No Record of Sins

In preparation for moving into a new house come August I’m going through closets, drawers and files. I’m determined not to move anything we don’t need or want today — or in the future. While Bill is walking down memory lane with his fourth-grade report card, military records, schools and training certificates, and career promotions, I’m busy shredding the now unimportant milestones of yesteryear. Nowhere in our collection of papers is there a spiritual record of our lives, neither the good, nor the bad. The Psalmist said, “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared” (Psalm 130:3-4 NIV).

Fighting Against God

Those who continue to attack President Trump seem unaware that he is in his position only by God’s authority. Trump’s enemies would do well to heed the advice Gamaliel gave to the Sanhedrin about the Apostles, “Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (Acts 5:38-39 NIV).

My Bags are Packed and I’m Ready to Go

When we get ready to go on vacation our excitement is palpable. We make plans and tell friends, family and neighbors. We look forward to being refreshed, renewed and energized. I wonder if many of us are remiss when we fail to tell others that our spiritual bags are packed. Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me” (Phil 1:21-26 NIV).

Reflecting on the Kingdom

A Christian school recently hired a new administrator and his credentials did not seem to match the position he was hired for. While he has a lot of world experience (military, medical technology, business, leadership, etc.), there was no mention of Bible college degrees or classes in Christian education and administration. As a financial supporter of the school I talked to a school board member and ask about the new hire’s Christian educational background. The board member took such a defensive attitude to my inquiry that I’m now wondering about continuing with my support. It’s not lost on me how our attitudes reflect on the organizations we’re affiliated with, and on the Kingdom in which we serve. Paul said, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col 3:17 NIV).

Deceptive Wages

A local newspaper took a public bow for a breaking news story which they did not break. They not only accepted an award they did not deserve, but when it was brought to their attention that another media outlet had the scoop, they chose not to set the record straight. So much for journalistic ethics. Proverbs says, “The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward" (Proverbs 11:18 NIV).

Let Him Serve

Veterans feel appreciated when people say, “Thank you for your service.” In the foyer of the VA Hospital I often see volunteer veterans manning the popcorn machine, serving at the reception desk and stocking the free book table. These volunteers are not yet done serving and I’ve been remiss in not saying, “Thank you for your continued service.” Paul said, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve…” (Ro 12:6-7a NIV)

Indeed

A traditional Easter greeting in the Western church is, “He is risen!” and the traditional response is, “He is risen, indeed!” It’s a shame these sentiments seem relegated only to Easter and not every day of the year. On the road to Emmaus two disciples encountered the risen Lord and when their eyes were opened to recognized him, he disappeared from their sight. “They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread” (Luke 24:33-35 NIV). Indeed!

How You Should Function

Paul described the body of Christ, the church, as it should be when it functions correctly, “As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you” (1 Cor 12:20-21 NIV)! In today’s church we may not tell one another you’re not needed, but some of us have a bad habit of telling the hand how it should serve and the foot how it should walk.  

Blueprint

We are building a new house next door to our current house and we can watch the progress hour by hour. Because the builders are following a blueprint, we know exactly what is taking place and how the house will look. When we were created God didn’t follow a blueprint, but rather He chose a creative approach of a lifetime of molding and shaping each of us into unique individuals. Isaiah said, “Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8 NIV).

Justice Will Be Served

As it pertains to the political landscape, it doesn’t matter which side of the aisle you are on, we’d all like to see politicians brought to justice. In our lifetime we may never see justice served on politicians who are professed believers, but that doesn’t mean they will get off scot-free. Paul said, “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God” (1 Cor 4:5 NIV).

Come Into the Light

I reported on a public meeting and the leadership of one charitable organization took exception to the proposed article. Although they did not come right out and say it, it was obvious that they wanted me to kill the story before it was published because it put the organization in a bad light. I understand their discomfort. John said, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” (John 3:20-21 NIV).

A New Song

A visiting Bible college group was in charge of the church worship music Sunday. They performed two specials, followed by congregational singing that consisted of one traditional hymn and a praise song. Everyone sang the traditional hymn, but the praise song was unfamiliar and it might as well have been billed as another special music selection. Most of us struggled with singing a song we were hearing for the first time. I suppose this could be one of those occasions where we simply sing in our hearts and our minds. The psalmist wrote, “Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints” (Psalm 149:1 NIV).

Exploiting the Church

  Jesus called the 12 and designated them apostles so that he could send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, had the same power and ability as the other 11, yet he sold out Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. I doubt that it was the money Judas wanted because as keeper of the money bag, he was already helping himself to the purse. Judas could have generated additional income on the side by charging people to drive out demons. From the early church up until today there are leaders in our midst who exploit the church for personal gain. Simon the Sorcerer was himself a baptized believer, “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin” (Acts 8:18-23 NIV).

Options

  Expecting their fifth child, Matt told to the other children they should get a gift for their mama for after the new baby was born. Keeping a narrow focus Matt offered the kids Option One and Option Two. After weighing the options, three-year-old Penny Jo said, “How about option three…ice cream?”

  The Lord is not in the habit of giving people options, but it has occurred, “David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.” Before David got up the next morning, the word of the LORD had come to Gad the prophet, David’s seer: “Go and tell David, ‘This is what the LORD says: I am giving you three options. Choose one of them for me to carry out against you.’” So Gad went to David and said to him, “Shall there come upon you three years of famine in your land? Or three months of fleeing from your enemies while they pursue you? Or three days of plague in your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should answer the one who sent me” (2 Sam 24:10-13 NIV).

Whatever You Do

I attended an open house and ribbon cutting for the opening of a new behavioral crisis center. On the spur of the moment some prominent people were invited to say a few words and some speakers focused their comments on facility and the collaborative community effort. However, others choose to shine a spotlight on themselves and their respective organizations. Believers can fall into a similar trap when we turn the spotlight on ourselves as we witness, teach, preach and testify about the Lord. Paul said, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col 3:17 NIV).

Crown Thief

According to Paul believers get a crown that will last forever and, similar to our salvation, most of us feel our crown is secure. However, when the Lord spoke to the church in Philadelphia He said, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” (Rev 3:11 NIV). It’s never occurred to me that someone could take my crown. Now I have all kinds of questions. Who would try to take my crown? Why do they want my crown? What exactly does a crown thief look like?

Empty Words

For some time now my local newspaper has struggled with turning out a professional product and the paper continues to deteriorate. However, a publisher-in-waiting just wrote an opinion column singing the praises of the paper’s journalistic efforts titled, “Community journalism held to a higher standard”. The writer said, “If we do not meet your expectations call me at (xxx-xxx-xxxx), and I will return your call the same day.” My sense is that subscribers have already given negative reviews and feedback and this is the writer’s attempt to use words to rehabilitate the public perception. I’ve seen similar scenarios play out in the church when people, leaders as well as laity, try use words rather than actions to influence perception. Paul said, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them” (Eph 5:6-7 NIV).

Holy Hands

During a protest or a sporting event some people extend a power fist into the air. In a church setting it is not unusual to see worshipers lifting hands up to the Lord in praise, petition, or anguish. I’m now wondering how believers might impact the political landscape if we were to lift holy hands during a political event. No doubt it would catch presenters and attendees off guard; however, it would bring God into event. Paul said, “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing” (1 Tim 2:8 NIV).

Sin Working in Me

Politicians (Republican and Democrat) and the media are second guessing President Trump’s recent decision to once again put health care on the table. News anchors are saying, “Why doesn’t Trump just take a victory lap on the Robert Mueller report rather than bring up health care? It’s an issue that neither side can fix.” Trump is not going to let Congress ignore the health care issue and I find his methods similar to the methods used by the Spirit. As believers we often feel our sinful nature is impossible to fix and yet the Spirit keeps bringing us back to a particular sin issue. The Spirit will not allow us to turn a blind eye and continue to ignore sin. Paul said, “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Ro 7:21-25 NIV)!

April Fools’ Day

Insightful words from Proverbs, “A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth. A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul” (Proverbs 14:3, 17:24, 18:6-7 NIV).