Throw Out the Lifeline

Recently terrible flooding has been reported in various parts of the world. As I watch the rescue attempts on TV I’ve noticed that there is a significant difference between a lifeline and a life vest. With the lifeline someone will help pull and guide you to safety. However the life vest may simply keep you afloat so that you can try to save yourself. It’s interesting that when we are in the depths of despair many of us grab for the save-yourself life vest rather than going for the Lifeline that Jesus offers.

Blocked-Calls

I just went through trying to disconnect my mom’s unwanted long distance phone service from a scrupulous carrier. This is not the first time it’s happened. Even though she is on a blocked-calls list, these representatives get through by claiming they represent Quest, her service provider. A simple phone call to the offending company (USBI) won’t work; you have to write letters of disputes for the charges and then because of their billing cycle being a month in arrears, it will be three months before it is straightened out. Sort of reminds me of Satan. Somehow he finds a way around my do-not call list.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow…

The last major snow storm we had dropped over seven inches and it was a back-breaker to shovel. We decided it was time for a snow blower and Bill found one for sale on consignment. I didn’t think about it being a bigger unit than we needed until a friend asked, “Does that have a V-8 under it?” Wouldn’t you know that since buying the snow blower we’ve had very little snow…that is until just this week. Now Bill is out lovin’ his neighbor and his neighbor’s walks.

Revive Us Again

I‘ve always been impressed with the disciples who immediately left everything, including their father, to follow Jesus. Even the eunuch when he heard the Word explained by Philip saw the water and was baptized on the spot. Their actions appear effortless compared to our actions today, where we first have to think about it, organize it and make a plan. Today’s church has lost a lot of the spontaneity and immediacy of following Jesus. Maybe it’s time for a revival.

Searching

An attention grabber a prominent social networking site advertises, “Find out who is searching for you!” Your imagination kicks into high gear and you start thinking about long lost friends, class mates and loves. Too bad those who are estranged from God can’t be as easily inspired and intrigued by something as simple. No doubt the Spirit has suggested to their heart, ‘Find out Who is searching for you!

Wake up, O Sleeper

The other day at 2:30 in the morning the phone rang with a reverse 911 call. In the frigid weather an at-risk elderly man was missing. The operator descried his physical characteristics, stated that he might be carrying a green blanket and requested people to be alert and look around buildings in their area. I doubt if anyone got dressed, grab a flashlight and join the search party. However the call was not totally wasted. Those believers crawling back into bed no doubt sent up prayers for the situation. I understand that the gentleman was missing for about two hours, however he is now safely back in his environment. “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Eph 5:14b NIV)

Abdicating Authority

I hold a couple of different roles where I have to guard my position of authority. Often someone either tries to take authority away from me, or else they want me to freely relinquish it to them. It seems the more others try to take my authority, the more territorial I become. Sadly, when it comes to Christian authority I don’t always portray that same boldness. “…Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.” (Titus 2:15b NIV)

Prayer Requests

One of my prayer chains periodically sends out updates on past prayer requests. I like seeing the results of prayer, but I also appreciate having my memory jogged. I’m sorry to say, but if it’s been over a week some prayer situations can inadvertently fall off my prayer list…or get bumped from the list by seemingly more urgent situations. I think Paul’s thoughts on prayer are easier said than done, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Eph 6:18 NIV)

Greater Than, Less Than

I saw a recent news segment on diet companies that use packaged meals for their customers. The expert panelist explained, “These companies aren’t selling diet food, but rather they’re selling portion control.” I tried to wrap my head around buying will-power, but I realized that God too has a formula for portion control…it’s called the Holy Spirit. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 Jn 4:4 NIV)

Gung-Ho

When a person gets passionate about their ministry they want everyone around them to get caught up in that same zeal. I’ve noticed that if I fail to jump on-board someone’s enthusiasm-train, they take it personal…as though I’m rejecting them and their God-ordained ministry. The reality is that when others don’t appear gung-ho about a particular ministry, it’s not a rejection - it’s simply that the Spirit hasn’t laid that burden on their heart. We have a local contingent of folks who want to have a homeless shelter in our community and I’m not a supporter of the project. Not that I don’t wish them well in their endeavor, but I feel a homeless shelter has shades of a safe haven for people who want to avoid taking responsibility. I suppose that comes from having a father who would rather live in homelessness than get a job and support his family.

Redneck

I have a Christian brother who unabashedly tells others, ‘XYZ Organization has too many Mormons and there’s a group of people who are getting ready to do something about it.’ The first time I heard his comments I put him in the Christian Redneck category and mentally looked the other way. Recently however, this Christian brother actually went so far as to tell my young Mormon friend these same views. I’m not sure if I should interject myself into the situation or how to approach it if I did. However, I am sure about one thing…the thought, ‘And you call yourself a Christian’, is hard for me to take captive.

Not Yet

A flamboyant 90 year old with flaming red hair was sitting in a wheelchair at the radiology department of the hospital. Discussing her hair color with the receptionist she said, “I’m just not ready to go grey yet.” I so wanted to ask, ‘And just when DO you suppose you might be ready?’ Sadly, we often hear folks resist the Spirit by using the same reasoning.

Political Games

Relationships in the political arena are a mystery to me. One day you can see two people battling it out in fierce opposition to one another and then the next day they are having lunch together. Voters really want bipartisanship, but when you see Republicans and Democrats in each other’s political camp you start wondering about motive. I’m reminded of Jesus standing before rivals Pilate and Herod. Herod ridiculed and mocked Jesus and then sent him back to his Pilate. “That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.” (Luke 23:12 NIV) Apparently it only takes a common enemy for enemies to become friends.

Turning Away

When a person says or does something that’s inappropriate, such as having a foul mouth or telling an off-color joke, my normal reaction is to avert my eyes and turn my head away from them. God seems to do something similar with the disobedience of the house of Israel. “And the nations will know that the people of Israel went into exile for their sin, because they were unfaithful to me. So I hid my face from them...” (Eze 39:23 NIV)

Giving Us the Once-Over

Many years ago my mother lived in another state so we didn’t see each other on a regular basis. One time when she came back for a visit she asked, “What’s wrong with your neck? You’ve got a big lump on your throat.” It was news to me. As it turned out, my thyroid was out of whack and a goiter had started to form. What amazed me was that every day I looked in the mirror to do my hair and put on make-up, but I never noticed the enlarging Adam’s apple. Scripture tell us of the need to examine ourselves, but sometimes we just need to allow another believer give us the once-over.

Increase or Decrease

Many people read and took to heart, The Prayer of Jabez, a book written by Bruce Wlikinson. The basis of the book comes from Jabez asking God to bless him and enlarge his territory. The theme for believers is to increase their spiritual territory. Ezekiel gives us another passage to consider when the Lord says, “So I stretched out my hand against you and reduced your territory; I gave you over to the greed of your enemies…” (Eze 16:27 NIV) We sometimes forget that any increase or decrease in territory comes not from our abilities and desires, but from God.

Who Are You?

A man in a neighboring community has the same name as my husband. It’s interesting when the ‘other’ Bill Marvel makes news, because my Bill gets kudos for being a pilot (he’s not) or writing a great letter-to-the-editor (he didn’t). John the Baptist was confronted with a similar situation when the priests and Levites asked who he was. Are you Elijah? (I am not.) Are you the Prophet? (No). John, the voice calling ‘Make straight the way for the Lord’ confessed freely, “I am not the Christ.” (Jn1:19-28)

Poking Pins

My normal battle ground for fighting with an enemy is when I’m trying to get to sleep. I know I should focus on loving them, but that’s hard to do when I’m poking them with pins by replaying conversations, questioning their motivations and designing a plan of defense. Jesus taught, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matt5:43-44 NIV) In a quirky way it’s a relief to know were not expected to live an enemy-free life.

Coming Home

I’ve had family members who’ve struggled with drugs, alcohol and homelessness, but none of them ever dropped off the radar for 20 years. In their addictions they always resurface for a handout or a hand up, but then returned to their lifestyle of choice. Ted Williams (now sober) was reunited with his mother after 20 years and is quoted, “Hi mommy, I’m home. I told you I was coming this year. I don’t look the best, but I’m home.” I can picture some late-blooming saints, maybe even some of my relatives, standing before the Lord saying, “I’m home, I don’t look the best, but I’m home.” Paul writes, “…he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.”(1 Cor 3:13-15 NIV)

Retirement

We just had the funeral for a member of our church family and I’ve been lamenting his untimely passing. Sixty-three year-old Ken really didn’t get to enjoy the fruits of retirement (fishing, camping and traveling) because he began his battle with cancer just a few short months after retiring. While I was telling another believer, ‘What a bummer’, they were quick to remind me that Ken has a better retirement package now than he had a week ago.

Super Nova

A Super Nova exploded 240 million years ago and the visual light spectrum just now reached earth. I’m struck by God taking millions of years to reveal His handiwork and the ‘a-ha’ that mankind gets with the revelation. I find it similar to reading the Bible for years and then suddenly a passage of Scripture jumps off the page when the Spirit opens my eyes to a Scriptural Super Nova of understanding.

Infected

Norton just alerted me to an infection in my cousins Paula’s email address book. I’m praising the Lord that my antivirus system worked like it was supposed to. My initial response it to alert other family members and caution them about opening any emails that come from her computer. It’s interesting that I respond quickly to a computer attack, but yet when the Spirit sends me an alert about Satan, I’m often slow to respond or I don’t comprehend the seriousness of the infection.

Invocation

The City Council in a neighboring community has a tradition of offering an invocation prior to their meetings. An atheist group is objecting on the grounds that the practice is most often centered on Christianity. According to Webster’s an invocation is: the act or process of petitioning for help or support; a prayer of entreaty (as at the beginning of a service of worship), a calling upon for authority or justification. Bless their hearts the Council has agreed to let the atheists take a turn at the invocation. …I wonder who they’ll petition.

Knock-Off’s

We’ve been told that imitation is the highest form of flattery, but that wasn’t the view given by an antique expert I recently watched on TV. The authority talked about the need to authenticate antiques for value, but he also noted the harm caused by reproductions because they devalue the original. Jesus warned, “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.” (Mark 13:22-23 NIV)

Earmarks

We’re hearing a lot about earmarks lately and there is some confusion about what that actually is. Politically speaking there are those pet projects that a lawmaker slips into a bill at the last minute – the quintessential earmark. Then there are also different ‘pots of money’ set aside in which all the states, counties and municipalities go through a competitive committee process for funding. Both situations give politicians boasting rights about what they have brought back to their constituents. Scripture too records an earmark of sorts. “But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.” (Ex 21:5-6 NIV) Now that’s something to boast about.

Year to Forget?

In their recap of 2010 some media outlets are describing this as the year to forget. They cite the tanked economy, the east coast blizzard and the oil unleashed in the gulf coast. It would be easy to jump on that train of thought, but I think the Lord looks at it differently. Assuming we believers have been doing our job, then the Gospel has spread, souls have been saved and Christ has been glorified. It doesn’t get any better than that. May 2011 become another successful year for the Kingdom of God on earth.

PC Teaching

The subject of tongues can cause as much debate today as it did when Paul was talking to the church at Corinth. As one member of our Sunday School class put it, “We all come together having grown up with different denominational veils that cover our understanding.” Believers are often guilty of trying to be PC and getting around conflict in fellowship by avoiding those Scriptures we think leads to conflict, such as the Spirit and gifts of the Spirit. We can grieve the Spirit with unwholesome talk, but I’m wondering if He’s not also grieved by our neglect in teaching about Him for fear of confrontation and division. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Eph 4:30 NIV)

Cart Before the Horse

The Cora Indians fellowshipped with us for over a year and one Sunday the pastor was prepared to baptize a man and his wife. However, just prior to taking their confession of faith the preacher learned that the man and woman were not married, but living together. Rebounding quickly he explained privately through the interpreter that if they were going to live as man and wife they needed to be married before he could take their statement of faith and baptize them into the Lord Jesus Christ. Speaking to the congregation the pastor simply said, “This morning we have the opportunity to share in the joy of two celebrations!” In a matter of 20 minutes we witnessed the I do’s of marriage followed by the I do’s of baptism.

Tongues

In Sunday School our lessons have been on the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit and of course talking in tongues is part of the discussion. I’m reminded of a time in our previous church when a bilingual member wanted to reach out to the Cora Indians (from Mexico) who were living in our valley. The Indians spoke Cora, with Spanish as a second language and Eva the interpreter spoke Spanish with English as a second language. Our services did get a little distracting and to a visitor it may have sounded like there was some talking in tongues going on. The reality was that the gospel was presented in English, interpreted/repeated audibly in Spanish and then (we hope) reasoned out mentally by the Cora in their native language.

No Surprises

I have an internal motto that says, ‘If you’re not early, you’re late’ and I make it a point to arrive at a scheduled event at least 10-15 minutes early. Part of my comfort level is giving time for the unexpected and avoiding surprises. I can see how someone of my character might be a frustration, not only to others, but also to the Spirit. The Spirit loves to wow us with last minute-miracles, but I like my miracles to unfold slowly with no surprises.

Mary…Christmas Eve

I’m thinking of a young Mary in her teens on the eve of her firstborn child. Miles away from her support system with only her husband Joseph (as far as we know) to serve as a mid-wife. This first Christmas Eve must have brought as much uncertainty as did the angel’s visit nine months earlier. Today believers have the promise of the spiritual indwelling Holy Spirit, but Mary was entrusted with his most precious gift…the physical indwelling presence of God.

High Water

My cousin is driving to California, determined to be there in time for Christmas. Considering the current flooding in southern California, the phrase ‘come hell or high water’ comes to mind. We really are creatures of chance. It’s one thing to suffer the physical consequences of determination, but I cringe when I recall times of misguided spiritual determination. Sometimes we’re not far removed from the high-water folks of Noah’s day.

Sent

In mega churches we have specialized job descriptions for ministers, but in smaller congregations we expect preachers to be well rounded and multitalented. They preach, make hospital rounds and lead singing. Even among ministry volunteers we see people serving in multiple areas. I find it interesting that Paul says, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel….” (1Cor 1:17 NIV) I think there is a lesson in here for those of us who get over extended in trying to do everything and be everywhere. We just need to figure out what it is that Christ sent us to do.

Dieting and the Devil

I’ve come to the conclusion that dieting is like doing battle with Satan. This last month I’ve been committed to losing weight and I found I have to stay away, turn away and run away from situations that would lead me astray. For the most part people understand when I tell them ‘no thanks, I’m avoiding calories’. Too bad we aren’t as understanding with one another when we’re trying to avoid sinning.

Receptive

I asked a dear friend if she were ready for Christmas she said, “Yes, I’ve been good this year, but I don’t know if you have.” Well now. Not quite what I expected in Sunday fellowship chit-chat. She then gave me a list of three political issues where she thought I was remiss in my decisions. Thankfully she was open-minded and let me give her additional information which included data, examples and a more complete picture. At one time or another we’ve all been tripped up by not having all the facts, even as it pertains to our Christian life. A good example for me is a Jew named Apollos. He was learned, had a thorough knowledge of the Scripture and he taught about Jesus accurately - and yet, he still had only partial understanding, “When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.” (Acts 18:26 NIV) Regardless of how mature I am in the Word, I must learn to be receptive to those who can explain the way of God more adequately.

Healthy Choices

I have a friend with multiple health problems, including diabetes. He is a large man and has refused to change his diet saying, “I like meat and potatoes and I don’t care what the doctor says, I’m going to eat whatever I want to eat.” My friend called me telling me he was hospitalized last weekend with a significant heart attack. Although I’m concerned, I’m not surprised. There’s that part of me that thinks, ‘You really have brought this on yourself’. I’ve known people who are in a similar boat spiritually, but my feelings are different. I suppose it’s because of the eternal consequences involved. If an unbeliever were on his death bed I would have a hard time thinking, ‘You really have brought this on yourself.'

Helpless

Yesterday afternoon got stranded in a snowstorm when I-70 was closed in both directions because of road conditions, visibility and accidents. The traffic was bumper to bumper, but eventually I crept up to an ‘emergency only exit’ where I could turn around and go back to Silverthorne and get a room. For three hours I watched from the hotel room window as ribbons of car lights sat motionless. While I rejoiced at my own safety, I sympathized with those still caught in the grip of the situation. I’m reminded of loved ones stranded in the grip of the world and sometimes all we can do is watch from a distance.

Fitness

One thing obvious to me when I go to the fitness center is that all of us are not there for the same reason. Some want to get in shape, others to stay in shape and then those who want to reshape themselves. When you think of it, many believers have a similar motivation when it comes to their Christian walk. As a young believer I went to the Word to get in shape spiritually, then I had to continue to study to stay in shape and now there is the reshaping and striving for conformity of Christ’s likeness. I’ve noticed that lack of exercise, whether physical or spiritual, sends me back to trying to get into shape.

From the Beginning

There’s just something about being able to say you were part of something from the beginning. Whether it’s planting a church or having a relative come over on the Mayflower. No doubt there was satisfaction for the Apostles at being the first disciples and pride felt by those being in attendance at Pentecost. I can’t imagine the pleasure that the Holy Spirit receives with each new believer since He dwells within each of us from the beginning of our new life in Christ. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 NIV)

Delayed

I try to be patient waiting for the Lord to respond to a prayer need, but there are times I’d like to put a footnote on a prayer saying, ‘Please respond within 48 hours’. I know God hears and answers prayer, but it never occurred to me that His answer to a prayer might be hindered by a force of evil. Daniel 10:1-14 records that God heard Daniel from the moment he began to pray and an angel was dispatched. However the angel was detained for 21 days by a mighty demon. It was only with the help of Michael the archangel that the angel sent to Daniel could resume his mission. I don’t know about you, but in this generation of instant everything, a possible 21 day delay is a little disconcerting.

In the Know

Every year I take my grandkids to the dollar store to do their Christmas shopping. Lydia always puts Jesus on her Christmas list and this year He got a bag of Teddy Bear cookies, which will later be taken to the local food bank. We wrapped the gifts and Lydia wrote the name tags for each one, until it came to Teddy Bear cookies. With five year-old wisdom Lydia said, “Jesus already knows these are His cookies. He knows everything…even everything in our heart.” I guess it is a little hard to surprise the Lord with a gift.

Make-Over

This summer we resided our house with rusted corrugated steel and installed new windows and doors. Finding a better rate for homeowners insurance, we changed to a different company, but last week they sent us a cancellation notice citing that the exterior of the house was rusted aluminum and the house not well maintained. It was interesting trying to tell the Florida representative that 1.) Not only is the siding not aluminum, but aluminum doesn’t rust 2.) It is new siding and 3.) The rustic look was intentional and well suited for Colorado. I’m reminded of seeing an octogenarian being baptized into Christ…even though they come out of the water a new creation, they still have that lived in look.

Know Your Audience

It’s not unusual for someone to want to comment on my blog for the mere purpose of advertising their own blog by asking me to link their site to the Christian Ear. A recent writer was blogging about her “new post-religion faith where there is no hell, no original sin, you are God, and heaven on earth is real…” I think I can rule out committed Christians that would want to blog with the woman, but there’s probably a kindred spirit out there somewhere who will listen to her ‘new post-religion faith’. While in Athens Paul was taken to the Areopagus. “All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.” (Acts 17:21 NIV)

My Apologies

The woman at the well was evasive when she told Jesus she didn’t have a husband - which was true. However her past showed that she had had five husbands and a current line-in. Certainly Scripture cautions us about divorce and tells us that living together out of wedlock is immoral, whether in the culture of that day or today. I must admit that I’ve always heaped extra judgment on the woman for making such poor choices in men. Recently while visiting with a woman who has had multiple marriages I learned that two marriages ended because of both husband’s infidelity and one marriage ended because her spouse died. It jumped out at me that I might owe the woman at the well an apology. (John 4:1-26 NIV)

Book Cliffs

There’s a series of cliffs in western Colorado that are called Book Cliffs. What comes to my mind when I look at these flat-top mountains is a table draped with a tablecloth which forms a scalloped skirt on the bottom. All these years I never could see the books, however the other day I thought that maybe they were stacked horizontally, so that the cliffs resemble various layers of pages. I finally went to the internet and learned that the cliffs are similar to a shelf where books are placed vertically. I’m reminded of Jesus speaking in parables about Spiritual dullness, “This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” (Matt 13:13 NIV) I’m thinking I might have had my eyes opened sooner if these cliffs had been named something like Vertical Book Cliffs.

Disclosed

Time will tell how much damage has been done to American diplomacy by the recent information released on Wikileaks, however I think some good can come out of this situation. I’m wondering if these embarrassing revelations will force America to break free from some of the political correctness that now holds us captive. Today we can’t call a scoundrel a scoundrel or expose evil as evil because it’s not PC. Biblically speaking we are warned that everything will have its day in the light. Jesus said, “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” (Luke 8:17 NIV)

Bucket List

Some people have a ‘bucket list’ – a list of items they want to do before they kick the bucket. Many lists contain things like taking a trip, climbing a mountain or running a marathon. I feel certain many people would not put an item on their bucket list that pertains to the Kingdom of God. When we stand before God, our work “…will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.” (1 Cor 3:13 NIV) No doubt a lot of lists will be going up in flames.

Lame Duck Session

The current political talk is all about the lame duck session and whether or not anything will be accomplished in Congress. Actually we believers can fall into the same scenario as we get older. We get burned out in ministry and just want to bide our time until our committee term expires. Or our participation in meetings slacks off because we know new faces will soon be taking over. Maybe we’re set in our ways and don’t want to compromise and cooperate with a new direction. Certainly there are some saints who serve and minister for the Kingdom up to the point of death - and then there are some who are lame ducks.

Donated

Around the end of the year many blood banks have a shortage of blood because donors seem to take a holiday of sorts from their regular donating. During a recent request for donors a doctor described donated blood as a ‘gift of life’. For the believer the donated blood of Christ truly is the Gift of Life. "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Heb 9:14 NIV)

Follow-Through

The mothers of two young graffiti artist who used my newly poured cement driveway as their canvas are interesting opposites. One mother immediately brought her daughter to meet me and have the daughter apologize. I talked to the other mother on the phone and she said that she too would be bringing her daughter back to apologize…but she didn’t. In the Parable of the Two Sons a father asked his sons to go work in the vineyard. The first son said, “I will not,” but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” (Matt 21:28-32 NIV)

Forgetful

Six-year old Lydia had a hard time settling down for bed and kept coming up with excuses for getting mom or dad to come to her bedroom. After the third call her mom took her time going into the bedroom where she found Lydia sobbing. Finally able to choke back tears Lydia said, “I forgot what I wanted to tell you!” I can so relate to Lydia’s frustration. After signing off my prayers with ‘Amen’, I often have to reopen communication with God saying, ‘I forgot what I wanted to tell you!’ “I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer." (Psalm 17:6 NIV)

Thanks-Giving

The world has a way of redirecting our holidays and Thanksgiving has not been spared. According to Webster’s, thanksgiving is, “the act of giving thanks, a prayer expressing gratitude, a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness – Thanksgiving Day. Example: They sang a hymn of thanksgiving.” The world today would have us emphasize the ‘giving’, rather than the ‘thanks’. We are encouraged to fill community pantries, donate to soup kitchens and help fill a box of groceries for a family in need. Those are all commendable actions, but by our donating to a cause we, rather than God, become the ones getting thanked. God needs to hear our thanksgiving for what we ourselves have received.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

We have a local military Honor Guard who performs duties associated with Veteran’s funerals. The Sergeant responsible for the services recently told me that his father passed away this year and now memorial services are more difficult emotionally as he can’t help but think about his dad. I was reminded of those responsible for crucifixions and the duties of putting men on the cross and then removing the bodies…especially the impact to those who physically participated in the crucifixion of Jesus.

Crossing the Line

Our City is a home rule municipality with a Council-Manager form of government. The Council members are elected officials who set policy. The City Manager is hired to administratively carry out the policy set by the Council. However, there are times when the line is blurred. Every once in a while the policy setters slip into micromanaging and try to give instructions on how to carry out policy. We Christians do something similar when we forget that God is the Policy Maker. Believers, as well as Jesus, are charged with carrying out policy. Jesus said, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38 NIV)

Walking Wounded

I like this quote from Winston Churchill, “Politics are almost as exciting as war and quite as dangerous. In war you can only be killed once, but in politics - many times.” Those of us living on the religious landscape can also look back on our lives and remember feeling spiritually killed on more than a few occasions. For many, a church split qualifies as a near death experience. Even though it sometimes feels like it, we really don’t die spiritually, however there is a lot of walking wounded in our midst. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matt 10:28 NIV)

Confession

Confessing sins doesn’t come naturally. Most of us can eventually bring ourselves to confess to the Lord, to our spouse, or to a parent. However, we’re definitely resistant to James’ instruction, “…confess your sins to each other.” (James 5:16 NIV) Not only do we not readily confess to one another, but I don’t know if I’ve ever been asked to hear the confession of another. Our Catholic friends may have a certain level of comfort in that they can have confession in a box, but I have to give them credit, at least they have made an attempt to highlight the need for confession.

Spiritual Half-Breed

The NIV footnote on Luke 10:31-33 states that the Jews viewed the Samaritans as half-breeds, both physically and spiritually. Today’s PC Police (Politically Correct) would be indignant at using such a physical description, but I doubt they’d object to its use to describe spiritually. I tried to think who might fall into the category of a spiritual half-breed – someone who mixed Christianity with New Age, someone who obeys only selected parts of Scripture, or maybe someone who goes to church but never accepted Christ. I suppose from a practicing Jew’s perspective, all of us who believe that both the Old and New Testament are the Word of God, would be considered half-breeds.

Holiday Cheer

I’ve never been happy with retailers pushing Christmas forward to extend the shopping season in order to make more money. This year Christmas decorations were selling even before Halloween was over. It’s just dawned on me that maybe my angst is wrong. Maybe I should be embracing the extended Holiday season. Retailers have lengthened the Christmas season, which includes the public display of Jesus, from 30 to 60 days…something believers could never have accomplished. God does have a way of taking bad situations that we think are bad and making them good. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done...” (Gen 50:20 NIV)

Feeling the Love

I have an interest in public speaking so I’m a member of Toastmasters and have gone to conferences and taken classes to improve my presentations. I find it interesting that with all the training and instruction I’ve received, not one time has anyone ever suggested that to be a good speaker I need to have love. “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Cor 13:1NIV)

Center of Attention

One of the things funerals have in common, is they are usually orchestrated by the funeral director and his staff. First you are shown where to sign the memorial book and then you are led to your seat. Once the service is over you’re dismissed row by row to walk past the open casket. You then reverently stand around waiting for the family to finish their goodbyes to their loved one so that you can offer your condolences. Last Friday we had a funeral at our church and one lady later told me, “I really liked that service. It was good and it reminded me of the wakes they used to have years ago.” Although there are many physical characteristics in our building that make people feel comfortable, the lack of organized control is what lets people come together. Rather than exiting in single file, our pastor simply announces, “You’re dismissed.” People immediately start milling around visiting, while others filter past the casket…or not. It’s interesting that even though the deceased is still in the room, it’s the living that becomes the focal point of the gathering.

Clueless

I’m a fan of the CBS TV show the Amazing Race. In a recent segment two teams violated the rules by taking a taxi to their next destination rather than walking. Standing at the Pit-Stop ready to be checked in each team learned that they would incur 30 minute penalties. Host Phil Keogham asked each team, “Didn’t you read the clue?” Whether it is the early disciples, believers today or even non-believers, I can just picture Jesus asking, ‘Didn’t you read the clues?’

Graffiti – Part 4

I’m more than a little grateful the contractor was able to repair the damage done in the cement. Had the girl’s last names been permanently incased in my driveway I’d have been irked every time I saw it. The old adage to ‘forgive and forget’ is so much easier to accomplish when there isn’t a constant reminder around.

Graffiti – Part 3

I wrote down their names, their mother’s names as well as their phone numbers and I assured the girls I would be calling. Within half an hour one mother and her daughter returned to our house with a profound apology and I give kudos to both the mother and daughter for taking responsibility. As for the other mother, I left a voice mail asking her to call me, but when she didn’t return my call, I called her again. This mother was totally unaware of the situation and seemed agitated as I explained what had transpired. It was revealed that not only was the mother not told, the child also erased the voice mail from her mother’s phone. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Heb 4:13 NIV)

Graffiti – Part 2

At the same time as I was confronting the young graffiti artists our contractor came by and was able to repair the damage to the cement. However I have a real distaste for being lied to and I wasn’t going to let this go with a, ‘see that you don’t do this again’ speech. The attitude of one of the girls was particularly defiant and she seemed think she could argue herself out of the situation. ‘I don’t want to get in trouble with my mom. I’m sorry. Do I have to pay for it? Look, I just said I’m sorry!’ Although she was combative, I had to stifle a laugh at one of the lines of her defense, “I couldn’t help it. It was just such a temptation!” I didn’t buy her excuse, but it reminded me that God doesn’t buy my temptation excuses either.

Graffiti – Part 1

We just spent $3,000 having a new cement driveway poured and two young, middle school girls on their way home from school decided to leave me their autograph. Thankfully my visitor at the time looked out the window and alerted me to what had happened and I caught up with the young ladies half a block away. They were scared when I confronted them and one of the girls not only denied their involvement, but accused some imaginary students across the street of being the culprits. The evidence however was indisputable. Not only was there a witness, but each of the girls had written their own last name. Spiritually speaking, when we sin we often think we can get away with it. The reality is that our name and our fingerprints are all over the sins we commit.

Victory

Recently I attended an event that recognizes special needs folks and one of the honorees was a man I’ve known for many years. When I went to speak to him before the program I couldn’t help but admire the huge gold medal hanging around his neck. I assumed he’d been in the Special Olympics and I wanted to give him an opportunity to boast about his accomplishment so I asked where he got his medal. Beaming with pride Clayton said, “Bought it at a yard sale!” Have you ever noticed that God sometimes gives us the victory before we’ve even run the race?

Pride

As a youngster I admired people who were so familiar with their Bible that they could flip to any book or chapter with ease. I remember the competition of sword drills to see who could find a verse the quickest and it was especially gratifying when the kids beat the adults. As an adult I’m no longer roaming back and forth between the various books of the Bible and I’ve either forgotten where some of them are located, or I have to stop and mentally recite the list. Certainly pride has kept me from wanting to look in the index or carry a tabbed Bible. However, my new Bible continues to drive me nuts. It’s not broken in, the pages are stuck together and by the time I find the Scripture the preacher is talking about he has already moved on to another verse. Last week in frustration I put index tabs on my Bible. You gotta know that the Spirit just loves chipping away at our pride. “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2 NIV)

Dirty Spirits

During my bedtime prayers I routinely ask the Lord to put a hedge of protection around my house so that Satan and his minions might not enter in and disturb my sleep. A few weeks ago I heard Michelle Obama stumping on the campaign trail and she solicited spiritual intervention from the audience. I feel certain she meant to ask that evil, unclean spirits be kept from being around the campaign, however what she actually said was to, “Keep the spirits clean around us.”

Election Day

In the spring of A.D. 30 two candidates stood before governor Pilate and he asked the crowd, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” And the crowd voted, “Barabbas.” (Matt 27:16-21) As tragic as that election was, we would not have wanted the results to have gone any other way. In the end, our Candidate won.

Forever a Student

Recently in a phone conversation I was asked if I were a minister at my church. While I was laughing at such a suggestion, I could almost feel the heavenly saints of the Christian Church/Church of Christ sucking air. We just don’t have women preachers in our denomination...that is unless some have crept in when I wasn’t looking. I remember as a teen that the first Scripture I memorized and took ownership of was, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15 KJV) Though it’s flattering to be mistaken for a minister, I still continue to be just a student of the Bible.

What Are the Odds?

Every once in awhile you’ll hear someone say they have a 50-50 chance of either going to heaven or hell. I suppose that thought gives them some sort of comfort in a life or death gamble, but I’d say that the odds are really 100% chance of heaven or hell. Thankfully our salvation is not left up to a flip of the coin. Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16 NIV)

Bad Company

As maturing believers we sometimes have to pry our fingers off worldly pleasures. Often it’s a matter of chipping away at justifications, rational and our sense of entitlement. For the last few years my local newspaper has become more biased, self-serving and encourages community division. I’ve tried to weigh the need for keeping my finger on the pulse of the community against being sucked into the media toxicity. Yesterday, after a lifetime of being a daily newspaper reader, I cancelled my subscription…and I actually feel a sense of liberation. Although Paul was talking specifically about people, I think his warning can also apply to keeping company with anything that might corrupt good character…say a video game, a novel and yes, even a daily newspaper. “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Cor 15:33 NIV)

Taking a Stand

One man who has lived in several areas of the West said he was surprised at how his political views changed somewhat depending on the political landscape. For instance outspoken Democratic rhetoric has a tendency to be diluted if you move to a community where the majority of the population is Republican. The man observed, “Where you stand depends on where you sit.” Applying this thought process to believers gives us another good object lesson on the importance of sitting at the feet of Jesus.

Ah-choo

When I write a complimentary close in get well or sympathy card to a friend I often say ‘God bless you’. However it’s just struck me that I also say, ‘God bless you’ to a perfect stranger when he sneezes. Even though I’m saying the same words, the sentiments are entirely different. Think of it, the guy who sneezes could be a serial killer, mass murderer or escaped convict. If I knew the stranger’s history I might pray for him, but being honest, I might not be asking God to bless him. Just when I’m ready to start offering Kleenex rather than blessings I come across, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Ro 12:14 NIV)

Recycled

I was a care-giver for my sister and it’s now been a year since she passed away. Recently my preacher emailed me asking about a New Testament Bible titled, Finding God that he’d given Shelly. He knew of someone who might benefit from the paperback and he wondered if I still had it, or if he should order a new one. I replied to the email that I still have the book and he is welcome to have it to give to someone else, but sadly it is mint condition. The preacher responded, “Good as new huh – we’ll try again.”

Recovering

In the course of a conversation with a gentleman he told me that he was a recovering alcoholic. “I haven’t had a drink in 29 ½ years.” I congratulated him and we shared with one another the wide spread alcoholism that both of us have had in our families. I’m aware that Alcoholic Anonymous has participants claim their problem, but human nature tells us that after a few years we want to move on with life and not wear the title of alcoholic. I think there is a lesson in this for believers. Most of us would simply like to lay claim to being a disciple of Christ and forget the fact that we were, and are, still sinners.

Love

When my children were very young I felt that part of my mothering responsibility included teaching them to love their daddy. Teaching them to say ‘daddy’, then throughout the day talking to them about their daddy’s character and helping them get excited about daddy coming home from work. As believers we teach our children to know the Lord, but I suspect that we work harder teaching them to love their earthly father than we do to love their Heavenly Father. “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me…” (Matt 10:37 NIV)

Interest Income

I listened to a presentation from a community foundation which partners with nonprofit organizations to provide investment management services. For a percentage the foundation manages endowment funds. According to their media ad, “This allows the organization to focus on their mission while the endowed funds generate income to sustain their charitable purpose.” I understand how the partnership can work for some organizations, but I was taken back when the testimony and endorsement in the ad was from a local mainstream church. I had visions of the disciples taking up a collection for believers in Jerusalem and rather than sending the offering on to the saints, the church hung on to it to ‘generate income to sustain their charitable purpose.'

Re-Birth

In the drama of the Chilean miners trapped for 69 days I see some wonderful Biblical similarities. As the miners were rescued I thought of Adam coming forth from the dust of the earth. Their going from death to life has shades of coming out of the waters of baptism. As each man was released from the grip of the earth there were claps, cheers and rejoicing in the world…not unlike heaven when a sinner repents. “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety–nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7 NIV)

Transformer

I have a friend whose shield of faith is often turned into a target. By religiously inserting statements of faith into every conversation, when she makes the slightest misstep the world around her is quick to point out behind her back, “…and she calls herself a Christian!” It’s interesting that we can turn anything into an idol – even our statement of faith.

Campaign Promises

There are politicians who will promise just about anything to get elected and often they are merely telling us what our itching ears want to hear. As if they can somehow single-handedly influence the political landscape, they emphatically tell us how they are going to change Washington. Just once I’d like to hear a candidate say, ‘The Lord willing, I will do…’

Naughty Chair

My friend’s three year-old daughter was misbehaving so she gave the child two options. (1) The child could cooperate or (2) she would have to go to the naughty chair. “Hmm” said the child. “Let me think about that.” Her comment has a ring of familiarity to it. Often our lack of action telegraphs to God that we’re still thinking about cooperating with the Spirit.

Lukewarm

My cousin’s husband, a non-believer, is nearing 90 years old. Laura had always worried about Nick’s eternal life until a pastor told her that knowing he wasn’t saved was better than wondering whether or not he was saved. Explaining the pastor’s reasoning she said, “As long as Nick hasn’t accepted Christ I know there is still a chance.” Jesus said, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev 3:15-16 NIV)

Dressing in My Sunday Best

I went to Sunday School and after watching 15 minutes of our current video series about the church I got up and left. The study is produced by Rick Warren’s Saddleback church staff and I knew there was no way I could be open to the Spirit’s leading if I were sitting there angry. The leadership of my previous church was sucked into Warren’s ‘The Purpose Driven Church’ and quite honestly I no longer have the desire or the energy to battle the destructive influences found in the material. You’d think that Sunday morning worship would be the one time of the week that we didn’t have to be fully dressed in the armor of God and ready to go into battle.

Rejoice in the Day

It seems to me that Columbus Day is one federal holiday that doesn’t unite the American people. For most employees it is just another work day, however banks and government offices are closed. School children have little to celebrate because their schools remain open. Thankfully believers are always united in the day. “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps 118:24 NIV)

Beach House

The study material in my Sunday school class is on the beginnings of the New Testament church. Interestingly our relatively new church has been so focused on what unites us that we’ve somehow avoided those doctrines that cause division. One element of our discussion last week was baptism. While some folks want to put in the same ordinance category as the Lord’s Supper, I am of the persuasion that baptism comes under the category of salvation. For me personally, if I gave the salvation message without including immersion I’d be speaking only partial-truth. Jesus wants us to put into practice all that He has spoken. “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matt 7:26-27 NIV)

Comfortable

During a conversation on lacking self-confidence one man observed, “I became comfortable with being uncomfortable.” I can see that same mind-set translating into the spiritual realm of the believer. We often become so comfortable with a particular sin that we don’t feel the sting of conviction. “Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.”(Proverbs 28:14 NIV)

Woodpecker

Back-story: Over the years I’ve done battle with woodpeckers trying to poke holes into the north side of my house, which happens to be 32 feet in height. Not only were they protected because of the height, they also happen to be a protected species. Since I couldn’t legally kill them, I resorted to scaring them off by throwing gravel or trying to shoot them with a rubber-band gun. Yesterday I looked out the window and saw a woodpecker going at my neighbor’s tree and I had to laugh. We just finished residing the house with rusted metal and replaced the fascia and soffit with Hardie board (cement)…we no longer have any wood to be pecked. My victory dance felt similar to being dressed in the armor of God and knowing that I’m fully protected and able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Eph 6:11-18)

A Target for Bullies

It’s not unusual to find bullies in the classroom and the workplace, but I think we can also find them on the religious landscape. We often hear stories of someone who is a physical light-weight learning karate to keep from being picked on. As new believers I think we’ve all felt the stigma of being a Scriptural light-weight. But when you think about it, we really are no different that the Apostles and early disciples. Going up against the Pharisees, they couldn’t depend on their personal relationship with the Lord to protect them from bullies. It was their knowledge in the Word that made them heavy-weights. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15 NIV)

There’s Always Next Week

During the Communion meditation the speaker used an illustration of his childhood Sunday dinners of pot roast, brown gravy, chunked potatoes and carrots. The elderly couple seated next to me took off on their own conversation about Sunday dinners. Then in the back of the auditorium two of the guys had a side bar going about who knows what. I became irritated with my fellow worshippers for their lack of focus, for being rude to the speaker and for interfering with the meditation of others. By the time the bread and the juice came down the aisle I was frustrated and mentally fighting with Satan for stealing my time with the Lord. I’m trying to find something in this situation to be thankful for and I guess it’s the fact that in our church we serve the emblems every week and not every quarter.

Disposable

In some cases church leadership frowns on members giving tithes and offerings with strings attached. I’ve known a church that returns offerings which are designated to any project other than a leadership sanctioned project. I find it somewhat disconcerting that the Lord would accept my offering, but the elders would reject it. It sort of makes you feel like if you dare to designate, then you are somehow sinning. As Peter chastised Ananias for his deception, he also reveals that we’re stewards of our own money. “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)

Lepers

A side effect of leprosy is the loss of sensation at the nerve ends and the individual can’t feel pain. It seems strange to think that one should be grateful for pain, but from the lepers perspective the ability to feel anything would no doubt be a blessing. I toyed with the thought that a spiritual form of leprosy might be a hard and calloused heart that no longer feels, but I soon rejected the idea. You can catch leprosy, but you don’t catch a hard heart. “Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” (Proverbs 28:14 NIV)

Not to Waste

I’ve been irritated when I’ve heard of politicians saying, ‘never let a good crisis go to waste’ – meaning that any calamity is an opportunity for them to push through a desired policy change. However, when I stop to think about it, the Lord uses that same process with many of us. Some of my best spiritual policy changes have come in the midst of a crisis.

House of Spirits

Last week I saw a television commercial for a Vineyard church located in the downtown area of a neighboring community. The pastor and another man were sitting at a pub bar with a half-full beer stein in front of each of them. The minister invited the listening audience to come and join him and his congregation. With a worldly smile he said, “We’re not religious…we’re just spiritual.” Well OK now. I guess if I encounter someone looking for spirits I’ll know where to send them.

Guidelines

One of the frustrations for the publishing industry is that they get submissions from writers who failed to read the company’s guidelines. An example might be a writer submitting a story to Guideposts promoting witchcraft, all on the assumption that the magazine has ‘spiritual’ content. The American Tract Society has this tip for writers: “Read our current tracts; submit polished writing; relate to people’s needs and experiences. Follow guidelines – almost no one does.” Believers sometimes have a similar lack of spiritual professionalism in that we too often fail to follow the guidelines.

Friendly Faces

When I walk into a room full of people I usually scan the room to see if there is anyone I know. Those I’m well acquainted with I can spot across the room and then there are others who may look familiar, but their name escapes me. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared in a different form to two men on the road to Emmaus and they didn’t recognize Him. It strikes me that when I’m in a room full of people I’m like just these two men – I’m looking for familiar faces when I should be looking for Jesus.

What Was Asked

While in Wal-Mart I ran into a friend who lost her husband last week. Her relief and peace overshadowed any grief that she had and she seemed to be doing remarkably well. “I’m going back to work tomorrow and things really are OK.” She smiled, “Bob was suffering. I decided if you ask God to take someone quickly, then you have no right to have a pity party when He does what you ask Him to do.”

Satisfaction

I don’t ever remember sitting down to dinner thinking, when I get done eating I want to be stuffed and miserable. And yet how often do I leave the table saying, ‘I can’t eat another bite. I don’t even have room for dessert. I’m stuffed.’ When Jesus fed the 5,000 and 4,000 Scripture says, “They all ate and were satisfied…” I’m beginning to wonder if the problem for many of us is that we eat to be full rather than eating to be satisfied.

Bad Egg

One time there was an odor in my refrigerator and even though I cleaned out all the old leftovers, the smell remained. I’d never encountered a rotten egg before, so it took me a little while to discover where the odor was coming from and which one was the bad egg. Whether in or out of the church environment we’ve all run into people who we thought were bad eggs. No doubt others at one time or another have thought of us as being the rotten one. Paul gives us a word of caution during those smelly times, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Cor. 15:33 NIV)

Con-Angels

Passing through town on their way to California three boys and one girl dropped into our Sunday school class. They appeared to be in their late teens and were all dressed in summer casual and stated that ‘someone’ suggested they attend our church. Two of the young folks obviously had a Christian upbringing as they readily joined in the class discussion about the ‘end times’. The group then stayed for worship, with each one sitting in a different area of the sanctuary. After services they hung around until most of people had left and it was then that I learned they were looking for a hand out. I think that one of our ladies gave them $20 and there was another offer of a gift card that they could use for food or gas at the local grocery store. I have to tell you I’m struggling with whether or not the congregation was just being conned, or whether we entertaining angels unaware. On second thought, I suppose it could be both. If it was a con job, these little angels are obviously unaware of the spiritual consequences.