The Voice Of One Crying In The American Wilderness!

Dr. Mike Murphy

February 22, 2019

A young pastor made his way to a small town to preach a sermon he had been asked to deliver.  Not knowing the town well, he asked a young boy if he could tell him where the post office was so he could mail a letter he needed to send.  After the boy gave him directions, the pastor thanked him and said, “If you come to church tonight, I can tell you how to get to Heaven.”  The young boy thought for a minute and then answered the pastor.  “No, thank you, sir.  I do not think I will be there.  How are you going to tell me how to get to Heaven when you do not even know how to get to the post office?”

The young boy never realized that day, but the young pastor he was talking to would show many throughout the world ‘how to get to Heaven’. The young pastor that day knew his directions well, and would lead countless numbers to the foot of the Cross.  Who was the young pastor you may ask?  Billy Graham!

Throughout the Bible, we have seen God use faithful men and women to lead His people.  Moses led them out of the Wilderness, and Joshua led them back into the Promised Land.  David led his people in victory, and developed Israel into a powerful nation.  Solomon led with wisdom, and built a Temple for the Lord.  Esther led her people from certain destruction, and by following the call of God saved them from a terrible fate.  And in the days before and of Christ, we read as John the Baptist, prepared his people for the Coming and Promised Messiah.  His words would lead many to follow the Son of God.

John was a man unlike most others.  As his name indicated, he did baptize.  But his life and his ministry were so much more.  John was the perfect example of what anyone who serves in ministry should be.  He served the Lord with an unquestioned devotion and he was willing to sacrifice and surrender all to Christ.  John shouted for the needing world to hear that the Promised One was coming,  and he publicly and unabashedly proclaimed the Good News of Christ.

John had been foretold by Isaiah over 700 years before his ministry began.  Isaiah 40:3-5, “A voice is calling, "Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.  Let every valley be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; and let the rough ground become a plain, and the rugged terrain a broad valley.  Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together.  For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."  John had been the first prophet the people had seen called by God since Malachi, over 400 years before his birth.

Little is known about the early life of John.  We know that he was the son of a Temple priest(Luke 1:5), and was related to Jesus(Luke 1:36).  We know that John lived a simple life.  He dressed in simple clothes, and ate simple food(Matthew 3:4).  John used his life to follow the calling the Lord placed on him, focusing not on what he had, but on the work the Lord had called him to do. Matthew tells us that John’s ministry was very popular among the people. Matthew 3:5-6,  “Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.“  Even with his popularity, John was quick to let people know he was just the messenger, telling the world of the Messiah who would soon follow, and what the purpose and role of the Messiah would be. Matthew 3:11-12, “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

In life, ministry, and death, John was steadfast in his faith.  He trusted God, and the call on his life above all.  Jesus said of John, “I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John”, Luke 7:28.  What sweeter words could we possibly hear from our Savior?

John was not Elijah, but came in the ‘spirit of Elijah.  Just like Elijah, he called all who would hear to repentance, and preached to them a message of obedience before God.  He came to prepare a way for the Lord, calling all with a message of reconciliation(2 Corinthians 5:18).  In the words of Paul, we hear the echo of John.  John’s life was the epitome of Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.“  John showed us that when testing and persecution comes our way, we will turn in one of two directions.  We will either hesitate and waver in our faith, or we will be like John, standing steadfast for Christ until the very end.

Throughout the Bible, we have seen example after example of men who stood steadfast in their faith.  Unfaltering and unfazed by all this world may throw their way.  Examples of men who put God’s purpose and needs before self.  In my lifetime, I have seen the Lord send another such man into all of our lives.

As I have grown up watching Billy Graham, I have seen that same ‘spirit of Elijah’ the world saw in John the Baptist.  Billy Graham called all who would hear to repentance, and he told anyone that would listen of the Lord’s plan of salvation that can only be found through Christ.  He preached to millions the world over, reaching as many as he could for Christ, and preparing the world for His return. He worked at a tireless pace to fulfill the purpose the Lord called him to. Reverend Graham once said, “My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe comes through knowing Christ.”  He brought that message to over 185 countries around the world, and it is estimated that he led some 3.2 million people to a faith in Christ.

In 1947, Billy Graham started holding revivals he would later refer to as crusades.  His first was held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where an estimated six thousand attended.  At the end of each crusade, the song “Just As I Am” would play, and an altar call would be given.  Reverend Graham made sure everyone who came forward was prayed with and counseled, and a Bible or the Gospel of John was given to each so they could continue to grow as they read the Word of God.  

Reverend Graham not only called people to God, but preached that all should live the Word of God.  He spoke and taught that the Church had a responsibility to speak out against Communism and Segregation.  In 1953, he took what was a strong stance for his day, he refused to speak to segregated audiences.  He told event organizers and ushers at the time, if they did not tear down the barriers that separated the audience by race, then they would have to hold the revival without him.  Billy Graham practiced what he preached, leading a generation to see that Christ is our hope for today and our promise for tomorrow. Reverend Graham has lived those words, and has been unfaltering in the teachings that prove those words.

In an interview he gave in the fall of 2013l, Reverend Graham continued to emphasize those words in his message to this nation.  When asked about the spiritual dangers America was and still is facing, Reverend Graham warned that America had turned to a “trendy faith”, a little Christianity mixed with all the other religions of the world “Many people do not want to face the truth of the Gospel. They water it down to a myth, causing young and old to doubt the authority of the Bible. We as a nation have turned our back on God who blessed our country because its fundamental principles were grounded in the Word of God.”   He went on to say, “Our early fathers led our nation according to Biblical principles. Hope and change has become a cliché in our nation and it is daunting to think that any American could hope for change from what God has blessed.”  

In the article, Reverend Graham was asked if he thought the return of Christ was near.  He said, “God keeps His promises and this is why we can be sure that the return of Christ is near. Scripture tells us that there will be signs pointing toward the return of the Lord. I believe all of these signs are evident today. What a time to take the news of the day in one hand and the Bible in the other and watch the unfolding of the great drama of the ages come together. I would not want to live in any other time.”  “Regardless of what society says, we cannot go on much longer in the sea of immorality without judgment coming. We are at a crossroads, and there are profound moral issues at stake. It is time to return to biblical truth.”

Reverend Graham concluded the interview by saying, “Hope is certain only through His Son Jesus Christ — not in the change agents of the world, and when the end of the world as we know it takes place at Christ's return, no government can prevent it and no individual can escape it. Those who hope for it will welcome it; those who refuse to embrace its reality will never change its certainty.”. All I could add to his words would be, AMEN!

Just like John the Baptist, Billy Graham called a world to repentance and reconciliation with God.  Both were steadfast in the faith.  One called all who would hear to prepare for the coming Messiah, the other called all who would hear to prepare for the Messiah’s soon return.  Both spoke with the “spirit of Elijah”, words the world did not always like, but words the Lord needed the world to hear.

I never had the chance to meet Billy Graham, but I cannot tell you how much I look forward to an eternity with him.  Thank you Reverend Graham, for being the example to so many as to what one who works in the ministry should be.  Thank you for your steadfast faith, telling all who would listen the Lord’s plan of salvation. The Lord called you to the ministry at a time this nation and the world needed you most, and you faithfully served and went wherever He led you.  Your faithful message brought countless numbers to the foot of the Cross, and prepared people the world over for the soon return of Christ.  You lived your life as a willing servant, and we praise the Lord He sent you to us as “the voice of one crying in the American wilderness”.

Praying each who read this take heed in the words of Reverend Graham, and are prepared for the soon return of Christ!

Love Redefined

Dr. Mike Murphy
February 6, 2019

“I know homosexuality is a sin, but I refuse to accept it as sin.  To accept it as sin would mean that I had forgotten the words Jesus said, love thy neighbor.”

From many these words would no longer surprise me.  In this world today, normal has been turned so far upside down that it is hard to understand what this world sees as “normal” anymore.  But these words did not come from what we would call a “normal” man. They came from the mouth of a pastor as he stood at the pulpit.  A friend of mine sat in the church as the words were said, and messaged me the following morning to get my opinion of what he had heard. After I had him repeat the words to me so I could make sure I heard the words right, I gave him my answer.  I told him it was time to find another church.  And as he left, he needed to take this “so-called” pastor with him.  This pastor needed to give up his title, sit himself down in a pew where he could hear what a real pastor was called by God to say.  This pastor needed to blow the dust off his Bible that had been so obviously unopened for a long time, and begin reading the actual Word of God again.  And that he needed to be wise enough to listen carefully as he found his way again to his knees, because he had been foolish enough to stand at the pulpit and speak words that the Lord had never placed in his mouth.

I wish the response I had to give my friend was one that was not needed to be given.  I also pray that it is a question I never hear again.  But in the reality of the world today, this is a question I get asked way too often.  We listen today as many of our pastors and religious leaders try to “straddle the fence”.  They create their own response to God’s answers, trying to appeal to both sides, not realizing that all they are doing is leading both sides of that “fence” astray.

No issue causes more to straddle the fence than the issue of homosexuality.  Many are so scared of the issue, they simply refuse to speak about it.  Others try to compromise on the issue, seeking a middle ground that tells us little about what the Lord has to say about the issue.  And others embrace the issue, telling us that God is love, and we have no right to judge anyone, and to tell anyone their lifestyle is wrong.  They tell us that God made many as homosexual, and loves each of them just the way they are.

So just what does the Lord tells us about homosexuality?  Is homosexuality a sin? Can a homosexual be a Christian?  Does God accept homosexuality?  Does the Lord love the homosexual?  Exactly what does the Lord say to us about love?  What did Christ mean when he told us to “Love thy Neighbor”?  What does it mean for God to love us unconditionally?  And what is the Lord’s definition of true love?

From Genesis to Revelation, it is very obvious the Bible tells us that homosexuality is immoral and a sin(Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9).  As a result of the Fall of Man, sin has infected all of humanity. Sin looks to contort, pervert, and corrupt each of our lives, not allowing us to be all that the Lord created us to be. Homosexuality perverts the natural and creative order the Lord designed for our lives.  And if we look at it closely, it denies the omniscience and perfection of our Lord.  Homosexuality implies that God did not create the person the way they were meant to be created, thus He made a mistake when creating them.  It also implies that God did not have the foresight to see who that person would be, thus God is not all knowing.  The Bible clearly tells us that God is omniscient(Isaiah 46:9-10, Hebrews 4:13), and it makes it clear of His perfection(2 Samuel 22:31, Luke 18:19).  To deny each is to deny God.

It does not take us long to see that homosexuality is a sin, a sin that denies the very nature and order of God.  Homosexuality is sexual immorality, and holds it place on a list of other sins the Scripture makes clear to us. But at the end of the day, it is sin, nothing more, nothing less.  While the consequences of some sin may be greater than others, all sin equally keeps us from experiencing the love that God has for us.

So if homosexuality is a sin, can those who practice homosexuality be a Christian?  If a homosexual receives and accepts Christ as their Savior, the answer is resoundingly yes.  But this answer must come with a clear definition. When we receive Christ, we accept His ways, and put behind us our old ways. Our hope is found in Him, not in the ways of this world.  We cannot fully accept him, and all He desires for our life, if we continue to live our lives for this world. 

No better example of this can be found than in the words of Christ Himself.  We all know the story of the adulterous woman who was brought to Christ, as the crowd prepared to stone her(John 8:1-11).  As Jesus silenced the crowd that called for her death, Christ turned to the woman, telling her that He did not condemn her.  He offered her forgiveness from her sins at the moment.  Then with His next words, He taught the woman what is meant to live in Christ.  He told her, “Go, from now on sin no more.”

Christ taught her repentance, a word that is used powerfully throughout the Bible, but a word that has been forgotten in our society today.  Most will try today to describe repentance as “turning from sin”.  But actually, the word means so much more.  It means, “to change one’s mind”.  When we change our mind, we change our actions, and we change Who we live for.  This is what Christ offered the adulterous woman.  He not only offered her forgiveness from her sin, but a “change of mind” about her sin.  The ability to put her adulterous ways behind her, and to live her life for Him.

We so easily forget, only two words separate the sinner from the Christian. Those two words?  Jesus Christ!  Those who follow Him, seek His forgiveness of our sins.  And we recognize where our sin leads us.  With Him at the center of our life, we have the power to not only turn away from that sin, but to not to be driven by our sin.  If we continue to live for that sin, then we deny what Christ did for us on the Cross.  Hebrews 10:26 tells us, “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins”.  The truth is, sin separates us from God, and keeps us from the arms of God.  When we choose to follow sin, we choose to keep ourselves from a love that can only be found in His arms.

The homosexual who truly accepts Christ no longer lives for that sin.  Sometimes that “change of mind” is instantaneous, other times they may continue to struggle with the sin of homosexuality for years to come.  We all struggle with some form of sin.  Although we may struggle with sin,  when we accept Christ we are no longer enslaved to that sin.  Sin may tempt us, but sin will not dominate us.  It will not control us.  It will not be the driving force in us. Christ is!  And the love He has brought each of us is what drives us each day!

There is no better definition of that love, than for us to look at what Christ showed the adulterous woman that day.  His love is not just offered to us today, but longs to have us with Him tomorrow.  His love knows we are not perfect, but He shares that love with each of us in the most perfect of ways.  His love desires to draw us close, and to protect us from all this world would throw at us.  That is not only a love He has for us, but a love He wants us to share with the world around us.  A love that not only cares about where someone’s life is today, but a love that continues to care about them tomorrow.

God’s love is infinite, but a very finite example of this love can be seen in the love a parent has for their child.  A parent loves their child no matter where that child may find themselves, or what situation that child may find themselves in.  The parent loves that child because they are a part of them, and they cannot imagine their live without that child.  When the child is young, and does something wrong, the parent will do everything they can to keep the child out of harm’s way.  They know for the child to repeat the same mistake again could bring damage and destruction to that child’s life.  The parent will go to the end of the earth to protect their child, and to show them the truth of the situation they find themselves in.  The same is with God!  And if we, as Christians, are to reflect the love that Christ shows us, then we have to give our all to let the world know the truth of that love.  To show them the truth of where sin will lead them.  And to share with them the love that Christ has for them.

When Christ was asked what the greatest commandment was, He said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”(Matthew 22:37-40).  Here Jesus tells us what true love is.  You cannot know love if you do not first know the love of the Lord.  And you cannot love those around you, if you are not first willing to show them the whole truth of that love.  We must be willing to show our neighbors the joy and love that can only be found in Christ.  That love requires us to share with each of those neighbors the truth that can only be found in that love.  A truth that is written in each verse of His Word.  And each of those verses show us that true love must be grounded in His Truth.

God’s love is proactive, it is never reactive. His arms are always open, waiting for someone to reach out and take ahold of His hand   We have been blessed to have found those hands, to have been pulled into the love of His arms. Each moment we spend in those arms calls us to share that love with those around us.  To tell them of that love, and to help them to see that love cannot be seen without His Truth.  We must never forget, true love can never be shown part way.  The love of Christ can never be shown without truth.

As we look at the world today, sin now stands like a mountain towering over this world.  A mountain that we cannot walk around, and do not dare try to climb over.  But many today stand and admire that mountain.  They stand in awe of that mountain, finding it easier to honor the mountain than to tell the world the horrors of that mountain.  The truth of the destruction that awaits them on that mountain.  Never forget, our strength does not come from that mountain, but from the only One who holds the power to destroy that mountain. One word of His love can bring that mountain to rubble, and can pave the way to the glory that awaits beyond that mountain.  We must be willing to help Him crumble that mountain! Willing to reach out and surround the homosexual, and all who are slaves of sin, with open arms.  Showing them the life-changing love He has shown us.  And as we share with them that love, we must also share with them a truth that is grounded in His love.  A truth that leads them away from the sin that would destroy them.  A truth that leads to a perfect love.

The eternal fires of hell will be fueled with the regrets of so many.  So many we could reach, so many we could save, if we only followed the love that Christ taught us.  But so many today look to redefine that love, to make excuses for a truth only found in His love.  A truth than cannot be found outside of His love.  A love that never needs redefining.  A love that we can truthfully say, is perfect in every way.

Praying you see the truth in God’s perfect love.

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