What Glenn Writes

Cedar Point is an awesome amusement park about an hour or so from where we live. I can remember phases of my childhood by the rides I rode at the time. There were those kiddie cars going around in circles with the obnoxious beeping horns for when I was pre-school and kindergarten age; there was the double Ferris Wheel and bumper cars I could finally ride by myself when I was in grade school; and then the roller coasters ushered in my high school years with stomach churning turns and drops.

Now I visit the park with my kids and I have an entirely new take on the rides. I have a new appreciation for every nut and bolt holding those things together as they spin, drop, clank, roll, coast, and glide in whatever way they are designed. I also have an active imagination when I feel each clank of the roller coaster climbing toward the summit somewhere miles above the solid, unyielding concrete below. › Continue reading

Being a believer is not easy, but since when is the easy way the best way? I mentioned in yesterday’s article how being a believer is not for sissies or pansies, although these words can be taken in numerous ways. What I mean is, being a believer takes commitment and the will to do what is right, whether it is easy or hard, popular or unpopular.

Paul takes about persevering through the hard and unpopular times in Romans 5:3-5.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Now, let’s remember Paul didn’t just lay out these words because they sounded good; this guy was the poster child for perseverance. He would make the finalists on Survivor look like sissies and pansies, especially after surviving shipwrecks and numerous attempts on his life. How did he continue on, pressing past the hardships?

By setting his eyes on Jesus. We find this teaching in Hebrews 12:2-4:

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

Here we are finding a true example of perseverance resulting in triumphant victory at the Cross. Isn’t that what we are after in the midst of our trials, anyway? Triumphant victory?

Say that out loud wherever you are at right now… ok, just whisper it if you are at work or somewhere inconvenient, but say the words. Is this your goal when enduring a trial? Are you in the middle of a trial right now and these words seem almost impossible? Have you invited Jesus into the middle of the trial?

He tells us where He is in Revelation 3:20-22:

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Not only does He want to be invited into the middle of your trial, He is waiting to be invited and promises triumphant victory over it. His way may not be exactly what you are expecting, but His way will be far better than anything you expect.

Being a believer is not easy, and in fact, I think it may be impossible to be a believer without asking for His help. Ask Him now; invite Him into your trial. Contact me if you want or need some help with this prayer.

Glenn Sasscer

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Some of what I have been writing and teaching in the past few weeks has been focused on our relationship with God, but also our response in times of trial. I think we would all like to think we are somewhat immune to trials in life, at least since we got through that last one… I mean, really, we thought we would barely get through that last trial, but when we finally turned to God, He brought us through it ok, so now we must be immune to any further trials… Right?

We like to think that way, don’t we? Wouldn’t that be nice? We gain some sort of immunity so we can take a break and not endure the next survivor test?

I am gaining a better understanding of these tests of my faith. Understanding them doesn’t necessarily mean I am going to pass these tests, but knowing there is a purpose in the trial is beneficial, at least in the way I respond. I am learning how to be a merciful person. Let me explain.

When I consider my trials, I can categorize them into three areas (because I like to categorize things… it makes it easier to understand).

• I have those trials I cause myself (ok, I handle these by telling myself to learn from the experience and quit making those stupid mistakes… sometimes this actually works);
• I have those trials caused by circumstances or events (I reviewed these in the wake of our recent local tornado, a five part series beginning here ); and
• I have those trials caused by others (these are the trials teaching me to be merciful).

When I look at Jude’s response to people causing division and trials in the church community, he encourages them with these words in Jude 1:21-23:

Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy…

This is Jude’s response to how the church should treat the very individuals trying to divide the church and causing much trouble. Now, he is not saying let them continue, for we know we are to protect our faith, our belief, and others, but what he is saying is to show them mercy.

Is this as much a struggle for you as it is for me?

When I consider God’s mercy toward me, I see Him not counting my sins against me. Is this the same mercy I am to show to those idiots ticking me off? Ok, I know I shouldn’t call people names, but tell me you haven’t felt the same way towards those idiots ticking you off…

Here’s the real kicker: not only are we supposed to show them mercy, but we are also supposed to confess calling them idiots and responding wrong! And you thought being a believer was easy? Hey, being a Christian is not for sissies or pansies… not that I would call anybody those names.

So here is a question for you, the same question I am asking myself: Are you a merciful person?

If you are even slightly inclined in the same way I am, we are nodding our heads, thinking absolutely! We are forgiving, generous, sympathizing with others, feeling the pain of those close to us, grieving with those close to us, helping others to the best of our abilities, and just generally being all that and a bag of chips… It’s your combo Christian package, ready to serve.

In truth, I do believe a portion of the previous paragraph is right on. I believe it is in our hearts to desire to be this way, especially with those close to us. However, the sad truth is God’s Word calls us to mercy for those not so close to us and Scripture often exposes deep roots limiting our abilities to show mercy in this way.

Scripture shows me Jesus would never turn away from the desperate cry of a prostitute, homosexual, drug addict, alcoholic, murderer, thief, adulterer, idol worshiper, molester, or any other repentant heart. As believers, that is… as His representatives, can we justify ourselves enough to turn away from anyone who cries out for mercy and deliverance?

What about that idiot ticking you off, even if it is everyday?

What would happen and how would it impact you if you were to suddenly change your attitude toward that idiot and showed mercy instead of “tick off-edness”?  I can only hope for the same treatment from the person thinking I am an idiot.

I’m not saying you accept wrong treatment or injustice. I’m not saying you continue to allow or permit wrongful treatment. We are not called to be beat up for anything other than our faith, but it is our faith which calls us to show mercy.

Easier said than done, huh? Like I stated above, being a believer is not for sissies or pansies.

Join me in praying for… that is, asking the Lord for the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and strength to show mercy in the way He calls us to show mercy. Contact me if you want to pray together for this.

Glenn Sasscer

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My children are most likely typical in the way they can barely contain their excitement when it suddenly overtakes them. What we might express with a smile as adults becomes sheer glee in children, bubbling over in expressions of clapping, jumping around, hugging one another, or leaping into the air.

This never gets old for me – I love to see this joy in their life, unrestrained. I delight in their delight. I believe God put this in me, as we are created in His image and this really must be how He feels when we are just as expressive as He is in our relationship. › Continue reading

I believe love flourishes when it is a reciprocated emotion and celebrated, or expressed.

I know some folks have relationships where they love one another and do not need to express their emotions, and there are cases where love is one-sided. I do not doubt the presence of love in these situations, but is it flourishing? In my experience with my wife and children, when the emotion of love is reciprocated, that is, a mutual emotion between those involved, and when it is expressed or celebrated, this is when the emotion truly flourishes and grows. › Continue reading

I approached the Lord this morning without reservation, seeking Him out almost immediately and then throughout the first part of my morning. I make this point because, much to my shame, this has been a rarity lately. Yes, I seek Him out, but usually after a few other things get out of my way in the morning, like waking all the up or trying to remember my name.

Sometimes life gets in the way of my relationship with Christ. These distractions are not things I plan, but the course of living and getting lackadaisical in my faith. This is why I believe we really need to be purposeful in our relationship with God. › Continue reading

I enjoy kissing my wife.

I know some might think this is a silly thing to write about, but even after knowing her for over twenty-five years, I still enjoy something as simple as a peck on the cheek or a hug. I just don’t grow tired of her affection. I rarely leave the house without catching a chance to kiss her goodbye, and I usually find my way to her as soon as I return… even on the quick trips up to the coffee shop when I am only gone for a few moments. Business trips garner a vice-like hug and many more smooches upon my return. › Continue reading

For something different, I sported a mustache and goatee for the past few months. I kept it trimmed short; although there was no length my wife appreciated since it all gave my kisses the “prickly feel”. A few… (ok, maybe just slightly more than a few) of the hairs on my chin were stark white, yet mixed in well with their darker companions provided for what I thought was a distinguished “salt and pepper” look.

One man’s distinguished look makes another man look old… or condimenty.

So this weekend, my beautiful and adoring wife told me I looked old. Yes, I know… right out of left field on this one. Her words were something of the order, “…because your face is so tan, it really makes the white in your hair and on your chin stand out. You would look much younger if you shaved your chin.”

Let’s not tiptoe around the sensitive subjects or handle these delicate issues carefully, but instead let’s drive the knife right to the core of the topic. Through the filter of my vulnerabilities, I heard: “You really look old. You should shave that garbage off your chin.”

What a cruel, cruel world we live in.

Barely finding my way to the bathroom through the tears in my eyes, I closed the door and was so dang grateful for a reason to finally get rid of that stupid mustache and goatee – I was really starting to get tired of it. Thank you, oh dear and wonderful wife.

I write these words tongue in cheek, as I rarely consider my aging a problem… even with the white hairs, receding hairline, and aching muscles. I’m getting older. I have always been getting older. This isn’t something that suddenly snuck up on me or started happening after I reached a certain age. 

Just as my perspective of my mustache and goatee was different than my wife’s, I know many people have differing opinions on growing old. There are numerous viewpoints and ways we respond to aging.

We also have numerous viewpoints and ways to respond to the Cross. These understandings are not always as black and white as were the hairs on my chin, as the varying understandings come from so many different sources – Sunday school lessons, friends, television shows, movies, and even from the pulpit. I believe the way we view the Cross has a serious influence on our relationship with Jesus and our response.

We are often taught Jesus died on the Cross for our sins. This is absolutely true, but remains only part of the reason.

We are also taught Jesus died on the Cross so we would live forever. This is absolutely true, but still remains only part of the reason.

We need to drill past these basic truths to find the core purpose of the Cross: Relationship.

Jesus died on the Cross for our relationship with God. We find this ultimate purpose in all that Jesus did throughout Scripture.

• Why was He born?
• What did He teach His disciple?
• Why did He perform miracles?

In all cases, we see Jesus building a ministry of reconciliation, establishing Himself and His teachings in the hearts of those to continue His ministry, and preparing His path to the Cross.

Some may argue His ultimate purpose was to bring glory to God… I agree with this statement and it is saying the same thing. Through reconciling man to God on the Cross, Jesus brings glory to God. God rarely does anything on just one level or for a singular objective, but throughout Scripture and in my experience with God, He works on many levels and on many objectives at the same time. Why would the Cross be different?

And, through this reconciling nature of the Cross experience, we know our side of the Cross, but how often do we overlook God’s side of the Cross? God yearned for our relationship, and now calls for us to draw close to Him. Let’s find our relationship in Hebrews 10:19-22:

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Breaking this down: We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place, that is… we have confidence to enter into God’s presence… why? Because of what Jesus did on the Cross. We can and are called to enter into God’s presence because of Jesus, to do what? To draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. Why? Because Jesus has taken our sins and we are cleansed of unrighteousness.

Let me point out that you do have a choice here. There is an alternative. You should know you are not required to enter into the Most Holy Place or enter into God’s presence. You are not required to walk in righteousness. You are not required to know God or His love. You can choose not to believe or even to deny God. You have an alternative here, and it is called the eternal lake of fire, a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth.

By the way, do you know the right definition of gnashing of teeth? This is the grinding of teeth to the point that the teeth splinter. I’m thinking there won’t be too many dentists available to fix those pearly whites, but I may be wrong.

What is your viewpoint?

We have numerous viewpoints and ways to respond to the Cross. I want to encourage you to consider the Cross, what you understand about the Cross, the reasons behind the Cross, and where you stand in your relationship with God. The more I consider the Cross, the more grateful I become, and this reflects in my relationship with God. My response changes. 

What is your response?

Contact me if you are struggling in your response to this subject, if something is stirring through your thoughts on the Cross, or if you want to talk this one through with me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Glenn Sasscer

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www.glennsasscer.com

As I walked around the backyard this morning, listening to the birds and the day just waking up, I had such a feeling of thanksgiving come over me. I was getting ready to pray, to speak with God, and it just hit me: He made this day.

He set the sun in motion to paint the sky with careless brushstrokes against a scattering of clouds, letting a few stars twinkle through the blue in just the right places. The trees pulled a deeper green than I have noticed in the past, and when a slight breeze moved them they appeared to be almost dancing with one another… dancing in the place where God made them grow, to the movement and tempo of His choreography. › Continue reading

When my wife and I consider the principles by which we are raising our children, we borrowed a phrase from a friend who said, “…we are not raising children, we are raising adults. If you raise your babies to be children, you have failed in your job. If you raise your babies to be adults, you have given them what they require in life.”

Of course, you cannot carry this to the extreme. We do not hand the car keys to a pre-schooler, teach a three year old how to align gun sights, nor do we send children into dangerous situations.  We allow them the responsibility in measure with their ability to handle it. Children do not do adults things, nor should adults act childish and throw tantrums.

This all sounds great on the chalkboard and lecture hall, but man… the practical application of this concept can be overwhelming, and that’s all before the teen years. › Continue reading