Shrewd

A person relatively new to our area lavishes a mixture of praise and platitudes on influential people in order to ingratiate himself with the community. The manipulation factor, which is reminiscent of the parable of the shrewd manager, is something I struggle to understand. “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:8-9 NIV).

Herald

We’re all familiar with the make-up of the body of Christ and how those positions are categorized — apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues (1 Cor 12:28). Using the process of elimination we mentally check off those positions for which we know we don’t qualify. Unfortunately many of us then limit ourselves with the only descriptive role that seems to fit. In his letter to Timothy the Apostle Paul added a new category to his list of credentials that of an official messenger bringing news. “And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher” (2 Tim 1:11). We are all appointed to be a herald of the Gospel.

Withholding

I have a hard time separating a person from their actions, consequently when someone has treated me poorly I keep them at arm’s length. When it’s a casual acquaintance I simply avoid them, however if it is a friend or a family member my distance-keeping takes on the form of withholding affection for a time. It gave me pause when I read that Paul didn’t tolerate such behavior from the Corinthians, but rather called them out. “We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also” (2 Cor 6:11-13 NIV).

The Life to Come

People make New Year’s resolutions to diet and get in shape for various reasons. When we were younger we strived to get to that perceived perfect size body, but as we age many of us simply want to keep up our strength so we can avoid going into a nursing home. Thank goodness dieting and exercise are temporal and someday they will end. Paul tells Timothy, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Tim 4:8 NIV).

Surrogate

I just received an email invitation to join one of our many community groups for a social evening of meet and greet networking. During the evening people can write out their suggestions on how to improve the community and then those suggestions will be categorized and “…given to those entities who have the ability to read those suggestions and make the necessary changes to put them in place.” The reality is that individuals don’t need a surrogate to carry their suggestions, they can go directly to the entity themselvs. Even people of faith can easily fall into a similar mind set thinking they need others to carry their burdens and petitions — Saint Christopher, Mary the mother of Jesus, Mother Teresa. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that through Jesus we have direct access to God, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb 4:16 NIV).

By Hook or By Crook

Illegal immigration is a big problem in America. Rather than obeying US immigration laws, people are trying to force their way into the US by hook or by crook.  Jesus warned us of a similar situation when people think they can to get into heaven by means other than accepting Him as their Lord and Savior. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 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” (John 10:1-3 NIV).

Persecution Card

We all know folks who will play the race card whenever they lose at something in a social or political arena. After visiting a variety of churches I’ve picked up on the fact that a few church denominations and fellowships are doing something similar when they play a persecution card. They lament that mainstream churches brand them as cults, shunned them for talking in tongues and look down on them for abandoning the traditional church. Paul pointedly reminds us that such arguments lack foundation, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all” (Col 3:9-11 NIV).

Making Disciples

Discipleship is a word used on the religious landscape and it’s a goal for people of faith. Mentoring on the other hand is a buzzword heard in the world and seems more easily accomplished. Reading the definitions it occurs to me that many of us may be better suited to mentoring than to making disciples. As defined by Webster’s, discipleship is, “one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another [Jesus]; and mentoring is, “to advise or train.” However, Jesus didn’t commissioned the 11 disciples to be mentors, the Great Commission is to make disciples. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt 28:18-20 NIV).

Year in Review

My mother, bless her heart, was one who held onto grudges. When she passed away I sorted through her long-kept grievances which showed up in the form of hand written notes, divorce settlements and unrepaid loans papers. Her grudges were not mine to embrace, so I simply put them through the paper shredder. Unfortunately I get the same gnawing pain of holding someone else’s grudge when I read the local newspaper’s Year in Review of the top stories for 2015. Rather than reporting on the accomplishments and positive happenings in the community, reporters kept grudges alive by reminding us of past scandals, lawsuits and turmoil. In the church Paul says believers are to think and behave differently, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Ro 14:19 NIV).

Seeking the Lord

On yesterday’s blog Steve commented on the teaching of Jesus, “His technique was to just use parables that those inclined to seek the Lord would understand and the rest would not…Nobody just stumbles over the Lord…” Taking this thought a step further, I wonder what it says about believers who are not deepening their relationship with the Lord by staying in the Word — those who seek the Lord in nature, through the pastor and in fellowship, but yet they never crack their Bible. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV).

The Epistle

The local newspaper publisher, a relatively newcomer to town, will occasionally write an editorial. In a recent column he recapped his Christmas holiday beginning with, “For those of you who think I share too much personal stuff about my life in this column; bail out now. For those who enjoy it; read on.”  Even just scanning the column I felt like some stranger just sent me his Christmas letter. When Paul wrote to a particular church he referenced his ministry, but the letters also contained instructions, encouragement and warnings for the body of believers…so much so that the letters were circulated to other churches. I’m trying to imagine Paul saying if you don’t like what you’re reading, bail out now. In Paul’s final thoughts to the Corinthians he said, “Finally, brothers, good–by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor 13:11 NIV).

Anno Domini

In the year of our Lord 2016…Happy New Year!

Visiting

It’s bittersweet that I’ve just finished visiting 62 churches in the area and publishing articles about my worship experience. While my visits only lasted an hour or two, I have a better understanding of Paul’s strong desire to return to the churches he’d visited. “Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing” (Acts 15:36 NIV).

The Spirit Within

I have a friend who I seldom see, but recently we ran into one another and she said, “Every time I drive by your house I think of you.” Her comment gave me pause. The Holy Spirit resides in every believer, but yet when I encounter people of like faith it’s only on the rare occasion that I think about the Spirit living within them. Paul said, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you” (Ro 8:11 NIV).

Humbling

A man of meager means is a dishwasher in a neighboring town. When he found an envelope of cash he turned it over to his boss, who returned it to its rightful owner. The story of his honesty has spread not only across the community, but around the nation and to other countries. People are rewarding the man’s honesty with financial gifts and now, rather than couch surfing, he may be able to buy a home of his own. Beyond his honesty the local paper reported that the man qualifies for food stamps and other assistance, but refuses to accept government help insisting, “…he will work for his money.” Seldom do we hear of someone forfeiting something they are entitled to. Paul wrote that our attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross” (Phil 2:6-8 NIV)!

Hypocrisy

Our local newspaper recently ran an editorial chastising leaders and citizens for keeping a current controversy alive. The underlying theme of the editorial was there is nothing that can be done, let it go and move on. This is the same newspaper that goes through their archives looking for propaganda to republish about people and events in the community so they can keep stories alive that happened one to 10 years ago. The words of Jesus can just as easily be applied to businesses and organizations, as to individuals, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matt 7:3-5 NIV).

Merry Christ-mas

Many of us lament that the true meaning of Christmas is lost in commercialism. We are particularly critical that the marketing of Christmas starts immediately after Thanksgiving…and in some cases holiday displays can even be seen right after Halloween. It occurs to me that in times past proclaiming the name of Christ was confined to the month of December. However today, even though it is not the intention of marketers, the name of Christ is publically proclaimed throughout November and December. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:9-11 NIV).

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Every once in a while we’ll hear about mothers going into labor so quickly that they are unable to get to the hospital in time. A baby being delivered on the side of the road in the back seat of a car by a policeman is a much more compelling drama than the birth of a baby born in a sterile hospital surrounded by medical personnel. So vivid and memorable is the birth of Jesus that even young children know and repeat the story. While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, “...the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:6-7 NIV).

Leveling Spiritual Paths

Last week the Denver metro area was hit with a snowstorm that dumped over eight inches of snow in some places. A few days after the storm we visited my daughter and when I took her dog for a walk I was surprised that so many homeowners either didn’t shovel their walks, or simply made a narrow swipe through the snow. In and out of shaded areas the walks were treacherous and I found myself praying with every step as I went from snow pack, to sheets of ice, to gullies of slush. Spiritually speaking I’m now wondering if there are times when I’ve not maintained the sidewalks in and around my life leaving obstacles for others to traverse. The writer of Hebrews said, “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed” (Heb 2:13 NIV).

Birth of Redemption

An older man in our church suffers from Alzheimer’s and although names of people are difficult for him to remember, he is cheerful and faithful in attendance. Jim’s progressive disease has not stopped him from serving communion. I marvel that even in infirmity not only is there a desire to serve, but God has a place for us to serve. Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the temple where Simeon, a righteous and devout man, blessed the Child. There was also a prophetess, Anna who was widowed after seven years of marriage and was now very old at age eighty–four. “She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:37b-38 NIV).

Self-Conscious

When my sister passed away I inherited her jewelry and one of the pieces is an ostentatious gold ring. I felt self-conscious wearing the ring even on special occasions, so I decided to get comfortable with the flamboyance by wearing it all the time. Consequently it now no longer bothers me that the ring may sometimes look out of place even when I’m dressed in casual attire. I think something similar happens to people when they first accept Christ. We tend to wear Christianity to church and on special occasions, but feel self-conscious about being a new creation out into the world. Paul said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor 5:17 NIV).

Let Your Light Shine

My daughter, Leslie, lives in an older subdivision in the metro area and directly cross the street from her house are two neighbors who compete with each other in decorating their houses for Christmas. Every inch of both properties, from rooftops, to shrubs and trees, to backyard privacy fencing is aglow with lights, garland and larger than life Christmas characters. As soon as it’s dark a steady flow of buses and cars tour the neighborhood. Even if Leslie and Tim tried to decorate their house it would be paltry compared the extravaganza across the street. I’m now wondering if it’s possible for a believer to let their light shine to excess. “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).

Gifted

A pastor whose denomination advocates for prophesy, speaking in tongues and faith healing told the audience that although believers major in one spiritual gift, everyone is equipped with all of the spiritual gifts. He said, “If I only have the gift of prophesy, what happens if someone comes to me who needs healing? Do I send him to the house down the road [to someone who has the gift of healing]?” I don’t completely agree with the preacher’s interpretation on gifts today, however, I was reminded of the disciples who were unable to drive a demon out of a young boy. Jesus then drove the demon out and later the disciples came to Him privately and ask why their attempts were unsuccessful. Jesus replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matt 17:20-21 NIV).

Disinherited

Speaking about adoption a pastor said, “Did you know that by law when you write a will you can disinherit your children…but that you can’t disinherit an adopted child? God choose us. We are adopted and we cannot be disinherited.” Paul wrote in Ephesians, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Eph 1:4-6 NIV).

Closed for the Season

I’ve encountered too many churches that have their names in a public directory as though they are open for business, but their phones are disconnected, they’ve shuttered their doors, or moved and left no forwarding address. Recently I received the following reply from an email I’d sent: "Gail, Sorry it took so long to respond. We are not doing the prayer center at this time. I'm sorry. Mark" It's not unusual to hear people say that the Lord has moved them on to a different ministry. However, to say, “We are not doing the prayer center at this time,” sounds like something you’d hear from the owner of a kiosk when he wanted to close up shop for the winter. Jesus said to the self-deluded members of the church in Laodicea, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20 NIV).

Set Apart

In my last two church visits the congregations went to the effort to find out about my visits and then classified them as a ministry. At the close of both services these congregations took time to pray over me and pray for the outreach of the stories. I was both honored and humbled by their blessing. It’s not unusual for churches to set apart people for works of service, but we usually think in terms of someone going on the mission field, or taking a position in church ministry. I’m wondering if we underestimate the need to set people apart for any ministry into which they have been called. The disciples in the church at Antioch experienced such direction, “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2 NIV).

Fidgeting

Writing is a sedentary lifestyle and my exercise and nutritional consultant wants me to move more. She suggested that at a minimum I get up from the computer at least once every hour and that I should fidget. Immediately I could hear a chorus of mom’s voices saying, “Sit still. Stop fidgeting.” Sometimes mothers are God’s messengers, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10 NIV).

What Do You Think

The young woman felt she was stimulating a spiritual conversation when she ask a man what he thought about a particular passage of Scripture. He responded, “Why are you asking me what I think? It’s in the book [Bible].” The man made a point that all too often we let thoughts and opinions trump the Word of God. James speaks to the same issue, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely” (James 4:4-5 NIV)?

The Eyes Have It

Speaking on a secular level, if I want to avoid someone I don’t make eye contact with them. Unfortunately we do something similar in the church when we don’t want to engage, or we’re uncomfortable reaching out to others. Jesus could have sent his disciples to fetch Zacchaeus out of the tree, or he could have come to the base of the tree and spoke generically to those standing around and told them about his intentions. However, “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5 NIV). As believers we often underestimate and undervalue the importance of eye contact.

Interactive Sermons

More and more I see speakers, both secular and religious, trying to be interactive with their audience. They say, “Can I hear an Amen to that?” “Thank you Jesus…right?” “Jenny, you had similar experience do you want to share anything with us?” I’m not sure if this type of inclusion is intended to build a rapport, to let people have a feeling of participation, or if it’s a prop. During the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus drew the audience into the message without making them active participants. “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law” (Matt 7:28-29 NIV).

Testimony

I attended a church that began with the pastor inviting people to come forward to give testimonies about what God has been doing in their lives. One man had only a few words out of his mouth before he switched from giving a testimony to preaching. His mini-sermon wasn’t bad, but it lacked the power found in a testimony. Using John the Baptist as an example, “Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God” (John 1:32-34 NIV).

Prudent

I’m working on an article about emergency preparedness and many state and federal organizations suggest the importance of having an emergency supply kit on hand in case of a natural disaster. Generally speaking they all recommend that you should have enough food and water to last each person 72 hours. Certainly the Lord wants believers to be prudent, but not to the point of worry. Jesus said, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:31-34 NIV).

Slush Fund

Our city imposed a 25 cent per month surcharge on each resident’s sewer bill to help citizens cover the cost of cleanup if they have a sewer backup. On the surface some people bought into the reasoning put forth. However, in six months the fund has accumulated almost $13,000 and to date no money has been paid out, even though there are a couple of claims pending. I’m reminded of Judas Iscariot objecting to Mary pouring expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus. Judas suggested the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. “He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it” (John 12:6 NIV).

Knew Who

I was forced to change my email address when my service program glitched and would only allow me to receive, but not send. Unable to send my address book to the new email system I’ve jumped through all kinds of hoops, including manually inserting some of the contacts. As I’ve scrutinized the names in the list I’m surprised by some of the contacts listed that I have no idea who they are, much less how the wound up in my address book. I now have a different understanding of how the Apostle Paul could so easily dismiss the names of all the people he’d baptized. Knowing his priorities, Paul said, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” (1 Cor 1:17 NIV).

Plausibility

Many of us may feel uncomfortable with the direction taken by elected officials and government administrators, but when we question their decisions they always have a plausible explanation. They can easily justify their actions because constituents don’t have all the facts needed to counter their statements. I’m reminded of the parable of the Great Banquet and the invited guests who made excuses and justifications for not attending. One had to inspect his newly purchased property, another had to try out his new oxen and a third was a newlywed. On the surface, and without knowing each situation, I would probably have accepted their explanation. Spiritually speaking however, plausible excuses don’t work. Jesus said, “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet’” (Luke 14:23-24 NIV).

Greater Than, Less Than

In today’s society it seems common practice for people to value themselves above others. As an example of humble service Jesus washed the feet of his disciples to show them what they should do for others. I’d always felt Jesus reinforced his illustration when he told the disciples what they already knew, “I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him” (John 13:16 NIV). However, I now believe those in Jesus’ time were as self-centered as we are today. Apparently this truth revealed by Jesus was a new teaching, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (vs 17).

Signs of the Times

Bill received a weather station as an early Christmas present and son-in-law Tim helped him install the sensor on the peak of the house. With the wireless remote now on a shelf in the house we don’t even have to poke out nose out the door to know what the weather is like…wind speed, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and rainfall totals. As much as were going to enjoy our new toy, I’m also reminded of Jesus’ thoughts about the weather watchers of his time. When the Pharisees and the Sadducees demanded Jesus give them a sign from heaven he said, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times” (Matt 16:2-3 NIV).

Happy Thanksgiving

The world is in turmoil, but even in the midst of chaos both here and abroad, the Apostle Paul tells us to be thankful. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1Thess 5:16-18 NIV).

Curses

During a contentious public meeting the men were loud, confrontational and accusatory…each tried to outdo the others with their ego and diatribe. However, one woman sprinkled her comments with swear words. I suspect this was her attempt to make her mark amongst all the men, but I doubt they were impressed. “Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you — for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others” (Ecc 7:21-22 NIV).

Fast of Foot

The news reported on an Amish man who runs marathons in his traditional clothing of slacks, long sleeve shirt and suspenders, along with non-traditional sneakers. He went through a rebellious streak in his teens and his brother-in-law introduced him to running. The young man said that whenever he is tempted to sin he runs. Well now that’s a concept! Paul said, “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim 2:22 NIV).

Intimidation

A public meeting was billed as finding candidates to run for elected office and a member of the audience made a veiled threat that boarded on candidate intimidation. He said, “Any candidate you run will look like fools when we call them out. We will ask them questions about what they don’t know! If you run a candidate, they better be able to answer [our] questions.” The Pharisees, Sadducees and teachers of the law devised questions for Jesus with the intention of discrediting Him and making Him out to be a fool. The Lord was not intimidated, but rather responded in a manner that exposed the folly of His questioners. “Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes” (Proverb 26:5 NIV).

Send and Receive

I have major email issues and in order to solve the problem I wound up with four different email servers, each doing a different function. With two I can receive emails, but not send out. With another I can send and receive, but none of my contacts are in that email address book. One is selective and will receive some, but not all emails. Currently I am cutting and pasting messages onto different servers until I have time to consolidate and get everything in one place. I have this image of the Spirit being similarly frustrated when He sorts through the mixed messages of believers…are they sending, receiving, deleting, saving…or simply dealing with junk mail. Paul said, “…but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us” (1Cor 2:10-12 NIV).

Eyes That See

I get irritated when my grandkids get in my car and start poking buttons. Occasionally my husband Bill will also change some settings and forget to put them back — rearview mirrors, seat position, radio station, dash lights. When I hop in the car and start down the road I either have pull over and do some resets, or just continue driving with a bad attitude and things out of kilter. Last night I had an evening meeting and as I drove out of the driveway I realized Bill had dimed the intensity on the dash board and I could hardly see the speedometer, much less any of the other controls. It took me about three blocks before I realized that even the street lights and house porch lights were not as bright as they should be. It’s amazing how things look when you’re driving at night with your sunglasses on! “Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both” (Proverbs 20:12).

Wise Counsel

I’ve mentioned to a few people that I scheduled a meeting with an official and each and every one of them has cautioned, “Do not meet with him alone.” Their reasoning is not that something inappropriate might happen, but that anything said might be twisted or manipulated. I’ll keep the scheduled meeting, but being mindful of the counsel from others I intend to record the conversation. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22 NIV).

Putting Out Your Sign

Disconnected phone numbers and incorrect addresses are a couple of reasons I’ve had difficulties finding some of the churches I’ve wanted to visit. One address turned out to be a tattoo parlor, so I called the phone number listed and the man laughed and said, “Well, just get a tattoo and then come on upstairs to church!” The church, which was in a strip mall, had relocated to an upstairs room. However, in order to find the church entrance I had to drive through the alley, locate an industrial door with a small church sign and then climb a flight of stairs. At the conclusion of the service I told the pastor about my difficulty in finding them and he said, “Well we used to put a sign out front on the sidewalk, but we just got tired of putting it out.” I suspect that as individuals may of us are of a similar mindset. Having been believers most of our lives we forget the importance of putting out our own personal sign of hope and salvation. The writer of Hebrews said, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek” (Heb 6:19 20 NIV).

Temptation

In his sermon on temptation the pastor took us back to the Garden of Eden, “In our mind we think the temptation of Eve took only a few moments. The truth is we don’t know how long it took — a day, a week, a year.” It’s a new thought to me that Eve may not have been so weak-willed that she jumped at the slightest temptation; and also that Satan might well needle us with the same temptations, the ones we are most vulnerable to, over long periods of time. Whether the temptation period is long or short, the antidote prescribed by James is the same, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 NIV).

Leadership

Leif Babin, former Navy Seal and co-author of “Extreme Ownership,” spoke about leadership during a FOX News segment. He said those in leadership positions need to “…acknowledge failure and own their mistakes.” We rarely see that from politicians, but the same can be said about Christians. It’s easy for me to say I’ve failed, made mistakes and sinned…but quite another matter to take ownership and cite details and particulars to someone else. I’m not sure I can even remember the last time I confessed my sin to someone. James said, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

Self-Impressed

Recently a library ballot referendum was defeated by 519 votes and some in the community, including some Christians, are furious with the 519. A fellow believer even wrote a letter-to-the-editor saying that these people should be embarrassed by their vote. Those who villainize these folks are overlooking the fact that the vote was actually 5,618 to 5,099. I guess it’s easier to rationalize being angry with 519 than it is being angry with 5,618 voters. I’m amazed people can become so impressed with themselves that they think they can direct the lives of others, up to and including how to vote. In Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders he warned, “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:30).

Emphasis Added

Fairly often I’ll get a forwarded email that has been doctored and fluffed up by each consecutive reader. There will be highlights, bold and underlined words, and fonts so large that a word wraps around to the next line. I normally delete the collage because it’s distracting to read and quite honestly I don’t need someone else telling me what they think is important. Thank goodness biblical scribes weren’t allowed to highlight portions of Scripture that they thought needed added emphasis. John wrote, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book” (Rev 22:18-19 NIV).

Adulteress

It was frosty early Sunday morning as I looked out my kitchen window into my neighbor’s backyard. Three young adults dressed in jackets and hoodies were moving around trying to stay warm while they shared a joint and lite up a pipe. I know I’m naïve, but seriously, who smokes marijuana for breakfast? Although Proverbs 7 is a warning against adultery, marijuana might well fit the image of an adulteress, “At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment” (Proverbs 7:6-7 NIV).

Let Us Serve

The topic of our Sunday school lesson was “serving” and the teacher encouraged us to follow the example of Jesus and serve one another. As I reflected on how I serve others I thought of the many times people stopped me in my tracks by trying to repackage my service. For example, if I offer to bring a vegetable dish to the potluck, but the organizer of the event says she would rather have me on clean-up duty. Or, if I volunteer to serve as an adult Sunday school teacher and someone tries to assign me to the nursery. It is curious that people think they can be in charge of directing another person’s service. Peter did something similar when Jesus began washing the disciple’s feet. “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me...I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:8, 15 NIV).

Are You Really My Partner?

Amongst local government agencies and community organizations the term “partnership” is used so liberally that it has become an illusion. The public perception presented is that everyone is working together; however, the reality is that not only are they working around each other, they often work against one another. Their actions seem remarkable similar to the deception Jacob perpetrated on his father Isaac when he disguised himself as his brother Esau. Unfortunately many of us in the community have weak eyes and are as blind as Isaac simply because we take the concept of partners that is presented to us at face value. “Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” He did not recognize him, for his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him. “Are you really my son Esau?” he asked. “I am,” he replied” (Gen 27:22-24 NIV).

The Smallest Witness

Many of us think in terms of spreading the Gospel to the whole world, reaching our community for Christ, or bringing someone to salvation. I had not thought in terms of my relationship with one person impacting their sphere of influence. For instance, I’ve befriended a single woman and while I sense my Christian witness has touched her life, I hadn’t considered that my witness might be extended through her to her young children, co-workers and extended family. I suspect I’ve underestimated the power of the Spirit to multiply my witness. Jesus said, “Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade” (Mark 4:30-32 NIV).

No-Call-List

Being on the do-not-call list hasn’t stopped my getting unsolicited phone calls. Normally I simply hang up, but the other day in frustration I called the number back. To my surprise the recording said, “If you think you have been called by mistake and want to be put on our no-call-list press five.” I now return unsolicited calls and often I’m able to get on the individual organization’s no-call-list. I haven’t stopped all the calls, but eliminating even a few has given me a sense of empowerment. Spiritually speaking, the devil is also on my do-not-call list, but that hasn’t stopped him from calling either. James said, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 NIV).

Dependence

Some of my older friends are rebelling against age and they refuse to use walkers, oxygen tanks, and install handicap ramps. In spite of two broken hips and two fractured ribs my aunt, who is in her early 80’s, refuses to use a cane because, “She doesn’t want to become dependent on it.” It occurs to me that in many instances believers have a similar mind set. We don’t completely turn our lives over to the Lord because we don’t want to become too dependent. The Psalmist reminds us, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge” (Psalm 62:5-7 NIV).

Be on Guard

At the close of Sunday morning worship a visitor came forward and wanted to offer his testimony. In a nutshell he was born in the Czech Republic and had been in the US for almost two decades…sometimes legally, sometimes illegally. With a few rabbit trails he took us on his journey of finding God and included his concern for America’s decline and fear that if the US didn’t wake up we would someday resemble his former homeland. His testimony/political commentary in broken English was lengthy and while some people took their seats, others exited the building. I found it to be an awkward and worrisome situation that a man, whom none of us know, could simply walk in off the street and gain an audience with the congregation. Paul’s charge to Timothy is applicable to us today, “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge…” (1 Tim 6:20 NIV).

Equality

My friend is a self-proclaimed Christian Feminist who considers herself de-churched because of what she sees as inequality in the church between men and women. With rapid fire justifications she defended her position and I couldn’t tell if she wanted endorsement, acceptance or debate. I give credit to the Spirit to help me jump over the worldly controversy and look beyond positions on earth. When our focus is on the end game of salvation and eternal life, there is no inequality. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).

The Spirit Speaks

Years ago I knew a youth minister who impressed upon students that once you accept Jesus as your Savior you have the indwelling presence of the Spirit. The Spirit then reads what you read and goes where you go. Illustrating his point the minister said that if you view pornographic material, watch X-rated movies, or go to a weekend beer bust, then you’ve taken the Spirit along with you. I’m now contemplating how the Spirit feels as He and I attend different worship services of all sizes, shapes and denominations. It occurs to me that He might be edified, grieved, or even bored. Just as the Spirit spoke to each of the seven churches in Revelation, he speaks also to my church today, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev 2:29 NIV).

Unprepared

Without introduction the speaker/preacher stood behind the podium and told of his fear and uneasiness about speaking in front of a group with whom he was not well acquainted. Beginning his message he recounted telling his wife he would, “…build a message when I get up there to the podium. God will expand on the Scriptures that have touched me, He [God] wants to move me along, move us forward.” I continue to be amazed at how often I hear speakers tell their audience that they are relying on the Spirit to put the finishing touches on their message. Some of these men may be confusing sermon preparation with words that are needed when one is under persecution. Jesus said to the Twelve, “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matt 10:19-20 NIV).

Defensive

In doing a follow-up on a story a government employee got a little defensive at my simple question. While he answered my question there was a hint of indignation and he suggested I take any further inquiry to someone else. Even though I know the employee as a fellow believer, it didn’t keep him from having a worldly reaction to the situation. The Genesis account of the Fall of Man came to mind and I heard God asking simple questions — “Where are you?” “What is this you have done?” Although Adam answered, he implied further questions should go to Eve. Likewise, Eve answered God, but implied further questions should be directed to the serpent. Unfortunately even people of faith sometimes look around for a serpent when we don’t want to fully answer a question.

Poking God

Children often pester, poke and shove each another just to see what they can get away with. Believers deal with something similar when people in our lives try to force us to embrace homosexuality, turn a blind eye to abortion, and accept that all paths lead to god. These folks want to wear us down with their arguments, but in reality they are not simply needling us, they are poking God. Paul makes an apt description of such people. “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Ro 3:18 NIV).

Recapping

A number of churches have their adult Sunday school class prior to the worship service. I’m surprised by how often the Sunday school lesson then becomes the opening segment of the worship service. This is a common precursor in my own church and only recently have I realized how disconnecting it is for those coming in just for the worship service. During one of my recent church visits I felt completely left out when the pastor spent 10 minutes doing a recap of the Sunday school class to which I had not attended. Think of attending an English class where the teacher spends the first 10 minutes recapping his previous Algebra class.

The Battle

It’s not unusual in an obituary to read that someone battled cancer for either a short, or long time. For 17 years Bill has had prostate cancer that metastasized to the bone. While he deals with it as a progressive disease, I’m not sure either of us would classify the life experience as a battle. To me a battle is all consuming and cancer has not consumed our lives. Paul reminds us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph 6:12 NIV).

The Need

An anonymous family in the church is going through a difficult time and a specific request went out for help with food, diapers and grocery store gift cards. As so often happens, our benevolent mind jumps over the stated need and races to what we have that that we can offer…clothes, cash, toys. I’m reminded of the poor widow who put two small copper coins in the temple treasury. Jesus could have asked the widow what she needed, or even ask the disciples what they thought she needed — food, money, caregivers, or another husband. However, in order to teach a spiritual lesson Jesus went beyond the obvious physical needs and looked at the widow’s heart. “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on” (Mark 12:43-44 NIV).

Saint Frankenstein

No one would deny that there are many different parts in the body of Christ. However, when it comes to placement of those parts, church leadership often takes it upon themselves to determine where they want those parts to function. If believers are allowed to participate in the body only as leaders determine, we may start looking more like Frankenstein than the Bride. “But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other” (1 Cor 12:24b-25 NIV).

In Everything

When a group goes out to a sit down restaurant it’s not unusual for one person to pay the bill and for another person to offer to leave the tip. Regardless of the size of tip left, there are times when someone in the group will leave a few dollars more on the table. It’s not like they offer to help with the tip, they just add to the amount already left. The person who volunteered to leave the tip in the first place is put in an awkward and uncomfortable position. He can’t tell if they think the tip is inadequate, if they are trying to trump the tip by being more generous, or if they think they are better judge of service than anyone else. Believers are to put themselves in the other person’s shoes. Jesus said, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matt 7:12 NIV).

False Witnesses

Minutes of a meeting, once they are approved, become an official record. I recently attended a meeting where some of the trustees of the organization approve minutes of a previous meeting which they had not attended. One woman said, “I can’t make a motion because I haven’t even read the minutes.” All of the trustees voted to approve the minutes and in essence their lackadaisical attitude qualifies as giving false testimony. The psalmist said, “A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies” (Proverbs 12:17 NIV).

Full Light

I like to watch crime drama TV shows, but find them frustrating when investigators at the crime scene look for evidence with a small high-beamed flashlight. I want them to turn up the lights so I can see the whole area and any clues that may be in the shadows. It occurs to me that when witnessing to unbelievers many of us are like investigators — we put a beam of light on select characteristics of Jesus like love and forgiveness; while we leave obedience and repentance in the shadows. Jesus, the light of the world, said, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open” (Mark 4:21-22 NIV).

Up a Tree

On the local level a controversial article published online received very few comments, but generated well over 700 separate views on the first day of publication. It appears that many people are interested in the topic, but they don’t weigh in because they don’t want others to know they are interested. I’m reminded of Zacchaeus, who climb a sycamore fig tree and peered through the leaves hoping to get a glimpse of Jesus. Zacchaeus would never have revealed himself had the Lord not looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5b NIV).  So often we believers are satisfied to simply peer through the leaves of a tree rather than coming down and letting our position be known to others.

Dusty Shoes

I’ve attended a fair number of churches that use the auditorium for the adult Sunday school class prior to the worship service. Consequently, I’ve found myself standing alone in the foyer for 10-15 minutes waiting for the class to dismiss. I understand utilizing the facility space, but what I don’t understand is the lack of accommodations for visitors. My sense is that many of these churches simply don’t expect uninvited visitors. Jesus sent the 12 apostles out into towns and villages where they were not known with the caveat, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town” (Matt 10:14 NIV).  I can’t help but wonder how many visitors dust off their shoes as they exit our churches simply because they were not welcomed.

Blame Game

I’m seeing a pattern of speakers and preachers going to the podium with unprepared messages. However, what is even more troubling than their being unprepared is that they are putting the blame on the Lord. Time after time I’m hearing ministers of the Gospel say, “I had another message prepared, but at the last minute the Lord told me He wanted me to share a different message with you.” Certainly the Lord can on short notice redirect a preacher’s sermon topic, but one would think if the Lord did so, He would also supply the cohesiveness needed for the new topic…and that the new message would be timely, impactful and Spirit filled. Paul gave Timothy this charge: “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Tim 4:2 NIV).

Trustees

In doing research for an article I had to scrutinize the official minutes of an organization. For a special meeting the president of the trustees set the agenda, but one member simply didn’t attend because she felt “…the topic presented to her,” was a job for the personnel committee and the executive director. I was taken aback at the woman’s lack of responsibility, but even more surprised that the president didn’t hold her accountable. Webster defines trustee as: an individual person or member of a board given control or powers of administration of property in trust with a legal obligation to administer it solely for the purposes specified. It occurs to me that as believers, we too are trustees. “So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Cor 4:1-2 NIV).

Creation’s Voice

I recently attended a cowboy church that held worship services in a barn. A stall in the barn held an injured horse, Charlie, who had to be separated from the other horses. I took a seat next to the stall gate and throughout the services the mare munched hay over the top of my head, snorted down my neck and spit water on me after drinking water. As though on cue Charlie punctuated praise songs, prayers and the message with whinnies and neighs that resembled Amen! Hallelujah! and Praise the Lord! I was reminded that the Pharisees wanted Jesus to silence his disciples, but Jesus let them know that even God’s creation has a voice. “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40 NIV).

Call to Worship

The man opening the worship service cradled a large shofar in his arm and spoke heavenward, “Shout to the Lord! Bring everything that is good in here; blowing the shofar brings the Spirit.” He then blew a long sustained blast and worshippers applauded his skill. The trumpeter is a seasoned believer, so I feel confident that he knows the Spirit dwells within believes and is not summoned to a church assembly with the blast of a ram’s horn. However, in his zeal to connect OT worship with NT worship he may have confused the fact that it is people who are called to worship. “On the first day of the seventh month hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. It is a day for you to sound the trumpets” (Numbers 29:1 NIV).

Non-Traditional Church

A notice in the newspaper for a house church reads, “We have left the institutional church and are meeting as simple believers in Jesus Christ.” Recently at an assembly of about 50 I heard, “We have left the traditional church; we are not the traditional church.” So what does that mean? These folks have elders and a board, they gave announcements, had a worship service of praise songs and hymns, presented a message by an ordained minister, served communion, offered multiple prayers, and enjoyed a fellowship meal following the service. The only thing untraditional about the gathering was the location and setting. Too bad the book of Revelation doesn’t contain a letter to an eight church, “To the angel of the church of the Non-Traditional…”

Segregation

In stark contrast to the Mennonite ladies who wore longer dresses in subdued hues and black scarves on their heads, I wore slacks, a royal purple jacket and no head covering. There was no doubt I was a visitor and even a few young children sent side glances my way. Two women, each with a young child, approached me hesitantly. One ask if I lived in the area and the other asked if she could sit next to me in the pew…but neither introduced themselves. The worship service was segregated; the men and boys sat on the right side of the church and the women and girls sat on the left. After the service a few women stood in close proximity while two of them introduced themselves, engaged me in conversation about my church visits and invited me to come back again. However, even as I stood amongst the cordial ladies, their reserve held a heavy sense of segregation. Paul reminds believers, “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Cor 1:10 NIV).

Misplaced Anger

I have a friend who is angry with a local church because they failed to make an appearance at his father’s funeral. For decades the father was a faithful and generous supporter of the church; however the graveside service, which was held over 100 miles away over mountainous roads, was not conducive to the dad’s contemporaries making the trip. My first reaction was to feel the church may have been negligent; however, after some thought it occurs to me that the son is not rejoicing in his father’s welcome in heaven, but is simply hanging on to the trapping of the world. “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him” (1 Thess 4:13-14 NIV).

Blots and Blemishes

For over a year I’ve written for the Montrose Mirror, a free online newspaper. I find it curious that I get more feedback for interviews and articles on community activities than I do on articles about my church visits. I suspect it may have something to do with the fact that the church articles reveal a few blots and blemishes on the Bride of Christ — and most believers want to see only the perfect bride. Most of us aren’t comfortable with examining ourselves, much less with examining the church, and yet God sees it all. “For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths” (Proverbs 5:21 NIV).

The Table

A dark stained oak table, approximately 3’ X 8’, had large relief letters across the front edge that read, “This Do In Remembrance Of Me.” The table, a shadow of its former self, was relegated to the church foyer and used for pamphlets, tracts, pens and pencils. There is nothing sacrilegious about re-purposing church furnishings, but at the time I had mixed feelings that the embossed table, which once held the bread and the cup representing the body and blood of Jesus, was now nothing more that a display for sign-up sheets, quarterlies and extra Bibles. However, it didn’t take too long for me to realize that I had elevated the table above the emblems.  Jesus put the situation in its proper perspective when he said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table” (Luke 22:20b-21 NIV).

Preparation

Two churches with similar sounding names, Mesa View and Sunny View, happen to be located in a rural area within a few miles of each other — and on the same highway. For a church visit I arrived at the right time, but the wrong church. I waited in the foyer for what I thought was the end of an adult Sunday school class, but I later learned it was the tail end of the worship service. Reminiscent of the five foolish virgins who failed to take extra oil for their lamps, my preparation for the service was lacking. Jesus cautioned, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matt 25:13 NIV).

The Burden of Hypocrisy

Political pundits tell us what they think is behind Speaker of the House John Boehner’s recent resignation of both his position, and his congressional seat. It’s easy for everyone, including Boehner, to say it’s the dysfunction in the House of Representatives; however, there is also a spiritual perspective. Boehner, a devout Catholic, listened to the Pope’s address to Congress that all life has dignity. It’s entirely possible that he could no longer stand under the burden of hypocrisy by being a man of faith and also supporting funding for Planned Parenthood. However, we also must look at the biblical reality put forth by Daniel in his praise of God, “He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them” (Dan 2:21a NIV).

The Welcome Mat

During a community initiative to discuss city elections a large number of county residents, as well as some from neighboring counties, packed the room. It’s hard to imagine people taking it upon themselves to go from one county into another county thinking they have the right to weigh in on municipal government. Although I can’t say for certain, I suspect a few pot-stirrers in the city wanted to bolster their own power base so they invited outsiders to come and play in the political arena. Someone made these non-residents feel welcome and I wonder if something similar took place during the early church. Jude wrote, “For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord” (Jude 4 NIV).

Redefining Sin

In an interview on Fox News Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expound on the Pope’s US speech. Kennedy’s interpretation is that climate change is a moral issue and the Pope placed it in the category of sin — the sin of global warming; the sin of pollution. Jesus talked about those who would burden us with undue and heavy loads. He said, “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them” (Matt 23:2-4 NIV).

Passed Away Peacefully

Fairly often I’ll read an obituary for an older person that says they passed away peacefully and the sentiments somehow bestow a sense of peace and comfort on readers. King Zedekiah was given insight into his own death when the Lord sent the prophet Jerimiah to him with the message that he would be handed over to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. However, there was a caveat, “Yet hear the promise of the LORD, O Zedekiah king of Judah. This is what the LORD says concerning you: You will not die by the sword; you will die peacefully.” (Jer 34:4-5a NIV). As New Testament believers Paul instructs us to live a peaceful life, but I’m thinking I’d also like a peaceful death.

Envy

In an attempt to justify political decisions one councilman wrote in an editorial, “In summary, this council and staff have made difficult decisions based on the direct requests and needs of our citizens. For now, suffice it to say that while these changes have been hard and painful, today, our City government is the envy and the model for other cities around the state.” Not only is it mind boggling that he would think other communities are envious, but he  also entices taxpayers to relish the idea that their community is worthy of being elevated and envied. James tells us of two types of wisdom, “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:14-16 NIV).

Proverbs 31 Woman

Sunday I visited an LDS church and because they use a denominational hymn book rather than a traditional hymnal all the selections were unfamiliar. When I don’t know a hymn I tend to focus on the words and this one began, “Have I Done Any Good Today?” I laughed to myself, it was only 9:00 am and I hadn’t even been awake long enough to do any good! Obviously I could take lessons from the Proverbs 31 woman. “She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls” (Proverbs 31:15 NIV).

Without Hesitation

There are several people in the community who regularly attend public meetings, speak up at forums and write letters-to-the-editor. They get a lot of ink in the newspaper, so it seems logical that we should know a little bit about them and whether their opinions are meant to hold others accountable, enlighten, sway, or spin the issues. It’s interesting that out of that vocal group there are a handful who turned down my request for an interview. Some did not returned my call, one man abruptly said, “I’m not interested,” and another said he had no reason to say no, but, “No.” I’m now wondering if some of these folks only speak their minds when they are in a situation where they can control the medium. It occurs to me that believers do something similar when we are hesitant to proclaim the Gospel unless we are in a friendly environment. Paul felt no such reservations, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith” (Ro 1:16-17 NIV).

Perspective

In researching broadband for the local community I interviewed various entities to understand their piece of the multifaceted puzzle. When I gleaned information form one source and sought to verify it with another source invariably I’d hear, “Well, that’s not exactly right.” I was taken aback that each entity not only had their own perspective, but they disagreed with their counterpart’s view. Not only were these folks not on the same page, I wondered if they were reading the same book. Hmmm…not so unlike believers reading the Word and coming up with different denominations. “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Cor 1:10 NIV).

Surrogates

I’ve had multiple interviewees point out the fact that in yesteryear businesses, banks and stores were locally owned and the owners had a strong voice in the community. Today big boxes and national chain stores are operated by managers who are invested in climbing the corporate ladder, but not necessarily invested in the community. One man observed that elected officials and their administrative staff have now replaced business leaders and they have become the voice of the community. He said, “… we’ve defaulted to political people making all the decisions.” I’ve seen something similar occur in the church when believers default to the staff to make all the decisions. Paul reminds us that the body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Cor 12:27 NIV).

The Motherland

My friends, who opted to live in a South American country, must return to the US for three months out of the year in order to maintain their visa. Certainly financial considerations come into play in their decision; however, I find it curious that when they are back in the states they weigh in on politics (local, state and national), criticize how far America has fallen and push those of us who live here to get involved.  We know America is deteriorating, but she still offers an element of security found nowhere else in the world today. “Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home” (Proverbs 27:8 NIV).

Togetherness

I’ve seen any number of ways to serve and partake of communion — individually, in small groups, in unison, or at one’s own leisure and discretion. Certainly we are collectively at the Lord’s Table whether it takes five minutes or 10 minutes to serve everyone. However, I know that if I’m one of the first to receive the emblems, by the time the last person is served my mind has likely jumped ahead to the next order of service. Recently one pastor had people come forward and pick up the emblems, “Return to your seats and when all are seated we’ll eat the bread together and then together we will drink the cup.” For some reason the pastor’s use of the word “together” placed even greater emphasis for me on Paul’s instruction to the Corinthians about waiting for one another. Whether it’s strictly communion, or communion mixed with a potluck, the mental-togetherness of remembering the body and blood of Christ is of great importance. “When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not” (1 Cor 11:20-22 NIV).

Gifts

My grandma was a staunch believer. However grandpa, as well as most of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren kept the Lord at arm’s length. When grandma passed away, I wound up with some of her religious themed items simply because no one knew what else to do with them. The eclectic collection includes a famed lithograph of the Lord, a big letter (unread) Bible, and a decorative Scripture plate. Most of the items came from special occasion gift stores and were given to grandma by family members who were without spiritual understanding. It didn’t matter who gifted her with a new generic gilded Bible, grandma would never have traded it for her well-worn American Standard Study Bible. Proverbs reminded me that in some cases gifts can in fact resemble a bribe. “A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great” (Proverbs 18:16 NIV).

God’s Policies

The Pope recently weighed in on US immigration policy and said he feels America should be more compassionate toward illegal aliens. It’s as though he thinks our higher standard of living somehow obligates the US to open its boarders. While I appreciate the Pope’s passion for the disadvantaged, it is not his place to judge a nation or direct its path. He should be mindful that positions and wealth, or lack thereof, of all the nations is controlled by God. The psalmist said, “For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted” (Psalm 7:7-9 NIV).

Persecution

The city of San Francisco can ignore federal immigration laws and there is no penalty. The state of Colorado can ignore federal laws on marijuana and there is no penalty. However, when Kentucky county clerk and recorder Kim Davis ignores federal laws for not issuing same sex marriage license, she is jailed and placed in solitary confinement. It seems the rule of law is flexible. While I don’t support anyone going against federal law, in Ms. Davis’ eyes she taking a stand to place God’s law over the law of man. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Matt 5:11 NIV).

Part of the Story

Prior to being arrested Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis was grilled by reporters for ignoring federal laws on issuing same sex marriage licenses. One shouted, “By whose authority are you refusing to issue marriage licenses?” When she responded, “God’s authority” the reporter shot back, “Well, your God is not my god!” I see a number of similarities between this situation and the early church. Rather than simply reporting the news we have Pharisees running around posing as reporters and making themselves part of the story. “Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority” (Matt 21:23 NIV).

Snakes and Doves

Prior to worship a little four year-old girl stood in the fellowship area of the church and told the pastor’s wife about a bee sting she’d gotten on the end of her finger. Her fingers were so delicate and tiny that I can only imagine how the sting must have hurt. A few feet away from the conversation the little girl’s mother prompted, “Yes … and ask her how it happened?” The child was a little timid and slow to respond so her mother answered for her, “She was petting a bumblebee.” Looking up at the pastor’s wife a half-smile crossed the little girl’s face and she nodded her head in agreement. I love this image of innocence and trust, but it caused me to consider that as an adult I’ve lost some of those qualities. When Jesus sent out the 12 disciples he said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matt 10:16 NIV).

Appearing Righteous

When I do an interview I ask questions that help draw out the character and personality of the interviewee. However, because I write only what they tell me, the article is based on how they view themselves. Recently a reader said of one article, “Oh that person sounds like someone I’d like to know…Right?” I had to laugh because my experience with the subject did not match his perception on himself. I’m reminded of the Lord’s critique of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. “You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness” (Matt 23:27b-28 NIV).

Parental Testing

Recently an extended family member had a baby; however, the lack of family resemblance has prompted the young father to ask for parental testing. A similar situation played out when some of Abraham’s descendants claimed God as their Father. Jesus saw that they too lacked a family resemblance and He applied a paternity test. Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:42-44 NIV).

The Yoke of Slavery

I visited a church that reveres the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. In open discussion I heard such comments as, “We are studying the Torah to make the Jews jealous. We are saying that it doesn’t just belong to Judah … it is our heritage and our right to have it too. We can, through the blood of the Lamb, keep the Torah. We are grafted in and have a part in the Torah. The Torah gives instructions on how to live; it’s guardrails on each side to keep you on the road.” I left the two hour worship service feeling depressed and wondering why anyone would want to go back under the law. Paul spoke of freedom from the law, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Gal 5:1 NIV).

Foreign Land

When our church held an ice cream social and old-time singalong 10 year-old Lydia, who loves to sing, sat downcast throughout the medley of hymns. It dawned on me that although the words to the songs were displayed on the overhead, it was hard for her to join in because she didn’t know the songs. I know exactly how she feels because many of the churches I visit sing praise songs that are unfamiliar to me. On the occasion when they do sing a familiar hymn or praise song, I have an instant connection in worship, rather than simply being a bystander. The psalmist, when referring to the Babylonian captivity, taps into a similar disconnect when he says, “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps, for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land” (Ps 137:1-4 NIV)?