Solomon wrote, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12). I thought quite a bit about this text over the last few days. The senseless shooting in Oklahoma has reignited a discussion about how things are in this country and how, if possible, to make things better. I don't pretend to be an expert on this issue and I certainly don't have all of the answers, but a few things did occur to me and I wrestled with how to put into words what I think is a critical issue.
To summarize what happened, Christopher Lane was an Australian native who was in Oklahoma City playing baseball for East Central College. He was killed by three teens who shot him in the back because, in their words, they "were bored and didn't have anything to do, so we killed somebody." Since that statement was given, reports of threatening tweets by one of the teens arrested in connection with this have come out, so there may be more to it than just being "bored." However, this statement is troubling at many levels.
It would be easy, as some are doing, to blame the entertainment industry. Violent video games, movies and television shows are widespread and desensitize people, especially kids, with respect to death. Got killed? Just reboot, start over. No problem There was a time, believe it or not, when television shows and movies sought not only to entertain but to reinforce positive messages. I rediscovered that when I found that Amazon Instant Download has episodes of WKRP in Cincinnati and Lost in Space available. I'm sure many kids now would make fun of the Lost in Space show that I watched as a kid, but watching an episode or two last night reminded me that entertainment was different in the late 1960's and early 1970's. However, is it that simple? Is the entertainment industry the cause of what's gone wrong? I don't think so. If anything, it is a symptom.
Some also see this as an offshoot of not valuing life. Blatant disregard for life and the casual way it can be extinguished seems prevalent throughout every strand of society and mocks our humanity. We continue the abortion debate that began, in earnest, in the early 1970's. The horrific practices of Dr. Kermit Gosnell were exposed in the last several months and sickened many. The incredible numbers of those being killed in urban areas of the United States continues to rise. Life appears to be increasingly disposable. While I believe sowing the seeds of devalued human life has brought about a bitter harvest, I think it, too, is a symptom and not a cause.
Some will want to see this and other horrific events as a referendum on the availability of guns. To me, though, that seems like a faulty argument. Guns have been available throughout the history of us as a people. They serve a needed and valued purpose. Like many other things, when used properly, they are wonderful tools. When used carelessly or without respect, they can be deadly. Guns are a thing or an object, not inherently good or evil. I think there is something much deeper that is the cause or issue.
So, what is it then? After five paragraphs I've come to what I believe to be a cause. We have a spiritual problem. We have not always understood what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Many have craved his love without understanding that if you love him, you do what he says. As a church we've allowed ourselves, in many ways, to become irrelevant and as a culture we've adopted the motto, "I do what I want." Biblical living is viewed with skepticism by many. With regard to the passage in Proverbs that I cited earlier, Matthew Henry, a British theologian wrote, "Foolish and profane men consider sin a mere trifle, to be made light of rather than mourned over."
Families disintegrate because they are not built on a biblical foundation. The deterioration of the family leads to all kinds of other issues that God never intended for us to face.
Perverse actions are seen as "indiscretions" and people ignore what used to outrage.
A sense of "right and wrong" has been replaced by a more transient "relativism" in which "right and wrong" depend upon circumstances.
I'm sure there are more things that could be added to this list, but I think the real question now becomes, "what do we do about it?" In my view, a "turn around" begins with a renewed commitment to Jesus Christ. It would be easy to call for a nationwide revival and call out "sinners" to repent. I don't think that's it, though. It starts much closer to home. Let's examine ourselves and rededicate our lives to better service for our Lord. It is a bit cliché, but our world is changed one life at a time. I want to rededicate my life to serving the Lord in a more effective manner. Will you?
Thanks for reading and God bless....
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Friday, August 9, 2013
Are you willing to get wet?
"Maybe being loved wasn't enough; maybe there was something else you needed not to get in trouble." This line is spoken by Drew in Walter Dean Myers' book Game and it has stuck with me ever since I finished reading the book. In the context of the story, Drew makes this statement about a young man in his Harlem neighborhood who has been arrested and is facing trial for murder. There is some discussion in Drew's house about how awful this is for the young man's mother and how much she loved him. "Maybe there was something else you needed to not get in trouble."
I had a lot of time to think yesterday and I thought a little about what is that something else besides being loved that would prevent someone from trouble. Because, let's face it, almost everyone that has ever been in some kind of trouble is loved by someone. All we have to do is watch a little cable television news to see that almost all of those who find themselves in some kind of predicament have someone willing to tell others how much they love them. Though I know it is not a scientific survey, I'm pretty sure most of the guys I see at the juvenile correctional facility and even a few I've seen at the county jail in Columbus can talk about someone who loved them.
Let's take it one step further. Bill's View has always been a forum for me to discuss how I see the world and I am unapologetic about the fact that I see it through a Christian lens. So, having established that, it is a theological fact that God loves all people. He loves them unconditionally and was willing to put "skin" on that love in the person of his son Jesus Christ. Romans 8:32 and Romans 5:6-8 among other Scriptures explain that God's love and Jesus' atonement are universal. However, again, theologically speaking, the fact that God loves all and Jesus died for all doesn't, by itself, keep people from "trouble."
That brings us right back to the question "What is that something else?" I don't know if I am qualified to give a definitive answer, but one did occur to me. I was riding the shuttle bus at the Columbus airport out to the green parking lot. I was the only passenger on the bus, so I had a chance to chat a bit with the driver. He was telling me about how much rain Columbus had in just a short time. It was pretty bad for a few hours. I told him, in passing, how tough it must have been to be working during that rain. He smiled and said, "It was no problem. It doesn't mess with you if you aren't out in it."
Later, on my drive home, I thought about that a little. What he was saying was unless you were in the rain itself and getting wet, the storm didn't have much of an effect. I'm going to ask you to stay with me here as I extend this metaphor, so here goes. Unless you are taking in that love (getting wet, if you will) and allowing it to saturate who you are and to direct your actions, then being loved has no effect either. That fact that God loves you; that Jesus loves you makes no difference until you take it in and it begins to take hold of you. The fact that your mother, father, wife, husband, children love you doesn't make a difference until you allow that fact to penetrate into who you are and direct your actions. Only when love is received, internalized and allowed to guide and direct does it make a difference.
I think this is Paul's point in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. Christ's love compelled Paul and his companions to minister, to teach and to preach. His greatest desire is for all people to be reconciled to God. If I can summarize this challenging passage, I think it may come down to this. Because Paul knows the love of Jesus Christ, he wants all people, who are also loved by Christ, to be affected enough by that love to give their lives to him and for him.
That "something else" may be the difference between watching the storm, thinking about the rain and being out in it, getting soaked. If I can stay on that analogy, I'm for folks getting wet. What about you?
Thanks for reading and have a blessed day...
I had a lot of time to think yesterday and I thought a little about what is that something else besides being loved that would prevent someone from trouble. Because, let's face it, almost everyone that has ever been in some kind of trouble is loved by someone. All we have to do is watch a little cable television news to see that almost all of those who find themselves in some kind of predicament have someone willing to tell others how much they love them. Though I know it is not a scientific survey, I'm pretty sure most of the guys I see at the juvenile correctional facility and even a few I've seen at the county jail in Columbus can talk about someone who loved them.
Let's take it one step further. Bill's View has always been a forum for me to discuss how I see the world and I am unapologetic about the fact that I see it through a Christian lens. So, having established that, it is a theological fact that God loves all people. He loves them unconditionally and was willing to put "skin" on that love in the person of his son Jesus Christ. Romans 8:32 and Romans 5:6-8 among other Scriptures explain that God's love and Jesus' atonement are universal. However, again, theologically speaking, the fact that God loves all and Jesus died for all doesn't, by itself, keep people from "trouble."
That brings us right back to the question "What is that something else?" I don't know if I am qualified to give a definitive answer, but one did occur to me. I was riding the shuttle bus at the Columbus airport out to the green parking lot. I was the only passenger on the bus, so I had a chance to chat a bit with the driver. He was telling me about how much rain Columbus had in just a short time. It was pretty bad for a few hours. I told him, in passing, how tough it must have been to be working during that rain. He smiled and said, "It was no problem. It doesn't mess with you if you aren't out in it."
Later, on my drive home, I thought about that a little. What he was saying was unless you were in the rain itself and getting wet, the storm didn't have much of an effect. I'm going to ask you to stay with me here as I extend this metaphor, so here goes. Unless you are taking in that love (getting wet, if you will) and allowing it to saturate who you are and to direct your actions, then being loved has no effect either. That fact that God loves you; that Jesus loves you makes no difference until you take it in and it begins to take hold of you. The fact that your mother, father, wife, husband, children love you doesn't make a difference until you allow that fact to penetrate into who you are and direct your actions. Only when love is received, internalized and allowed to guide and direct does it make a difference.
I think this is Paul's point in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. Christ's love compelled Paul and his companions to minister, to teach and to preach. His greatest desire is for all people to be reconciled to God. If I can summarize this challenging passage, I think it may come down to this. Because Paul knows the love of Jesus Christ, he wants all people, who are also loved by Christ, to be affected enough by that love to give their lives to him and for him.
That "something else" may be the difference between watching the storm, thinking about the rain and being out in it, getting soaked. If I can stay on that analogy, I'm for folks getting wet. What about you?
Thanks for reading and have a blessed day...
Friday, August 2, 2013
Thoughts on this generation and things of faith
"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:14-15 NIV). These verses speak of Paul's desire for Timothy to continue living a Godly life in the presence of those who do not. In them he describes how Timothy will be able to do so: "continue is what you have learned" and be in "the Scriptures" which can make you "wise for salvation." I've been preaching through 2 Timothy for the last few weeks and have thought about how this letter is Paul's last. It's his "final words" to a young Christian, telling him what matters and what's important. As I've been looking at it, I've also been thinking about how the "church" can and/or ought to reach this generation. What are people in their twenties and thirties thinking about and looking for with respect to spiritual things? What are the young people I coach in Bible Bowl thinking about in connection with faith? How can I, or maybe even more importantly, how can the church reach out to these folks in a meaningful way?
I've tried to do some reading on the attitudes and interests of different groups of people. I am not an expert in any way on this topic, but I thought I'd share a few observations that I'm working through.
Observation 1- To reach people today, faith must be real and tangible. I think people are wanting something that is meaningful. They want to know where to look and to whom to turn when things get really hard. I also think there is a desire for people to be able to demonstrate what they believe. I think this is one of the reasons for the rise of mission trips and the resurgence of interest in missions.
Observation 2- People today are not as tied to history and tradition as maybe they once were. People don't necessarily attend the church or type of church that their parents did. Other factors weigh more heavily in that decision.
Observation 3- The "worship experience" is very important to this generation. It may have been in the past, too, but it is even more so now as I see it.
These are not all that remarkable and you've probably seen them listed and explained better than what they are here. There are, too, some things about our faith that don't change.
1. Jesus Christ is always God's Son and the only way to heaven.
2. The Bible is always the inerrant Word of God.
3. God's desire, throughout the pages of history, is for his people to be holy.
The challenge, I think, comes in trying to balance how we change our approach without changing the things that can't be altered. Can we present the unchanging Jesus in ways that are fresh, relevant and meaningful? Can we be more honest in our pursuit of Christ? Does the word "transparent" have anything to do with this? Can we present ways to serve Christ and display faith that are genuine and make a difference? Can we issue the call to be holy without seeming to be judgmental?
I ask these questions knowing that I am asking them to myself before I ask them to you. I think these questions and probably countless others are worth thinking about as we try to "tell the old, old story" to a continually changing generation. I hope to get to some answers. It is my desire that the church I serve maintain relevancy in the years to come. I want ministries like Bible Bowl and others to continue to challenge and inspire kids years from now. I want mission trips and a zeal to tell and show others the love of Christ to continue to grow. I would by not telling the truth if I were to say to you that I'm not concerned about that. I think if we make wrong decisions or don't consider these questions, we may very well limit the effectiveness of these activities. This is not to say God becomes irrelevant, it is simply an indictment on how effective his church might become.
This is a different kind of post in "Bill's View," but one I hope you'll think about. Thanks for reading and have a blessed day...
I've tried to do some reading on the attitudes and interests of different groups of people. I am not an expert in any way on this topic, but I thought I'd share a few observations that I'm working through.
Observation 1- To reach people today, faith must be real and tangible. I think people are wanting something that is meaningful. They want to know where to look and to whom to turn when things get really hard. I also think there is a desire for people to be able to demonstrate what they believe. I think this is one of the reasons for the rise of mission trips and the resurgence of interest in missions.
Observation 2- People today are not as tied to history and tradition as maybe they once were. People don't necessarily attend the church or type of church that their parents did. Other factors weigh more heavily in that decision.
Observation 3- The "worship experience" is very important to this generation. It may have been in the past, too, but it is even more so now as I see it.
These are not all that remarkable and you've probably seen them listed and explained better than what they are here. There are, too, some things about our faith that don't change.
1. Jesus Christ is always God's Son and the only way to heaven.
2. The Bible is always the inerrant Word of God.
3. God's desire, throughout the pages of history, is for his people to be holy.
The challenge, I think, comes in trying to balance how we change our approach without changing the things that can't be altered. Can we present the unchanging Jesus in ways that are fresh, relevant and meaningful? Can we be more honest in our pursuit of Christ? Does the word "transparent" have anything to do with this? Can we present ways to serve Christ and display faith that are genuine and make a difference? Can we issue the call to be holy without seeming to be judgmental?
I ask these questions knowing that I am asking them to myself before I ask them to you. I think these questions and probably countless others are worth thinking about as we try to "tell the old, old story" to a continually changing generation. I hope to get to some answers. It is my desire that the church I serve maintain relevancy in the years to come. I want ministries like Bible Bowl and others to continue to challenge and inspire kids years from now. I want mission trips and a zeal to tell and show others the love of Christ to continue to grow. I would by not telling the truth if I were to say to you that I'm not concerned about that. I think if we make wrong decisions or don't consider these questions, we may very well limit the effectiveness of these activities. This is not to say God becomes irrelevant, it is simply an indictment on how effective his church might become.
This is a different kind of post in "Bill's View," but one I hope you'll think about. Thanks for reading and have a blessed day...
Friday, July 26, 2013
Doing Good...
Paul writes, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10 NIV). We find this verse in the context of Paul challenging the believers throughout Galatia to carry each other's burdens, to be humble and to be responsible for one's own work or pack. He follows that by telling them that God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, that's what he'll reap. In the ninth verse he warns them not to become weary in doing good and notes the promise of a harvest for those who do not give up. Clearly, the admonition here is to continue to good to all, especially to other Christians.
I thought about the idea of "doing good to others" quite a bit while cutting the grass at the church and parsonage today. The world in which we live is not to concerned with "doing good" to others. However, there are a few little reminders of "good" out there.
---Someone held the door for a couple of people to leave the convenience store today.
---A person gave up their spot to another who was in a hurry at the gas station.
---A guy jump-started a car for a lady whose battery had died.
These are not "big" things and none of them will make USA Today or The Columbus Post Dispatch. I noticed them, though. I think maybe God did, too.
Doing "good" to others, however, is not the entire message of that passage. We are to do good, "especially to those who belong to the family of believers." As hard as it is to understand why, I think this may be more difficult than simply doing good to others. I suppose there are a couple of reasons why I think this. First, I think many times we get impatient, frustrated and angry with those with whom we are the closest. We may expect them to do more or better than just the average person and when they don't we're apt to criticize. Also, we may think they don't need any particular encouragement or "good treatment." The second reason is a bit more harsh, but I think it is true, too. Sometimes we just don't like our brothers or sisters in Christ, so we, at best, ignore them or, at worst, fight with them. I can already hear what some of you are thinking. Wait a minute, Thomas. I don't have to like everyone. I love them, but I don't have to like them. I guess that's true, but here's a simple question. Have you really tried liking them? Have you forgiven as you want to be forgiven so you can begin again? Have you tried to find that which Jesus Christ put in them that makes them unique and good for service in the Kingdom? It's true that we may not like everyone. I don't think that's possible. It might be good, though, for us to like more and follow that by doing good. Think about it.
Thanks for reading and have a blessed day...
I thought about the idea of "doing good to others" quite a bit while cutting the grass at the church and parsonage today. The world in which we live is not to concerned with "doing good" to others. However, there are a few little reminders of "good" out there.
---Someone held the door for a couple of people to leave the convenience store today.
---A person gave up their spot to another who was in a hurry at the gas station.
---A guy jump-started a car for a lady whose battery had died.
These are not "big" things and none of them will make USA Today or The Columbus Post Dispatch. I noticed them, though. I think maybe God did, too.
Doing "good" to others, however, is not the entire message of that passage. We are to do good, "especially to those who belong to the family of believers." As hard as it is to understand why, I think this may be more difficult than simply doing good to others. I suppose there are a couple of reasons why I think this. First, I think many times we get impatient, frustrated and angry with those with whom we are the closest. We may expect them to do more or better than just the average person and when they don't we're apt to criticize. Also, we may think they don't need any particular encouragement or "good treatment." The second reason is a bit more harsh, but I think it is true, too. Sometimes we just don't like our brothers or sisters in Christ, so we, at best, ignore them or, at worst, fight with them. I can already hear what some of you are thinking. Wait a minute, Thomas. I don't have to like everyone. I love them, but I don't have to like them. I guess that's true, but here's a simple question. Have you really tried liking them? Have you forgiven as you want to be forgiven so you can begin again? Have you tried to find that which Jesus Christ put in them that makes them unique and good for service in the Kingdom? It's true that we may not like everyone. I don't think that's possible. It might be good, though, for us to like more and follow that by doing good. Think about it.
Thanks for reading and have a blessed day...
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Thoughts on "Copperhead" and what it is to be "all in"
"No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62 NIV). This passage records Jesus' words as he concludes a "teaching moment" with his disciples. Three men come to him as he and the disciples are walking along the road. Each of the three wants to follow Jesus, but each has an excuse. The third man agreed to follow Jesus but wanted first to go and say good-bye to his family. On first glance these words seem a bit harsh. After all, saying "good-bye" to family members isn't a bad thing, is it? However, there is more to understanding this passage than what first meets the eye. It isn't so much a matter of saying "good-bye" to family members. What Jesus is describing here is one whose attention is diverted. S/he wants to serve the Lord in the kingdom, but is distracted by the things of this world. It is comparable to a plowman looking behind him as he plows a field. He can't do that job well if he isn't directing his attention forward. That's what Jesus is calling his followers to as well. He seeks undivided loyalty and attention.
I thought about that some tonight as I had the chance to watch an independent movie called Copperhead. I know. It sounds like some weird monster movie, but it isn't. It's a movie about the Civil War, and, in particular, northerners who opposed Abraham Lincoln and the war, not because they favored slavery but because they found no constitutional justification for it. I'm not so much interested in whether or not the "copperheads" were right or if President Lincoln was justified in expanding presidential powers. What did hit me, though, was the commitment made by those during that time to fight in the war. As I watched, it became clear to me again that many young men and some boys, for that matter, when they marched off to war, they were knowingly marching off to death. As their families gathered to say "good-bye" and cheer them on, many had to know that they wouldn't see them alive again. There was a sense of total commitment and being "all in."
I wondered as I drove home about my commitment as a Christian. Am I "all in" on doing whatever Jesus has set before me? Are there things regarding the kingdom of Christ that I am willing to march out on knowing that I'll not likely return? I suppose in the United States in 2013 there is very little danger that I'll have to be ready to die for my faith. I admire, though, those who so believed in the cause of the Civil War that they'd march out to death. I want my faith to matter to me as much. I hope that you'll consider these questions, too.
Have a blessed day and thanks for reading...
I thought about that some tonight as I had the chance to watch an independent movie called Copperhead. I know. It sounds like some weird monster movie, but it isn't. It's a movie about the Civil War, and, in particular, northerners who opposed Abraham Lincoln and the war, not because they favored slavery but because they found no constitutional justification for it. I'm not so much interested in whether or not the "copperheads" were right or if President Lincoln was justified in expanding presidential powers. What did hit me, though, was the commitment made by those during that time to fight in the war. As I watched, it became clear to me again that many young men and some boys, for that matter, when they marched off to war, they were knowingly marching off to death. As their families gathered to say "good-bye" and cheer them on, many had to know that they wouldn't see them alive again. There was a sense of total commitment and being "all in."
I wondered as I drove home about my commitment as a Christian. Am I "all in" on doing whatever Jesus has set before me? Are there things regarding the kingdom of Christ that I am willing to march out on knowing that I'll not likely return? I suppose in the United States in 2013 there is very little danger that I'll have to be ready to die for my faith. I admire, though, those who so believed in the cause of the Civil War that they'd march out to death. I want my faith to matter to me as much. I hope that you'll consider these questions, too.
Have a blessed day and thanks for reading...
Friday, June 28, 2013
What is the right question to ask?
Judges 21:25 says, "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit." This occurs between the death of Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, and the time of the judges. Of this time, Wesley wrote in his commentary, "What wonder was it then, if all wickedness overflowed the land?" I can't help but think of this passage as I read about and hear discussed the events of this week in our country. One of the editorials in today's edition of USA Today discusses the issue of same-sex marriage in terms of "who is it going to hurt." I get from the editorial that Justice Kennedy, who is considered by many the "swing vote" in the Court, used this principle in reaching his decision. I don't really want this post to be a discussion of that Supreme Court ruling as much as I want to consider the idea of "who does it hurt."
The question of "who does it hurt," bothers me. As I see it, that question leads us back to the days between Joshua and the judges in which people did what was right in their own eyes. I suppose as long as no particular group was "hurt" by an action, then it could be called "OK" to do. However, for this to work, there has to be someone who decides who, if anyone, is hurt and by how much. It seems to me that using this question to determine a course will only lead to confusion, chaos and ultimately a sliding standard (what doesn't affect someone today, may tomorrow, etc). As I look back over the lines that I just typed on the screen I have to ask myself "Isn't that what happens when each person gets to decide what is right for him/herself?"
It seems to me that there has to be a better way to establish what is right or wrong. Is it possible that there is a moral absolute? Is it possible that some actions are right and some are wrong regardless of what people might think of them? I know that I am begging the question here, a bit. The Bible, though, talks about right and wrong in terms of absolutes.
Isaiah 5:20
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
To see the world in terms of moral absolutes, in my opinion, allows for more certainty and confidence. It provides hope that even when evil is having its day, right will win out. As I see it, moral absolutes point directly to God. The absence of moral absolutes, seems to me, to leave God out of the picture. What does all of this philosophizing mean? I think simply this. No matter what others may say, some things are always inherently right and some are inherently wrong. Though we might like the ability and authority to determine the rightness and wrongness of actions, that prerogative is purely God's. He determines the nature of all activity. Our best course of action is to follow what he has already set out. With regard to doing something, don't ask yourself whether or not anyone will be harmed by what I do. Ask yourself is what I am about to do the right thing to do.
Thanks for reading and have a blessed day...
The question of "who does it hurt," bothers me. As I see it, that question leads us back to the days between Joshua and the judges in which people did what was right in their own eyes. I suppose as long as no particular group was "hurt" by an action, then it could be called "OK" to do. However, for this to work, there has to be someone who decides who, if anyone, is hurt and by how much. It seems to me that using this question to determine a course will only lead to confusion, chaos and ultimately a sliding standard (what doesn't affect someone today, may tomorrow, etc). As I look back over the lines that I just typed on the screen I have to ask myself "Isn't that what happens when each person gets to decide what is right for him/herself?"
It seems to me that there has to be a better way to establish what is right or wrong. Is it possible that there is a moral absolute? Is it possible that some actions are right and some are wrong regardless of what people might think of them? I know that I am begging the question here, a bit. The Bible, though, talks about right and wrong in terms of absolutes.
Isaiah 5:20
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.1 Peter 1:23
Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;To see the world in terms of moral absolutes, in my opinion, allows for more certainty and confidence. It provides hope that even when evil is having its day, right will win out. As I see it, moral absolutes point directly to God. The absence of moral absolutes, seems to me, to leave God out of the picture. What does all of this philosophizing mean? I think simply this. No matter what others may say, some things are always inherently right and some are inherently wrong. Though we might like the ability and authority to determine the rightness and wrongness of actions, that prerogative is purely God's. He determines the nature of all activity. Our best course of action is to follow what he has already set out. With regard to doing something, don't ask yourself whether or not anyone will be harmed by what I do. Ask yourself is what I am about to do the right thing to do.
Thanks for reading and have a blessed day...
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Do it now...
Garrison Keillor once said, "They say such nice things about people at their funerals that it makes me sad that I'm going to miss mine by just a few days." That quote seems to fit what I'm thinking this weekend. I reread a book this week that I've had on my shelf for quite a while, For One More Day by Mitch Albom. It's a story about a guy whose life is not what he had hoped for getting the chance to get one more day with the person that loved him the most and the one he took most for granted. This statement from the book expresses what it's about; "Have you ever lost someone you love and wanted one more conversation, one more chance to make up for the time when you thought they would be here forever? If so, then you know you can go your whole life collecting days, and none will outweigh the one you wish you had back.”
I wondered how many of us wish we had "one more day" with someone we love. Maybe that someone has already died. Maybe that someone now lives far away and is immersed in a different chapter of life. Maybe that someone is simply estranged and is no longer close. The circumstances may vary greatly, but the desire is the same. If I could have just one more day then I could say how I really feel. I could share what is most important. If I...
I really like the book For One More Day, but if you're looking for it, you'll find it in the fiction section. You see, life's not like that. We don't get to go back. There are no mulligans or do-overs. We have to pick up where we are and do the best we can. That's why I think the message of this book is important and, in some ways, Biblical. Albom seems to be saying it's not too late to tell folks that you love them and to share with them things that are meaningful. Paul wrote to the Ephesians and to the Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32 NIV). Paul's message is a simple one here. In the context he's written about getting rid of bitterness, anger, brawling, slander and rage. He wants his readers to be overflowing with kindness, compassion and forgiveness. In doing so, they become "imitators of God."
What is the "take away" from this devotional? I think it is pretty straight-forward. Don't wait until someone you love dies before sharing what is meaningful. Talk to them today. Write a letter or an email. If you've lost track of someone and feel the prompting to reach out to them, do it. Don't wait. It is heart-breaking to see someone at a funeral grieve and plead for "one more day." You have a day right now; today. Use it. Thanks for reading and may God bless....
I wondered how many of us wish we had "one more day" with someone we love. Maybe that someone has already died. Maybe that someone now lives far away and is immersed in a different chapter of life. Maybe that someone is simply estranged and is no longer close. The circumstances may vary greatly, but the desire is the same. If I could have just one more day then I could say how I really feel. I could share what is most important. If I...
I really like the book For One More Day, but if you're looking for it, you'll find it in the fiction section. You see, life's not like that. We don't get to go back. There are no mulligans or do-overs. We have to pick up where we are and do the best we can. That's why I think the message of this book is important and, in some ways, Biblical. Albom seems to be saying it's not too late to tell folks that you love them and to share with them things that are meaningful. Paul wrote to the Ephesians and to the Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32 NIV). Paul's message is a simple one here. In the context he's written about getting rid of bitterness, anger, brawling, slander and rage. He wants his readers to be overflowing with kindness, compassion and forgiveness. In doing so, they become "imitators of God."
What is the "take away" from this devotional? I think it is pretty straight-forward. Don't wait until someone you love dies before sharing what is meaningful. Talk to them today. Write a letter or an email. If you've lost track of someone and feel the prompting to reach out to them, do it. Don't wait. It is heart-breaking to see someone at a funeral grieve and plead for "one more day." You have a day right now; today. Use it. Thanks for reading and may God bless....
Friday, June 14, 2013
Reflection on when things don't go as planned...
Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.” Edgar Allan Poe wrote, "Never to suffer would never to have been blessed.” I thought both of these statements were revealing, and, as I have been working with the book of Acts in Bible Bowl, I found them to reflect what I think may have happened in Acts 16.
Let me set the context in this passage. Paul is traveling with Silas and they are preaching and teaching Jesus as the Christ. They are in Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia, and meet Lydia and her family. It is a wonderful time of teaching and many come to the Lord. I imagine it to be a sweet, encouraging time. However, as they continue in Philippi, they encounter a slave girl that is demon-possessed. Throughout the time they are in Philippi, Paul and Silas encounter this girl and her "captor." Paul becomes greatly annoyed at this situation and commands the demon to leave this girl. The demon is rebuked and leaves and with him goes the girl's ability to make money for her owners. They are outraged. They haul Paul and Silas before the authorities and accuse them of stirring up trouble. The crowds turn against them and the magistrates order them to be beaten and imprisoned. Then we see verse 25. "But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the prisoners were listening to them"(NKJV). I want to pause the story there for a moment. I went back and read that again. What began as a good trip to Philippi, turned ugly quickly. Paul and Silas are beaten and jailed. It has to be a miserable experience, but what are they doing? Praying and singing hymns to God.
That was humbling to me and I thought it might be a challenge for all of us. Adversity comes in many ways and takes different shapes. Things may be going great, but we all know that tough times will also come. The fact that we are Christians does not prevent us from going through the challenges of life. The question is how do we respond when things get hard? I suppose there are all kinds of ways we can answer that. One of the first that comes to my mind is to whine about how unfair it is to have to endure whatever it is that challenges me at the moment. Another response might be to throw up my hands in frustration and despair and give up. I think it is possible, too, to get angry at God and allow hurt and bitterness to build up in my soul. Maybe you're familiar with these responses, too. Perhaps there are other ones just as ineffective. The challenge is for us to praise him in the darkness, uncertainty and chains. Will I be able to see beyond the suffering to glimpse the savior? Will I be able to praise in the presence of problems? Will I worship in the face of worry?
The rest of the story? God delivered Paul and Silas and the message of Jesus Christ continued to spread and touch hearts and lives. God uses all kinds of circumstances to deliver his message. Our challenge is to have an attitude of praise. Thanks for reading...
Let me set the context in this passage. Paul is traveling with Silas and they are preaching and teaching Jesus as the Christ. They are in Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia, and meet Lydia and her family. It is a wonderful time of teaching and many come to the Lord. I imagine it to be a sweet, encouraging time. However, as they continue in Philippi, they encounter a slave girl that is demon-possessed. Throughout the time they are in Philippi, Paul and Silas encounter this girl and her "captor." Paul becomes greatly annoyed at this situation and commands the demon to leave this girl. The demon is rebuked and leaves and with him goes the girl's ability to make money for her owners. They are outraged. They haul Paul and Silas before the authorities and accuse them of stirring up trouble. The crowds turn against them and the magistrates order them to be beaten and imprisoned. Then we see verse 25. "But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the prisoners were listening to them"(NKJV). I want to pause the story there for a moment. I went back and read that again. What began as a good trip to Philippi, turned ugly quickly. Paul and Silas are beaten and jailed. It has to be a miserable experience, but what are they doing? Praying and singing hymns to God.
That was humbling to me and I thought it might be a challenge for all of us. Adversity comes in many ways and takes different shapes. Things may be going great, but we all know that tough times will also come. The fact that we are Christians does not prevent us from going through the challenges of life. The question is how do we respond when things get hard? I suppose there are all kinds of ways we can answer that. One of the first that comes to my mind is to whine about how unfair it is to have to endure whatever it is that challenges me at the moment. Another response might be to throw up my hands in frustration and despair and give up. I think it is possible, too, to get angry at God and allow hurt and bitterness to build up in my soul. Maybe you're familiar with these responses, too. Perhaps there are other ones just as ineffective. The challenge is for us to praise him in the darkness, uncertainty and chains. Will I be able to see beyond the suffering to glimpse the savior? Will I be able to praise in the presence of problems? Will I worship in the face of worry?
The rest of the story? God delivered Paul and Silas and the message of Jesus Christ continued to spread and touch hearts and lives. God uses all kinds of circumstances to deliver his message. Our challenge is to have an attitude of praise. Thanks for reading...
Friday, May 31, 2013
When you have to rebuild...
It has been my experience that the book of Nehemiah is not one of the most widely read books of the Bible. I'm not sure why that might be the case (or even if it actually is the case), but I suppose there might be a lot of reasons. It doesn't have the story of Jesus like the gospels. It doesn't have a well-known main character like Moses. It has a lot of hard names like Hallohesh, Sanballat and Tabbaoth. However, I think there are some good lessons in this book and one of them struck me this week.
I'm back to work at Northridge and working with young people preparing for the summer Bible Bowl season. It's been a challenging time of getting everything in that needs to be done. Working more hours and sleeping less has been an adjustment. The truth is, though, I like doing it. I like it a lot, actually. That's not the message today. The message from Nehemiah today is simply this. Rebuilding can be tough, but stay with it. Don't get distracted. It can be done.
At the beginning of Nehemiah, the prophet gets this message, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates have been burned with fire" (Nehemiah 1:3). For Nehemiah, this is troubling news. He wept, sought the Lord and was convicted to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. So, Nehemiah petitions the king to go back to his home, Jerusalem, and rebuild it. This story is a wonderful read and I encourage all of you to check it out, but the point for today is that Nehemiah did just that. He went home and began the arduous task of rebuilding. Along the way he faced the challenge of criticism, distraction and daunting nature of the task, but he persevered. The walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. The words of God were once again read to the people; God had given them great joy and "the sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away" (Nehemiah 12:43).
I know what you're thinking. OK, that's a nice story but how does that affect me today? I think there might be quite a few things that need to be rebuilt in our lives. I'm working with young people learning the book of Acts for Bible Bowl competition. They will memorize it word for word and be able to quote verses by the mention of a single word. It is a tough process to get to that point. Some of them have allowed the work they did during the year to "fall into disrepair." They have to rebuild it. It's not easy. Other folks may have some even more serious rebuilding challenges. Maybe what needs to be rebuilt is...
A broken relationship
A reputation
A business or a career
A life shattered by disease, death or divorce
The point of Nehemiah and this message is that it can be done. How? Nehemiah 4:6 is the key. "So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart." That's how it gets done. You work at it. You begin in the middle of ruins and one stone or brick at a time, you put it back together. It's not easy and you'll be challenged by opposition and distractions. Follow, though, the example of Nehemiah.
Thanks for reading...
I'm back to work at Northridge and working with young people preparing for the summer Bible Bowl season. It's been a challenging time of getting everything in that needs to be done. Working more hours and sleeping less has been an adjustment. The truth is, though, I like doing it. I like it a lot, actually. That's not the message today. The message from Nehemiah today is simply this. Rebuilding can be tough, but stay with it. Don't get distracted. It can be done.
At the beginning of Nehemiah, the prophet gets this message, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates have been burned with fire" (Nehemiah 1:3). For Nehemiah, this is troubling news. He wept, sought the Lord and was convicted to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. So, Nehemiah petitions the king to go back to his home, Jerusalem, and rebuild it. This story is a wonderful read and I encourage all of you to check it out, but the point for today is that Nehemiah did just that. He went home and began the arduous task of rebuilding. Along the way he faced the challenge of criticism, distraction and daunting nature of the task, but he persevered. The walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. The words of God were once again read to the people; God had given them great joy and "the sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away" (Nehemiah 12:43).
I know what you're thinking. OK, that's a nice story but how does that affect me today? I think there might be quite a few things that need to be rebuilt in our lives. I'm working with young people learning the book of Acts for Bible Bowl competition. They will memorize it word for word and be able to quote verses by the mention of a single word. It is a tough process to get to that point. Some of them have allowed the work they did during the year to "fall into disrepair." They have to rebuild it. It's not easy. Other folks may have some even more serious rebuilding challenges. Maybe what needs to be rebuilt is...
A broken relationship
A reputation
A business or a career
A life shattered by disease, death or divorce
The point of Nehemiah and this message is that it can be done. How? Nehemiah 4:6 is the key. "So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart." That's how it gets done. You work at it. You begin in the middle of ruins and one stone or brick at a time, you put it back together. It's not easy and you'll be challenged by opposition and distractions. Follow, though, the example of Nehemiah.
Thanks for reading...
Friday, May 24, 2013
Wedding Thoughts...
For the last year or so, I have been thinking about a wedding. In the past twenty-four hours, it has become even more real. Kimber Lane is going to marry Sean Gilbert tomorrow. I'm excited and happy for both of them. I have had the distinct honor and privilege to play a small part in Kimber's life as she has grown into a lovely and gracious young woman. Now, she and Sean have allowed me to have a small part tomorrow which makes me happy beyond what words can express. Being a part of this wedding means a lot to me.
Revelation 19 mentions another wedding that is to come. John writes, "'Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean was given to her to wear.' (Fine linen stands for the righteousness of the saints)" (Revelation 19:7-8 NIV). He continues in verse 9, "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb."
The "wedding" that John mentions in Revelation is the wonderful union of Jesus Christ and his precious bride, the church. Though there is much debate and discussion over the particulars of the end times and how it will unfold, there can be no doubt that the wedding of the Lamb of God and his bride will be extraordinary and wonderful. As is the case at weddings in our world, I think there will be....
--Unrestrained and unbounded joy
--Reuniting and remembering with loved ones and friends
--Caring, laughing, dancing and, yes, eating!
It will be an event we won't want to miss. And that's the point. I don't think there's anything that would prevent me from missing what is going to happen tomorrow. I've looked forward to being a part of the wedding. But there is another comparison that needs to be made. There is a guest list for Kimber and Sean's wedding. You have to be on the list. There's also a guest list for the Lamb's wedding. He's already sent the invitation and you are invited. To be on the list, though, you must RSVP. How? Receive the free gift that he offers. Become a follower of Jesus Christ. In doing so, you can be a part of the greatest wedding celebration ever.
I hope that you will consider what it might mean to be a part of the Lamb's wedding. As much as I will enjoy tomorrow, I look forward to that one even more.
Thanks for reading and I hope to see you at the glorious reception!
Revelation 19 mentions another wedding that is to come. John writes, "'Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean was given to her to wear.' (Fine linen stands for the righteousness of the saints)" (Revelation 19:7-8 NIV). He continues in verse 9, "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb."
The "wedding" that John mentions in Revelation is the wonderful union of Jesus Christ and his precious bride, the church. Though there is much debate and discussion over the particulars of the end times and how it will unfold, there can be no doubt that the wedding of the Lamb of God and his bride will be extraordinary and wonderful. As is the case at weddings in our world, I think there will be....
--Unrestrained and unbounded joy
--Reuniting and remembering with loved ones and friends
--Caring, laughing, dancing and, yes, eating!
It will be an event we won't want to miss. And that's the point. I don't think there's anything that would prevent me from missing what is going to happen tomorrow. I've looked forward to being a part of the wedding. But there is another comparison that needs to be made. There is a guest list for Kimber and Sean's wedding. You have to be on the list. There's also a guest list for the Lamb's wedding. He's already sent the invitation and you are invited. To be on the list, though, you must RSVP. How? Receive the free gift that he offers. Become a follower of Jesus Christ. In doing so, you can be a part of the greatest wedding celebration ever.
I hope that you will consider what it might mean to be a part of the Lamb's wedding. As much as I will enjoy tomorrow, I look forward to that one even more.
Thanks for reading and I hope to see you at the glorious reception!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Thoughts on Doing for Others
I came home from Indianapolis today and found that the grass had been cut in both the church yard and the parsonage. I know that might not sound like a "big deal" to you, but it was to me. You see, for the last few weeks, I've been cutting both. Some of the guys at church had cut it before, but I had been doing it for the last few weeks. This week, though, we got quite a bit of rain early on and I had a busy Friday and Saturday. I thought I would have to mow on Monday, a short week before I go back to Kansas City for a wedding. However, as I pulled into the lot a few minutes ago, I saw that the grass was looking better than ever. I appreciate those who did it and I think I know who it was. In addition to be grateful, I was also reminded of a passage in James 2. James wrote, "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right" (James 2:8 NIV).
James is quoting this passage from Leviticus 19:18 in which God gives this command to the Israelites. He is urging them to not hold a grudge or to seek revenge. Instead, he challenges them to love. I realize this is not a "new idea" or a "revolutionary concept." I did think of it, especially tonight, in a practical way, though. How do we, as followers of Christ, show that we "love our neighbors as ourselves?" You see, as I read through James 2, "loving" is more than just a feeling or an emotion. It is an action. If you love, then you show it. How?
--Send a card to someone who's lonely
-- Visit the nursing home, even when you don't have a family member there
-- Spend time with the people around you
-- Go on date nights with your spouse
-- Play catch with your child or the neighborhood kid
-- Visit the sick in the hospital
Yes, cut the grass for a neighbor who just can't get it done this week. I appreciate those who helped me. I hope to be a blessing to others. Maybe you can, too. Thanks for reading...
James is quoting this passage from Leviticus 19:18 in which God gives this command to the Israelites. He is urging them to not hold a grudge or to seek revenge. Instead, he challenges them to love. I realize this is not a "new idea" or a "revolutionary concept." I did think of it, especially tonight, in a practical way, though. How do we, as followers of Christ, show that we "love our neighbors as ourselves?" You see, as I read through James 2, "loving" is more than just a feeling or an emotion. It is an action. If you love, then you show it. How?
--Send a card to someone who's lonely
-- Visit the nursing home, even when you don't have a family member there
-- Spend time with the people around you
-- Go on date nights with your spouse
-- Play catch with your child or the neighborhood kid
-- Visit the sick in the hospital
Yes, cut the grass for a neighbor who just can't get it done this week. I appreciate those who helped me. I hope to be a blessing to others. Maybe you can, too. Thanks for reading...
Friday, May 10, 2013
Motivation for Persuasion
A Cleveland man kidnaps and holds three women captive for over a decade. A Philadelphia abortion doctor is on trial for unspeakable acts of brutality and murder. There is a "back and forth" discussion in our nation's capital about whether or not there was a "cover up" in the tragic attack on the consulate in Benghazi. These are headlines for actual stories that I pulled off of news websites today. It seems that bad things are occurring and being reported more than ever. In one of the Bible study groups I lead, we had a discussion recently about whether or not the current times are more "evil" than previous ones. I don't know for sure if things are more "evil" now or if we are simply getting more of the stories. I do know, though, that the world in which we live is not really getting much "better."
What is a Christian to do in an increasingly messed up world? I was reading through 2 Corinthians this morning and came across a verse that, I think, people read through on their way to other passages without really stopping to consider what it says. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:11 "Since then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men" (NIV). To put the verse in its context, we need to note the "Since then." Since what? In the passages prior to this one, Paul has been writing about his goal and that of his fellow-workers. He has noted that "heavenly bodies" await the followers of Jesus, but until we meet the Lord at the end of this life, we live in these mortal bodies with the Holy Spirit as a deposit of what is to come. Because of this, Paul states that their goal is to please the Lord. He writes, in verse ten, that all will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. That is where the "Since then" comes in.
Since all will appear before Christ at judgment, Paul says we know what it is to "fear the Lord." This phrase, too, is an interesting one. In our small group this week at Northridge we were discussing what it meant to "fear the Lord." I don't know if I have one "great" answer, but I think in this context and in others, to "fear the Lord" might mean to recognize that I am going to be accountable to him for what I've done and the choices I've made. It combines, I think, respect for who the Lord is, acknowledgment of his power, recognition of his purity and an awareness of my shortcomings.
Paul says, "Since the, we know what it is to fear the Lord," we do something. What does he say we do? He says, "we try to persuade men." The word there for "persuade" is one that means to "influence" or "convince." It seems to me that one of Paul's motivations for trying to influence others is that he understand what it is like to "fear the Lord."
What does that mean for the Christian in 2013? I suppose it means the same thing it meant to Paul. If we know and believe that all will appear before Christ in judgment, then that can be our motivation to influence or convince others to turn to Jesus Christ. I'm not saying in any way that should be the only motivation. I don't know that people can be "scared" into heaven. Just a few verses from this one, Paul writes, "For Christ love compels us..." I do believe that love is a much greater and meaningful motivator than fear. Having said that, though, there does seem to be a place for "fearing the Lord."
Perhaps in a world saturated by evil, a healthy "fear of the Lord" might be a welcome reminder. I believe we always lead with the love of God and Christ. John 3:16 still stands as the most powerful verse in my opinion. Just keep in mind 2 Corinthians 5:11. It is worth reading, too. Thanks for reading and have a blessed day...
What is a Christian to do in an increasingly messed up world? I was reading through 2 Corinthians this morning and came across a verse that, I think, people read through on their way to other passages without really stopping to consider what it says. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:11 "Since then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men" (NIV). To put the verse in its context, we need to note the "Since then." Since what? In the passages prior to this one, Paul has been writing about his goal and that of his fellow-workers. He has noted that "heavenly bodies" await the followers of Jesus, but until we meet the Lord at the end of this life, we live in these mortal bodies with the Holy Spirit as a deposit of what is to come. Because of this, Paul states that their goal is to please the Lord. He writes, in verse ten, that all will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. That is where the "Since then" comes in.
Since all will appear before Christ at judgment, Paul says we know what it is to "fear the Lord." This phrase, too, is an interesting one. In our small group this week at Northridge we were discussing what it meant to "fear the Lord." I don't know if I have one "great" answer, but I think in this context and in others, to "fear the Lord" might mean to recognize that I am going to be accountable to him for what I've done and the choices I've made. It combines, I think, respect for who the Lord is, acknowledgment of his power, recognition of his purity and an awareness of my shortcomings.
Paul says, "Since the, we know what it is to fear the Lord," we do something. What does he say we do? He says, "we try to persuade men." The word there for "persuade" is one that means to "influence" or "convince." It seems to me that one of Paul's motivations for trying to influence others is that he understand what it is like to "fear the Lord."
What does that mean for the Christian in 2013? I suppose it means the same thing it meant to Paul. If we know and believe that all will appear before Christ in judgment, then that can be our motivation to influence or convince others to turn to Jesus Christ. I'm not saying in any way that should be the only motivation. I don't know that people can be "scared" into heaven. Just a few verses from this one, Paul writes, "For Christ love compels us..." I do believe that love is a much greater and meaningful motivator than fear. Having said that, though, there does seem to be a place for "fearing the Lord."
Perhaps in a world saturated by evil, a healthy "fear of the Lord" might be a welcome reminder. I believe we always lead with the love of God and Christ. John 3:16 still stands as the most powerful verse in my opinion. Just keep in mind 2 Corinthians 5:11. It is worth reading, too. Thanks for reading and have a blessed day...
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Beautification: Weeding and Mulching
Today was "Beautification Day" at Northridge. I hadn't heard that term used to describe what I had previously known as "Work Day." However, after looking at the results, I think it may be an apt description. Several of the faithful here at Northridge gathered at 9:00 this morning to spruce up the church grounds for summer. All who attended had some gardening skill or tool proficiency, well, nearly all. I was there, too. With the tool talent and skill that I have, I was given the task of first pulling weeds and then spreading the mulch. It was a job that required desire, but very little talent. In other words, it was right up my alley. Our work crew labored hard and when we finished, the church looked, I think, a little nicer.
Later, on my way to a hospital visit in Columbus, I was thinking about "Beautification Day" (as well as how my Bible Bowlers had performed today, but that's for another time). I thought about how we spend quite a bit of time making things look nice around our houses and yards. There were a lot of people out on Wil Mar Drive today working. I am positive that throughout the city, state and in many parts of the country people spend a lot of money, time and effort to make houses and yards look as nice as they can. I don't see anything wrong with this (other than I have limited ability). I was wondering, though, how much time and effort we spend on "Beautification Day of the Soul." Do you like that term? I hope so. Do we concern ourselves as much about the condition of our spiritual lives as we do about the flowers and the grass? Do we spend our time and treasure in an appropriate proportion to how much we value our walk with the Lord?
Paul writes in Colossians 3, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God" (Colossians 3:1 NKJV). Jesus says, as found in Matthew 10:28, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell" (NKJV). In both of these passages, the emphasis is on prioritizing the things that have eternal significance. Make sure that you're taking care of the things that will last.
What would "Beautification of the Soul Day" look like? I'm not sure, everyone's yard is different and everyone's life is, too. However, it probably begins with a thoughtful look at your walk with Jesus Christ. It may involve prayer, spending time in His Word, being in church, worship, serving and a host of other things.
I thought "Beautification Day" at Northridge was a success. I hope that you'll try a "Beautification of the Soul Day." Thanks for reading....
Later, on my way to a hospital visit in Columbus, I was thinking about "Beautification Day" (as well as how my Bible Bowlers had performed today, but that's for another time). I thought about how we spend quite a bit of time making things look nice around our houses and yards. There were a lot of people out on Wil Mar Drive today working. I am positive that throughout the city, state and in many parts of the country people spend a lot of money, time and effort to make houses and yards look as nice as they can. I don't see anything wrong with this (other than I have limited ability). I was wondering, though, how much time and effort we spend on "Beautification Day of the Soul." Do you like that term? I hope so. Do we concern ourselves as much about the condition of our spiritual lives as we do about the flowers and the grass? Do we spend our time and treasure in an appropriate proportion to how much we value our walk with the Lord?
Paul writes in Colossians 3, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God" (Colossians 3:1 NKJV). Jesus says, as found in Matthew 10:28, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell" (NKJV). In both of these passages, the emphasis is on prioritizing the things that have eternal significance. Make sure that you're taking care of the things that will last.
What would "Beautification of the Soul Day" look like? I'm not sure, everyone's yard is different and everyone's life is, too. However, it probably begins with a thoughtful look at your walk with Jesus Christ. It may involve prayer, spending time in His Word, being in church, worship, serving and a host of other things.
I thought "Beautification Day" at Northridge was a success. I hope that you'll try a "Beautification of the Soul Day." Thanks for reading....
Friday, April 26, 2013
Does it matter if I go to church?
I've heard quite a few folks say "I don't have to go to church to be a Christian" and, for the most part, I agree. Being in church no more makes you a Christian than standing in a garage makes you a car. Having said that, though, there are some good reasons why a person should be involved in and going to church. Hebrews 10:24-25 say, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." This passage is a powerful reminder of why Christians need to meet together. Let's look at a few of the reasons noted here.
First, we are to "spur" one another on toward love and good deeds. The word "spur" in the Greek is a word that means "to sharply provoke or jab." The idea I think the Hebrew writer is expressing is that Christians need to meet together to challenge and inspire each other to love more and do good. Meeting together allows us the opportunity to sharpen one another as "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17). Coming to church is a chance to be motivated for service. I think, many times, we can become complacent in our faith. We do what we always do and we often to it without thinking. It is good, sometimes, to be challenged and stimulated to serve the Lord in new and creative ways.
Second, we are to meet together to encourage one another. The implication here is that we need to meet together to get strength to face the challenges of daily living. Meeting together with other Christians (going to church in the American vernacular) is a way to get "filled up" with the love and courage needed to face the struggles of life. This works both ways. If you are down and discouraged, you can come and allow the love of Christ and others to fill you. If you are doing all right, you can come and be a part of helping one who isn't doing as well.
Finally, we need to be meeting together because the "Day" is approaching. The "Day" here, is one that Bible scholars have debated, but, as I see it, "the Day" here is a reference to the "day of judgment." We need to be in the habit of meeting together to celebrate Jesus, to praise, worship and thank him for all he's done. We need to do it to encourage and stimulate each other.The time of Jesus' return is coming. When he comes, all things will be new and different. Until then, though, meet together.
I hope that this Sunday finds you meeting with some brothers and sisters in Christ. You need them and they need you. See you Sunday and thanks for reading....
First, we are to "spur" one another on toward love and good deeds. The word "spur" in the Greek is a word that means "to sharply provoke or jab." The idea I think the Hebrew writer is expressing is that Christians need to meet together to challenge and inspire each other to love more and do good. Meeting together allows us the opportunity to sharpen one another as "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17). Coming to church is a chance to be motivated for service. I think, many times, we can become complacent in our faith. We do what we always do and we often to it without thinking. It is good, sometimes, to be challenged and stimulated to serve the Lord in new and creative ways.
Second, we are to meet together to encourage one another. The implication here is that we need to meet together to get strength to face the challenges of daily living. Meeting together with other Christians (going to church in the American vernacular) is a way to get "filled up" with the love and courage needed to face the struggles of life. This works both ways. If you are down and discouraged, you can come and allow the love of Christ and others to fill you. If you are doing all right, you can come and be a part of helping one who isn't doing as well.
Finally, we need to be meeting together because the "Day" is approaching. The "Day" here, is one that Bible scholars have debated, but, as I see it, "the Day" here is a reference to the "day of judgment." We need to be in the habit of meeting together to celebrate Jesus, to praise, worship and thank him for all he's done. We need to do it to encourage and stimulate each other.The time of Jesus' return is coming. When he comes, all things will be new and different. Until then, though, meet together.
I hope that this Sunday finds you meeting with some brothers and sisters in Christ. You need them and they need you. See you Sunday and thanks for reading....
Friday, April 19, 2013
Do you really know Jesus?
I don't know if you have ever heard of Matthew Staszak. I doubt it, unless you are a model train enthusiast who is "in the know." Staszak, who passed away in February of this year, was a leader in the St. James Model Railroad Club in St. James, New York, a small town near Long Island. I ran across an article that spoke of Staszak's love for model trains this week and was impressed by it. Fellow club members spoke of his passion for model trains. He loved sharing his knowledge and collection with his grandsons and with other members of the club. In the article, club members referred to how much Staszak was "the backbone of the club" and how much he knew about them.
Though I had a train set as a boy, I would not call myself a model train person. I admire, though, someone who is so into something that they really know it and are passionate about it. I have been reading through and studying the book of Philippians for the last several weeks. Philippians 3:10-11 really struck me this week. Paul writes there, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead." The word for "know" in the verse is the Greek word "gnonai" which means to ascertain, especially from personal experience. Paul's desire in this passage is to really, personally know Jesus Christ. Involved in that would be the power of his resurrection and the connection of sharing in his sufferings. There are quite a few things that could be pulled from this passage, but for the moment, I want to focus on Paul's desire to "know Jesus." I wonder sometimes how many Christians really want to "know Jesus." I am confident that several know about Jesus. I am certain that there are people who really want to feel Jesus in their lives. I am sure that quite a few want to be able to call on Jesus when trouble hits. I dont' know, though, how many really desire to know Him. What does it mean to know him?
Looking at what Paul wrote, I think it is clear that to know him means to experience the power of his resurrection. I think this might mean to have the resurrection be real in your life. Have you died to sin and been resurrected a new person? Do you know what it means to become a "new creation?" Are you living for Christ or do you still tend to live for yourself? Paul continued to say to know "the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings." I think this might mean that we need to be so changed from the rest of the world that we might actually suffer for his name.
This is a real challenge, I think. I want to know Jesus, too, but when I write or say that, I ought to be aware of what that means. It is more than just having knowledge of Him. It involves being so "into Him" that my life is changed from the inside out and I am willing to suffer because of my faith.
I hope that all of us will consider our own walk with the Lord and honestly desire to "know Jesus." Thanks for reading and have a blessed day....
Though I had a train set as a boy, I would not call myself a model train person. I admire, though, someone who is so into something that they really know it and are passionate about it. I have been reading through and studying the book of Philippians for the last several weeks. Philippians 3:10-11 really struck me this week. Paul writes there, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead." The word for "know" in the verse is the Greek word "gnonai" which means to ascertain, especially from personal experience. Paul's desire in this passage is to really, personally know Jesus Christ. Involved in that would be the power of his resurrection and the connection of sharing in his sufferings. There are quite a few things that could be pulled from this passage, but for the moment, I want to focus on Paul's desire to "know Jesus." I wonder sometimes how many Christians really want to "know Jesus." I am confident that several know about Jesus. I am certain that there are people who really want to feel Jesus in their lives. I am sure that quite a few want to be able to call on Jesus when trouble hits. I dont' know, though, how many really desire to know Him. What does it mean to know him?
Looking at what Paul wrote, I think it is clear that to know him means to experience the power of his resurrection. I think this might mean to have the resurrection be real in your life. Have you died to sin and been resurrected a new person? Do you know what it means to become a "new creation?" Are you living for Christ or do you still tend to live for yourself? Paul continued to say to know "the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings." I think this might mean that we need to be so changed from the rest of the world that we might actually suffer for his name.
This is a real challenge, I think. I want to know Jesus, too, but when I write or say that, I ought to be aware of what that means. It is more than just having knowledge of Him. It involves being so "into Him" that my life is changed from the inside out and I am willing to suffer because of my faith.
I hope that all of us will consider our own walk with the Lord and honestly desire to "know Jesus." Thanks for reading and have a blessed day....
Friday, April 12, 2013
When Life Is Hard...
Lately I've been around quite a few folks that are going through some difficult times. The loss of a loved one; the scary results of a medical test; an upcoming surgery; broken homes and relationships; questions about job security; court dates; the list seems endless.
At a funeral this week (one of those incredibly tragic things on the list), I heard two songs by the Christian group Mercy Me. Both songs, I thought, were inspiring and made me think. Sometimes, when things get incredibly hard, we need to focus our eyes on heaven. The first of these songs, "I Can Only Imagine," helped me do that. It was a wonderful reminder that as hard as life may get here, there will come a day "with no more pain and no more tears." The apostle John saw what that day looked like as he wrote in Revelation 21:3-4. "God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things is passed away." A day is coming when all sadness, sorrow, pain and death are no more. Can you imagine...
** no more car accidents
** no more reports of cancer
** no more fatal shootings
** no more wheelchairs or walkers
** no more pill bottles
** no more Alzheimer's units
** no more divorce
** no more financial uncertainty
** no more layoffs and closings
These things will be gone in the new order. That leads to the second song I heard, "Homesick." It speaks of an intense longing to go home to be with the Lord and loved ones. I think this captures very well my feelings at times, and maybe your's, too. There are times when the events of this world and the awful things that occur make us want to get away from all the ugliness and sin. I'm not advocating rushing that "get away." God has a plan for each one of us here and has numbered our days. I do, though, get the longing of the disciples and of countless numbers of Christians over the ages who have longed for His coming. I join them in saying, "Maranatha." "Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus."
I hope when life is hard for you that you'll look to the Lord and to heaven. Thanks for reading and have a blessed day...
At a funeral this week (one of those incredibly tragic things on the list), I heard two songs by the Christian group Mercy Me. Both songs, I thought, were inspiring and made me think. Sometimes, when things get incredibly hard, we need to focus our eyes on heaven. The first of these songs, "I Can Only Imagine," helped me do that. It was a wonderful reminder that as hard as life may get here, there will come a day "with no more pain and no more tears." The apostle John saw what that day looked like as he wrote in Revelation 21:3-4. "God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things is passed away." A day is coming when all sadness, sorrow, pain and death are no more. Can you imagine...
** no more car accidents
** no more reports of cancer
** no more fatal shootings
** no more wheelchairs or walkers
** no more pill bottles
** no more Alzheimer's units
** no more divorce
** no more financial uncertainty
** no more layoffs and closings
These things will be gone in the new order. That leads to the second song I heard, "Homesick." It speaks of an intense longing to go home to be with the Lord and loved ones. I think this captures very well my feelings at times, and maybe your's, too. There are times when the events of this world and the awful things that occur make us want to get away from all the ugliness and sin. I'm not advocating rushing that "get away." God has a plan for each one of us here and has numbered our days. I do, though, get the longing of the disciples and of countless numbers of Christians over the ages who have longed for His coming. I join them in saying, "Maranatha." "Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus."
I hope when life is hard for you that you'll look to the Lord and to heaven. Thanks for reading and have a blessed day...
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