To Shame

There are always differences of opinion amongst believers and between various denominations. Recently in a public setting a liberal pastor in my community took to task a group of more traditional pastors for what he sees is their lack of loving support for gays. I find it very telling that the liberal pastor used the media to bolster his position, chastise his brothers in Christ and in essence, solicit community support. Although Paul may be talking about property disputes, I find his words applicable to this situation. “If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers” (1Cor 6:1-2; 4- 5 NIV)?

Good Friday

As it should be, we focus on Resurrection Sunday. However, I would be remiss if I failed to recognize today as a day of suffering unto death. “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit” (Matt 27:50 NIV). 

Cruise Control

My new car is packed with technology and it wants to save me from myself. If the cruise control is on and I drive to the left or right of center, it keeps trying to pull me back to dead center. I can set the cruise control on 65, but if the car in front of me is driving 55 my car will slow down if it feels I’m getting too close before I turn on my turn signal to pass. I recently drove on winding mountain roads and occasionally cut a curve and dodged a few rocks. My car assumed I was getting sleepy and the cup-of-coffee icon appeared on the display with the caption, “Please stop and take a break.” I’ll be honest, I’m tempted to disable all these helps because I don’t like a car telling me how to drive. Hmm…Guess that’s a similar reaction I have when the Spirit tries to keep me from sinning. “Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:4-5 NIV).

Woodpecker

Woodpeckers are protected and when they stake out their territory it’s nearly impossible to get rid of them...legally. One persistent bird has taken a liking to my daughter and son-in-law’s house, but rather than attacking the wood siding on the house this bird is attacking a large metal roof vent. I doubt he can actually do much damage, but from inside the house he sounds like Rosie the Riveter. Sometimes we believers are not any smarter than this woodpecker and we just keep hammering on the hard hearts of friends and loved ones with our own wisdom. Paul said, “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe” (1 Cor 1:21 NIV). 

Homeless

My friend rails against the misuse of the word “homeless.” She contends that many panhandlers, vagabonds and transients are not really homeless, but rather living a chosen lifestyle. Today we hear a lot about the homeless and in many instances the label is used as a way to shame society. Paul told the Corinthians, “To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world” (1 Cor 4:11-13 NIV). Paul’s intent was not to shame, but to warn them as dear children of his way of life in Christ Jesus.

Worthy and Worth It

In the early years of my marriage major purchases such as appliances and vehicles where basic, low-end and no frills. I can now afford better quality; however, when I purchase high-end rather than mid-range I sense Judas whispering in my ear, “You should have gone for the economy model and the money you saved could have been given to the poor” (John 12:5). Recently I mentally lamented on an extravagant purchase, at least extravagant for me, when I heard a different voice say, “You’re worth it!” Believers can get into a similar mindset as we wrestle with Christ dying for us…we're sinners. Are we worth the price He paid for us? Well yes, yes we are!

In the Beginning God Created

In a proclamation my city leaders announced April 17-22 as Earth Week with this year’s theme, “This Land is Your Land.” The earth is not really our land, but rather it belongs to God the Creator. Paul cautions believers about God’s wrath against mankind, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen” (Ro 1:25 NIV).

The Reign of Trump

The enemies of President Trump are going to great lengths to make him out to be a failure in everything he does. At first I thought the sabotage would, in time, come to an end. Now I’m not so sure that making America Great can be accomplished in two four-year terms. In the book of Ezra the enemies of Judah and Benjamin were not allowed to help rebuild the Lord’s temple and they took offense. If my calculations are correct these enemies carried a political grudge through multiple reigns lasting 73 years. “Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They hired counselors to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia” (Ezra 4:4-5 NIV).

Mark of the Beast

A company in Sweden uses microchips to tag employees, similar to chips used in pets. The implanted chip allows employees to “…open doors, operate printers, or buy smoothies with a swipe of the hand.” In my mind I’ve always assumed the mark of the beast was a visible mark that would allow people, at a glance, to tell the good guys from the bad guys. Now I’m not so sure. John said, “He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name” (Rev 13:16-17 NIV).

Overlooking

During a church visit the pastor asked visitors to raise their hand and an usher would give them an informational packet from the church. As the usher walked down my aisle he focused on the opposite side of the room and went past my raised hand. With the collection of tithes and offerings the same usher again walked past my outstretched hand and looked in the opposite direction.  I didn’t need the packet, nor was my token offering significant. However, after the second instance, rather than simply feeling overlooked, I felt ignored. I couldn’t help but wonder who or what was on the opposite side of the room that was of such importance. “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” (Pr 19:11 NIV).

To Be Continued

After reading the sermon text the pastor noted he had three points to make. Point 1). Believers are called to follow Jesus. From there the pastor took us on a Bible Wilderness Tour with one passage of Scripture after another. While he did tie all his leapfrog thoughts together with Bible references and illustrations, I kept listening for point number 2). and 3). Realizing his time was up he made a quick summary and admitted, “I have a couple more points to make…” Worshippers laughed when he continued, “We’ll get to them someday.” The sermon was reminiscent of watching a movie I’ve recorded only to discover the last 10 minutes failed to record. “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”— when you now have it with you” (Proverbs 3:27-28 NIV).

Fact-Check

During a church visit the pastor used the illustration of the Denver football stadium holding 75,000 people and compared it to believers being on the field with 12 legions of angels (72,000) as spectators watching us (Heb 12:1). Unfortunately, the pastor mixed up his stories. In the wilderness Jesus could have called 12 legions of angels, but the Hebrew passage refers to a great crowd of witnesses, those pillars of faith who have gone on before us. I can correct the pastor’s narrative in my article; however, I’m reminded of the importance of fact-checking even those in our fellowship who are schooled and in authority. Luke reported, “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, 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).

Rejoice With Me

While sitting in his recliner my husband Bill dropped a needle. Visually we checked his clothes, the upholstered chair and the carpet. Next we ran our hands over every surface and when that failed we got a large magnet and covered every nook and cranny where it could have fallen. I had visions of someone stepping on, or worse yet setting on the needle. After half an hour, and as a last resort, we went to the Lord in prayer. I then started all over again and retraced our steps, but this time I included turning the recliner upside down. There in the carpet next to the imprint of the recliner’s feet, lay the needle. I immediately felt a kindred spirit with the woman in the Parable of the Lost Coin. However, as I revisited the parable I was surprised that the woman, who lit a lamp, swept the house and searched until she found the lost coin, did not petition God. Jesus concluded the parable, “And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:9-10 NIV).

That’s a Good Question

Talking heads, commentators and political-types are in the bad habit of prefacing their remarks to the facilitator with, “That’s a good question.” I’m never sure if they are using the phrase to compliment the facilitator, or if they use the pause as a way to collect their thoughts before answering. I’m reminded of God’s questions to Adam and Eve in the garden and it occurs to me that God could ask these same questions to believers today, “Where are you? Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from? What is this you have done” (Gen 3:9-13 NIV)? I can image our stalling to collect our thoughts and saying, “That’s a good question.”

Know Your Audience

Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer as an example of how to pray. That being said, it’s surprising how few of us follow the model prayer.  In corporate prayer people generally do pretty well acknowledging God and thanking him for his provision, but I’ve noticed that the person praying often rephrases the prayer need itself and says “Lord, Miss Sally has been battling cancer for years…” or, “Lord the economy is bad and people need jobs…” It’s as though the one offering the prayer is reminding God of worldly situations. I hate to admit it, but I almost want to laugh. Of course the Lord knows of Miss Sally’s long battle with cancer and that in the bad economy people need jobs. I suspect the speaker unintentionally mixes up who he is speaking to by combining petitions to the Lord with reminding worshippers the need for the prayer. Paul said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7 NIV).

Like-Minded

Friendliness is one of the attributes I look for and write about when I visit local churches. Sunday I made an unannounced visit to the church my son and daughter-in-law attend. When Lydia, my 11-year-old granddaughter spotted me she hot-footed it back to where I was sitting and with a knowing grin said, “I’m going to sit with you because our church is a frrrrrrriendly church!" Paul said, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like–minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Phil 2:1-2 NIV).

Underserved

A local non-profit 501 3c “health” organization is soliciting funds to help with the defense of an illegal alien picked up by ICE. In my research for an article I realized it is not just political correctness that keeps the ire of taxpayers in-check, but it’s also deceptive terminology that keeps people in the dark. Rather than labeling people as illegal and undocumented, this health organization describes their clients as underserved. Luke, in his account of the early church, has a better example of what it means to be underserved. The Apostles learned that the Grecian Jews (widows) were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. “So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:2-4 NIV).

Moses and Pharaoh

In the book of Exodus, after experiencing the plagues, Pharaoh asked Moses to pray for him. I find it curious that Moses did not pray in Pharaohs presence, but rather said when he left that place, or left Pharaoh’s presence, he would pray to God. Contrary to today’s practice, Moses did not make a public production, or offer a prayer where Pharaoh could hear the petition. Jesus said, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 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 6:5-6 NIV).

Editor

I submitted an article to my editor and she changed some words in order to, in her mind, make it more clear. However, rather than clarifying, her edits changed the meaning of a couple of statements. I now have a whole new appreciation for keeping a text as it is written and not allowing modern day editors, commemorators and biblical experts clarify the Word of God. Of Revelation the Apostle John said, “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).

Measure of a Church

In a few instances I’ve had the opportunity to meet the pastors of the churches I visit and I’m starting to see a pattern of explanations when they tell me why the attendance is down on that particular Sunday — people out of town, holidays, illness, etc. Not that they are trying to spin the narrative, but it is surprising that attendance takes a hit on the Sunday that I visit. Maybe it’s a modern day phenomenon, but it’s interesting that in the letters to the seven churches in Revelation the measure of the church is never based on attendance. The Lord said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God” (Rev 2:7 NIV).

Woodpecker

Woodpeckers are protected and when they stake out their territory it’s nearly impossible to get rid of them...legally. One persistent bird has taken a liking to my daughter and son-in-law’s house, but rather than attacking the wood siding this bird is attacking an attic vent on the roof which has a large metal cap. From inside the house he sounds like Rosie the Riveter. I doubt he can actually do much damage, but it is bewildering that he returns multiple times a day. Sometimes we believers are not much smarter than this woodpecker and it’s not unusual for us to keep hammering on the hard hearts of the unsaved. Jesus sent the Twelve out with clear instructions on how to deal with those in towns or villages who do not accept the Gospel, “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).

Lawbreakers

Sanctuary cities and states are using taxpayer funds to help illegal immigrants and I recently learned of a local nonprofit health network accepting donations under their 501 3c tax exempt status to help with an illegal immigrant’s legal defense. I find it disconcerting that the church does something similar by using tithes and offerings to aid illegals. Certainly people of faith can rationalize that they are helping the poor; however, they are also encouraging those who should and could immigrate legally to subvert federal law. James said, “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker” (James 2:8-11 NIV).

Have Patience

We believers work hard on being patient and some of us wait months and years before we see a response from God in answer to our prayers. My own impatience was put in perspective when I read the Revelation account of the sixth angel sounding his trumpet. Realizing the four angels have been ready and waiting since creation to play their role in God’s plan gave me pause. The voice coming from the horns of the golden altar that is before God said to the sixth angel, “And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind” (Rev 9:15 NIV).

Adultery

I have a friend who, although he confessed and has been forgiven for having an affair, can’t seem to forgive himself. He continues to grieve over the damage and hurt that resulted from adultery. Some Pharisees and teachers of the law wanted to see a miraculous sign from Jesus and he answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah” (Matt 12:39 NIV). Jesus was speaking of spiritual, rather than physical adultery. However, it occurs to me that all of us, at one time or another, have been guilty of spiritual adultery…and yet we fail to confess and ask for forgiveness.

Know Your Audience

I like to watch “The Voice” on NBC, but I don’t always hear what the judges hear. One young man put on a great performance and the audience loved him; however, not one of the four judges turned their chair during the blind audition. Blake Shelton critiqued the man and asked him if he was performing on the stage during the audition because to Shelton’s ear the singer had a hard time getting enough breath and holding the notes. Shelton said, “You should be singing to the judges, not performing for the audience.” Some leaders of the Jews believed in Jesus, but they would not confess their faith because their perceived audience was the Pharisees. “…for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” (John 12:43 NIV).

Let the Children Come

I attended a Pentecostal church and the 45-minute song service was spirit filled with praise hymns, raised hands and swaying to the beat of the music. As the children were dismissed for children’s church one little pre-school girl skipped down the aisle singing, “I’m a little teapot short and stout…” Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matt 19:14 NIV).

Mistaken Identity

In order to get stories for a classic cars series I go to car show events that are held every Friday night in local restaurant parking lots. I photograph the vehicles and then go into the restaurant to track down the owners and get the information about their car. One evening I approached a group of 20 car enthusiasts seated around one long table. With pencil and tablet in hand I took down names and phone numbers so I could later contact the owners and interview them about their cars. I chatted with a couple of ladies and Helen, the elderly mother of one of the woman, handed me her menu and said, “I’ll have the fish and chips.” We laughed and I understood how she mistook me for a waitress. Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Even today some people have trouble identifying Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt 16:14,16 NIV).

Displeasing to God

I can’t imagine being responsible for deliberately keeping someone from being saved. However, our predisposition and loyalty to our own denomination may in fact keep others from salvation. Speaking about the Jews who killed Jesus Paul said, “They displease God and are hostile to all men in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit” (1 Thess 2:15b-16a NIV). 

Super-Apostles

Our current city administration has systematically dismantled and combined community organizations (Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Development Authority, the Area Merchants Association, etc.) These entities, made up mostly of volunteers, are being replaced by paid employees of the city. This same scenario plays out in churches. When leadership wants to shape the church they eliminate ministries, volunteers and servant-leaders and replace them with staff who are in agreement with their vision. Even mature believers are not immune from the attempt to disenfranchise us from ministry. I like Paul’s way of handling such situations, “But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super–apostles.” I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way. (2 Cor 11:5-6 NIV).

No Foul

David, my 13-year-old grandson, was upset with himself for fouling out during his last basketball game. I, on the other hand, was proud of his assertiveness and aggressiveness. Comparing the basketball court to the spiritual court, many believers worry about fouling out. We are so afraid of offending others that we hold back, fail to take the shot, or let others denominate the game. Paul reminds us that in the spiritual game of life we should be fearless and support one another, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Eph 6:19 -20 NIV).

Dressed Appropriately

One of our local policemen wore plain clothes to a youth sporting event and I was surprised by his slim stature. It finally dawned on me that I normally see him in full uniform wearing a bulletproof vest, which gives him more of a muscular appearance. As a believer I’ve always thought of wearing the full armor of God as a personal thing...it’s never occurred to me that on any particular day others can tell whether or not I’m wearing my armor. Paul said, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Eph 6:13 NIV).

Writer’s Block

The term writer’s block is used when a writer loses creativity to come up with a new or continuing idea for their project. I sense preachers struggle with a similar block when I hear a sermon based on two verses of Scripture fluffed up by filler, video, jokes and anecdotes. Whether a Christian writer or a preacher, if we simply rely on our own understanding and creative ability we underestimate the power of the Gospel. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double–edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb 4:12 NIV).

Prayer of the Upright

I have a friend who needs to make a life altering decision and she asked people to pray that she make the right choice. I’m struggling with the request because all indications are that she has already made the decision. At first blush her lack of sincerity seems to make a mockery out of the prayers offered on her behalf. However, the prayers themselves, misguided or not, may not be as important to God as are those who are offering the prayers. “The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him” (Proverbs 15:8 NIV).

Don’t Harm Yourself

People who contemplate suicide often don’t contemplate it all, rather it is a spur of the moment decision. An earthquake opened the prison doors and the jailer guarding Paul didn’t even check the cells, but rather drew his sword and was ready to kill himself because he thought all the prisoners had escaped. I don’t see much difference between the jailer and mature believers when we see our church seemingly going the way of the world. Speaking from experience, when church leadership blows off my concerns my initial reaction is to draw my sword and cut my own throat.  Whether it’s physical or spiritual suicide, Paul’s words to the jailer are applicable, “But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here” (Acts 16:28 NIV)!

Political Appointment

A couple of weeks ago our senior pastor announced that he would retire at the end of April and we would do a pastor search. However, it was announced on Sunday that the associate pastor is a candidate for the position and will be interviewed. No empaneled search committee, no vetting of candidates, no time for prayerful consideration. By all appearances the church leadership is contemplating a political appointment. When Jesus predicted his death Peter, thinking politically, rebuked the Lord and said that would never happen. “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men” (Matt 16:23 NIV).

What is Your Need?

I had my car serviced last week and while I waited I looked at new cars on the showroom floor. I had questions about a new car, but the salesman and I were not on the same page. He was more interested in selling me a car than he was with my buying a car. Rather than letting me ask questions of him, he questioned me about financing, lease options, and car styles. It occurs to me that believers do something similar when we talk to unbelievers about the Lord. Thinking we know what the unbeliever needs we try to sell him on reading the Bible, going to church and becoming a Christian. Seldom, if ever, do we ask an unbeliever what it is that he thinks he needs. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, “Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight”” (Matt 20:32-33 NIV).

Seasoned With Salt

I hate it when someone takes an unflattering photo of me. Never mind that it is reality, I don’t want reality. I want what’s in my head to be what’s caught on camera. I find a similar reaction in some of the pastors from the churches I write about. They offer to help me write, proofread and edit the article. With bruised egos a couple of pastors have poked back at what they see as mischaracterization and misunderstanding of their worship service. I feel their pain, but I stand with Paul when he says, “Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Col 4:4-6 NIV).

Mood Swings

As I took my seat in the church auditorium the room was well lit with an ambiance of warm hues. The backdrop of the stage wall consisted of eight-inch horizontal wood planks from a variety of wood types which gave the room a woodsy, yet modern feel. When the worship service started the lights dimmed and wall-washer spots on the floor turned the wooden planks into purple and blue variegated neon stripes. During the sermon I snapped a photo of the pastor to go along with the article I would later write, but in the picture he faded into the glare. I suspect the lighting was meant to add an emotional connection to the worship service, but it gives me pause to think of the extent churches go to in order to give the Spirit spirit. “And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (Eph 2:22 NIV).

Faithful

I reported on a political meeting and after publication a reader wrote the editor, “I was pleased to read Gail's report…Pleased that I was at the same meeting and that her reporting was faithful to what happened.” Aside from basking in the compliment, I’m also giving serious thought to situational faithfulness. Without trying to dredge up an example, I know there are times in my personal life when I’ve not been faithful to what happened — trying to save face, justifying my actions, misinterpreting another’s response. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:34 NIV).

Calling on the Name of the Lord

As a disclaimer I do not have a charismatic bone in my body, it’s just not part of my makeup. During my visits to charismatic churches I’m becoming more and more aware of public prayer needs and requests that are cocooned in the name of the Lord. “Yes Lord…And Lord we ask you…And Lord we know…Please Lord…Help us Lord…Hear us Lord.” It’s as though the name of the Lord has become a mantra within the prayer. Stylistically speaking, with emphasis added in italics, the model prayer taught by Jesus would sound something like, “‘Our Father in heaven, Father hallowed be your name Father, your kingdom come Father, Father your will be done on earth as it is in heaven Father. Father give us today our daily bread. Father forgive us our debts, Father as we also have forgiven our debtors. And Father lead us not into temptation, but Father deliver us from the evil one’” (Matt 6:9-13 NIV).

Wisdom is Proved Right

The millennial generation has people working overtime trying to understand them. My friend’s organization holds special leadership classes on how to supervise them in the work force and pastors are trying figure out how to reach them with the Gospel. Jesus did not cater to any generation, but he did make an observation about those who would neither accept him, or accept John the Baptist. Jesus said, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’… But wisdom is proved right by all her children.” (Luke 7:31-32, 35 NIV). 

America Weeping for Her Children

When Herod learned of the birth of Jesus, the king of the Jews, he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under. “Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more” (Matt 2:17-18 NIV). America too weeps for her children…because of abortion they are no more. 

Be My Valentine

This last week the handyman for my widowed 93-year-old mother-in-law worked on refinishing her back deck. On February 14^th, Valentine’s Day, he showed up for work with a bouquet of flowers. For a moment after I learned of his kindness I felt a twinge of guilt because it never crossed my mind to remember her on Valentine’s Day. However, I soon realized that flowers from a family member would soon be forgotten…flowers from a handyman is a forever memory. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate” (Proverbs 31:30-31 NIV). 

Transparency

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is conducting raids on criminal illegal aliens and the liberal left is crazed. Criticizing the Trump administration Senator Chuck Schumer (D) said, “I’m troubled by lack of transparency…” It would be hard to conceive anyone counseling David, a warrior king, to be more transparent when he went on a raid, “Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites and the Amalekites. (From ancient times these peoples had lived in the land extending to Shur and Egypt.) Whenever David attacked an area, he did not leave a man or woman alive, but took sheep and cattle, donkeys and camels, and clothes. Then he returned to Achish” (1 Samuel 27:8-9 NIV). 

Called to Tweet

The media continues to tell President Trump what he should and should not do — stop tweeting, stick to your agenda, act more presidential. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop with the media and public opinion, but the church too offers advice. On more than one occasion I’ve heard pastors say, “I wish Trump would…” As mature believers we know God calls the most unlikely people to do His bidding and He not only gives them a specific message, but in many cases He instructs them on the delivery of the message. I’m trying to imagine telling Paul to quit preaching, stick to the plan and act more like an Apostle. Paul said, “Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me” (1 Cor 9:16-17 NIV). God has a sense of humor and it’s entirely possible He called President Trump to tweet a particular message.

Feast or Famine

I attended a worship service where the sermon had minimal Bible text, but rather contained a lot of filler — video, jokes, opinion, observation and action items. I’m certain the pastor and church leadership would not appreciate my critique, but I left the church feeling I’d been fed the ambitions of the church, rather than the Word of God. I realize the worship service is not about pleasing those in the body, but I have to wonder if this type of service is pleasing to the Lord. The prophet Amos recorded, “The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign LORD, “when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD”” (Amos 8:11 NIV).

Righteous Acts Forgotten

Some people can’t acknowledge that their loved one had no relationship with Jesus and they rationalize the person is still heaven bound simply because they were a good person. They hold on to the hope that good deeds and righteous acts are more important than obedience. The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel about the house of Israel, “Therefore, son of man, say to your countrymen, ‘The righteousness of the righteous man will not save him when he disobeys…If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but then he trusts in his righteousness and does evil, none of the righteous things he has done will be remembered; he will die for the evil he has done.” (Ezekiel 33:12a-13 NIV).

Fear of the Lord

I readily embrace loving the Lord with all my heart, but I don’t consciously have the fear of the Lord in my mind. At least that was until I started reading Jeremiah and Ezekiel. You’d think with Israel’s recorded history, in many cases repeated verbatim, along with the prophet’s dire warnings, that the people would wake up every morning with the fear of the Lord in the forefront of their mind. The Psalmist said, “Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever” (Psalm 118:4 NIV). Hmm, maybe I’m more conscious of the fear of the Lord than I realize.

Strengthening the Church

As I transcribed my notes from a recent church visit I was taken aback to realize that I had no quotes from the pastor because there was no sermon per se. The basic elements of worship were in place — hymns, short scripture readings, communion, the Lord’s Prayer and taking up the offering. However, the remainder of the service was taken up with a video from the denomination’s hierarchy, an awards ceremony and announcements. On a certain level I regret not hearing the Word preached that day. However, Paul reminded me, “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church” (1Cor 14:26 NIV).

Informed and Unashamed

I attended a public meeting where the organization’s members did not know their by-laws, or rules of order, and the leader was able to make up rules on the fly. Sometime later I attended a discussion-type worship service where everyone’s opinion was taken as gospel and the comments in the room were not measured against the Gospel. Whether in the world, or in the church, Paul’s words of warning are applicable, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly” (2 Tim 2:1516 NIV).

Closeted Faith

I visited a church that seemed to be conflicted in their identity. The best way to describe it is a blend of Jewish, evangelical and mainstream traditional. One man wore a skull cap and when I called the church contact person to fact-check the spelling of his name I asked if the man were Jewish. Hesitantly the woman said, “A lot of us are Jewish…we just don’t advertise it.” I’m still bewildered by her comment, but I also see a parallel with the Jews who witnessed firsthand the miraculous signs done by Jesus. “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” (John 12:42-43).

Keeping Watch

In November of 2016 one of our local deputies was ambushed in a remote area of the county. The assailant shot at the officer six times at close range, but miraculously the only wound inflicted on the officer was a gunshot to the hand. The officer returned fire shooting the assailant in the head. The motive for the ambush is unclear, but the assailant disliked law enforcement and I suspect he thought he could kill the officer and get away with it because there were no witnesses. Unfortunately, people of faith fall into a similar trap when we think there are no witnesses. “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good” (Proverbs 15:3 NIV).

Unprepared

The pastor, using a form of expository preaching, read a chapter in Second Peter for his sermon text. He gave some historical background, took a few rabbit tails, and used one illustration. After the sermon he revealed he never prepares a sermon per se. Rather, he lets the Spirit move him each Sunday, “Oh, I study all the time, but I let the Spirit guide the sermon. I never know what I’ll be preaching.” I understand relying on the Spirit and Jesus did say, “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). However, I keep having this image of the Spirit always being blamed for a preacher’s lack of preparation.

For Such a Time

The new State Representative for the western slope of Colorado is an expert in water, agriculture and natural resources. However, rather than being appointed to the House Agriculture, Livestock & Natural Resources Committee, the minority leader appointed him to two committees where he has no expertise — Public Health Care & Human Services and the Finance Committee. The knee jerk reaction is one of indignation at the politically motivated move. However, from a spiritual perspective, we know God often puts us in positions not of our choosing. I’m reminded of Esther being taken to the palace of King Xerxes and Mordecai’s words, “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b NIV).

Body Building

One local church has an intermittent attendee and an occasional visitor, but generally speaking the membership consists of the pastor and his wife and one elder. The pastor said, “We never know who will come, but it’s often just us.” Certainly the Lord is present when two or more are gathered in His name, but I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around maturing the church body with so few body parts. Paul said Christ is the head of the body, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Eph 4:16 NIV).

The Return on God’s Word

During my church visits I’m seeing a noticeable downward turn in attendance from when I visited the same churches a year ago. Of three longstanding churches who last year had 20-30 in attendance, one closed their doors, another is down to three people and a third has only two families. I’m hearing a reoccurring theme in all of them — older members are dying, people are not dependable, many are traveling, people are out with the flu and some moved on to another church. From a visitor’s perspective it appears that as fellowship shrinks, so does preparation and enthusiasm for preaching the Word.  The Lord said, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 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” (Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV).

The Last Laugh

I’m always amazed by people who seemingly just let things roll off their back. My personality is to take things and people more seriously, particularly in areas of a spiritual nature. I can’t help but take my own spiritual well-being seriously, but I’d like to learn to lighten up when it comes to other people’s situations. For instance, when people thumb their nose at the idea of sin, evil and salvation I’d like to be nonchalant and say, “Oh well.” Or better yet, laugh at them, “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming” (Psalm 37:12-13 NIV).

Fatigue

In a recent advice column, a writer lamented that she was accident prone and with her most recent injury, rather than getting sympathy from friends, they teased her about her clumsiness. The columnist suggested that her friends may have compassion fatigue. I sometimes feel guilty over what feels like a lack of sympathy and empathy, but I’d never considered a spectrum for compassion. I can relate to compassion fatigue. “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word” (Psalm 119:28 NIV).

Better With Age

We retirees are confronted daily with not being able to do the things we used to do. Generally speaking we accept our limitations and live without expectations that our physical or financial situation will improve with age. However, after reading the book of Job it occurs to me that I’ve sorely underestimated the Lord’s work in the life of seniors, “The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first…” (Job 42:12a NIV).

Incognito

During one of my recent church visits a man holding a guitar said, “I’m the worship leader. I’m Matt.” A little later the speaker who delivered the mission moment praised the leadership of Matt and Bryan. Since the bulletin gave no names or identifications it wasn’t until I exited the building and shook hands with the pastor that I learned he was the Bryan spoken of earlier. When I mentioned the visitor’s dilemma in not knowing the name of the preacher and he said, “It’s probably okay if people don’t know my name because it’s not supposed to be about me.” I understand this form of humility, but in today’s church the phrase, “It’s not about you” has become a cliché. Certainly we need to be humble, but the Lord never intended for his disciples to be incognito. Scripture makes it clear that it’s important to know Simon son of John would be called Cephas (Peter), that Saul was renamed Paul, and that Judas son of James was not the traitor Judas Iscariot.

Invited

Over 70 congressmen and women boycotted Trump’s inauguration and I can’t help but draw a parallel to the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ “But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business” (Matt 22:2-5 NIV). There will be fallout for those boycotting the inauguration; however, boycotting the kingdom of heaven has eternal consequences.

Miserable You Are!

It’s hard not to take it personal when you offer comfort to a friend or family member only to have your counsel brushed aside. The rebuff stings even though we may not have enough information, our counsel may have an agenda, or our type of comfort is not what they need at the moment. Job said to his friends, “I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all! Will your long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing? I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you. But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief” (Job 16:2-5 NIV).

Honoring

Last Monday we observed Martin Luther King Day (MLK) and a few people in our community are indignant that some government entities were open for business rather than closing their doors. Unbeknownst to some is the fact that government employees as a group often have a say in which holidays they want to take off. It’s understandable that, unless you are into skiing, snowshoeing or ice climbing, you would most likely pick Columbus Day in October over MLK in January as a day off. I understand those that want to celebrate and honor Dr. King. However, as believers know full well, you can’t impose on others your own sense of tribute and reverence for Someone. The psalmist wrote, “Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise” (Psalm 79:13 NIV).

Back At-cha

Many of us avoid confrontation with a seasoned bully because we know we can’t win…and they are not going to change. More often than not we ask the Lord what “we” should do under such circumstances. I just discovered Nehemiah’s approach and I like it! Rather than taking matters into his own hands to stop the ridicule that was inflicted on the Jews, he turned to God, “Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders” (Ne 4:4-5 NIV).

Reformed

In some cases, I find myself drawing parallels between Israel and America. As the world seems in disarray, I’m comforted to read about the relationship God has with nations while He seemingly works behind the scenes. There was a long time during the reign of Asa that Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. Asa reformed Israel after being confronted by Azariah son of Obed and Chronicles records, “In those days it was not safe to travel about, for all the inhabitants of the lands were in great turmoil. One nation was being crushed by another and one city by another, because God was troubling them with every kind of distress. But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” (2 Ch15:5-7 NIV).

Always a Guest

I recently visited with a couple who are new to the community and they told me of their previous church experience in the metro area. “We went to a church for six months without anyone welcoming us, so we left and found a church where we were greeted warmly.” I’ve heard this type of critique before and I understand her point of view. However, I have to wonder at what point do people of faith remove themselves from the category of foreigner and become engaged and start to assume the duties of host. Paul observed something similar when he visited Athens, “All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas” (Acts 17:21 NIV).

Floaters

During a sermon the pastor spoke about the revolving doors of the church, “People going to other churches…they float in and they float out for a season. It’s not healthy.” While I understand his comment, I wonder about the intended purpose of the comments being inserted in the sermon. Occasionally churches leadership confuses shepherding with flock-ownership; however, Jesus makes it clear that He is the Good Shepherd and there is only one flock and one shepherd. Jesus said, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd” (John 10:16 NIV). It’s possible that some of these floaters simply have not yet found the right pen.

Dealing With the Stink

Over the weekend the water pipes under my 93-year-old mother-in-law’s modular house froze and to add to the dilemma six skunks moved in to get out of the cold. Thankfully water line thawed out, but in a catch-22, the plumber refuses to go under the house until the exterminator gets rid of the skunks…which could be time consuming when setting traps. I hate to bring such an unspiritual stink to the Lord, but Peter did say, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).

Teacher to Teacher

I recently had a one-on-one with a pastor who was passionate about making his message clear. I appreciated his desire; however, the longer he talked the more he seemed to turn our visit into a teaching moment. As a mature believer I have to admit I was somewhat put-off by what felt like his attempt to be superior and make me a student. Paul said, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Ro 12:3-5).

Jesus Loves

A panhandler held a black cardboard sign with silver letters that read “Jesus Loves the Homeless.” I understand the man’s endgame to be that he wants a handout, but that’s not what the sign said. My head spun thinking of all different messages that can be ascertained by those driving by and the usury of the Lord’s name. However, Paul has a different thought process about those who preach Christ out of selfish ambition, “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice” (Phil 1:17-18a NIV).

The Death of Your Enemies

Solomon asked God for a discerning heart to govern his people and for the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. The Lord was pleased with the request, “So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be”” (1 Kings 3:11-12 NIV). It would be extreme for me to ask God for the death of my enemy, but I have to admit that I wouldn’t shed a tear if they had a bad case of the flu, overslept for an important meeting, or had a diminished sphere of influence. I wrestled with the idea of the death of my enemy and it occurs to me that even though I wouldn’t ask for someone’s physical death, death takes many forms…the death of someone’s career, the death of their prowess, the death of one’s health.

Stuck on Level One

One of my friends apparently signed up by accident for the online game Candy Crush. There are well over 2,00 levels to the game and when I play a pop-up will ask if I want to help friends out by sending them an extra life. The game keeps soliciting help for Ron who, unbeknownst to him, remains stuck on level one. It occurs to me that I have a few friends and loved ones who are spiritually in a similar situation. They may have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but they just don’t appear to move beyond level one. Peter said, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18 NIV).

Taken Away

During one sermon a pastor said, “God’s love is, has been and always will be. God’s love doesn’t start when we get things right. God has always loved us. And His wrath is set aside through the cross.”  Elements of God's love include mercy and kindness and it gives me pause to know that God can take his love away from us. After promising David that his offspring would succeed him God, through revelation to Nathan, said, “He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you” (2 Sam 7:13-15 NIV).

Regret

Saul’s disobedience caused God to regret/grieve/repenteth making him king. “Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: “I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions” (1 Sam 15:10-11a NIV).  None of us want to disappoint God. However, it gives me pause to think that whether we’re a king, a pauper, or a middle-class American, our disobedience may cause God to regret the position in life to which we’ve been assigned.

Rightly Dividing the Word

I attended a Christian Science Society service where they read the opening scripted statement, “The Bible and the Christian Science textbook are our only preachers. We shall now read Scriptural text, and their correlative passages from our denominational textbook; these comprise our sermon.” As a group “we” didn’t read the Bible, or the denominational text. Rather both were read to us by two women known as Reader One and Reader Two. I was the only one to use my Bible and with almost 40 different passages of Scriptures I followed along as best I could with the biblical text. However, the speed of the reading and the lack of a hard copy of the denominational text made it, in my mind, impossible for a listener to be confident of the parallel being drawn. Paul reminds us that we have an individual responsibility in handling the Word of Truth, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15 NIV).

Equipped With a Sword

The election continues to divide friends, family and colleagues. I know one family, three generations, who continue to blame each other for Trump’s victory and are no longer speaking to one another. The election has given me to have a whole new appreciation and understanding of divisions caused by faith. Jesus said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household’” (Matt 10:34-36 NIV). 

Emoji

My friend Betty, a 90-plus-year-old writer and author, recently sent me an email, “I don’t know how to add those cute little thingamajigs [emoji] so you’ll have to add your own.” I laughed at her comment until I took it a step further and realized that many of us are guilty of doing something similar with the Word of God. Today’s culture wants to add their own emoji to Scripture. "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).

The Caretaker

We anticipate changes in career and life situations as not only bettering ourselves, but also giving us an element of control over our own destiny. God swore to the forefathers of the Israelites that they would possess a land flowing with milk and honey; however, there were caveats. Moses said, “The land you are entering to take over is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you planted your seed and irrigated it by foot as in a vegetable garden. But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end” (Deut 11:10-12 NIV). And then some of us seem surprised when we wind up in a land/career/situation where God is the Caretaker.

Producing Wealth

Some people dislike President-elect Trump because of his wealth and ego…and the fact that most of his cabinet picks are billionaires and millionaires doesn’t help. There are men who claim to be self-made; however, Moses tells us otherwise, “You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today” (Deut 8:17:18 NIV).

Merry Christmas

I took a telephone survey and at the end of the conversation the man said, “Thank you and Happy Holidays.” I responded, “Merry Christmas” and after a pause he confided apologetically, “I’m not allowed to say that.” Obviously the man had to bow to the requirements of his employer, but rather than letting the conversation simply end with my Christmas wish to him, he found a way around political correctness. There are times we believers feel enslaved by the culture, but Paul reminds us, “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to” (1 Cor 7:23 NIV).

His Kingdom Will Never End

Mary was greatly troubled by the angel’s words, “But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:30-33 NIV).

Welcomed By the Church

In some churches the pastor seems to rush around the auditorium trying to speak to and shake hands with one or two members of the congregation prior to the service. I recently visited a church where ushers, leadership and the pastor were all in the foyer welcoming members and visitors (170 in attendance). The pastor appeared so prepared for the service and with his sermon that he could put on a host-hat and welcome the entire flock into fellowship. I have to say I was impressed and I felt as though I was being welcomed by the whole church, not simply a door greeter handing me a bulletin. I suspect Paul and Barnabas had a similar reaction when they went to see apostles and the elders, “When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them” (Acts 15:4 NIV).

Train Up a Child

During a recent church visit the pastor justified his church model of not having children’s church or youth groups and keeping the membership together generationally. “The culture segregates by age and so does the church. Nothing in God’s Word says to separate by age. People say children can’t sit through a service…of course they can!” This pastor puts great emphasis on God’s call for us to live intergenerational and places the responsibility for training children on parents. Bemoaning the fact that less than one-half of one-percent of Millennials (18-23 years old) have a biblical world view, he said, “It’s about the fact that the church quit training children. God did not call the world to raise children.” From personal experience it was the church, not my parents, who was equipped to train and give me instruction in the Lord. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV).

A Letter From Christ

One pastor spoke about the Human Library Project, a human book site where you get people on loan. The person making the appointment sits down for 30-minutes and visits with people of different faiths, singles, the unemployed, the homeless, the blind, etc. The gist of his message, “What if people checked us out? What if people borrowed us for 30-minutes? Would we be hard to read, or would we be an open book? What would they learn?” The sermon was thought provoking; however, I suspect some folks might think it easier and less messy to participate in the Human Library Project than to participate in the Good Samaritan Project. Paul said, “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Cor 3:2-3 NIV).

Generosity in Sharing

For service industry personnel my normal practice is to tip for good service. On a few occasions when my morning newspaper was not delivered I had to call for redelivery. Occasionally I find the paper on the sidewalk or in the gutter, rather than in the driveway. I ignore the solicitation that comes through the newspaper asking me if I want to add a carrier tip on my remittance, as well as the preprinted card reminding me to think of my carrier during the holiday season. This year however, my carrier sent me a personally addressed Christmas card, so I mailed a monetary gift…and my newspaper began inching it’s way closer to the door.  On Saturday morning I woke up to about six inches of snow on the ground and the morning paper on the door threshold. I’ll be honest, it tweaks me to have to pay for good service. However, Paul tells me there is another way to look at the situation, “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you” (2 Cor 9:12-14 NIV).

The Best of the Best

Most of us understand the Old Testament concept of firstfruits, a token of the harvest that belonged to God. God’s portion was not what was left over after the harvesters went through the field, but rather the first of the harvest. In my mind I’ve always imagined the firstfruits to be the cream of the crop. It never occurred to me that even firstfruits can be graded and categorized. The Lord told Moses, “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God” (Ex 34:26a NIV).

Fiscally Content

Fast food jobs in Chicago and New York are no longer entry level positions for young people getting into the workforce. Workers insist on being paid what they deem a living wage regardless of the fact that their education, productivity and skill level remains the same. As John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, “Tax collectors also came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay” (Luke 3:12-14 NIV).

Wrong Motives

When it comes to budgeting big expenditures many government agencies anticipate coming in under budget. In some cases, they tell the public how they intend to spend any surplus funds; in other cases, the funds are not publicly accounted for unless someone asks. During a recent city meeting all the bids for replacing equipment came in under budget and it was stated that the unused funds go back into the Fleet Fund. The city manager then said, “That’s how we got money for the golf course [needs/equipment]. We loaned money from the Fleet Fund to the golf course.” Coming in under budget so you can divert surplus funds to pet projects is very disconcerting. Spiritually speaking James saw something similar being played out in the church, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (James 4:1-3 NIV).

Train Up a Child

During a recent church visit the pastor justified his church model of not having children’s church or youth groups and keeping the membership together generationally. “The culture segregates by age and so does the church. Nothing in God’s Word says to separate by age. People say children can’t sit through a service…of course they can!” This pastor puts great emphasis on God’s call for us to live intergenerational and places the responsibility for training children on parents. Bemoaning the fact that less than one-half of one-percent of Millennials (18-23 years old) have a biblical world view, he said, “It’s about the fact that the church quit training children. God did not call the world to raise children.” From personal experience it was the church, not my parents, who was equipped to train and give me instruction in the Lord. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV).

Train Up a Child

During a recent church visit the pastor justified his church model of not having children’s church or youth groups and keeping the membership together generationally. “The culture segregates by age and so does the church. Nothing in God’s Word says to separate by age. People say children can’t sit through a service…of course they can!” This pastor puts great emphasis on God’s call for us to live intergenerational and places the responsibility for training children on parents. Then, bemoaning the fact that less than one-half of one-percent of Millennials (18-23 years old) have a biblical world view, he said, “It’s about the fact that the church quit training children. God did not call the world to raise children.” From personal experience it was the church, not my parents, who was equipped to train and give me instruction in the Lord. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV).

Starting Over

We’ve all seen and read the cardboard signs held by people panhandling and looking for a handout. All the signs, whether they invoke a laugh or a tear, are intended to hit a compassion nerve. Recently a woman who appeared to be in her late 30’s stood on a grassy street corner holding a cardboard sign that read, “Christian Family Starting Over.” Jesus said he would never leave us as orphans, so I’m not sure how the Lord reacts to seeing his name on a cardboard sign that implies the needs of this Christian family have not been met. These folks take the name Christian and I have to wonder what happened to their faith based support network — their biological, extended and church family. On practicing religion James said, “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).

Fake News

Hillary Clinton suggested that fake news not only thwarted her campaign, but has “real world consequences.” Although Christians haven’t labeled it as such, we’ve been dealing with fake news for 2000 years. When the chief priests learned that the body of Jesus was missing they paid the soldiers a large sum of money to fabricate a story. They told the soldiers, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day” (Matt 28:13-15 NIV).

On Guard

On December 6, 2016 I checked the online obituary listings at one of the local mortuaries and found a man listed as dying on December 7, 2016, the following day. Another woman’s death was listed as December 21, 2016...two weeks from now. No doubt the erroneous listings are disconcerting for the families. However, it gave me pause to think about seeing my own name and expiration date listed as tomorrow, or two weeks from now. Jesus said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come” (Mark 13:32-33 NIV).

Clanging Cymbal

During my church visits there have been a couple of instances where the worship service has turned into an opportunity for the leadership to air their differences, or conduct business. As a visitor I sense the undertow, but I can’t with any amount of certainty wrap my head around a sermon laden with innuendo. Paul very pointedly labels those who speak with words and phrases that are not understood by others, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1Cor 13:1 NIV).

Slow to Speak

Today’s young service employees seem to think if they talk fast and move you along quickly it somehow equates to efficiency. I recently purchased two T-shirts and the clerk gave me the spiel about the money I could save by getting a store credit card and then she quickly shifted to asking me if I wanted to donate to the stores designated charity…no and no. I pulled cash from my wallet and she gave me yet another option that the store would pay the $5.00 donation to the charity for me and I could still save some on my purchase. With my head spinning she proceeded to “help” me with my cash by telling me which bills would make the transaction (in her mind) easier to deal with.  The clerk and I could both benefit from James, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19-20 NIV).

Living and Active

Most of us understand the difference between a Nativity and a Live Nativity, where actors and animals bring the Christmas story to life. In our local church directory one church touts having a “Live Praise Band,” I’m now trying to conjure up in my head the image of a dead praise band. There are some who mistakenly view the Word of God as dead literature; however, the writer of Hebrews reminds us, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double–edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb 4:12 NIV).

Morning Joe

I was greeted by coffee wafting through the front door of a large church. The beverage menu was displayed behind the coffee bar and the servers were ready to take my order. In the foyer people sat around small tables and leaned against the wall as they shared their morning cup of java. This could have been any coffeehouse in America and there was no hint that I had just walked into a place of worship. At the beginning of the church service the membership director announced visitors would receive a voucher for a free cup of coffee if they filled out a visitor card and dropped it in the offering plate. One can argue that selling coffee in the church foyer, or offering a voucher during announcements is no big deal. I’m not so sure that Jesus would buy that argument. “Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers’” (Matt 21:12-13 NIV).

Children of the Light

I attended a contemporary worship service which, rather than being held in the sanctuary, was held in the youth center. Dark curtains covered the windows, the black backdrop for the stage held unreadable florescent chalk drawings and words, and the black ceiling dulled any illumination in the room. The lighting was so dim that I could hardly take notes, much less read the 10-point font in my Bible. More than a third of the audience was made up of seniors and retirees, who obviously did not find the nightclub atmosphere as disconcerting as I did. As children of the light it’s curious that some people of faith seek an environment of darkness. “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light” (Psalm 36:9 NIV).

He Who Has an Ear

More and more churches are using video clips before, during and after church for announcements, testimonies and, as I recently discovered…confessions. There are even clips of countdown clocks to tell the audience services will start in minutes and seconds —  5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Gone are the days of people visiting with one another before and after worship service begins. During a recent church visit a video clip was played at the first of the service and when the pastor took the platform he said, “I’m going to ask that we replay that video. Some people were coming in late and didn’t get to see it.” Hummm…maybe there is a reason they are coming in late. John said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev 3:6 NIV).

Unscripted

It’s not unusual for the person giving announcements, meditations or leading the music to go off script. During their time on the platform they might share something the Spirit has laid on their heart, try to warm up the audience by getting them engaged, or even try their hand at being a standup comedian to get a laugh. Mega churches have always controlled worship structure, but I’m now seeing the trend in smaller churches to reign in the extemporaneous comments and control the service. Rather than train people in the proper way to give announcements and meditations, preachers and staff are taking over those segments of worship. Personally I don’t like rabbit trails and I understand the time restraints of the worship service; however, leaders seem to forget they are not the only ones qualified to speak in the assembly of believers. Paul addressed being spiritually equipped, “Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy… and I think that I too have the Spirit of God” (1 Cor 7:25; 7:40b NIV).