Worth the Investment

Out of the blue with no context seven year-old Lydia said, “Momma, I really am worth raising.”

While I got tickled at her self-evaluation, I can’t help but think that we should all be so confident.

It’s interesting that we sometimes suffer feelings of worthlessness even though God says and shows us that we were worth being created.

During Jesus’ life the market value for two sparrows was a penny and yet they were valued by the Father. Jesus said, “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matt 10:31 NIV)

Know It All

It’s not that I’m never wrong, but I really do have a pretty good track record for being right. Consequently, my family takes way too much pleasure in highlighting when I’ve been wrong about something.

It’s my observation that many of us downplay our knowledge, wisdom, and intuition, and yet we celebrate the demonstration of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).  I suppose we are cautious to expose our wisdom for fear of being labeled a know-it-all.

Rather than downplaying the gift wisdom, perhaps we should acknowledge the source of the wisdom…the One who truly is the Know It All.

“For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6 NIV)

Generational Blessings

I would describe my grandma as a woman who was righteous, outspoken and a pillar of faith. However, because she walked the walk and talked the talk, her adult children sometimes resented what they thought was her ‘peachiness’.

I know my mom, aunts, and uncle appreciated and loved their mother as a mother, but I’m not sure they ever considered that the blessings they experienced in their lives might well be a direct result of their mother’s righteousness.

“The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.” (Proverbs 20:7 NIV)

Devising Injustice

President Obama continued to weigh-in on the Trayvon Martin case by saying that he could be Trayvon. Reflecting on his youth, Obama remembers walking by cars and hearing a clicking sound as people locked their car doors.

Really? It seems the President wants us to equate locking car doors with racial slurs. I can’t imagine a teen going home to their parents and telling them they felt persecuted because someone locked their car door as they walked by. Even if locking one’s doors had a racial connotation, what teen - black, white, or brown - wouldn’t simply blow the offender off and move on?

“Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge uprightly among men? No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.” (Psalm 58 1-2 NIV)

Sorting

Sorting through decades of photographs from multiple generations is overwhelming. I wanted to give some of the pictures to cousins, nieces and nephews, so my first thought was to divide them up according to branches on the family tree. It didn’t help that I also had to deal with broken limbs of marriage, divorce, remarriage and re-remarriage.

I couldn’t always identify who belonged to what side of the family and the holiday and reunion photos began to look like intertwining vines rather than branches. 

I finally decided to lessen my heartburn by simply taking out the photos that I want to keep and boxing up the remaining collection to pass on to the next person in line.

However, as I sorted the photos I throw away many that were of people I don’t know - those with no names or dates written on the back, no family resemblances, and no identifiable homesteads and outbuildings.

Discarding a photograph is much different than discarding a soul, but there is a commonality. “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matt 7:22-23 NIV)

Destinations on Faith

My son and daughter-in-law have decided it’s time to look for a larger home, so they listed their house with a realtor and, thinking positively they immediately started packing.

When 10 year-old David and 7 year-old Lydia began showing signs of anxiety about moving out of the only home they have ever known their daddy gave them a reassuring talk. However the talk still didn’t calm their fears, so he asked, “What exactly is scaring you?”

“Well,” said Lydia, “I just don’t think it’s a good idea to pack up and move when you don’t know where you are going.”

I chuckled in agreement with Lydia’s worldly wisdom…that is until I thought about Abraham. “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.’” (Gen 12:1 NIV)

Making Room

My daughter has recently become engaged and will be moving to the metro area in October. However, in the interim she has moved back in with us while she tries to sell her house.

Even though Leslie is moving into a spare bedroom, all of my things had to be moved out of the closets and dresser drawers to make room for her things.

I suppose I could have asked her to live out of boxes for the next three months, but the mannerly thing to do is to give her a place to put her shoes, hang her clothes and brush her teeth. 

When I consider the Spirit moving in and living in the heart of the believer, I wonder if we’ve gotten rid of some of our stuff to make a place for Him, or do we have Him living out of a suitcase.

Serving Justice

Even though a jury acquitted George Zimmerman, it hasn’t stopped people from having their own opinion about his guilt or innocence. It’s interesting that those weighing in on the verdict didn’t set through the whole trial, they didn’t hear all the evidence, but yet they want to be the judge.

We believers get caught in the same trap when we give our opinions on people and situations without having the complete picture…even if that situation happened 2000 years ago.

If we stand at the foot of the cross we see two criminals who not only were found guilty under the law, but one of them actually confesses his guilt while hanging on the cross. “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man [Jesus] has done nothing wrong.” (Luke 23:41 NIV)

Maybe, just maybe, this thief hanging next to Jesus was not a career criminal, but rather a one-time-got caught criminal.

Public opinion would say that the criminals were both headed for hell and yet Jesus, knowing all the facts and the evidence, told one of the men, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 NIV)

Advocating Anger

Reportedly Trayvon Martin’s parents did not stay around to hear the jury’s verdict because they wanted to get home and be able to go to their church the following day.

When interviewed about the verdict their pastor said (paraphrase), “We’re angry. The Bible says ‘be angry, but sin not’, so we’re angry. We’re not going to forget Trayvon, we’re not going to forget the verdict, and we’re not going to forget Trayvon’s parents.”

Interestingly the pastor is promoting anger that has no statute of limitations. I’m thinking he should have quoted the entire verse when Paul said, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” (Eph 4:26-27 KJV)

Just Another Project

One Sunday after church a woman stopped by the table where I was counting the offering and in an effort to make casual conversation she said, “Oh, that’s something we need to do - make a contribution. But we already support so many other projects.” With a half-chuckle she continued, “And of course you know we’re always helping out our kids too.” I don’t know whether or not she expected a response, but I didn’t have one.

However, Paul’s words to the Corinthians may fit the situation. “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” (2 Cor 8:12 NIV)

Trashing Your Treasures

          Getting new carpet has been the catalyst in doing a major purging of clutter, which includes sorting through containers of mementos belonging to my deceased mother and sister.

I’ve struggled with discarding their high school diplomas, old love letters and envelopes full of photo negatives. However, the reality is that their treasures hold no sentiment or value for me, or for other family members.

Jesus said, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt 6:20-21 NIV)

My catchphrase, “If you can’t store it in heaven…don’t store it at all.”

Branches of Ministry

I’m fascinated by trees, particularly old cottonwoods in the summertime. As abundant as their large green leaves may be, they cannot hide the dead branches that emerge as a reminder of growth and bygone days.

Normally they seem to have more leaves than dead wood, but recently I drove by one huge tree situated by an irrigation ditch that was dead except for one tuft of life in a single branch.

I wonder if the trees might be symbolic of our Christian walk. In years past I served in the church nursery, taught children’s Sunday school, and sponsored teams of junior and senior high Bible Bowlers. At one time those branches of ministry were thriving and alive, but those days are now over.

Looking at the silhouette of a tree there is a distinct difference between the live and dead branches, but they are still all attached to the root of the tree. It reminds me of past ministries interspersed with current service.

Like a Good Neighbor

My neighbors of over five years just moved back to South Carolina, but it was only recently that I even learned their last name and I’m kicking myself for not being a better neighbor.

I didn’t get to know the single mother and her homeschooled teenage daughter very well, but we would visit generically back and forth over the fence. One time I tried the standard Christmas invitation to church, but it was brushed aside when the mother told me they didn’t celebrate holidays.

With their car loaded and ready to get on the road, we gave our good-bys and well-wishes and then the mother gave me a hug and said, “You’re the best neighbors I’ve ever had.”

I don’t think that I really deserve the compliment, or that I adequately applied the second greatest commandment. Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.” (Matt 22:37-39 NIV)

Refurbished

We recently had some carpet damage, so now I’m in the middle of replacing the carpet on one floor of the house – two bedrooms, an office, the hallway and the dining room. The rooms had to be completely emptied before the carpet layers arrived and I won’t be able to put the furnishings back until they’ve finished – a three day project.

As I look in the empty rooms I’m reminded of Jesus’ teaching about the evil spirit who was evicted from a man’s heart. When the evil spirit was shopping around for a new residence he discovered that his previous abode was still unoccupied, so he and seven of his evil buddies reclaimed the cleaned up residence. (Luke 11:24-26)

It just dawned on me that I feel like I’m in constant clean-up mode when it comes to my heart. I focus on wanting a pure heart, swept clean and put in order…rather than on a comfortable place for the Spirit to reside.

Unashamed

Most of us have at least one family member that we’re not necessarily ashamed of, but that we’d really rather not claim. In our family tree, Bill’s goofy second cousin is his cousin, not mine.  Bill in turn disavows any family connection to my strange aunt.

The writer of Hebrews notes God’s reaction to heroes of faith, “Instead, they [heroes of faith] were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” (Heb 11:16 NIV)

I’m struggling a little with this verse. If God is not ashamed to be called their God, the antithesis would be that God might well be ashamed of some people who call Him their God...

I suppose it could be those Jesus referred to when he said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matt 7:21-23 NIV)

Weighing Compassion

Throughout the day on the 4^th of July the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) ran a huge television ad campaign. Videos of abused dogs and cats were meant to pull at the heart strings and the plea for donations was both passionate and urgent. 

For me the placement of the ASPCA ads was misguided because they were interspersed with television programming featuring patriots, wounded warriors, and those who suffered the cruelty of war. Veterans, who lost arms and legs, literally gave up their freedom of mobility for their fellow Americans. Groups supporting these disabled veterans also voiced an urgent need for financial aid and adaptive housing.

Certainly we can have concern for the animal kingdom, but one thing that sets us apart from animals…“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Eph 4:32 NIV)

Policy Maker

A recent letter writer to Dear Abby asked advice about her gay son saying, “I tried reading my Bible, but the wording was hard to understand. I don’t want to talk to my pastor about it because, even though I accept my son for who he is, I still have trouble talking to people about it because I’m not sure how they will react. Do you believe a gay person will go to heaven?”

I find it strange that the letter writer would turn to Dear Abby rather than a pastor to ask about God’s policy on entering heaven. However, what I really grapple with is the fact that she has a pastor and a church…and that the wording in the Bible is hard to understand.

Paul may not be as socially sensitive as Dear Abby, but he certainly is not hard to understand. “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor 6:9-10 NIV)

Independence Day

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
(2 Cor 3:17 NIV)

Maintenance Required

If I buy used equipment or get something as a hand-me-down, I expect it to someday quit working or wear out. However, I find it painful when I buy something new and it dies, needs to be replaced or needs to be repaired.

I remember moving into a newly constructed home and thinking it would always be new. As I stood outside and admired the house it never crossed my mind that in 20-25 years the house would need new shingles, siding and windows. In my world, ‘new’ should last forever.

 I love that Paul paints a picture of believers in Christ being a new creation, but I wonder if for some of us the newness becomes comfortable, rather than new. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor 5:17 NIV)

Expecting Something

During our Sunday School hour a transient showed up on the church doorstep looking for more than the hand of fellowship; she wanted money. Her car had broken down, she was in need of food, she had no family support, she had some past encounters with the law, she was down on her luck…etc.

I’m reminded of the crippled beggar, who was carried every day to the temple gate to beg for money. One day when Peter and John were at the temple, the beggar looked at them expecting to get something. However, Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6 NIV)

So often the church today feels obligated to offer silver and gold in the form of gift cards for groceries, gas or motel rooms to transients. I can’t help but wonder if we would do better to give these nomads what we do have…Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Leading a Rebellion

Recently a local veteran group installed a retired colonel as their new leader. Reading his quotes in the newspaper the commander isn’t satisfied with simply leading the local chapter of veterans. Taking issue with the government for not listening to the people, he is prepared, if necessary, to start a revolution, overthrow the government, and run all the non-patriots out of town.

Apparently his new found authority has gone to his head and he hasn’t yet noticed that the troops he is trying to rally are no longer on active duty. They don’t have to obey his leadership…nor do they have to pay their dues to the organization. “A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.” (Proverbs 16:29 NIV)

Bizarre Bizarro

A recent Bizarro comic strip titled Divine Intervention depicts God as downcast, sitting on a heavenly cloud surrounded by three angels.

One angel places a consoling arm around God’s shoulder and a comforting hand on his arm. Another angel-scribe reads from a piece of paper and the dialog bubble reads, “…and then there was the weekend bender when you reached rock bottom and created man.”

The take-a-away for the readers is:

·       God drinks

·       God can’t remember

·       God not only makes mistakes, but grieves over his lapse in judgment

·       God hits rock bottom

·       This is only one in a long of mistakes that God has made

·       Angels keep a scorecard on God

·       A function of angels is to console God and remind him of his errors

·       Angels are superior to God because they don’t lose control

I’ve asked my local newspaper publisher to consider dropping the syndicated comic strip. It’s not merely offensive to believers, but it mocks God. “How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile your name forever?” (Psalms 74:10 NIV)

Firmness Test

A few days ago we had a new cement driveway poured and after less than eight hours Bill wanted to see if it had cured enough to walk on so he stepped onto the green cement. Now this is not like sticking a toothpick into a cake to see if it is done, or testing in an inconspicuous place. This was more like pushing in the middle of the cake to see if it would spring back.

The next morning as I looked over the driveway there were the outlines of two footprints. Fortunately for Bill the outlines are only in the film on the surface and will eventually wear off, but had the cement not been set enough, it would have been like Bigfoot in a bakery.

“Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:26-27 NIV)

Picking and Choosing

A recent discussion on baptism ended with the speaker saying, “Although I don’t have Biblical evidence to back up my thoughts, it’s my personal opinion that there will be some people in heaven who have not been baptized.” I’ve really struggled with his comment because it seems to water down baptism and put it in the area of personal choice. Peter is very clear, “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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39 NIV) If we set aside baptism as part of forgiveness of sins, can we also set aside repentance?  I can’t imagine anyone saying, ‘It’s my personal opinion that there will be some people in heaven who have not repented.’

The Price of Contrition

Celebrity chef Paula Deen offered an apology for using racial slurs in the past. She admits to using hurtful language and in a video apology states, “I’m begging for your forgiveness. Please forgive me.” Although her brand has been dropped by a couple of sponsors, many of her fans are standing by her with the attitude that ‘we all make mistakes’.

Discussing the situation during a TV news segment a guest commentator questioned the sincerity of Deen’s apology. He suggested that in order for her to really show contrition, she should donate the proceeds of one of her cook books to some group that furthers the cause of racial diversity.

Unfortunately many of us are just like the commentator when we put stipulations and price tags on forgiveness. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Eph 4:32 NIV)

The Spirit Within

The reality show called Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition follows an overweight person for a year and documents their struggle and their success with losing weight. One episode is of a 21 year-old woman who has been overweight all her life and started the program weighing in at 369 pounds. “I’ve always asked God to just someday let me see what it feels like to be skinny. The person I really am, the one on the inside is trapped in this body.” Although the situation itself is not funny, I have to laugh when I imagine what the indwelling Holy Spirit might say, ‘Just someday let me see what it feels like to be righteous and holy. The Person I really am, the One on the inside is trapped in this body.’

Storm Warning

Some people who thought they could ride out a category 1 hurricane didn’t heed evacuation warnings. One man who suffered loss tried to blame the weather service for his failing to take action by saying, “No way was this a Category 1!” I can imagine those who fail to respond to the warnings of the Second Coming will also be looking for someone to blame. “Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” (1 Thess 5:1-3 NIV)

Weekly Visitation

A City Councilman just bought a new home in another area of town and he will no longer live in the district to which he was elected. According to the City Charter he must vacate his seat if he moves out of his district, however, his current term doesn’t expire until next year and he desperately wants to hang onto the seat. One of his excuses for not changing his address officially is that he is still doing repairs on the new house. If the conversation on the street is correct, say he’d like to ‘live’ at his old residence during the week and ‘visit’ his wife and five children on the weekend. I’m indignant. He swore to uphold the Charter, which he is now trying to manipulate, and his in-action to vacate the seat while continuing to draw a salary borders on fraud. Hmmm. Not much different than believers who want to keep their feet in both worlds. They accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior and think they can just visit Him on weekends.

The Bride of Christ

I listened to the 40-something speaker decry the traditional church in favor of a home-based church model. He described his previous experience as being all encompassing – he was the right hand man to the preacher and the go-to-guy for everything going on in the church. Disillusioned, discouraged, and spiritually drained he walked away from the mega-church and for four years wandered in the wilderness. With some pushing and prodding from friends he discovered an outreach church in another State, which he now describes as the ‘real’ church. No one would doubt his enthusiasm for the Lord’s work, but his anger with the organized church permeated his presentation.

 As he denounced the traditional church, some in the audience nodded in agreement as they reflected on the faults within their own church. I on the other hand, wanted to stand up and say, ‘Wait a minute…The traditional church has a few warts, but we are still the body of Christ too!’

 

Certainly people can throw rotten tomatoes at the established church if they so desire, but it gives me the image of the Bride of Christ being pelted with criticism as she walks down the aisle to meet her Groom.

Recall

The June 4, 2013 edition of the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel has an article written by reporter Charles Ashby on the recall effort against Senator John Morse. At issue is the work Morse has done to push on the passage of tougher gun-control laws. In the article Mores’ detractors are charging that he is not the same person he was when he was elected. The article states, “Mores, however, said it wasn’t him who changed, but the circumstances.” Interesting deflection. Unfortunately that same attitude weaves its way into the body of believers when we bend to the circumstances in today’s society. However, Paul reminds us of why we need to be alert and mature, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” (Eph 4:14 NIV)

Following Directions

Last week I served as the chairman of the Election Credentials Committee for my local electric association. We go to great lengths to ensure the election process will withstand any and all scrutiny, but unfortunately every year a few members get incensed when their ballot is rejected because they failed to follow voting requirements.

One member verbally assaulted a Customer Service Representative when she told him his ballot could not be dropped off, but rather had to be mailed, or personally hand delivered to the meeting. He became irate and described the ballot in explicit terms telling her where she could put it.

Another member was highly agitated because we wouldn’t accept his ballot after the polls had closed.

And then there were the argumentative people who showed up with multiple ballots that they wanted to submit for friends and family.

It’s interesting how we always want to blame others for our failure to follow directions. As believers we too have some instructions to follow, but you can bet that when the Lord returns there are going to be those who will want to argue with Him.

Discovery

In the late 1990’s I picked up a new, in the box, electronic game at the thrift store. Although we never had the instructions to the game, we could sort of play one of the concentration games with either one or two players.  Over the years the toy would rise to the top of the toy box and then once again settle to the bottom. Just the other day seven year-old Lydia was reading one of her daddy’s old books and the instructions sheet to the electronic game fell to the floor. What a surprise. We didn’t even know there was an instruction sheet, much less that it was missing. Chuckling we read directions to one another and discovered which buttons to push in order to play a host of different games. “So this is how it works! Well now, this game is worth something. Check this out, this is really cool.” I can see this same scenario being played out with our Bibles. Some of us are content to learn just a little portion of Scripture here and there, but when we do really get into the Word and read the instructions we’re amazed by what we discover.

Makeover

There are a variety of television reality shows that focus on transformations – people, houses, restaurants. Recently I read that a local spa is taking contest applications for a ‘Body and Soul Makeover’ and I have to tell you I’m feeling a little indignant on behalf of the Spirit. But on second thought, maybe the Spirit and those in the heavenly realms are getting a good laugh at the idea that a spa massage and soothing music can actually makeover the soul. “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”  (1 Peter 2:25 NIV)

Acquisitions

At a writer’s conference I discussed a book idea with an acquisitions editor of a Christian publishing house. Although my concept didn’t fit with their current needs, the editor strongly encouraged me to submit to the secular, rather than the Christian market. He reasoned that religious writing meant to hold the church accountable did not have an audience. Curious, I brought up Paul as an example. Paul did not mince words, putting both individuals and churches on notice and exposing their sins – sexual immorality, false idols, impurity, just to name a few. I was flabbergasted by the editor’s response, “Yes, but Paul was in prison so he could say whatever he wanted to say. He wouldn’t lose his job. Preachers [today] won’t preach tough stuff, because they would lose their jobs.” If in fact this editor knows what he is talking about, our pulpit or ministry search committees need to take another look at their acquisitions.

Back to the Basics

At a recent writer’s conference I signed up for a fifteen minute appointment with a technology specialist to talk about social media. I admitted that I have never used Facebook because of all the horror stories, but I proudly proclaimed I was just beginning my 7^th year of blogging.  

 With a grin he said “Well, that’s good. At least you aren’t afraid of blogging.” He went to the Christian Ear blog site and, as though it were somehow inferior, he said, “Oh. You’re not on Blogger, you’re on Blog spot.” It appears my blog is in the wrong neighborhood.

He preceded to quickly diagnosis some of my blog’s aliments by telling me my titles were not catchy enough and the paragraphs were too long. Huh? “You should never write a paragraph over four sentences long and a one sentence paragraph is acceptable. You need more white space around your paragraphs and a photograph of yourself.” Apparently people are more attracted to short thoughts that will fit on their cell phones and they want to see who is doing the writing.

 “Have you ever read a book on blogging?” Well of course I did…seven years ago.

It appears I need re-education in blogging, Twitter...and Facebook.

Spiritually speaking, I suppose one could find themselves in a similar predicament if they hadn’t picked up their Bible in seven years.

Specializing

While attending a recent Christian Writer’s Conference we were reminded that the publishing industry is changing rapidly because of eBooks, blogs and Twitter. Where authors once had publishing houses and editors to help them through the maze of getting published, today’s writers must take on more responsibility for marketing, promotion and selling their own books. The angst between authors and publishers is at a heightened level with authors saying, “What am I paying you for if I have to do all the work myself?” and publishers saying, “We can no longer afford to take a risk on an unproven author or books that may not sell.” I see something similar happening in the church. Years ago the preacher seemed to do everything with help from a few leaders, but then the focus moved to having a paid staff who specialized in youth, seniors and singles. Many of us then abdicated our serving to staff because after all, aren’t we paying them to serve?

Evangelism 101

I took my grandkids to play at a family entertainment center where they made friends with five-year-old Shaylee, who could be overheard telling her grandma, “I’m really having fun with my two new best friends.” About an hour later seven year-old Lydia came to me downcast saying, “I don’t think I like Shaylee anymore. She told me that she didn’t have to love everyone if she didn’t want to.” I know exactly how Lydia feels. There are times when, even as adults, our attempts at witnessing, evangelism, and fellowship get rebuffed simply because we’ve applied the Lord’s commands to the wrong audience. Jesus was speaking to his disciples when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV)

Leading By Example

My friend David is a PK (preacher’s kid) who in now in his 70’s. One Sunday during the invitation when he was nine years-old his friend sitting next to him went forward. David, who wasn’t going to be left behind, followed his friend up the aisle to the altar where he too made the confession of faith. The following week his dad was satisfied with David’s understanding of accepting Christ and he proceeded to be baptized. A life-long believer, David was recently selected to serve as an elder in his current church. However, before officially taking on the position as elder David surprised the congregation by going forward to be re-baptized. “It was just something that I needed to do. It’s always been in the back of my mind that my motivation for going forward the first time was because I was following my friend.” I have to smile when I think that David is once again following his Friend.

Whatever You Do

The church group Care Givers was discussing ideas on what they could do to support a fellow believer who was critically ill when someone mentioned that people could donate blood. Whipping her head around one woman said, “What did you say? Really, we can donate blood? I’d rather do that than cook a meal any day!” You’ve got to love it. I can only imagine the reaction if asked to take a meal to a shut in and one responded, ‘I’ll donate a pint.’ Paul reminds us, “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)

Likability

In giving her report on the local Prison Ministry, Ms. Clair congratulated our small congregation on supplying 100 dozen homemade cookies for the ministry’s yearly retreat. She went on to explain that at the end of the retreat each participating inmate was given a small bag of cookies and they were instructed to give them to someone they disliked. The implications of this unique lesson were formulating in my mind when she continued, “The majority of the bagged cookies were give to a prison guard that most of the inmates don’t like.” I have to wonder if I would have had the same courage displayed by these men if I were asked to do something similar in the work place, the church environment, or in social circles. “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28 NIV)

Life Support

The longer a blog is in existence and as reader activity increases, the more susceptible that blog is to SPAM. Interestingly the Spammers I hear from are getting more sophisticated and are now using a more conversational tone in order to get me to link to their website. One recent blog comment that came in read, “And I actually do have some questions for you if it's allright. Is it just me or does it appear like some of these comments appear as if they are coming from brain dead folks?” I had to smile because Steve Corey is the only person who consistently comments on my blog. People of the world are easily confused when they encounter believers. They assume we are brain dead, when in reality we’re simply on Spiritual Life support.

Expiration Date

Last Sunday my friend Harry came to church sporting a red boutonniere, which was in recognition of his 97^th Birthday. While we talked about his good health and longevity he said, “I’ll tell you something better than that…I just got my driver’s license renewed and now I can drive until I’m 102!” I had to laugh. Most of our elderly folks are worried that someone will take away their car keys and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) just handed Harry the keys to heaven on earth. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12 NIV)

As One Escaping

The media coverage on the tornado that struck Moore, OK is riveting. Homes leveled, cars totaled and personal possessions strewn for miles. Many who emerge from storm shelters will have escaped with only the clothes on their backs. Translating the images into a spiritual context gives me a vivid picture of what takes place when our earthly works are tested. “If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Cor 3:14-15 NIV)

Endorsements

The credentials for a keynote speaker at my Christian writer’s conference included being a pastor for a couple of years, a poet, and published author of more than 20 books. During his address he held up a book of another poet and asked how many knew of the author. It appeared that very few in the audience were acquainted with her work, so he encouraged us to read her wonderful books adding, “…She is a lesbian who recently lost her partner.” He then proceeded to read one of her poems to the audience. After the presentation I discussed my dismay with friends and they were quick to defend the speaker by pointing out that he is a very compassionate man. Their insinuation was that compassion can be demonstrated by being inclusive and nonjudgmental. Point taken. However, I consider my preacher to be a compassionate person, but I guarantee that neither he, nor our church leaders, would ever promote a book of poetry written by a lesbian, regardless of how well it is written.

Be Alert

I recently attended a Christian Writer’s Conference where the Director would break out in prayer during announcements, introduction of speakers...and during technical difficulties. No doubt she has a personal habit of always talking to God, but I have to tell you that after three and a half days of being in the audience I felt like a bobble-head. I couldn’t always tell whether she was taking to the group, or talking to God. Once I had my head bowed reverently when my friend Betty poked me in the ribs and said with a chuckle, “She’s done praying.” On other occasions I thought I was listening to instructions for the day, the Director would end her comments saying, “And all God’s people said…” I have to laugh when I think of God watching the spectacle of the Director and me as we both applied Paul’s instructions on prayer. The Director, praying on all occasions with all kinds of prayers…and then there I was with my eyes open and alert because I couldn’t tell her prayer from an announcement. “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)

Memorial Day

A video clip for the promotion of AMC’s War Heroes Marathon, which will be televised today, caught my attention. The movie appeared to be set in the Viet Nam era with actor Sean Penn saying, “Yea though I walk through the valley of evil, I shall fear no death.” I’m not one for tampering with Scripture, but I made a connection with this twist on the Lord’s Prayer. Today we honor those who, in service to our country, did not fear death. “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:55 NIV)

One Flesh

One of the many issues the Pharisees tested Jesus on was lawful divorce. Jesus refreshed their memory that God made us male and female and when we are united in marriage we become one flesh. “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Matthew 19:6 NIV) I find it’s interesting that the Lord is using the collective ‘let man not separate’, but yet it appears that with the recognition of civil unions man has indeed separated what God has joined together.

And You Call Yourself

As Christians our words and actions are, and should be, under scrutiny. Unfortunately when non-believers and fellow believers alike don’t like what they see or hear they make the charge, ‘And they call themselves a Christian’. Usually when we hear such an accusation we shrug our shoulders and change the subject. Rarely do we come to the defense of that Christian. We seem to forget that all believers are entitled to wear the name Christian because we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior; the only disqualifier is if we reject Christ. You have to admit though that the accusatory phrase often stifles our witness. I’m now wondering…are we missing an effective tool against liberal tolerance and anti-American sentiments. Maybe in disgust we should start the mantra, “And you call yourself an American.”

Coming Soon

One of our church families, like many across the US, is going through foreclosure. Because there was only four days between the formal foreclosure notice and the sale of the property, an urgent prayer request was sent out about their immediate needs. The request also included the caveat, “The foreclosure wasn’t a surprise; it was how soon it was taking place.” It’s interesting that many of us are impatient for the Lord’s return and we wonder what is taking so long. And then there are others of us who will be surprised that His coming came so soon. “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Luke 12:40 NIV)

Endearing

We hear a lot about people who are only one paycheck away from being homeless because they live from paycheck to paycheck. In some cases there are extenuating circumstances, but often the situation can be traced back to financial mismanagement. I can’t help but think about the Parable of the Shrewd Manager who, because of mismanagement, lost his job and was likely on the verge of homelessness. Calculating his future the manager evaluated his work qualifications, “I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg.” (Luke 16:3b NIV). Being credited with shrewdness, he endeared himself to his master’s debtors so that when he was jobless he would still be welcomed into their homes. I wonder if some of today’s mis-managers could avoid the homeless title if they too evaluated their options and then practiced endearing themselves to others.

Are We Friendly?

Recently when I walked Charlie, the family dog, a fellow dog owner cautioned me from a distance, “My dog is not friendly. We need to keep them away from each other.” I appreciated the warning and we took a wide breadth as we passed one another. It was a good lesson for me and now before I let Charlie get nose to nose with another dog I ask the owner, ‘Are we friendly?’ People who church-shop often measure a congregation on the perceived friendliness. Sadly, every church fellowship has at least one or two grouches who seem to bring down the score for the entire fellowship of believers. “An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.”  (Proverbs 18:1 NIV)

Not My Thing

As though she were talking about a simple outing, the mother of two young daughters told me, “I know my husband and I should go to church, but the girls go with grandma and it’s a special time for them. It’s their thing to do. When church is over they go out for lunch and I just don’t want to take anything away from grandma.” Intimating that the grandmother’s pleasure would somehow be taken away if the rest of the family tagged along is an interesting excuse. I was reminded of two men who were invited to follow Jesus. One wanted time to go bury his father who apparently had not yet died and the other wanted to go home and say good-by to his family. Jesus reminds us that there is a cost to following him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62 NIV)

Prayer Chain

I received a generic email prayer request which began with the qualifier, “Need to keep this Prayer going. Send it to others and all your friends.” I think the originator may be confusing a prayer chain request with a chain letter request. Certainly email has enhanced the administration of church prayer chains, but I’m not so sure it qualifies as an effective tool for keeping a prayer going. Jesus taught the disciples to pray by giving them the Lord’s Prayer as a model and thankfully generations of Sunday school teachers have helped us commit the prayer to memory and perfected the right way to keep a prayer going.

Righteousness

Recently a recycling advocate was quoted in the newspaper, “I recycle my toothbrush – only the handles, of course….I also recycle dryer lint. That can actually go into compost.” I had to laugh when I imagined her garden plants strangling on lint compost permeated with fabric softener. It’s interesting that we are all vulnerable to self-righteousness when it comes to our personal activities or interests. Jesus pointed out that the Pharisees even took tithing to a whole new level by applying the practice to their spices. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” (Matt 23:23 NIV)

Eternity is Waiting

Found guilty of killing her former boyfriend, Jodi Arias is now awaiting sentencing of either life in prison or death. During the trial, drama and lies permeated her testimony. Immediately after the verdict Ms. Arias continued the media spin by doing an interview saying she would prefer death to living the rest of her natural life in one place. She put a spiritual connotation on her situation by intimating that the eternal was a better option than prison. “Death is the ultimate freedom…I’d rather have that freedom sooner than later.” I have to wonder if she has really given thought to freedom…eternal life and eternal death. Certainly life in prison would be a miserable existence, but anyone who fails to get their spiritual ducks in a row may regret the rush to eternity. Arias’ thoughts are a stark contrast to Paul “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.” (Phil 1:21-24 NIV)

Plug It In

In my Toastmasters Club members assume different roles during our meetings – Toastmaster, Table Topics Master, Evaluator, etc. Recently one elected officer decided it would be better to pre-assign members to positions and if you couldn’t attend a meeting you were to find your own replacement. On the religious landscape we have something similar with programs designed to evaluate talents and then plug you into an area of service in the church. While scheduling others may get the job done, it really does take both the individual and God out of the decision making equation. I have to laugh when I think what it would have been like had the early church had the opportunity to give Paul his Gospel assignment. Left up to the disciples Paul might likely have remained blind and his mission field confined to Damascus and the Jews on Straight Street. Thankfully Paul was sent to all of us. “…This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15b NIV)

Self-Enforcer

A recent letter to the editor complained about people being ignorant of the law pertaining to operating a motor vehicle. “I wonder how many people know that it is against the law to pass on the [right] shoulder.” I have to laugh because to get a driver’s licenses everyone had to take a test and they know it’s illegal to pass on the shoulder…they just chose to ignore the law. We believers do the same thing when we knowingly disobey God’s commands. However, we who strive to be obedient to the WORD are no different than our worldly counterparts when we see someone breaking the Lord’s commands. The first thing that comes to mind is, “Where are the patrolmen when you need them?”

Leading a Rebellion

I’ve noticed that radical Islamic clerics will stir up their followers, but they themselves won’t get their hands dirty by personally getting involved in the upheaval and unrest. Last week there was a similar situation when a retired military veteran tried to get others to show up at the local court house to support a veteran and his vicious dog that were on trial. Interestingly, not one veteran showed up, not even the guy who tried to rally the troops. Jesus said that he would be betrayed by the chief priests and the teachers of the law and they would condemn him to death. Not wanting to soil their hands they turned Him over to, “…the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified.”  (Matt 21:19a NIV)

A Guy Thing

Who can resist popping plastic bubble wrap? Recently Bill took out a package of salad from the refrigerator and unable to resist the temptation that was right in front of him, he put the bag between his hands and popped the air-filled package. Exploding from the pressure the bag spewed salad greens throughout the refrigerator and all over the floor. It appears that being 65 years-old does not dim a man’s excitement for a mini-explosion. I’m thinking our church leadership programs should be offering re-fresher classes from the book of Proverbs, which states, “…for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.” (Proverbs 1:2-4 NIV)

Imperfect

A few months ago I received an email from a City Council colleague saying that during our acquaintance he felt I was always lighting fires, criticizing and nitpicking. His remedy was that I should get off my high horse, because, “…none of us are perfect, including you!” Anytime a believer stands firm in their belief, tries to do what is right, and speaks the truth, he becomes an easy target for others. So often our taking the high road is viewed as being on a high horse. It seems to me that one common denominator of such attacks is the charge, ‘you think you’re so perfect’. One day, when we are in the presence of the Lord, we will be perfect. In the meantime, “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” (Psalm 18:32 NIV)

Hard Stuff

I cringe when I hear someone speak the truth of the WORD, followed by an apologetic caveat, “This is hard stuff. This is one of those teachings in the Bible that is just hard.” No doubt the sentiment is meant to convey empathy, but what many hear is, ‘I know you may struggle with what the Bible tells you to do, but just do the best that you can.’ I’m reminded of Jesus teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum when the topic was eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of Man. “On hearing it, many of his disciples said, ‘This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?’” (John 6:60 NIV) Sadly, this was a turning-back moment for many of Jesus’ disciples. If the Scriptures were difficult to understand, accept and apply, Jesus would not have asked us to take his yoke and learn, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:30 NIV)

The Hand

Glaucoma has left my 60 year-old cousin blind in one eye. Unfortunately last week he had to have surgery on his good eye and there were complications. He is now in danger of losing his eyesight and he’s scared to death. I can imagine Paul and Elymas (the sorcerer) having similar emotions when they were blinded (Acts 9:9, 13:11). After being blinded Paul’s companions led him by the hand to Damascus, while Elymas groped about seeking someone to lead him by the hand. We know that physically and spiritually Jesus is the One who opens the eyes of the blind, but I’m not sure that we recognize that we too have a role to play amongst the blind. Those who are groping about seeking someone to lead them may be in need of our hand. “The LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous.” (Psalm 146:8 NIV)

Renouncing

Purporting 30 years in Christian ministry a man in the community publically renounced his faith in a newspaper article. My once-saved, always-saved friends concluded that he was never saved in the first place, while a mainstream liberal denomination member swung in the opposite direction by tipping her hat to the Christian-turned-humanist for, “…reminding us that our country was founded on religious freedom, freedom to practice any religion or no religion.”  Obviously the liberal is more enamored with freedom in religion than she is with freedom in Christ. Although the text is specifically referring to Judas Iscariot, I’m convinced it is applicable to anyone who accepts and then renounces the Lord.  Jesus said, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:23-24 NIV)

Dust Off

The Montrose Daily Press (4-26-13) published a guest commentary written by Ron Black on the secular and religious fabric of America. Mr. Black, an active Christian minister and evangelist for 30 years, renounced his faith saying, “As to your unspoken question, no, I did not lose my faith as a born-again Christian. I gave it up purposely. The motivation that drove me into ministry is the same that drove me out.” Interestingly, he claims to believe in God, but as a humanist. By his own admission Mr. Black has not wondered away, nor is he lost. It seems to me that with his declaration and rejection of Christ he has relieved believers of the obligation to pray for him. I now have a sense of how the disciples must have felt when they shook the dust off their feet as they left a home or a town that rejected their message. “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” (Matt 10:14-15 NIV)

What Next?

A few weeks ago I unhappily had to replace my three-year old washing machine because a bearing had gone out of the motor. Our nine-month old refrigerator is scheduled for its third service call to replace defective parts. A few days ago the lifetime warranted furnace died and it will take two weeks to get in the part. I’m now keeping a suspicious eye on the dishwasher. One repairman told me that today most appliances have a life expectancy of only about three years. In warning about greed Jesus noted that treasures on earth are destroyed by moth and rust. Boy, wouldn’t I just love to have an appliance around long enough for it to succumb to moth or rust! “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matt 6:19-20 NIV)

Climbing the Ladder of Success

In today’s society we feel that we step up and down the ladder of success by our own volition and we are seldom prepared for the fact that someone may come along and knock the ladder out from under us. Recently I saw a friend’s career came to an abrupt end, not because he was fired or demoted, but his job was simply eliminated. He then had to make a decision of whether to take the offer of a lesser position in the same company, to retire, or to seek employment elsewhere. For the believer, reevaluating and reinventing a career path has the added dimension of the Lord’s oversight. We know that God always has our best interest at heart, but sometimes our idea of what is best may not pass His scrutiny. “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:2-3 NIV)

Ready, Aim, Fire

Because of the recent terrorist attack in Boston I continue to contemplate gun-control issues. Recalling Vice President Biden’s suggestion to his wife that, (paraphrase) ‘if a bad guy is around, just shoot a shotgun into the air and help will arrive’ is mind boggling. I was reminded of young David’s willingness to fight Goliath and Saul cautioning, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth.” (1 Samuel 17:33 NIV) Goliath came at David armed with a sword, a spear and a javelin, but David was armed with the Lord, a sling and five smooth stones. Thankfully David aimed at Goliath’s head rather than shooting the stones into the air on a wing and a prayer that he could rally the men of Israel and Judah to come to his aid.

Kibitzing

We’ve all experienced going to the movies and being disturbed by people who are carrying on a conversation at various times during the movie. The culprits are either oblivious, or just don’t care that they are disturbing others. Glaring and shushing them is seldom very effective…especially if they are adults. Much to my chagrin the same thing happens in church. Fellowship and visiting continues even though announcements have begun, pew partners engage in conversations while congregational singing is going on, and my personal grievance is with people kibitzing during communion. All of the elements for the communion time – the song selection, prepared meditation, prayer, serving the emblems - are designed to focus the worshipper’s attention on the Lord. Because of the insensitivity of some, moments of meditation and reflection are often shattered and stolen from worshippers. I think Paul’s instructions to the early church concerning talking in tongues and orderly worship could be applicable to us today. “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.” (1 Cor 14:27-28 NIV)

Manipulation

The newspaper reported that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), who administers millions of acres of public lands in Western States, is asking for public comment on uranium programs. I went to submit my comments, but interestingly, the web address given in the article took me to an environmental group opposing all uranium programs. Going back to the article I did find the ‘official comment site’ listed, however it was more obscure and not as clearly labeled. I suspect that the reporter’s environmentalist bent had something to do with subtly redirecting the public’s attention. Certainly it’s the prerogative of the reporter to be ‘green’. However, leading readers to a website that had not been mentioned in the article brings journalistic ethics into question. Unfortunately, even among believers there are individuals who will use a passage of Scripture out of context to garner support for their line of thought. Whether in the world or in the church, none of us are completely immune from falling victim to deception. “A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.” (Proverbs 14:5 NIV)

Brother’s Keeper

When my children were teens I cautioned them about underage drinking. Well actually, it was more than a caution. I threatened that if I ever discovered them or their friends drinking I wouldn’t wait for them to get caught; I’d turn them in to law enforcement myself. I am absolutely amazed to learn that when the FBI released the photos of the Boston Marathon terrorists not one of their immediate or extended family members called law enforcement to identify them. The callousness shown by the family feels similar to the story of Cain and Abel. Cain killed his brother Abel and when confronted by God, Cain lied about knowing the whereabouts of Abel. The indifference and lack of concern displayed by the Tsarnaev family smacks of them too saying, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:10 NIV)

Well Armed

Bostonians were in house lock-down for 24-hours while law enforcement went door to door looking for the suspected bomb terrorist. Putting myself in their place I found an element of comfort in the fact that I had recently purchased a hand gun and taken a gun safety class. It really wasn’t so much a matter of my being able to protect myself against a man with guns, bombs and grenades, but rather that I wasn’t at the total mercy of police officers to come to my aid quickly enough if the terrorist was coming through the back door. Spiritually speaking we find ourselves in a similar situation if we aren’t prepared with Scripture written in our mind and on our hearts. When we come under spiritual attack from the evil one we can’t expect preachers, elders and deacons get to us quickly enough to defend us from the attack. Before Jesus began preaching he was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. Jesus was armed with scripture and with each of his three responses to the devil began with, “It is written…” (Matt 4:4,7,10)

Treasure on Earth

Recently in the news media a few financial advisors are expressing concern that people in their 50’s are taking money out of their 401K. They feel that the only legitimate reason for dipping into a nest egg would be to purchase a house and those who have used funds for other purposes should pay back into their retirement fund ASAP. I gave value to their opinions until one 30-something accountant tweaked my jaw saying, “If you haven’t planned for retirement you better enjoy living with your kids…and if you haven’t put aside enough money for your retirement, you will be unfairly burdening the rest of us because we will have to take care of you.” Wow. Some of us already have a hard time grasping that God will take care of all our needs; we certainly don’t need the added pressure of storing up treasures on earth so that we won’t be a burden to others. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matt 6:19-20 NIV)

Puke

For the last few days I’ve been a care-giver for a sick dog with digestive problems. Charlie is now on medication, but the vet restricted him from eating grass because it causes him to vomit. I’m getting an up close and personal look at the proverb, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” (Proverbs 26:11 NIV) Interestingly there doesn’t seem to be a definitive reason from either veterinary science or Biblical commentary which tells me why a dog would eat his vomit. Peter referenced this proverb applying it to false teachers and their destruction. Left to come to my own conclusions I’m thinking that false teachers either like the taste of their own deceptions, or they think that reiterating heresies will make it easier for others to swallow. (2 Peter 2)

Marathon

The government is assuring us they will find out who is responsible for the Boston Marathon bombings and that justice will be served on those who perpetrated this act of violence. Most of us are anxious for the results of the investigation, but we may be overlooking the fact that God knows who is responsible and we can play a part in the situation by petitioning Him in prayer to quickly reveal those who have committed the crime. “So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” (Matt 10:26 NIV)

Expectations

I’m getting acquainted with a 41 year-old man who is receptive to becoming a Christian, but has reservations. “Well, I believe in God, but I just don’t know anything. I don’t know any of those Bible stories that everyone else learned when they were kids [Noah, Moses].” Regardless of age, his feelings of inferiority when stepping onto the religious landscape are not unusual. What he, and others, not fortunate enough to be raised in the church fail to realize is that no one is going to question them about Moses, Noah and Daniel in the Lion’s Den. While these are all wonderful faith building stories, they are not a pre-requisite to becoming a believer in Christ. Unbeknownst to my young friend, he is in an extraordinary and enviable position right now because he would be a new believer starting with a clean slate. “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)

Weed Collection

A favorite pastime of one of our local politicians is sowing seeds of dissention in the community. When I see evidence of his half-truths starting to sprout I’m inclined to get out the weed spray or try pulling them up by the stalk. In the Parable of the Weeds there was a problem with being able to tell the difference between the wheat [believers] and the weeds [non-believers]. Intellectually I understand the Lord’s reasoning and His advice against pulling up the weeds, but personally I’d just rather not be growing up among the weeds. “Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’” (Matt 13:30 NIV)

Clear Choice

My niece is using Facebook to garner support for her homosexual lifestyle and those who aren’t supportive are accused of being intolerant and bigoted. What I find absolutely amazing is that these alternative-lifestyle folks are really asking people of faith to choose between them and God. When I look back over my family tree I see people who struggled with sin in the form of alcoholism, drug addiction, and sexual immorality, but I’m struck by the fact that not one of them ever petitioned the family to accept or support their lifestyle. It’s interesting that even in the church some believers have gone beyond simply embracing their loved ones to embracing the gay agenda. There are consequences for believers who bring sinful agendas into the fellowship of believers. Jesus said, “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.” (Luke 17:1-2 NIV)

Iron Lady

I love hearing and reading remembrances of the recently deceased Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s only female Prime Minister. In a report by Associated Press her press secretary said, “Let us not kid ourselves. She was a very divisive figure. She was a real toughie. She was a patriot with a great love for this country, and she raised the standing of Britain abroad.” Thatcher certainly had her political critics, but they always knew where she stood and that she would stand her ground. I think of those in the early church with a similar resolve and determination, such as Paul, Peter, and Stephen. Since we have the benefit of the revealed WORD, I wonder if individuals think Scripture can speak for itself and therefore they are less courageous in confronting and publically stirring the masses. I’d love to see someone in the religious landscape with the tenacity of a Margaret Thatcher. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV)

Clean-Up on Aisle Three

We had family visit us for the weekend and my 30-something nephew, who loves to cook, volunteered to do all the cooking. I didn’t feel I could turn his offer down, but I jokingly ask if he also did the clean-up. His answer was ‘no’ to the clean-up, but that the rest of the family would rally around for that chore. Turning over my kitchen to someone is no different than a guy handing over his keys to his woodworking shop and then just watching from the sidelines. By default the kitchen clean-up chores fell to me because I knew where everything was, where things went when they needed to be put back, where the cleaning supplies were located, and which kind to use. The large stockpot cooking on the stove boiled over, there was BBQ sauce on the screen door, and salad greens on the floor. I found myself having a major Martha Meltdown, but unfortunately it was only after I had put the house back in order that I could hear the Lord saying, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things….”  (Luke 10:41 NIV)

Already Said

I’m working on a non-fiction book proposal and while discussing the premise with others, two people recommended I read a particular fiction novel that they thought had a similar theme. Their intent might have been to help me generate additional thoughts on the subject; however, it felt more like they were saying, ‘What you’re proposing has already been written. I just read this other book that says what you are trying to say and it’s already on the market.’ I have to smile when I think of the Gospel authors Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I wonder if they had similar comments and warnings from their friends, publishers and editors.