Church of the Rock » Pastor Keith’s Blog

Head Hung In Shame

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:01:30 +0000

A small community pastor came up to me and shared his situation. He was grateful that he had a nice church building and that God had called him into the ministry and then he hung his head and shared. “I am a poor man. My family was very poor and I had little when I grew up. I was raised in this region and became a Christian when a young boy. I am married and have a beautiful wife and a young child, but I am still poor. The church is growing but the people in the church do not give much, because they only live off of the land. I have no land of my own so I try to rent some land so I can grow enough food to feed my family and pay back the rent. I have no house so I have to borrow or rent a place to live.” He hung his head even lower and looked down as he said, “It is hard to be a good witness in this community because I have so little.” I’m not certain if this pastor was asking for money to buy land or money to help in building a house, but I felt like Peter and John as they were going to prayer and they saw the lame man and they responded with “silver and gold I do not have.” (Acts 3:6) It would have been quite Biblical to go on and say as Peter and John did, “but what I do have I give to you, in the name of Jesus Christ ….”

Instead, with as much gentleness and tenderness as I could show, I swatted down and looked into his eyes and challenged the young pastor. “You already have all that you need. You think that you need more money, or more food, or better clothing to be more effective in ministering. You are looking at the wrong things and hoping for the wrong sources to bring strength to your community ministry.” “These people around you have money, possessions, food and houses but that is not what they need. They need what you have. They need a true living relationship with the living God, they need peace with God, they need forgiveness through Jesus Christ, they need principles that will bring life to their relationships. This is what you have. Draw strength from what you have and then in excitement share that with the people around you.”

Father forgive us because we easily become deceived by the ways of those around us. As Christians we can easily fail to see how much it is You that we already have and it is You that everyone else needs. Help us to draw strength, not from the silver and gold (which we might not have) but from You, Whom we have. Others need You too, not because of material things that they hope to get for You, but because they need You. We become ashamed because we do not have material things; we should be boastful because we have You.

What’s The Cost?

Keith Eberhard — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:04:55 +0000

Every where we go, while in Uganda, we are constantly asking, “What is the cost?” A box of 24 bottles of water is 14,000 shillings, but in US dollars that is around $5.60. What’s the cost for a bottle of Coke – 1,500 shillings or $.60 at the market, around $1.20 in a restaurant. A liter of diesel, 3,800 shillings or $1.58 US. But what is the real cost to life? Discussing about becoming a Christian, a Muslim lady said that she would like to do so, but not at this time. We tried to determine if there was something which she needed clarification about. She said she understood everything perfectly. We reiterated that now was the time to make such a decision. We explained how this was the most important decision that she could ever make and sometimes we foolishly think that life will just continue on as normal and that we can try to respond at a “later time”. But who knows if we will even have such a “later time?” She said yes, she understood, but she was concerned about what her husband would say. Ah, that was it! Yes the message was clear but the cost of possible anger or rejection from her husband was more than she was prepared to make at this time. She left, not responding to the gospel.

We could look down upon that lady and say she missed “true life”, because of over valuing “short term life”, but often we do the same. We want to obey The Lord yet because of the fear of loosing something, we fail to obey. We might have lots of excuses but, in reality, the reasons we give, the excuses we present, or in spite of whatever else we might say, the real issue is that inwardly we think that the cost is too great for us.

Luke 14:28 encourages us to count the cost. Lord help us to consider, and weigh the eternal costs more seriously then the short term costs. Lord, help us to see that there are no long term costs, only long term gains which will come from following you.

A Baboon

Keith Eberhard — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:20:20 +0000

Driving along a rural road we found ourselves with a group of baboons on each side of us. “Group” is the term used for a large family or clan of baboons, and no I am not referring to the team members sitting all around me. These were actual baboons. Within our vehicle was a bunch of well ripened bananas that we had not yet thrown out. We opened the window and threw one banana into the group. The largest baboon and obviously the more dominant rushed forward and ate the banana, peal and all. We then picked out a smaller baboon and threw a banana toward him, though the dominant one cased the smaller baboon away and ate the banana quickly. When we threw a banana directly to a different large baboon, a fight took place, teeth were barred as the dominant tried to snatch the banana away. Occasionally a young baboon would catch a banana directly thrown to it and then scamper through a low lying path that the dominant could not get through, thus the smaller one got away with a banana, though not without some screeching howls from the dominant one. Mother baboons did not seem willing to try to help get some food for the younger ones that they were carrying. It seemed normal that the strong one should eat and the rest should not.

I thought of the nature of this group of primate like mammals where “might makes right”. In our human society if there is no absolute moral code then norms and morals of society are made by similar standards. Those with the most strength, the most knowledge, the most skill, the most persuasive communication, the most friends, or the most money end up establishing the guidelines for all. In the baboon community the mothers, the young and the weak all bowed down to the ruling of the mighty dominant one. This is not the way it is to be within mankind. God has put a moral code within each of us. God has written His law within our hearts, (Rom 2:15) so that one individual does not rule at the expense of others. As Christians we are called to help the weak and the poor, not to oppress them.

Lord, help us not to be self serving individuals. Give us sensitive hearts to the needs of others.

Let The Children Play!

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:47:10 +0000

Did I say, “let the children play?” I should have said, “let the children pray.” Several nights ago in the evening service we encouraged the believers to pray for each other. One young 10 year old Ugandan boy was overwhelmed with the opportunity to pray for others. He rushed around looking to join one of our team members. Together with a team member they came to a lady with a head ache and chest pain, she also was consumed with fear over what was happening in her life. The young child started to pray and with one simple prayer the head pain and chest pain was gone. With some most concerted prayer the child and team member were able to see a liberated smile come upon the woman. All fear was gone.

God can us anyone, even a young child. You might consider your faith or your spiritual walk to be childlike in nature but God can work through you too. In Matthew 18:3 we are encouraged to be like little children, to see the full purposes of God, His kingdom.

Lord help us to do what You have set before us in Childlike faith.

Life Is Tough

Keith Eberhard — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:36:47 +0000

Life in rural Uganda. Every evening we took time to pray for individuals. In the rural area where people make a living through hard work, living is difficult. Cutting trees or cultivating the land is done with simple tools like machetes and mattocks. Heavy burdens are carried on the shoulders or heads of the people. The local water, if not boiled thoroughly, carries bacteria that will affect the stomach. There are no medical clinics and the people have no money to pay for medication if they did need it. One pastor’s wife had hired a motor cycle (called a boda boda) to bring her to the conference. In traveling the motorcycle tipped and she broke or fractured the fibula bone in her leg. One of our team members, being a physiotherapist, examined the leg and there was no doubt that the bone was broken. The leg was swollen, it was painful to tough. Our advice was to go to a medical clinic and get it X-rayed; get a cast put on it; keep it elevated; and keep from bearing weight on the leg for a minimum of 3 weeks, or better yet 6 weeks. Of course we prayed for the leg, and then we prayed again and again. This lady was taking care of 12 children. Though we gave her proper medical advice. We knew that she would not be able to sit with her leg elevated for several days. She did not have the time or money to go to a clinic to get the leg x-rated or cast; she would buy no pain medication. She would not keep off of the foo for there was work to be done hills to climb, church services to attend, people to minister to. The hard situations of life had increased her tolerance for pain so she hobbled away in pain, thankful for the prayers and for the concern. Two days later I talked with her and her husband. The leg was still badly swollen, there was still pain, she was still standing and walking on it.

In this hard life situation, headaches, neck, back and stomach problems were common to every one and so we prayed and prayed and prayed. Some were touched and healed and some were not. We prayed day after day, evening after evening; without God’s help little would be accomplished.

We take much for granted in our comfortable Canadian lives. We are blessed, but do we express our gratitude to God. Take time to thank The Lord for what we have been blessed with.

Weary In Well Doing

Keith Eberhard — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:47:15 +0000

Hundreds of children are everywhere. We have tied a string around our camp and eating area to keep the local people and children away so that at least we have some privacy. Now I know what the animals in the zoo feel like, we are the zoo and the local people gather around the stringed area to watch what these different coloured people do. Seven days of three services a day. Preaching and teaching, question and answer times, two sets of children’s lesson a day and then on top of that there are the local people and pastors that have questions, prayer requests, physical and monetary needs. I think that I know a little about how Jesus felt and why sometimes He needed to pull away from the press of the crowd. Jesus needed to get away to pray (Matthew 14:23). There are people everywhere and then there is the sun or the rain, or the wind with dust, when it hasn’t rained within a couple days. There are squat holes that we need to use for a latrine. There are lots of things that we could complain about. It would be easy just to send everyone away, yet, we are exhorted not to be weary in well doing (Gal 6:9).

What if just one of those people got saved and their life was changed because we didn’t quit when life was a little difficult. Of the three hundred or more children that the team works with twice a day, most have put up their hands and prayed to say that they wanted to receive Jesus into their lives. Today I was told that Pastor James, the local pastor whom we work with, received Jesus as his Saviour when he was 7 years old. Perhaps one of these children, or many of them, will become pastors because someone from our team shared Jesus with them. These ever watching children are the next generation of leaders.

Lord help us not to be weary in well doing. There are lives to touch, there is much to do. What about the people around your life? They too need to be ministered to. Perhaps you can touch them if you are not weary in well doing.

Maybe Nothing Happens

Keith Eberhard — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:54:17 +0000

This morning our team divided into groups of two, plus a translator, and went up and down both sides of the main road of the community. At each shop and house they explained how they were helping at Pastor Jame’s church. They shared how they were going from house to house asking people if there was anything that they wanted prayer for. Of course there was no shortage of opportunities to pray for people. Head aches, stomach problems, help with coming school exams, marriages, even in the open air bar the men stopped what they were doing and wanted prayer. “At the Bar” one man mocked from the distance and the other man chided out that he should be quiet. In one store, Marion, a Muslim lady, asked for prayer for a variety of needs. The teams went on praying from door to door. As their time for ministry was up and as they started back to the church, one of the interpreters went back to the places where prayers were offered and again invited each person to come to the free medical clinic or to the service in the afternoon or the evening “Jesus Video”.

In the afternoon Marion was present. At the end of the service as she was leaving another local interpreter noticed that Marion was there and ask her if she would like to accept Jesus into her life and become a Christian. “Yes, but not now,” was the reply. “Why not now, we could prayer here?” asked the translator. At 4:24 p.m. Uganda time (8:25 a.m. Winnipeg Time) the angels in heaven rejoiced in a fresh way, as Marion invited Jesus into her life, a sweet smile was upon her face. A Bible in her own language was given to her and she immediately started to read about this Jesus that she had just received as her Lord and Saviour.

Note the process. Three people went door to door, there were no significant results; one person went and re-invited people to come hear about Jesus again with no immediate results; a message was preached followed by an invitation to receive Jesus, there was no affect; a believer personally gives a one on one offer to accept Jesus and the offer is dismissed with a response of “Maybe later”. Someone paid for a Bible, having no knowledge of how it would be used. But in all of this God worked. At any step one could say nothing is happening, but God was working.

Don’t quit because you don’t see results, God is working. Lord we often don’t see the immediate results, but help us to press on, expecting that Your Word, when ministered, will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).

200,000 Uganda Shillings

Keith Eberhard — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:13:57 +0000

Three years ago Pastor Rwamakanda was devastated. Having been a believer for 17 years, he started a local church in the community in which he lived. The simple building which they called their church was built with woven sticks and mud, the roof was made with tin pieces that had already been used . The church was growing in number, and then a wind storm came. The roof was removed and left in a desolate heap of unusable twisted metal. The pastor and the congregation were devastated. Their dreams seemed smashed by the forces of nature. Without a roof, the sun and the rain make it difficult to meet as a congregation . In frustration the church members ceased attending the church, they disappeared into the hills. They broke all contact with the local pastor.

Two years ago a team from Church of the Rock gave Pastor Rwamakanda 200,000 Uganda Shillings. With this money he went back to his home area, a distance of 2 hours walk, and started to rebuild the roof. This year the pastor returned to say think you. The roof is up, the people have returned and there are now 70 members in the church. His excitement was overwhelming as he jumped for joy, saluted me and gave praise and gratitude to the working of God. In appreciation the rebuilt church was named “Rock Church”. Many of you helped to support the team that went to Uganda 2 years ago. Thank you, you helped to re-establish this congregation.

200,000 Shillings restored hope to a pastor and a congregation and helped change the spiritual climate in a community. 200,000 shillings is only about $85.00 Canadian. Small things can be used by our Lord in big ways.

Lord, may I always give generously to your kingdom so others may grow in you.

Early Morning Wakeup

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 11 May 2013 19:47:12 +0000

It is 4:30 in the morning and the Ugandan lady in the tent near me is singing Christian Choruses and praying out loud. Why is she doing this? I should be sleeping, but no, this is not possible because of the loud praying of the lady. I am thinking that, “This is not the best of ways to start ministering in the back areas of Uganda. Day two, the same thing. Day three she is still rising early singing and praying. Day four is no different than the others. By mid day I am thinking that I sure could use more sleep and I am wondering why my ear plugs aren’t working well enough to block out her loud praying and singing. I would complain more publically, but somehow I keep wondering if the great results we are seeing as we pray for people in the evenings are directly connected to the prayers of this lady and the prayers of others. If spiritual results are connected to the amount of prayer, and I believe that they are, then this prayer warrior is accomplishing more than she knows.

I thank God for those who rise early and pray. I thank God for those that are up late praying, or for those that pray during the day. Without prayer little would be accomplished. 1 Thess 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.”

Lord, thank You for those who pray so faithfully. Thank You that You answer prayer. Help me to be more faithful in seeking You in prayer and worship.

Ask Them What Happened

Keith Eberhard — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:16:48 +0000

Having completed our first actual full day on the field, much was accomplished, the people of Ibaare were excited about the team from Church of the Rock coming. The people and leaders were encouraged, the word was preached, God was seen as “greater” than situations. People with hurting hearts offered forgiveness to their offenders. In the evening before showing part of a Moses video we took time to pray for people in the area of healing. This is something that we would normally do at some time in our meetings. Knowing that there would be many needs amoung the 500+ people, we knew that we could not pray individually for everyone. Past experiences showed that personal prayer for this large of a group meant unended prayer with little else being accomplished because the needs are so many. So the focus was group prayer. Starting with all the ailments in the neck and head vicinity; then the arms, shoulders, chest, stomach and to the waist; then the lower abdomen, the hips, the legs, knees, ankles, and feet. We had those with needs in those areas stand up, while those who were around laid hands on the people as prayer was made.

After each section we asked people if they felt that God had touched them and if so they should raise their hands. The results were the same as at other locations. Hands were up everywhere. It seemed like everyone who asked for prayer had their hands in the air. Now at other times I had often wondered if they really understood the instructions. I often thought, “Perhaps they thought they should raise their hands if they still needed healing, because there were so many that responded.” You could tell by the smiling faces that something happened. This time the thought came, “Ask those with upraised hands what happened?” We endeavoured to do so but the numbers were so large only a few got interviewed. People shared how God touched them in areas of: one deaf ear, head aches, sore throats, stiff shoulders, immobile arms, many with pain in the stomach, a fallen uterus, hard testicles, painful and stiff hips, painful legs, and unbending knees, were healed. This is a rough list as for many of these issues there were multiple people healed. Many people were healed before we even got to praying for their area of need. Then there were the other multitudes that we didn’t interview. As we prayed over one area of need, people were still streaming into the building saying, “You just prayed for my area of need I was outside and I missed getting prayed for, will you pray again?” The answer was, “Yes, but just wait.”

In the end we prayed one all encompassing prayer for those that still had not obtained their healing in the area of need. Following the prayer, we again asked how many were touched by God and if they knew that God had healed them. Over half of these people responded saying that they too were healed. There was great excitement over this great God who loved and cared for them. Of course following with an alter call was the next step, allowing these people to respond in a greater way to the God who cares and heals for them.

In the midst of this I want to say, “Thank you for helping through your finances, and thank you for your prayers.” Let God work through you. The same God that is with us here in Africa, is there with you also.

The Perfect Storm

Keith Eberhard — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:46:03 +0000

Have you ever had a storm in life where you said, “Why now, why at this time?” We were flying over Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, to land in Entebbe. As we are descending we fly into a storm. The plane suddenly drops, it is shifting and tilting from side, to side. Think of a roller coaster but in a Bowing 737. Think of a “peaceful” flight but take the “peaceful” away. This is not what we would want in the start of the mission trip. Just hold on to the thought of the storm.

On this flight, sitting next to me, there is a young businessman from Dubai. I’m talking to him about the importance of walking with God. How such a walk cannot be based upon our own efforts for they will never be sufficient. I shared how true Christianity says that we will never be good enough to walk with God on our own ability, we need the help of God through Jesus Christ. This help comes through our trust in Jesus. Jesus came to help us walk with God, He came to forgive our sins. It would take a God to help us walk with God, and that is why God came, as Jesus, to help us. I asked the man, “If you were to die tonight do you know if you would go to heaven.” To this he said, “I hope so, but I’m not sure.” As I talked about the confidence that we can have of an eternity with God, no matter what happens here on earth, he said, “That would be nice to have, perhaps I’ll think about it later.” At that moment the roller coaster on the 737 started. The conversation immediately intensified. The possibility of death got pushed off, from some future event, to the immediate.

Without the full context of background information, the storm would have been a fearful experience. Other passengers or the flight attendants, without the context, might have been fearful or seen the storm as a threat. I saw this storm as a motivational tool of the Lord. God used this event to motivate the man and accentuate the need for a relationship with Jesus Christ, now, not just in the future. Matt 4:41 “even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

What storms are you going through? Expect God to work even if you are not seeing the big picture. Lord, may we trust more in the working of you, even in the storms of life.

Panic Attack

Keith Eberhard — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:09:50 +0000

Yesterday my 87 year old mom had a panic attack. I was about to depart to Africa and something in my mom’s home broke. In anxiety she phoned, knowing that I would be able to provide only limited help, and fearful that if I would be away and something else happened then what would they do. When I finally got to her house to look at the situation mom said, “I was so worked up. All I could think about was that you would not be around to help us if something else were to happen.” She continued, “But then God spoke to me. God said, ‘You are putting too much emphasis on Keith not being here, but I, the Lord, will always be here.’” Mom said immediately peace that came upon her. She realized that what she really needed was not myself, but God being with her. Matthew 28:20 says, “lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Are you robbed of the peace that God has for you? Do you fail to see that He will always be with you?

Lord Jesus forgive me for failing to rest in your unending presence with me. You will not leave me, let this bring great peace to me.

I Worship Where?

Keith Eberhard — Sun, 05 May 2013 18:36:12 +0000

There are many things that are very useful in my life. On my list of useful things is my laptop, cell phone, vehicle, house, plus lots more. There are also people that are essential in my life; such as my wife, my children and grandchild, the pastoral staff that I work with, and many others. These are key parts of my life. Though each of us have things that are important there is the danger that we start making these things “a god” to us. You can tell how much something is a god to you by determining how much you are affected when you are with or without that item. We can easily get overly involved in one aspect of life, hence focusing too much on what is important and not enough on what should be “the most important”. If not careful these “stops” or times of focus can easily become subtle places of worship. In Deuteronomy 12:5 it says, “But you shall seek the place where the Lord your God chooses, out of all your tribes, to put His name for His dwelling place; and there you shall go.” We need to ask ourselves, in what “places” do we spend too much time? Is this the right “place” for us to stop and let our hearts and our emotions become deeply involved?

Lord, guard my heart that I might stop to worship at the right “places”.

Three Natures of Relationship

Keith Eberhard — Fri, 03 May 2013 03:32:19 +0000

I have heard it said that among believers there are three types of relationship or three motives for worship. There are those who worship God to attain His favour, that is the worship of the merchant. Merchants buy and sell to gain something. There are those who worship God to avoid His hell or His punishment, that is the worship of a slave. Slaves try to appease their masters to keep from experiencing pain. Then there are those who worship God out of a noble and grateful heart, that is the worship of free men. The free person does not try to gain but rather has something to give. To avoid God’s wrath or to get His blessings is seen as something which is done out of the motive of self interest or selfishness. But if you worship and relate to God out of gratitude then how much better is that.

What is your motive for your worship and your walk with God? Lord Jesus, I want to respond to you from a heart of gratitude. Let there be true worship and thanksgiving resounding from my heart because I am free from sin, guilt and condemnation.

They Don’t Fit The Pattern

Keith Eberhard — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:57:25 +0000

All around us are people who don’t fit the pattern of what we see or think qualifies as “normal people”. Perhaps it is their style of dress, their manner of speech, their conduct or their values. They might not fit into the rules that we have set forth, rules that guide in how we are to function. Well, we’d make a good Pharisee, for this is how they treated Jesus. “Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. (John 9:16 NKJV)”. There were rules and guidelines. “You can’t do it this way, especially not on a Sunday!” “You’re a sinner therefore God could not work through you!”

Often we dismiss people because they are sinners or their conduct is out of line. Some might argue that though people thought Jesus was sinful, He actually was perfect, and there is a huge difference between ignoring Jesus and avoiding or ignoring sinful people. Yet Jesus said that what we do to one of these least we’ve done it unto Him (Matt 25:40). Ouch, we are back to our rejection of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, I don’t want to reject or dismiss You. Help me not to dismiss others that are different or that don’t quite fitting the expectations that I have.

When The Pressure Was Gone

Keith Eberhard — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:02:00 +0000

“Lord if You help me I’ll … “. Many times people make vows or statements of what they will do when God shows up and helps them. In Exodus chapter 8 the Egyptians are smitten by plagues and Pharaoh promises to let the Children of Israel go. Yet, whenever Moses intercedes and the plagues are stopped the scriptures say that, “when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them,” (Exodus 8:15 NKJV). How many times have we made commitments and promises to God, but then pull back when the pressures are gone. This was how Pharaoh responded. Unfortunately, the more he pushed off doing what was important, the more it brought pain to himself and the people around him. Ultimately the closest people to him were those who suffered the most.

At times God uses the pressures around us to bring us to the point of wanting to change. Don’t push off the changes that are necessary for a successful life in God. Keep your commitments to The Lord.

Take a moment to remember the past promises you have made to God and then ask God to help you to keep these promises.

We Need To Do This, Now!

Keith Eberhard — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 03:35:12 +0000

There are times when my wife looks me in my eyes and says, “Keith, we need to do this now! It can’t wait till tomorrow.” I have learned through experience that when this happens I need to do it as soon as possible, my life’s priorities have just been more finely tuned and I need to respond. In John chapter 9, Jesus is with His disciples, they see the man born blind and Jesus says, “We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over.” (Verse 4 – Message) The Amplified Bible says that we are to be “busy with His business while it is daylight”. Jesus could have said, “Boy, life is busy, I have so much to do!” Instead He says that “we” need to be involved and engaged in doing the work. This work process was not just for one day, but is to continue as long as Jesus is in the world. Jesus is in us, the Hope of glory (Col 1:27). So are we doing the work of Jesus while He is with us and it is still light?

Lord help us to respond to your desire to change our priorities so we will willingly do Your work.

Who Did It?

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:10:06 +0000

Something has broken, who is at fault, who did it? That is our standard response when something has gone wrong. That is how we humans learn. We see that something didn’t turn out right and we want to learn what went wrong and how to make it better. In John 9:1,2 the disciples see a man who was born blind and they immediately want to know why did this happen, what caused this? They asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. (Vs 3)”

Did you notice the difference between the disciples perspective and Jesus perspective? The disciples had a preconceived concept of what the answer could be. Jesus gave the reason but in giving it He showed that He was already looking beyond the problem to what God was doing, the eternal perspective. Jesus saw how “God should be manifested (displayed and illustrated) in him.” (John 9:3 AMPLIFIED Version). When problems and disappointments come, where do we look? Do we see what was not right and then look to who or what was at fault, or are we able to look beyond that to see what God was going to do in the situation.

Lord, help us to look with the expectation that You will be made manifest, that You will be displayed, and that You will show Yourself in the situation. May we look with confidence beyond the failures and disappointments to see You at work.

When Is Being a Captive Good?

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:52:28 +0000

In Jeremiah 24:5 God says that He will take the tribe of Judah and lead them captive into the land of the Chaldeans. Captivity does not seem like a good thing. When in captivity you are not in what would “comfortably be called home”, your movements are restricted, your freedoms are being limited, your choices and options are fewer. Perhaps in your life you could identify with the people within the tribe of Judah. Your movements might be limited, you might have less options before you, or your resources are limited. You might feel like you are made captive by your situations, relationships, finances, physical restraints or emotional and educational limitations.

It is interesting that God says that He will not only take Judah away captive, but also that it will be for their own good. “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge those who are carried away captive from Judah, whom I have sent out of this place for their own good, into the land of the Chaldeans (Jeremiah 24:5 NKJV)”. God in His nature of being love, (1 John 4:16 – “God is love”) takes what looks like evil and in love makes it into good for us. This place and experience which seemed so wrong, was actually something good. A form of protection provided by God. Of course, when we are looking from our short sighted view, instead of God’s all seeing perspective, we only see the immediate situation of discomfort. God sees the long-range outlook of good.

Lord Jesus, help us to see through Your eyes. When we don’t clearly see what your purposes are, then help us to trust in Your loving and good nature, knowing that Your thoughts towards us are good.

I’d Be A Hypocrite

Keith Eberhard — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:18:13 +0000

“But I don’t feel like it. Should I do it even if my heart is not in it? Doesn’t that make me a hypocrite?” I often hear statements like this from sincere individuals who don’t want to live a false life. They don’t want to put up a front making it look like their heart is somewhere when perhaps it isn’t. Rather than “looking like” or giving an appearance that might not be consistent with who they are, they pull back from doing a certain action because they think that if they did it then they would be a hypocrite because their heart wasn’t really behind the action. Hypocrisy is when a person pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.

The apostle John writes in 3 John 11 “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” We are encouraged to imitate what is good. We are not just to do what is good when we have the right feelings or emotions. We are to imitate or copy what is good at all times. This is the right thing to do.

Lord Jesus help us to do good even when our heart is not in the action.

Satisfied

Keith Eberhard — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:09:06 +0000

What satisfies you? What brings the greatest satisfaction and fulfillment to your life? Is it an answered prayer, another’s life being touched through something that you have done, a meaningful relationship, the sincere thank you from another person, or some form of personal accomplishment? Does that fulfillment last, and if so for how long? There is something which God has for us which is greater than any of these things. Psalm 65:4 says “We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Of Your holy temple.”

What is this goodness of God’s house which satisfies? I don’t think that the Psalmist was saying that the church building would be something which would satisfy him. Instead it would be God Himself Who truly satisfies. To some, the very thought that God in Himself would satisfy us seems like a strange or foreign thought. That would probably be an indication of how little we actually get fulfillment or satisfaction from our present relationship with Him.

Lord may we experience lasting satisfaction in You.

Live Up To Your Name

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 03:04:40 +0000

At one point in the life of Alexander The Great, as he was conquering the Persian empire, one of his young soldiers in fear left his position in the midst of a battle. The young soldier was brought before Alexander and the seriousness of the offense was presented. Alexander the Great asked the young man what his name was. To this the young soldier said, “Sir, my name is Alexander.” Alexander the Great scowled back, “Young man either change your conduct or change your name.” Alexander the Great did not want his name attributed to the cowardly actions of the young soldier.

In John 8:39 Jesus challenged the Pharisees by saying, “”If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham.” In other words, they should be living up to the name of the one whom they called their father. Who do we have for our Father? Is there an expectation that we would be living up to the name and standards of Him? I believe that there is such an expectation. Jesus says later in John 8:42, “If God were your Father, you would love Me.” Jesus then ties this unique relationship that we have with Him, and He with the Father, when He says in John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” There is an expectation that we would “live up to” this holy relationship which we have, but we cannot do this on our own. That is why Jesus says that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to a relationship with You, through Jesus Christ. Thank You for helping us to be like You.

A Culture of Competition

Keith Eberhard — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:10:47 +0000

Timothy Keller, in his book Counterfeit Gods points out “that in traditional cultures, personal worth is measured in terms of “honour.” Honour is given to those who fulfill their assigned role in the community, whether it be as citizen, father, mother, teacher, or ruler. Modern society, however, is individualistic, and bases worth on “dignity.” Dignity means the right of every individual to develop his or her own identity and self, free from any socially assigned role or category. Modern society, then, puts great pressure on individuals to prove their worth through personal achievement. It is not enough to be a good citizen or family member. You must win, be on top, to show you are one of the best.”

How unfortunate that we have lost the virtue of doing things, just because they are honourable and right. It is the proper thing to do, so it is done. Knowing that we are doing what is right, in itself, should be our reward. Desiring to be an honorable person. In our society building lives upon honour enables all to be honourable, if they just choose to do what is right and live honourably. However since many don’t receive worth because of living a life of true honour their lives are built upon competition. Competition implies trying to get our worth and significance from being better than others. This is always at the expense of others.

Proverbs 4:8 says, “If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.”

Lord Jesus help me to walk honourably before You, to fulfill my responsibilities in my role. Let me be a person who consistently does what is honourable in all situations.

Don’t Quit Your Day Job

Keith Eberhard — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:49:24 +0000

In every job that you are in, there will be correction given, there will be challenging situations and there will be the temptation to quit your job, thinking that you can get something better elsewhere. However Ecc. 10:4 says, “If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes.(NLT)” Yes there will be times when your boss corrects you or is angry with you. Perhaps some of these times are rightly deserved, and sometimes they are wrongly deserved, however the challenge is to look beyond yourself. In the New King James Version the same verse says, “If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, Do not leave your post;” Leaving your post implies something slightly different than quitting your job. One’s post could have been your guard duty, or your position of authority. In keeping your post, when it wasn’t easy, it meant that you kept your watch for the security of others perhaps even the city. Leaving your post could affect many more people than just yourself. People often leave their jobs, their marriages, their friendships, or other responsibilities because of challenging situations. Rarely do they realize that quitting affect more people than just themself. The pain that we think that we are experiencing is often nothing compared to the pain that others close to us experience when we quit for inappropriate reasons. How much better is a quiet spirit than a hasty leaving of the job or situation in frustration.

Lord help us not to focus on how people are reacting towards us but to be faithful to our jobs and to those around us.

Do This – Don’t Do That

Keith Eberhard — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:38:38 +0000

“There are so many laws; do this, don’t do that.” “Everyone is telling me what to do and I hate it.” “I just want to be free from all these rules and regulations.” “Give me a break, all I want is some freedom.” I have heard many statements like this. People are longing for freedom from rules, they just want to be free to do whatever they want to do. In these conversations it seems like the Bible is restrictive or Victorian in nature, always limiting people from “enjoying life”. However this is not God’s perspective. In Deut. 10:12-13, God states His intentions for His commands, “what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good.”

The commands of God are not to keep us from life but for “our good” that we might have life. Instead of thinking that God is trying to keep us from what appears to be life giving, we need to understand that God is trying to keep us from what He knows to be life robbing. When we see how God is trying to provide what is good for us then we can agree with the apostle John who said in 1 John 5:3, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” These commands are not burdensome because we understand how He loves us and His ways bring life.

Lord, we often question Your ways and Your commands because we look through our eyes, forgive us. Help us to trust that You know best and that Your commands have our best interests at stake. Give us the strength to obey You with a willing heart.

Why?

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:45:06 +0000

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Mark 15:34. When working with people in their difficult situations the question of “Why” often comes up. In times of death, sickness, accidents, relational breakdowns, financial struggles the question is asked, “Why did this happen to me?” “Why didn’t they say something?” “Why now?” At His crucifixion, Jesus too asked this question. But there is a difference between Jesus’ question and ours. We ask the question because of physical pressures and disappointments that are upon us. Jesus asked “Why” because as He bore our sin while on the cross, this sin would cause complete separation from God. Jesus, Who was always in contact with God His Father would now be expelled from God’s presence. We rarely grieve because our fellowship with God is broken or we no longer sense God. In fact, many times we are not even God focused. We rarely think about Him as our days progress, we rarely take time to communicate with Him or to hear Him speak back. Our focus is on ourselves and the stuff around us, but Jesus focused on His relationship with His Father. It wasn’t the pain from been beaten, the mockery of the soldiers or the lack of food or clothing that caused Him to cry out. It was the broken relationship with God, as the sins of the world separated Him from God the Father. Therefore Jesus’ grief was much different and deeper than ours.

The scripture teaches us that this great agony which Jesus suffered will never have to be experienced by us. He experienced this separation from God so that we would never have to. When we accept Jesus into our life and allow ourselves to be conformed to His nature and His will, then Jesus says that He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Read Hebrews 13:5) He says that nothing will separate us from His love. (See Romans 8:35-39) This doesn’t mean that there won’t be struggles, frustrations, pains or irritations in our life. But it does mean that we can sense the strength and love of God in the midst of all our situations.

Lord Jesus, forgive us for focusing more on the things around us than on You. Forgive us for not cherishing our relationship with You above all else. Help us to sense You near us at all times.

Get Your Own Stones

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 03:31:29 +0000

In Exodus 19 Moses goes up Mount Sinai where God cuts out two stone tablets, and writes the Ten Commandments upon the tablets. As Moses comes down from the mountain, the people are worshipping a golden calf they have made and sacrificing to it. (Exodus 32) In anger, Moses throws down the two tablets and breaks them. The golden calf is destroyed and Moses pleads for God to forgive the children of Israel. Then, in Exodus 34, God tells Moses to cut out two more stone tablets, come up the mountain and God would write the commandments on these tablets. Did you notice that in the first situation God cut the tablets and God did the writing, then in the second instance Moses has to cut out new tablets and God would do the writing.

As I read this account I can’t help but think: the children of Israel are rebellious; they make a golden calf; they worship false idols; Moses get angry with them and he has to do the hard work. Why didn’t the Israelites have to cut out two new rock tablets, why did Moses need to do that? Three principles are seen.

First we realize that anger always has consequences. Even though Moses could have been justified in his mind, because of the waywardness of the Israelites, Moses was still responsible for his own actions. Moses got angry; Moses broke the tablets; Moses needed to cut out two new tablets. God did not blame Moses’ actions on the wrongdoing of others. We always have to answer for how we act even if provoked by others.

Secondly, notice how people are not isolated in their actions. The Israelites could have said, “I am doing what I want, it doesn’t effect others, it only effects myself.” But their action did affect others. Their actions made more work for Moses. If a great leader like Moses was affected by the inappropriate actions of others, how much could our improper action affect those around us; those who likely are not as strong in doing what is right as Moses was.

Thirdly, notice that something is always lost by sin, even when the sin is forgiven. The first tables were the “work of God”, the second were hewn by the hand of Moses. Part of the original beauty of God’s work was lost.

Lord Jesus help us to respond rightly when we see evil around us. Help us to control our anger and help us to influence those around us in godly ways.

Why Don’t They Understand?

Keith Eberhard — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:05:42 +0000

Have you ever talked and talked with people about spiritual things, only to find that you get nowhere? At the end of the conversation, however long it might have been, you question, “Why can’t I get through to them? What seems to be the blockage?” You have probably left that situation, as I often have, feeling that you had failed to clearly articulate the truths of the Kingdom of God. It is true that sometimes we need to communicate better. Sometimes we need to listen better to where the person is coming from, sometimes we need to be more sympathetic and less condescending, sometimes we should have prayed more, or been more sensitive to the Spirit of the Lord. There is much that we could have done differently, and hopefully we will learn and do better the next time we try to share God’s ways with others. However there is also the responsibility of the other person. Do they really want to know the truth? Do they choose to do God’s will? Jesus speaks in John 7:17, “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. (NIV)” At times there must be a choice to do the will of God before we actually know the will of God. This means that at times there needs to be a mental decision to follow the will of God, to trust God, even before we fully know what that specific will of God is. Then God can be free to show His will to us.

I am not giving license for us to criticize others by saying, “They would understand it, if they wanted to obey it.” Rather the challenge is, “are there areas of truth that I do not understand because I don’t fully choose to obey Him?” Perhaps our unwillingness to submit completely to doing the will of the God keeps us from fully knowing the will and ways of God.

Lord Jesus, work so that we and others are more willing to obey You, so that we might know more of You.

Look At Me

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:25:20 +0000

There is a tendency for people to want to be seen. We want to be recognized, we want to receive credit for what we have done. That is why the politicians try to campaign so that people will see what they have accomplished and increase their popularity . In this context, the disciples encouraged Jesus to go to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. “You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!’’ (John 7:4 NLT). Though this made sense to the disciples and it fit in with what most people would do, Jesus replied, “Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime.” (John 7:6 NLT)

Yes, there is a natural way of doing things, but does it line up with the timing of God and the way of God? In Matthew 6:1-4 Jesus challenges people who love to do things to be seen by others. Yes, they get the results, the reward of others seeing them, but they missed out on the truly important rewards which come from our Heavenly Father. It is easy to say that we don’t do things to be seen by others, but if we are not doing things to get the attention of others, why are we hurt if no one notices us?

Lord Jesus, grant that whatever we do in word or deed, let our hearts be humble enough to do it just for You that You would be glorified and people would see you rather than us!

Protecting Yourself

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 01:25:43 +0000

Is it right to presume that God’s protection will always be upon you? If God has put future plans and goals into your heart, then doesn’t it seem obvious that God would protect you? Wouldn’t He protect you so that these objectives would come to pass? We could look at the life of Jesus as an example. In John 7:29,30 Jesus talks about how He knew God because He came from Him, this irritated the Jews and they tried “to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.” In this case there seems like there was divine protection because God still had things for Jesus to accomplish, so the Jews couldn’t grab Him ahead of the appointed timing of God. With the plan of God came the protection of God. One could take a simplistic approach to this concept and anticipate that since there are things which God would have us to do, He will automatically protect us from all harm also.

This is not what we see in the scripture, for just 28 verses before this it says that, “Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him.” Obviously Jesus was not just trusting for the protection of His Heavenly Father. He needed to exercise wisdom and act appropriately. What is the difference between these two situations, how do we know when to trust God for His protection and when to walk in wisdom that says stay away from danger? We don’t want to be always avoiding every difficulty or challenging situation because then we may avoid the very things which seem challenging, but within which God is working. I would like to give you an easy answer for this question, but perhaps there isn’t one. Perhaps what is required is not a rule but a constant walk with the Lord. Through that consistent walk there would be the direction for each situation that we will need.

Lord, may You help us to have a close, continuous walk with You, so that through that relationship, whether there were times of peace or danger, we would have the wisdom and the confidence to know how to act.

Six or Seven “I Wills”

Keith Eberhard — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:33:45 +0000

Some people are self focused, all they talk about is themselves. “I will do …., I did …., I am able to …” It is interesting that in Isaiah 14:13,14 we see the six “I wills” of Lucifer. “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation … I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Each of these focus upon self exaltation and ambitious determination. In the Old Testament, whenever God makes a covenant with His people we see that He too provides a list of “I wills”, a list of what He will do. Therefore in Exodus 6:6-8 God says, “I will rescue you… I will redeem you… I will take you as My people ….. I will be your God… I will bring you into the land… and I will give it to you as a heritage: I am the Lord.” (You can also compare this with other covenantal statements as found in Genesis 12:1-3; Gen 17:6-8).

Can you notice the difference between these two statements of “I will”? The first list is totally self serving, the latter is focused upon serving others. Which nature do you most strongly resemble? When you think of what you want to do, is it all about yourself or is it about helping those around you?

Lord, may we be like You. May we be more concerned about the welfare and good of others than about ourselves. Help us to have a helping, sharing nature.

The God Factor

Keith Eberhard — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 03:27:48 +0000

“Who am I?” This was the self examining question that was asked by many of the men within the scriptures, when God appeared before them declaring what God wanted to do through them. Realizing the weakness, sinful nature and limited ability of themselves, compared to the situation that was ahead of them, they were overwhelmed by their human frailty. In 2 Samuel God appears to David and proclaims His purposes for David’s coming generations, an eternal kingship. David responds with, “Who am I” (2 Sam. 7:18). A similar response was given by Solomon when he becomes king (2 Chron. 2:6), by Gideon when the angel of the Lord calls him to leadership in Judges 6, and by the Psalmist when he declares in Psalm 8, “What is man that You are mindful of him?” In true humility, they questioned why God would want to work in and through them.

Many times we too would think in a similar way or ask the same type of question. We would dismiss ourselves because we are not able, we don’t have the answers, or our background is not adequate. Interestingly Moses, when about to accept the call to lead the children of Israel, wanted to know “Who are You?”, or “What is Your name?” (Ex.3:13,14) Moses had already gone past the point of wondering about his own strength and ability (Ex 3:11). Moses knew that he was insufficient for the task. Now he wanted to know of the nature and power of this God Who had called him, the One Whom he was about to serve.

It is easy, in the situations that are before us, to pull back and to dismiss our own personal ability. We feel that we are not sufficient for the task and so we do nothing. Yes, we may be properly evaluating our skills and weaknesses, yet what about the “God Factor”. What part does God have to play in the equation? Moses, knowing his limitations realized that for what was ahead of him, he needed to know his God better, the One Who was to work through and in him. As believers in Jesus Christ, shouldn’t that be the true point of focus?

Lord reveal Yourself , Your strength and Your ways, more clearly to us that we might trust in your ability more than in our own weaknesses.

How Can You Tell If People Love Others?

Keith Eberhard — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:52:08 +0000

In relationships there is often the questioning thought of “Do they really love me?”, “Do they really care about me?”, or “Am I important to them?” I am certain that there are many dating couples who are trying to determine if the emotions they are feeling are true love and does the other person truly love me? What are the determining factors to determine true love? Can we determine that true love is present by the pounding of the heart or by the starry gaze in the person’s eyes? Is there some hidden “chemistry” in the relationship, is it determined by the sweaty palms of the hand? Perhaps the secret of knowing if you are truly loved is found in the words of the old Shoop Shoop song “If you wanna know, if he loves you so, its in his kiss.” Though the answer to these questions can be important perhaps a similarly important question would be, “How can we tell if they love others?” At one point in Jesus’ ministry He was asked about what are the first of the commandments, to which Jesus responded that we are to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbour as ourself (Mark 12:28-31).

In 1 John 5:2 we are told that “we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.” Our love for others is seen by whether we love God and keep His commandments. You may ask, “How does keeping God’s commandments indicate a love for others?” Consider this. When the rich ruler came to Jesus and asked what he needed to do to inherit eternal life, Jesus asked him to keep a list of commandments, “‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” (Mark 10:19) In response the man said that he had kept all these commandments. Though he had kept this list, interestingly Jesus had left out one of the 10 commandments, “Thou shalt not covet”. This is where the rich man’s love for the poor and others failed. He loved riches, he loved the benefits from money more than he was willing to share with others.

True love is shown by our keeping all the commandments. One is free to show true love when covetousness is not present in their lives. The extent to which a person is caught up with the things around them and in their own selfish desires, to that extent they are not able to truly love. They cannot sacrifice for others because such sacrifice would be at the expense of what is really near to their hearts and true love must be willing and able to sacrifice. “Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Eph 5:2″

Are your thoughts and life caught up the things around you, possessions and money. Are you willing and able to sacrifice these things for others? Lord help us to show love through hearts that are free from selfish desires.

Better Than Life

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:48:01 +0000

A couple of days ago I was challenged as I looked at Paul being willing to lay down his life for the kingdom of The Lord. I’d like to be at that place of self sacrifice for my Lord, I might not be there yet. The giving up or laying down of one’s life is not any easy thing to do. In light of this thought, the psalmist David gives an interesting perspective. “Because Your loving kindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.” (Psalms 63:3 NKJV) If one is to “lay down their life” then there would need to be a sufficiently strong enough “cause or reason” to do so. There would need to be a great enough reward to warrant giving of one’s life. Here the scripture declares that God’s loving kindness is better than life.

There is something about walking in God’s love and kindness which empowers us to live beyond ourselves. It motivates us to give sacrificially to the One Who gave all to us. There is this power of love that is from beyond ourselves which frees us from the bondage of ourselves. As we focus upon the reality of this love and draw strength from our Lord’s great love and kindness, which can never be removed for us (Romans 8:35-39), then we experience something which is greater than life. With age our lives will cease, but the love and kindness of our lord endures forever.

Lord, may we see and experience greater measures of Your loving kindness and may we truly be able to say, it is better than anything else that life could offer.

My Life Is In Order – Or Is It?

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 19:52:15 +0000

I got up this morning, went through my early morning routine and sat down with a cup of coffee to read my Bible. There I read, “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. (Psalms 63:1 NKJV).” I thought to myself, yes God, you are my God, and I’m seeking you early. But the question came to mind. Am I really seeking you early, is He really a priority in my life? After all, I had done more than 7 things before I even sat down to be with my God. Were these things which I did first, my real god, because they took priority in my life, at least in the ordering and the time of events? This question needs to challenge our hearts. What is the number one thing in our life? What consumes our thoughts, our time and our energy?

I’m not saying that our priorities of heart are wrong, just because one looks at a small moment of one’s life and God isn’t the first in that small moment. By looking at that 45 minute time slot, before I had my devotion time, it could appear like my heart was off of the true focus that I know is important. What actually consumes the thoughts and desires of our heart is more important than appearances. I could legalistically read and pray before anything else, perhaps even before getting out of bed, but would my heart really be there? Or do I live my life with a God consciousness and God awareness so that I can honestly say “Oh God, You are my God”?

Lord, I want to have You as number one in my life and I think that You are. If other things are ahead of You, reveal this to me so that I might adjust my life and consistently walk with You as the true God of my life.

Let’s Make Changes With A New Pope

Keith Eberhard — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:56:50 +0000

According to a recent survey among Catholics, with the choosing of a new Pope, there is a desire for changes within the church. Without wading into the debate about the Roman Catholic church, I understand that the kingdom of God needs to be presented to our world in relevant and meaningful ways, and I know that as our culture changes the church needs to “flow with the times.”

In our culture and society where laws are developed and made by politicians, the courts and the voting of the public – the people rule. We determine our own standards for how our area of civilization should function. However, we often carry that perspective into the spiritual side of life. What is interesting is that there is a prevailing thought within our society that the congregation, or the pope or the leadership within the church should change the church. It is as if the people determine what the church should believe and what is acceptable or what is not allowable. I believe that in some measure the walking out of our faith can be changed. I.e. the length of church services, the style of the songs sung, the decor of the building, etc. Yet on another side God clearly states in the scriptures, “I am the LORD, I do not change”( Mal. 3:6) Instead of God and His standards changing, we should change, because the timeless nature of faith and truth does not change. The moral and ethical standards of God never change, and their application to our lives never changes. Instead of asking God to accommodate our desires and weakness, it is us who need to change to line up with His moral dictates.

Whenever moral values and truths are based upon human preferences there is always the possibility that societies will sway into deviant yet public approved behavior. This was seen in Nazi Germany where Hitler convinced the public that the Jew, the homosexual, the physically weak or the mentally challenged were disposable because they were “hindrances” to society. Did public opinion make these actions right? No it didn’t! In the same way if all the peoples of the world felt that torturing children was allowable, would that make it right? No, this also wouldn’t be right! There are absolute moral values and God is the giver of these. These laws of God written in His word and within our hearts and demonstrated in the life and teachings of Jesus are for the good of all mankind. Should God lower or change His standards because we don’t like them, no! We must change.

What aspects of your life need to change to line up with God’s purposes? Lord give us the strength and ability to change. Without Your help we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Would I Say That? Would I Then Be Willing To Do It?

Keith Eberhard — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:29:43 +0000

When I read through the scriptures I often check to see if my values and my desires are consistent with those who are Godly examples in the Bible. In the Book of Acts, we see the Apostle Paul being warned, by the Spirit, that if he were to go to Jerusalem then he would be tied up and thrown into prison (Acts 20:23; 21:4; 21:11,12). In response to these warnings Paul affirms his commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ by stating, “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When reading these words and comparing them to my thoughts and responses, I thought, “yes, I’d be willing to die for Jesus.” Of course, I can easily think this in my mind, but these “thoughts” are nowhere near the reality of how I live my life.

Dying for the name of the Lord Jesus!!! Yes, we think we would do this, but we are barely able to get out of bed in time for the Sunday church service. Giving sacrificially to the kingdom of God or the thought of publicly declaring our faith is also too hard for us.

Lord, we are so easily intimidated, give us your strength so we would be able to boldly walk in your truth without pulling back. Help us to have the right thoughts, but then to actually do them.

Why Not Here?

Keith Eberhard — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 04:30:02 +0000

I enjoy leading short-term mission trips because of the many unique things that take place on the mission field. There is no shortage of variety and definitely no boring times when involved in God’s work. On this last trip to Mexico, we had the opportunity to go up and down the streets of a small community talking to each person we came into contact with. We asked if they wanted prayer – and then we prayed for them, we invited them to some special meetings that we were having, and we encouraged them to walk in the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Many people cried as we were praying for them, maybe they were sensing the care of others, the weight of the own struggles or perhaps being aware that God was near. In one situation, as we were praying for one man, his nephew walked over to see what we were doing, he too wanted prayer, then the father of the first man, came over and he also wanted prayer. Within a couple of minutes five men had gathered, asked questions, and sought prayer. It was exciting to have God work through us as we prayed for people and tried to encourage these people to walk in real ways with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Many times as team members are returning back to Canada, they fondly say, “Oh, this trip was so wonderful, I wish things like this happened back home and not just on the mission field!” I know exactly what they mean, there is something invigorating that takes place when you know that in some way you have partnered with God and that lives are touched. The question is why don’t we experience this in the same way here at home?

Perhaps we need to look at one of the dynamics of the short term mission trips. Take note that for at least 6 weeks: the team regularly met each week for 2 – 3 hours to pray, plan, prepare lessons, practice and discuss the culture. As well team members prayed and prepared at home. Holidays were booked, fundraising was done, loved ones were left behind, there were long hours of travelling, and the team lived in uncomfortable conditions. Food and cultures and languages were different. Large amounts of money was expended . Then when on the mission field each team person lived with a focused desire to let God work through them. There were no distractions of TV, video games, family, sports, or even their normal jobs. All efforts were focused upon accomplishing the tasks that God had set before them.

Now perhaps if we invested as much personal time, energy and resources in such a concerted and focused effort here at home then we too would experience great opportunities for God to work through us. I do realize that in some ways it is a little unrealistic to be able to live “all-the-time” with the focus and preparation which is done on short term mission trips. But perhaps here at home each of us can at least apply ourselves “some-of-the-time.” Lord help our lives to be focused on what truly is important.

You Can Do Something

Keith Eberhard — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:04:34 +0000

As I mentioned in the past post I was in Mexico with 9 other people. We had gone for the purpose of helping to build a washroom for a church in the community of Colonet. This meant physical labor, moving cement blocks, digging foundations, sifting sand, mixing cement, etc.

Moving Cement Blocks

All of this was good and helpful for the people of Mexico where we were serving. But in the midst of the practical serving, God is also interested in spiritual matters and the matters of the heart. Therefore is was not uncommon for the team members to spend time sharing the scriptures, praying or sharing their testimonies with those that they were laboring beside.

Engaging With Children

Of course that is what you would expect on the mission field. On the mission field you are looking for opportunities to minister of the goodness of the Lord. We are in the mission field for one purpose, that of touching others.

But shouldn’t that be what we are doing all the time? Shouldn’t we be looking for opportunities to minister to others, opportunities to pray, opportunities to share hope, and to interact in positive ways with those around us? Unfortunately many time we are so focused on ourselves and our plans that we are indifferent to the needs of those around us. We often don’t even see the people around us, at least not in a way that challenges us to reach out to them.

Lord help us to see the people and the needs around us. Give us strength to step out into the mission field that is all around us.

The Gift of the Gab

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 04:14:06 +0000

Some people seem to have the gift of the gab. It seems like they can easily talk about anything and it all flows well and all makes sense. That is not the way it is with me. Many times when I should speak, I find my mind goes blank and I can think of nothing to say! The past week I was leading a short term mission trip into Mexico. On several occasions either myself or my team members were asked to speak on short notice, without much preparation time, and on topics that we rarely spoke about. Immediately we found ourselves scrambling for words and ideas hoping to convey truth in the situation of need. In looking back, it was obvious that God ministered and worked in those situations, this was likely more of His mercy upon us then our deserving any help, but from our perspective it sure wasn’t easy nor was it stress free. Of course the easy thing to do would be to say, “Well I made it through that time with no preparation, God jumped in to help me, I guess I don’t need to prepare for the next time either, as God will jump in to help me again.” Somehow I think that type of thinking would be presumptuous and would be taking advantage of the grace and mercy of God. We are exhorted to “study to show ourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). The scripture encourages us to “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. (2Tim 4:2)” It was obvious that I was not ready, no mater what season was before me. Why was that?

Perhaps the concept of being ready at all times, means that we need to constantly be thinking about what God is doing in our life. We need to be mediating on God’s word and how it applies to our life. We need to be pondering how God’s word applies to the situations around us. It will then be out of this meditation that we will have much to say when the Spirit of the Lord gives opportunity.

Lord help us to be aware of You, Your word and Your ways so that we would have many relevant things about You

They Wouldn’t Receive Your Words

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 14:07:03 +0000

It is difficult to share, minister or show love when you know that it will not be received. It is even more challenging when you know that you actions will be defiantly resisted. What do we do in those situations? This is what Moses faced. In Exodus chapter 5, the Children of Israel and Pharaoh were all aligned against Moses because he declared the words of the Lord. Moses went before God with this burden of being resisted. God encourages Moses with the declaration of what He would do to Pharaoh and with a rehearsed promise to speak to the Israelites. However after again speaking on behalf of God, the scripture says that the Children of Israel, “did not heed Moses, because of anguish of spirit and cruel bondage.” (Exodus 6:9 NKJV). So it is not going well. What do you do?

Moses persisted even though his words were not being received. What were the results? Well, Pharaoh never really did respond to the words and warnings of Moses, but over one million Israelites did respond. The persistence of Moses in the face of rejection did not have perfect results however loosing one but gaining a million, those are good returns for the continued determination to not quit when our words are not initially received.

Hang in there, the apostle Paul says in Galatians 6:9 that we should keep ministering for “in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

It Only Got Worse!

Keith Eberhard — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:37:56 +0000

I tried Your way God, and it only got worse! This is how Moses felt in Exodus chapter 5. He had successfully done the will of God in speaking to Pharaoh. He had proclaimed the truth of God’s way and it got worse for the very people that he was trying to help and minister to. In this chapter Moses’ motives were misunderstood. He was just trying to be obedient to God and it turned out worse for him. The authorities that he spoke to rejected him. The people he was trying to minister to, rejected what he was doing. Instead of liberating the people out of slavery, the authorities claimed the Hebrews had extra time to waste and the work load increased. Instead of being appreciated by those he was trying to help, they rose in frustration against him (verse 21). Everything was a big mess. Many times similar things also happens to us, when we are trying to help people or when we stand for the ways of God.

From Moses perspective everything seemed like it was turning out worse, what was Moses’ course of action? He brought the situation before the Lord. We can evaluate situations from our perspective, and it might seem pretty gloomy, however the key is to come before the Lord, to see things from His perspective. So in Exodus 5:22,23 Moses comes before the Lord and then in the next verses of Exodus 6:1-8, Moses hears from God. Moses’ perspective was realigned so he could go before the people with fresh understanding of the purposes and plans of God on His heart.

Lord help us to learn to rest in Your perspective of the situation, especially when our good intentions seem to be going wrong. May we not quit in the time of adversity, but remain faithful to Your purposes.

Jesus, So How Did You Do It?

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:10:00 +0000

Okay Jesus, give us Your “Trade Secrets”. What is the secret recipe? I want to know how You do it. If I were to get the same results as you do, what do I need to do? That was what the people following Jesus asked. They had just experienced the feeding of the 5,000, they may have heard how Jesus had just walked on the water or how He had just calmed the storming sea, (John 6:1-28). Their curiosity was aroused. They wanted to know the secret behind these miracles. So they asked a simple question. “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” (John 6:28)

I’m certain that Jesus’ response was not what they anticipated. Jesus responds in verse 29, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” In the Message version it says, “Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God’s works.” I think that we all want the results of Jesus and we would love to have the wonders and miracles of Jesus pulsing through and around us. But are we “throwing in the lot” with total commitment to Jesus? Or are we holding back, being cautious, playing it safe? After all we don’t want to get hurt, we don’t want to be embarrassed, what if it doesn’t work?

Lord, we want to see the results of You, in greater ways. Forgive us for holding back, for not trusting You more. Let us experience the life and faithfulness of You to such an extent, that we are more willing to commit all to You.

Who is This God That I Should Listen?

Keith Eberhard — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 03:01:12 +0000

We are living in a post Christian society. It used to be that people all around were God conscious. Though they may not have been born-again Christians, they understood that there was a God, that the Bible was the Word of God, that there was sin, heaven and hell. Things are different now. Around us are people who don’t even know who Jesus was, except that His name is something others have said when cursing. When we talk to such people, it is as if they have no framework to comprehend spiritual things. This is what Moses faced when he first came before Pharaoh. Exodus 5:2 “Pharaoh said, “And who is GOD that I should listen to him and send Israel off? I know nothing of this so-called ‘GOD’ (Message translation – emphasis mine)” Perhaps you too have tried to share with others about your walk with God, only to have them roll their eyes, look or comment as if to say, “What strange universe did you come from? You think there is a God, One Who talks, does miracles, and then He came to earth and died!”. These people dismiss us thinking, “I know nothing of this so-called God.” How are we to minister to such people, how do we help bring them into the kingdom of our Lord Jesus?

It is in this situation that God steps in. In the face of Pharaoh’s lack of understanding or unwillingness to understand the Lord speaks to Moses and says, “Look at me. I’ll make you as a god to Pharaoh, (Exodus 7:1 Message).” God does not make us or Moses into a god. Though people may not understand or comprehend the nature of God on their own, it is God’s desire that our lives would reflect the nature and ways of the Lord in such a way, they would see and understand the ways of God through us. We should expect that like in the Moses & Pharaoh situation, God will do important things through us, to show Himself in real ways to others who are sceptical and don’t believe.

Lord, there are many people all around us who do not even know of You, neither do they believe in You, help us to rightly reflect You to the world around us. May they see and understand You through how they see us. May we not be intimidated by the questioning of others but walk with such confidence and assurance that You will work through us in such ways that these people will come to see and know You.

Will any Job Do?

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 04:18:14 +0000

In the eyes of Martin Luther, all work was noble and good. Does this mean that we should be content in any job? If any job would be appropriate, do we need to seek a career or even go to school? In The Jewish culture every young man was trained in a skill, so that they would have a career through which to provide for the needs of his family. This career was often the same as the fathers. That is why Paul could say that if a man would not work neither should he eat. (2 Thess. 3:10)

It is important to ask what gifts and abilities has God given to you, gifts which should be used and developed. Jesus said that the person who is faithful in that which was little would be made ruler over much, but we must press on beyond the little things.

What are the God given passions and desires which God has given to you, which should be walked out?
What vision has God given to you?
What education or training is necessary to fulfill these purposes of God? The scriptures do encourage us to ”study to show ourselves approved unto God.”
What potential has God hidden within you that needs to be developed?
Are there opportunities that God has set before you which need to entered into?

Lord help us so that we fully develop every skill and ability that You have given to us. Help us to not be complacent when You are challenging us to move forward. Help us to move into every opportunity that You have for us.

I Want A Better Job

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 04:27:18 +0000

Ever wish you had a different job, one that was more fulfilling, had fewer hours, one that had better rewards?

Interestingly, Martin Luther had a revolutionary concept of work. He felt that there were no “low status” or “high status” forms of work, no better or worse forms of work. Luther felt there was no difference between the kind of work that the Christian did so long as he performed it to the glory of God. This notion of work shifted the meaning from “what” and “how” to “why”. Work was not an end in itself, but something the person did in everyday life to the glory of God and to the service of mankind. It was in this context that Luther saw God was in all forms of work, although He was “hidden” within it. God was so hidden in people’s work, that unless the Christian thinks about it (and only the Christian with the Spirit of God in him can do so), he will have no awareness of God’s presence in his work. Luther felt that since God is hidden in one’s work, to the Christian, all work is of equal value.

There may be lots to grumble and complain about in your job, but do you take time to see God in the midst of your work? In your job, do you expect God to meet you and to work through you? Do you accomplish all that is before you to the Glory of God? (1Co 10:31 “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”)

We Live Just to Die – No Escape From the Battle

Keith Eberhard — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:38:14 +0000

Some people are real fighters. Whenever there is opposition they rise up, they love the challenge, competition eggs them on. Even simple discussions are turned into situations for a victory. However, there is one battle that all will loose. The battle of death. This may not seem encouraging, but the battle with death is one war, that all will face, and all will succumb to the power of death. (I am assuming that Jesus does not return first.) Ecclesiastes 8:8 says, “No one has power over his spirit to retain the spirit and no one has power in the day of death. There is no release from that war.” People struggle to fight death. They seek the newest medical treatments, while gasping and fighting for the last breath. How depressing, we live just to die!

But the Apostle Paul gives a different perspective. Yes, our bodies will die, but he declares that the power of death is overcome. 1 Corinthians 15: 55 says, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” Paul talks about victory over death because of the work of Jesus Christ. Our trust in Jesus frees us from the consequences of death. An everlasting eternity with God is available.

Now here is the challenge. If our faith in Christ gives us the victory over death, why are we afraid of dying? In our theology, we as Christians would say we overcome death, yet in our daily living we are controlled by the fear of dying. Obviously in these situations we are resting in the old natural way of looking at life and death instead of looking through the eyes of redeemed people, those who trust and rest in the victory over death that comes through Jesus Christ. Our life on earth is only a short time compared to eternity.

Lord, I want to trust in Your victory over death, instead of being caught in the natural fears over death. Help me to live, knowing that I already have victory over death, and in all situations may this bring great peace and joy to my heart.

The perfectionist With a Small “p”

Keith Eberhard — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:29:24 +0000

So I had this bad day. All through the day I kept thinking, “Did I ever blow that, how come I couldn’t even get that simple thing right?” Now to be honest, it wasn’t even a big or important thing that I bungled, but maybe that was why it bothered me so much. “I should at least be able to do the simple things well.” Maybe it was the perfectionist nature in me that caused me to be frustrated and disappointed with myself. So as I’m going around frustrated with myself, a thought came to me, “Keith, you take yourself too seriously. Are you a god that needs to be perfect or am I God and you need Me, because your aren’t perfect?” Of course the answer is obvious, God is God and I am not. He is perfect and I am not. However when I thought about this some more, I realized that my frustration with myself was due to me wanting to be perfect and being frustrated because I wasn’t. I was taking on God’s role and then condemning myself when I didn’t measure up to being like Him, i.e. perfect. Immediately the heaviness and self condemnation in my heart lifted. God doesn’t expect me to do everything right, that’s His job, so why do I expect to be flawless? When I do fail, my Lord is still there with His mercy, love and forgiveness.

Thank You Lord, for delivering us from the bondage of having to be perfect! Lord, thank You, that as God, You are the big “P” Perfectionist and that you deliver me from needing to be the small “p” perfectionist. Whether there are flaws or mistakes in my life, You receive me as I am. Thank You, that You remove the heaviness which perfectionism brings and that You restore joy and worth based upon Your constant love and acceptance!

That was Humbling and What a Test!

Keith Eberhard — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:19:44 +0000

Have you being going through wilderness experiences lately? The wilderness is where life seems dry, everything is bleak in appearance and you seem to be going around in circles but never getting anywhere. Perhaps you have been humbled or maybe even worse, you have been totally humiliated. Is your life nothing but one big test, and unfortunately is seems like all the studying that you do doesn’t help you pass? Perhaps you even felt that you were tested and tried beyond what you thought you could bare? Do not be dismayed God is able to work even through these situations. In fact, He promises to work in those situations, He promises to work to produce good things. Deut. 8:16 says that it was the Lord “who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end.” In all that you are going through, as we learn to draw upon the strength of God, as we allow ourselves to become more like Him, as our values more clearly reflect His values, then we will see God working to do good. The good that He does will be in us, He will touch others through us, and there will be the increase of His Kingdom. In so doing, God will more clearly establish His covenant upon the earth.

Lord open our eyes that we would see all that we are going through as that which will produce good things in us, in others and in your kingdom. May we willing submit our lives to you, expecting you to do that which is good.

Fame

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 16:40:49 +0000

“When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, (1 Kings 10:1)” What an interesting verse. Many people have fame. Fame based upon athletic achievements, explorations, military exploits, intellectual perspectives, monetary possessions, being a good leader, a good parent, or many other things. Yet the fame of Solomon was different, his fame was not founded upon himself but upon the name of the Lord. The fame was seen not in light of Solomon’s attributes but in respect to God and the things of God. Some Biblical commentaries say that this means that the fame was based upon 1) either his great knowledge of God, or 2) the extraordinary things which God had done for him. These two thoughts are similar to where Paul said that he laboured that he might “know Him and the power of His resurrection. (Phil 3:10)” Of course the extraordinary things of God and the power of God are not just the miracles or signs and wonders of God, for even more powerful are the aspects of God’s forgiveness, His mercy, His unconditional love and His grace. What things do you hope would bring fame to you? In wisdom, may you seek to know God more personally and to experience the extraordinary power of God’s working. The keys for true fame hinge on these two concepts.

Cursed Be The Day!

Keith Eberhard — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 02:35:25 +0000

In the face of opposition and physical conflicts, Jeremiah focused on the Lord and received comfort and encouragement from knowing that God was with him. In the next verses (Jeremiah 20:14-18) Jeremiah is in complete despair over the fact that he was even born. Some Bible commentators feel that this section of Scripture may not have been immediately after verse 13, but still, what a mood swing! Showing confidence and praising God in verses 11-13 and then into the depths of melancholy. Sometimes our emotions may swing as violently as Jeremiah’s did. This example of Jeremiah in the scripture was not to give permission for such thought, but to show the reality of life’s challenges. Here are some thoughts to ponder:

- Note that God did not answer Jeremiah – perhaps because Jeremiah already knew the answer and source of encouragement and that no further revelation was necessary. Perhaps sometimes when we think God is silent it is because He has already said what was needed to comfort and raise us up (see verses 11-13), we just need to walk in it. Sometimes this silence from God is necessary so that we conquer, from within, the pressures that are upon us from the outside; instead of expecting God to change the external situations.

- We need to rest in the fact that if our life were more of a curse then a blessing; then the all knowing, loving, merciful and righteous God would not have given it. In such a context, if it were better that a person had not been born, he would not have been born.

- It is true that life has emotional, physical, relational, financial and other forms of distress and struggle. Life is not always easy here on earth but then we are not destined to live or to make life on earth the ultimate end. At times the greatest reward is not from what has taken place here on earth but from walking uprightly and hearing the voice of our Lord saying, “well done, you have been faithful in little, enter into the joy of the Lord.”

The Fear of Speaking

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 03:13:07 +0000

Jeremiah 20:9 -13 – It is interesting how fear quickly grips our hearts and affects our speech. No sooner has Jeremiah stated that he cannot hold back God’s words, he blurts out the words that God gave him, and then, he is attacked by the mocking of others. As a consequence of this he sees and feels fear on every side of him. People, including his friends, were waiting for him to be deceived and to stumble. Maybe there are similar fears of being misunderstood, mocked or rejected, that cause us to hold back from speaking. Though God’s words would bubble up within us, as they recently did in Jeremiah, we keep the Word of God under control and hidden – lest our speaking be turned against us.

But note Jeremiah’s response, he is not overwhelmed, instead he says, “But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior;” (vs 11) and then he breaks into praise over the delivering power of God (vs13). Jeremiah focused on something more powerful than the threats of those around him. He saw that the Almighty God was with him.

Who do you see standing beside you. Is it the mockers and scorners or the Almighty God, the Mighty Warrior? You would say that it is the Lord Who is with you, good! Do you now live and speak as though He is the Mighty One by you? Lord, help us to see and to trust in You more than others around us.

I Could Not Hold Back

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 16:11:25 +0000

Jer 20:9 When was the last time that Gods word and his purposes were so strongly within you that you could not hold back from speaking? Was there ever such a time? Jeremiah determined that he would stop talking about the Lord and the ways of the Lord, “I will not make mention of Him nor speak anymore of His Name”. Yet the words of God could not easily be quenched or dismissed, “But His word was in my heart like a burning fire, shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.” (Jeremiah 20:9 NKJV)

For many of us there is little of this fire and passion of God stirring within us, though there should be. We rarely are so stirred by God that we can’t contain what He has made real to us. Oh, that we would be open to and desire to let God stir afresh within us.

If God were to desire to minister in fresh ways through you, then what would you need to do to prepare yourself for that and to enable that to take place? What barriers in your life would need to be removed to permit the fresh words of God to stir within you?

Distant Watchmaker

Keith Eberhard — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:18:32 +0000

But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” (John 5:17) Many people live with the notion that, though God exists and created the world, God does not need to be particularly involved in our lives except when there is a problem. There is the thought that this great entity, God, Who created the universe and solar system, wound them up like a watchmaker winding a watch and then stepped back to let them run on their own. They feel that God is just watching from the distance. This is not the case. God is actively working in and around our lives and He is desiring to work more within us, if we would let Him. It is true that many times we do not clearly see what God is doing, and many times we may not appreciate what we think He is doing. Yet He is constantly working according to His nature of working all things for good to those that Love God.

Ask God to help you to see where He is working and then take a moment to reflect on where God is working in your life. Invite Him to work through you in the situations around you.

Sure Am Tired

Keith Eberhard — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:41:15 +0000

I was sitting at the table not wanting to get up, dreading the next event. Not because the event was bad but because of responsibilities and expectations that were upon me and on top of that I did feel tired. Actually I felt really tired. I wanted to stay at home just sit and read or go to bed. As I was sitting a thought came to me based upon the words of Jesus. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”(Matthew 11:28 NKJV). Yes rest, that is what I wanted. But the verse said I needed to draw near to him, then the rest would come. Many times we think that pulling away, reading a book, getting sleep, watching TV, vegging out, taking holidays, or many other things will give us rest, and they may provide it in some measure. However Jesus says, “Come to Me”. There is an aspect of the true rest we need that is only available from coming to our Lord. We can try lots of things to get true rest, yet only obtain a form or level of superficial rest, if this deep inner rest from the Lord is not obtained.

Lord, today I want to come to you and receive the rest that you provide.

What a Friend

Keith Eberhard — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:30:00 +0000

There is an old hymn whose words are “What a friend we have in Jesus … ” . The concept of being a “friend of God” is a powerful encouragement within the scriptures. We humans can feel very lonely. We can feel misunderstood, unaccepted, falsely judged, trapped, and unvalued. Yet Jesus calls us to be friends with Him. What a phenomenal concept that the almighty God, through Jesus, calls us to be friends with Him. He could have called us to be slaves, or servants yet He calls us to friendship. John 15:15 “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

What does it mean to be a friend? Reflect on the aspects of your friendship with Christ that are the most meaningful to you now. Take a moment to thank God for these aspects of friendship.

What aspects of your friendship with God needs to be further developed to bring it to where you know it should be? Take a moment to ask God to help these distinct areas to be further developed in your relationship with Him.

Verse one :What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Who Do You Say That I Am?”

Keith Eberhard — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:25:42 +0000

At one point in the ministry of Jesus, the question was asked, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples gave varied answers about what others thought and then Jesus queries more personally “But Who do you say that I am?” Peters answer was “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16). That is a good answer Peter, it qualified to be included into the scriptures! Yet the thought that came to me was also personal. Of the many names for God/Jesus which defines His nature, of the many attributes of God/Jesus which show how He responds towards mankind, of the concepts that people have about Jesus, being personal now, “Keith, Who do you say that I am?”

That was a good question which made me stop and think. It wasn’t just a good answer that was needed, the question demanded a personal answer that was true to my heart and honest with God. Who is Jesus to me? In my relationship, using my words, how would I describe Him? After some time of thinking I came up with an answer that I felt was true to me and was being honest with God.

The next question that came to mind was, “Okay Keith, are you now actually living your life according to how you see and understand God/Jesus to be to you?” and then the thought came, “How should this understanding that you have, affect how you live your life?”

Why don’t you stop and ponder the question “Who do you say that I am?” Then let this affect your life in a positive way.

(As a side note, I realize that for some people your concept of God/Jesus might not be biblically based and therefore you might see Him through fearful eyes or under feelings of rejection or scorn. In this case I trust that God/Jesus will show Himself through the New Testament teachings so you will embrace Him in His true nature of being a good and loving God, One Who wants the best for you).

Earthly to Heavenly

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 05:03:05 +0000

In simple terms, death could be seen as separation from God (possibly hell) and life is eternity with God (including heaven). 1 John 3:14 says that “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.” This verse says the extent of our love for others indicates where the perspective of our values is influenced. It is easy to focus on what we want, our needs, and our situations. Yet this scripture says that an indication that we have passed out of the side of death is seen because we are able to love others. Our natural, i.e. carnal or unredeemed nature, tends to be self focused and causes us to be self consumed. Our care for others, our concern for the welfare of others, even when it would be easier to be caught up with ourselves, is an indication of where our values are. As we embrace values from heavenly perspectives we are able to lay aside our earthly perspectives. This changing of our value system from earthly (death) to heavenly (life) takes time but God brings it about as we submit to His Spirit and Word.

Lord, we so often think only about ourselves. Would you help us walk in more of your heavenly value system so that our actions will more completely show that we have passed from death to life.

What a Wimp

Keith Eberhard — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 13:54:45 +0000

Yesterday I got out of bed and had this gnawing pain in my hip, going down into the leg. The pain was not disabling, I could walk, I didn’t limp, I could bend, sit, pick up things, etc. but it was painful. I definitely have more empathy for those in far worse pain than what I had. Then I thought about Jacob who wrestled with God. (Genesis 32:24-32). In the process of wrestling, Jacob’s name is changed, a blessing is bestowed, and his hip is touched by God so that he walks with a limp. Perhaps Jacob had a sciatic nerve problem. From then on, through the life of Jacob, there was no mention of his hip or his limp. There seemed to be no complaining or focusing on the way he walked.

I asked myself, could it be that meeting God in a fresh way overshadowed the irritation and frustration of the physical limitations that Jacob had? Jacob’s comment was that he had met God face to face and his life was delivered.

Lord, may we meet You more often and experience You in more real ways so that the irritations of life would be overshadowed by the reality and life of You.

Get Going – Quit Making Excuses!

Keith Eberhard — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 02:29:00 +0000

In Exodus chapter 4, Moses is about to start a new adventure, but he has lots of fear. “The people may not believe me” – God confirms His presence with unique signs (vs 1-9). Moses says he is not a good speaker; God says, “And who do you think made the human mouth? And who makes some mute, some deaf, some sighted, some blind? Isn’t it I, GOD? So, get going. I’ll be right there with you—with your mouth! I’ll be right there to teach you what to say.” (vs 10 – 12, Message)

Then Moses says, “Oh, Master, please! Send somebody else!”(vs 13 Message). At this point God gets angry. There are two times when God is angry at Moses, here in Ex. 4 and also in Numbers 20:11 when Moses hits the rock instead of speaking to it (see Deut.4:26 as a cross reference). The “anger of the Lord was kindled” – objection after objection was answered and then God got angry. There are times when God in His mercy will show signs and wonders, He will confirm His presence and confirm His intents so that we can walk with confidence. Such was the case with Moses. Many signs were given that this was God and that God would be present. However then there is a time for obedience. A time to quit making excuses and to get going. As we start a New Year, what excuses have you been making for not obeying the Lord? Is this your time to stop making excuses and to just step forward and trust that God will be faithful to you?

It is not always easy to obey the ways of God, usually because we think that our ways are better and that our ways make more sense. However there is no better sacrifice than to obey the voice of the Lord, (#1Sa 15:22). This day choose to start a New Year and let it be a day and a year of obedience to God.

(Note that even in God’s anger with Moses, God still mercifully gave help to Moses by sending Aaron to help with the public speaking.)

The Unused Miracle – the Leprous Hand

Keith Eberhard — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 23:56:05 +0000

As Moses is about to start into a new era of ministry in his life he asks the Lord, “suppose they (the Israelites and Pharaoh) will not believe me or listen to my voice (Ex 4:6).” To this the Lord shows Moses three miracles. Interestingly of the three signs in Ex 4:1-9 the sign of the leprous hand was never performed before the children of Israel or Pharaoh. Yet perhaps this was the greatest of signs for Moses. In the scriptures the hand is the symbol of one’s strength and power. (De 8:17 “then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’)

Humans and especially leaders often have hidden gods of the heart. There is either a) a desire for control and authority or b) a desire to be able to say I have done this, my hand has accomplished this, or both desires are present.

In the desire to be in control of our own destiny there is a false allusion that we can be anything that we want, that we are “masters of our fate”. The thought that happiness and success is up to you. The idea that “you can be anything you set your mind to.” Yet who made us who we are? The majority of what sets the course for our lives is out of our control, i.e. the century and place that we were born in, who our physical parents are, the childhood environment, physical stature, genetically hardwired talents and most of the circumstances that we find ourselves in. We must realize that all we are and have is given to us by God. However the foolish person endeavors to get more control and authority or to maintain their authority by using their own strength of words, their educational or financial prowess to manipulate or control others. Miriam tried this and was smitten by leprosy (Numbers 12:1-10). The other side would be to use the results of our efforts as a platform for boasting and pride. King Uzziah was like this and he too was smitten by leprosy ( 2 Chron. 26:16-19).

In this sign from God two hands were changed, first the clean strong healthy one to leprosy then the leprous hand to a healthy one. How easy it is to rest in the strength of our own ability and not to see that in the eyes of the Lord, this heart attitude is as leprosy, vile and defiling. How much better to honestly see our weakness, what is weak and defiled in our eyes, when submitted to the word of the Lord is what is clean, strong and healthy. Perhaps this is why the apostle Paul constantly saw himself as the chief of sinners, one not even fit to be called an apostle.

As you are entering into the New Year take a moment to examine what areas of our life your are most proud of, realize who really gave you that success. Also examine what areas you are using your strength to make it happen to bring about results without trusting in God’s help. May we always have our weakness submitted to the Word of the Lord that it would be a strength. May we always see our strengths as coming from the Lord that it would not be leprous in nature.

Should Have Been Bitten

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 17:21:14 +0000

In the scriptures the number 40 is sometimes symbolic of new beginnings. So Moses, at the age of 40, leaves his luxurious life in the courts of Pharaoh and identifies with the Hebrew slaves and therefore he is in seclusion for 40 years in the back side of the wilderness. Now, at the age of 80, a new season in the life of Moses is about to begin. As God appears to Moses in the burning bush and speaks of leadership, Moses shows concern. Moses questions how the people will know that the Lord is with him. God responds by telling Moses to throw his rod on the ground. It becomes a snake. There are lots of principles and truths behind that statement. But then Moses is told to pick up the snake by the tail. That is a challenge. It is one thing to throw down your rod and let God do the miracle. It is another thing to pick up a snake by the tail. People familiar with snakes know that the best way to pick up a poisonous snake is to pin its head to the ground, and then pick up the snake just behind the head so that the reptile cannot whip back and bite you. This becomes a key level of trust that Moses must master before entering into the new era of his life. Will he trust God and obey him even when it seems like it might hurt him and when it seems like it might be illogical at the time.

We are beginning to enter into a New Year and with it, new areas of activity, new seasons of growth, the beginning of new opportunities in God’s kingdom. What challenging things has God set before you in which you must step out and trust God? How is God challenging you to obey Him, even when it may be difficult and even when in the natural way of doing things it seems foolish or illogical?

Take some time to bring these areas before the Lord seeking His strength and help so that you may be able to fully walk into this season of the New Year.

Ponder These Things

Keith Eberhard — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 03:46:36 +0000

Lu 2:19 “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” I can understand how at the first Christmas, at the birth of Jesus, there was a lot of pondering to do. How was Mary to interpret all the things that had just happened and what was before her and the Child which she just gave birth to? Much had taken place and there was much more foretold that was yet to happen:

There had been the appearance of the angel with the strange words of God’s purpose of a saviour being born through her (Lk 1:26-33)
There was the miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit, when Mary had not yet known any man (Lk 1:35)
There was the angel appearing to Joseph sharing the plan of God for his marriage to Mary.
There was the proclamation of blessing by Elizabeth and the leaping of the yet unborn John within the womb of Elizabeth (Lk 1:41-43)
There was the prophetic utterance that seemed to come out of Mary’s own mouth promising that this child she carried would be blessed by all generations (Lk 1:50)
There was the arrival of the shepherds, with their declaration of what the angels proclaimed (Lk2:16-17)

Based upon the above thoughts there were many new questions and things to ponder. How do you raise a child who was God and also destined to be a King? What type of discipline or encouragement should be given to this child? (Heb 5:8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.) How should family members relate to such a child and how do you model good relationships to this Child? Is there something which needs to be done to enable the fulfillment of the prophetic words? What happens if Mary or Joseph should get in the way of the plans of God?

For Mary there was much to ponder. But what about yourselves. Christmas is over but what are you pondering about Christ, the purposes of God, the promises of God? For the steps that are ahead of you:

What relationships need to be changed and better modeled to those around you?
What change or discipline needs to be applied to your life?
How do you need to better relate to this Jesus Christ?
Are you helping or hindering the plans of God?

How can you best prepare to walk out the promises and plans for your life?

As we approach the New Year, ponder in your heart what God has done, what God is doing and what God still wants to accomplish in your life; then step forward acting appropriately as there is much that God has ahead of each of you.

How Did Jesus Get Born? – Is there a God? Part 2

Keith Eberhard — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 18:49:48 +0000

So how do you know that there is a God? First we need to realize that God works around us to show that He is present if we will take the time or effort to see Him. He gives enough evidence in specific ways to each of us to show Himself real so that we can believe in Him. Though the Bible doesn’t actually prove a God it just starts out with “In the beginning God …”, yet the scriptures do show that there are various ways in which God reveals Himself and the nature of Himself to us. Here are some of them, I’ll give them in point form . God will use any or all of these to reveal himself to others so that all will be without excuse when we stand before Him. These are not in any order of priority.

God may directly reveal Himself, through the miraculous, by His intervention, or through other specific ways; these make it obvious to individuals that God is there.
Through the love of other Christians. At times the actions of Christians affirm to people that there must be a God otherwise these people would not be conducting themselves as they do.
God has put eternity and a sense of Him already into our hearts ( Ecc. 3:11). Some biologists and even some atheists call this the “God gene”, which causes people around the world to instinctively believe that there is a God or deity who call us to relationship with Him.
God uses the natural world to show His invisible attributes which are clearly seen (Romans 1:20).
- From the perspective of creation. There must be an author which brought about the very creation of the universe. Something doesn’t come from nothing. Whatever physical things begin to exist must have an author. That author is God. Of course, God does not require an author because he did not “begin” to exist.
- The existence of God makes sense of the fine-tuning of the universe for intelligent life. During the last 40 years or so, scientists have discovered that the existence of intelligent life depends upon a complex and delicate balance of initial conditions given in the creation of the world itself. The existence of intelligent life (like us) in the universe depends upon a conspiracy of initial conditions which must be fine-tuned to a degree that is literally incomprehensible and incalculable. This points to an intelligent designer who set the universe into process.
- Some of the complex structures within our own physical bodies can best be described through a creative God designing us. No evolutionary process or mechanism exists for why some parts of our bodies function as they do.
Without God there is no ultimate purpose to life. Your own life or the lives of others. You see, if God does not exist, life is ultimately meaningless. If all life is destined to end in death, then ultimately it does not matter how you live. So if there is no God, then in the end, it makes no difference whether you existed or not.
The presence of God makes sense of objective moral values in the world. If God does not exist, then objective moral values do not exist. To say that there are objective moral values is to say that something is right or wrong independently of whether anybody believes it to be so. But God is seen as the absolute moral law giver. The law is written in our hearts.
The Life and Teaching of Jesus Christ. The scriptures talk about Jesus being God with us. Therefore the existence of God makes sense through the historical facts concerning the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. New Testament critics have reached something of a consensus that the historical Jesus came on the scene with an unprecedented sense of divine authority, the authority to stand and speak in God’s place. This life and teaching of Jesus is then back up by the historical proof of His life, death and resurrection.

Be encouraged, God is real, there is a purpose for your life, and God, as Jesus, came to help you walk with Him. Respond with gratitude because Jesus Christ is revealing Himself to you and that Jesus will help you experience Emmanuel, God with us.

How Was Jesus Born? – Is there a God? Part 1

Keith Eberhard — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 15:39:55 +0000

While discussing the Bible with some university students I was asked, “how Jesus was born if He was God, God’s aren’t born?” I quickly went through some Biblical concepts about how Jesus has always been in existence in the Godhead, only that in the Old Testament He was present in the form of The Word of God. (See John 1:1-5,14). I explained how at a particular moment in time, probably at the time of Mary consenting to give birth to the Messiah (Luke 1:26-38), Jesus was begotten by God – the Holy Spirit (Ps 2:7; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; Matt 1:20) and conceived in Mary. That Jesus, though a part of the Godhead, emptied Himself of His Divine (power) attributes and came to earth to help mankind come into a relationship with God (Phil 2:5-11). This was because we as humans could not have a relationship with God on our own. We need the strength and help of God so that we can walk with God. Jesus came not just to show us the way but to be the way to a relationship with God.

Interestingly there have been many teachers and spiritual leaders over the ages. None of the leaders of other major religions claimed to be both the way and the truth. Mohamed did not claim to transform people, rather he pointed to the Quran for truth. Similarly Buddha never pointed to himself as the source of freedom from men’s struggles but rather pointed to the principles of the Noble Truths. Jesus not only said that His teachings were the truth but that He actually was the way, the truth and the source of life. (John 14:6)

The students seemed to appreciate the answer that I gave, but in reflecting back I realized that perhaps they were asking a deeper question. I answered assuming that they believed in God. By definition a God would be One Who is able to do whatever He wanted and so it would not be difficult for God to show Himself as a human, nor would it be difficult for God to do the miraculous, such as enabling a virgin to conceive without being impregnated. But what if these students did not believe that there was a God, then what would I say? If there is no God then the Christmas story is nothing different than the story of Santa Clause – nice thought but nothing behind it.

What would you say to some university students if they said they didn’t believe in a God? Think about this and I’ll share some thoughts about this in my next posting.

I Got One! But ….

Keith Eberhard — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:15:32 +0000

I know it’s one week before Christmas but I got one gift early. Something that I’ve been keeping my eye on for many years and this year I got it and I even got it early!!! Thank you to the one who sacrificed to give this to me, I truly am thankful and grateful. But why is it that now that I have it the excitement is already gone? I barely unwrapped it and now it sits unused. The fulfillment from the gift seemed short lived.

That is the nature of all things here on the earth. Hence we always want more and feel that if we just get more we will be complete and we’ll be content. However the satisfaction and fulfillment gained from the things here on earth is short lived. Therefore we are to labour for that which truly satisfies (see Is 55:1-3).

It seems, with the cravings that we humans have and the restlessness within us, that if we were to live forever then it would require an infinite number of things to keep us from being bored or dissatisfied, but that is what God is all about. He is infinite and all powerful and all wise and all loving. God can provide us with new and varied aspects of His working and power, in the context of our relationship with Him, so that we will always be satisfied and content. The Psalmist says “You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” (Psalms 145:16 NKJV)

In heaven, with God, we will be changed to be like Him and true satisfaction will be present, “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.” (Psalms 17:15 NKJV) We don’t have to wait till heaven to find our satisfaction and contentment. Hebrews 13:5 tells us that it is possible to be content in any situation because God will never leave or forsake us.

Our walk with God can and should be such that He brings true lasting contentment to us.

Lord Jesus show us when we have tried to get fulfillment from things that will not satisfy. Bring us into a closer relationship with You so that true contentment and lasting satisfaction will abound in our lives.

They Don’t Get It

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 04:22:06 +0000

Sometimes there are things happening in your life that others, i.e. non Christians just don’t understand. You’ve all probably had times when there were puzzled looks and maybe even snickers of unbelief or mocking. Like “why do you waste time going to church?” or “Why do you give money away” or “why don’t you hang out doing ….” Or “why not join us at … and watch …”

1 John 3:1 says “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”

Because we are a part of the family of God there are some differences in values and perspectives to life than from those that are not Christians. Hence in:

1 John 2:3 it says that we will keep God’s commandments.
1 John 2:6 we walk and conduct ourselves as Jesus would have done if He were here.
1 John 2:9 we have a genuine concern and love for the people around us.
1 John 2:12 we know our sins are forgiven.
1 John 2:13 we have overcome the evil one.
1 John 2:14 we actually have a relationship with God.
1 John 2:16 we do not love the things of the world.

The list could go on but all of the above are not easily understood by those whose lives are build upon non-Christian perspectives. As the Apostle John writes he encourages us. In affect he says, “Yes, others will not appreciate your values or your lifestyle, don’t let that be your focus, rather see the great love of the Father for us and let that be the point of focus for your life.” Others who are not Christians may not understand our commitments and our values, however we can rejoice in God’s great acceptance which is more important than the friendship of those around us who don’t yet walk in God’s great ways.

Who Me Cursed?

Keith Eberhard — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 05:41:51 +0000

Jer 17:5. “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength.” I don’t like to think that I’m cursed but when I read this verse I couldn’t help but ask myself if perhaps I bring unsuspecting troubles upon myself. I tend to be a hard working person, and I think that is good. Yet how often do I plan more, study more, prepare more, work more and in so doing make my efforts “the strength of my life”. I end up resting in what I have accomplished which would be my strength and ability. Trusting more in myself than in God is not good.

Lord help us to have the right balance! Yes we are to study to make ourselves approved unto God yet Paul also said that he did not come with enticing words of men’s wisdom but in the demonstration of the power of the Gospel. Lord let our words and our actions be so structured and balanced so that there is the preparation (our responsibility) and the reliance on Your working (God’s responsibility). Let these be in the right proportion so that You, Lord, are glorified and that the focus and praise is unto You. Lord help us because our self focused nature causes us to think that any success was from our intelligence or our skill or our efforts when it really came from You. Lord it’s not that we have our lives together but rather that we are walking with You, Who holds all things together.

May our trust be in the Lord, Who brings the blessing. Verse 7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.”

If Struggling in the Good Times

Keith Eberhard — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 18:33:49 +0000

Jeremiah 12:5 “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, In which you trusted, they wearied you, Then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?”

Prior to this verse Jeremiah is complaining because it looks like the wicked are prospering and the godly including himself are suffering. To which God challenges back by saying, in affect, that these are the good times, “what will you do when things get tougher.” Some seasons of life are difficult and it is so easy to complain but if things get worse then what will we do? Jeremiah’s problem was that he was frustrated over what was happening around him. This frustration was robbing him of the strength which come from resting in The Lord. Because his focus was wrong he was already exhausted. What would he do when things got worse or when his family and loved ones turned against him. We too are often like this, we get consumed by what is happening around us and don’t draw upon the strength of The Lord. These things around us draw emotional, physical and spiritual strength from us. Of course now is the time to learn how to walk in God’s strength. Now is the time to be near to our Lord. Learn in the good times don’t wait till things get worse.

Did You Receive The Holy Spirit Since You Believed?

Keith Eberhard — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:56:39 +0000

“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” (Acts 19:2 NKJV)

This verse challenges me. I am a pastor of a charismatic church, I received the extra infilling of the Holy Spirit thirty-eight years ago and speak in tongues. Now even though I speak in tongues, prophesy and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit, every time I read this verse I am challenged. I wonder to myself, if Paul would be here in my church, if Paul were to be here watching me, would he ask the same question of me? Would he look upon my life and ask, “Keith, have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?” From his perspective would it seem like something was missing in my life? Now I could justify myself and say I speak in tongues, I prophecy, etc. but the question is, “am I manifesting the true life of the Spirit in such obvious ways that the question of whether I have received the Holy Spirit would never be asked?” What about yourself, do you need to receive this extra dimension of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised in Luke 24:49, John 14:16 and Acts 1:8; or are you like Timothy who needed to “stir up the gift of God which was upon him”? Are you constantly walking in the fullness of the Spirit of God or just remembering what it was like years ago? Lord Jesus help our lives to shine with the fullness of your Holy Spirit.

Knowing Your Salvation

Keith Eberhard — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:08:51 +0000

While in Haiti it was not uncommon to share the gospel and have multitudes of people respond to the need for Christ in their lives. This would be most evident with the children but also within the adults where up to 1/3 of the people would commit or recommit themselves to the Lord.

Children responding to the gospel message

However while ministering during a question and answer time in a Haitian church two individuals at different times in the same Bible study asked, “how does one know that they are saved?”. The scriptures clearly state in 1 John 5:13 that the scriptures are written that we may know that we have eternal life. In the Greek language the word “know” has the thought of “absolute certainty” or of “being convinced beyond doubt.” I was certain that these Haitian church goers had prayed many times to ask Jesus into their lives, they went to church, they read the Bible and prayed, yet there was a question within them. Though the Scriptures “were written that we might know”, they needed to know exactly “how do we know?” That was their question. The biblical answer to this question is fourfold:

First it needs to be realized that salvation is not an emotional or feeling based event. Many time people are looking for a feeling or an emotion to overcome them. Some surveys have shown that 50% of the people who accept Jesus as their Saviour have an emotional feeling or event, they sense God, or feel like weights are removed, they have great joy or peace, etc. and the other 50% feel nothing significant or special, they know they have done what was right, but they just go on with their lives not feeling too much different. However in both of these situations, changes start to take place in the individuals perspectives, their desire to know more about the Lord Jesus Christ, their desire to pray increases, etc. Something started to grow within their spirits.

Small group discusion about how do you know that you are saved

Second God must work to provide a way for us to receive help from Him. Because we cannot have salvation by our own strength John 1:13 explains how we were born into God’s kingdom not by the will of the flesh,(our efforts of strength) nor of the will of man (our own good desires or determination), but of God.

Thirdly, Ephesians chapter 1 verse 12 &13 says that from our part we must choose to trust what Jesus has done for us. There are many things that people trust in. They trust that they have prayed the sinners prayer and that that was sufficient. They trust that they have they have been good enough, that they haven’t done too much wrong, that God will be pleased. But the challenge is will, “we simply trust that Jesus will do what He said that He would do”. That He will forgive us, that He will be there with us and that He take us to be with Him. This trusting starts by asking Christ Jesus into your life, and then resting in what He says He will do for you.
The fourth step is that God bears witness within us of the reality of the salvation which we have. His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are within His Kingdom.

These last two points of trusting in what Jesus has done and then the witness of the Holy Spirit are clearly put together in Ephesians 1 where it say that “we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:12 – 14 NKJV)

What about you, do you know for certain that if you were to die tonight that you would go to heaven? Take some time now to choose to trust in what Jesus Christ has done for you.

Results of Prayer – Missions in Haiti

Keith Eberhard — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 03:15:31 +0000

From November 20 – 29^th I was honoured to lead a team of 10 others on a short term mission trip to the mountain community of Ranquitte Haiti. While there the team helped to put up the walls of a church, did children’s ministry, shared their testimonies, lead in singing some songs (in French), and prayed for hundreds of people. The pastor and the church people were greatly encouraged. God did some unique things among the people as he spoke to individuals, healing some and encouraging many. What we often will do on our mission trips is to go from house to house inviting the people to the evening services and asking people what they would like prayer for.

In our last April trip to Ranquitte area we encountered one man, Louise, who was paralyzed from the waist down. The team member prayed for his healing, nothing happened, he prayed again still nothing happened and then prayed a third time. Sensing a compassion for the man our team member asked the whole team to come and pray for Louise. We went to the home of Louise, took authority over the spirit of paralysis, declared healing in the name of Jesus, told the man to stand in the name of Jesus. We picked him up, holding him up by the arm pits, and praying diligently that he would stand, only to see him fall back into the chair when we let go. I think that we were trying to imitate Acts 3 where the lame man was commanded to rise and be healed, except that we were raising him by our strength and it was not God who was working. As a team we went several more times to pray for Louise, praying and praying and praying. After all, Jesus commands us to ask and keep on asking, to be like the woman of importunity who kept asking the judge for favor, and we are to follow the exhortation to pray without ceasing (Matt. 7:7; Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thess. 5:17). Unfortunately nothing happened, but at least we had done what we could, a little frustrated that God had not done more, but we have to trust that God is God and then still choose to rest in Him when it doesn’t go as we want.

Louise is the man on the right, he is standing without the crutches

So on the Sunday afternoon of this November trip, a man walks from his home, about 1 ½ blocks away, up to our church service on crutches. He shares that he is Louise, and wanted to say thank you for our prayers back in April. Though not completely walking without crutches, yet he is standing and mobile where before he was paralysed from the waist down. He declared his praise to God for healing him in consequence of the prayers in April. We then gathered around him and prayed again that God, who had started a good work in him, would complete it to His glory. (Phil 1:6) Of course it was not only us praying but many others from the church, family and friends were also praying for our team and for the people around us as we ministered in Haiti. God is faithful, even when we are not, yet will we continue to press in praying and expecting our great God to minister?

The Plague of His Own Heart

Keith Eberhard — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:51:27 +0000

1 Kings 8:38 “whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when each one knows the plague of his own heart, and spreads out his hands toward this temple: 39 “then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men), 40 “that they may fear You all the days that they live in the land which You gave to our fathers.

What a prayer and what a challenge! Lord, if there is anyone who knows the plague of his heart. Solomon in coming before the Lord could have said, if the people know the plague or disease in their body, or struggle around about them; if they can see the need of the situation before them, then come and pray and Lord would you answer. Instead Solomon says, if they know the plague of his own heart. Few people truly are honest enough to know the sins of their own heart. We can easily see the sins and corruption that is in the hearts of others, the false motives in others, the irritations that come from others. But how well do we know our own heart?

Jer 17:9 says that “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” This verse from Jeremiah declares God’s perspective, but do we take the time to examine our motives and the inner working of our heart so that we are actually aware of our own personal condition? Socrates says that “it is the unexamined life that is not worth living”. This does not mean that we examine our heart and compare it to those who are doing more poorly then us, this would bring pride or arrogance. “God, I thank You that I am not like other men — extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. (Lu 18:11) Rather we are to compare ourselves to the true standard of God’s word and the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. This will always show a huge need within our heart. This should humble us and then, because of the plague within our heart, we call out to God for His help. It is this calling to God, in this type of true awareness of the real condition of the heart, that Solomon asks God to hear, and forgive and act and to work in such as way that this person who prays in such a manner would “40 … live before you (God) in lifelong reverent and believing obedience on this land you (God) gave our ancestors.” (Message)

Oh, that we knew our hearts and would call unto the Lord, that He might touch us, change our motives and desires and that it would go well with us. Lord help us to rightly search our hearts and then to call unto You for help.

The Rich Man and Me

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 03:49:16 +0000

Yesterday I was thinking about Mark 10:17 – the rich man who was being challenged to sell all. This man sacrificed being with the Lord Jesus for the sake of his riches. The thing that he thought that he wanted and asked for, eternal life, he did not press into obtaining because other things got in the way. Yet how many times have I missed God or the thing that inwardly I seem to feel that I need? Sometimes this happens in non spiritual areas. I want a good relationship with my wife, yet yesterday I was so busy with puttering around that I missed the opportunity to cuddle up to her when she needed some extra comfort after she had a stressful day. At other times we miss the spiritual things that we really wanted because obeying the Lord seemed too much for us to sacrifice or we are just too caught up with the things around us. We say that we want more of God in our life yet what do we put aside to get that? Or what do we not put aside that keeps us from obtaining our desire? Is it that movie, the T.V. program, the video game, the list goes on. We want His Spirit yet get caught up with other things and miss what is truly of value. For each of us there is something that our Lord says,” give this up, so you can obtain the greater thing”. The desire is there but the “carry through” is what is lacking. Truly we need our Lord to help us. The evil that I don’t want to do is what I do and the good that I don’t want to do, I end up doing! Jesus help us! (Romans 7). How frail we are and how much we need our Lord to work through and in us.

The Burning Bush

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 03:20:29 +0000

Read Exodus 3:2,3. Is it possible to burn for The Lord in such a way that one is not consumed? This would necessitate that The Lord provide the energy, that He provide the substance being burned and that it is not by our energy or strength that the burning takes place. No wonder we get weary in well doing, we are being consumed because we are ministering under the wrong source of power. It is ourselves that are burning and not the Lord’s energy.

Secondly, when God is burning by His Spirit do we take the time to turn aside and investigate what God is doing or wanting to do. Many times we just go on with no change of direction or purpose within ourselves. This burning bush is a “great sight” to Moses. To most of us it would have just been a fire. There are fires everywhere yet turning to see this special fire became the first step of many steps towards greatness. In this action God calls Moses.

In Exodus 3:6-10, before even mentioning God’s purposes for Moses, God lists the reason for the calling. It is not about Moses it is about the need of the people who have been crying out to Him. It is about the destination of these people. The blessed place that is available for them. This so clearly shows that the calling is not about us but about and for the people to whom God sends.

For each of us there is a burning bush, something that many would never stop to examine, but if we would take the time to turn from our business we would take the first step towards God’s purposes for our live. Then for each of us there is a people whom God wants us to minister. In the calling of God and the working of God through us and in us, His energy keeps us from being burnt out. To whom is God sending you, how does He want you to minister to these, whose energy will you use to do this work?

Our Identity and Source of Life

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 03:16:11 +0000

We live in a world where the pressures around cause us to feel that we “just need so much”. We need to have whiter teeth so that the evening will go well – along with the “splashing chewing gum”, we need the new vehicle that auto-parks, the Swiffer that makes cleaning easier, the job which produces a six figure salary, and the list goes on. It is no wonder that people are insecure and that they feel pressured to seek out affirmation and honor from others. All these things that we feel will make us important, significant, people of worth, have more honor, etc. are like gods to us. We feel that we need them and are in subtle and bold ways pressured to try to get them. These things and the thoughts of getting them, or wanting them, end up controlling our lives and our emotions. Think of the times when your emotions went amiss because “you didn’t get ….”, or “….. didn’t work out”, (fill in the dots for something you wanted of thought you needed). It was in this type of culture, where the people were controlled by hundreds of gods, that Paul speaks in Acts 17. Paul presents the key to victory over so many things controlling us, these things which act like gods upon us. The key is found in verse 28 where Paul talks about the great creator God, the Lord Jesus Christ, “for in Him we live and move and have our being, …. ‘For we are also His offspring.’” When we start to actually live and move and have our being in the Lord Jesus, Who created us, then we are free from these other pressures, expectations, needs for affirmation, these gods which seem to influence us so much.

Lord may we always see and experience that our life, our being and our essence of strength comes from You. May we so richly experience You on a regular basis, that indeed we would say that I live in You Lord Jesus.

Desiring Honor from People Affects our Faith

Keith Eberhard — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 06:27:03 +0000

We want to be people of strong faith for we know that through faith great things are done (see Hebrews 11), but do we realize how much our faith is diminished when we seek honor and recognition from others. People are important but how often do we seek and yearn for their affirmation? In John 5: 44 Jesus says “How can you believe , who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?” How can you believe, i.e. have faith when you seek honor from others. In reality our seeking of the approval of others, our doing things so we are affirmed by others and our reactions and emotional hurt when others do not approve of us, shows that we are building our lives on the wrong foundation. People thinking well of us, or giving honor to us is not the problem, the real issue is: do we seek the recognition from them, or is the recognition from the Lord the most important thing?

Lord help us, we are so easily swayed by the opinions of others, we want them to be pleased with us, we want their recognition and affirmation, but Lord help us to desire your honor and to seek to please You above others.

Transferring from the Father to Jesus to Us

Keith Eberhard — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:45:18 +0000

Read through John 5:19, 20 and then read through John 15:1-16

Note the comparisons:

John 5:19 – the Son can do nothing of Himself but does what the Father is doing. –> John 15:5 – without Jesus we can do nothing.
John 5:20 – the Father loves the Son. –> John 15:9 Jesus loves us in the same way that the Father loved Him.
John 5:20 – the Father shows to Jesus all that He does. –> John 15:15 – Jesus says that all things that He heard from My Father He would make known to us.
John 5:20 - The Father will show great works through Jesus –> John 15:7 & 14:12 – Jesus says that if we believe in Him then greater works will be done.

Note the strength and affirmation that Jesus received from fellowship with God the Father as seen in John 5. Then see how Jesus shares that there are similar benefits available to us from abiding with Him in John 15 . Lord Jesus help us to abide so close to You that we might rightly receive all the benefits that You received from Your close walk with the Father.

Making Good Decisions

Keith Eberhard — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:11:29 +0000

John 5:30 … my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

It is Interesting how Jesus claimed his ability to make decisions was based upon the fact that his decisions were not self focused; He did not seek His own will.

George Mueller was a British evangelist and prayer warrior who lived during the nineteenth century. In the course of his life he raised 1,500,000£; he educated and sent out into the world no fewer than 123,000 pupils; he circulated 275,000 Bibles in different languages, with nearly as many smaller portions of Scripture; and he aided missions to the extent of 255,000£. He supported 189 missionaries, and he employed 112 assistants. All this without ever publically asking for money. George was asked how he made decisions, to which he said, “I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of it’s own in a given matter.” Hence he was free to obey and respond whatever way that the Lord would lead, and was free from his own motivations which could easily cloud the decision making process. In another occasion George Mueller said “There was a day when I died, utterly died;” and, as he spoke, he bent lower and lower until he almost touched the floor—“died to George Muller, his opinions, preferences, tastes, and will—died to the world, its approval or censure—died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends—and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto God.”

Perhaps if more of our decisions were not based upon our desires, for we have died to them, then we too could accomplish greater things for the kingdom of our Lord. God help us to make true righteous decisions!

Waiting for the Moving of the Water

Keith Eberhard — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 20:16:25 +0000

John 5:2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water.

For 38 years this man was waiting, at a pool called Bethesda which meant “house of mercy”. He along with many others were waiting for the waters to move. They were anticipating something to happen, they were looking for it, and when it started to move they wanted to be the first to jump in. Of course only a few made it in and the rest watched hoping and waiting for their time to be the first. How many of us are waiting for “our time to jump in”. We watch from the distance knowing that God says something will happen, and it has happened for others. Perhaps we had heard that there was this person who was touched a while ago, and there was another one whom God ministered to. One person got an answered prayer, another a restored relationship, one person was physically healed, another received a direct word from God. Those occasional ones were touched, but we are waiting for our turn.

Interestingly Jesus comes into that situation and asks if the man wanted his situation, his area of expectation, to be ministered to (in this case he wanted healing). Of course the man had excuses as to why he had not yet received what he was looking for. To which Jesus says, “Rise , take up your bed and walk.”
Today you are at the house of mercy. Start to rise forward knowing that Jesus is there with you. We don’t need to wait for some experience, some moving of the water or some mighty anointing of God, we can just start to rise up now, with expectation, knowing that Jesus is there and that He will help us.

Exercise Program

Keith Eberhard — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 20:22:53 +0000

1 Corinthians 9:26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

So I’m doing this exercise program. The instructor is pushing me to the point of aching muscles, well not today but tomorrow they will be. But I know it is good for me because it will help me be stronger and I’ll be better able me to sustain a quality of life and productivity especially as I am getting older in age. I appreciate all the pain and work I go through and I willingly submit myself to the physical stress, sweat and pain. Now, if I do this for my good, would I be willing to allow God to also do it for good in me? I submit to these physical stresses but would I allow God to put me through pressures because He knows it is good for me, because He knows it will help me be stronger, because He knows that I’ll be better able me to sustain a quality of spiritual life and productivity especially as I am getting older in age. Usually we grumble and complain about the pressures upon us, but maybe we should see that these things are God’s ways of working for our good. But that would mean that we have to trust Him, trusting that He knows what is best for us. Trusting Him even in the painful times. Trusting that our Lord is producing true spiritual muscles within us, even when it is not easy.