Monthly Archives: September 2013

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost sometimes
That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble -
needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak
and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed
and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek God's name

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I'm loved

Grace,

Dr, Terry Ellis

"Then I said 'How long, O Lord?'" Isaiah 6:11

"How long, O Lord?" comes from Isaiah 6:11. In his temple vision Isaiah saw the Lord "high and lifted up." During that truly awesome encounter God asked "Whom shall I send?" The times were perilous, and the people needed a prophet. Isaiah enthusiastically answered the call: "Here am I. Send me!" His response was courageous and faithful. After hearing the assignment, Isaiah asked a question "how long, O Lord?"

The book of Isaiah chronicles his long obedience. He stayed the course even when it was unpopular. His question did not hint at doubt or reluctance. He wasn't looking for a two-week mission trip. He was in it for a lifetime, if needed.

But when we ask "how long, O Lord?" we often do so hoping that the light is at the end of the tunnel, and that that light is not an oncoming train! How long? is the question we ask when the diagnosis is hard. Or the relationship is in trouble. Or the stock market takes away a good percentage of our investments. How long, O Lord? is really a question about when and if God will intervene. And it actually focuses on us. "How much longer do I have to put up with this?"

There is often no answer to that question. The choices people make may not be good or right, and that extends our misery. The medicine sometimes does not work. The problems you face often turn into long-term dull aches. Who can tell when it will end?

The one choice available to you is an affirmation of faith found in the words "however long, O Lord." Say that and mean it, and you affirm your commitment to God no matter what. However long it takes, you will remain faithful. Whatever comes along, you will remain faithful. No matter how hard the way, you will trust God, for He is always on your side.

"How long, O Lord?" is understandable, but ultimately fruitless. You simply don't know. "However long, O Lord" puts you on firm footing to bear whatever comes your way. This is the faith you need.

Grace,

Dr. Terry Ellis

September 15, 2013

"Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 2:1

You will be strong in something today. One quality, characteristic, or pattern of thought will dominate all others. At the end of this day you will have been shaped by what you were strong in during this day. It may be something good that has shaped you, or it may be something bad. Let's look at a few candidates.

You may be strong in fear. Each day presents plenty of opportunities for fear, and no one can dispute the reality of possible storms. Fear is a natural and normal response to these uncertainties. But will you be strong in fear?

You may be strong in resentment. Everyone of us collects people along the way that have been unkind or worse. The mention of a name may bring to your mind a rush of images and well-rehearsed stories. There's a certain perverse joy in hate. It gives you energy. very costly energy, of course, but energy nevertheless. Resentment is an typicalresponse. But will you be strong in resentment today?

I could go on and describing anger, doubt, arrogance, etc. These corrosive qualities are fairly common. We all experience them, and tend to underestimate their effect. The question remains, will you be strong in one of them today?

Paul wrote two letters to a young minister named Timothy who was struggling in many ways. These two letters contain a dozen or more exhortations and encouragements. Among them is the one listed above: "be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus." Paul knew that every day Timothy would give in to his problems or embrace God's promise.

God knows that about you also. When you are strong in the grace of Christ Jesus, you are less likely to feed your fears, or give too much power to your problems, or too much weight to your critics. Being strong in grace means that you will receive God's grace and give it more freely. Being strong in His grace means that you know He will work in your life and bring you through any problem. Being strong in grace means stepping out of the storm and into the security of God's presence and power.

The good news is that God gives you the power to choose. Through Jesus Christi you can be stronger in grace than anything else.

Grace,

Dr. Terry Ellis

September 1, 2013