Is Blood Thicker Than Water?

            It’s been said that blood is thicker than water.  It’s natural and normal for families to stick together and care for one another.  Even though there may be disagreements, imperfections, and family issues that all families contend with, there is an inherent quality that says, “Blood is thicker than water.”  Jesus stated that, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste and any city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (Matthew 12:25 NASB).  Strong, loving families living in peace and unity are vital for the health and happiness of society and the individual.  The Psalmist declared “God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land” (Psalm 68:9).

            We recently received a computer CD from a distant relative who had traced the Sanders’ family history and genealogy.  We printed it out and I was amazed and somewhat chagrined that it took almost a whole ream of paper.  I had no idea that I was related to so many people.  Reading our family history reminded me of a cartoon I saw years ago.  The “Born Loser” hired a gentleman to research his family tree.  The researcher reported back, “I have some good news and some bad news.  We shook your family tree, but several squirrels fell out.”

            I saw an old picture of my great-great grandmother Lawrence standing in front of their log cabin looking stern and holding a Kentucky long-rifle.  It was said that she once killed a bear, but they weren’t sure if it was her gun or her looks that did the kill’n.  I imagine that we all have in-laws and out-laws in our family trees.  We probably all have sheep and a few black sheep.

            Why are so many people now becoming interested in their family history?  Multitudes of American families have been fractured and forsaken.  People are searching for roots, relationships, and a sense of family and fulfillment.  Many have come to realize a need for community and connectedness.  All people want to know where they came from, why they are here, and where they are going.

            The Word of God reveals that blood is thicker than water.  How can we truly experience the deep inner need and desire for family ties and connectedness?

            First – FORGIVENESS restores relationships that have been fractured and forsaken.  All human beings descended form Adam and Eve.  When Adam and Eve sinned, sin and rebellion entered the human race.  “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  Because of sin and rebellion we all need repentance, redemption, and spiritual rebirth.

            Jesus told a parable of the prodigal son who became the black sheep of his family.  He lived in rebellion, “riotous” living, and sin.  Finally he came to himself, went back home, and confessed, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; and am no longer worthy to be called your son.”  (Luke 15:11-32) His father had compassion on him, embraced him, forgave him, and restored him as a son.  That is a picture of our heavenly Father who longs to forgive and receive us back into the Family of God.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

            For families to be renewed and restored there must be forgiveness.  The elder brother, in this parable, did not want to forgive his prodigal brother.  Many are like the “elder brother”.  Jesus said, “For if you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions” (Matthew 6:14-15).

            Second – FAITH in the sacrificial blood of Jesus shed on the cross for the sins of the world brings you into the Family of God.  God’s plan was to create one new family where, indeed, blood is thicker than water.

            You were chosen “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father . . . that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood . . . according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope . . . to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable . . . through faith in a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (I Peter 1:1-5).  “Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers.  But with precious blood, as a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (I Peter 1:18-19).  Put faith in Jesus Christ and be born into the great Family of God that will last forever.  (I Peter 1:2-25)

            Third – A FAMILY FITTED TOGETHER in Christ brings us into the reality where blood is thicker than water.  We are FITTED together.  (I Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:21-22) We FELLOWSHIP together. (I Peter 2:9-10; Ephesians 2:22; Acts 2:42) We are FAVORED together. (Ephesians 3:6-7; 4:7) We FIGHT the enemy together. (Ephesians 3:10; 6) Families FEED together. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 5:18-21; Revelation 19:7-9) We are FRUITFUL together. (Ephesians 3:17-20; 5:18) We will FINISH together.  We have a glorious FUTURE together. (Ephesians 3:12-21; Revelation 6:9; 21)

            Blood is truly thicker than water.  Perhaps a family relationship has been strained or fractured.  Forgive that individual today and receive the joy, peace, and love that God intended for families to live in.  You can be a member of God’s eternal family today.  By faith receive Christ as your Redeemer and Lord.  “But as many as received Him to them gave he power to become the son’s of God even as many as believe on His name” (John 1:12).

The Secret Place of Power

            There is a secret place and a secret power unknown and untapped by most people today.  Jesus lived and taught by this secret power.  He revealed this secret and assures us, “But you, when you pray, go into your room and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:6 NKJV).

            A recent survey revealed that over 90% of Americans say that they pray on a regular basis or at least occasionally.  If that is the case, why then don’t we see more answers to prayer?  How can we pray with more power and effectiveness?  We have the promise of God for those who will avail themselves of this secret place and secret power of prayer.  Consider how we can tap into the secret power of prayer.

            Jesus was the master story teller.  Multitudes would sit spellbound in the open air as he told simple, short, riveting stories.  Jesus’ stories always had a point, a moral truth, a practical application.  They are called parables.  Luke tells us that one day Jesus “spoke a parable to them that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1).  In Luke 18 we see at least 12 principles that will help us pray with power.

            First – PRAYER MUST BE A PRIORITY.  “That men ought always to pray” (Luke 18:1).  Prayer was a priority with Jesus.  Many people pray when they don’t know what else to do.  The Son of God prayed before He did anything.  (Matthew 6:33, Mark 1:35, Matthew 26:40-41) Is prayer a daily priority in your life?

            Second – PESEVERE IN PRAYER.  “And not lose heart” (Luke 18:1).  Jesus told a parable of a widow who constantly went before an unjust judge for resolution of her problem.  (Luke 18:2-8) The judge refused to help her.  She would not give up.  Finally, to get rid of her, the judge relented and helped her.  Jesus asks, “If an unjust, evil judge would do that for a widow lady who persevered, will not God, who is good and merciful, help His children?”  Perseverance reveals your faith and determination.  (Luke 11:1-12)

            Third – THE POSITIVE POWER OF PRAYER IS FAITH.  In teaching on the power of persevering prayer, Jesus asks a haunting question, I can feel the pathos.  He used a word that indicates that a life changing truth hinged on His next statement.  “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) Jesus taught us that the most important factor in the secret of the power of prayer is faith.  We cannot please God without faith.  We must believe that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrew 11:6) The prayer of faith is one of the most powerful forces available to man.  (Luke 17:5-6, James 5:14-18)

            Fourth – PRIDE SHUTS UP HEAVEN.  Jesus spoke a parable to those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others. (Luke 18:9-14) Two men went to pray.  A proud religious man prayed with his nose stuck up in the air.  A hated tax collector would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast in repentance and prayed, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!”  Which on was justified before God – the one who humbled himself.  “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.  Those who trust in themselves or despise others will have no power in their prayers.

            Fifth – PRECIOUS CHILDREN are an example of the faith and humility required to enter the kingdom of God and to pray effectively. (Luke 18:15-17)

            Sixth – PERCEIVE THE GOODNESS OF GOD.  “No one is good but God” (Luke 18:19).  Only God is totally and morally good in justice and loving kindness.  To know and believe in His goodness will make you powerful in prayer.  (Hebrew 11:6, James 1:17, Luke 11:11-13)

            Seventh – PROSPERITY OF SOUL WILL OPEN UP HEAVEN’S STOREHOUSE when you pray.  Jesus encountered a young man who was rich, but his riches blocked his relationship with God.  When Jesus told him to sell all that he had, give all the proceeds to the poor, and follow him, the rich young man went away sad.  He who trusts in his own riches will not pray with power. (Luke 18:18-23) If our soul prospers with compassion and generosity, God promises to hear and open heaven. (Isaiah 58:1-9, III John1-11)

            Eighth – POSSIBILITIES ARE UNLIMITED WITH GOD.  When you pray, believe that all things are possible with God!  (Luke 18:27) Jesus assures us of that.

            Ninth – PRIORITIES MUST BE RIGHT to tap into the secret power of prayer.  Jesus said that no one who puts God’s kingdom and will first will be without God’s blessings. (Luke 18:24-30, Matthew 6:33) What are your priorities?

            Tenth – THE POWER OF THE CROSS IS THE POWER OF PRAYER.  We pray and receive on the merits of the blood of Christ Jesus which was shed on the cross for our sins and victory. (Luke 18:31-34, Revelation 12:11, John 15:7, Romans 8:26, 32) Because Jesus arose victorious over death, hell, and the grave, you can have an intimate fellowship with him in prayer. (Revelation 3:20)

            Eleventh – BE PARTICULAR IN YOUR PARYER.  Jesus asked a blind man to specify what he wanted.  Don’t pray in generalities.  Be particular in your requests.

            Twelfth – PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING brings power and delight to prayer.  The people followed Jesus giving Him glory.  Praise and thanksgiving will bring you into God’s presence and release His power. (Luke 18:43, I Thessalonians 5:16-18, Psalm 14) Give Him thanks!

Life in the ER

            Working in the emergency room of a hospital can be extremely hectic and demanding.  Recently my cousin’s wife started a second career as an EMT in the ER.  She could tell you how stressful it is at times and yet rewarding.

            Perhaps, like me, you feel that you have been in life’s ER for most of your life.  Life in the ER is a daily encounter with trauma, tragedy, and tears, but there are also times of joyous triumph.  Job was one of the most severely tested men in the Bible.  He experienced life in the ER – life full of trauma, tragedy, and tears.  He lost his children in a terrible wind storm.  His livestock were rustled by bandits.  He lost his wealth and health and was misunderstood and falsely accused by his friends.  Job lamented, “Man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7).  In all of his troubles, Job never lost his faith.

            How can we triumph while living in the ER?  We may not know all the answers to why we face trauma, tragedy, and tears in life’s ER, but Paul reminds us, “For now we see in a mirror dimly but then we shall see face to face.  Now I know in part, but then I shall know, just as I also am known” (I Corinthians 13:12).  Paul then gives us three foundation stones for an abundant, victorious life.  They make us triumphant when we spend time in the ER.  “Now abides faith, hope, and love, these three.  But the greatest of these is love” (I Corinthians 13:13).

            Note the following four things about life in the ER.

            First – TRAUMA can be turned into triumph.  What is trauma?  The dictionary defines trauma as “Traumata [Greek]: a bodily or mental injury caused by an external agent”.

            Job certainly faced trauma.  Satan was the agent who assaulted him.  Consider the mental anguish Job went through.  He questioned God but he never lost his faith.  He felt like it would have been better not to have been born.  But then he comes to a place of triumph.  “Though He slays me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15).  Why did Job have such “faith, hope, and love”?  This is perhaps the greatest declaration from a man ever made.  “For I know that my Redeemer lives; and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself and my eyes shall behold and not another” (Job 19:25-27).

            Paul suffered severe mental and physical trauma.  “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair . . . Knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us . . . while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (II Corinthians 4:6-18).  Paul experienced triumph out of trauma.  “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Romans 8:31-35).  God can turn trauma into triumph.  (Romans 8:28-39)

            Second – TRAGEDY can be turned into triumph.  Tragedy is taken from two words – tragos (goat) and aeidein (to sing).  Even in sorrow God gives a song.  (Psalm 6:8; 126:5 and Isaiah 35:10; 61:1-10.)

            I remember sitting before the caskets of my two brothers and a cousin.  They were only teenagers when they were tragically killed by a young drunk driver who ran a stop sign at a country road intersection.  It was the first personal tragedy that I had encountered.  I was so grief-stricken that I thought I saw their cold lifeless bodies move.  “Perhaps God is going to miraculously raise them from the dead or maybe I am going to awake from a bad dream.”  But they did not get up and I wasn’t having a bad dream.  It was real and it was devastating.

            The preacher reminded us of Martha and Mary’s sorrow at the death of their brother Lazarus.  “Lord, if only you had been here, our brother would not have died,” they said.  Jesus assured them “your brother will rise again . . . I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:23-26).  Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.  Christ has power over death and specializes in raising those things that have died.

            Third – TEARS are a language God understands.  At the tomb of Lazarus Jesus wept.  Our tears are never wasted nor do they go un-noticed by God.  They are collected in bottles in heaven.  (Psalms 56:8, Isaiah 16:25; 38:5, and Revelation 21:4.)  Jesus came to comfort and to heal the brokenhearted.  (Luke 4:18)

            Fourth – TRIUMPH comes through Jesus Christ.  The loss of something or someone never has to mean the end of a joyful, victorious life for a believer in Christ, if you allow Jesus to mend your broken heart.  He is Lord of resurrection life, no matter what trauma or tragedy you face.

            Those who work in the ER are able to save and bring healing to many.  When your heart is hemorrhaging with grief and loss never forget that Jesus binds and compresses your wounds with His nail-scared hands.  Reach out to Him today in “faith, hope, and love”.

Sweet Liberty

            I heard the shrill cry of freedom before I finally spotted one of the most majestic and awesome sights in all of God’s creation.  Soaring on the wind currents high overhead, mounting higher and higher with joyous abandon the regal bald eagle gave a lingering eerie call of sweet liberty.  I’ll never forget that first sighting of a bald eagle years ago in the wilds of Yosemite National Park.

            In contrast to the elation of seeing an eagle in free flight there remains a sadness etched in my memory of seeing an eagle confined to a small cage, its leg strapped to a perch in a small zoo in North Dakota.  I understood the injured eagle was being protected, but I felt so sorry for the depressed captive eagle.

            I remember Patrick Henry’s exclamation as he faced death during the Revolutionary War – “Give me liberty or give me death!”  Thomas Jefferson summed up the feelings and intentions of our patriot fathers when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. 

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. --That to secure these rights governments are instituted among men, deriving powers from the consent of the governed.”

            Each Fourth of July we celebrate our country’s independence.  But we must also remember the high cost of those who served and continue to serve to maintain our liberty.  Satan is the ultimate tyrant who will use any man or means to bring God’s creation into bondage and death.  We must therefore be vigilant to “stand fast” in liberty.

            Our forefathers would be saddened and roused to action if they knew that the God (Creator) they talked about and trusted in and that the Ten Commandments were banned from public display in our courts of justice and public schools.  There are those who hate America’s stand for liberty.  But once you have tasted sweet liberty nothing else will satisfy.  You want others to have the opportunity to enjoy that liberty.

            In grade school we sang songs that still stir my soul when I think of sweet liberty.  I don’t know if they still sing those songs or not.  Perhaps they are not considered “politically correct” or school administrators are not brave enough to stand up for the right to honor God and country.  One such song that still moves me when I hear it is “America”.  The first verse says, “My country ‘tis of thee; Sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.  Land where my father’s died, land of the pilgrim’s pride; from every mountain side; Let freedom ring!”  The last verse directs us to God, “Our father’s God to thee; Author of liberty, to thee we sing; long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light; Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King!”

            At the conclusion of Abraham Lincoln’s great speech at Gettysburg, he admonishes us, “That we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.”

            The Apostle Paul also warns us, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

            Two Thousand years ago a Savior came from heaven to live among us, to teach us, and to give his life as a sacrifice for our sins.  He bled and died on the cross that we might be set at liberty from sin, death, and the tyranny of the devil.  His blood will never lose its power to liberate those who put faith in his atoning work to bring us back to God.  “If the Son, therefore shall make you free. You shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).  That’s the ultimate of sweet liberty.

            That captive eagle in a cage was born to be free. Perhaps you have been entangled with a yoke of bondage.  Christ Jesus gave his life to liberate us from sin and death.  “The thief comes not, but for to steal and to kill and to destroy; I am come that they might have life and they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

            Thank God for the liberty we have in America.  Let us be vigilant to maintain that liberty.  What about spiritual liberty?  It is truly sweet liberty.  Jesus paid the price for that liberty and gave us everlasting life as a free gift.  How can you receive that gift of liberty and live abundantly and eternally?

A - Admit you have sinned.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

B - Believe in Jesus.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Being Poor

            My daughter had a startling revelation.  It happened in her freshman year of high school.  One day she came home in tears.  After supper she tearfully asked, “Dad, why didn’t you tell me we were poor?”  The question momentarily shocked me and grieved my heart.  All normal fathers want to adequately provide for their families.  I asked her, “Who said that we were poor?”  “Some of my friends and classmates,” she answered while wiping a tear from her eye.  “We are not rich but we are not poor,” I replied.  “Have you ever gone hungry?  Do you lack clothes to wear?  Don’t we have a house to live in with running water, indoor plumbing, and electricity?  It’s true, we are not rich, but we are not poor.”

            A couple of years later my daughter was blessed to go on a youth mission’s trip to an Indian reservation in Arizona.  There she saw stark, grinding poverty.  She is now preparing to be involved in medical missions and hopes to someday serve in some capacity in Africa.

            Perhaps the word poor is a relative term.  When one is really poor, they don’t need to be told, they know it, feel it, and live it.  A young man became addicted to drugs.  He lost his friends, family, and dignity.  One night he climbed into a dumpster for the first time.  He suddenly realized that he was poor, destitute, bound, and friendless.

            Jesus loves the poor.  He came “to preach the gospel to the poor” (Matthew 11:5).  A rich, religious young man came to Jesus.  Jesus told him to sell everything he had and give to the poor.  “And you will have treasure in heaven and follow me.”  The young man went away sad because he had much riches.  Jesus told a parable in which the master told his servant to go out into the highways, hedges, streets, and lanes of the city and bring in the poor, maimed, lame, and the blind to a great feast, because the rich had spurned the master’s invitation.  (Luke 14:16-24)

            David tells us to praise the Lord because, “He raises the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy out of the ash heap” (Psalm 113:7).  God doesn’t condemn the poor.  His ears are open to their cry.  God’s people are commanded to “Open your mouth for the speechless . . . and plead the cause of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9).  God blesses those who deal out their bread to the poor.  (Isaiah 58) “Pure religion and undefiled is to visit the widows and orphans and minister to their needs” (James 1:27).  James reminds us that God shows no favoritism nor should we.  “Listen, my beloved brethren, has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:1-8).

            Why does God love and care about the poor?  Consider how God demonstrated His love towards us.  (Romans 5:8)  We hear a lot of rags to riches stories, but few riches to rags stories.  Jesus left the glories and riches of heaven to be born in a stable and become one with us.  (Philippians 2)  The Apostle Paul focuses on this mind-boggling revelation in his epistles.  “For you know, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (II Corinthians 8:9).  If you have Jesus you are rich in God’s grace, mercy, blessings, and eternal life.

            Is every believer to be rich in this world’s goods?  Is the American Dream the promise of the gospel?  Are material goods the proof of faith and Christian maturity?  Paul knew the secret one contentment in all things.  “Rejoicing as poor, yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things” (II Corinthians 6:10).

            Jesus taught us to pray and trust God to supply our daily needs.  He told us that our heavenly Father takes care of the birds of the air and we are more valuable to Him than they.  (Matthew 6:1-4, 19-21)  God promises to supply our every need “according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).  We must only trust and obey Him.

            Jesus gave us a key to the kingdom of heaven.  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).  It is the poor in spirit who realize that they need Jesus and God’s grace and mercy.  To them belong the riches of God’s kingdom.

            Jesus rebuked the church of Laodicia who thought that they were “rich, increased with goods, and in need of nothing . . . and do not know you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17).  That’s really being poor!

            If you have Jesus you are never poor.  You are rich indeed!  But we must always be “poor in spirit” and see our need of Jesus as Savior and Lord.  Jesus invites you to come to Him for true riches.

            “Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice and opens unto me, I will come into him and sup with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).