As Long as I Have Breath

by Bruce Gordon

  At a retreat, Denise was introduced to the concept of a Strategic Cherith.[1] She came home and shared it with me. A light bulb went on and we began to see God’s perspective on change and transition. I wrote a short book on the subject and have spoken numerous times on this theme. I define a Strategic Cherith as a time when we suddenly feel sidelined; it could be caused by job loss, burnout, illness, or bereavement. I feel we are in a Strategic Cherith as I write this devotional because we are in quarantine due to the coronavirus. We feel isolated and cut off.

  The word Cherith comes from 1 Kings 17. It’s related to the Hebrew verb charath, meaning “to cut” or “to separate.” In 1 Kings 17, we find the nation of Israel in chaos. It has divided into two kingdoms, Judah and Israel. Ahab becomes the king of Israel, and in 1 Kings 16:33, we read that he did more to anger God than any of the kings before him.

  God sends Elijah to voice His displeasure. In 1 Kings 17:1, Elijah delivers God’s message to Ahab. Two verses later, Elijah is suddenly pulled out of the action and sent to a brook called Cherith.

  What happened? One moment Elijah is doing what God wants him to do. He is fully engaged, his priorities are right, he is obedient, he is living on the edge. In other words, Elijah is fulfilling what he believes God has called him to do. The next moment, he is sidelined somewhere east of the Jordan River in the middle of nowhere.

  Does this sound familiar? It certainly does to me. It may not be a ministry that is being laid aside. It could be a business, your family, health, or something else.

  Are you in a Strategic Cherith? Then take encouragement, friend, for God has not left you. In fact, the opposite is true.

  Strategic Cheriths are God’s provision for us. Strategic Cheriths:

  are allowed by God for our protection,

  prepare us for what He has planned next for us, and

  have a definite beginning and ending.

  Strategic Cheriths are an example of how God works for our good rather than working against us. We must change our perspective, though, and see things not as they appear but through God’s eyes. Author F. B. Meyer writes, “Every saintly soul that would wield great power with men must win it in some hidden Cherith.”[2]

  Questions

  What do you believe Elijah felt when he was directed to the brook Cherith?

  How has God used times of Strategic Cherith in your life? What did you learn from these times of transition?

  Why do you believe God either allows or directs us into Strategic Cheriths?

  [1] Bruce Gordon, Strategic Cheriths: God’s Rest Areas (Bloomington, IN: Authorhouse, 2010).

  [2] F. B. Meyer, Elijah: And the Secret of His Power (Fort Washington, PA: CLC Publications, 2013).

  6

  Five Traps to Avoid

  When I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith.

  1 THESSALONIANS 3:5

  THE CONTEXT FOR THIS verse is that Paul wants to encourage the believers in Thessalonica, who are experiencing challenging times. He is so concerned with how they’re holding up under pressure that he sends Timothy to find out how they’re doing.

  When we’re under pressure, there are five traps that can easily ensnare us. Our faith can suffer. These traps come from a more extensive list in the book Spiritual Leadership by Henry and Richard Blackaby.[1] I believe these five are the most pertinent for this devotional and our demographic. I trust they’ll speak to you as they do to me.

  The Trap of Cynicism

  When we receive unfair criticism or are overloaded with ministry efforts, it’s easy to focus on the church’s problems and weaknesses. This causes us to lose our zeal and optimism. As a result we become cynical. This is especially true as we age and our experiences shape our outlook. We can become cynical of those younger than us who are serving in the church.

  The Trap of Mental Laziness

  In this stage of life, we must strive to be creative and inspire others to think. We need to seek the counsel of wise people. Watch out for mental laziness.

  The Trap of Becoming Oversensitive

  Some say that if you can’t handle criticism, you shouldn’t be in leadership. You will be criticized, second-guessed, and have your motives questioned. If you receive ten words of praise and one word of criticism, which will seem the loudest? Watch out for being oversensitive.

  The Trap of Spiritual Lethargy

  Most of us would list our relationship with God as the number one thing in our lives. Yet, with so much on our plates, time with God gets pushed aside. Watch out for spiritual lethargy. This is also particularly true of the 55+ age group. We tend to think, “I’ve paid my dues; it’s time to allow those who are younger to lead.” While there is truth to this statement, Jesus desires to continue using you and, through His Spirit, to empower and equip you, regardless of age. Your greatest impact can be ahead of you.

  The Trap of Life/Work Balance

  Balancing your leadership at work and home is a challenge. Yet it’s absolutely crucial. There is no age limit on this. I have seen far too many good men and women buckle under the strain of a heavy workload, and their families and marriages have been the victims.

  May we listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading and be proactive as we watch out for these traps. May we have greater understanding about our faith as we walk daily with the Lord.

  Questions

  Which of the five traps do you tend to fall into? Why?

  What negative patterns of thought and behavior are your go-tos when you experience stress?

  What triggers cause you to fall into these patterns of thought and behavior?

  As the years have passed, have you found that you respond to stress differently than when you were younger? Or have you found that negative patterns have become more ingrained as you’ve grown older?

  What action steps do you need to take to escape these traps?

  [1] Henry Blackaby and Richard Blackaby, Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God’s Agenda (Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 2001).

  7

  And if Not

  Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, . . . we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image.

  DANIEL 3:17-18

  AS THE WWII ALLIED TROOPS were trapped on the beach at Dunkirk, they sent a wireless message to the War Room in London. It consisted of three words, which were in code: “And if not.” The amazing part of this story is that Winston Churchill and his generals understood the message.[1]

  In Daniel 3, King Nebuchadnezzar constructs an image and orders all subjects to bow down and worship. Three young men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—take a stand and refuse to worship any image or person except their God. The king orders them to be thrown into a fiery furnace. These three declare that they’ll never bow to another and, in that moment, exclaim that God is able to save them from this ordeal. But they also say that even if God doesn’t save them, they will never serve the idol.

  This was the message of the Allied troops. “Even if we are not rescued from Hitler’s army, we will stand strong.”[2]

  What powerful words!

  Denise and I recently interviewed a couple who emigrated from South Africa. The wife has a powerful story. Her parents were brutally murdered in 2006 during the racial and political unrest in South Africa. The couple both shared how God has met them in the darkness, and yet the scars will always be there. God’s presence has been a light for them over the years. After sharing, she asked us to finish with the song “Even If” from MercyMe. You can find a recording of the song to listen to online.

  I know some of you are facing huge challenges with regard to health, finances, relationships, and more. I reach out to you through the words of this brief devotion and quote Hebrews 12:3 from the J.B. Phillips New Testament translation: “Think constantly of him enduring all that sinful men could say against him and you will not lose your purpose or your cour
age.”

  Questions

  Think back on how God has met you at specific times in your life. At the time, you may not have seen God at work, yet there may be no explanation for what you encountered. What have those experiences taught you about God? How have those experiences affected your faith?

  Write down one line from the song “Even If” that speaks to you. Why is this line meaningful to you right now?

  You may be facing huge issues in your life. How can the phrase, “And if not . . .” give you both courage and encouragement?

  Reread Hebrews 12:3 from the J.B. Phillips translation. How can Jesus’ example give you strength in your daily life?

  [1] “Dunkirk, ‘And if Not’: The Story Behind the Story,” Chuck Colson, 1996, August 4, 2017, https://www.breakpoint.org/breakpoint-dunkirk-and-if-not/.

  [2] Ibid.

  8

  Winning the War with Your Mind

  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

  ROMANS 12:2

  THERE IS A DEADLY WAR happening between God and Satan, and the battleground is your mind. Satan wants to conquer and control your thought life.

  Part of the battle for your mind is related to emotions, as unchecked negative thoughts can lead to depression. According to the American Psychiatric Association, one out of six people will experience depression at some time in their life.[1] This is especially true for the 55+ demographic.

  Here are four strategies that will move you from a defensive position to an offensive role.

  Pay attention to your thoughts. Culture bombards us with many words, ideas, and philosophies. We add even more to our overcrowded minds through our habits online. Ask yourself: Do my thoughts line up with what I believe about Jesus?

  Do my thoughts conform to His Word?

  Am I thinking about Jesus’ Good News, or am I thinking about what I’m hearing and reading from others?

  The Holy Spirit makes known to us what is true of God. Bring your thoughts into submission to the Spirit’s guidance. Reflecting on God’s Word, ask yourself: Are my thoughts true or untrue?

  Do my thoughts come from the enemy or the Holy Spirit’s conviction?

  What truths about Jesus do I need to remember right now?

  Pay attention to the fruit of the Spirit. Read Galatians 5:22-23 when the battle of your mind intensifies. If the fruit of your thinking doesn’t resemble the fruit of the Spirit, then it isn’t from God. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you change your thinking so your thoughts and actions will be rich with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

  Fight back. The most significant weapon in the Roman warrior’s arsenal was his loinbelt. The loinbelt held all of his weaponry together. If it wasn’t in place, the soldier was in big trouble. It could cost him his life. The Christian’s loinbelt is the Bible. Paul writes, “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth” (Ephesians 6:14). As long as the Word of God is central in your life, the rest of your spiritual armor will be effective. The moment we begin to ignore God’s Word and stop applying His principles, we will find that the devil’s attacks will infiltrate our mind and he will fill our head with lies and negative thinking. Let the Bible be your governor, the final say-so in all of your thoughts.

  So get out there and go on the offensive. Go to war. Focusing on Jesus will mean there is no room for the dirty, wicked, lustful, prideful thoughts that come at us. Center your mind on Jesus. You will have victory, not because I write these words but because you have access to the power of God.

  Questions

  What battles do you fight in your mind?

  What hurdles do you face that makes fighting the battle difficult? What could you do to overcome these hurdles?

  How could a daily time in God’s Word equip you to fight the battle in your mind? If you do not currently spend time reading God’s Word daily, what could you do to establish this practice?

  [1] American Psychiatric Association, “What Is Depression?” January 2017, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression.

  9

  Attributes of a Godly Mentor

  Let each of you look not only to his own interests,

  but also to the interests of others.

  PHILIPPIANS 2:4

  A YOUNG LEADER RECENTLY asked me what he should be looking for in a mentor.

  I asked him to describe what attributes he thought this person should both embody and possess. He went on to describe someone in terms of influence, position, leadership, and entrepreneurship. I was pleased that spiritual leadership also made this young leader’s list.

  I was quiet for a moment and then responded with this list of six leadership attributes. These traits characterize those whom I want to stay close to and learn from.

  One who walks with God.

  These people have learned to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

  One who has experienced failure.

  Life brings experience and there is no replacement for it. That which you would prefer to remain hidden could be your greatest gift to another.

  One who has experienced crises.

  Christian character is forged on the anvil of adversity.

  One who has experienced pain and brokenness.

  A. W. Tozer writes, “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.”[1]

  One who has experienced success through hardship.

  These people have learned “stick-to-it-iveness.”

  One who is humble.

  Personally, those who have influenced me the greatest have exemplified a humble spirit.

  These traits surprised my young friend since some of them are unexpected qualities.

  Yet as I think of those whom I know, the most profound mentors have been those who have faced and overcame difficult circumstances. I am richer because of the mentors in my life. They were examples of Philippians 2:4, people who looked out for my interests.

  I leave this week’s thoughts with one challenge for you, my readers. If this young leader approached you to be a mentor, what experiences would you want to share with him and why? Write these experiences down, if for no other reason than to reflect on how God has brought you to this point and to bask in His grace, protection, and provision for you.

  You might be asked to be a mentor, or perhaps God is asking you to approach someone younger and offer to invest in him or her for a season.

  In the words of one of these young leaders: “I wish I could learn more from those in the church who are older. I think they may believe that we who are young do not see any value in them. For us, the exact opposite is true.”

  Questions

  Reflect on those who have invested in your life. Did they possess any of these attributes? How did this impact your life?

  Which of these attributes do you possess? What have these attributes taught you about life and about God?

  What could prevent you from using these six attributes to impact others? Could it be that they bring up past hurts or insecurities? How could you overcome this?

  [1] A. W. Tozer, The Root of the Righteous (Harrisburg, PA: Christian Publications, Inc., 1955), 137.

  10

  Kavanah

  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

  1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

  The hardest thing about the Christian life is that it is so daily.

  DANIEL HENDERSON

  I LOVE THE JEWISH CULTURE; I am intrigued by it. It spurs me to understand the deeper meaning behind certain words and customs. An example is the yarmulke, the small head covering worn by Jewish men. It reminds them to be humbly in awe of God’s presence all around them and that He’s infinitely powerful, yet so near.

  There is a Hebrew word, kavanah, that means the intention or direction of the heart toward God’s presence, especially in prayer. It
’s the sense of being profoundly aware of the One to whom you are speaking as you direct your heart toward heaven. I believe Paul had kavanah in mind when he wrote his first letter to the believers in Thessalonica.

  I remember a Jewish guide from a trip Denise and I took to the Holy Land who said, “Prayer without kavanah is like a body without a soul.” He said that many Jewish prayers are spoken verbatim and can become commonplace and repetitive. Kavanah keeps the person’s prayers fresh and passionate, with reverence for an awesome God.

  Jewish theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel says that “Kavanah . . . is attentiveness to God, an act of appreciation of being able to stand in the presence of God. It is one’s being drawn to the preciousness of something he/she is faced with. To sense the preciousness of being able to pray, to be perceptive of the supreme significance of worshiping God, is the beginning of higher kavanah.”[1]

  I confess that some of my prayer times are anything but kavanah. My mind wanders and I forget just who God is. I need to seek the face of God persistently and consistently.