Trouble at the Inn

By Dina Donohue from Guideposts (original article can be found here).

*****
For years now, whenever Christmas pageants are talked about in a certain little town in the Midwest, someone is sure to mention the name of Wallace Purling.

Wally's performance in one annual production of the Nativity play has slipped into the realm of legend. But the old-timers who were in the audience that night never tire of recalling exactly what happened.

Wally was nine that year and in the second grade, though he should have been in the fourth. Most people in town knew that he had difficulty keeping up. He was big and awkward, slow in movement and mind.

Still, Wally was well liked by the other children in his class, all of whom were smaller than he, though the boys had trouble hiding their irritation when Wally would ask to play ball with them or any game, for that matter, in which winning was important.

They'd find a way to keep him out, but Wally would hang around anyway—not sulking, just hoping. He was a helpful boy, always willing and smiling, and the protector, paradoxically, of the underdog. If the older boys chased the younger ones away, it would be Wally who'd say, "Can't they stay? They're no bother."

Wally fancied the idea of being a shepherd in the Christmas pageant, but the play's director, Miss Lumbard, assigned him a more important role. After all, she reasoned, the innkeeper did not have too many lines, and Wally's size would make his refusal of lodging to Joseph more forceful.

And so it happened that the usual large, partisan audience gathered for the town's yearly extravaganza of crooks and creches, of beards, crowns, halos and a whole stageful of squeaky voices.

No one on stage or off was more caught up in the magic of the night than Wallace Purling. They said later that he stood in the wings and watched the performance with such fascination that Miss Lumbard had to make sure he didn't wander onstage before his cue.

Then the time came when Joseph appeared, slowly, tenderly guiding Mary to the door of the inn. Joseph knocked hard on the wooden door set into the painted backdrop. Wally the innkeeper was there, waiting.

"What do you want?" Wally said, swinging the door open with a brusque gesture.

"We seek lodging."

"Seek it elsewhere." Wally spoke vigorously. "The inn is filled."

"Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have traveled far and are very weary."

"There is no room in this inn for you." Wally looked properly stern.

"Please, good innkeeper, this is my wife, Mary. She is heavy with child and needs a place to rest. Surely you must have some small corner for her. She is so tired."

Now, for the first time, the innkeeper relaxed his stiff stance and looked down at Mary. With that, there was a long pause, long enough to make the audience a bit tense with embarrassment.

"No! Begone!" the prompter whispered.

"No!" Wally repeated automatically. "Begone!"

Joseph sadly placed his arm around Mary and Mary laid her head upon her husband's shoulder and the two of them started to move away. The innkeeper did not return inside his inn, however. Wally stood there in the doorway, watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open, his brow creased with concern, his eyes filling unmistakably with tears.

And suddenly this Christmas pageant became different from all others.

"Don't go, Joseph," Wally called out. "Bring Mary back." And Wallace Purling's face grew into a bright smile. "You can have my room."

Some people in town thought that the pageant had been ruined. Yet there were others—many, many others—who considered it the most Christmas of all Christmas pageants they had ever seen.
********

Also check out the following accounts...

Transformation is Available

The Funeral God Attended

A Perspective Changer

Getting "Unfriended" in Real Life

10 Ways to Get Unfriended in Real Life!

(1) Do all the talking. And always have the last word. Anything your friends would have to say is probably boring and irrelevant anyway. Make sure an overwhelming majority of the discussion is from you.

(2) "Anything you can do, I can do better."  Akin to this one is the "Always be right." mentality. Always "one up" whatever your friends have to say. Did they get a raise? Yours was higher. Did they accomplish a goal? Yours was bigger. Did they reach a milestone in life? You already passed it. And never acknowledge you were wrong.

(3) Expect your friends to always be on the giving side of the relationship. They owe you. They ought to give you money when you're in trouble. Be there for you when you are in a crisis. Don't worry about their lives, just that they exist to lift you up. When they see you coming, they'll know they owe you something!

(4) Make the subject of every conversation you. Is there anything better to talk about? Quote yourself often, it adds spice to your conversation. But it doesn't add much spice to your relationships. Anything that your friends have done, accomplished, or been a part of is probably going to be boring compared to your life & accomplishments.

(5) Give your friends frequent ultimatums. If your friends won't do what you want, the way you want it, then lay out an ultimatum. Always make them aware of the fact that you have drawn a line in the sand. Relationships tend to thrive under this kind of pressure.

(6) Gossip. Some people realize that if you are willing to gossip about others to them, then you are no doubt going to gossip about them to others. The juicier the better... keep spreading the word. A sharp tongue can lose plenty of friends.

(7) Make your friendship based on your happiness. If they drag you down...let them go. Look for someone who will benefit you and your life, not vice versa. The less you invest in your friendships the better when it comes to getting unfriended. Remember, they will understand that you are more important than they are and if not, who needed them anyway?

(8) Be sensitive. Let your friends know when they have offended you (especially over small things). Keep them obligated and always asking for forgiveness. Make sure everyone is walking on egg shells around you.

(9) Don't mind your manners. Be rude. Be obnoxious. Be loud. Be embarrassing. And do it without reservation, just don't be polite. The more inconsiderate you are the more quickly they will plan on getting rid of you as a friend!

(10) Complain about everything. Be a whiner. Criticize. Be the dark cloud that blocks every ray of sunshine. Never be happy, optimistic, enthusiastic, or excited about anything... just complain. Always talk about your problems, your aches & pains, the bad things that have happened to you and the like. It's kind of like congregating at a dumpster.

I am sure there are other ways to get people to "unfriend" you, what would you add?


Also check out the following...

Some Things You Need to Know

Why I Stopped Giving to the Poor.

Ten Books You Should Read

These are general reads for spiritual growth that I would recommend to any Christian serious about growing in Christ.

1. "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
A powerful presentation of God's call to discipleship. Significant especially since Bonhoeffer gave his life and paid the ultimate price.

2. "Mere Christianity" by C. S. Lewis
A powerful apologetic presentation of faith in Jesus from one who was once a cynic himself. He also authored the 'Chronicles of Narnia' series.

3. "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan
The most modern book on my list. Chan challenges the reader to reject complacency and the cheap,  generic religion sometimes labeled Christianity in our culture today.

4. "Perfect Love" by J. A. Woods
A classic explanation of God's work of entire sanctification. Good truth by an anointed author.

5. "Experiencing Revival" by Charles Finney
The famous evangelist plainly encourages and explains some of the factors of revival.

6. "Perfect Love" by Kevin Watson
One of the best contemporary books on the work of Entire Sanctification. This is a must read for every pastor and layperson.

7. "Holiness and Power" by Aaron M Hills
A much dismissed companion to holy living is power and Hills shares some good truth in this area.

8. "Why Revival Tarries" by Leonard Ravenhill
Ravenhill, in his classic demeanor, will not allow you to fill content about your personal state or the state of the church as he seeks to tear down the problem keeping us from revival today.

9. "Praying Clear Through" by William J Harney
A powerful challenge to keep prayer at the forefront of our spiritual lives. Harney delivers an encouraging challenge to 'pray clear through.'

10. "A Plain Account of Christian Perfection" by John Wesley
A must read for those seeking to better understand the Biblical doctrine of Christian perfection. The language can be a little archaic (as it was published in 1766), but there's a reason we keep some stuff around that long!


Honorable Mentions:

1. "My Utmost for His Highest" Oswald Chambers

2. "Streams in the Desert" L.B. Cowman & Jim Reimann


What might you add to this list?

Also check out 10 Books Every Pastor Should Read and Some Sermons to Read.

Ten Books Every Pastor Should Read (and some sermons to read)

Below are a few books I would recommend to pastors as well as some sermons that have been impactful to my personal journey.

First the books...

1. "A New Beginning for Pastors and Congregations" by Kennon L. Callahan
Before you start your next pastoral assignment, read this book. A great book for those starting new ministry assignments, wanting to 're-start', or just looking for some direction on why there is no forward momentum.

2. "Preacher and Prayer" by E. M. Bounds
Powerful challenge to a preaching pastor on the importance, or I should say, the necessity of prayer. An encouraging and challenging read.

3. "Promise of the Father" by Phoebe Palmer
She's been controversial and rejected by many academics (that might be a good thing), but was extremely fruitful in seeing literally hundreds of laity and clergy experience entire sanctification. This too is a must read.

4. "Discipleship in the Home" by Matt Friedeman
If you cannot disciple your own children, then you are going to be at a loss to disciple people in the church. This book provides great first steps toward establishing a Godly home that produces real Christians!

5. "The Sermons of John Wesley" edited by Kenneth Collins & Jason E Vickers
Every pastor should read all of Wesley's sermons. You'll be able to see through all those who claim that their idea or theology is 'Wesleyan' as well as be challenged in your own spiritual life. The English is old, but the Spirit still moves!

6. "Lectures on Revival" by Charles G. Finney
A great evangelist of yesteryears gives instruction on promoting, laying a context for, and seeking revival in your local context. A great read by an anointed evangelist.

7. "Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People" by Keith Drury (unless you can get an out of print copy, you'll have to settle for the newer version of the same book titled: "Soul Shaper")
A simple read on some spiritual disciplines that we all need. Pastor or lay people will benefit from this book by Drury.

8. "Of God and Men" by A. W. Tozer
Tozer rejects religious notions that blind us to the faith and reality of the New Testament church. Humanity's relationship to God is of supreme concern!

9. "Abide in Christ" by Andrew Murray
The rush and full schedules of ministry can often make a pastor lose sight of the most important thing- fellowship with Jesus. Murray masterfully calls us to abide with Him again.

10. "Spiritual Leadership" by J. Oswald Sanders
A classic book on leadership from a spiritual and Biblical perspective. Every pastor needs to read this book!


Honorable Mentions:

"Sinning Saints" by Howard Sweeten (Can't find it, but found a digital copy of this book that is by the same author and a similar read)

A few years old now, but the issue is still the same being promoted in so many churches today: sinning Christians. Sweeten attacks the idea that after being born again Christians continue sinning.

"Holiness for Ordinary People" by Keith Drury

Another one by Drury that gives a simple read for understanding Entire Sanctification.

Any books you might include on this list?

Bonus: Some sermons you need to read/listen to...

1. "Ten Shekels and a Shirt" by Paris Reidhead (audio & manuscript of sermon)

Hands down one of the most impactful sermons in my own ministry.

2. "10 Indictments Against the Modern Church in America" by Paul Washer (video of sermon) (manuscript of sermon)

A challenging rebuke to style over substance.

3. "The Cost of Discipleship" by Francis Chan (audio & video of sermon)

Reminiscent of a book by Bonhoeffer titled the same.

4. "The Time is Now" by C. W. Fisher (manuscript of sermon)

A call to action and revival in the church today.

5. "Amen! That's My King" by S. M. Lockridge (audio of sermon)

A rally cry to the Christian today. Maybe a good one to learn some style from too. You definitely need to listen to this one.

6. "Repentance" by Dwight L. Moody (manuscript of sermon)

Moody helps define repentance and distinguishes between true and false repentance.

7. "The New Birth" by John Wesley (manuscript & audio of sermon)

Wesley speaks to what happens when you are born again.

8. "Scriptural Christianity" by John Wesley (manuscript & audio of sermon)

A treatise on the Christian life according to Scripture.

9. "On Sin in Believers" by John Wesley (manuscript & audio of sermon)

Wesley answers the question: is there room or allowance for sin in the life of a true believer?

10. "The Scripture Way of Salvation" by John Wesley (manuscript & audio of sermon)

Pressing on toward entire sanctification. 

Got some sermons you recommend? Comment the link to a manuscript, video, or audio.

Don't miss 10 Books Everyone Should Read.

How to Know God's Will for Your Life

I've been thinking about how someone might be able to know God's Will for their life. Here's what I've got so far...

1. Be in relationship with God. This is the only context by which God's Spirit directs you beyond a move to toward repentance. If you are not in a right relationship with God, then that IS God's will for you at that time (2 Peter 3:9) Nothing else really matters if you are not where you should be spiritually. I am frequently consulted, as a pastor, on what God wants of someone's life and I first refer them to this context. No other decision in life matters if you have not first made a decision to follow Jesus as a disciple!

2. Be sanctified wholly! There are at least two specific areas in Scripture about what God's Will is for our lives. One of them (listed above) is about repentance and beginning our relationship with God. The other one, found in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, is about sanctification. Entire Sanctification "is wrought by the baptism with or infilling of the Holy Spirit, and comprehends in one experience the cleansing of the heart from sin and the abiding, indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, empowering the believer for life and service. Entire sanctification is provided by the blood of Jesus, is wrought instantaneously by grace through faith, preceded by entire consecration; and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness." (from Article of Faith X of the Church of the Nazarene) This is essential!

3. Throw out a lot of things you might have heard and even come to believe that are not Biblical in nature. For example, there are some who believe that God's will would never involve suffering or hardship or anything difficult like sickness. That simply is not true. It is actually a derivative of the "prosperity Gospel" that is popular among many tele-evangelists. God's Will is not always the easiest thing, the most convenient thing, or even that thing which would appear most beneficial to our material possession, bank account, or even physical health. The truth is, sometimes, God's will is just hard, but it sure is worth it!

4. Eliminate distractions. There are always plenty of voices giving advice and plenty of things to distract (social media, entertainment, and a general sense of being busy). It's hard to learn, but to really hear from God we need to learn to be quiet before him for longer than 30 seconds! Turn your phone off, turn the music off, turn the computer off, turn the television off and just abide with Him. In the stillness of those moments your spiritual ears may pick up on His voice.

5. God's Will never contradicts His written Word. The Bible is authoritative when it comes to God's Will. It is a revelation given to humanity that cannot be re-written, revised, or changed. It's not a buffet, it's the main course. A lot of the options for a choice you have to make are easily eliminated with some knowledge of the Word of God.

6. Never use the "open door" policy. I hear lots of people talk about God's will being the first option to open up. Sometimes you might need to sit tight and be patient. Jumping at the first 'open door' can be a recipe for disaster. Just don't do it.

7. Remember that the Shepherd does speak and his sheep know His voice (John 10:1-5). It might take some patience and some fasting won't hurt, but it will come. Don't panic. Don't make a choice out of fear. Don't rush. Just wait to hear the voice of the Shepherd. He does speak.

8. Evaluate your past record of discerning God's will for your life. What has the fruit of your life been? Has God been glorified in your past decisions? If past choices have the aroma of self-interest, self-promotion, or self-centered tendencies then you might want to renegotiate your discernment. A pattern of wrong choices may lead to some poor discernment that needs to be dealt with.

9. Turn off ungodly council. There are a host of warnings in Proverbs about listening to the advice of the ungodly. Just don't do it. The ungodly don't wear name tags but you will find them walking on the broad path. Use caution in listening to their council as their priorities, values, and goals will be different from those of a Christian. Your source of wisdom can derail your path.

10. Be aware that the authentic believer can not go wrong. You might choose the wrong food item off a menu, the wrong ministry idea, or an outfit that doesn't match, but you won't miss the big thing God is doing in your life. You will not miss Heaven if you are seeking Jesus with all your heart! We simply do not serve a God who tempts us with a 'carrot on a stick.'

There's growing skepticism among some that God still directs His people. That's because, in our "microwave" society discerning God's Will may take more than watch a 5 minute YouTube video or reading a 7 minute blog. It's going to take time with the Savior to learn His desires for you.

What might you add/subtract from my thoughts?