It’s March Madness and that means lots and lots of basketball. I normally don’t watch a whole lot of basketball during the year but there is just something about this tournament that always gets me filling out my bracket and yelling at the TV. For 2 ½ weeks many of us revel in the unpredictability, outstanding match-ups, March rivalries, upsets, and the great talent and athleticism on display. It is often a roller coaster ride, but that’s why we love it.

I have always been a big fan of collegiate sports and admire the preparation and dedication of each player to be able to compete at this high level. As I watch this year’s tournament unfold, one thing is certain; these players did not just decide to play basketball in March. They have been training for this opportunity all year long.

Here lies an example for Christians to embrace. The prize is not won without dedication and daily effort. While we may not be running up and down a court, the Bible does tell us the Christian life is a race. Paul said, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24). “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

The NCAA championship is not won by being out of shape and unprepared. Likewise, a Christian will never get to Heaven being spiritual weak. Paul instructed Timothy to exercise himself unto godliness (1 Tim. 4:7). Are you in shape?

Let me suggest the following daily exercise regimen. If followed daily it will increase your spiritual strength and endurance. Also, these exercises are great for the heart (Proverbs 23:7, 4:23).

• Walk Every Day - “Walk worthy of the calling which you were called” (Eph. 4:1). “Walk in love” (Eph 5:1, Rom 6:4). ”For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). “Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).
• Upward Presses - “I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me…press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12,14).
• Knee Bends -  “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). “Men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1)

•  Various Lifts – “And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up” (Acts 3:7). “He took him by the right hand and lifted him up” (Acts 3:7). “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). “Lifting up holy hands” (1 Timothy 2:8). “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:35).
•  Incline Exercises – “Now therefore,” he said, “put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord God of Israel” (Joshua 24:23). “I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever” (Psalm 119:112).

• Healthy Diet – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4; c.f. Acts 17:11).

• Proper Hydration – “…whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).
• Meditation – “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Can you think other beneficial exercises? Remember “bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

Many things could be said in connection with Pontius Pilate, yet there is one act for which he will forever be notorious. The Bible records that “when Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just Person’” (Matthew 27:24). In this one infamous act Pilate tried to free himself of the blood of Christ and the responsibility of his actions.

In considering this passage, I couldn’t help but think of the irony of Pilate’s actions, especially when compared to another, more powerful, washing described in scripture; baptism.

While it is true that both involve water (albeit in different amounts since “baptism” literally means “immersion and Pilate merely washed his hands) and both involve an individual seeking freedom from the guilt of his actions, it is here where the similarity ends. For by washing his hands Pilate was trying to take care of his own problem via his own power. He thought the only way to free himself and bring an end to the matter was to distance himself from Jesus. However the Bible teaches that to find freedom from the sin and the guilt of our actions one must draw near to Jesus.

In Hebrews chapter 10 the writer discusses the removal of sin, showing how it is “not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins” (10:4). It is only through the sacrifice of Jesus (10:19) that one may draw near unto God and rid himself of an “evil conscience” (guilty conscience, NIV, 10:22). Pilate only washed the dirt off of his hands, but baptism “saves” because it is more than the “removal of the filth of the flesh” it is “the answer of a good conscience toward God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21; c.f. Acts 22:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3, 6).

Pilate washed to signify the end of his association with Jesus of Nazareth, but the Bible writers show baptism to be the beginning of a relationship with Him. Paul wrote, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27). “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4). According to passages such as these, baptism is all about Jesus. In baptism we die with Him, we are buried with Him, we are raised with Him, and united with Him. In baptism the old person dies and a new life begins. We wash, not to end, but to begin our association with Him. Only in Him one can we discover a new birth (John 3:3-5) and a new beginning  (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Pilate washed to show he was not responsible for what would happen to Jesus; whereas in baptism all must take responsibility. “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). On the day of Pentecost Peter taught those listening that before they could enjoy the blessings of baptism (i.e. have their sins remitted) they had to repent. Pilate wanted to place the guilt on others. He said, “I am innocent” (Matthew 27:24), yet Pilate was not innocent. And the fact remains, neither are we. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Our sin put Jesus on the Cross just as surely as did the sins of Pilate. No matter how often we wash our hands that guilt remains unless we turn to Jesus.  There is one who can wash “us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5). How will you respond to Jesus? 


- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)    

How far back can you remember? What’s your earliest childhood memory? For me it is a trip my family took to Florida. While I cannot remember it perfectly, I can recall a few glimpses of Disney World and some happy moments with family. The clearest memory of this trip involves my father teaching me how to hold my breath and to float in the swimming pool.

In this faded memory the lesson progressed to a point where Dad would drop my favorite toy car into the shallow end and I would hold my breath and jump in after it. Although I could not swim, my father had taught me that as long as I held my breath I would float back to the top where he could pick me up. We repeated this game many times (as is often the case with children and new experiences). While I don’t remember everything about that experience, the absolute trust and confidence I felt for my father are forever etched into my brain. I remember just knowing, never fearing, that every time I jumped into that water he would be there to lift me up.

My parents recall this trip with in a slightly different way. They think of it as, “the time we all went to Florida and Josh jumped into the deep end of the pool when no one was looking and scared us all to death.” As an adult I understand this reaction and why everyone responded the way they did. However, I distinctly remember the “childhood me” as being very confused. To him, he was still playing the game with his father! He had no reservations about leaving the shallow end; he didn’t even hesitate to jump because he had complete confidence in his father to lift him up again.

Jesus challenged His disciples to develop the attributes of a child (Matthew 18:3). I have often wondered which attributes childlike traits He desires us to emulate? Is it how a child loves unconditionally? How a child can forgive so easily? How accepting they can since they are unburdened by pride and prejudice?  It is likely all of these and more. As when I recall my earliest memory I believe Jesus wants me to regain that childlike quality of faith and trust.

I am certain the “younger me” could teach the “older me” quite a bit about faith. To him, passages like Matthew 6:25-33 would have made perfect sense. Don’t worry. Don’t fear. Don’t stress. Just “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (v. 33). Simply place your trust the heavenly Father and He will take care of you. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10)

Using some of the most beautiful words ever spoken, Jesus lovingly calls:
 
            “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn 
              from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My                       burden is light.” (Matthew 11:18-30)

What an invitation! Jesus, the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6), offers comfort and rest to “all” who will come. But Jesus not only said “come to Me”, He also said, “learn of Me.” To be a “disciple” is to be a “learner” (lit.), a pupil, a student of Jesus. He is the pattern for every Christian (1 Cor 11:1), the focus of every sermon (Acts 8:35), the motive for every decision (2 Cor 5:14), and the source of every blessing (Eph 1:3). To find rest, one must not only “come” to Him, but “learn” of Him.

I recently read an article that told of a Christian revival in Rwanda years ago. In describing things that contributed to it’s success, the article claimed, “Christians were known for asking one another, ‘What have you learned about Jesus today?’”

What an outstanding question! The pursuit of Jesus is essential to spiritual blessing. Change will not happen without it (Rom 10:17, 12:1-2). True growth can not occur in its absence. The Apostle Peter proclaimed, “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). Are you pursing this knowledge? In other words, “What have you learned about Jesus today?”

- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

In this “self serve,” “me first” world Satan has made it easy to forget about Christian responsibility. However, Jesus reveals that being a Christian is about being a servant.

Jesus’ life was one of service. Paul taught that Jesus “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). He came to serve humanity in its time of need, and in doing so He left an example for His people. To live the Christian life is to about conforming oneself to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

To serve like Jesus one must be concerned with the needs of others. Jesus himself said, "whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward" (Matt 10:42). He was not instructing His disciples to do the least they could, He was showing the importance of meeting people’s needs no matter how small.

Service is one way Christians express the love of God toward others. “You are the light of the world…let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:14-16). "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35). When Christians serve, others see Christ in their good works.

God has blessed His people with talents and abilities (Matt 25:14-46), yet often these abilities are used only to better one’s station in life. God’s plan however, is that they be used as means to serve others, for His glory. The question that should be on the lips of every Christian is, “How can I help?”

When this question is asked, it is often the case that many people will not know how to answer it. To discover ways to help:

• Listen and observe. What is needed is often easily seen, but remember to pay attention to the little things. When little things add up they can create quite a load. Helping in “little ways” can add up, as well.

• Rely on your own experiences. We have all had different experiences and remember what helped and didn’t help during those times. Maybe God allowed you to go through something so you could help others.

• Pray and ask God for His guidance. God always knows what to do!

- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)