"Walking Together in Unity"

There's a place where God's blessing has been commanded--it's a place called, "Unity." Here's an excerpt from a message I delivered at New Hope Ministries in Naples, Florida, February 10, 2007.

think on these things...

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! ...for there the Lord commanded the blessing..." --Psalm 133:1,3

"As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself entirely to you so they also might be entirely yours. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father--that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are--I in them and you in me, all being perfected into one. Then the world will know that you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me." --John 17:18-23 (NLT)

A Night at "Motel Hell"

Although I've passed by the place many times, I've never actually stayed at the Elmcourt Motel. The Elmcourt is one of a smattering of aging, small motor hotels--along with the Flamingo and the El Rancho--that dot a short stretch of Lapeer Road, just west of the city of Port Huron, Michigan.

The motel advertises itself as being "located close to downtown Port Huron and the bridge to Canada in a quiet environment." Quiet sounds nice. Close to stuff sounds nice, too. The owners of the Elmcourt would also have us to know that their establishment "features 15 clean motel rooms with color cable TV, HBO, air condition [sic], and refrigerators." Cozy, clean, cool, and comfortable. The Elmcourt sounds like an excellent choice for a quiet, relaxing evening when one is traveling far from home.

Ah, but things aren't always as they appear, are they?
Such would seem to be the case at the Elmcourt Motel.

The "Motel from Hell"?
I happened upon an interesting blog the other day, written by a fellow named Daniel. In one particular entry, Daniel recalled a recent stay at the "clean and quiet" Elmcourt. Daniel had ridden his motorcycle from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to visit friends in Ferndale, Michigan. While in Ferndale, he got a call from another friend named Joe, who was stuck near the Canadian border and needed help with his broken-down bike.

Daniel to the rescue!

What follows is Daniel's account of his exciting trip to Port Huron and his unforgettable night at the Elmcourt Motel:

"I got a call from Joe to come up almost to the border of Canada and help him... I finally arrived to help him with his cycle. I actually found the Kawasaki dealer before Joe, so I added two more locks to his bike to help protect it from the crazy people in the area.

"Then I met Joe at the Motel from Hell--the Elmcourt Motel.

"You have no idea what an experience that was. There was a puddle of blood on the floor with drips into the shower and into the bedroom. There were bullet holes in the sheets and bedclothes. Yes, I said bullet holes. Fun, huh? The rest of the room was even worse. Holes patched with pieces of plywood. The carpet was probably 60 years old with big chunks missing. Bugs that I don't really want to get into, as it will make your skin crawl.

"There were three gunshots in the middle of the night. I was thinking that any minute Freddy Krueger was going to break in. I even slept with every stitch of clothes on--and on top of the covers. We lived through the night and made it until morning. That was my report on my first day and night. What joy."

Hey, wait a minute, Daniel. Are we talking about the same Elmcourt Motel here?

After reading Daniel's tale of terror, I felt compelled to investigate this matter a bit further to see if I could find anyone else who'd ever stayed at the Elmcourt--anyone who could corroborate or refute his testimony.

Can I get another witness, please?

Well, I guess I could, because I did.

I did a Google search and found someone named Tina who had spent a night at the Elmcourt in July, 2007. Tina was thoughtful enough to post a "review" (more like a warning) of her stay. She described her experience with a single word: "nasty." Tina went on to write:

"this place is very nasty. stuff didn't work. sheets were tore [sic]. just very nasty. they need to replace everything in there. it needs a lot of work..."

Oh, my! "Nasty" doesn't sound very inviting, does it? Thanks, Tina. I think we got the picture!

Reservations Recommended
So, where am I going with this little story, you ask?

Well, words paint pictures, and words can create illusions that lead us far from reality. To read management's description, you'd think the Elmcourt to be a lovely little place to spend a peaceful night or two--maybe more. But, as I said, things are not always as they appear. It's wise to take time and check things out.

Sadly, many of us don't take the time--or just don't care enough--to check out much of anything for ourselves. We're prone to take most anybody's word for everything--especially if "anybody" calls themselves an "expert," or a "Christian," or has a TV or radio show, an impressive resume', or sports a fancy title or two. (We do love our titles, don't we?)

My friends, "gullibility" is not a gift of the Spirit. (No, it's not a fruit, either.)

WordNet defines gullibility as, "a tendency to believe too readily and therefore to be easily deceived." This is a widespread problem in the body of Christ. Let's call it the "Gullibility Factor." Gullibility is a big liability. The more gullible you are, the more vulnerable you are. And the more vulnerable you are, the more apt you are to believe something other than the truth.

The apostle Paul warned us that, in the last days, "some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils" (1 Timothy 4:1). That's scary stuff--even scarier than a night at the Elmcourt, I imagine.

I'm not suggesting that we should be overly suspicious of folks. But, we really do need to be more cautious and discerning. There are many false apostles and prophets and teachers running around out there, you know. And, according to scripture, even Satan can make himself look pretty fine when it suits his purposes. (See 2 Corinthians 7:14)

Jesus said, "Take heed what you hear." It's always a good idea to check things out with the Word of God, otherwise you might be shocked where you end up spending the night--or, a thought that's even more frightening--the rest of eternity. Now, that's scary!

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: "Test all things; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). In other words, don't buy the lie!

think on these things...
There are many flaky, weird and foolish concepts being circulated in our movement today that must be corrected. If we don't hold tightly to Scripture, we might unknowingly give birth to a cult that could bring great damage and division to churches worldwide. It’s time to get back to the Bible! --J. Lee Grady, editor, Charisma Magazine

That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the synagogue. And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did some of the prominent Greek women and many men. --Acts 17:10-12 (NLT)

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. --2 TImothy 3:14-17

Only simpletons believe everything they are told! The prudent carefully consider their steps. --Proverbs 14:15 (NLT)

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. --John 8:31,32





(Travel tip...If you're planning a stay in the Port Huron area, you might want to check out Holiday Inn Express.)

Searching for the Perfect Church?

Steeples and pews and stained glass and fountains do not a church make. The church of Jesus Christ is not made of concrete, wood, and stone. In fact, the church has nothing to do with physical structures at all. The true church of our Lord is being constructed with people—people who have placed their faith in Jesus, been born again by the Holy Spirit, and baptized into the body of Christ. The Church is a fellowship of believers who worship together, pray together, work together, and encourage one another to faithfulness and service.

Being an active member of a local church is essential to becoming all God has created and called you to be, and to fulfilling your destiny and purpose in life. But there are so many churches—so many choices. How can one find the "perfect church?"

People choose to attend different churches for various reasons. Some are drawn to a particular ministry because they ascribe to a certain doctrine or observe certain traditions. Others base their decision on a preferred style of worship or preaching, the children’s or youth ministry, or a particular form of church government. Whatever the reason, most folks are usually looking for a place where they can be encouraged in their faith, connect with other believers, and serve and grow in the Lord.

I’m sure you realize that, this side of Heaven, you'll never find "the perfect church"--that is, a place where all the members always agree with one another, never offend one another, and never have any problems. If that's the place you're looking for, you might as well give up the search. There are no perfect churches because every church is made up of imperfect people. That said, I really do believe there is a perfect church for you—a place where God wants you to be planted, grow, and serve.

In a day and time when many believers have given up on church, I see the need now, more than ever, for God's people to be part of a local church body. I have much more to say about this, but for the moment, let me simply pray that you find the "perfect church" for you. Membership really does have its benefits!

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"The church is not a society of the successful. It is a fellowship of the forgiven." --Robert Munger

"Churchgoers are like coals in a fire. When they cling together they keep the flame aglow; when they separate they die out." --Billy Graham

"At a deep level I sense that church contains something I desperately need. Whenever I abandon church for a time, I find that I am the one who suffers. My faith fades, and the crusty shell of lovelessness grows over me again. I grow colder rather than hotter. And so my journeys away from church have always circled back inside." --Philip Yancey

"And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."
--Ephesians 1:22,23

"The perfect church is not on this earth. The most spiritual church is sure to have in it some who are still bothered by the flesh. An old Italian proverb says, 'He that will have none but a perfect brother must resign himself to remain brotherless.' However earnestly we may desire that our Christian brother go on toward perfection, we must accept him as he is and learn to get along with him. --A.W. Tozer

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near." --Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)

"If John be for me..."

Back in the 60s, I had a "black-leathered" friend who attended Longfellow Junior High School with me. His name was John.

In those days, I was of small stature (I still am, I suppose, compared to regulation-size adult human beings). Being one of the "vertically challenged" kids at Longfellow, I was frequently the target of bigger kids, who evidently needed to affirm their bigness.

While I was standing at my hall locker one day, one of the aforementioned bullies approached and began tormenting me. After they had completed their mission of terror, they proceeded down the hall--most likely in search of their next victim.

For now, they were gone. I could breathe again. But, even though I watched them go, I felt I wasn't alone. I sensed someone was standing behind me.

I turned and looked up to find "him" towering over me. Who was him? Him was John--big, bad, John!

John was one of a couple of guys at Longfellow that you just didn't want to mess with. And here he was. I wasn't looking forward to Round Two. No, I wasn't.

But, thankfully, John wasn't there to shake me down. Quite the opposite. John leaned over and said to me,

"If anyone ever bothers you again, just let me know."
Wow! I knew John wasn't just saying that--I could tell he really meant it!

Well, from that moment on, I knew that if anybody were to mess with me, they would have to answer to my friend, John. I think I grew about a half-a-foot that day. I realized that regardless of whatever (or whomever) may come my way, I could call on the name of "John" and he would be there to protect and defend me. That was a comforting thought. (Thanks, John!)

It's been many years since I've seen John. But, I've found there are times that I could still use someone bigger than I, someone to help me fight off some of the things I face from time to time. Thankfully, I've found someone--someone even bigger than John--someone who cares for me, watches over me, and will defend me against all my enemies. Someone who has never lost a fight--and never will! His name is Jesus!

Hey, we all face big challenges in this life. There are giants in the land. It's comforting to know, however, that Jesus is there, and that He really cares, and that He's as close as the mention of His name!

think on these things...
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. --Psalm 124:8

The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. --Proverbs 18:10 (NLT)

"When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who brought you safely out of Egypt, is with you! Before you go into battle, the priest will come forward to speak with the troops. He will say, 'Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight today! Do not lose heart or panic. For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!' --Deuteronomy 20:1-4 (NLT)

Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the congregation; and he said, "Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: `Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's. `Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. `You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.'' --2 Chronicles 20:14-17 (NKJV)

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? --Romans 8:31 (NKJV)

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn: "Material Witness"

Then he said, "Beware! Don't be greedy for what you don't have. Real life is not measured by how much we own." And he gave an illustration: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing. So he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store everything. And I'll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!' "But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?' "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." --Jesus, Luke 12:15-21 (NLT)

Nobel laureate and Soviet dissident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn died of apparent heart failure, Sunday, August 3, 2008. He was 89. Solzhenitsyn was a prolific writer, selling over 30 million books, which have been translated into over 40 different languages. Chuck Colson compares Solzhenitsyn's messages to those of Jeremiah, the prophet. He courageously exposed injustice and decried man's inhumanity against man, as did the prophet of old.

In 1974, Solzhenitsyn was arrested and forced to leave the Soviet Union because of his criticism of the oppressive Communist government and their torturous labor camps. Upon expulsion, he traveled to Germany, lived for a short time in Switzerland, and then moved to the United States. For 18 years, he lived in Vermont, where he continued his studies and writing. While here in the States, he sounded warnings to the Western world as well.

He offered a critique of American life and culture in a commencement address at Harvard University, titled, “A World Split Apart,” which he delivered June 8, 1978. At the conclusion of his message, he asked a number of questions that we would do well to consider today. He said:

"Even if we are spared destruction by war, life will have to change in order not to perish on its own. We cannot avoid reassessing the fundamental definitions of human life and society. Is it true that man is above everything? Is there no Superior Spirit above him? Is it right that man’s life and society’s activities should be ruled by material expansion above all? Is it permissible to promote such expansion to the detriment of our integral spiritual life?"

Solzhenitsyn was concerned (and rightly so), that the prevailing American culture celebrated and promoted material gain as man's primary reason for being and the amassing of wealth as life's overarching goal. In such a world--a material world without regard or use for God--one exists merely to get as much stuff as he can get, consume as much as humanly possible, and store away the rest.

Jesus warned against this very thing in the story of the "Big Barn Builder Guy." The moral of that story: "A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."

We would be wise to examine our own lives in this regard--lest one day we, also, be found to have much and possess nothing.

think on these things...
"Twenty years before it dawned on many others that freedom cannot have much meaning in a cultural and spiritual vacuum, Solzhenitsyn was being irritatingly candid about the society that had given him refuge--its empty materialism, its mundane obscenity, its substitution of cheap sentimentality for abiding faith, and its worship instead of 'imperfect man, who is never free of pride, self-interest, envy, vanity and dozens of other defects.'" --Paul Greenberg, "The Return of a Prophet"

"Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are.'' --Luke 12:15 (LVB)

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." --Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV)

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. --1 Timothy 6:6-11 (NKJV)

Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen-the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation: "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. I advise you to buy gold from me-gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends. I will invite everyone who is victorious to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches." --Revelation 3:14-22 (NLT)