Focus on the Good Guys

For an article I interviewed a young police officer who has been on the job less than a year. In response to my questions I anticipated he would tell me he focused on serving the public, catching the bad guys and solving crimes. However, the young man said, “When I see support in the community, like people waving at us and the thin blue line stickers on cars, it makes a huge difference to us every day. It makes us want to do our job for them. The people that support us are the ones I try to focus on throughout the day.” Paul said, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Col 3:1-2 NIV).

God Permitting

Sometimes our investment in a movie or TV series just doesn’t pay off, but we hang in there thinking that we might eventually get something out of it. More and more my husband and I will look at one another and ask, “Are you getting anything out of this?” and then we change the channel. No doubt this will sound sacrilegious to some, but this same thought process is showing up on my religious landscape. I can’t help but wonder if other believers are leaving the Sunday school class, or the worship service, and asking themselves and one another, “Are you getting anything out of this?” That being said, we can’t totally fault teachers and preachers for serving the milk of the Word when people of faith won’t change the channel. The writer of Hebrews lays the responsibility at the feet of the individual for not leaving elementary teachings about Christ. “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so” (Heb 6:1-3 NIV). 

Being Saved

It occurs to me that when we present the plan of salvation to another person we actually want them to be saved in the same way in which we ourselves found salvation. Paul, a prisoner, was in a severe storm on a ship that was being driven across the Adriatic Sea. He warned his guards that unless everyone stayed with the ship they could not be saved…but it wasn’t the ship that would save them, nor would they all be saved in the same manner. When the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground some prisoners jumped overboard and swam, others got away on planks or pieces of the ship, “In this way everyone reached land in safety” (Acts 27:44b NIV).

Quietness of a Memorial

A soldier at war doesn’t memorialize his fallen brothers while he is in the heat of battle. Likewise, believers in the midst of everyday worries, struggles and their work day are often so busy fighting the good fight, that meditating on Jesus Christ is not in the forefront of their mind. Certainly, we can partake of the Lord’s Supper at any time and in any place. However, coming around the Lord’s Table in a worship service allows us to set aside the world for a brief period of time and prepare our minds and our hearts before we partake of the emblems in remembrance of Christ and his sacrifice. Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples. Jesus said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:19b-20 NIV).

Good Soil

The meaning of the Parable of the Sower is focused on where seed is sown — along the path, rocky places, among the thorns and the good soil. The seed sown on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. However, it is mature believers who sow the word and it occurs to me there are times when many of us use a shotgun approach and we scatter seed everywhere hoping some of it will take root. I’m now wondering if I’ve been remiss in not first looking for good soil before I start scattering seed. Jesus said, “But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Matt 13:23 NIV).

The Creator and The Creation

Many of us are watching the Hawaii volcano activity. One TV newscaster interviewed a volcanologist who said, “These eruptions can go on for months and even years.” No doubt the newscaster was trying to draw out information from the expert when he said, “So, what can we [man] do about this?” In the book of Job God’s hand on the earth’s atmosphere is a good reminder that it is God who controls nature. “The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen. He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them” (Job 37:10-12 NIV).

Credited To You

I have a Facebook friend who, for his Birthday, ask people to donate in his name to a charity of his choice. I had to laugh. I know he is well intentioned, but this is a Facebook friend. He is not someone whose Birthday I’ve ever celebrated before, much less ever gifted with a present. I’m now wondering to whom the gift-giving is credited. Is it credited to the one who gave the gift, or to the one who requested the gift be given?  I’m contemplating the Philippians who sent Paul aid again and again. Paul thanked them for their previous gifts, “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account…” The gifts you sent, “…are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:17-18b, 19 NIV).

At Your Disposal

I recently heard a sermon that manipulated Acts 4:32-36 into a tithing sermon. Barnabas, “…sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet” (vs 37 NIV). The pastor concluded that Barnabas could have given the money to those in need himself; however, by giving the money to the apostles it was the early church, not Barnabas, who gets the credit for giving to the poor. In essence, when you give to the church the leaders will determine where the needs are and then God will be glorified through the church…rather than through an individual. Ananias lied about his contribution to the church, which cost him his life. However, Peter makes it very clear that believers have the right to manage and direct their own finances. Peter said, “Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal” (Acts 5:4a NIV)?

Fix Your Eyes

Hell, fire and damnation sermons of the past have seemingly been replaced by a social Gospel. More often than not preachers are putting forth current social-ills and then throwing a portion of Scripture at the situation in order to make it applicable. In essence, today’s ministers are keeping the eyes of believers focused on man and the things of the world, rather than on the spiritual. Paul said, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor 4:18 NIV).

Consulting Me

In a marriage, or a parent/child relationship, we often get bent out of shape when the other person doesn’t consult us before making a decision. I suspect we have similar feelings toward God when He doesn’t consult us before He makes a decision. It’s as though we feel our being faithful somehow entitles us to have a voice in God’s decision-making process. Paul said, “But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory” (Ro 9:20-23 NIV).

Self-Inspection

The Obama-Iran nuclear deal has a familiar and somewhat of a spiritual ring to it. Similar to Iran, many people of faith don’t want to be held accountable, they want to self-inspect. Paul cautioned against such an attitude, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise” (2 Cor 10:12 NIV).

The Know-It-All

Most of us are acquainted with at least one person who never asks or listens to the opinions of others because they already know-it-all. James said, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double–minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:5-8 NIV). Apparently the first step in gaining wisdom from God is to first acknowledge that we lack wisdom.

Touching Jesus

After He walked on water Jesus climbed into the boat with his disciples and they landed at Gennesaret. “And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed” (Matt 14:35 NIV). It occurs to me that believers today continue the same practice of bringing the sick to Jesus. With our prayers for physical, mental and spiritual health for others, we are in essence, bringing each one of them to Jesus for healing.

Born Again

I really like the Jason Bourne movies starring Matt Damon and when I get the opportunity I re-watch them. My husband Bill, on the other hand, is not as enamored. The other day Bill walked into the living room and said, “What, Bourne again?” Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3 NIV).

Mother’s Day

One of the last acts of Jesus as he hung on the cross was to honor his mother, Mary. “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home” (John 19:26-27 NIV). Mothers hold a special place in our minds and hearts; however, doing the will of the Father far outweighs any earthly family relationship. Jesus said, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matt 12:48-50 NIV).

Discrimination

Citizens who only occasionally attend local governments meetings are unaware of the discrimination used by elected officials in meetings. Generally speaking I attend all the public city meetings, so it’s easy to see the pattern of partiality and favoritism shown toward citizens. If a speaker is in opposition to the city leadership and the agenda, their comments are restricted, stifled and time limited. However, friends of the leadership who support the agenda are not only allowed to speak unfettered, they are encouraged to speak. Unfortunately, church leadership is not immune to discrimination. James said, “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts” (James 2:1:2 NIV)?

Like a Dove

Matthew wrote, “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matt 3:16-17 NIV). In my mind the image of a dove is one of gentleness, compassion and love. However, it occurs to me that the Spirit of God could have descended like a falling rock, a shooting star, a bolt of lightning, or an eagle.

I See You

I took my daughter’s dog for a walk in a local park and came upon three male teenage vandals destroying city property. As they sauntered past me on the bike path I said, “I’ve seen your face, I can identify you and I know who you are.” One young man tossed over his shoulder, “So sue me!” I responded, “No, but I’m going to report you to the police.” The next day when I once again walked the dog and I was surprised to see that the damaged city property was somewhat repaired. I surmised that at least one of the vandals had a moment of repentance and tried to fix what he had destroyed. As believers we do something similar — We fail to confess, repent or repair the damage we’ve done until we come to the realization that the Lord has seen our face, can identify us and knows who we are. Proverbs says, “For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly” (Proverbs 5:21-23 NIV).

Obey My Commands

I attended a Spring Dance Recital where the audience was given strict instructions, both in writing and through an announcement, “Absolutely no photos or videotaping.” I was irritated when a woman in the row in front of me and off to my right broke out her large camera and took snapshots of her little darling. She stayed long enough to watch her own daughter perform and then left the auditorium. However, the father of another child then came in and sat directly in front of me and pulled out his phone to video tape his child. Think of a dark movie theater where the person in front of you is on their phone playing games and the glare of the phone makes it impossible to watch the movie. After he taped two sessions with his phone camera held high enough to blocked my view I finally tapped him on the shoulder and reminded him of the rules and that those of us behind him could not see. Unabashed, he continued to record and replay his child’s performance on his cell phone while those around him strained to watch the production. All too often people of faith have a similar thought process. We know God’s commands, but we think they apply to others and not to us. Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love” (John 15:9-10 NIV).

Stop Thinking

Today’s speakers (preachers, newscasters, interviewees, commentators, etc.) continue to over season their message with, “I think…”, and “I believe…” Whether a speaker is delivering the news or a sermon, they need to be clear about whether their statements are based on fact, or simply their own personal opinion. Recently a pastor said, “I believe God keeps His promises…I think we neglect repentance…Without the Holy Spirit I don’t think we would be here.” I’m not sure if the pastor was trying to soften the message or endear himself to listeners. However, he would have stood on a firmer foundation had he said, “God keeps his promises. We neglect repentance. We would not be here without the Holy Spirit.” As believers we have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and it is our responsibility to speak the Word of God boldly. In writing about the early church Luke said, “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31 NIV).

Get Dressed!

Last Saturday I didn’t have anything I had to do so I decided to wear sweats for day. I did put on make-up, but I only haphazardly blow-dried my hair because I had no intention of leaving the house. Even though I did some laundry and a little bit of typing, by late afternoon it didn’t seem like I had accomplished anything. I felt disheveled, as though I’d been setting around in my pajamas all day. I have a renewed appreciation for Paul’s instruction on getting dressed daily, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph 6:13-17 NIV).

Church Obituary

I continue to hear mature believers say, “If we don’t get some young families the church, the church will die.” Or, “Without telling our friends about Jesus the church will die.” Certainly, we can all agree the church may not grow as rapidly if we don’t bring in younger families, or if we fail to tell our friends about Jesus. However, the church is not on life-support as some would have us believe. Paul said, “According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together   with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words” (1 Thess 4:16-18 NIV).

Notary

In my mothers-in-law’s will I am listed as her agent and in order to settle her estate I need to have my signature notarized on various documents. One agency refused my request citing that they don’t notarize anything pertaining to wills. As a Notary myself I found it interesting that they would quantify the type of document they notarize. In essence, the duty of a Notary is to verify the signature of the person, not to verify the document. In effect, the disciples notarized Jesus, “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt 16:13-16 NIV).