Scripture Fulfilled

Fulfilled is defined as a feeling of happiness or satisfaction. I can understand God feeling satisfaction when Jesus lost none of those except the one doomed to destruction. However, it is hard for many of us to wrap our heads around the feeling of satisfaction in the fulfillment of Scripture because men cast lots for the Lord’s clothing, when Christ was thirsty on the cross and asked for a drink, or when his bones remained unbroken at the time of his death. Peter said, “But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus” (Acts 3:18-20 NIV).

Pay For Play

Many people were outraged by the perceived pay-for-play schemes of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. However, we need look no further than local government and yes, even in the church, to see similar tactics of favoritism, endorsements and elevated status. We people of faith would like to believe we are above such manipulation; however, even in the time of Jesus he taught, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely” (Mark 12:38-40 NIV). I haven’t seen anyone walking around in a flowing robe, but I have encountered church leaders who think that the Spirit within them is superior to the Spirit that is within in others.

Always at Work

God created the heavens and the earth and rested on the 7^th day. Some might think that since that time God has been resting on His laurels. Not so…God went right back to work for you and me. The Jews persecuted Jesus because he healed on the Sabbath, Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working” (John 5:17 NIV).

A Good Conscience

When a local elected official continued to miss official meetings one supporter came to her defense saying, “I’m sure she had a reason, she is a very busy person.” It goes without saying that the elected official, as well as everyone else, can make a claim of busyness. However, constituents have an expectation that elected officials prioritize and perform their duties and serve the needs of citizens. Likewise, the Lord has an expectation that believers will perform their duties and serve others. A claim of busyness isn’t valid and Paul is a good example of one who didn’t conjure up excuses, “Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day” (Acts 23:1 NIV).

Count Your Blessings

By definition, a blessing is asking for God’s favor and protection. Recently a spiritual group reported on their annual event of “Animal Blessings.” As though to showcase their all-inclusiveness and outreach into the community they boasted that this year’s event included blessing a roly-poly bug and a stuffed animal. I’m now trying to figure out how an animal, or an inanimate object, knows when they have been blessed. The Psalmist wrote, “May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him” (Psalm 67:5-7 NIV). 

Happy Thanksgiving

I’m thankful for the insight of Gabriel, the angel who stands in the presence of God, “For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37 NIV).

Principals of This World

I overheard a woman in the checkout line talking to the sales clerk about her vegan son. Exasperated she said, “He won’t eat anything that has a mother!” It is so easy for people to become obsessed with food choices, diets, and perceived healthy lifestyles. Paul reminds us that the death of Christ freed us from human restriction and fad diets, “Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self–imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence” (Col 2:20-23 NIV).

Two Masters

A local museum got caught up in being promoted as a place for paranormal activity. While they are receiving worldwide PR, they now feel the label may detract from their stated mission of history and education. The ghost branding may well stick simply because there are a couple of people in the administration who, by all appearances, believe in the paranormal. I suspect the museum will try to find a way to straddle the line, which is a similar tactic we see in liberal churches, as well as in individual believers. For instance, those who stand on the Bible yet practice astrology and rely on their horoscope. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matt 6:24 NIV).

Established By God

I find the upcoming Alabama election with controversial candidate Judge Ray Moore fascinating. The uproar reminds me of same atmosphere that was present when Jesus was before Pilate. The religious and political leaders conspired to have the Lord crucified and Barabbas released…and the people in the crowd, the voters of that day, believed that they controlled the narrative. We would do well to remember that whether it is Obama, Trump or Moore, it is God who purposed these people for their position. Paul said, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (Ro 13:1 NIV).

Reviewing

Scripture often uses repetition to emphasize the importance of an issue, but generally speaking we don’t see New Testament writers reviewing their own material. I’m seeing a pattern with today’s preachers, similar to a teacher reminding his students of a previous instruction, where they review past lessons. The pastor will refer to information given in the adult Sunday school class, the Wednesday night Bible study, or last week’s sermon. Such refreshers work well if preacher is talking to the same audience; however, it is of little benefit to those who missed the previous lesson. Often these reviews overshadow the actual lesson, which leaves one with the feeling that the speaker wasn’t prepared and fell back on old material. Paul sets a standard and serves as an example to those who preach the Word, “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Cor 2:6-8 NIV).

Happy Thanksgiving

I’m thankful for the insight of Gabriel, the angel who stands in the presence of God, “For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37 NIV).

Riding for the Brand

I recently watched an old western on TV where Sam Elliot’s character talked about riding for the brand. In essence the brand was a ranch’s trademark and riding for the brand meant you signed on to the mission — loyalty, dedication, duty, etc. It is becoming more and more obvious that people in the media, politicians, civil servants and yes, even people of faith, are trying to become their own brand. Sometimes people of faith start writing and believing their own press and forget the brand they ride for is not their own, but that of Jesus Christ. Paul said, “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men” (1 Cor 7:23 NIV).

Open Doors

During a recent visit to a struggling church there were only three of us in attendance. One man was at retirement age and the other man was well beyond retirement. Both gentlemen have had heath issues and are unable to keep up with the facility maintenance. The pastor said, “Once in a while we have visitors and can fill a [pew] row. We don’t have any youth programs, so I can see why people with children want to go other churches. We continue to be faithful here until God says shut the door…which may be sooner rather than later.” As an observer it appeared to me that the Lord had already shut the door. I couldn’t help but wonder if, rather than praying for the Lord to shut the door, they should be praying for the Lord to open a door. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me” (1 Cor 16:7-9 NIV).

False Referrals

More and more people try to tap into the Christian Ear for referral traffic. Their messages are often written in a foreign language, or with broken English lacking basic grammar. Not surprising, the comments have nothing to do with the subject even though they say, “This is just what I needed and will you write more on this subject.” As believers we too must filter out Satan’s referral traffic that would have us believe that all religions lead to God and, as the bumper sticker purports, all faiths can “coexist.” Jesus states clearly, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him” (John 14:6-7 NIV).

Veterans of Faith

In honor of Veterans the small congregation sang the hymn, “Onward, Christian Soldiers.” The pastor said, “There are also veterans of the faith who are Christian soldiers in His kingdom. As a military veteran (US Navy and Army National Guard), the comment gave me pause. A veteran is someone who has had long experience in a particular field; however, I’ve never applied that title to my Christian walk. The writer of Hebrews said, “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Heb 5:13-14 NIV).

Sufficient

The last few weeks I’ve felt overwhelmed with coordinating my life, as well as the lives of my husband and mother-in-law. We’ve had an overnight hospital stay, multiple doctor appointments and visits to an attorney to cross our T’s and dot the I’s. I finally told the Lord that I’ve reached my limit and I can do no more. You wanna know what he told me…My grace is sufficient you. The Lord’s words to Paul should strike at the heart of all believers, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9a NIV).

God is a Jealous God

The banner in an inclusive spiritual center displayed a potpourri of beliefs, but the only two I recognized were the Peace Sign and the Star of David. The leader said, “All faiths and all religions welcome you on your unique path to the Creator.” One need read no further than the first two Commandments to understand what God demands from those love Him, “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand ‹generations› of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Ex 20:3-6 NIV).

Life for All Who Believe

The recent mass shooting at the Southern Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas is tragic; as was the shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, the loss of life is not the same. Generally speaking people of faith are comforted knowing that those who died during worship are with the Lord, but we don’t know about those who died while on vacation. While some would have been believers, others would not have accepted Jesus before their life was taken. Jesus prayed for his disciples, “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours… None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:9,12b, 20, 21 NIV).

God’s Relocation

In a telephone conversation I spoke to a liberal minded woman who moved to the area a couple years ago, “We didn’t know this was such a religious community. We should have done our homework better.” I defended the community’s right to practice religion, but I’ll admit that my first reaction was one of indignation that a perceived overly religious community factored into a site selection for retirement. I then remembered my husband and I once talked about relocating, but decided against a move because of the lack of medical facilities, grocery stores, and yes…the absence of a church that taught the Bible, rather than the denomination. It gives me pause to consider Abraham’s only consideration for relocation was God’s direction, “‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you” (Acts 7:3 NIV).

Always Open

Yesterday I visited a church whose publicly scheduled worship time was 1:30 p.m.; however, when I arrived the doors were locked. The worship time listed on the door was 2:00 p.m., so I went shopping for 30 minutes and returned. Still the doors were locked, but it just so happened that members of the church dropped by at the same time and explained that they no longer have afternoon services. I suppose it was no big deal from the church leadership’s position, but from a visitor’s point of view the lackadaisical attitude spoke volumes. John reported on the schedule for the New Jerusalem, “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there” (Rev 21:22-25 NIV).

Servant and Friend

Jesus told his disciples, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15 NIV). I know the Spirit reveals to us as much as we can absorb, but there are times when I just don’t understand what God is doing, or why He is doing it. In those instances, I feel more servant-like simply because I’m doing what the Lord commands, but not fully understanding the purpose.   

One Body

In my first visit to a local Mennonite congregation some of the ladies welcomed me; however, none of the men spoke to me, nor did they make eye contact. For my second visit to the same church two young fathers introduced themselves and shook my hand. During the service the speaker welcomed guests and I laughed to myself because out of 125 people, it was obvious I was the only visitor. The women of this denomination wear mid-calf dresses, long hair concealed by black head scarves and no jewelry or make-up. Needless to say I stood out like a sore thumb. This congregation separates themselves by gender during worship with the men sitting on the right side of the church and woman on the left. Following the service, I complimented the speaker on his message and told him I appreciated the welcome from the two young men. He said, “Maybe none of the men spoke to you the first time because of your perfume.” The man’s calculated attempt at superiority was both wasted and transparent...I happen to be allergic to perfume. Paul said, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:3-5 NIV).

Power Source

We have so many power sources in the house that I literally do not need a flashlight or nightlight to walk through the house when it’s dark. Those glowing red, green, blue and amber LED spots show the computer, the printer, the TV cable box, coffee pot, CO2 detector, alarm clock, cell phone charger, etc. In the spiritual arena it’s no wonder that people fail to see the light of Christ in us when we walk around giving credit to so many other power sources — natural talents, finances, health, social status, heritage, linage, and self-esteem, self-righteousness. Jesus told his disciples, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light” (John 12:35-36 NIV).