WHAT'S YOUR PLAN FOR STAYING CLOSE TO GOD IN 2012?

Foreign thought?

Experience tells me that if I don't have a plan, things don't happen.

Did Jesus have a plan for staying close to God?

It would appear that He did:

• He seems to observe a pattern of getting alone with God early in the morning.
• We see Him in worship every Sabbath.
• He develops meaningful relationships that include accountability.
• He slips in-and-out of prayer comfortably.
• He has an obvious familiarity with scripture.
• He focuses His life around ministry to others.

What about you?

Have you noticed that intimacy with God doesn't happen naturally? 

You have to be intentional about developing a relationship with God!  It would only take you a few moments to jot down some plans for the new year.

Would you like to: 

read the New Testament in 2012?
start every day with a few moments of quiet prayer?
be more generous in 2012?  even start tithing?
start or join a Bible Study Group? or Prayer Group?
be more faithful to worship with your church family?
read through the Psalms or Proverbs in 2012?

 If you plan, it might happen.  If you don't plan, it won't happen!

Do you want to be closer to God, or not?

A DISTURBING SCRIPTURE

Luke 6:35-36 (The VOICE)

[Jesus speaking] If you want to be extraordinary - love your enemies!  Do good without restraint!  Lend with abandon!  Don't expect anything in return!  Then you'll receive the truly great reward - you will be children of the Most High - for God is kind to the ungrateful and those who are wicked.  So imitate God and be truly compassionate, the way your Father is." 

Jesus, did You really mean this?  It seems to me that You set the bar really high!  To do these things goes against my grain.  There is something in me that instinctively hates my enemies.  I tend to naturally be stingy.  And when I do something nice, I expect a return of some kind on my investment. 

You’re saying that if I counter these natural impulses and deliberately do what You say, I’ll eventually get a great reward?  Is that really true?  You expect me to make massive sacrifices while I’m here on earth in hopes that someday – after I die – I’ll be greatly rewarded? 

Isn’t that a long-shot?  I don’t see many people taking You up on that deal.  As a matter of fact, I’m not sure I know anyone who’s deliberately living that way.  So why should I? 

If everyone I see and know is hoarding and luxuriating, why shouldn’t I?  If we’re all wrong, at least I won’t be alone in any judgment that falls on me. 

What if I don’t want to be extraordinary?  Then can I hate my enemies, do less good, and hoard?  If I choose ordinary, does that mean I’ll still make Heaven but just won’t get a great reward?   Or, will I lose Heaven too? 

Why do You have to expect so much of us, Lord?  Can’t You just let us enjoy our lives here?  Why do You demand that we be so other-conscious?  Am I my brother’s keeper? 

A GOOD WAY TO END A YEAR

Clear the slate!  Clean up your life!  Re-establish your priorities!  Don't live your life being blown by the winds of culture, others, circumstances, or tradition!  Live your life with purpose! 

Traditions often become traditions because a value is present that contributes to the common good.

The Communion Ritual that has passed down from Catholicism, through Anglicanism, through Methodism, and is still available to the Church - even though most congregations ignore it - contains a prayer that we could all benefit from:

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all men, we confess that we have sinned, and we are deeply grieved as we remember the wickedness of our past lives.  We have sinned against You, Your holiness, and Your love, and we deserve only Your indignation and anger.

We sincerely repent, and we are genuinely sorry for all wrongdoing and every failure to do the things we should.  Our hearts are grieved, and we acknowledge that we are hopeless without Your grace.

Have mercy upon us.

Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father, for the sake of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who died for us.

Forgive us.

Cleanse us.

Give us strength to serve and please You in newness of life and to honor and praise Your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Praying this wonderful prayer with an open heart and with sincerity will clean your heart!

II Corinthians 13:5 (LB)
Check up on yourselves.  Are you really Christians?  Do you pass the test?  Do you feel Christ's presence and power more and more within you?  Or are you just pretending to be Christians when actually you aren't at all?

Our culture and our enemy robs you daily by making you think that you don't have time for the spiritual disciplines that can make you strong and keep you grounded.  It's Satan's lie!  You are the master of your fate! 

Find some time.  Make some time to reflect on this devotional.  It's a good way to end a year!

EGG NOG

My Mom was a staunch believer in abstaining from drinking alcohol!  She was a member of the WCTU (Women's Christian Temperence Union) and a registered member of the Prohibitionist Political Party. 

The reasoning I was taught - from an early age - was that if one drink can even possibly lead to alcoholism, then why run that risk?

My Dad worked part-time as the custodian (handy-man) for a local children's home throughout my childhood.  He would work eight hours in the mill and then a couple of hours at the children's home.  He was loved and appreciated there.

Every Christmas, Mrs. Hasselback - the director of the home - held an elaborate party for the board and primary financial supporters.  Our family was always included in this event. 

My Mom and I would sit quietly out-of-the-way, while my Dad moved about the crowd comfortably conversing with people. 

One year, the party featured egg nog, something that my father loved and didn't very often get.  As he refilled his cup and worked around the room, he seemed to grow louder and a bit more outgoing than usual.

My Mom told me to get a cup of egg nog and bring it to her.  She smelled it and sent me to my father with the message:  "Don't drink anymore egg nog!"

I think my Dad slept really well that night! 

WALKIE TALKIE'S

I was probably about 10 or 12 years old.  We played army a lot in our neighborhood.  Doing so would take up whole summer days!  The nearby woods provided the perfect place to build forts and then attack one another.

About that time, walkie-talkies became  very popular.  I knew that having walkie-talkies would give our side a huge advantage in fighting our wars.  So, I asked for a set for Christmas.  I knew they were expensive and wasn't sure that I'd receive them.

In the course of opening presents, I eventually unwrapped a box and saw that it was a set of walkie talkies!  With excitement, I opened the box and found...

...one walkie-talkie!

Think about it.  What good is one walkie-talkie?  Who are you going to talk to?

After a moment of feigned joy and obvious disappointment, my Dad made a suggestion:  "Why don't you put the antennae up, turn it on, and start talking into it?  Maybe if you listen carefully, you'll find another one."

Hope rising, I did as he suggested.  I began walking through the house talking into my solo walkie-talkie!  Through the kitchen and bedrooms.  Nothing in the bathroom.  Into the garage.  Nowhere else to go except the basement.  Finally, in the far corner of the cellar, I started to hear my own voice.  Buried in my Mom's old 'ringer washer', I finally found walkie-talkie #2.

It was a happy Christmas - thanks to the fun my Dad always added with his unique twist on finding presents!

POOR SHEPHERDS

"Why do you say 'Poor Shepherds'?"

"Because they had a low-paying job?"

"No."

"Because they were the lowest rung of Judean society?"

"No."

"Because they were despised by most people?"

"No."

"Because they weren't permitted to testify in court?"  [The word of a shepherd was considered unreliable;  they were thought of as chronic liars.]

"No."

"Because they were often without family?"

"No."

"Because some of them were fugitives?"

"No."

"Then why do you refer to them as poor?"

"Because no one would believe them!  They had seen the most incredible sight ever witnessed by human eyes!  The veil of Heaven had been lifted for them.  They had seen thousands of angels glorifying God!  Their dreams would replay this scene for the rest of their lives;  but when they spoke of it, no one would believe them!"

"Poor shepherds!"   

SAINT NICHOLAS

Saint Nicholas was a bishop in Myra, Asia Minor, somewhere around 325 A.D.

Many legends have arisen around this man.  He is especially remembered as a person who knew, above all else, how to give.  He apparently was a gift-giver who expected nothing in return! 

There is a story of three sacks of gold which were thrown during the night into the window of a poor man.  His daughters lived without hope of suitors, and a dread that they would be forced into prostitution because they had no dowry.

Another story tells of Saint Nicholas begging grain from passing merchant ships to feed his starving people during a famine.  The bishop promised the sailors that at the final weighing in on their return home, not an ounce would be missing.

He was a special friend to children.  He baked bread with sugar and spices for  them.  These first gingerbread men were made in his own image including the mitered cap of a bishop.

He was eventually made the patron saint of Russia - where czars and nobles were named after him.  In Greece, hs is also a patron saint;  Nicholas is still one of the most popular names given to boys there!

But much of these traditions changed when Madison Avenue created an American transformation:

• The bishop's cape was changed to a snowsuit.
• The bishop's miter-hat became a fool's cap.
• The Spirit is replaced by being tipsy on spirits.
• He comes not from Heaven but from the North Pole.
• He's surrounded by elves rather than being accompanied by angels.
• He's become a symbol of greed rather than of generosity.

But some families still preserve the original meanings. 

A table is secretly set - a child's handwriting reads:  "This table was set by Saint Nicholas!"

Cookies are baked and left on the table with a note:  "These cookies were left by Saint Nicholas!"

Beds are made and a note is found:  "This bed was made by Saint Nicholas!"

A car is washed and cleaned - and a note remains:  "This car was cleaned by Saint Nicholas!"

And in the true spirit of scripture - "the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing" - kindnesses are exchanged without credit being assigned!  And the true meaning of Christmas - a gift given without expectation of a return - is restored! 

We need a new wave of Christmas gift tags that have a TO but no FROM.

MYRRH

It was no coincidence that the magi brought myrrh to Jesus!

Myrrh in this instance represented Jesus' eventual, sacrificial death!

It was a strange gift - somewhat like giving a family a funeral array of flowers at the birth of a baby.

Myrrh was an aromatic substance taken from balsam trees in southern Arabia.  It was rich brown or reddish-yellow in appearance.

It had many uses:

• It was used as a perfume and beauty treatment (Esther 2:12).  There are many references to myrrh's romantic uses:  Proverbs 7:17;  Song of Solomon 1:13;  4:14;  5:5,13.
• It was used in the anointing oil for holy purposes (Exodus 30:23f). 
• It was ingested as a pain killer (Mark 15:23).
• It was an embalming spice (John 19:39).

Ona Jane Meens wrote a lengthy poem titled "The Twelfth Christmas", in which she described a conversation between Mary and Jesus on His twelfth birthday.  She includes Mary describing the gifts of the Magi:

These gifts were the lovely caskets,
the gold, frankincense and myrrh.
We have guarded them well for thee.
Now, my lad, please do not stir;
I would have you close to my heart,
there is pain as well as joy;
and I must tell the story
though it brings us grief, my boy.

Frankincense for worship given,
power symbolized in gold -
would that we could forget the third,
think only of what I've told.
For the sad message of the mryyh
since then has clouded my life;
I know, fulfilling your mission,
death enters into the strife.

But always we must remember
You are God's begotten Son,
- a gift is mystery given -
that His Kingdom might here come.
It's a strange story, Mother,
but I feel that it is true.
God has sent me into the world
that I, His great work may do.

I must do my Father's bidding,
today I am twelve years old;
and He will make it plain to me,
so His plan I can unfold.
I will give the world His message,
that all men may understand
that I have come from the Father
to reveal His love for man.

And to lead into paths of peace
all who would walk by His side,
learning the way of the Master
and seeking His hand to guide.
I can feel my Father's presence -
I know His love and power.
So I accept my Father's plan -
trust Him in my darkest hour...

John 19:38-40 (NASB)
Joseph of Arimathea,...asked Pilate for the body of Jesus...So he came and took away His body.  Nicodemus,...also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight.  So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the usual burial custom of the Jews.

FRANKINCENSE

It was no coincidence that the magi brought frankincense to Jesus.

Incense symbolized prayer!

Frankincense was a fragrant incense used by the Jews in their worship of God.  It came from a very small tree that grew on the limestone rocks in southern Arabia.  They learned to slice the bark of the tree and collect tear-like drops which were white in appearance.  Once dried, this would be pulverized and mixed with other fragrances to make incense for use in their worship (Exodus 30:34-38).  This fragrance was holy and they were forbidden from copying it for personal use!

Fragrances played a much larger role in the worship of the Jews than it does for most modern believers.  Some of this was probably necessary because of the slaughtering of animals.

Frankincense was unique in that it had to be burned to give its fragrance.  It was also beneficial because when it was added to other incenses, it increased their odor and prolonged their effect.  The visual and aromatic impact on worshippers must have been significant.  It was a way of helping the people visualize their prayers and worship ascending to God!

Ephesians 5:1
In a word, as God's dear children, try to be like Him, and live in love as Christ loved you, and gave Himself up on your behalf as an offering and sacrifice whose fragrance is pleasing to God.

NOTE:
Frankincense was not included in a sin offering.  This adds meaning to the giving of this gift to Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God!

GOLD

I have one item made of gold.  It's a pocket watch that belonged to my father.  I don't remember when I received it or how it was given to me.  However, I have always prized it.  It has a secret compartment on the back that is suitable for a picture.  I purchased a gold chain to use in clipping it to my belt loop.

I haven't worn it in years.  I keep it hidden away in a tie box. 

It reminds me of a few lines from O'Henry's The Gift of the Magi,

Now, there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a mighty pride. One was Jim's gold watch that had been his father's and his grandfather's...Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him pluck at his beard from envy.

I value my pocket watch because it was my Dad's.  I loved and respected him.  When I handle it, I know that he once wore it and handled it.  It connects me to him!

Gold is still a great gift today!  It's value is consistent.  It's beauty is always appreciated.

Gold was an appropriate gift for a king!  Jesus was a King! 

It is likely that this gift of gold funded Joseph and Mary's trip to Egypt and back.  It was God's way of providing for their needs! 

God still provides for the needs of His children!

Why not wear something gold today to remind you of how precious Jesus is to you?  If you see me today, ask for a glimpse of my pocket watch!   :-)

ONE OF MY FAVORITE DAYS

Okay, I live in northern Ohio.  From November through March, we don't see a lot of Mr. Sun.  We watch the daylight time grow shorter and shorter;  then when Daylight Savings Time ends, it feels like we lose another hour of light (although most of us know that it just shifts back to the mornings). 

But, then, December 21st arrives!  WOO HOO!  The shortest period of daylight in the year!  From here on, baby, the daylight will grow!  By the end of January it will actually be noticeable! 

Then comes the Daytona 500, then the first robin, then the crocus, then the spring peepers...you get my drift.

So, for those of you who suffer through the long days of winter - take hope!  The daylight time starts growing! 

MARY'S OBEDIENCE

This young, Jewish girl complies so quickly and easily and willingly to such a radical imposition!

God wants to make her pregnant while she is engaged to be married to Joseph!
She will have to explain to her parents that she has not been intimate with Joseph.  She will have to try to convince them that an angel really appeared to her and that God - through His Holy Spirit - made her pregnant.  They are going to be grandparents to the Son of God!

She will have to endure the scorn of family, neighbors, and friends.  Make no mistake about it, the harsh treatment of others can be unbearable!

How did she so willingly submit to this plan?  The Bible records no protest - as with Moses, or Jeremiah, or Jonah!  She simply asks, "But I have never been with a man.  How can this be possible?"

After receiving the angel's explanation, she simply responds (NASB):  Behold, the bondslave of the Lord;  may it be done to me according to your word."

But in that response is the explanation we pursue!

Mary considers herself a "bondslave of the Lord".  She is not the owner of her life - God is!  God owns her! 

Rick Warren points out that it is impossible to say, "No, Lord!"  If Jesus is your Lord, then you must submit to Him!  The only appropriate response to your Lord is, "Yes, Lord!"

Could this be why so many struggle with God's will today?  In an age that stresses the importance of self-determination, it's counter-cultural to talk about submitting!

Is Jesus your Lord?

Do you regularly submit to His will? 

When you understand - as Mary did - that you are His bondslave, you will also quickly, easily, and willingly submit to Him!  Even joyfully do so!

I Corinthians 6:19-20 (NASB)
...do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?  For you have been bought with a price:  therefore glorify God in your body.

LEARNING FROM THE GRINCH

It's December 19th, the beginning of crunch week!  People will flood the stores in a near-panic to find gifts for friends and loved ones.  Others will prowl, looking for 'mark-downs' on decorations, cards, and wrapping paper.  It gets serious this week!  This is not a time for the naive to be in the stores - leave your kids at home!

The Grinch:  "That's what it's all about, isn't it?  That's what it's always been about.  Gifts, gifts...gifts gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts.  You wanna know what happens to your gifts?  They all come to me.  In your garbage.  You see what I'm saying?  In your garbage.  I could hang myself with all the bad Christmas neckties I found at the dump.  And the avarice...[Shouts]...the avarice never ends!  'I want golf clubs.'  'I want diamonds.'  'I want a pony so I can ride it twice, get bored and sell it to make some glue.'  Look, I don't wanna make waves, but this whole Christmas season is...[Shouts]...stupid, stupid, stupid!

As parents in today's materialistic, American environment, how do you maintain balance?  How do you keep from over-spending?  How do you prevent greed in your children?

Debbie and I went through foster-parenting classes in Maryland.  There were about twelve couples in the class.  We met weekly for several months.  One evening, we began to get acquainted with an African-American couple;  we had picked up that they might be Christians. 

Imagine our surprise to discover that she was from my home town, New Brighton, Pennsylvania!  I had graduated with her sister.  We had fun reminiscing.  We became quite close to them during the duration of the classes. 

In one conversation, we talked about the upcoming Christmas season.  We noticed a glance between the two of them - and asked about it.  They giggled, then went on to tell us how they countered the effects of Christmas greed.

They taught their children from the beginning that Christmas wasn't about gifts, but about Jesus.  Since Jesus was given three gifts at His birth (gold, frankincense, and myrrh), they would also receive three gifts.  Every year, their children knew that there would be three carefully selected gifts under the tree for each of them!

Hey folks!  There are ways to combat materialism. 

We started with the Grinnch - let's finish there, too.

The Grinch:  "How could this be so?  It came without ribbons.  It came without tags.  It came without packages, boxes or bags!"

Be creative!  Find a way to make Christmas be about more than the gifts!

CHRISTMAS TURN-OFF

Upon returning from retreat, Deb and I had dinner at Bob Evans last night and then did a walk-through at the mall.

The parking lot was jammed!  I literally parked facing the outer curb of the massive parking lot!

I hadn't been there in awhile, so I was shocked at what I saw.  In the major department stores tables were stacked high with techie gifts and other attractive gimmick items.  There's an obvious anticipation of selling huge volumes of these things. 

Main passageways were lined with eye-catching items.  Sale signs were everywhere;  I think it's so nice of them to have all these 'sales' right when we're all buying things for Christmas - don't you?

I watched people's faces.  I didn't see many joyful ones.  Most people looked angry or dazed.

I had to wait awhile at the counter in the Yankee Candle Store as the clerk wrapped my gifts.  Several customers were cared for during my wait.  The clerks were so courteous and friendly.  I found that the customers were repeatedly rude.  They treated the clerks disrespectfully.  I was surprised by that!

I would like to report that a number of people wished me a Merry Christmas - including one man who held the door for us as we left the mall!  That was encouraging to me!

Although I enjoyed my time with Debbie, I felt my joy slipping away.  I actually left in a quiet mood.  I felt - - - - embarrassment. 

It's a delusion to think that anything material will bring any measure of long-term joy.  But we seem to have missed that lesson somewhere. 

For those of you who consistently follow this blog:  This is what happens if you read books by David Platt and Francis Chan.  I told you - DON'T READ THEIR BOOKS!

LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX

I just read reports from a Gallup poll indicating that premarital sex and abortion rates are higher among young, unmarried Christians than the rest of the population.

I'm going to spare you my shock and dismay about that.

However, I also learned something new.  Scientific researchers into the hormone oxytocin are discovering that this hormone functions as a bonding agent, and is released in the brain during intimate moments - and in especially high levels during sexual intercourse.  Both men and women release oxytocin. 

The article states:  "In the right context, this chemical is going to help create a strong bond between two people, to cause them to want each other more than anyone else.  If you're married, that's definitely a good thing!  But this chemical doesn't distinguish if the sex is within marriage or a one-night-stand, so if you're having sex outside of marriage, you're still forming that bond." 

"Studies have shown if you have multiple physical relationships that then break up, you damage your ability to form a long-term commitment.  You train your brain to only do short term.  People who are having sex outside of marriage, but still want to have a solid, successful marriage someday, are making it that much harder for themselves."

It seems obvious that this helps to explain the high divorce rate in our culture.

Again, I'm going to refrain from moralizing here.  The research is in.  The facts are indisputable.

It seems that God knew what He was talking about when He prohibited His children from having sexual relations outside of marriage!    Imagine that...it was for our own good!

[Information from "almost everyone's doing it",  RELEVANT, Sept/Oct, 2011, p.67]

A STIMULATING CONVERSATION

I just talked for over an hour with Dan.  He and his wife, Debbie, operate Mt. Zion Retreat Center (in Roaring Branch, PA).  A few years ago they also started a church in the gym at Mt. Zion.  He tells me that it's made up of couples under the age of 38 (he and Debbie are the oldest folks in the church).

For quite a few years they had foster children (in addition to raising their own three) - about 60 of them over the course of time. 

To support his family, Dan drives truck for a large bakery in Williamsport, PA.

They moved out of their home this summer to have it renovated into a safe-house for women trying to escape lives of sexual slavery.  They hope to have it fully licensed to open by late January. 

They want to start a Bible College in the next few years (at Mt. Zion) to educate young, adult men and women for ministry.  One donor has pledged five million dollars to the start-up of this project! 

Now understand, Mt. Zion is a small retreat center.  It had two houses to lodge small groups, but one of them burned to the ground a year ago.  They also have a large, three floor retreat house with many small rooms and shared restrooms.  It is in much need of repair and is expensive to heat in the winter.  The retreat center is a ministry - but it is not lucrative!

They tap into volunteer labor as much as they can.  They have few financial supporters.  However, various board members and a few others are extremely generous with contributions.  The Retreat Center is six years behind in paying Dan and Debbie.  Their church pays him $100 a week. 

Yet, his vision is unending and his passion exceeds that of most people I know.  As a result of talking with him, I feel like my batteries have been recharged!  My hope renewed.  My vision expanded.

Dan and Debbie are entrepreneurs!  They start things.  It's their gift!  They desperately need people to come alongside them to help make things work. 

They bless me by providing a place to retreat three times a year.  It's usually quiet here.  No cell service.  No television.  Solitude.  Minimal distractions and a fantastic view of the mountains.  I typically stay Sunday night through Friday morning;  they ask me for $125.  I bring my own food and prepare it in a tiny, outdated microwave oven. 

Dan and Debbie are Kingdom people!  They thrive because they are connected to the living God!  He provides for their needs.  Nearly everything they do is focused on making His name known.

I am humbled.  They make my world seem small.  I just thought you should know about them - maybe you'll bump into them in Heaven someday.  If you do, you can tell them that you heard about the great things they did for God! 

If you want to know more, or bless them, or encourage them:
Dan and Debbie Colton
Mt. Zion Retreat Center
287 Zion Road
Roaring Branch, PA  17765

Their church is on Facebook:  Mt. Zion New Life Center
Debbie has a blog at:  http://www.debbiesoasis.blogspot.com/

A DARK CHRISTMAS SECRET

Let me say it before I lose my nerve:  Sometimes in the middle of all the Christmas activity and joy, I feel very depressed.

It's true.  It even happened when I was young.  I remember going into my bedroom as a little boy, laying on my bed in the dark and weeping.

I have no idea what this is about.  Even as a counselor, I've never been able to discover the roots of this.  It's not as bad in recent years.  When it comes on me, I often get in the car and just go for a long ride;  for some odd reason, it seems to help.

A friend recently gave her testimony at our church.  In doing so she said, "If I had my choice between a physical problem or depression, I would choose the physical problem every time."  Only people who have truly experienced depression will understand that comment.

I occasionally wake up in the morning and just feel down or sad.  To the best of my knowledge, I can't figure any reason for this dip.  It typically travels with me through the day. 

I don't claim to have any cure-all solutions for depression.  I know I have become better at managing my own depression.  My dips don't lead to long, depressive cycles as much as they used to. 

I have found that turning to God is my greatest source of help!  Often I need to confess sin in my life.  I am suffering a lashback effect of guilt, shame, and conviction.  As I move in His direction, He seems to move in mine (James 4:8). 

I believe we are primarily spiritual beings;  then physical and emotional.  When we get out-of-tilt spiritually, it migrates to our other areas.  We feel poorly in our physical bodies.  Our emotional life begins to tank.  Consequently, our relationships suffer. 

So, if you're dealing with any Christmas depression, my advice is to turn to the One whose birth we celebrate.  He came to bring peace on earth - and you're on earth!

LUKEWARM CHURCHGOERS ARE NOT CHRISTIANS

That got your attention! 

This is Francis Chan's conclusion in his provocative book, Crazy Love.

He comes to this conclusion based on Revelation 3:15-18, where Jesus declares that because the people in the church at Laodicea are "lukewarm", He will "spit" them out of His mouth! 

[It's chapter five, if you want to re-read his convincing argument.] 

He cites many other scriptures to validate his claim.  He suggests (pp.94,95):

Following Christ isn't something that can be done halfheartedly or on the side.  It is not a label we can display when it is useful.  It must be central to everything we do and are.

...much of the American churchgoing population,...is slowly floating away from Christ.  It isn't a conscious choice, but it is nonetheless happening because little in their lives propels them toward Christ.

The lives of many people who call themselves "Christians" in America lack manifestations of a vital and active faith.

Chan admits that genuinely and wholeheartedly following Christ is hard.  "It's so hard, in fact, that Jesus said the road is narrow and few will actually find it...and fewer still among those who are rich" (p.98).

HAL'S THOUGHTS
I agree with Chan's deductions - and it breaks my heart!

I'm afraid there will be many who will someday say, "Lord, Lord, didn't I attend church regularly;  and wear T-shirts with Christian logos;  and put some money in the offering;  and took Communion;  and was baptized;  and treated most people decently?" 

Matthew 7:23 (NASB)
[Jesus speaking] "I never knew you;  Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness."

HAL'S CONFESSION
My life is changing!  God has my attention!  I spend the majority of my time investing in people who already claim to know Christ.  I have not gone into the world to make disciples.  I have opted for comfort and security;  and in doing so, I have become callous and uncaring about a world of desperately lost and hurting people. 

By writing this blog article, I'm not pointing the finger at you;  I'm pointing it at me! 

Watch my life, because I intend to do something about it!  How about you?

THREE BOOKS TO AVOID

There are three books I would suggest that you not read: 

• RADICAL, by David Platt
• RADICAL TOGETHER, by David Platt
• Crazy Love, by Francis Chan

These books will mess with your priorities and make you want to do radical things!  Avoid them at all costs!

For instance,

      Unleashing God’s people to accomplish God’s purpose in the world requires that we devote ourselves to relentless prayer in the church…you and I realize that it is impossible for us to accomplish His purpose in our own strength.  So we express our dependence upon God in prayer, and He delights in showing His glory by giving us everything we need for the accomplishment of His purpose.

     When you read the story of the early church in the book of Acts, you see people for whom prayer was fundamental, not supplemental.  Three times Luke tells us that the church was devoted to prayer (1:14; 2:42;  6:4). They were utterly dependent on God’s power.  Every major breakthrough for the church in the book of Acts came about as a direct result of prayer .   (RADICAL TOGETHER, p.114)

See what I mean?  What's wrong with a "supplemental" prayer life?  C'mon, having a "supplemental" prayer life has to be better than not having a prayer life - right?  Just leave me alone.  I pray before meals.  I pray when I'm in trouble.  I pray in church.  I even pray once-in-awhile just because I love God!  What do these guys want me to do?  live on my knees?

These guys make it sound like your whole life should be centered around pleasing God.  Church is nice.  Everyone should go from time-to-time.  There are nice people there.  They have free coffee and donuts.  They entertain your kids.  But goodness, aren't we supposed to do everything with moderation? 

"Relentless prayer"?  How am I supposed to make a living?  This Platt guy is taking the Bible way too seriously!  He makes it sound like God owns me or something. 

Whatever you do - if you're reasonably comfortable and happy in your life - DON'T READ THESE BOOKS!

A BOOK REVIEW: HEAVEN IS FOR REAL

I just finished the book, Heaven is for Real, by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent.

WHY I READ THIS BOOK

1. I've been collecting scriptures that reference Heaven for many years and reflecting on their meaning.
2. Since doing a sermon series on Heaven in the fall of 2006, I have been very interested in the topic.  The sermon series was listened to on-line and via a CD packet by hundreds of people.
3. Because of my interest in Heaven, a number of friends have asked my opinion of this book.

QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT WANT AN OPINION ON

• Do you think Colton Burpo really visited Heaven?

          Yes.  It seems to me that he either actually visited Heaven or had an extremely vivid vision of  Heaven.  Why would we want to doubt this?  Isn't God still pursuing lost people?  Isn't God desiring to comfort the hurting?  Why wouldn't God choose to use this vehicle - an almost 4-year-old - to inform, inspire, and challenge those who are willing to read his account? 

• Do Colton's reports support the scriptural evidence?

         Yes, they largely do.  However, some things go beyond what we can learn from scripture;  for instance:
                 - confirming Jesus' appearance
                 - the fact that there are no old people in Heaven
                 - that people in Heaven know what is happening on earth
                 - that we have wings and can fly when we get to Heaven
                 - that the angel Gabriel sits on the throne to God's left

• Is it wise to read this book (or encourage others to read it)?

         Absolutely!  I find nothing here that would lead anyone to any dangerous conclusions.  I found the book to be tremendously uplifting and encouraging.  The fact that God chose an innocent messenger fits in with the way that I believe God works.  Colton's reports are filtered through his pastor/father's experience, knowledge, and thoughts. 

• Do you have any fears about people reading this book?

         Yes.  I would fear that some might begin to mix the images that Colton has revealed with the truth of God's Word at an equal level!  God's revealed Word is supreme.  Colton's recollections are on a radically different level. 

Even his father states (p.148):

"As a pastor, I've always been very conscious about what I share about heaven from the pulpit, and I still am.  I teach what I find in scripture."

• What did you like most about the book?

         I particularly enjoyed the parts of the book where Colton described the colors in Heaven.  Randy Alcorn, in his very helpful book Heaven, also suggested that Heaven may reveal colors such as ultra-violet rays, infrared, and others that we don't know of yet.  The reference to the stones in the foundations of the city (pp.107-108) was fascinating to me!

I recommend the book!  It will encourage you and whet your appetite for Heaven! 

Elisabeth Elliot, the wife of martyred missionary Jim Elliot, wrote:

“Heaven is not here;  it’s there.  If we were given all we wanted here, our hearts would settle for this world rather than the next.  God is forever luring us up and away from this one, wooing us to himself and his still invisible kingdom, where we will certainly find what we so keenly long for.”    [quoted in REV. magazine, “Prayer Changes Things”, November/December, 2003,  p. 84]

TAKE TIME TO PROCESS

This was one of the points in yesterday's sermon.  When life gets derailed or detoured - like Joseph's and Mary's - you can take time to process.  [I borrowed this point from a recent sermon by my mentor, Breada Young]

There are some good synonyms for this process:  reflect, ponder, meditate, and ruminate come to mind.  But 21st century, American culture doesn't cultivate this response!  We seem to have lost the value of having time to just think - there's too much to do!

Thankfully, previous eras did value time for pausing.  That's why we have Psalm 119.  Chances are, you haven't read it recently.  Most people avoid it since it's the longest chapter in the Bible.  But, oh, what you're missing!

This psalm was written by someone who absolutely loved God's Word!  They had some time on their hands, so they luxuriously reflected on the value of God's Law. 

In a way that we might spend a couple of hours watching television, or playing video games, or surfing the net, or Facebooking, this ancient lover-of-God put together a poem expressing his/her appreciation for God's counsel.

The author wrote twenty-two paragraphs about his/her love for God's promises starting each paragraph with a letter from the Hebrew alphabet [most of your Bibles will show this]!  Essentially, it's an acronym! 

But we don't have time for this kind of silliness today.  We barely have time to read a few verses every day.  Of course, maybe we would have time if it wasn't for television, video games, the internet, and Facebook.  Ooops! 

I guess we all make our choices.

Sad though, because most of us are sorely in need of some quiet time for reflection!

NOTE:  If you started reading those twenty-two paragraphs today, you would finish on January 2nd.  Not a bad plan for someone who's stressed out.

KIDS GIFTS

Surely every parent has received them:

• a fresh-picked dandelion
• a finger-painting
• a painted rock
• a page from a coloring book
• a cookie made from mud
• a craft from Sunday School


When I was a student at Roberts Wesleyan College, I planned a great day of giving for the campus.  Groups went caroling at the mall.  Other groups went to area nursing homes.  Another group went to the children's wing of Strong's Memorial Hospital in Rocherster, New York (this group gave huge candy canes to the kids). 

Afterward, we met in Garlock Commons for a party.  We shared about our adventures.  One girl stood up and - with tears - told of how meaningful it was to entertain the children at the hospital.  She told us that one little girl had attached to her.  When they had to leave this little girl gave her a big, sticky hug (from the candy cane).  At that point, she turned around and showed us two small, red handprints on the back of her white sweatshirt!

Children can teach us a lot about gift-giving that would ease our stress!  They've captured the concepts of simplicity and sincerity! 

[Finger-painting by Hal's granddaughter, Rylie Grace Kerstetter]

A CHRISTMAS DEVOTION

This vignette is recorded in Mark 12:41-43 (The Voice).

Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, where people came to bring their offerings, and He watched as they came and went.  Many rich people threw in large sums of money, but a poor widow came and put in only two small coins worth only a fraction of a cent.

JESUS (calling His disciples together):  Truly this widow has given a greater gift than any other contribution. 

I can just see the disciples scratching their heads.  "Huh?  She only dropped a couple of worthless coins in.  How could her gift be greater than the larger gifts we witnessed?"

Have you ever seen a Dad or a Mom receive a gift from a young child?

When I was young, I wanted to buy my Mom something really special for Christmas!  I went into an expensive gift shop in Beaver Falls.  For some reason, my eyes fell on a horse's head.  I thought it was beautiful!  I just knew my Mom would love it!

[Now, notice, my Mom had no affinity for horses whatsoever!]

It was a difficult decision;  but I paid the dear price of $10 and bought the horse's head.  [No Godfather comments after this, please].  I wrapped it and couldn't wait for Christmas morning!

She opened it and loved it!  After Christmas, she called me into the living room after school one day.  She had decided to place it on the bottom level of one of her end tables.  She explained that it made it look like the horse was in a stall!  I was pleased that she had chosen a special place of honor for my gift.

I only realized much later that this was Mom's ingenius way of getting the horse's head almost completely out-of-sight!  :-)

BOTTOM LINE
Folks, it's not really the gift.  It's the love that motivates you to buy or make the gift! 

Jesus honored the woman because He knew her heart!  He knew she wanted to give!  He knew her sacrifice!  Her gift had meaning!

Keep that in mind as you prepare gifts for Christmas this year...

A MIRACLE OF COOPERATION

I just finished reading chapter 3 of the Old Testament book of Nehemiah.

THE SETTING
Jerusalem has been destroyed and the people of the land carried off to Babylon for seventy years.  Through God's intervention, they are finally allowed to return with permission to rebuild the city and the Temple.  But progress is slow and discouraging.  They are taunted by local thugs and rulers.

WHAT HAPPENS
God calls a layman, Nehemiah, to go to Jerusalem to help with the work.  He is passionate and has leadership skill.  Nehemiah prioritizes the work and determines that the wall of the city must be rebuilt first!  He challenges the people to focus on that massive project.

THE RESULTS
The people respond to Nehemiah's leadership!  Everyone starts working on the section of wall closest to their home or business.  Brothers work together.  Goldsmiths work.  Perfumers work.  The mayor works.  The priests work.  Families take on whole sections.  Merchants work.  Men from surrounding villages come in to assist with the work.  Women work. 

The wall is completely finished in fifty-two days!  The gates are rebuilt in this time as well!  Something that had been overwhelming - was accomplished in less than two months through good leadership and massive cooperation!

TAKE-AWAY
Can you imagine what would happen if the church could cooperate in its mission like that today?

What if it suddenly didn't matter if you were Presbyterian or Lutheran or Catholic or Free Methodist?  What if all who claim to love Jesus began to work together to do His work?

What might be the result?  What if we went to work repairing the walls of denominationalism?  What if we began to function as though we were on the same team?  What if we pooled resources? 

Now that would be a miracle!

MOVIE RECOMMENDATION

I recorded the movie "Christmas With A Capital C", Sunday and we watched it last night.  We really enjoyed it. 

Anyone who reads my blog knows that I am a pretty strong proponent of saying "Merry Christmas" and recognizing the true meaning of the season.  It was like this movie was made for me.  It changed my attitude and heart. 

It was a wake-up call to me on how to best deal with my discontent.  If, like me, your heart needs to be changed on this subject - try this movie.  I think you'll enjoy it. 

Come back and leave a comment.  I keep trying to simplify that process!

BLIND BARTIMAEUS

I just read chapter 10 in the Gospel of Mark.  It ends with the story of a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. 

Jesus has come to Jericho with His disciples.  A crowd begins to follow Him.  Bartimaeus had set up along the main road to beg from passersby.

He was strategically located as Jesus moved past him.  As he listened, he realized that Jesus was close to him.  He had heard of Jesus' healing ministry.

He began to cry out - loudly:  "Jesus, Son of David, take pity on me and help me."  But, by now, the size of the crowd had grown and his voice was just one of many excited voices.

Some of the local people who were familiar with Bartimaeus tried to shush him.  They were embarrassed - even disgusted with him. 

Bartimaeus would not be silenced.  Urgently now, he cried out again, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me! 

Surprisingly, with the abundance of voices and much peripheral noise, Jesus stopped and seemed to be listening carefully.  Then He told those near the front of the crowd to call the blind man forward.

[Some of the crowd spoke to Bartimaeus]  Good news!  Jesus has heard you.  Listen - He calls for you.  Get up and go to Him.

Bartimaeus cast aside his beggar's robe and stepped forward, feeling his way toward Jesus.

JESUS:  What do you want from Me?

BARTIMAEUS:  Teacher, I want to see.

JESUS:  Your faith has made you whole.  Go in peace.

In that moment, Bartimaeus could see again;  and from that time on, he followed Jesus.

[All scripture quoted from The Voice]

I am very impressed with that last line:  ...and from that time on, he followed Jesus.

That's gratitude! 

"I am forever in Your debt!  You did something so wonderful for me that the only way I can possibly even begin to repay You is to follow You for the rest of my life!"

You see, Jesus did something similar for me!  He forgave my sin! 

More than that!  He keeps forgiving my sin! 

Still more:  He has given me the hope of everlasting life with Him in Heaven!

When you hear that Hal Haire has died don't be sad, BE GLAD! 

Like Bart, out of gratitude, I will follow Him for the rest of my life on this earth so that I can live with Him IN HEAVEN  for all eternity! 

 

PEANUT BUTTER CUPS!

Back in the summer, I set a goal of losing twenty pounds by the end of the 2011.  I started eating healthy in September and lost the twenty pounds in six weeks!

Recently, however, I've been slipping.  It started with some dessert at Thanksgiving.  Then, I bought some chocolate-covered pretzels - pretzels are healthy, right?  Saturday I bought a bag of peanut butter cups - peanut butter is good for you, right?

Surpize!  I've gained five pounds.

Switch gears.

Very few people simply walk away from God!  Notice the language we've adopted that describes the cooling of our relationship with Him:

• We back-slide! 
• We fall away.
• We drift from Him.

INSIGHT:

This process of becoming distant from God always begins with COMPROMISE!

I make little decisions that affect my relationship in small ways. 

When that little change doesn't make a huge difference, it seems to release me to make another small change;  and then another;  and then another.

Each compromise is gradually but persistently taking me further from God!  It takes awhile for me to realize that I've "drifted".  When I do realize it, it's difficult (nearly impossible) for me to track it back to that original decision of compromise (because it was so subtle).

Once I realize that I've drifted, I can do something about it!  I can create change in a positive way.  I can reinstate disciplines and cut away sinful practices.  I can quit eating peanut butter cups!

DON'T GO INTO DEBT!

Why do I say this to you?  Because I've been there and done that, and I've suffered the pain of that process!  I'd LOVE to help you avoid that pain.

Christmas, more than any other time of year, tempts us to spend money we don't have.  We want to be generous.  People are going to give us gifts and we want to reciprocate.  We want people to think well of us.  We don't want them to know that our finances are in horrible shape.

As a result, we short-circuit and start spending on credit.  We block out thoughts about the consequences of our actions.  We satisfy our immediate desires and refuse to allow ourselves to think of the impact this will have on us in January.

Not a good scenario...

If you're on-the-verge of this kind of behavior - STOP!!!!

Don't do it!  Don't set yourself back financially.  Don't set yourself up for misery and depression in the New Year!  Exercise restraint! 

Here are some alternative things you can do to keep your finances from getting worse:

• Let people you usually exchange gifts with know that you're exercising restraint this year because you're trying to restore balance to your finances.  If they really love you, they'll be impressed and understand.
• Write letters instead of giving gifts!  People love to read nice things about themselves!  Write your friends a note telling them everything you appreciate about them.  They'll read it over and over again!
• Use your talents, be creative!  Debbie and I had friends in Maryland named Forrest and Eileen Grauel.  They called and asked if they could stop by.  Upon their arrival, they set up a tape deck and started some music playing.  Forrest sang us a lovely Christmas song;  then they verbally expressed their gratitude and told us what they appreciated about us.  Then they packed up and left!  And we were so blessed! 
• Give away your treasure!  We all have things of value that we keep clinging to.  Give something valuable away!  Include a note telling the person how much this has meant to you over the years.  Write:  "Instead of going out and spending money on something meaningless, I've decided to give you something that actually means a great deal to me."
• Make something!  Give the gift of home-made cookies!  Or something knitted or crocheted.  Carry in a meal!  Put together a photo book of memories or a collage of pictures.  Make a handcraft! 
• Use your skill to do something nice for someone.  If you have mechanical skills, give them a coupon for a free brake job or a detailing job.  Give them a coupon for a home-made meal at your house!  Offer to repair something that you know is broken. 

All of these gifts will be far more appreciated than something you would go out and spend a lot of money on! 

The best gift you could give a lot of your family and friends is the gift of time and attention! 

Just do yourself a favor and DON'T GO INTO DEBT!

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Yesterday Debbie and I were out shopping.  This time of year, I always get hit with the same wave of discouragement while moving through the stores.

While walking through the Christmas section of a large discount store, I was checking the prices on Christmas lights.  Aisle after aisle were loaded with Santas, reindeer, snowmen, snowflakes, etc., etc.  I couldn't find any symbol that would remotely remind you of the One whose birthday we celebrate!

A few years ago you could occasionally find bells or stars, but they seem to have been put on the 'naughty' list now.  I wasn't able to find a manger scene in this store!  Debbie found one roll of wrapping paper that included the words: "Merry Christmas". 

The One who is the cause of the celebration is being completely removed from the recognition of the day.  The Holy Day has truly become a holiday.

We get cards from Christian friends that say, "Happy Holidays".  We even rode by the house of Christian friends who had "Happy Holidays" in their front yard.  More and more followers of Christ are exchanging greetings with the words:  "Happy Holidays".  Innocent people are buying the mantra of a secular culture!

Sorry!  I don't like to use this vehicle for disparaging rants.  Let's see if I can turn it around?

As for me and my house - we will forever celebrate CHRISTMAS!  My decorations will point to the Savior of the world!  Our cards will always convey a message about the One who offers us the hope of Heaven!  We'll put up a Christmas tree and decorate it with:

• candles and lights to symbolize the light of the world
• shiny balls to symbolize the gift of gold given by the magi
• tinsel to remind us to reflect His love to a needy world
• candy canes - which we call candy J's...for JESUS!!
• bells to remind us to ring out the Good News that a Savior is born!
• stars because of the Star of Bethlehem
• and maybe even a picture of Santa - kneeling at the Manger!!!

You get to make your own choices.  Are you going to advance the secular message or the true message of joy and hope?

2,000 years ago, in the little town of Bethlehem, a baby was born.  This baby was planted in a young Jewish girl named Mary, by the Holy Spirit!  This God-child was the Son of God - the Maker of the universe.  He came to give His life for you and every other person on earth.  His sacrifice for sin opened the way for your salvation.

Proclaim it or ignore it.  Make your choice!

ENGAGEMENT II

[For continuity, read "ENGAGEMENT" first]

There has always been some joking in our family about Debbie's engagement ring.  Our three T's have deliberated over which of them should get it someday.  Awhile back one of them suggested that since my mom had given it to her youngest son, Debbie should do the same.

I don't know if that influenced her or not, but several months ago - without discussion - Debbie gave her engagement ring to Troy.  He and Missy Noel have been dating since Family Camp, 2010.  We both suspected that Troy was getting ready to 'pop' the question!

We had a family Thanksgiving/Christmas in Connecticut at Tracie's last week.  After returning to Travis' in Annapolis to retrieve his car, Troy made a stealth trip to New Middletown.  He arrived Monday afternoon shortly after Missy had left for a 12-hour shift at the hospital.

He had to disable her ability to track him on her iPhone.  He had to deceive her about where he was on his long journey back to Savannah.  At one point he told her, "I've been driving all day and I'm almost home."  He also ignored calls and texts from her.

Then he went about setting up his surprise!

Missy's words:

I worked until 2:00 AM.  Imagine my surprise when I drove down my street and saw Troy's car in my driveway!  When I walked into my kitchen, he had Christmas music playing, a beautiful bouquet of flowers, rose petals scattered on the table, candles, and cheese fondue.

We enjoyed an assortment of bread, fruit, and vegetables;  then Troy started to cook the chocolate fondue.  I decided to take a picture to send to my sister (since she had weaved a web of lies to get me to rearrange my work schedule so that I would be home the following day with Troy).

While I was distracted and trying to take a picture with my phone, Troy got down on one knee and proposed!  I was so excited!!!   We ate chocolate fondue and then I called my sister!

And so, the ring that once belonged to Hazel Haire, and Debbie Haire, now graces the hand of Missy Noel!

IS GOD SOFT ON SIN?

I read Psalm 99 this morning and came to the following verses:

Moses and Aaron were among His priests, and Samuel was among those who called on His name;  they called upon the LORD and He answered them.  He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud;  They kept His testimonies and the statute that He gave them.

Oh LORD our God, You answered them;  You were a forgiving God to them, and yet an avenger of their evil deeds.   (vs.6-8  NASB)

Avenge is a strong word!  It has connotation of retribution. 

Eugene Peterson translates that last line (in The Message):

But You were never soft on their sins.

Consider:

• Eve and Adam sinned and were removed from the Garden of Eden.
• Cain killed his brother and God cursed him.
• Moses sinned and was forbidden to enter the Promised Land.
• Joseph's eleven brothers sold him into slavery;  as a result they nearly died from starvation and had to humble themselves.
• Esau despised his birthrite and lost his inheritance to his younger brother.
• David sinned and reaped sexual immorality and rebellion among his children.
• Peter denied knowing Jesus and had to answer for it face-to-face.
• Paul had a pride problem that prevented him from being healed.

But, in spite of all this evidence, you probably won't suffer as a result of your sin.  NOT!

God is not soft on sin!  God is HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!  God cannot abide the presence of sin!  God will not abide the presence of sin!

When we willfully sin, we banish the presence of God from our lives.  And we will deal with the consequences of our sin.

Will God forgive us?  Always!  (Read I John 1:9)

Will God take away the consequences of our sin?  NO. 

And the consequences of our sins can be VERY PAINFUL!!!  

 

ENGAGEMENT

I went to college in 1969.  Debbie and I had already been dating for a year.  Having broken up, we got back together at college.  After two years of school, she returned home to work and pay off debts.  I finished my degree. 

Somewhere along the way, I decided to ask her to be my wife.  I didn't have any money saved - it was all going toward my education.  After college, I planned to go to Kentucky to attend seminary for three years.

My mom stepped in and asked if I would like to use her diamond ring to engage Debbie.  It was a beautiful, basket-weave setting.  I loved it - it was so delicate and sparkly.  Because of restrictions in the church at that time, this treasure had laid in my mother's drawer for forty years;  it was like new.

My dad had bought it for her sometime before their marriage in 1934.  I believe he bought it at a jewelry store auction in Beaver Falls, PA.

I quickly accepted her offer!

I purchased a silver, music-box, grand piano that had a small compartment in it.  I placed the ring in the compartment.  We went for an all-day trip to Conneaut Lake Park.  It was September 3, 1971 (her birthday).  After riding the rides all morning, we set up a picnic lunch.  During lunch, I gave her a gift-wrapped box including the piano.  When she lifted the lid and saw the ring, I asked her to marry me.

She said "Yes!"

DOES GOD - AT TIMES - CAUSE SICKNESS?

In the last blog a scripture was referenced from Exodus 15:26 (NASB):

If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians;  for I, the LORD, am your healer.

Notice the underlined section!

Earlier in Exodus, when Moses is arguing with God over his call to go back to Egypt, he uses the excuse that he is not a good speaker:  (4:10)  "I am slow of speech and slow of tongue."  God responds:  (4:11)  "Who has made man's mouth?  Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind?  Is it not I, the Lord?"  (NASB)

In John 9, Jesus...

...saw a man blind from birth.  And His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?"  Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man had sinned, nor his parents;  but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him...When He had said this, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes, and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam"...So he went away and washed and came back seeing.    (vs.1-2,6-7 - NASB)

God is sovereign!  In one case God causes sickness as a punishment on the Egyptians for their cruelty to God's children.  In other cases, God creates individuals with infirmities for reasons that may never be known to them.  In still other cases, God creates individuals with handicaps so that they can glorify Him either by being healed or by persevering in spite of their limitations! 

God can do what God wants to do.  His ways are higher than our ways! 

As followers of Christ, we need to learn to turn to Him in times of sickness for discernment. 

• Does this sickness have a purpose?
• Could God be pruning or punishing me?
• Does God want to receive glory from the way I handle this sickness?

Or,

• Is this sickness a result of living in a fallen world?
• Is it a result of an accident?  [In Luke 13, Jesus refers to a tower that fell and killed 18 people.  He makes it clear that they died as the result of an accident.]
• Is this a sickness brought on as a result of consequences?  [It's difficult to blame a torn ACL from skiing on God.]
• Is this a sickness caused by Satan?

These issues can only be clarified through discerning prayer.  Most of us rarely make the effort to ask these questions...