Scattered

I’ve been listening to reports of Iraqi Christians being told to choose between renouncing their faith and becoming Muslim; leaving their homes with only the clothes on their back; or facing death at the hand of the terrorists. While it’s tragic, it has a familiar ring. Saul of Tarsus watched and gave his approval to the stoning of Stephen, “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison” (Acts 8:1-3 NIV).

Hear, Hear

I’ve always thought the phrase “hear, hear” was a cheer, or a shout-out in agreement with what was said. In looking for the origin, credit is given to the Bible as the first recorded use of the phrase in 2 Sam 20:16 (KJV). I also found a reference to the British parliament in the 18^th century using a somewhat expanded version, “hear him, hear him,” which to me implies deeper meaning that implores others to listen to what is being said.  In the church our shout-out in agreement would be Amen. Interesting some pastors have slipped into the habit calling for an Amen when they say something that they think is noteworthy. In my parenting days I said a lot of noteworthy things to my children that appeared to go in one ear and out the other. Now I’m thinking I should have added the caveat, “hear me, hear me” or, “do I hear an Amen to that?”

God is Good

My husband’s cancer is now resistant to current treatment and he will soon begin an aggressive regiment of radiation. Bill has had the cancer for 17 years and while none of the treatments or side effects are pleasant, through it all we’ve told others, “God is good.”  I was somewhat taken aback when a friend, a well-founded believer, recently responded (paraphrasing), “Yes, I know all the answers; I know what the Bible says. But when two people have the same cancer and one dies within a few short months and another is spared, the family with loss doesn’t want to hear others saying God is good.” I was just getting warmed up in a response when she cut the conversation short, but I suspect that her sensitivity had less to do with others and more to do with a personal loss. The reality is that regardless of the circumstance, whether life or death, suffering or healing, long or short lived — God is still good. “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”” (1Cor 15:54-55 NIV)

Self-Service

I experienced an interesting communion service on Sunday. The individual emblems were placed on two tables on opposite sides of the auditorium and after the meditation the presenter went to one of the tables and helped himself to the bread and the juice. When a few people left their seats and went to the opposite table I assumed they were going to serve the congregation, but they too helped themselves. I caught the eye of the man who gave the meditation, shrugged my shoulders and raised my eyebrow questioning what to do and he motioned for me to help myself. After I returned to my seat I noticed people gathering in groups of three and four. Taking communion together, they held hands and bowed their heads prayer. Eventually everyone returned to their seats and we continued with the rest of the worship service. It was touching to see people gathering in groups of friends and family units while sharing the emblems. However, it’s unfortunate that a ceremony meant to bring us together as a body of believers is more focused on biological families, than on the family if God.

Victor or Victim

Preachers sometimes point a finger at themselves by using their personal life experiences as examples in their sermons. I like the touch of, “I’m one of you and we all have the same struggles.” However, I’m now detecting an anomaly where one pastor sees himself as a victor, another pastor sees himself as a victim; and unfortunately, those self-induced perceptions are subtly sent to the congregation. Similar to a positive person vs. a negative person, there is a huge difference between one who feels victorious and one who feels victimized. I’m now wondering if all sermons shouldn’t contain at least some element of victory. “…for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 Jn 5:4-5 NIV).

Restoration

My back deck overlooks my neighbor’s yard and it’s impossible to miss the potted marijuana plant they set out during the day and take into the house at night. The six foot solid wood fence protects their illegal activity from the passerby, but my vantage point puts me in a dilemma of knowing what’s going on — but not knowing what to do about it. I’d like to call the police, but the reality is that I can justify both doing nothing, and doing something. Unfortunately this same scenario plays out in my mind when I accidently see a fellow believer nourishing his sin. The first solution that comes to mind is to turn him over to the spiritual police — the preacher, the elders and the deacons. However, Paul tell us, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted” (Gal 6:1 NIV)

Perfecting

The pastor took a rabbit trail and (paraphrasing) said, “When the Lord returns we will live with Him in heaven for seven years, where the Lord will perfect us. After the seven years we will then return to the earth, refurbished to a pristine Garden of Eden, and there we will reign with the Lord for a 1,000 years. At the end of the 1,000 years we go back to heaven for eternity.” The pastor lost me at the seven years of perfecting. I have to laugh when I think that the Holy Spirit might have to endure another seven years trying to whip us into shape. Even in these earthly bodies, when we repent and turn to God our sins are wiped out (Acts 3:20). Exactly what is there to perfect if we no longer sin? “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen” (Jude 24-25 NIV).

Pure and Faultless

The pastor seemed all over the map putting a spiritual spin on social issues with his personal opinion and commentary. On the border crisis he feels lawmakers have it all wrong and Christian groups should be allowed to step in and help solve the problem. In his view, Americas who are on long waiting lists to adopt children from foreign countries could adopt the children flowing over the border. I see the pastor’s compassion for those crossing the border illegally, but I find his solution biblically lacking. These children are not orphans, or seeking adoption — and the US is determined to reunite them with their families who are either already in the US, or in their home of origin. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27 NIV).

Do This in Remembrance of Me

The presenter of the communion meditation began by telling us to clear our minds and focus on Jesus and the sacrifice He made. The gist of the meditation was on Christ; however the message took a turn right before the prayer. Paraphrasing the presenter said, “Everyone has different needs and this is a quiet time for you to draw close to Jesus; think of your needs and your problems and pray about them.” I had the uncomfortable image of standing beneath the cross as Jesus hung in agony with blood dripping from his body — and I’m telling Him about my needs and problems?

Offering Plate

Many churches I visit pass an offering plate and the bulletin at one church read:

“Offering of Our Gifts and Lives

    Whether making a donation or not, EVERYONE is invited to touch the offering plates, offering a prayer to give ourselves to God in heart, soul, mind and strength.”

I was taken aback by all the busyness just to take up an offering, but it made a little more sense when the ushers took the plates forward and gave them to the minister. He turned toward the altar and with upstretched arms raised the plates above his head toward the tall illuminated cross and asked a blessing on the offering of gifts and lives. I see the ritual as something of preference, but I’m hesitant when man’s fingerprints appear on Scripture. Jesus was ask about the greatest commandment and he said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30 NIV). I’m just not sure that the greatest commandment belongs on the corporate offering plate.

Chopped

I recently heard a sermon about “Salt and Light” based on Matthew 5:13-16. The theme of the message was how believers can change the world. The accompanying illustrations were examples we’ve all heard many times before, and they were being served to a seasoned audience. I think many of our preachers could take a lesson from the Food Network reality show “Chopped.” Four guest chefs are given a basket of 3-5 secret ingredients and they must incorporate all the ingredients into a dish that is restaurant quality. There chefs compete in three category rounds — appetizer, entrée and dessert, using everything from pound cake to tuna fish. The contestants cannot expect to win the contest if they simply put a chunk of tuna on a slice of pound cake and serve it to the judges. Likewise, preachers should not expect to motivate mature believers by simply telling us about the properties of salt and light.

What We Believe

As I visit churches and engage people in conversation they often want to give me their denomination information, or send me to a web site that explains what “we” believe. I’m now realizing I do the same thing when I greet visitors at my church. It’s as though the denominational information helps define the church character. However, telling a visitor that my church is an independent Christian Church doesn’t really reveal what we believe. I’m now thinking I need to change my introduction to something more reflective of Jesus. So what do I believe? The confession I made at baptism may be a good place to start, “I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Living Sacrifice

My neighbor’s cat has expanded her territory and laid claim to a patch of grass in my backyard. Now, before Bill can even mow the grass, he has to remove five dead mice and one bird. Obviously the cat is not hungry; she’s just demonstrating her prowess on a grass altar. It does give me pause to think that some of the things I place on the altar before God are also dead. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” (Ro 12:1 NIV).

Unbecoming

A fellow believer boasts, and he has records to back up the boast, that he is the most productive salesman in his field. Interestingly he also publicly bemoans that some people in the business community are saying negative things about him, which is hurting his business and reputation — and he wants the comments to STOP! From the world’s perspective he might garner some sympathy. However from a biblical perspective, God has faithfully and abundantly provided for the man who, by his own admission, is successful. “A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper” (Proverbs 28:25 NIV).

Reach Out and Touch

Our cucumbers are vining and they climb on anything they can reach. The other day I had to laugh when the tendrils of one young vine even reached out and put a strangle hold on an elm seed. I think sometimes our evangelistic efforts, especially with family members, resemble tendrils. In our zeal we forget what Jesus said about those who belong to Him, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (Jn 10:28-29 NIV).

Shall We Gather

Last Sunday I visited an independent Christian Church and as I scanned their bulletin for the order of service I read, “Gathering times: Sunday 9:00 am.” The reasoning behind replacing the term worship with gathering gave me pause. Certainly there are always changes in church terminology, but in this case I sensed a loss in the spirit of worship; and I wonder if the Lord feels a similar loss. I thought of the old hymn “Shall We Gather at the River” (1864), refrain:

“Yes, we’ll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God.”

To me, gathering with saints is not the same as gathering with the saints in worship.

Welcome Mat

Last week a Jehovah Witness showed up at my door and before he gained any traction with his ministry, I turned the conversation around and told him about my ministry. I explained I was going to every church in town in order to write articles about the various worship services. He gave me the service times for the Kingdom Hall, but I doubt he took me seriously about visiting. I had to laugh at the look of surprise on Bill’s face when I showed up the following Sunday. My host understood my visit, and that I was firmly planted in my own church, but I’m sure the other members of the congregation thought Bill had landed a live one. I was not prepare for the outgoing welcome given me by this group. Well over 20 people, out of a total of 97, approached me to introduce themselves, shake my hand, and ask where I was from. Much to my chagrin protestant churches don’t come close to this outpouring of welcome.

The Media

The publisher of our local paper is moving on to a new community and in his good-by editorial he says, “Lastly, there’s always a place for an organization like a newspaper, to help lead a community and make sure those who are in leadership positions are doing what we expect of them” (Montrose Daily Press, 7-20-2014). Interestingly, the Society of Professional Journalist sees things a little differently in their four point code of ethics:

·       Seek truth and report it honestly, fairly and courageously.

·       Minimize harm by treating sources, subjects, and colleagues as human beings, deserving of respect.

·       Act independently (free of obligation to any interest group other than the public rights to know).

·       Be accountable (abide by high standards; correct mistakes promptly).

Sadly we believers do the same thing when we put our own spin on God’s code of ethics.  Our personal interpretation of God’s Word should never change His clearly stated intent.

Making Disciples

I am somewhat dismayed by the lack of greeting extended to visitors in the various churches. It doesn’t seem to matter whether the worship service numbers eight or 300. My experience is showing that extending a hand in fellowship is sorely lacking. I have to laugh when I consider that the battle cry for many churches today is, “making and maturing disciples for Christ.” I’m here to tell you that if we can’t even welcome strangers into our worship, it’s beyond me that we think we can make disciples.

Press One

Once in a while I’ll have a weak moment and respond to a political robocall. I suppose in the back of my mind I think participating in such a poll gives me somewhat of a voice on the political landscape. In a recent survey I went through the litany of political candidate preference questions — press 1 for very positive, 2 for somewhat positive, 3 for no opinion, 4 for somewhat negative, and 5 for very negative. Then, taking a strange turn the question was, “How likely are you to lease a car in the next year?” Press 1 for …” I still have no idea if I participated in a political poll, a marketing survey, or a combination of the two. Sometimes we approach biblical instruction in the same manner as taking a survey — we don’t want to be obedient to the Word, we simply want to weigh in and give our opinion.

Twisting the Truth

A Dear Abby letter writer (7-5-14) was in a difficult situation because a friend asked her to read his self-published novel and then write a “great” review to post on-line. There were many flaws and errors in the novel, hence the dilemma. I was surprised when the communist advised, “Find SOMETHING you liked about the book and mention that ...” Such reasoning might be appropriate in a one on one friendship situation, but I question the wisdom of such advice when it affects others looking for truthful reviews. Abby determined that because the reviewer wasn’t a literary critic, her credibility wouldn’t suffer. I’m reminded of the incident when Moses sent men to explore the land of Canaan.  Upon their return, “They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large” (Num 13:27-28b, 30 NIV). The first part of the report was accurate, but in their fear they had to find SOMETHING to say. Immediately Caleb silenced the people with the truth, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”

Color Blind

Bill picked his first tomato of the year and put in in the window sill to ripen a bit more. I admired the yellow Brandywine, but he said with a sheepish laugh, “Yeah, that one I’ve been keeping an eye on — and waiting for it to turn red.”  It strikes me that many of us may be doing something similar when we look at the Fruit of the Spirit, not only in others, but also in ourselves. We often use the Fruit of the Spirit as a measure, or a grade for righteousness. For instance if we lose our temper we equate it with lacking patience and the need to pray for more patience. I’m now wondering about a spiritual color chart and the fact that it is God assessing the ripeness and He determines the color of the fruit in my life.

Soldiers of the Cross

Last Sunday I visited a church that is steeped in ritual and tradition, yet offers both a traditional and a contemporary service. The messages for each service are identical, but the music and accompaniment set them apart; as does the attendance. I’m told that the average attendance for the contemporary service is 80, but I chose to visit the traditional service where, including the clergy, we numbered eight. The environment was an interesting mix of peace and quiet — so quiet that I could hear the subtle page turning of my own Bible. As the worship came to a close we sang, “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” and it brought to mind that whether we number eight or 80, we are all, “soldiers of the cross.”

Mission Accomplished

Yesterday I attended Christian Science and the entire service was structured around pre-scheduled readings. There were nine of us present, but absolutely no introductions or visiting. The regular members didn’t even speak to one another or ask, “How was your week?”  The two ladies presiding over the service were called Reader One and Reader Two. I can only describe their voices as poetic monotone — the volume, pacing and rhythm remained constant. I was taken aback because there was absolutely no personality in the presentation. At the conclusion of the service I mentioned to Reader One that there seemed to be lack of any identity in the service and ever as a leader her name was never given. She was thrilled. Paraphrasing she said, “Oh, that’s good to hear. That means we’ve accomplished our purpose. We want to be impersonal! We don’t want anyone to hear or see our personalities, we want them to hear only the message.” For me, it was the impersonal message that spoke volumes.

Examination

The guest preacher prefaced the sermon by complementing the church on their reputation as an intelligent congregation. I perked up thinking I would hear expository preaching, but the message turned out more topical in nature. The pastor shot out rapid fire Scripture references that only a seasoned believer could capture, and I wondered about the novice Christian in the audience. If the Scripture references flew over their heads, the only thing left for them to capture would be the jokes, illustrations and stories. My thoughts turned to the Bereans, “…for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11 NIV).

Avoiding Hypocrites

Recently I attended a toxic governmental meeting and the air was filled with truths, half-truths and lies.  Sadly, some of those making false accusations are professed Christians and it gives me pause to see how easily they flip a hypocrisy switch and go from witness to false witness. Experiencing such a display of poor behavior leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth and I struggle with how to respond to these folks when we again cross paths. David, a man after God’s own heart, shares his solution in a prayer, “I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites” (Psalm 26:4 NIV).

Anyone Home?

When we built a woodworking shop for Bill it freed up the garage and now, for the first time ever, I have a place to park the car out of the weather. Recently a friend said, “I drive by your house and think I’d like to stop in for a quick minute, but I can never tell if you’re home. Are you parking in the garage?” I wonder if the same might be said of believers when others pass by and see no evidence of the Spirit being home. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self–control. Against such things there is no law” (Gal 5:22-23 NIV).

Balancing Act

I’m starting to see a pattern of imbalance immerge in sermons, mediations, and church announcements. There is often more filler — jokes, personal stories, anecdotes, and illustrations, than there is text, or actual focus on the subject at hand. Certainly a message or information can be enhanced by examples and even Jesus told stories and parables to illustrate His message. However, we don’t hear Jesus bridging His thoughts by making personal jokes about His relationship with the disciples or saying, “This is my mother’s favorite passage of Scripture.”  I’m wondering if the time set aside for worship of the Lord isn’t being undermined by the many extemporaneous comments of the day.

Bringing Out the Best

Yesterday I attended a church that had a patriotic themed worship music. With robust and rousing enthusiasm we sang all verses of, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” It was not simply the words of the songs and the tempo on the music that united the fellowship. There was no choir, no worship team, and no assortment of musical instruments in accompaniment; there was only one talented pianist and one strong, capable song leader. It has literally been years since I’ve worshiped in a service where the lone worship leader used his voice and hand signals, as though conducting a choir, to bring out the best out of the audience.

Thank You for Your Service

Yesterday I attended an Eagle Cane presentation for veterans. The walking canes, which consist of a hand carved eagle head handle and lathe turned shaft, are the handiwork of local carvers and wood turners. All veterans are eligible to receive a cane, they simple need to fill out an application. Adding a personal touch to the cane, the service member’s name, rank, branch of service and duty station are etched into the cane. All of the presentation were touching, but for the three WWII vets, who were unaware they were being recognized until their name was called, it was an emotional event. “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isiah 40:30-31 NIV).

Surprise Visit

As I talk to people about attending different churches and reporting on their worship service, some of my friends express concern about a church that may have an off-day on the day I visit. For instance it wouldn’t be a normal Sunday if there were a substitute preacher, a crisis in the congregation, or praise team members missing because of the church camp out. Betty said, “You’ll just need to go back again and give them another chance.” I had to laugh. I have a list of 74 churches to visit and somehow I can’t see going back to each one until they have a normal service. I suspect many believers use similar reasoning when they think about the Lord’s return. They too hope it occurs on a normal day when their spiritual ducks are in a row. Jesus said, “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).

Let Me Entertain You

When my grandkids visit and there is a lull in family time they like to play video games on our cellphones. I have to admit that the games come in handy if I have other things I need to do like fix lunch or return phone calls. Recently during a worship service I watched three children entertaining themselves on video games and I had mixed emotions. I wondered if this was any different than my generation giving children something to do to keep them busy during a sermon — books to read; pencil and paper to draw with; crayons and coloring books. I sought an answer from two reliable sources, 11 year-old David and 8 year-old Lydia. Both kids agreed that there is a difference and viewed playing video games during worship as a problem. David said, “There are so many games to play you would never even look up to hear anything that was being said. You need to listen to at least some of the sermon!” Paul reminds us, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom 12:2 NIV).

Home Sweet Home

As I visit different churches I’m struck by the connection, or lack of connection, I feel with the music selections. One church sang only praise songs which were worshipful, but I’d never heard any of them before. Another church sang traditional hymns, most I knew, but a couple were unfamiliar. When we sang “Onward, Christian Soldiers” I was immediately transported to a familiar place and I felt at home. My thoughts turned to folks who’ve drifted away from the Lord. Hopefully they will find some sort of familiarity when, and if, they hear the Spirit tell them, “Get up, take your mat and go home” (Matt 9:6b NIV).

Creating gods

It’s interesting that we seldom question one another’s reference point when we talk about God. We don’t pin each other down with the qualifier that we are talking about “the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Similar to casting a god out of metal, people today cast their god out of the phrase “higher power.” This generic, one-size-fits-all concept allows people to mentally shape their own, all inclusive god. It strikes me that one reason for such anger toward Jesus is that people can create their own god, but they are unable to create their own Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6 NIV).

Bon appétit

I’ve just been given the opportunity to write a religion column for a local on-line publication, the Montrose Mirror. My concept for the column is to visit local churches and report on their Sunday worship services. Think in terms of a food critic going to a restaurant and rating the experience. The intent of the report is not to tell the owner what to put on the menu, or to tell the chef how to cook, but rather to analyze and evaluate the food that is served and how it is being served. I anticipate this “snapshot” in the life of a congregation will be an eye opening experience for me, as well as for churches. My inaugural visit is tomorrow at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, who holds worship services on Saturday. Jesus is the Bread of Life and I look forward to seeing how churches serve Him, both literally and figuratively. Jesus said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me” (Jn 6:56-57 NIV)

Bearing False Witness

Recently I talked to a Christian woman who was trying to justify her stance on a particular issue. Even though each of us had a different recollection concerning a very public and politically toxic situation, she wanted me to agree with her interpretation. I knew what she was saying wasn’t true, but yet I didn’t feel like she was lying. As I grappled with what was happening it occurred to me that this could be a case of “bearing false witness.” In her attempts to justify herself, she was disparaging others. I’d always considered false testimony or false witness, to mean lying, but now I’m thinking it is something more grievous. The ninth Commandment doesn’t say you shall not lie, but rather it says, “You shall not give false witness against your neighbor” (Ex 20:19 NIV).

The Voice

Earlier this week we had a substitute instructor in my exercise class and everything was off kilter. The beat of the music didn’t mesh with the exercises, and the instructor’s cadence didn’t match either the music, or the exercises. When she said reach to the right, she meant diagonally toward the sky. Those same words coming from our regular teacher mean to stretch our arm laterally to the right. In general, the class reminded me of my first day at boot camp where we heard the drill sergeant’s orders, but we looked to one another to see if anyone knew what we were supposed to do. I literally could not wait for the class to be over and I’ll wait until the regular teacher returns next week before I go back. I have a new found appreciation for the illustration Jesus used about the Shepherd and His Flock, “The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice” (Jn 10:2-5 NIV).

Catch and Release

As a child I remember fishing for mud catfish at my grandma’s pond, and we cooked everything we caught. I can’t imagine grandma buying into the catch and release practices of today’s recreational fishermen. It strikes me that when Jesus turned the disciples into “fishers of men,” He intended to keep everyone that was caught. Unfortunately in today’s church many of us are into the catch and release mind set. We watch new believers swim in the waters of baptism and mentally release them into the waters of the world. “‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him’” (Matt 4:18-19 NIV).

The How and The Where

I watch my grandkids play video games and sometimes eight year old Lydia gets frustrated. She will ask older brother David how to make a move, but if he goes beyond the how and tells her where to move, she immediately says, “I know. I know David. I can do it!” I understand some of the dynamics because I tend to do the same thing. I want someone else to read instructions, tell me what to do it, and then get out of my way and let me do it. I suspect many people in the pew on Sunday morning have a similar attitude. Too often we rely on the Sunday school teacher and the preacher to tell us what is expected and then we exclude the Spirit thinking, “I can do it on my own!”

No Apologies

I can’t imagine that Solomon ever apologized for his wisdom and I doubt if his family or staff ever thought of him as a know-it-all, a Bible thumper, or self-righteous. Sometimes we believers succumb to self-inflicted peer pressure and downplay our spiritual side. We take pride in education, brag about hobbies and highlight our successes, but we say little about our faith for fear of appearing too knowledgeable, too religious, or too righteous.  Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matt 5:14-16 NIV).”

Track Changes

In my college writing class I e-mail articles I’ve written to my instructor and she returns them with track changes. I can then accept or reject the suggested changes and resubmit the article. Most of the recommended changes are grammatical, but occasionally she’ll ask for clarification on content. I’m wondering if my response to the Spirit can sometimes be similar to that of making track changes. I read a passage of Scripture, hear a message from the pulpit, or receive Godly counsel from a friend and then it’s up to me to decide whether to accept or reject what is offered. Interestingly, both my instructor and the Sprit are persistent and those track changes just keep coming.  Paul writes, “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you” (Phil 3:1 NIV).

A Plot Afoot

The local economic development group is in peril because a government takeover is being hatched. At one time these two organizations were in partnership, but recently the municipality wants to be the sole economic development driver and is focused on eliminating their competition. Part of the takeover includes absconding with land that was bought and paid for by the development group, but that is currently held in trust by the municipality. What I find most disturbing is that a couple of the people orchestrating the land grab are Christians. It’s as though their political prowess is taking precedence over righteousness. The Lord describes a righteous man, “He does not lend at usury or take excessive interest. He withholds his hand from doing wrong and judges fairly between man and man. He follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws. That man is righteous; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign LORD” (Eze 18:8-9 NIV).

Love in Action

A friend confided that her family recently confronted her about some changes in her behavior. I asked if she felt their analysis was correct and she said, “Yes, now that it has been pointed out to me. Two of my sisters are Christians and I know they will tell me the truth.” We shared a passing moment of grief as to what her future may hold, but I was struck by her acceptance and resolve.  Actually, I think this may be the first time I’ve seen a real life experience where speaking the truth in love was received in love. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Eph 4:15 NIV).

Term Limited

Last week my aunt had a heart attack and rather than conventional treatment, she opted to just take medication for chest pains. She said, “I’m 88, I’ve lived a good life and I’m not afraid to die.” For the family, her blanket statement on her physical wellbeing is comforting in the sense that it relieves us from a certain amount of worry and hovering. Unfortunately she gave no such statement on her spiritual life. I have visions of a blood pressure spike if any of us dare try to and take her spiritual pulse. Certainly it’s not our place to know another person’s heart, but that doesn’t stop us from being concerned about those who are on the verge of being term limited. “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matt 24:44 NIV).

Omniscient

Because we have a personal relationship with the Lord, we sometimes paint Him with brush strokes of human rational. I recently heard a sermon that began with thoughts on the creation of man. The pastor said, “God realized of course [the heart and mind of man]…” I was struck with the concept that God might somehow realize anything. The statement implied that man was a work in progress and God suddenly became aware of new things about his creation. “The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile” (Psalm 94:11 NIV).

Scratching the Itch

The text for my cross-cultural evangelism class is a scholarly body of work and as a student I’m conflicted about who the book was written for. The text says it is meant for missionaries on the field. However, the vocabulary is lofty and rather than focusing on missionaries, it spends a great deal of time referencing other professionals in the field of study. Unfortunately even we believers are not immune from losing sight of the objective in order to impress one another. “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Tim 4:3 NIV).

Taking the Words

For many years I, along with eight others, have served on a credentials committee for the elections of a utility company. Sometime back one woman left the group and another took her place.  As the chairperson either I, or the structure in place for the election, has always rubbed the replacement wrong. Weary of her sarcasm, I opened the door for someone else to step into the role as chair, but the group asked me to continue.  Attempts to ignore or sidestep the bombs and darts thrown my way have been unsuccessfully, so this year I specifically prayed for the right words to address the problem. Before I could begin my spiel this foe interrupted me and acknowledged that she and I didn’t always do things the same way. She laughed, “But this year I’m going to be try to good and do it your way!” The Lord literally took the scripted words right out of my mouth and all I needed to say was thank you. “This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words” (1Cor 2:13 NIV).

Return on Investment

Last Sunday’s worship service lacked any resemblance of decorum. Granted, we had a few visitors, but they were not responsible for all the distractions. The same people made multiple trips to the bathrooms, a fussy baby, one family of three adults leaving the building for no apparent reason and returning a short time later, a child getting a doughnut and people arriving late. One woman walked past me on her way out the front door and, as though I were a school monitor said, “I’ll be back.” I know that God’s Word does not return void, but with all the distractions I’m not even sure how much of the Word I actually heard. “… so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Is 55:11 NIV).

Dark Days

With all the turmoil in the world today it often feels like there is little we can do as individuals except pray for the Lord to come quickly.  However, it dawned on me that the more society degrades and the darker it becomes, the brighter we shine. Even the faintest flickering believer, one who feels ill-equipped on the religious landscape, is capable of casting a beacon of light in the darkness. “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness” (Lk 11:34-35 NIV).

Suffocating

There is a disturbing story of a teenage couple killing the man’s grandparents so he could get an inheritance. Aside from the tragedy, the thought process of the 18 and 19 year-olds is dumbfounding. Their plan was to suffocate the 70 year old grandparents with pillows as they slept, but the teens were caught off guard when these older folks fought back. Apparently the kids thought the 70 year-olds would just lay there and take it. That same view of the older generation is prevalent in the church. Rather than starting their own churches, the younger generation makes it perfectly clear that they want, before their time, to inherit and have ownership of established churches.  Unfortunately some of us older Christian simply lay there and take it.

Epitaph

Every once in a while my adult the kids do something off the wall and their dad jokes, “I thought I raised them better than that!” A recent obituary caught my attention when it said, “She was raised as a Christian …” The phrase speaks volumes — about the parents. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV).

For Your Protection

Last Sunday my kids and grandkids visited a church in the metro area. They were expecting a contemporary service, but they didn’t expect the bulletin to offer ear plugs to anyone who requested them. Even more startling was the caution about infants needing ear protection. Certainly we are all responsible for our own choices; however, it seems like the leaders of high-decibel churches are merely trying to absolve themselves of any responsibility for damaging eardrums by offering earplugs. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple” (1 Cor 3:16-17 NIV).

Seeing a Need

The dairy section of the grocery store wasn’t congested, but an elderly woman and I hit the cottage cheese/sour cream area at the same time. I made my selection and as I started to move on I gave a courtesy apology in case I’d been in her way. She said I hadn’t inconvenienced her, but she was having a hard time finding the cottage cheese since all the containers seemed the same. I showed her the different sizes and she held each one in her hands as she decided how much she needed for her recipe. She settled on the small curd in the medium container and told me about the strawberry Jell-O salad with cottage cheese and pineapple she planned for a pot luck lunch. We compared recipes and as I started to leave she said put her hand toward her left eye and said, “Thank you for helping. I’m blind and I can’t always find what I’m looking for.” Completely oblivious to her handicap, I have to wonder if I too am blind. “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him” (1 Jn 3:17 NIV).

Trending

I’m not much of a music fan, but I watched this latest season of The Voice and I was stuck by the repetition of lyrics in the more current songs. Almost without exception they were saying the same phrases over and over and over again. It was as though I was listening to church praise songs — minus the praise.  Entertainment wise I see similarities not only in the repetition, but with the drums, clapping, and extended arms waving in unison. It has the feel of a trend, but I’m trying to decide if the church followed the pattern of the secular model, or vice versa. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Ro 12:2 NIV).

Saving Face

In young adulthood my daughter, Leslie, received a nasty-gram from girlfriend, and she kept the letter. Later, when there was another rough patch in the strained friendship, rather than taking all the blame, Leslie produced the letter to a mutual friend who was acting as mediator. The letter helped put personalities in their proper light, but the mediator was aghast that Leslie had kept the letter. She implied that since everyone involved was a Christian they should keep no record of wrongs and the letter should have been destroyed immediately. It’s interesting that believers are quick to serve grace in order to let one another save face. Thank goodness Timothy didn’t take Paul’s epistles and destroy them so there would be no record of wrongs.

Seems to be Working

A few years ago my former church eliminated regular youth activities and opted for “family activities” only. Not surprisingly, the church experienced loss of membership when parents went to other congregations to fill the void left in their children. Last week I visited with some folks new to the community who attend the church. When they first started attending they were surprised by the lack of emphasis on youth programs, but after learning the thought process she said, “It seems to be working for them.”  Her observation was interesting and her words thought provoking; not quite a resounding declaration of success. Sadly, many of us evaluate church activities, programs and outreach in a similar manner. I can only imagine Apostle’s reaction if the disciples of the early church reported back such a detached view of the spreading Gospel. “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord” (Acts 9:31 NIV).

Called Out

My grandkids, ages eight and ten, think it is great sport to poke one another in order to get a rise out of each other.  Recently Lydia stood behind David in the rocking chair and gave it a nudge. When he ask her to quit she did, but less than a minute elapsed and she did it again. David protested and Lydia said, “What? What’d I do? I didn’t do anything!” I watched the whole drama unfold and I couldn’t believe it when Lydia, without batting an eye, feigned innocence. She was a little shocked when I called her out, not for agitating her brother, but for claiming innocence. This same scenario is played out every day in the lives of believers and we too seem surprised when the Spirit calls us out for making excuses rather than taking responsibility.

Forgotten Fallen

In Sunday’s worship service there was no mention of Memorial Day, either in word or patriotic song. However, at the end of services two people made an effort to bring the national day of remembrance to the forefront of our minds. One middle-aged woman requested prayers for our military men and women, both past and present. And an elderly woman spoke up to ask if we could sing God Bless America, which we then sang a cappella. As a Veteran I’m appreciative that these two, each from a different generation, stepping up to call attention to the county’s fallen.

Memorial Day

In all things, even war — “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28 NIV).  After the devastating defeat to Japan in 1945 a concentrated effort to evangelize the downtrodden country was made. There was a sense that the ravages of war softened the country to the point that they’d eject their gods and embrace God. Although analysts today argue about the long-term success of the effort in Japan, the fact remains that with any war, doors of evangelism open and the Gospel spreads.

Your Way

Burger King changed their tag line from “Have It Your Way”, to “Be Your Way.” The company wants to tell people that, “they can and should live how they want anytime.” Seriously? What does that have to do with hamburgers? The Associated Press report on the BK thought process said, “It's OK to not be perfect ...Self-expression is most important and it's our differences that make us individuals instead of robots." It appears the fast food chain restaurant is adding another whopper to their menu — counseling services. Obviously the message is not about hamburgers and fries, but rather about molding and shaping the thinking of customers to be more inclusive. The message for believers must always be to live the way Jesus wants us to live. “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Tim 4:3-4 NIV).

Out of Sequence

Sunday during communion I observed a woman taking the emblems out of sequence. She drank the juice, returned the cup to the tray and then took the wafer and passed the tray back to the server. I considered the Lord’s Supper and wondered if there was any significance in the order in which Jesus presented the symbols to the disciples.  It’s almost as though Jesus introduces the bread (body) as a prelude to the crescendo of the blood (wine).  Of the bread he simply says, “This is my body.” However, with the introduction of the cup he said, “Drink from it, all of you.  This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matt 26:27-28 NV). The sacrificed body of Jesus is profound, but it is the blood of Christ brings death and life.

Finish Line

In first place the bicycle racer from Spain crossed the finish line with his arms held high in victory and the crowds cheering. Unfortunately, he began his celebration one lap too soon. By the time he learned of his mistake he was unable to recover his lead and came in 56^th place. It occurs to me that we seniors maybe doing something similar by taking a victory lap when there is still more race to run. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Heb 12:1 NIV).

In the Day

A little girl presented her Sunday school teacher with five wadded up one-dollar bills for the offering. The teacher didn’t quite know what to do with the money because normally they don’t take up a collection. A few of us standing around lamented that we’ve lost the element of tithing-training in today’s church. In our day we wouldn’t go into Sunday school without first getting nickels and dimes from out parents for the offering. The teacher continued with a chuckle, “And there’s more — her younger brother handed me three quarters to pay me for being his teacher.” Jesus said of the disciples, “… the worker is worth his keep” (Matt 10:10b NIV).

Putting Out the Welcome Mat

After a year of consideration a church in a neighboring community adopted the statement declaring they were an “Open and Affirming” (ONA) church body. Claiming that Jesus taught inclusiveness, the congregation “makes a public covenant of welcome into their full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.” Well now, all sexual orientations, come as you are without the need for change? I assume their inclusiveness must then apply to pedophilia, polygamy, incest, bestiality, rape, etc. Jesus is inclusive, but he does not include those who practice sexual immorality. Paul reminds us, “…The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body” (1 Cor 6:13b NIV)

In the Balance

My on-line math lab Algebra class is beyond challenging. Between the homework, review questions, quizzes, and tests, there are literally thousands of math problems to solve. Added to that curriculum are video lectures, essays, and the requirement that you must have a “C” in order to pass the class. This one-credit class is by far more demanding than any three-credit class I’ve already taken. There is such a glaring misalignment of credits that it seems students are doing the work load for a three credit course, but only receiving one credit. The unbalanced weight of the credits reminded me of the tax collectors in Jesus day. They collected taxes for Rome, but had the reputation for adding their own personal service fee. Proverbs tells us, “The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight” (Proverbs 11:1 NIV).

Lend Me an Ear

The judge was half way through interviewing a room full of prospective jurors when an elderly lady raised her hand and said, “I can’t hear a word you’re saying.” The court clerk quickly hooked her up with a hearing device and then the judge patiently revisited the pertinent questions while the others listened to the replay. As I watched the scene unfold I imagined the Spirit lecturing on Faith 101 to prepare believers for a test and seeing the lackluster response of some he knew they weren’t hearing a word he was saying. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches  ...” (Rev 2:7b NIV).

ShareFest

Last weekend 300 volunteers turned out for ShareFest, a daylong event of community helping community. Originally the event was promoted as assisting the elderly, widows and the less fortunate — pulling weeds in the yard, painting fences and building entry ramps. From the believer’s perspective there was great satisfaction in loving our neighbors and doing unto others. Interestingly some larger projects that are now on the to-do list were once done by service organizations and municipalities. Painting the high school baseball fence, picking up trash along recreational trails, and building a gazebo at an elementary school. All are worthwhile and appreciated projects; however, “loving your neighbor as yourself” seems to have morphed into simply loving your neighborhood.

Focus

Twice a week I go to an exercise class for seniors and the instructor has us stretching, marching in place, and keeping time to oldie-moldy music. I’ve learned that if I keep my eyes on the instructor I do pretty well following the sequences of moves. However, if I look at fellow participants and they happen to make a misstep, I wind up following their example. Something similar can happen in the Body of Christ when we start watching others. Even though we are all in the same spiritual exercise class, if we lose focus of the Shepherd’s voice we’ll be out of sync. “The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice” (Jn 10:3-4 NIV).

In Remembrance of Me

As with most nationally recognized holidays, Mother’s Day was interwoven in our Sunday worship service. Mothers were acknowledged in the announcements, communion meditation, sermon, as well as with a token flower gift at the end of the service. While we mothers love the recognition, I think these special occasions can sometimes take a commanding presence in the service. For instance, our lengthy communion meditation became more of a tribute to the speaker’s mother than it was a memorial representing the body and blood of Christ. The mother’s story was well told with wonderful imagery, but I wonder which story, the mother’s tribute or the Lord’s Supper, is most likely to resonate with the audience in the week to come. On the night Jesus was betrayed he took the cup and the bread and gave it to the disciples saying, “…do this in remembrance of me” (1 Cor 11:24 NIV).

Shades of Gray

Earlier this week I visited with member of a New Age church who mistakenly thought we were kindred spirits. As though picking through a sampler box of chocolates, she tempted me with delicacies from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. Rejecting her “all paths lead to God theory”, I told her I would stick with the Bible being the inspired Word of God. “Oh, I believe it’s the inspired word of God too, I just don’t think it's all black and white. I can’t agree that some people are saved and others are not.”  She was so convinced of self-salvation that I finally came right out and ask if she thought she could become like God. She acknowledged God as Creator, yet his position over creation didn’t diminish her views on man’s spiritual prowess. Obviously the same old line Satan used on Eve in the Garden of Eden is still effective today, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen 3:5 NIV).

Algebraic Weeds

I’m just about ready to give up on college classes. Seriously, no one my age should have to do Algebra. In desperation I purchased, “Algebra for Dummies” but even then I’m still struggling with the foreign language of mathematics. Aside from doing all the required problems and equations, I must write a short paper exploring the relationship of mathematics to our Christian faith. I’m to answer the question: Did God create mathematics and men discover it or did men create mathematics as a way to understand the amazing structure of creation? Maybe I’m too close to the situation right now, but I can’t for the life of me think of any supporting Scripture for either theory. What does come to mind however, is the parable of the weeds. Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared” (Matt 13:24-26 NIV).

Converted

For a college assignment I interviewed people from four different denominations to find out about their conversion. The object of the lesson was to discover if they experienced a point of conversion, or if conversion took place over a period of time. However, what really caught my attention was that three of the four subjects never mentioned Jesus Christ. It was as though Jesus didn’t factor in and their idea of “conversion” was based solely on a spiritual relationship with God. Somehow I don’t think that idea qualifies as conversion. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Ro 1:20 NIV).

Calling All Fishermen

Navigating the waters of college I’m overwhelmed with the words, terminology and concepts of scholars and theologians. Their blending of archaic words with newly invented words is beyond maddening for the lay person. I suppose, since they are always quoting and referencing one another, that they are speaking the same language. I have found a whole new appreciation for the unschooled, ordinary fishermen that Jesus called to carry his message. I’m even thinking of the King James Bible as being light reading.

Taking a Tally

Our church attendance was down a little yesterday, but I was surprised at my reaction. For the first time ever, the numbers didn’t mean anything to me one way or the other. They weren’t a measurement of spiritual health, evangelism, or even a vibrant fellowship. I didn’t mentally factor in excuses for weather conditions, vacations, or illnesses. I suppose the detached feelings may be partially attributed to recent studies on cross-cultural evangelism. Globally speaking, I can’t imagine God using numbers as a measuring rod for Body of Christ. I’m now wondering how God views the church’s preoccupation in validating themselves with numbers. Paul said, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise” (2 Cor 10:12 NIV).

Standing on the Corner

The director of the conference was a powerful woman of prayer. However, her corporate prayers became so burdensome for me that by the second day I quit bowing my head and closing my eyes; by the third day I quit praying altogether. Her practice of talking to God about everything resulted in continually slipping in and out of prayer mode in mid-sentence. As the leader for the conference, and the one with the microphone, we were praying for lost glasses, technical difficulties with the Power Point, travel connections, and lost luggage. Sadly, I began questioning the motive behind the excessive public prayers.  Jesus makes a good point when he says, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matt 6:6 NIV).”

Retention

A method for old-school preachers in presenting their message is to, “tell your audience what you’re going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them.” Supposedly the reinforcement helps the listener retain the message; however, it occurs to me this pattern of speaking is unique to the church. If this same methodology were used in writing for publication the article would be rejected by editors, publishers and readers alike. Readers would feel they were being talked “down to” if the point of the article or book was restated three times. Certainly the hearing audience can’t go back and re-hear the message like a reader might re-read for clarification, but I’m wondering if the thrice telling of the point of the sermon leaves me tuning out part of the message.

The Importance of the Source

In doing reports for college classes I’ve sampled a variety of worship services and sometimes the differences are subtle, other times startling. One pastor dressed casually in jeans, stood behind a music stand and glanced at typed notes. Another pastor dressed casually in slacks and a tie, stood behind a podium and glanced at typed notes, but he also read scripture references from the open Bible he held throughout the service. For me, the Bible gave one pastor the edge over the other simply because he referenced the authority he held in his hands. Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath and when he stood up to read the scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. Unrolling the scroll he read a passage. “Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:17 NIV)

Power Surge

We have motion sensor lights in our backyard and we also have a neighbor cat that strolls around at all hours of the night. Normally a cat’s character is one of superiority, so I can just imagine him strutting around in power and authority every time he sets off the lights. I’m reminded of James and John’s indignation toward a Samaritan village that didn’t welcome Jesus because he was going to Jerusalem. Sensing an untapped source of power they ask Jesus, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them (Luke 9:54b NIV)?”  We’d like to think we wouldn’t have had such a response, however, the more we mature as believers, the more likely we are to test the power available to us through Christ — and we’re not immune from having a power surge of our own.

Honestly

Our local paper has come under fire for being biased and in a recent editorial they tried to justify their actions saying. “It takes nearly everyone to keep our government transparent. “[We] … and other media outlets need public support to keep our representatives open and honest.” Seriously? The print media, who holds the power of the pen, are asking for public support to do their job. And when, pray tell, did they appoint themselves to be the honesty-police over others?  Certainly the media needs to report the facts and expose dishonesty, but the implication here is that without them, government types are not open or honest. Unfortunately, we believers are not immune from setting ourselves up as judges and juries. “Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making (Proverbs 16:11 NIV).”

Empty Tomb

I attended Easter worship services at two different churches and was surprised by the lack of focus on the resurrection. While the music selections pointed to the empty tomb, the sermons themselves were basic and could have been delivered on any given Sunday in July. A cloud hung over the remainder of my day, as though I’d gone to the tomb only to find the stone still covered the entrance. Catherine Hankey (1834-1911), wrote the beloved hymn, I Love to Tell the Story and the third stanza says,

“I love to tell the story, ’tis pleasant to repeat,
What seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet;
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.”

I’m reminded that every Bible story, regardless of how familiar, needs to be told and retold. At the empty tomb, “The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you (Matt 28:5-7 NIV).”

Repetition

Recently I attended a worship service packed with praise songs. Similar to a needle stuck in a groove of an old vinyl record, the four-time repeats of each of the choruses struck an irritable chord. Interestingly, something similar seems to be cropping up in sermons where I’ve heard the word “power” was used over 60 times, “valuable” over 35 times and “patience” over 25 times. I’m still trying to understand the need for repetition in the message. Is it lack of preparation and the need for filler on the part of the speaker? Or, does the speaker think the audience we won’t “get it” unless it is hammered home? In all of 1st and 2nd Corinthians Paul used the word “patience” or a derivative, only three times and as a reader, I get it.

Withering

Wood turners are always on the lookout for tree branches and stumps to turn on their lathes. Six weeks ago Bill had an opportunity to pick up some willow and he immediately sealed the ends of freshly cut logs to keep them from cracking as they dry. A couple days ago I went out into his shop and found seven inches of new growth sprouting out of the logs. I suppose by sealing the ends the moisture is retained, but I can’t get over the fact the logs are acting like they are alive even though they are dead. I thought of the Lord’s analogy of the vine and the branches. “If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned (John 15:6 NIV).” It occurs to me that there are folks who are cut off and withering, yet they’re unaware they’re ready to be picked up and thrown into the fire.

Gratefully Yours

I’m becoming more and more aware of ways people in directorship roles try to elicit a response from an audience. Recently a church music director told us to, “Sing with gratitude in our hearts for all God has done for us.” My reaction surprised me. Just as we all may get a different take-a-way from a sermon, we may each be inspired differently by a hymn. I was leaning toward thinking the worship leader was a little presumptuous to be directing my worship thoughts and then I read Paul’s opinion, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God (Col 3:16 NIV).”

Self-Correction

My cousin Diana, who is a fourth grade teacher in California, told me about students asking questions which were so lacking in thought they didn’t even deserve a response. In such instances Diana gives her student a glance, but then returns to her work without answering the question. The student, thinking he hasn’t been heard, persists and Diana simply says, “Yes Johnny, I heard you. I’m just giving you an opportunity to self-correct.”  I can just envision the Lord dealing with believers in a similar fashion as he gives us time to come to the right conclusions. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9 NIV).”

The Beneficiary

Earlier this week I received a call from a woman trying to locate my sister, Shelly, who passed away in 2009. It seems that a longtime friend listed her as the beneficiary on his life insurance policy. Since I am Shelly’s only survivor, the woman gave me the contact information for the insurance company and the policy number. After some research I finally sorted out the situation. Since Shelly is deceased and there was no contingency beneficiary, the policy reverts back to the deceased’s estate and will go into probate. Even though I had not asked the woman, or the insurance representative, the payout amount of the policy, that didn’t stop me from going on a mental spending spree. No doubt the Lord was doing an eye roll at my fleeting thoughts of inheriting something that didn’t belong to me. Unfortunately this same faulty thinking can be found on the religious landscape. A lot of people, who are expecting to inherit eternal life, will be shocked to see they are not listed as a beneficiary in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

It Really is the Cross

A video has surfaced showing a large meeting of Al-Qaeda in Yemen. We all understand their hatred for America and their determination to eliminate our influence in the world. However, the video showed Al-Wuhayshi, a new leader and second in command of Al-Qaeda, wanting more attacks on the US because, “We must eliminate the cross … and the bearer of the cross is America.” Ah-ha! So United States of America is not their enemy, but rather it is the cross of Christ. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I’ve never actually heard it put into words. In talking to his disciples about the signs of the End of the Age, Jesus said, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”

Code of Ethics

Believers are often tried in the court of public opinion as our detractors hold us to their idea of a Christian Code of Ethics. Certainly we often fall short in our walk, but I’m not sure those infractions deserve the accusation, “And she calls herself a Christian!” Interestingly many of my college classes have lessons that deal with ethics. For instance, the code of ethics for the Society of Professional Journalists has four main points – (1) Seek the truth (2) Minimize harm (3) Act Independently and (4) Be accountable.  With all the bias in the liberal media I wonder how they might react if someone said to them, “And you call yourself a journalist!”

Requesting Prayer

Recently I received a follow-up prayer request for a fellow believer who has for some time been in debilitating pain. It’s not unusual for someone to ask the prayer chain to pray specifically, however, this request included five selected verses that a family member felt corresponded with the condition. I looked up the verses and while they were impactful, to me they seemed spiritually restrictive. Whether or not we have a coordinated prayer voice, our prayers are heard. From the Lord’s perspective it’s not always about what we pray for, but how we pray. Jesus said, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer (Matt 21:22 NIV).”

Touch

When people come through the front door of church they run a gauntlet of handshakes, hugs and, for the children, high-fives.  Last Sunday I overheard one of the widows telling some of the men, “I just need to come here every week to get my hugs and pats. I need that human touch.” There are multiple accounts of people wanting to touch Jesus, and Jesus wanting to touch them. In a sense, elements of the Lord's touch are still possible through the Counselor, the Spirit of truth and his human host, the believer. Jesus said, “…The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you (John 14:17b-18 NIV).”

Purpose of a Fence

A middle school aged youngster lives a couple houses down from me. Except for the freestanding basketball hoop on the driveway, his yard seems void of childhood attractions. This young man is good at making baskets, but fairly often he misses the basket and ah shucks it just happens to land in the neighbor’s yard. To retrieve the ball he climbs over a four-foot chain link fence and once inside the neighbor’s yard he traverses the split rail fence as if he were a gymnast on a balance beam.  He jumps off the fence, picks up the ball, and retraces his steps back into his own driveway. This carnival act goes on all the while keeping a watchful eye out for adults in case he needs to pull out a prefabricated excuse. I found these antics funny until I realized adults do something similar.  How often do we throw our toys into forbidden territory just so we can retrieve them? “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed (James 1:13-14 NIV).”

Cross-Cultural Evangelism

I’m struggling with a college class on cross-cultural evangelism. The thrust of the class puts a prerequisite on the missionary to become part of the culture – language, customs – in order to spread the Gospel effectively. That part I get. What I’m not seeing is any responsibility being placed on those who are hearing the message. Certainly there are examples of the disciples fitting into the culture of their day in order to reach people. However, there are also examples of people responding to the message with what appears to be very little effort on the part of the messenger – Jonah and Nineveh, Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch, Peter and the centurion. What I question is who has the greater responsibility, the messenger or the responder. In the parable of the pearl, the merchant did not need anyone to learn his language or culture in order for him to see the value in the pearl. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it (Matt 13:45-46 NIV).”

Getting to Know You

Growing up I really didn’t know my father. In my formative years our relationship was blurred by alcoholism (literally) and in my pre-teen years divorce freed him to be an absent parent. Over the years when we had an occasional visit the communication was surface level and awkward. The disciples knew the Father, but they didn’t “know” the Father. Questions run through my mind when I think about the disciples asking Jesus to teach them how to pray. I suppose each could have had different reasons for wanting to know how to pray. Had they in the past been distant from God and didn’t know how to communicate with Him? Was the relationship Jesus had with the Father something they wanted to tap into? As students did they think this was just another component to their education? Jesus said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation’ (Luke 11:2-4 NIV)”

Identifiers

A college class assignment required that I analyze the community for the sources we use to present the Gospel. I began by looking through the church directory published in the newspaper and I found the names of churches to be very telling. Denominational churches often use identifiers such as Catholic, Lutheran, and Baptist in their title; about a quarter of those listed in the directory included a derivative of the godhead – Assembly of God, Church of Christ, and Christian Church. Along with the common names I also came across: Waves of Mercy Pentecostal Church of God, Roca De Refugio, Cross and Spurs Cowboy Fellowship, Baha’i Faith = Divine Unity, Catch the Fire Soaking Prayer Center, Church 180, Iglesia Horeb Church, Journey, and Quaker Silent Worship Group. No doubt a great deal of thought went into selecting these names, but I’m wondering if people actually live up to the implied church name, or if the name is a vision of what they want to become.

Spiteful

I recently participated in a round-table discussion where the topic was local media. A newspaper publisher from a neighboring town didn’t mince words when it came to elected officials. He smirked, “We need to make them sweat!” Certainly the media needs to hold elected officials accountable, but make them sweat – really? This seasoned journalist seemed uneasy when I questioned his terminology and he said, “Well, I guess it’s personal.” The more he talked it was obvious that his personal reasoning applied to all politicians and, from an editorial perspective, he considered them fair game. It’s interesting that before these people were sworn into office they were our friends and neighbors, but taking an oath of office puts a target on their back. Paul reminds us, “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Cor 13:6 NIV)

Enemy Oppression

Joann was contemplative when I ask her about enemies. “I guess I need a definition. How can I have any enemies if I’m supposed to love everyone all the time? The word that comes to mind is nemesis.” For over 45 years Joann’s father-in-law held animosity towards her because she was “too religious.” The breaking point came during his wife’s funeral when he called Joann aside and taunted her for ruining his son’s life. It was only then that Joann found the resolve to say, “I want you to know that I love you, but this will be the last time you will see me.” Joann had already worked through forgiving her father-in-law when she learned that he had stroke which has left him paralyzed, unable to speak and dying. With an exasperated laugh Joann said, “Now I can’t talk to him. But here I am, putting him on the prayer chain. It’s still not too late for the Lord to reach him.” Referencing the oppression of an enemy the Psalmist said, “My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?”  (Psalms 42:10 NIV)

Living With the Enemy

I asked Peggy if she had any enemies and she laughed, “Yes, but can I pick more than one?” Then, on a serious note, she told me about being married to her 90 year-old husband, a man who is 25 years her senior. Early into the marriage he attended church with her, but he soon dropped all pretenses. “He is what I would call a spiritual enemy. He mocks me, makes snide remarks and ridicules what I’m doing.” Peggy is determined to have a Christian home, with or without a believing husband. “I love him, but I’ve stopped taking responsibility for him. All I can do is pray and be a good example.” The book of Numbers offers insight into living with enemies, “When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the LORD your God and rescued from your enemies.” (Numbers 10:9 NIV)

Room at the Cross

Today we hear a lot from environmental folks about the overpopulation on the earth. However, it was reported in 1991 that the entire world population could fit into a rectangle that was 40 mile long and 30 mile wide and each person would have one square yard of space, with room to spare. Interestingly the New Jerusalem described in Revelation is a city 12,000 stadia in length, height, and width – a cube of 1,400 miles. The county Gospel song, There’s Room at the Cross For You brings us to the foot of the cross, but maybe we should also be singing about all the room available in the Great City. (Rev 21:15-27 NIV)

Enemies

When I ask fellow believers about their enemies the normal reaction is to recoil – Christians don’t have enemies; Christians love one another. Eighty year-old Edward struggled with the thought of having enemies, “I guess my daughter made me mad. She needed money to buy a house so my wife and I gave her a loan from my retirement.” It wasn’t long before his daughter missed installment payments and declared bankruptcy. The relationship was severed for years, but when Edward’s wife passed away their daughter asked another family member to find out if she could come to her mother’s funeral. “My daughter did nothing but bring heartache and cause grief in the family. I didn’t see her at the funeral – I don’t know whether or not she came.” Had Edward’s daughter been a stranger he would have taken legal action, but instead he avoided having anything to do with her or ever seeing her again. “… a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.” (Matthew 10:36 NIV)