Why does God let bad things happen?

Watch this video.

Grace Talks Meet Pastor Mike. He's an excellent communicator, and a pastor who presents short videos about relevant spiritual topics. The videos are called "Grace Talks." Here is a sample for today. Topic: Why does God let bad things happen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0Vp9uewxi0 Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron pastordaron@crosslifepf.org 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

God is his Word

like a carpenter is his hammer.

God's Word When you use your Bible, you need to pull it off the shelf, grab it from your bedside table or open the app on your phone. It's something you use. Not with God. His Word is more than a tool for him, more than a piece of equipment he employs like a carpenter uses a hammer.  The carpenter is the hammer. That's the picture of God and his Word. God is his Word. John's God-packed gospel account opens with this hefty truth: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) What God's Word does, God is. Who God is, God's Word does. For God to be your comfort, it will be his words of promise that convince you of this. Not the splendid sunset. Not circumstances piecing together for a clear path forward. Those are nice, but not nearly representative of who God really is. For God to show you compassion, you will find it in his law (literally "instruction," applying to all of God's words not just commands). For you to be saved from yourself, be reborn to a new life, cling to the sure hope of heaven, wake up to joy even during suffering, or stand strong against temptation your soul needs to be filled with God who gives you himself through his word. May your unfailing love be my comfort,      according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live,     for your law is my delight … My soul faints with longing for your salvation,     but I have put my hope in your word. (Psalm 119:76,77,81) And then, God's Word becomes much more than a tool for you, too.  PRAYER: Open my ears, God, to hear you when I hear your Word. Open my heart to receive you as my native language. When you speak I know, I understand, I take to heart, I believe. Feed my faith with wisdom to meditate on this divine mystery and miracle: you are your word. I want to grow with Bible knowledge that does more than know information. Hear my prayer, God, for I am your humble servant and I long for you all day long. Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Slowly meditate on the verses of Psalm 119 above. Draw from them material for a prayer that you speak to God using the PRAY acronym. Praise (tell God what you believe and appreciate about him and his word) Repent (tell God about your sins that have neglected, despised or dismissed his word, trust in the promises of forgiveness his word declares) Ask (go ahead, think big, or focus on a small detail, God wants to hear it all, what does your soul desire as spiritual next steps?) Yield (talk to God about what happens after you say "Amen," how you want faith to lead the way, how you are willing to be part of his answer and see it develop for your good) Please update your contacts to my new email address: pastordaron@crosslifepf.org Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron pastordaron@crosslifepf.org 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

He came to his senses.

The moment that hinges regret with hope.

Godly Sorrow "He came to his senses" (Luke 15:17).  There is the pivot point of drama in the story Jesus told. It's about the know-it-all son who demanded his inheritance from his father (who was still very much alive). "Dad, you're as good as dead to me." He loved his father's things more than his father. And he broke his father's heart.  The son left home with his payout, set out for the big city, and lived the "good life." But he ran out of money, couldn't find a job, became homeless and discovered the friends he had made with his money turned away from him. Just like he had turned away from his father. And it broke this son's heart. That is the moment where Jesus, as he's telling the story, says, "He came to his senses." In the darkness, he saw the light. Hopeless in his regret, he discovered hope. There was a way out of this mess. His father. The son would return to the father he had disowned, as if he were dead. With shame and sorrow he would admit his sinful ways. He would throw himself at his father's mercy, knowing—believing—that his father would grant him grace. Because if he knew anything about his father, he knew him to be a gracious, kind and forgiving man. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. (2 Corinthians 7:10) Your Father in heaven wants you to live in this moment all the time. This hinge moment of coming to your senses. The Bible calls is "godly sorrow."  Be honest and real. Admit sinful ways. But do not stay there and let hope die, joy die, peace die, your relationship with your Father die. Do not constantly live in guilt and shame. Repentance "leads to salvation and leaves no regret."  Live in the hope of knowing your Father's grace. Live in the freedom of believing your Father's forgiveness. Live in the peace of receiving your Father's mercy. Live this week in that moment of godly sorrow that leaves regret behind and leads you forward because your Father is gracious, kind and forgiving. PRAYER: Dear Father, I am sorry. I have sinned against you. I have arranged the "good life" with blessings you've given me, walking away from you and breaking your heart. If I'm honest and real, I have regrets. But I believe they don't have to own me, don't have to be who I am, don't have to chain me as a slave to my past. I believe in your grace and forgiveness, promised through the sorrowful death and resurrected return of your own Son Jesus Christ. I repent, and want to always live in repentance, turning from my sinful regrets to realize your saving mercy for me. As you welcome me home with joy that I've returned, I want that same joy to keep me faithful and true, to define my identity as your child, and to give me a greater purpose in life that pursues not your things, but you. Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Open your Bible to 2 Corinthians 7:8-11. Be ready to spend at least 15 minutes listening to God's words speaking more about "godly sorrow." He is reaching out to you like the father running to his son and hugging him at his return. Visualize your Heavenly Father now, his face smiling, his arms welcoming, his voice gracious to you returning to him in repentance. He wants you to leave your regrets behind. He warmly offers merciful forgiveness with no conditions. "I forgive you." He embraces you and says, "You don't have to leave home ever again." You feel a sense of security and peace. You don't want to leave home, either.  "This hurts me more than it hurts you," many parents have assured naughty children being disciplined. Paul is saying the same thing in v. 8. Thankfully, it is temporary. "Only for a little while." A climate of gruff, hard discipline should not be a way of life in the home, but a temporary interruption. Children should not live in constant fear of doing something wrong. Reflect on your childhood. What kind of habits did you learn from your home environment? Are there any to leave behind? Any to better practice? Pray about this now. God doesn't want us to live in constant sorrow, but for that sorrow to lead to what (v. 9)? What does it look like to live with that? What changes does that mean for you? Pray about this now. Godly sorrow is productive. It helps you grow, helps you bear fruit and build character. Read v. 11. Which of those blessings of godly sorrow is something you would like to enjoy more this week? Pray about this now. Please update your contacts to my new email address: pastordaron@crosslifepf.org Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron pastordaron@crosslifepf.org 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

Like the wind, speak to the sails

of my wandering heart.

Captain "Through waters uncharted my soul will embark. I'll follow your voice straight into the dark." That's how Hillsong United begins their song entitled "Captain." It's one of my favorite songs and videos. Can you spend time with it today and this weekend? Find a quiet place. Watch it. Then see the "Further Meditation" section below and share with a friend. The Scripture that comes to mind is from Psalm 25. Note the plea for God's guidance, but this is special guidance. "You are God my Savior."  The captain of your soul is not just big, but he's small. Not just strong, but gentle. Not just thunder and earthquake but a hug, a tear of compassion. The God of wind and wave is your Savior who forgives you.  He won't forsake you when guiding your way, even though you've wronged him. He won't lead you into trouble to punish you for our sins, because he's already punished your sins on the cross.  It's like the pilot of a big airplane being your dad. He'll take care of you. Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4,5) https://youtu.be/6_oR5Twx-RU  PRAYER: Dear God of all grace and guidance, lead my soul. Take me to places I wouldn't find on my own, so that I discover new things about you, experience new places of growth, and make it through overwhelming circumstances I can't understand. Thank you for showing me your salvation in Jesus Christ. Direct my faith to the cross, where all roads, possibilities and decisions find your answer of love. Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Pay attention to the lyrics of "Captain." Reflect on these questions and their answers. Talk to a friend about them.  How does God compare to the wind? How does his Word compare to the stars? How does his truth compare to a compass? What is the significance of the cruise ship in the video? Which is more of a challenge for your faith—"where I've been" or "where I am going?" Why? Where in Psalm 25:4,5 or the song do you find new hope? Please update your contacts to my new email address: pastordaron@crosslifepf.org Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron pastordaron@crosslifepf.org 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

If you could choose your family

would it look any different?

Family "God, I know you've given me these parents, but I hate them."  "God, why can't my kids be perfectly obedient, perfectly healthy, and perfectly silent or sleepy at the perfect time every day?" "God, you ruined my family because my mom died … because my dad was a drunk … because I was the middle child." Family dysfunction hurts. Some of it is real. Some of it is our limited understanding. Some of it is others' fault. Some of it is our own fault. All of it is hard. Maybe if your family would be different, you'd be better off? If you were born in Albuquerque instead of Austin. If you weren't the only brother—with 3 sisters. If your parents hadn't put you in day care. Or if they had put you in Christian schools. Or if they hadn't allowed you to quit piano lessons. Now, if God could choose his own family, who'd be in it? If the holy, heavenly Lord could pick any human beings to be closer to him than the rest of the crowd, who would be so privileged? The Bible answers: Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. (Hebrews 2:11) Jesus chooses you. He makes you holy by his innocent suffering and death which paid the price for all your sins. He raises you from your sinful, selfish self by his resurrection. You're not a stranger or even, by his grace, a sinner. You're not an outcast or homeless and lonely. You're family! And Jesus just can't stop showing everyone his pictures with you in them. He's "not ashamed" of you, but when he thinks of you and talks about you (like, all the time) his face lights up with joy and excitement.  "See my family! Aren't they beautiful?! I just love them." Jesus loves you, and he loves your family. He believes that will help you love your family, too. PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I get so caught up in my own needs that I often forget my own family. I can take them for granted. I can get frustrated with them. I struggle to forgive their sinful decisions, words and behaviors. This is not a struggle you have about me. You promise that, without condition, you have promised me forgiveness, joy and peace. You have given me a place in your family, and in my family, too. Equip and encourage me this week to love my family like you love them. To show them your grace by extending grace of my own. To care for them not as their savior but because you are their Savior. Thank you for including me in your family, and in my family, too. FURTHER MEDITATION: Say a prayer about family using the PRAY acronym. Praise (tell God what you appreciate about being part of his family, and the blessings of your family) Repent (tell God about your sins against your family, trust in his promises of forgiveness) Ask (go ahead, think big, or focus on a small detail, God wants to hear it all, focus on what his love and grace can do through you in your family) Yield (talk to God about the next step after you say "Amen," how you want faith to lead the way, how you are willing to be part of his answer) Please update your contacts to my new email address: pastordaron@crosslifepf.org Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron pastordaron@crosslifepf.org 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

Come on home

And I will hold you in my arms.

True Food The Bible personifies wisdom as a woman calling those who are foolish to come to her. Like a caring mother, she nurtures and nourishes, guides gently, lovingly corrects, and shows the way to Jesus. He is then given the title of the ultimate Wisdom of God. He is the way. Enjoy this video today, a graphic animation of biblical themes including: sin and forgiveness, crucifixion and resurrection, the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, faith, Holy Communion, and the continuous striving of the Christian life that needs a loving Savior. Be sure you're in a quiet place, where you can meditate deeply, and linger for a while, and perhaps watch it again.  https://youtu.be/iaRUjfmKjhA  PRAYER: Dear Jesus, you promise that those who hunger for righteousness are filled. I'm starving to death. I've craved spiritual junk food. I'm poisoned and dying. I confess that my hunger remains, unfulfilled by what this world sees as significant. I turn to you, and trust in your sacrificial love. I need your constant mercy and forgiveness. I am hungry for you, and crave your true food. Give me a deeper appreciation for Holy Communion, a daily journey of crucifixion and resurrection in my soul united by Baptism to yours, and a walk of discipleship that is empowered by these images of divine truth. Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: What artistic themes of spiritual truths resonate with you as you reflect on the video? Close down all screens and notifications. Put away the video. And just sit and reflect on these. Pray about them. Tell God what you're thinking, how you're feeling, and how much you appreciate them. Ask for deeper meaning, more committed discipleship, and closer intimacy with Jesus. Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron daron@holyword.net 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.

Your doubting does you no good (part 2).

It actually makes things worse.

Peter How did Peter get back to the boat? The storm threatened the disciples' lives and, worse, their faith. They doubted and feared, even when Jesus appeared. He reassured them. He invited Peter to join him, walking on the water. And he did! Have you ever walked on water? Impossible. Except when the Creator and Master of the sea gives different orders. "Hold him up. Keep him afloat." Peter's faith combines with the special obedience of the sea. He walks on the stormy water, still crashing into the boat behind him, and into his hips threatening to knock him down. But he doesn't notice these things. He's focused on Jesus. He's not looking down. But then he looks down. He loses faith. Doubt seizes him again. He's no longer partnered with the commands of Jesus for the sea to hold him, and he plunges into the depths. Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31) Doubt didn't help Peter. Doubt doesn't help you. It never does, at least when it comes to the promises of Jesus. Doubt yourself. Doubt the weather forecast. Doubt stock futures. Doubt your team will win. But don't doubt Jesus. It only makes things worse. Jesus doesn't doubt that Peter can walk on water. He helps him up. And the next verse says, "they climbed into the boat" (v. 32). How did Peter get there? The Bible doesn't say. Possibly, Jesus carried him. But that doesn't really fit. I see Peter walking on the water back to the boat. And the storm hadn't stilled yet, either. But Peter realized that when Jesus makes a promise, nothing has the right to take our eyes off the reality of that promise always being true. "You of little faith," Jesus is saying to you. "Why do you doubt?" There's just no good reason. None. You may be sinking, struggling, swimming in scary waters. Jesus doesn't doubt. He's convinced you can walk on water, too. In his grace, he reaches out and pulls you up.  Now, in faith, take that step. And another. And another … PRAYER: Dear Jesus, this is incredible! This feeling of solid water under my feet isn't normal. It shouldn't be happening. Something even more amazing is true, though. The grip of your strong yet gentle hand pulling me up. Lifting me above what I fear. Securing me even in the storm. It shouldn't be happening. I don't deserve it. But I love it, and I love you. I appreciate your mercy, your forgiveness. Another chance. Your confident call, "Walk. You can do it." Jesus, you and I can do anything! Amen. FURTHER MEDITATION: Read the account of Jesus walking on the water in Matthew 14:28-33. Look for details you may have missed previously. Peter called Jesus on his promise (v. 28), but put himself into the "if this is true then _____" scenario. Where can you call Jesus on his promise in your faith? And not just, "Jesus, are you sure?" But, "Jesus, then I'm going to ______ and I need your promise to be absolutely true." When did Jesus calm the storm (v. 32)? What does this imply about Jesus and Peter walking back to the boat? What does this timing mean for your faith (and walking) in storms? Daron Lindemann CrossLife Church LOVING. LIFE-CHANGING. FAMILY. + + + Pastor Daron daron@holyword.net 512-808-6052 Copyright © 2019 CrossLife Church, All rights reserved.