asking Him to give their life purpose, no matter where this life might find them.  And praying, that if it was His will, that one day, the locked doors of their cell would swing open. Their routine continued, until one cold, winter day, when commotion began to fill the entire prison. As the voices poured into the prison, they could begin to hear the cries of excitement that followed.  Soon the voices worked their way to Margaret and Gwendolyn’s cell, where shock came on the face of many as they suddenly recognized Margaret’s face. Voices that quickly became quiet, as the people of the kingdom realized they were looking on the face of their rightful queen.

Margaret was overwhelmed at all the people of the kingdom soon told her. The years of deception and cruelty that has began to unravel, as all in the kingdom began to discover the truth of what the queen had done.  And as the queen heard the outcries of the people, she soon became the one that fled in the darkness of the night. And as they saw her flee, her staff also fled.  Fleeing out of fear of what actions the people might soon take against them. But through it all, Margaret looked to bring stability back to the kingdom, and hope back to the heart of the people of the kingdom.  And as Margaret took her rightful place on the throne, she made it clear, only one Throne would now hold its’ rightful place over the kingdom now.

As stability came back to the kingdom, rumors began to arise from neighboring kingdoms.  Rumors that had those kingdoms now wondering if they could add to their own kingdom. And as the annual Christmas festival arose, a time when people from miles away would come to celebrate at the palace, the leadership of those neighboring kingdoms, saw it as an opportunity to see if this kingdom was now vulnerable.  Hearing this, Margaret realized she had to put on the best face the kingdom could offer, in order to protect the safety of the kingdom. A time of celebration when the visitors from other kingdoms would see the heart and determination of the kingdom. A time when all could see a kingdom that now sought the Lord to protect them, and a kingdom, that was far more stable that the rumors would have all believe.

To accomplish this, Margaret turned to a trusted friend.   One who could not only prepare the treats that many came to the kingdom to taste each Christmas, but one who knew the importance of the Lord’s presence that Christmas.  Gwendolyn throw her all into everything Margaret asked of her. Making sure each treat was made to perfection, and attached to each treat was the same simple note she had once written from her one kitchen.  And as Gwendolyn made sure one staff churned out the baked goods, she made sure another staff spent their days writing and rewriting Gwendolyn’s favorite verse.

The Christmas festival that year was one the kingdom would never forget. The year all in the kingdom would come to remember as the Sweetest Christmas. The year that verse found on each treat, soon became the verse that found its’ way into the heart of many neighboring kingdoms.  The year Gwendolyn came to fully understand the power of that verse, and just how sweet the words of the Lord really are. A year that showed Gwendolyn, the bitterness that so many saw as a curse, was actually a part of the Lord’s plan to bring a sweetness to the whole kingdom.  A plan that the Lord had already began to put in place, long before Gwendolyn could even begin to be amazed by the plan. A sweetness that not only filled the kingdom, but left a taste in their mouth, sweeter than any honey this world could ever offer!

Praying the plans the Lord has for you are sweeter than honey this Christmas!

Visitors No More

Dr. Mike Murphy
November 9, 2018

....the conclusion to The Visitors and More Than Just Visitors

As the pastor gave his sermon that Sunday morning, he could pick out each of the board members by their actions.  Each seemed anxious, always fidgeting, just not able to sit still that morning during the service. And as he watched each, he knew how they felt.  Since the meeting on Friday night, the Holy Spirit had been in his ear the whole time. Showing him ways to help the family that he otherwise would have never thought of, never would have began to imagine. Ways he could not wait to share with the board in their meeting after the morning service.

As the church board gathered, the pastor remembered the words that had driven them that Friday night, and opened the meeting asking the Lord if He would stand present during each minute of their meeting.  Helping all to know and to follow His will, and showing them with clarity the path He wanted them to follow for this family.

As the meeting started, the pastor could not believe the words he was hearing, as each board member was filled with excitement to share with all about what the Holy Spirit had shown them.  And as each began to speak, the pastor soon realized just how busy the Holy Spirit had been during those past couple of days. As the first board member spoke, he told all that the Holy Spirit had reminded him of recent events that had occured in his life.  An aunt of his has left to him a local house, a house he was intending to sell. As he laid in bed that Friday night, the Holy Spirit directed him to visit that house again. And as he looked at it closely, he realized that before it could be sold, it needed desperately to be updated, both inside and out.  Walking around the house led him to think. Would the father be willing to paint the house inside and out, and help with the landscaping, in exchange for being allowed to stay in the house with his two girls for the next few months?

As the first board member finished telling all about the house, another began to speak.  He owned a landscaping company, that was greatly in need of workers. He had several pending contracts, that could not be filled without those workers.  And if the father was willing to be one of his workers, not only would he receive a larger paycheck each week, but would have medical benefits for his daughters and himself.  And if he did stay at the house the other board member had mentioned, he would be more than willing to allow him to use the tools that would help in making the landscaping easier.

As this board member finished, another began to speak, reminding all that his family owned a clothing consignment shop, where they could get clothing for the girls to wear each day at practically no cost.  Good clothes, that each girl would feel comfortable in wearing, and would help each be proud of having. As he finished, another board member began to speak, letting the board know they would organize sitters from the church.  So when the father worked overtime, someone would always be there for the girls. Another board member followed, reminding the church they owned a food distribution center, and always had plenty of extra food that could be given to help the family eat wholesome and healthy meals each day.  And another board member offered a car they had, one they no longer had any use for. A car, that although far from new, was much more reliable than the one the family now had.

Before the meeting was done that Sunday, the church board amazingly realized how the pieces has fallen into place as soon as they began to entrust this situation in His hands.  Soon coming to realize, that long before this meeting, the Lord already had a plan and a purpose in place. A plan that had led the father and his daughters to the fast food restaurant across the street from their church.  A purpose that had brought this family into the doors of their church that Sunday morning. And a plan, that He already knew before the Lord had even brought each of them on the board to the church so many years ago. And as the Lord worked through them to bless this family, the pastor and the whole church board, suddenly began to realize just how much He was also blessing their church.

As the board told the father the plans the Lord had given them, they watched as the emotions overwhelmed him.  Realizing, that for the first time, in a long time, he could see the image of hope, and a future the Lord was giving him of where each day with that hope could take him.  The father poured himself into all the church had offered him, making sure he never took a single opportunity for granted. Always trying to give as much of himself, as had been given to him. And make the most of it he did!  Within three months, the father had worked so hard for the landscaping company, he was now a crew foreman. And three months later, his hard work had led him to the position of supervisor over three different crews. In six months the father had completely repainted the whole house they were allowed to live in.  And with his newfound landscaping experience, had all but changed the outside layout of the home. No longer was the house an eyesore, but was now the attraction of the local neighborhood. Six months later, as the house was finally about to be put on the market to sell, the father watched in amazement, as he became the buyer.  Able to put away enough for a down payment, and to establish his credit so he could now qualify for a loan. And each day, as several took turns sitting with his kids, everyone in the church began to look at each girl as if they were their very own. Finding themselves caring so much for this once tattered family, that they could no longer imagine their lives without them.

Of all they had seen, one thing that moved the church the most, was what they saw about four months after the Lord had first brought this family to their church doors.  On a rainy Sunday morning, near the end of services, they watched as the father walked forward, and gave his life to Christ. And a few years later, the church would also watch as both daughters each made that same walk.  If the rain had not been falling outside of the church on each of those three Sunday mornings, no one would have ever known the difference. As tears poured like rain from every eye inside the walls of that small church.

A few months after that board meeting, where the church followed the Lord’s plan to help this family, a local reporter came by one morning to visit the pastor.  She had heard the story about this family, and came to the pastor to confirm that the story was true. As the story filled the pages of the local paper, the pastor watched as other churches began to do the same.  Each church realizing, they could not help every family, but they could make a difference in the life of the family the Lord brought to their door. And with each church the Lord brought someone to, the town found itself struggling with the issues of society a little less.  A town that found itself with fewer public funds being needed, as each church fulfilled the call that was being given them. Before long, you could watch many of the local politicians taking credit for the issue. But each time the pastor heard another politician speak, he could not help but laugh just a little inside.  As he had been there from the start, and had seen the One who truly deserved all the credit.

Through the years, the Lord would send several families in need to that small church.  And with the arrival of each, the church did not look to see if they had their checkbook in hand.  But found themselves on their knees, looking first to see where the Lord was leading them. Knowing the plans He would show them, was far greater than the funds could ever amount to in the church’s bank account.  Finding themselves as a church that would one day not only stand in front of our Lord, being seen as a church reaching out with compassion, but one that would also been seen as a good steward of all He had entrusted them with.  A church that had grown to understand the real meaning of of the words Christ spoke. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.”(Matthew 25:40).

Many times through the years, the pastor would often chuckle as he heard the famous saying, “Charity begins at home”.  Since that first Sunday morning, when he saw a beat up, old car, pull into a parking spot in front of the church. And as he watched a struggling father and his two daughters walk through the doors of the church.  The pastor knew this statement was just not complete. He now knew charity, by its very nature, can never be forced, that it must be giving freely. He also now knew that charity could not be offered by simply throwing dollars at the problem. Because charity carried a responsibility on the giver to do more than just place a little money in the hand of someone who said they were in need. Charity held the hope and the accountability of seeking a new life for that person tomorrow, not just about making us feel good today. Since that faithful Sunday, the pastor had come to realize, charity ends at home, true charity begins with Christ.

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.”  Psalm 41:1-2

More Than Just Visitors

Dr. Mike Murphy
November 7, 2018

.....continued from The Visitors

What the Holy Spirit had shown him that night, the pastor knew required his immediate action.  Every ounce of his being was calling him to act now, to do today, what the Lord did not want him to wait to do tomorrow.  So before the pastor could even think of going to bed that Thursday night, he had already messaged the entire church board.  Calling all to an emergency meeting at the church the next evening. For a meeting to be called by the pastor on a Friday night, had many of the board members concerned.  Leaving each asking themselves, “Why could this not wait until after church on Sunday?” A few even took the time to contact the pastor, worried if everything was okay. He replied to each, that he and his wife were fine, but a situation that had been brought to their attention was in desperate need of the church’s action.  

Most of the board members arrived early that Friday evening, still concerned about what they were about to hear.  And as the board all gathered, the pastor begin to explain, in detail, the events of the night before. Events that weighed so heavy on his heart, that he could not imagine waiting another moment to address.

The board could hear something different in his voice.  A slight trembling with each word that made them aware of why the Lord had placed this on his heart, and called them all to the meeting that night.  And as they heard each word, their heart went out to the family. Leaving each wondering, what if the circumstances had been different. What if had been them, or someone from their family, that the pastor had meet for dinner that night before?

But as their hearts continued to sink, the words of a board member, who had been in the church a long time, snapped them all back into reality.  “Pastor, my family has been in this church many years, and we have seen many things. All of my life, I have been a member of this small church, and even though we are small, I have seen the Lord use this little church in amazing ways.  But I am sad to say, I have also seen some come to this church, and try to use it in ways the Lord did not have His hand in.”

“A couple of years before you and your wife came to this church, pastor, another family asked for our help.  A family, where the dad told us he was very sick and facing death. A family with three very young kids that the mom was struggling to just take care of.  A family that as they were about to lose everything, had their apartment broken into, and came home to see what little they did have taken from them. A family, that was about to face Christmas, without anything for their children to have under the tree.”

“The story about this family touched our church like no other ever had. And our church saw people giving to help this family like it never had before.  We moved them into a better apartment, one in a far safer area. And we paid the rent on that apartment for a full year, so the family would not have to worry about not having a home.  We paid for all their household bills, and we furnished that apartment, so the place might feel more like a home. And we went out of our way to also make sure each of those kids had a Christmas to remember, filling that apartment with more presents than all could begin to count.  That year, that Christmas, meant more to this church than any time I can ever remember. Cheer and goodwill became more than just words, but became an outpouring that filled this church. And soon had this church looking for other ways we could reach out, to also help others.”

“Then one day, right after Christmas, news about this family began to spread to everyone in our church.  It turned out, that the whole story, the whole family, was a fraud. The father was not really sick, and no one had broken into their apartment.  The father had pawned all they had, to play on the sympathy of others. And we soon learned that this family had not only scammed our church, but had also done the same with several other churches in the area.  Since then pastor, this church has been very apprehensive to help others in this type of situation. It is not that we do not want to help, we want nothing more than to help this family. It is that we also know the Lord wants us to be accountable.  Romans 14:12 tells us, ‘So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.’ If each of us will one day stand accountable before Him, pastor, then each one of us here must be accountable with the responsibility He is giving us today. And a big part of that responsibility is for us to use wisely each dollar this church has, as those funds are His, not ours.”

On hearing these words, you could watch the faces of the board change, and you could all but sense the apprehension many there now had to help this family.  Not wanting to find themselves in the same situation again, that the church had found itself several years before. Knowing where this was leading, the pastor began to speak, “I fully agree, we must be accountable with ever cent the Lord entrust this church with, and to make sure that each penny is spent wisely.  But because this church was burnt before, cannot stop our arms from ever reaching out for Him again. We cannot look at this situation the same as we did the last. As the call this situation now places on us, we must be accountable for also. Because to turn our backs on this family and not help, leaves us no better, and no more accountable to Him, than if we had unwisely spent His funds thinking we were helping a family who was only looking to scam us.”  

Within minutes, the board soon found itself divided, lines drawn with both sides only looking to further their own point.  But during this disagreement, another board member was seen raising his hand. “Pastor, may I speak for just a moment. I know we are fairly new to this church, and my family does not have the history in this church that so many here do.  But in thinking about this, are not we all going about this decision wrong? Before we decide what we need to do, should we not first ask God what He wants us to do? Before we give nothing, or give everything we can afford, should we not be calling on Him to guide us, to let us know exactly what we should spend, or if we should spend nothing at all?  If we truly believe that all this church has belongs to Him, then should we not be placing this first in His hands?”

The words brought silence, to not only the board, but also to the pastor. And without another word being said, they joined hands and began to pray. Asking the Lord to show them His will, and to give them the strength and the wisdom to carry through with that will, and how He wanted them to act in this situation.  And as the prayer closed, they agreed to each continue to pray, and to come together again after services on Sunday. Each letting the board know where the Lord was leading them, and trusting Him, with where He would soon guide them.

In the conclusion, and the final part of our story, we will look at where the Lord led this church, and see where He is leading all our churches today as we are called to reach out with helping hands to others.

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.”  Psalm 41:1-2

The Visitors

Dr. Mike Murphy
November 4, 2018

Many did not know how to react as they saw them coming toward the door.  They watched as the father and his two young kids got out of a beat up old car, and made their way to the entrance of the small church.  You could tell by looking at them, they had done their best the make themselves look presentable. The youngest girl wore a simple, but well worn shirt and pants that seemed to barely fit.  The oldest girl, wore a dress that appeared to be a size or two too big. And appeared in style, to be a decade or two too old. The father wore a pair of jeans, and a buttoned down shirt. And although neither had holes, you could quickly tell that the material had worn very thin.  As they exited the car, the father made sure their clothes were straightened, and warned both to be on their best behavior. And with a smile, told them to be friendly to all they met.

From the entry of the church, you could all but hear as the silence was speaking.  The eyes of several watched as the family approached. And as the family entered the doors, most just smiled, but said nothing.  It was not that they did not want to speak, it was that they did not know what to say. Finally, the pastor’s wife came up to greet them, and helped them to find a pew in the sanctuary.

During the services that Sunday, the members observed as this family joined them in singing every song.  Watching as the father helped the kids search the hymnal for the song they were about to sing. With each prayer, you could watch as the congregation sneaked a peek.  And with each peek, you could see both the father and the kids with their head bowed silently. And as the service ended, and the pastor shook everyone’s hand, you could see the smile on the father’s face as he told him how glad they were to be there.

For three straight Sundays, the congregation watched as this family came to visit.  And for three straight Sundays, they watched as this family had the same routine. Always dressed as well as they could, with what little it was obvious they had.  Always respectful of why they were there, and glad for the opportunity to be there each Sunday.

As the family began to leave the church that Sunday, the pastor took an extra moment to speak with them.  Asking if the family would have time for him to come by for a visit this week. The father, timidly lowered his head, and asked if it would be okay for them to met at the fast food restaurant across the street from the church instead.  Telling the pastor that he would love to have a moment to talk with him. Although the pastor found the request a little unusual, he agreed, and said that he and his wife would love to meet them for dinner that following Thursday night.

As the week flew by, the pastor’s wife reminded him of their dinner plans that Thursday night.  And as the sun began to set, the pastor and his wife found themselves entering that fast food restaurant.  They quickly ordered their meal, and sat down to join the family, who was already gathered at a table there.  As they sat to eat, they noticed the kids both had a small meal, but that the father sat at the table without any food in front of him.  

As they eat, the small talk began to flow.  And soon the pastor asked the father what local subdivision their house was in.  Quietly, the father asked the pastor if he would give him a moment, and he sent the kids to play on the gym equipment that the restaurant had built in the corner.  As soon as the kids were on their way, the father lowered his head and began to speak.

“Pastor, we do not live in a subdivision, or even a local apartment complex.  That old car you see us in each Sunday is where we call home. I know it is not much, and I so wish for the kid’s sake that we had more, but right now, I am very thankful to the Lord for it.”  As the pastor heard the words, he found himself speaking before he thought about what he was going to say next. “What happened? How did your family become homeless?” The pastor felt his wife punching his leg, only seconds before he found himself finishing the words.  Word he could not now take back.

“Pastor”, the father began to say, “I am sure I could give you greatest of sob stories, but the truth is, I was not always a very good father.  My wife mainly took care of the girls after she worked each day. And between daily bouts of drinking, I worked just enough to keep the family going.  We had a small house we rented a few miles down the street, and although we stayed behind on the bills, we somehow managed to get by. Then one day, I came home to find the girls all alone.  My wife had enough, and abandoned me and the kids. She left behind only a note, telling how she was tired of all of us, and we were nothing but a burden on her life. That night, as I longed more for the bottle than ever, I turned away from the bottle for the first time.  And I do not know how, but I found myself praying, not really even knowing God well enough to say a prayer to Him. But that night, He gave me strength, and I have not touched a bottle since.”

“I soon learned pastor, we were far more behind on the bills than I realized we were.  Farther enough behind, that within a couple of weeks, we lost the house. And with me having to now take care of the kids by myself, I soon was not able to keep my job, as it often required me to work nights.  Within two weeks, we had lost everything pastor. But you know what, in those two weeks the Lord began to show me that I already had everything. For the first time in my life, I began to realize what I had with the two kids, and just how much I really love them, and would do anything for them.  So now each day, I try my best to make their life a little better, even though I have so little to offer them.”

As he heard the words, the pastor fought back the tears as he asked his next question.  “If you do not mind me asking, where are you all living now?” The father slowly pointed to the parking lot, and answered, “This is now our home! The reason I wanted to met you here, is here is about as close to home as we have these days. The manager, at the restaurant here, is letting me work while the kids are in school.  And he is good enough, to help feed my girls many a night. And although I am saving every dime I can, raising kids, even in a car, is expensive. It seems like there is always something they need, something I was just not prepared for.  But although I cannot give them all I want to, the Lord is helping me to give them all I can. I try to always catch Goodwill on the days they are having their ninety-nine cent sales, so the girls always have something nice to wear to school each day.  The restaurant manager allows them to use the restroom to wash up each morning before they go to school, and he lets them study at a table in the restaurant each night. He has also been good enough to me to let me leave my car parked by the building, so that the kids will always know where it is, and provides as safe as possible a place for all of us to sleep each night.”

“I know you might be wondering also pastor, what brought us to your church?  Each Sunday morning we watched from across the street as so many smiling faces came into your church.  Faces that always seemed filled with hope. And the more I looked at those faces, the more I wanted that hope for my kids, and for me.”

For over two hours the pastor, his wife, and the father talked that night. And as they finally got ready to leave, they both found themselves saying a prayer for the father and his family.  And before she left the table, the pastor’s wife reached into her purse and pulled out all forty-three dollars that she had, forcing each dollar into the hands of the father.

Leaving that night, both the pastor and his wife knew that their story with this family was not about to end, but was near where the Lord was ready for it to begin.  And as both laid in bed that night, they both prayed for the right words to speak to their church. Words the Lord was calling them to. Words that would bring not only this family, but the needs of the family, into the family of their church.

In part two of our fictional story, we will look at how our churches today can reach out with all the compassion He is calling us to, and still hold themselves accountable with every dollar He has entrusted us with.

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.”  Psalm 41:1-2

Living Happily Ever After In Fantasy Land

Dr. Mike Murphy
October 25, 2018

Recently, I had a very popular social site we all know well, block a few of the pictures in my past posts.  Pictures that showed Christ on the Cross, and one picture that showed the nail in His hand. Pictures of the Crucifixion we have all seen numerous times, and pictures that have been posted on this same site countless times before.  I began to wonder, why would they pull these pictures now? Why would they suddenly begin to worry about people seeing these pictures, or think that images of Christ on the Cross might now be seen by some as offensive? And why restrict these pictures, when they will openly allow images of sex and violence within our society to fill their pages?

With this in mind, I had an discussion with someone who was very familiar with the site, one who firsthand experience with the policies on the site.  I ask them why these pictures of Christ were now being blocked? Also asking them why other Christian links were also experiencing problems having their articles shown in full. To make a long story short, I was told that the images of sex and violence involved “real-life” stories, stories that were a part of the reality we see around us. Whereas, the images of Christ dealt with fictional issues, issues that were not real to what society must daily face.  In other words, to believe images of Christ were just as real as the images we see on the news today, leaves us living in nothing more than a fantasy land.

At first, the response greatly troubled me.  But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this site was not that much different from the rest of this world.  And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this is exactly what Christ warned me that this world would one day be.  A world so focused on itself, that it has no room in its’ vision to see Christ. A world so consumed by its’ own desires, that it could not even begin to imagine having a desire for Christ.  And a world so filled with its’ own wants, that it finds itself without any room left to need Christ.

Christ told us, and warned us, that we would be hated because of His name(Matthew 10:22, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:17).  The cold, hard, reality is, this world does not love us. And the truth is, despite what they might say, they do not even respect us.  They may often try to put on a face for us, but if we could look behind that face, deep inside of them lies the very hate that Christ warned us about.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”(John 15:18–20).  The simple truth is, I am not greater than my Master.  And in a world that is so quick to deny Him, I should not be surprised to find it so willing to look down on me.  No matter how much I might try to placate to this world, or go along with the political correctness of this world, I will never be loved or respected by those who are still more than willing to crucify my Master.

No matter how hard I might try, I will never be seen as this world’s friend, unless I am willing to compromise my faith in Him(James 4:4).  A world that seeks to have me proclaim Him less, as I pamper to it more. A world that sees my light as just a little too bright. That thinks my taste is just a little too salty.  And a world that think my faith is just a little too bold. I find myself in a world that only sees love in the eyes of those who are willing to indulge their greatest desires. A world that defines goodness in terms of compromise, and love in terms of acceptance.  A world, that far more desires to hear my silence, than it ever will to hear me speak a single one of His words.

The truth is, I will never get this world to like me, much less to ever come to love me.  This world is always going to have a hatred for me, because they hated Him first(John 15:18).  I can spend all day, everyday, trying to get this world to dislike me less, but when the day is over, the hate this world has for me will always inevitably come.  And when my days on this earth are over, my life will come down to one simple question. Will i be more concerned about whether this world might have disliked me, or whether His love is found in me?

"For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?”(Luke 9:25).  This world has nothing to offer me that can ever compare to all that Christ has waiting for me. To follow Christ does not carry the shame this world might try to place on me, but carries the blessing that only His love and truth can give me.  It is nothing short of my privilege to be able to pick up that cross and follow my Master. Knowing that the sacrifice that comes in denying myself as I carry that cross, is nothing compared to the life I gain as I place that cross on my shoulder.  Realizing, the very moment I proclaimed Him as my Savior, and picked up that cross, I had already looked this world in the eye, and accepted the fate this world had waiting on me. Knowing that in the world’s eyes, the moment my hands gripped that cross, I condemned myself to die on it.

Because of the hate that has blinded this world’s eyes, it can never see the beauty that comes with ever splinter I receive from carrying that cross.  The grace, the mercy, and the love, that comes with each step I take as I drag the cross up that hill. A world that never sees the blessing that comes with each moment I suffer, as i cling tightly to that cross.  A suffering that might set me at odds with this world, but places me obediently in the peace of His hands.

By loyally turning to His promises and His teachings, i know i am setting myself up for rejection and betrayal by this world.  Opening the door to the persecution that the cruelty of this world often takes pleasure in. Knowing, this world will look to mock each word of righteousness and truth I make my stand for Him on.  But no threat this world might throw at me could make me ever consider turning my eyes from Him, not even for the slightest second. As i know that each glance into His eyes, leaves me without question that it is all worthwhile. And each time I can convince just one who this world has in its’ grip to also look into those eyes, the pure joy that fills my heart can never be contained.  Because I know, that another will soon experience the love and hope that comes from carrying their cross beside me.

This world may mock me, despise me, look down on me, and yes, even hate me.  But no matter how hard it might try, it can never take His love and hope from me.  Despite its’ greatest efforts, it can never get me to abandon the truth, wisdom, peace, and security, He has placed in the home He has built for me.  And no matter how much this world might question or attack me, they can never drive me from living happily ever after, in this place they often like to call a fantasy land.

Praying each of you are always at “home” carrying the cross for Christ!

Another Jesus?

Dr. Mike Murphy
September 21, 2018

I could not believe what they was saying.  I heard the words, but my mind was not able to comprehend them.  I had mentioned my shock at hearing a pastor who was preaching that Christ was a representative of God, but did not come as God.  Their reply to my statement floored me, as if a punch in the gut that drew the breath out of me.  They told me that they had no problem with what the pastor was preaching, that God could be different things to different people. They then went on to tell me, “If Christ was not God, it did not change why Christ had come.  Whether as God or as man, Christ was here to uplift people, to help them through their struggles on this earth.”  They ended by telling me, “The Word of God remains the same, it is just that many see Him as another Jesus.”

Another Jesus?  These words would have troubled me, but would not have surprised me if they had come from any other person.  I have often heard this expressed by many, even laypeople in the Church today.  I have even heard this said in sermons from pastors who have strayed from the Word of God, preaching their own beliefs instead of filling their sermons with what the Lord has told us. But these words did not come from an ordinary layperson, nor from a pastor who was putting his own beliefs above the Lord’s.  This was the regional head of a major denomination.  A person who would not only help set the standard their denomination would present, but a person who would have a hand in placing the men and women that would teach that standard.

Another Jesus.  Just what do these words mean?  And where could such a belief come from?  Believe it or not, the first question is easier to answer than the second one. These words have found a home in many of our seminaries, and in many of this nation’s schools of divinity.  Their halls are filled with experts who speak, and professors who teach, that God is many things to many different people.  They tell us how they now understand more about God’s Word than the One who gave us that Word.  They look to again climb the tower, seeking to bring their own thoughts and beliefs to the top of the tower.  Their words tells us that what was done at Babel was not wrong, just by the wrong people, at the wrong time.

Of all they teach, two philosophies form a common thread in all they say. Postmodernism and Liberation Theology.  Many have heard the terms, but few realize how often they are hearing the teachings of these two philosophies from the pulpit.  Even fewer realize how the deep roots of these two philosophies have crept their way into the foundation of the Church, and how much that foundation is now in danger of being destroyed.

Postmodernism teaches that there is no objective or absolute truth, and emphasis this belief heavily when it comes to areas of spirituality and religion. Postmodernism also teaches that everything is relative, and within the philosophy you will find the universalist belief that all religions lead to God. The postmodernist say that truth is understood within the bounds of one’s own culture and experiences, and how one sees these views is how the world is to be interpreted.  One’s own revelation of God, is based on all he has observed, and what he has considered to be the truth.  Therefore God will be different depending upon one’s cultural and his experiences.  It is from this we get the statement, “what may be true to one, may not be true to another”.

Sadly I must say, the majority of the Church today no long has the basic understanding of Biblical principles to realize the dangers that come from this philosophy. The Church today no longer possesses the discernment that comes from God’s Word, and His wisdom that is found in that Word.  The Church does not realize the idiocy that is found in the postmodernist statement, “We can never know truth absolutely”.   That in making this statement, the postmodernist is stating this absolutely!

Christ came with an absolute truth, and the purpose of His coming was proven absolutely(John 3:16).  Christ spent three and a half years ministering to this world while here on this earth, and with each of those days He told this world that He, alone, was the only way to the Father(John 4:16).  No One else could have, would have, and has ever, made such a claim.  He life comes down to one simple question, a question that separates Christianity from every other religion of the world.  Was Christ telling us the absolute truth?

Postmodernism reduces Christ and Christianity to a matter of opinion, and it reduces God’s Word to nothing more than scribble on a page.  Postmodernism would tell you that the readers know more about the intent of the author than the One who wrote the book. Postmodernism will never accept or understand that sin does exist, and that their are consequences to our sin.  We must face those who follow this philosophy, look them lovingly in the eyes, and ask them the same question Paul once asked so many years ago.  “So I have become your enemy by telling you the truth?”(Galatians 4:16).

From out of this philosophy has sprung yet “Another Jesus”.  One that Paul warned us about when he gave us the words, “having a form of godliness, but denying its’ power.”(2 Timothy 3:5).  Out of the bubbling darkness of Postmodernism, has rose another philosophy, a philosophy whose smile hides the fork in its’ tongue.

Liberation Theology replaces the long standing message of our salvation through our faith in Jesus Christ, and His death on the Cross, with a message that is focused on obtaining salvation through political and social reform.  In other words, Christ did not come to bring salvation to man, but to uplift the oppressed. It reduces salvation to nothing more than a way to help mankind escape oppression from this world, and it reduces God and His Word, to nothing more than helpful and suggestive tips on how to overcome that oppression.

In Liberation Theology, we see universalism again peek out its’ head, ignoring man’s spiritual needs by placing its’ focus on man’s physical condition.  It places its’ faith in the condition of man, undermining the Biblical doctrine of salvation, that through Christ alone we are saved.  Following this philosophy, salvation could be accomplished by building a utopia of this world, by bringing social and political reform to this world.  They ignore the fact that nowhere did Christ teach redemption through social and political reform.  They ignore the obvious, if this had been Christ’ intent, then He would have simply established an earthly kingdom when He came to this earth over thousand years ago.  He would not have come to establish a Heavenly kingdom, where through salvation man could spend eternity in His presence.

With certainty, the Bible teaches all who follow Christ to care for those in need, and to speak loudly when we see injustice in this world(Galatians 2:10, James 2:15-16).  But in no verse does the Bible equate social justice with salvation.  As important as it is for us to have compassion for those in need, it cannot and will not ever replace the Good News that Christ brought this world. Also, the message that Christ brought was not just for those we see in need, His message was for all mankind, both rich and poor.  We are all in need of what Christ brought this world, salvation does not know race, gender, or economic class. Christ sought to bring His church together as one, not to separate it by things that man has so foolishly created(Ephesians 4:15-16).

The pastors and theologians who spew out these tainted philosophies have infected the Church today with this deadly disease.  A disease that eats at the Truth, and strips man of the eternal promise that Christ offered.  They roll their eyes, and scoff at tradition, telling us that man is not fallen and totally depraved, but simply misinformed and misguided, only in need of being redirected.  They redefine the Word of God, denying that it is “God-breathed” and inerrant.  They make Swiss cheese of the Scriptures, pulling out the verses they like, and ignoring others.  Telling us that only a simpleton would follow and believe every word. They reduce the virgin birth to nothing more than a fairytale, a mythological story created for children.  They thumb their nose at the Resurrection, as a Redeemer was not needed, making Christ into nothing more than a man who had a morale message worth teaching. They laugh at the idea of Hell, claiming man can redeem himself through his own works and his own will. And they redefine love, stripping it from the hands of God, and corruptly placing it in the hands of man

Another Jesus.  One that teaches a gospel that our Lord does not know.  A gospel that replaces the atoning death of Jesus Christ with a social gospel that man can achieve on his own.  A gospel that believes man can attain peace without the presence of the Cross, and without the wisdom and mercy of our Lord.   

As I watch this “so-called” gospel being preached, and spreading like wildfire through the Church today, I am left without words.  I am left dumbfounded at the blindness of the Church today.  A Church that seeks to speak for God, but a Church that has forgotten the sound of His voice.  A Church that is called to reflect Christ, but a Church that is quickly forgetting the defining lines and crevices that are etched in His loving and familiar face. With each breath I breathe, with each beat of my heart, with each thought that fills my mind, the Lord shows how His will, His wisdom, His grace, and His mercy are all I will ever need. I cannot for the life of me comprehend, why this Church would even think for one moment that it needed another Jesus.

Praying that each of you will see that Christ is all you will ever need.

Live Like You Were Dying!

Dr. Mike Murphy
July 24, 2018

As I heard him ask the question, I already knew the answers I would hear. The commentator asked, “What would you do if you found out that you only had a few weeks to live?”.  The answers did not surprise me.  Some told him they would take the trip of a lifetime, seeing things they had always wanted to see. Others told him they would check off as much of their bucket list as possible, doing all the things they had never found the time to do.  And others said they would spend the time with family, saying the things they always wished they had said.

As I heard the comments, a smile came to my face.  A smile that made me reflect on each of their answers.  A smile that reminded me of the reality of the question.  Three words made his question stand out to me.  Three words made his question a reality.  Those three words?  I am dying.  As many of you know, I am in the final stage of cancer.  My life is now counted by the months and the days, no longer by the years.  And as I heard the question asked, I could honestly hear the question being asked of myself.  What will I now do with the time I have left?  Will I spend that time doing all the things I had never done? Would I seek to spend time with those close to me?  Or would I seek to make right all the wrongs I have committed in my life?

It did not take me long to know my answer to the question.  I will live each tomorrow the Lord gives me the same as I have lived today.  I will spend each day I have left doing the things the Lord has called me to do today, praying I will have the chance to do more of those things tomorrow.  I will eagerly live each day the same as the day He gave me yesterday.  I will live each day as if I am dying!

Each day reminds me of what hope tomorrow holds, and what possibilities today offers.  The reality of my tomorrow does not change me, it encourages me to make the most of each of the opportunities the Lord entrusts me with today.  To not let those opportunities slip by, and to cherish the blessing that each of those opportunities bring.  Each day reminds me that I live for Christ today, and I long to spend an eternity with Him tomorrow. It calls me to cherish each moment I am allowed to serve my Lord today, knowing He has already done everything to make the most of what He has waiting on me tomorrow.

God’s Word tells us, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.”(Philippians 4:6).  Most look at this verse and will tell you Paul is telling us to not worry, to turn all our concerns over to the Lord. But if we look at this verse closely, it speaks so much more to us.  The word for “worry” actually means, “do not be anxious, do not let troubles change you”.  Our troubles should not be worries that causes change in us, but should do nothing more than change the opportunities that the Lord gives us.  Opening doors for us to speak with others about all that Christ is doing in our lives.  Not just speaking the words, but showing them firsthand, that no matter what we may face, the Lord is always there with us(1 Peter 5:7).

Cancer has shown me that nothing I will ever face is too small or too big for God. Each day He places His arms around me, and does not allow cancer to distract me.  He whispers in my ear reminding me of the call and purpose He has for me, not letting cancer redirect me from those plans.  The cancer may be spreading through my body, but it does not and cannot spread faster than the love He has for me.  A love that does the impossible, turning my cancer into a blessing.  A blessing that draws Him close to me, giving me the slightest glimpse of what eternity will be like, being able to spend each minute next to Him.

I sadly watch as the reality of death brings anxiety to the lives of so many. Leaving them so often filled with loss, and consumed by regret.  Feeling like they only have a few days to live a lifetime, only having a few precious moments to make right the wrongs that have filled their lives.  But Christ is taking this time to bring me back to that verse in Philippians.  Taking away the anxiety that death so longs to bring, and allowing me the time to thank Him for all He has done in my life.  As strange as the words may sound, cancer may have weakened my body, but it has allowed Him to strengthen my spirit.  Taking away my desire to go out into this world and do all the things I have never done, but instead, spending time with Him that prepares me for an amazing eternity that He has awaiting me.

Cancer has shown me each day just how real God is.  God’s Word tells me that He reveals enough of Himself for all the world to know Him(Romans 1:20).  But through my cancer, He has revealed to me so much more!  Each day, I feel the realness of His presence with me.  When the cancer overwhelms me, He whispers words of encouragement to me. When the cancer weakens me, I feel His arms surrounding me. Lifting me up, giving me the strength to face head on anything cancer may bring my way. And as the cancer takes the abilities of my body from me, He calls me in new ways. Showing me different and amazing paths where He can still use me.  His presence does not allow this disease to define me, instead He encircles me with a love and grace that only He lets define me. 

Each day, He takes my mind from the cancer, and focuses my eyes on the beauty of the work of His hand that is all around me.  He allows me to see through the eyes of David, showing me just what led him to write these words. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”(Psalm 19:1).  A beautiful work that leaves this world without excuse.  A beauty that holds every answer to every question this world could ever ask.  A beauty that holds out hope for this failed and flawed creature we call man.

A beauty that spoke to Solomon, and allowed him to explain it with a single verse. “Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end.”(Ecclesiastes 3:11).  Solomon tells us in these words, that all the beauty created answers for us the “Who”.  Every sight our eyes see answers for us the “what”. Each movement of His hand shows us the “how”.  And each word that He speaks answers for us the “when”. This beauty only leaves us with one word, and one question.  “Where”. “Where do you need me today, Lord?”  This beauty shows me that cancer will never be able to describe me, that I can only be described by each time I ask Him “where”.

The “where” does not lead me to last minute daredevil acts, or to see sights that I have never seen.  The “where” leads me to the beauty of His arms, and to an excitement and a rush that I can only find in those arms.  The “where” may no longer lead me to exotic places.  And with the cancer, the “where” often days no longer leads me out of my house. But each day the “where” still leads people into my path, giving me the words He needs me to speak to them.  And each day, the “where” still directs my hands, writing the words He calls on me to write.  The “where” still drives me back to the words of David, leaving me without excuse.

One day soon, the cancer will have left my voice a memory.  It will have left the words I write no more than a thought from a distant past.  While I still have a voice you can hear, and can write words that you will see, I pray each of you will always ask “where”.  Do not let a day slip by that you do not ask the Lord, “Where do you need me today?”  Cherish each place He leads you.  Speak loudly and with joy as you arrive, and never leave until you hear others asking “where”.  Make the most of each of the moments He gives you.  Always remember just how precious of a gift this life He has given you is.  Never forget to let everyone around you know, with Christ, it is never too late for a happily ever after!  And each day with Christ, live like you were dying!

In the words of C.H. Spurgeon. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble!