What is that to you?

With my personality I want things in life to be fair, equal and with no one person favored over another. That being said I empathize with Peter. Jesus said to Peter, “I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me” (John 21:18-19, 21, 23 NIV)! Peter’s first reaction was to look at fellow disciple John and ask Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus sidestepped Peter’s question and went to the heart of the issue, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

The Witness

After Peter denied the Lord three times, “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly”” (Luke 22:61-62 NIV). In my mind this has always been a powerful and intimate moment between Jesus and Peter. However, the only reason Peter was even allowed into the court of the high priest was because John (presumably) was known to the high priest (John 18:15-18). Although it’s not stated, it seems apparent that John, a fellow disciple, actually witnessed Peter’s denial.

The Light of the World

A body-builder covered with tattoos walked into the gym wearing a camouflage muscle shirt and camo knee-length shorts. I couldn’t help but wonder if believers don’t sometimes present themselves to the world in a similar fashion…hiding our spiritual strength behind tattoos and camouflage. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:14-16 NIV).

The Accusers

Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has been accused by Christina Blasey Ford of having inappropriate sexual contact 36 years ago. Kavanaugh denies the allegation and is ready to face his accuser; however, Ford is refusing to testify in public until there is an FBI investigation. I’m reminded of the woman who the Pharisees said was caught in the act of adultery and they made her stand before the group. The Pharisees, similar to today’s progressive left, were using their questions as a trap in order to have a basis for accusing her. I predict that if Ford continues to refuse to testify before the committee the outcome will be similar to that of the woman. Jesus said, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared”” (John 8:10b-11a NIV).

Only by Prayer

I normally think of Jesus casting out demons as His healing the mind of a person possessed by an evil spirit. However, there are numerous accounts of Satan causing physical afflictions and I’m now wondering if chronic pain sufferers should consider that their pain is caused by a demon. People in constant pain regularly ask for healing from God, but most of us would not think of asking the Lord to cast the demon out of our back, shoulder or neck. A man’s son was possessed by an evil spirit that robbed him of speech, but the disciples were unable drive the spirit out. After Jesus drove out the deaf and mute spirit the disciples asked the Lord why their attempts were unsuccessfully. Jesus said, “This kind can come out only by prayer” (Mark 9:29 NIV).

Naïve People

I play an online word game that allows participants to chat with one another and I’ve encountered a few purported men who say they want to be friends, but who are actually looking for lonely women to scam. “Sweetie…, my dear…, my darling. So, are you happily married and do you have children?” Believers know to be on our guard when dealing with people in the world. However, we are often too trusting with those who are purported to be believers. Paul said, “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people” (Ro 16:17-18 NIV).

Unworthy

The Centurion’s servant was sick and about to die. He sent his friends to Jesus, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (Luke 7:6b- 8 NIV). Jesus uses the Centurion as an example of someone with great faith. However, I’m struck by the fact that the Centurion felt himself unworthy to approach the Lord, or to have the Lord come under his roof. I can’t help but wonder how many people today fail to approach the Lord simply because they feel themselves unworthy.

Abandoned Prayers

By the time the angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, both he and his wife Elizabeth were well along in years and Elizabeth was barren. It’s apparent that the couple prayed for children earlier in their life; however, I suspect they had long since abandoned that particular petition. Luke wrote, “But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John” (Luke 1:13 NIV). I can imagine Zechariah’s mind racing, “Prayer, what prayer? Oh…that prayer. You mean it has just now been heard?” I find it comforting to know that God heard my prayer even though I may have long ago given up hope on the prayer being answered.

Running Aimlessly

Every morning when I go to the gym there is a petite woman who runs on the treadmill for 45 minutes straight, pausing only to check her Fitbit. As she runs she makes loud grunts as her lungs strain for breath, the large varicose vein on one leg bulges and her fair skin turns pink with exertion. Yesterday she paused, slapped the Fitbit on her wrist a couple of times as though trying to make it work correctly and said an expletive. It was as though she was angry not only with the wrist monitor, but with her body because her heartbeat was not up to the level she thought it should be. Following yet another expletive she sprinted and pushed her body even harder in order to increase her heart rate. People of faith also run, but they run their race in such a way as to get the prize — a crown that will last forever. Paul said, “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (1 Cor 9:26-27 NIV).    

False Evidence

As the narrative surrounding President Trump continues to unfold it is clear that his enemies have looked under every rock for false evidence and false witnesses in order to remove the duly elected President from office. When Jesus was before the Sanhedrin He was in a similar situation. “The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” The high priest wanted a response from Jesus, but He gave none. This is where the similarities between the Lord’s and Trump’s situations end, “But Jesus remained silent” (Matt 26:59-61,63 NIV).

Hear His Voice

Social media has a video clip of tabby cat watching and listening to a smart phone. The cat slowly moves the end of his tail as his eyes focus on the smart phone screen. After a minute or so the cat lowers his head and smothers the phone with his face trying to get as close to the image and the voice as he can. The photo caption on the video said, “He sees his owner's video in the smart phone, he died some time ago...” It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming to see the cat caresses the image and voice of his decreased owner. It occurs to me that when most of us read the Bible we’re in study mode. Seldom do we lovingly caress the image and the voice of the Lord as He speaks to us though the Word. The writer of Hebrews said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Heb 4:7b NIV).

 

What’s Mine is Not Yours

On the political landscape many on the left want to push America into socialism where the wealth of one person is taken away from them and given to another. I hadn’t given any thought to socialism on the religious landscape until I read the Parable of the 10 Virgins. The 10 Virgins fell asleep while waiting for the Bridegroom, who finally arrived at midnight. Jesus said, “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matt 25:7-13 NIV).

Life is a Curve Ball

I enjoy watching The Incredible Dr. Pol on Net Geo Wild. Doctor Jan Pol is a Dutch-American veterinarian who specializes in large animals, but will treat any animal that needs help. In one episode the owner of a small dog was distraught when Doc Pol had to remove the dog’s eye. Pol reassured the pet owner that the dog was fine, “Animals are not handicapped, they just think life threw them a curve.” I’m now wondering if God ever views his people as being handicapped. The Prophet Isaiah said of Jesus, “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases” (Matt 8:17 NIV).

Reckless Words

I recently quoted a government official for a newspaper article and he later said, “I know that’s what I said, but that’s not what I meant.” I’ve seen something similar in sermons and public meditations where speakers misspeak, but rather than correcting their words they just assume their audience will understand what they meant to say. Proverbs warns, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18 NIV).

Serving the Lord, Rather that the Church

Recently I had lunch at a restaurant with some fellow-believer girlfriends of more than 40 years and we talked about health, friends and family. However, for the first time ever we did not mention our ministry efforts, activities in the church, or the direction of the local church. There was a time when our lives and conversation revolved around the church, but that is no longer the case. Similar to what the world is experiencing in volunteerism, Christian service in the church is waning.  It’s not that Christians don’t want to serve, but our individual ministry endeavors are taking a precedence over the collective ministry. Paul said, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free” (Eph 6:7 NIV).

Fit for a President

Before he passed away Senator John McCain planned all the details of his five separate memorial services. One TV commentator said, “McCain’s memorials were fit for a President.” I have to wonder if in planning his own funeral services that McCain wasn’t saying to America, “I’m a war hero and yet you, the voter, chose first term Senator Obama over me to be President of the United States. You did not recognize me as Presidential in life, but I will force you to pay homage to me in death.”  I suspect that McCain, in order to memorialize himself, was looking for praise from men, “…for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” (John 12:43 NIV).

Labor Day

For the believer there is not only physical labor, but spiritual labor. Paul said, “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Cor 3:7-9 NIV).

Hypocrisy

The media and left-wing Democrats feel at liberty to attack President Trump at every turn. We can all be guilty of throwing darts at elected officials, but in ignorance we fail to realize that the measure we use against others is the same measure the Lord will use against us. Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “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 7:1-5 NIV).

Forgiveness

By all reports Arizona Senator John McCain was a man of integrity who loved deeply. I find it interesting that McCain could forgive the Vietnamese who tortured him for five and a half years while he was a prisoner of war, but refused to forgive President Trump for the political attacks during the 2016 campaign. As per McCain’s direction, President Trump is not allowed to take part in McCain’s memorial service. Jesus said, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matt 6:14-15 NIV).

Maturing

In the public education school system taxpayers would not tolerate high school juniors being taught the same curriculum used in elementary school. Public education challenges students and requires they grow in knowledge. That being said, I find it curious that we in the church continue to accept sermons and teaching which remain on an elementary level. Unless we are a recent convert, we should be moved on to more advanced training and instruction. The writer of Hebrews said, “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so” (Heb 6:1-3 NIV).

Praise of Men

More and more I’m aware of speakers, teachers and preachers who transition to the podium by praising the person who held platform before them. For instance, a soloist or praise team will perform and the speaker who follows will invariable compliment them and their performance before moving on to their part of the program. While I understand the exchange of pleasantries, they sometimes turn into flattery and have the appearance of praise of men. Jesus spoke about the importance of seeking the praise of God. He said, “I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God” (John 5:41-44 NIV)?

A Priest Forever

The nation grieves the loss of Arizona Senator John McCain, who up until the first of the year, continued to perform the duties of his office. I’m reminded of the priests from the line of Levi. The writer of Hebrews said, “Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office…” Senator McCain’s death, like the priests of old, prevent him from continuing in office and he is now no longer a US Senator. However, on the landscape of faith Christ is our High Priest, “…but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Heb 7:23-25 NIV).

God Breathed

People often critique publications with, “I don’t agree with everything they say, but I can read it and make up my own mind.” Discernment is a valuable skill; however, many people mistakenly approach the Bible with a similar mind set and as they read Scripture they edit out portions they don’t agree with. To people of faith Paul said, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17 NIV).

Blocking the Worm

I played an online word game with a man who, after only one game started a chat and began referring to me as, “My dear…, my queen….” At first, I thought he was simply flamboyant and overly dramatic, but in game two he wrote, “My darling…” I have no doubt he was trying to endear himself to some lonely, vulnerable woman and I blocked him from my game play. Paul warned us not to have anything to do with those who have a form of godliness, “They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak–willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth” (2 Tim 3:6 NIV).

Advancing the Gospel

Many of us feel we advance the Gospel through teaching, leading and work in the church. However, Paul said, “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly” (Phil 1:12-14 NIV). People of faith sometimes forget that through the chains of disease, infirmity, circumstance and position in life, that we too have the opportunity to advance the Gospel of Christ.

Accumulating Sins

Parents know that children often try to cover-up one lie with another lie. I see something similar in Washington DC when politicians pile up lie upon lie during interviews and testimony. The Apostle John wrote about the Fall of Babylon, “Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes” (Rev 18:4-5 NIV). It gives me pause to think that sins left unrepented can accumulate.

Spiritual Warming

I don’t discount global warming, but I find it is presumptuous to think it is man caused. There are numerous Scripture references showing God controls nature and the weather…Noah and the flood, the sun going backwards, the wind and the sea obeying the Lord’s command. Rather than global warming, I consider floods, drought, forest fires, volcano eruptions, hurricanes, tornados and earthquakes as spiritual warmings. Jesus 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. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah” (Matt 16:2-4a NIV).

You Did For Me

A local senior citizen’s caregiver left her client’s house with two bags; one contained laundry and the other trash. It wasn’t until the caregiver got ready to do the laundry that she discovered she had kept the trash and thrown the clothes into the dumpster. The caregiver returned to the dumpster only to find the trash had already been collected; however, a quick call to Public Works revealed that the truck had not yet gone to the landfill. The Public Works Department dumped the trash truck’s load in their parking lot and half a dozen employees willingly went dumpster-diving, found the bag of laundry and then cleaned up the parking lot. Jesus said, “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” (Matt 25:37-40 NIV).

Speak Out

Political activists continue to stifle conservatives by getting in the face of those who’s message they want to thwart. While some use a bullhorn as their weapon of choice to shout down and break the eardrums of those they oppose, others simply do not let them have a platform. Peter and John experienced similar opposition to their message. When the Sanhedrin realized the disciples were unschooled and ordinary men their tactic was to bully and give them a warning, “Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”” (Acts 4:18-20 NIV). All believers are called to speak out and not be bullied.

Divisions in the Family of God

As I interview law enforcement personnel for a local online newspaper there is a reoccurring theme of team work and comradery. Most officers describe their relationships similar to a family, a sports team, or the military, “They’ve always got my back. We’ll do anything for one another. We’re all like family.” I’m almost envious of the fellowship enjoyed by this close-knit group of people who, at work and off-duty, keep their common goal in the forefront of their mind. Paul noted a lack of family atmosphere when he spoke to the Corinthians concerning the Lord’s Supper, “In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. 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. … So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment” (1 Cor 11:17-21, 33-34 NIV).

Silence of the Lambs

The Sanhedrin was attentive to Stephen’s speech, a recap of Jewish history and quoted Scripture, until he said he came to his own commentary and observations, “You stiff–necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it” (Acts 7:51-53 NIV). At those words the Sanhedrin was furious, gnashed their teeth and proceeded to silence Stephen by stoning him to death. Then, as today, the world will do anything to silence those who belong to the Shepherd.

Harsh Treatment of the Body

I like to people-watch and while walking on the treadmill at the gym I recently I saw a woman who appeared frail and anorexic, yet she seemed to force herself to exercise. The rules of the world demand that people be thin, but Paul tells people of faith, “Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self–imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence” (Col 2:21-23 NIV).

Secrets

More and more political corruption, scandals and deviant behavior is being exposed. Many of these individuals never considered that someday they would be caught, publicly exposed and brought to justice. However, Paul reminds us that whether in life or in death, our sins will be surely be exposed. “This will take place on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares” (Romans 2:16 NIV).

On a Scale of One to 10

For the last few years the nerve pain in my husband’s hip and leg has sent us to numerous doctors, pain specialists and therapists. The first question that is always asked on the paperwork or by the nurse is, “On a scale of one to 10, what is your pain level now?” On more than one occasion I’ve heard Bill and other pain sufferers say, “It’s an 11.” I’m now intrigued by the idea of measuring spiritual pain and grief on a scale of one to 10 and I need look no farther than Jesus at Gethsemane to see the spiritual pain scale of an 11. “Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me” (Matt 26:36-38 NIV).

Misplaced Aspirations

When America’s Got Talent contestants are interviewed they’re often asked what winning the contest and a million dollars would mean to them. The responses are all similar, “This is my big break. This will change my life. This is my last chance. It means everything. This is what I have lived for.” Believers are not immune from dreams of earthly success; however, we know Who will change our life and Who we live for. Paul said, “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Ro 8:5 NIV).

Use Caution

When driving I often stop on a yellow light and my husband reminds me that yellow means caution and red means stop. I do something similar with Scripture. Jesus told his disciples to be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees and they were confused. They thought Jesus meant bread, but he meant to be on guard against their teaching. When I read that passage (Matt 16:6) I mentally put on the breaks to avoid today’s Pharisees and Sadducees (teachers). However, what the Lord is really asking me to do is use caution with teachers, but come to a full stop if their teaching is in error. “…he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matt 16:12 NIV).  

Look Here is Water

Some churches schedule times for baptisms in order to make it more convenient for the staff. Other churches keep their baptismal ready at all times and offer an invitation at every worship service. I feel, out of consideration for the moving of the Holy Spirit, the waters of baptism should always be available. If the baptistery always stood ready making salvation decisions could mirror that of Philip and the Ethiopian, “As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” (Acts 8:36 NIV).

The Value of Godliness

People who work out in the gym are there for various reason. Some older folks are just trying to keep up their flexibility, the overweight want to lose the extra pounds, the handicapped are strengthening their weaknesses and the body builders are working on image. Paul could walk into today’s gym and his words would still be applicable, “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).

Your Inner Self

I recently took advantage of the offer for a free seven-day gym membership. As a people watcher I’m amazed at the number of people, men and women alike, who spend hours bodybuilding and then cover up their work with tattoos.  I overlook the chiseled features, powerful pecks, and bulging biceps and my eyes are drawn to undistinguishable designs and graphics that cover their arms, chest and legs. I’m reminded Peter’s charge to the women of his day, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV).

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Jesus taught his disciples to pray and I’ve always found one phrase in the Lord’s Prayer bewildering, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt 6:13 NIV). However, once I combine this thought with the temptation of Jesus it makes more sense, “Then Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil” (Matt 4:1 NIV). It’s almost as though I can hear Jesus telling me, “I’ve been there, done that and you don’t want to go there.”

First Love

A fellow believer whose husband was a victim of Alzheimer’s assumed the role of caregiver, “For the last five years of his life he didn’t know who I was. He was no longer the man I married.” Spiritually speaking, Christ should be able to say the same about us. When we mature in faith, we as the Bride of Christ, are no longer the person we once were.  However, as time goes by some of us may be guilty of losing the passion of our first love for the Lord. To the Church at Ephesus Jesus said, “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place” (Rev 2:4-5 NIV).

Take Off the Grave Clothes

I’ve had people in my life who, figuratively speaking, I’ve buried and rolled a stone in front of their tomb. No doubt the Lord would have me roll the stone away, but similar to the response of Martha at the tomb of her brother Lazarus my first response is to say, “But, Lord, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” However, Jesus instructed, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go” ((John 11: 39, 44b NIV).

Whisper in My Ear

There are occasions in all our lives when we feel unappreciated and unloved. Those feelings can arise within our family, our job and in the church…and they can be hard to shake off. It’s in those moments that I need to listen for Jesus to whisper in my ear, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matt 10:29-31 NIV).

Un-Presidential

As if they have inside knowledge on what a President should act like, Republicans, Democrats and the media continue to criticize President Trump for not being Presidential enough. For his part the President doesn’t bow to such peer pressure but seems to respond instinctually to each situation. I wonder if people of faith should take a page from the President’s play book when we hear others pointing an accusatory finger at believers for acting Un-Christian. Although Paul was speaking to a young Timothy, his words remind me that as a Christian I should not let anyone be condescending to me, or to the gift that the Lord has given me. Paul said, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you” (1Tim 4:12 NIV).

Promotion or Warning

A citizen took objection to a reporter’s photo of a young teenage boy jumping off a bridge into a shallow boulder-filled river. In Saturday Evening Post fashion, with one foot on the handrail and the other in mid-air, the photo captures the young man directly above the warning sign on the handrail, “NO JUMPING OR THROWING OBJECTS FROM BRIDGE.” The citizen thought the photo prompted and encouraged summertime fun that was dangerous behavior for children. I, on the other hand, viewed the photo as a call to action for parents who failed to teach their children basic safety skills and to follow the rules.  The Psalmist wrote, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you” (Psalm 32:8-8 NIV).

Extinguishing the Fire

Because of drought Colorado is having multiple wildfires. During a TV interview a fire department spokesperson told the reporter, “We can’t get to the fire, so we’re waiting for the fire to come to us.” As a Christian my personality is not to wait, but to try to deflect and extinguish fires before they get to me. However, I can see the wisdom in waiting for the fire to reach me. Paul said, “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Eph 6:16 NIV).

The Gift of Compassion

Before she passed away in April my mother-in-law lived with us for nine months and we continue to get mail for her. Somehow with Ruth’s change of address she wound up on every charitable mailing list there is— save the children, the animals, the earth and the elderly in foreign lands. I continue to open the solicitations simply because some of them contain pennies, nickels and dimes. On the one hand I have to laugh because Ruth gets more mail that I do, on the other hand the sheer volume of requests for support has jaded my level of compassion. We know that God is a God of compassion, but Paul notes the sovereign right of God to dispense mercy on whom he chooses. “What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy” (Ro 9:14-16 NIV).

Political Spin

My local city officials tout how they listen to the citizens and boast that for the next two years they will spend $5 M to fix streets and address traffic congestion. What they fail to say is they have neglected streets for so long that they currently have over $40,000,000 in deferred street maintenance. Unfortunately, citizens are not attuned and five million dollars over two years is hardly something to crow about. By  all appearances citizens simply accept the spin presented by government officials. I see a similar situation in the church. Paul said, “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).

Facial Recognition

Amazon is under fire for allowing the government to use their facial recognition program. The web service helps law enforcement catch criminals; however, the ACLU feels it is an invasion of privacy and uses the example of the misuse of video surveillance in China. Justifying their use of surveillance China authorities say people act better when they know they are being watched. China has a point…a point that is often lost, even on we who believe. The psalmist says of the righteous Judge, “And I—in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15 NIV).

Clean-Up on Aisle Five

By all reports President Trump has some major clean up to do after the summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. To me the political and media Pharisees of today are reminiscent of those who attacked and undermined Jesus at every turn. “While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:15-17 NIV).

Shut-Ins

Many churches have an organized program to calls on shut-ins, those who can’t always get to church. An elderly friend turned down such an offer from members of her church, “I don’t need people to visit me while I’m getting well.” It occurs to me that in some cases church organization and programming might well interfere with the impromptu nature of the Holy Spirit. The righteous need not have a visitation schedule. Jesus said, “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’” (Matt 25:37-40 NIV).

Satan Proofing

The political left insist President Trump take Russian President Vladimir Putin to task to make him stop meddling in the US election process. Rather than putting this issue at the foot of President Trump, it seems to me that the responsibility to “Russian Proof” our elections falls under the purview of state election boards and individual voters. Similar to Satan’s activity in the world, believers cannot expect the church or the pastor to always protect them from the meddling of the Adversary. James said, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double–minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:7-10 NIV).

Your Words

The House Congressional hearing with FBI agent Peter Strozk’s testimony is bombastic. Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, believers of both political parties need to remember the words of Jesus, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt 12:34b-37 NIV).

No record of Wrongs

As a journalist I keep a tickler file of records and quotes which documents improprieties, abuse and infractions…both in the world and in the church. On the one hand it helps me recall situations and present facts; however, it can also serve as a grudge file. Paul’s instruction in I Corinthians 13, the Love Chapter, brings me up short. Concerning love Paul said, “It is not rude, it is not self–seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth” (1 Cor 13:5-6 NIV).

Some Elections Have Consequences

We just had a Primary Election and the Republican race for sheriff had a 46-vote margin. For the General Election there are no Democratic challengers, so barring a last-minute challenge by an Independent candidate, the next man to become sheriff will be the Republican who narrowly won the Primary Election. The Apostles, feeling the need to fill the position vacated by Judas, cast lots for his replacement. We don’t know the vote count and the margin by which Matthias was selected over Joseph called Barsabbas but using spiritual standards the election/selection for either man was inconsequential. Scripture never again mentions the practice of casting lots, nor do we know anything more about Matthias, his mission, or his effectiveness (Acts:1:23-26).  We’ve been taught that every vote counts; however, the old adage “man proposes and God disposes” can be clearly seen in the election process. 

Trade War

The media is once again crying doom and gloom about a possible trade war with China. One TV millennial commentator said, “People are use to buying cheap goods from China and they won’t put up with higher prices.” These young folks do not know history, nor do they understand the resiliency and determination of people when their back is against the wall. America survived WW I, WW II and the Depression. The prospects of the USA surviving a trade war, with China or on a global scale, are not that daunting.

Wildfires

We’re having a lot of wild fires across the west which devour everything in their path. James said, “Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell” (James 3:45-6 NIV). As believers we seldom look back on our lives and consider the charred desolate landscapes that are the result of our words.

The Spin Zone

As a journalist I get frustrated in government meetings when officials, from one meeting to the next, spin the narrative they think people will buy. For instance, my local city government has underfunded the police department for years while they spent tax dollars for a golf course, recreation trails, tourism and business incentives. Now that they have created a crisis they want to raise taxes in order to hire more police officers and build a new police department facility. Rather than acknowledging wasteful spending, the officials intend to spin the need for more law enforcement. Believers are not immune when it comes to spin. Paul said, “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).

Musical Score

I just re-watched the movie “Jaws” and it occurs to me that one thing missing from the Word of God, if I can be so bold, is the musical score that accompanies the drama in the Book of Revelation. Dah-Dum…Dah-Dum…Dah-Dum-Dah-Dum…John wrote, “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise” (Rev 5:11-12 NIV)!

Independence Day

It’s not unusual for us to feel we are slaves to our circumstances. However, Paul reminds us that when there is an opportunity for freedom we should take it, “Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so” (1 Cor 7:20-21 NIV).

Strange Inheritance

Normally I think of an inheritance in financial terms. However, watching episodes of the TV series “Strange Inheritance” makes me realize that an inheritance comes in all manner of shapes and sizes…some having the appearance of an albatross around the recipient’s neck. I love the fact that as believers, we are all to receive the exact same inheritance. Peter said, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5 NIV). 

A Little Yeast

We have three county commissioners, one of whom resigned a couple days ago. The ex-commissioner, who served three and a half years of a four-year term said, “The only reason I’m resigning is because I can no longer be effective for the residents of the county. I’ve been excluded from secret meetings and rendered ineffective and useless.” Since all three commissioners were elected by the people they are of equal authority. I’m perturbed that two of them would render the other man ineffective and useless by excluding him from meetings. Unfortunately, the same thing can happen in the church and on the religious landscape when people sabotage the ministry efforts of others. Paul had to contend with the Judaizers and warned, “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be” (Gal 5:7-10 NIV).

For the Lord’s Sake

On the political landscape “The Left,” which includes Christian brothers and sisters, continue to be crazed because Donald Trump is our President. Let’s take a deep breath. Peter said, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king” (1 Peter 2:13-17) NIV).

Speaking From the Grave

American Political Columnist and Fox News Contributor Charles Krauthammer passed away last week. Fox Network paid tribute their colleague; however, in the weekly segment “Special Report With Bret Baier,” Baier continues to honor Krauthammer by replaying archived clips of his opinions on topics that are discussed, which are still applicable to today’s political conversation. The writer of Hebrews said, “By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead” (Heb 11:4 NIV).

Don’t I Have the Right?

Last week I had my car serviced at a dealership in the metro area that uses surveys to measure customer service. Normally I don’t mind writing a review when I get good service; however, this is the second time the service personnel have pressured me to give them a good review. In both cases the customer service representative, under the guise of a joke, said, “Getting a score of 10 is really important. If it’s not a 10, don’t bother filling out the survey.” I understand the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard is a picture of those entering heaven. However, I find elements of the parable applicable to people who want to tell others how they think they should be appreciated and treated. In the parable some workers grumbled to the landowner, “But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matt 20:13-15 NIV).

The Left and The Right of It

A Facebook post depicted a double amputee Marine in a wheel chair at a ceremony, possibly a funeral. From the waist up the veteran is in full dress uniform and saluting. One response to the emotionally stirring photo said. “I’m sorry that you had to fight for the “leftists” as well as the rest of us. Thank God and God Bless.” As a veteran my first reaction was to be in total agreement. However, as a Christian the Lord pulled me up short. Christ fought and died for both left and right. Paul said, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life” (1 Tim 1:15-16 NIV).

A Case for Reconciliation

I have some family relationships where disagreements and anger are not resolved and the same problems and issues keep reoccurring. On the other hand, I have friends and family members with whom we make a concerted effort to resolve each issue as it arises and move on. In essence, by forgiving we forget the slights and infractions. Jesus said, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Matt 5:23-24 NIV).

Appointed or Gifted

On the religious landscape we’ve seen emphasis placed on Bible application; however, we struggle and get confused if we try to apply Scripture to ourselves that isn’t applicable to us. For example, positions in church leadership such as apostle and elder are biblically not open to women. Paul said, “And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also 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 NIV). If God has not appointed me to such a position, no amount of application will make me qualified for that service. On the other hand, Paul also said, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines” (1 Cor 12:7-11 NIV). We may not all be appointed, but we are all gifted. 

Cursed

I find it interesting that Judas Iscariot committed suicide by hanging himself. He could just as easily have jumped off a cliff, taken poison, or run himself through with a sword. However, taking his own life by any other method would have changed the narrative. Paul said, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit” (Gal 3:13 NIV).

Open Your Eyes

Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matt 9:37-38 NIV). I’ve always thought of this passage as an evangelistic message for believers to go out into the fields of the world and bring the message of salvation to unbelievers. However, when a person harvests, they harvest grain that is already ripe, not immature grain. Jesus said, “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35 NIV).

Blocked

Social media gives us the ability to block people and unwanted posts to our own personal sites. I recently read a post where one man said, “Did [first and last name] just block me?” It occurs to me that we have a similar feature in our minds…if we chose to use it. Unfortunately, Peter was remiss in not blocking the evil one when he attempted to correct the Lord. 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).

Remember Me

Participating in the Lord’s Table is a specific time set aside for us to remember the sacrifice Christ made, His body that was pierced and His blood that was shed. Throughout the rest of the week I say a blessing at meals for the bread I eat and the juice I drink, but the sacrifice of the Lord does not come to the forefront of my mind. I’m now wondering if I can train myself to use bread, any type of bread, as a trigger to remember the Lord. The bun on my hamburger, the tortilla around my burrito, or the dinner roll with my entrée. After the resurrection Jesus walked with two men on the road to Emmaus. Evening was approaching and the men invited their traveling companion to stay with them in their village. Luke recorded, “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us”” (Luke 24:30-32 NIV)?

The Image

I’m writing a series of articles on local law enforcement and I publish their photos along with the articles to help the community put a name to the face. In a few instances the photo the officer wants me to use doesn’t match the story I’ve written. For instance, during the interview they may be caring, empathetic and approachable; however, the picture they select is something resembling a World Wrestling Federation face-off —  unsmiling face, superior to others and depicting an authoritative stance. This brings home to me the fact that we believers should always project the image of who we really are. Paul said, “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” (Col 3:10 NIV).

What Can Man Do to Me?

It's not unusual for someone to call me with a story idea for the newspaper. However, more often than not, the caller wants a situation exposed, but they don't want to be the source for the story. In essence they want to protect themselves and remain anonymous for fear of their friends, the community, their clients, or retaliation. There are similar accounts in the Bible where people did not want to be the source — for fear of the Jews, for fear of the people, for fear of being put out of the Synagogue, etc. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me” (Heb 13:5-6 NIV)?

Stay Ready

During a TV promotional segment for her new book 9 Rules of Engagement, Harris Faulkner said, “You have to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” I have to confess there are days when I just want to lounge around in my sweats rather than get dressed in 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Eph 6:13-18 NIV).

Career Opportunity

Some employment ads are so vague that you can’t really tell what is expected, while other are so specific you know right away whether or not you are qualified. I can’t help but wonder if the disciples, upon their first encounter with Jesus, thought they were being hired for a new job rather than being called to evangelism. “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him” (Matt 4:18-20 NIV).

Crystal Clear

Paul noted the folly of men with depraved minds will be made clear to everyone.  Hollywood types, such as comedian Samantha Bee and her supporters, are a prime example. Paul said, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self–control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them” (2 Tim 3:1-5 NIV).

Question Baiting

With local primary elections on the horizon the political landscape is fast becoming a war zone. In a public forum a citizen asked two candidates, “Have either of you ever turned a blind eye to corruption and have either of you ever had an extra marital affair?” Following the audible gasp from the audience both candidates answered “No” and “No.” In today’s society people turn a blind eye to corruption and have affairs all the time; however, the question really wasn’t about corruption or affairs. The question was to catch one particular candidate in a lie. I’m reminded of Jesus chiding the experts in the law for taking away the key to knowledge and hindering those who were entering heaven. Following the rebuke, “When Jesus left there, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions, waiting to catch him in something he might say” (Luke 11:53-54 NIV).

Soundings and Anchors

Paul and fellow sailors were caught in a storm on the Adriatic Sea. Paul said, “They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet deep. Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight” (Acts 27:28-29 NIV). I appreciate that these sailors, rather than simply expecting God to rescue them, first did all they could do — they took multiple soundings, dropped anchors and then they prayed. No doubt many of us in a crisis go directly to prayer and bypass soundings and dropping anchors.

Slapped in the Face

Institutional knowledge in any organization, including the church, is invaluable. Without it anyone can come in and assume leadership roles, re-write history, spin their own narrative and lead us astray.  Such was the situation with the Corinthians who were duped by men preaching a different Jesus, putting forth a different spirit and presenting a gospel other than what Paul had given them. Paul said, “You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face” (2 Cor 11:19-20 NIV). Unfortunately, even mature believers, when they let their guard down, can become fools when we allow ourselves to be exploited, enslaved and slapped in the face by leaders who run amuck.

Soldiers of Christ

The Tomb of the Unknown Solider is guarded by sentinels 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. It had not occurred to me that during the terrorist attack on 9/11 these sentinels remained at their post. Paul reminds us that we too must remain at our post and stay focused, “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer” (2 Tim 2:3-4 NIV).

Setting a Snare

During a recent campaign debate between two candidates for sheriff, a zealous believer in the audience went to the microphone and said, “You are the number one law enforcement authority. I want you to swear before God right now that when the feds get out of line you will show them the exit to this county!” The candidates stepped over the trap that was being set, but I'm disturbed that the believer would ask them to swear an oath before God. Jesus said, “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matt 5:33-37 NIV).

The Spirit Within

When interviewing police officers, I like to ask their opinion on the public’s perception. One officer said, “A lot of time people see the uniform and fail to see the person in the uniform.” It occurs to me that believers do something similar with one another. We look at a person’s physical appearance without recognizing the Spirit working within that person. Paul said, “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father” …But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self–control” (Gal 4:6, 5:22-23a NIV).

Focus on the Good Guys

For an article I interviewed a young police officer who has been on the job less than a year. In response to my questions I anticipated he would tell me he focused on serving the public, catching the bad guys and solving crimes. However, the young man said, “When I see support in the community, like people waving at us and the thin blue line stickers on cars, it makes a huge difference to us every day. It makes us want to do our job for them. The people that support us are the ones I try to focus on throughout the day.” Paul said, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Col 3:1-2 NIV).

God Permitting

Sometimes our investment in a movie or TV series just doesn’t pay off, but we hang in there thinking that we might eventually get something out of it. More and more my husband and I will look at one another and ask, “Are you getting anything out of this?” and then we change the channel. No doubt this will sound sacrilegious to some, but this same thought process is showing up on my religious landscape. I can’t help but wonder if other believers are leaving the Sunday school class, or the worship service, and asking themselves and one another, “Are you getting anything out of this?” That being said, we can’t totally fault teachers and preachers for serving the milk of the Word when people of faith won’t change the channel. The writer of Hebrews lays the responsibility at the feet of the individual for not leaving elementary teachings about Christ. “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so” (Heb 6:1-3 NIV). 

Being Saved

It occurs to me that when we present the plan of salvation to another person we actually want them to be saved in the same way in which we ourselves found salvation. Paul, a prisoner, was in a severe storm on a ship that was being driven across the Adriatic Sea. He warned his guards that unless everyone stayed with the ship they could not be saved…but it wasn’t the ship that would save them, nor would they all be saved in the same manner. When the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground some prisoners jumped overboard and swam, others got away on planks or pieces of the ship, “In this way everyone reached land in safety” (Acts 27:44b NIV).

Quietness of a Memorial

A soldier at war doesn’t memorialize his fallen brothers while he is in the heat of battle. Likewise, believers in the midst of everyday worries, struggles and their work day are often so busy fighting the good fight, that meditating on Jesus Christ is not in the forefront of their mind. Certainly, we can partake of the Lord’s Supper at any time and in any place. However, coming around the Lord’s Table in a worship service allows us to set aside the world for a brief period of time and prepare our minds and our hearts before we partake of the emblems in remembrance of Christ and his sacrifice. Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples. Jesus said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:19b-20 NIV).

Good Soil

The meaning of the Parable of the Sower is focused on where seed is sown — along the path, rocky places, among the thorns and the good soil. The seed sown on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. However, it is mature believers who sow the word and it occurs to me there are times when many of us use a shotgun approach and we scatter seed everywhere hoping some of it will take root. I’m now wondering if I’ve been remiss in not first looking for good soil before I start scattering seed. Jesus said, “But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Matt 13:23 NIV).

The Creator and The Creation

Many of us are watching the Hawaii volcano activity. One TV newscaster interviewed a volcanologist who said, “These eruptions can go on for months and even years.” No doubt the newscaster was trying to draw out information from the expert when he said, “So, what can we [man] do about this?” In the book of Job God’s hand on the earth’s atmosphere is a good reminder that it is God who controls nature. “The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen. He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them” (Job 37:10-12 NIV).

Credited To You

I have a Facebook friend who, for his Birthday, ask people to donate in his name to a charity of his choice. I had to laugh. I know he is well intentioned, but this is a Facebook friend. He is not someone whose Birthday I’ve ever celebrated before, much less ever gifted with a present. I’m now wondering to whom the gift-giving is credited. Is it credited to the one who gave the gift, or to the one who requested the gift be given?  I’m contemplating the Philippians who sent Paul aid again and again. Paul thanked them for their previous gifts, “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account…” The gifts you sent, “…are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:17-18b, 19 NIV).

At Your Disposal

I recently heard a sermon that manipulated Acts 4:32-36 into a tithing sermon. Barnabas, “…sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet” (vs 37 NIV). The pastor concluded that Barnabas could have given the money to those in need himself; however, by giving the money to the apostles it was the early church, not Barnabas, who gets the credit for giving to the poor. In essence, when you give to the church the leaders will determine where the needs are and then God will be glorified through the church…rather than through an individual. Ananias lied about his contribution to the church, which cost him his life. However, Peter makes it very clear that believers have the right to manage and direct their own finances. Peter said, “Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal” (Acts 5:4a NIV)?

Fix Your Eyes

Hell, fire and damnation sermons of the past have seemingly been replaced by a social Gospel. More often than not preachers are putting forth current social-ills and then throwing a portion of Scripture at the situation in order to make it applicable. In essence, today’s ministers are keeping the eyes of believers focused on man and the things of the world, rather than on the spiritual. Paul said, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor 4:18 NIV).

Consulting Me

In a marriage, or a parent/child relationship, we often get bent out of shape when the other person doesn’t consult us before making a decision. I suspect we have similar feelings toward God when He doesn’t consult us before He makes a decision. It’s as though we feel our being faithful somehow entitles us to have a voice in God’s decision-making process. Paul said, “But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory” (Ro 9:20-23 NIV).

Self-Inspection

The Obama-Iran nuclear deal has a familiar and somewhat of a spiritual ring to it. Similar to Iran, many people of faith don’t want to be held accountable, they want to self-inspect. Paul cautioned against such an attitude, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise” (2 Cor 10:12 NIV).

The Know-It-All

Most of us are acquainted with at least one person who never asks or listens to the opinions of others because they already know-it-all. James said, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double–minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:5-8 NIV). Apparently the first step in gaining wisdom from God is to first acknowledge that we lack wisdom.

Touching Jesus

After He walked on water Jesus climbed into the boat with his disciples and they landed at Gennesaret. “And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed” (Matt 14:35 NIV). It occurs to me that believers today continue the same practice of bringing the sick to Jesus. With our prayers for physical, mental and spiritual health for others, we are in essence, bringing each one of them to Jesus for healing.

Born Again

I really like the Jason Bourne movies starring Matt Damon and when I get the opportunity I re-watch them. My husband Bill, on the other hand, is not as enamored. The other day Bill walked into the living room and said, “What, Bourne again?” Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3 NIV).