Groups of Fifty Each

With attendance for church worship limited to 50 people at a time, our leadership decided we would have to make reservations. I have to tell you; I have reservations about reservations. If you don’t have a reservation you are sent away. Better accommodations for members would be to have the church open all day on Sunday with various worship times listed, i.e. services at 9:30, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00, 2:30 p.m. I understand the pastor’s reluctance to have four worship services and preach four times, but we have an associate pastor, elders and teachers who are qualified to preach. The needs of congregational worship should come before the desires of leadership to have only one service. I see something similar with the feeding of the Five Thousand. The Twelve wanted to send the crowd away so they could buy their own food, but Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” The disciples focused on the available food, five loaves of bread and two fish, rather than the needs of the crowd. Jesus said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” The disciples did so, and everybody sat down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over” (Luke 9:14b-17 NIV).

Wake Up O Sleeper

I understand those who want to protest the death of George Floyd, but I find it suspicious that their protests are scheduled to take place in darkness. Unlike Dr. Martin Luther King, who protested unmasked and in broad daylight, today’s purported protesters are cloaked in darkness. Paul said, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Eph 5:8-14 NIV).

The Lamb Heals

In light of the protests and riots surrounding George Floyd’s death, prominent pastors across the nation are calling for racial equality, reconciliation, and prayers for healing the nation. Unfortunately, these pastors are relying on their own wisdom, their own words and their own human understanding. I have yet to hear one of them tell people they need to come to Jesus Christ. John shared a glimpse of heaven, “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” (Rev 22:1-2 NIV).

God’s Mercy

Fox News interviewed a black couple whose soon-to-open Sports Bar was ransacked and destroyed by looters. The owner, a former firefighter, had invested everything he had in his new business. As the interview began, he acknowledged that earlier in the evening he had taken his children out so they could see and be a part of the “peaceful protest”. However, the protest turned into mob violence and his business was destroyed even as he stood in the building asking looters to stop. I’m having a hard time mustering up any compassion since the previous night the city protests were also violent. I can’t understand why, even for the sake of giving his children an experience, he would take them to the next potentially violent protest. Paul said, “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).

Bringing Good News

Because of social distancing many preachers continue to struggle with the loss of their church platform. It’s as though they don’t know how to preach without having the trappings of the organized religion. Much of their dilemma comes from the fact that they have taken it upon themselves to orchestrate and direct every aspect of the worship service, which means they wear multiple hats. It’s unfortunate that men who are sent to preach let themselves become distracted by becoming the administrator, music coordinator, sound-man, table server, etc. Paul knew the importance of doing what you are called to do, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news” (Ro 10:14-15 NIV)!

Unsolicited Advice

A post on Facebook from a pastor said, “May I have a moment of your time to talk about when and how your church resumes gathering? This is not advice to pastors. (I’m sure they’re getting plenty of unsolicited advice.) I want to share my perspective for those of you who are waiting for information from your pastors.” The pastor went on to offer a few do’s and don’ts for the coming months and first on the list was, “Give your advice and opinion only when it is requested…” I’m now trying to imagine the look on a pastor’s face if we in the congregation told him, “Give your advice and opinion only when it is requested.” Pastors and leaders sometimes fail to recognize that what they deem as “unsolicited advice”, may in fact may be a message from the Lord. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch, “During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:27-30 NIV). Thank goodness the message from Agabus, a fore-teller, was not perceived as unsolicited advice.

Wake Up O Sleeper

I understand those who want to protest the death of George Floyd, but I find it suspicious that their protests are scheduled to take place in darkness. Unlike Dr. Martin Luther King, who protested unmasked and in broad daylight, today’s purported protesters are cloaked in darkness. Paul said, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Eph 5:8-14 NIV).

Locked Out of the Church

I’ve been through the uncomfortable experience of seeing church leaders take away the membership of a family when the man exposed leadership flaws. Similarly, the Jews of Jesus' day lived in fear of being put out of the synagogue. On the Sabbath Jesus healed a man who was blind and the Pharisees were divided in thought, “Finally they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him” (John 9:17-23 NIV). During this pandemic, I suspect modern-day Pharisees are feeling the sting of what it’s like to be locked out of the church.  

Scattered

Many people are angry with the government for shutting down places of worship. However, they fail to understand that it is not the government who is in control, but it is God who has allowed religious gatherings to be disrupted and scattered. Saul, before he became Paul, did everything he could to destroy the early church. “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went” (Acts 8:1b-4 NIV).

Strengthening the Church

Most churches are desperate to get back to normal worship, but I’m not convinced the Lord wants us to return to what we consider normal. Today’s church has been turned over to paid staff, who then molds the worship service into the image they want. When COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, believers might be spiritually refreshed if we returned to the structure of the early church. Paul described orderly worship, “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. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (I Cor 14:26-33a NIV).

House Cleaning

There is no doubt Jesus frowns on the way some churches market themselves today. Prayer, worship and teaching often take a back seat to programs, expansion projects and productions. It occurs to me that COVID-19 restrictions placed on today’s church may have a similar effect to that of Jesus overturning the tables of the money changers in the temple. “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 NIV).

Memorial Day

What I miss most about not being able to attend church on Sunday is the Lord’s Supper. During this lock-down I remember Jesus throughout the day as being alive, but the memorial of Communion brings my mind back to not only his death, but that He died for me. Paul said, “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (I Cor 11:23-25 NIV).

Planted

Last fall the landscaper put sod and rock around our new house, but we had to wait for summer to do plants and shrubs. The bid from the landscaper allowed me to pick out 20 plants, which I did yesterday. I have to tell you it was traumatic. I’m certain that selecting so many plants at one time is worse than planning a wedding and picking out the cake, flowers and wedding dress. Really, it’s a big deal when you realize these shrubs and where they are planted will probably outlive me and the next generation of homeowners. “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV).

Filled With Jealousy

It’s not unusual for churches to compare their church to other churches they deem successful. Leadership would never admit to being jealous of another church; however, they often purchase how-to books to see if they can model the success of others. In the early church crowds gathered around the Apostles as they healed many and performed miraculous signs and wonders. The religious leaders of the day compared their success with that of the Apostles. “Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy” (Acts 5:17 NIV).

We Too Must Repent

It’s easy for those of us who live in rural America to feel corrupt politicians who live in Washington DC are worse sinners than we are. Jesus recounted an incident where Pilate killed Galileans. He said, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:2-5 NIV).

Team Effort

A few weeks ago, we fertilized the sod that was put in late last fall. In the midst of the lock-down when people call to see how and what we are doing I say, “Watching the grass grow.” Which, when there is nothing else to do and you have to stay home, is exactly what we’re doing. However, I’m starting to have a twinge of pride about my watering and fertilizing when I compare my new lawn with the neighbors old, long established grass. Mine looks really good. Paul said, “What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 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 3:5-9 NIV).

The Chains of Social Distancing

The men’s coffee group at church, which consists of about 15 guys, decided to resume their Wednesday get-togethers. They will practice social distancing and face-masks will be optional. When I put this image in my mind and can’t help but laugh. These guys are retired seniors, most of whom wear hearing aids. They have a hard time hearing and understanding each other when sitting shoulder to shoulder. Place them six feet apart wearing masks and there’s no telling what they will hear. I predict the meditation and good-natured joking won’t be nearly as impactful as it was two months ago. Paul said, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 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 4:2-6 NIV).

Never Leaving the Temple

For many of us, the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders seems to interfere with our service to the Lord. We feel we are being held captive when we can’t teach, lead, minister, or fellowship with one another. I believe we can learn from the prophetess Anna. On the occasion of Jesus’ circumcision, he was presented in the temple, “There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty–four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38 NIV). Anna did not leave the temple for 60-plus years…certainly we can be in home lock-down for a few months.

Deja Vu

Every day when I exercise for an hour, I listen to an audio version of the New Testament. I can get through the entire New Testament in about a month and then start over again. Because the Gospels tell a similar story, with some regularity I find myself at the foot of the cross, watching Jesus being crucified over and over again. The writer of Hebrews speaks about the importance of believers maturing and not falling away, “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace” (Heb 6:4-6 NIV).

False Testimony

President Trump continues to rail against the media and has used the term fake news so often I’m beginning to wonder if it isn’t becoming benign. A more fitting term might be false testimony, which carries dire consequences. The rich young man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus said, You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” Jesus went on to point out that it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. However, it should not be lost on anyone that the Ten Commandments, including giving false testimony, remain in effect today. (Mark 10:19 NIV).

Those in Need

A couple weeks ago while visiting on the phone with my friend Cheryl, we lamented about empty store shelves and tried to make sense of what consumers were buying and stocking up on. Last week Cheryl called and said, “I’m going to leave you something at your door. I’ll just ring the doorbell and run.” Even though I knew we were both virus free, she insisted on social distancing. By the time I got to the door Cheryl was indeed gone, but there on the doormat sat two cans of Spam. Paul said, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Ro 12:10-13 NIV).

Mother’s Day

Although Mother’s Day was designed for us to reflect on our mothers, the day also causes mothers to reflect on their children. Jesus was talking to a crowd when someone told him his mother and brothers were outside waiting to speak to him. Jesus replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matt 12:48-50 NIV). The Lord brings us into the spiritual family when he calls us his brothers and sisters. However, I have to wonder if Mary might have felt an emotional sting at his words.

Wisdom is Proved Right by Her Actions

Church praise teams work hard with their song selections. As worshipers, we probably don’t always react, nor are we moved in the way the praise team would like us to be moved. Jesus said, “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge and you did not mourn’ (Matt 11:16-17 NIV).  In reality it is not the praise team’s selections that move us, but rather we are moved by the Spirit of Wisdom that is within us.

That We May Not Offend

Despite the orders of many State governors, some churches are considering ignoring social distancing of no more than 10 people and reopening their church. While I understand wanting to get back to worship, this rebellious attitude does not come from the Lord, but from man’s desires. In Capernaum, Jesus and his disciples were confronted by tax collectors who asked them about paying the temple tax. The NIV Study Bible notes that Jesus and his disciples, because they belonged to God’s royal household, could have avoided paying the tax. However, Jesus chose not to cause offense. Jesus said to Peter, “But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours” (Matthew 17:27 NIV). It’s unfortunate that churches would choose to offend the secular world, rather than comply.

Keeping God in View

 We may never know the full economic impact COVID-19 has had on America — businesses that were lost, financial ruin, loss of job security and for some, homelessness. I can’t help but wonder if what America is experiencing might feel similar to what the nation of Israel experienced in the Exodus. When the Lord brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt, they too felt a financial sting. Jobs were lost, homes abandoned and savings vanished. I feel confident we will not wonder in an economic dessert for 40 years. However, in uncertain times we too can have God in our sight. “In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels” (Exodus 40:36:38 NIV).

Exploiting

Although they are not conspiracy theorists, some of my friends and relatives are beginning to speak up and say COVID-19 is not as bad as the regular flu and the government has overreacted. It seems to me that they are mixing apples and oranges. The facts are that in some locations 900-1,000 people are dying each day, so this virus is worse than the normal flu. However, it is also becoming evident that liberals, the media and some government leaders are exploiting the virus for political, personal and financial gain. Something similar can also happen in the church. The Corinthians were putting up with false apostles. Speaking ironically Paul said, “Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. 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. To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that” (2Cor 11:18-21 NIV)!

Power from Above

Some protesters against stay-at-home orders, which includes believers, are at the point of rebellion against the governors of their State. Certainly, we all have the right to protest; however, it’s also important to remember where the governors get their power to govern. Pilate was contemplating the fate of Jesus when he heard the accusation that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. He confronted Jesus, but the Lord did not speak. “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin” (John 19:10-11 NIV). 

OMG

I find it interesting that people in distress often say, “Oh God, or Oh my God.” I wonder if this is an utterance proclaimed from those who are stricken with COVID-19, or from their loved ones. When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they were terrified, but Jesus told them to take courage and not be afraid. Rather than saying “Oh my God!” Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you,” tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus” (Matt 14:28-29 NIV). It occurs to me that in our distress we might be better served if we were to say, “Oh Jesus, or Oh my Jesus.”

The Flesh is Weak

The only Sam’s Club in my area is 60 miles away. When I went this week, I picked up a couple of rotisserie chickens and on the way home the aroma of the roasted chickens filled the car. Even though I returned home before noon, by the time I got home the smell had my stomach growling, I felt famish and thought I was starving to death. I’m reminded of Esau coming in from the country and finding his brother Jacob cooking stew and I have to wonder if the aroma of the stew played a part in Esau decision. “Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.) Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright” (Gen 25:29-34 NIV).

The Kingdom of God Within

 We know that no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again; however, after our re-birth we often fail to recognize the kingdom of God that is within us. “Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within  you” (Luke 17:20-21 NIV).  

Predestined

I understand that some people don’t like President Trump; however, their desire to destroy him is not in keeping with the Spirit of God within them. Paul said, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified” (Ro 8:28-30 NIV).

Inner Ear

My friend Betty, who is in her late 90’s, began hearing songs and music, but couldn’t find the source. She searched for a radio that might have been left on and even went outside to see if neighbors were playing music. She said, “It was so beautiful. A man and a woman singing were singing “The Old Rugged Cross.” Betty became worried when no one else could hear the music, “I didn’t know if I was losing my mind, or if the Lord was calling me home.” The music accompanied her to a chiropractor’s appointment and remained present even when she took out her hearing aids. She said, “The music is still keeping me company, but now I’m hearing different hymns.” She laughed and said, “I keep wanting to say to my daughter, “Isn’t that pretty?”” An internet search revealed a condition called Musical Ear Syndrome where instrumental music or songs can play in your head over and over. It really makes no difference whether it’s Betty’s physical ear, or her inner ear that hears praises hymns. Proverbs says, “Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both” (Proverbs 20:12 NIV).

Meaningless Talk

As people of faith, many of us look for a silver lining around the dark cloud of COVID-19. I see such a silver lining around the educational system. From local to higher education, most teachers and professors have a liberal bent and they push their own agenda. It occurs to me that the recent forced virtual teaching will severely impact the teacher’s ability to indoctrinate students with a liberal agenda. Paul said, “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm” (1Tim 1:3-7 NIV).

Prepare the Way

Today’s modern highways no longer follow the natural terrain. Highway departments cut through mountains, build bridges over rivers, and fill ravines with rip-rap and dirt to level the landscape and make roads smooth. The words of Isaiah the prophet apply to John the Baptist, “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation’” (Luke 3:4-6 NIV).

Scammers

The headline on a Facebook re-post for a ministry said, “If You Don’t Really Need Your Stimulus Check, Would You Prayerfully Consider Giving It to God’s Kingdom?” I’m not surprised when the world tries to scam people in a crisis, but I’m taken back when people of faith do so under the guise of giving to God’s Kingdom. It seems to me that the writer of the post classifies the stimulus as a windfall and because some people may not “need” the money, others can put it to better use than the recipients. I’m reminded of the time Mary took a pint of expensive perfume and poured it on the Lord’s feet and wipe his feet with her hair. “But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it” (John 12:4-6 NIV).

Two or More

A woman put out a Facebook post that her mom has heart disease, diabetes and now COVID-19. The woman said, “Please everyone share, the more prayers the better. I JUST WANT TO KEEP MY MOM!!!!!! No-one is sharing my post. Please share guys. I need my mom and lots of prayers is a huge help." I find it curious that the woman measured the strength of prayer by counting the number of shares on Facebook. Jesus said, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matt 18:19-20 NIV).

Failing to Give Praise to God

Last week during a press conference New York Governor Andrew Cuomo boasted about how much New York had done to curb the spread of COVID-19. Cuomo said, “The number is down because we brought the number down. God did not do that. Faith did not do that. Destiny did not do that. A lot of pain and suffering did that, that’s how it works. It’s math.” Cuomo’s jarring statement reminded me of Herod. “On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God continued to increase and spread” (Acts 12:21-24 NIV).

Cast All your Anxiety

Because of COVID-19 some people feel compelled to help calm the fears of others through posts on Facebook. I often find the comments to the post more interesting and thought provoking than the post itself. One such comment from a person of faith gave me whiplash, “I pray that God will not be needed.” Seriously? Peter reminds us, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV).

Enemies of the Gospel

Mike Lindell, the My Pillow guy, is using his factory to make Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), such as masks. Lindell, as well as other manufactures helping with the pandemic efforts, was invited to the White House and he took opportunity to tell America they need to get back to God. Reporter Jim Acosta, as well as other liberal reporters, were incensed and publicly ridiculed Lindell. I have to laugh as the liberal media is looking more like the enemies of the Gospel than news reporters. When Paul told the crowd that he was sent to the Gentiles, “The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!” As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, the commander ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and questioned in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this” (Acts 22:22-24 NIV).

Stopping the Spread

The government and health professionals are doing everything they can to stop the spread of COVID-19. While their efforts may be slowing the virus down, it continues to spread. I’m reminded that the priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees were disturbed when the heard the apostles teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. Many people believed and their number grew to about 5,000. Peter and John were called before the Sanhedrin and after they conferred together, they said, “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 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 4:16-20 NIV).

Everyone’s a Preacher

Preachers often struggle with finding a fresh slant for their Christmas and Easter sermons because they think everything that could be said, has already been said. Regardless of the repetitive nature of a holiday themed sermon, generally speaking the preacher has no competition with their message since they own the pulpit and hold the microphone. However, that is no longer the case. In this season of COVID-19, with lock-downs and social distancing, it seems everyone has become a preacher. We are being inundated with words of encouragement, special passages of Scripture, video clips, virtual music concerts and prayers. Renowned church leaders are having to compete, not only with one another for profound soundbites, but with the spiritual man in the pew who knows how to use social media. Even in today’s virtual church Paul’s words are applicable, “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” (I Cor 14:26 NIV).

When You Ask for an Egg

My neighbor has a few chickens and when they are laying, she shares with us. Last week Jessica left a dozen eggs on the back patio, so I decided we should have a Sunday Easter breakfast with fresh eggs. I couldn’t help but smile when I opened the carton to discovered a variety of naturally colored Easter eggs — blue, beige, light and dark brown. Jesus said, “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him” (Luke 11:11-12 NIV)!

GoFundMe

The news is reporting some places of worship started GoFundMe pages so that during the pandemic they won’t have to lay-off church staff. I have visions of the Apostle Paul turning over in his grave. When Paul set out for Macedonia the Philippians were the only church who shared with him in giving and receiving. Paul said, “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They 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 4:17-19 NIV). I can’t understand why people look to GoFundMe, rather than to God to meet all their needs.

Inward Appearance

We measure people by their actions and it’s not unusual to hear, “He calls himself a Christian, but he doesn’t act like one.” It occurs to me that in using such a declaration makes people guilty of using outward appearances to judge someone’s inward heart. Paul said, “A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God” (Ro 2:28-29 NIV).

Be Still

As parents we’ve all, at one time or another, sent our children to their room for a time-out until they could behave, or to give them time to contemplate a situation. In light of the Coronavirus Task Force asking all US citizens to confine ourselves to our homes it almost feels like we have been sent to our room for a few weeks. God said, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”  The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:10-11 NIV).

The Narrow Door

My friend’s neighbor is an elderly woman who, according to the husband, has suffered a mental breakdown. The woman now wanders the quiet neighborhood, stands in the middle of the street, and takes a broom with her when she walks in the dry irrigation ditch. Last week the confused woman knocked on Betty’s door and said, “I’m ready to come in now.” Heartbroken, COVID-19 necessitated Betty telling the woman she could not come in. The Lord’s teaching on the Narrow Door comes to mind. Jesus said, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from” (Luke 13:24-25 NIV).

Ship of Fools

I’ve been interested in the two Holland American cruise ships that reported cases of COVID-19. When 11 South American countries would not let them dock, they set sail for Florida hoping to get the passengers off the ships. At first, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis cited lack of medical accommodations and refused the request to dock because he thought the passengers were all foreign nationals. However, when he learned some of the passengers were Floridians, he agreed to let them disembark, but insisted the foreigners be sent to their home country. Many of the passengers cried foul and insisted this was a humanitarian situation. At first blush I might agree with them. However, the passengers knew two weeks previously that COVID-19 had caused cruise ships off the coast of California to be quarantined and yet these people boarded ships for their own 14-day cruise around South America. According to Proverbs, “Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly” (Proverbs 13:16 NIV).

The Role of Women

Scripture has the church structured in such a way that women have very little place to participate in today’s organized religion. For instance, becoming a preacher, teaching men, becoming an elder, or becoming a leader are roles for men. However, being left out of the organized church leadership should not be taken as a slight. Rather we should all realize the same Spirit that is poured out on men is poured out on women. Quoting the prophet Joel, Peter said, ““‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy”” (Acts 2: 17-19 NIV).

From the Grave

In my family we sometimes grudgingly carry on traditions and relationships because, “That’s what Mom did and she would want us to continue.” You really have to laugh when you realize that some of us are still controlled by those who are in the grave. Paul said, “Do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to men who know the law—that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage” (Ro 7:1-2 NIV).

Media Stumbling Blocks

Some television outlets have decided they would no longer broadcast the daily briefings of President Trump and his COVID-19 Team. These “news” outlets determined they didn’t like what President Trump was saying and accused him of spreading misinformation. How dare these media outlets censor and ax what, in this case, can be life-saving information from medical and governmental officials. Making a spiritual application Paul said, “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” (Ro 14:12-13 NIV).

Financial Prompt

For the third time in less than two weeks the preacher sent out an email with a nudge on giving and how to get your financial support to the church. The most recent installment said, “We will also be leaving the church building open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 8 am and 10 am for you to put checks in the offering box (social distancing will be practiced).” Too bad he didn’t say, “I’ll be at the church from 8 am to 10 am, if you need to talk, or need someone to pray with you (social distancing will be practiced).” Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34 NIV).

Treasure in Heaven

Last Sunday Bill and I spent our afternoon whipping out a generic Last Will and Testament. I don’t anticipate either of us succumbing in the near future. However, if both of us come down with a fever at the same time, I’d rather be counting my treasure in heaven and not worrying about earthly assets. Paul said, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Tim 6:17-19 NIV).

Addictions

When the gym closed, I dusted off the stationary bike sitting in the garage. Normally I just use the treadmill in the gym, so peddling the bike is not that much of a transition. However, I do wonder about some of my fellow exercisers who are addicted to their 1 to 1 ½ hour, seven-day-a-week, workout routines. Actually, the restrictions and complete shut-downs caused by COVID-19 are going to take a huge toll on anyone with an addiction — gambling, alcohol, drug, exercise, sex, porn, etc. Where are these folks going to get their “fix”? Peter said, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV).

Make Like a Bird

Normally my shopping list contains items I’m running low on, rather than things I am out of.  COVID-19 gave me a Black Friday mentality and I decided to go to Wal-Mart at 5:00 a.m. hoping to be the first in the door. I expected the store to have some semblance of stocked shelves, with the facility cleaned and disinfected the night before. However, when I double-checked their hours online, I learned they had changed and wouldn’t open 9:00 a.m. Having to wait four-hours before I could go to the store gave the Spirit time to get my attention and remind me that I wasn’t “out” of anything and I didn’t need to go to the store. Jesus said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds” (Luke 12:22-24 NIV)!

Preparedness

I belong to an online Christian writer’s group and a few people are worried that the provisions they stocked up with (food, medicines, toiletries, etc.) won’t last as long as they need them to. My thoughts turned to the Widow at Zarephath who had only enough supplies to make one last meal for her and her son before they died. Most of us, to some degree, have prepared for COVID-19 and Elijah’s words to the widow encourages me today. He said, “For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land’” (1 Kings 17:7-16).

Keeping the Lights On

On more than one occasion I’ve heard believers say their church cancelled corporate worship because of COVID-19, but pastors are reminding members the church still needs money to keep the building functioning. One pastor emailed, “In the meantime we can always be in prayer, look for ways to serve, find ways to give…” Let me admit, I feel somewhat indignant that money is in the forefront of any pastor’s mind. Church membership, unlike private non-profits who twist arms for contributions, knows it takes tithes and offerings to keep the light on in a building. Jesus said, “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one’” (Matt 6:8-13 NIV).

Testing God

The COVID-19 pandemic has pitted believers against one other. One person is obedient to the medical profession’s call for social-distancing; while another person insists, we should not fear corporate worship, but rather have faith the Lord will protect us from the virus. I’m reminded of the Temptation of Jesus in the desert, “Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matt 4:5-7 NIV).

Crown of Splendor Cut

My 96-year-old friend Betty needed a haircut. However, because of the virus, her daughter, Jo Anne, didn’t want Betty going to the beauty shop and decided she could cut her mom’s hair at home. After the haircut I talked to Betty on the phone. She said, “When Jo Anne’s four boys were growing up, she cut their hair all those years…so now you know what I look like!” The writer of Proverbs said, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31 NIV).

Empty Shelves

Even though store night crews do their best to keep shelves stocked, the empty shelves are a great visual and hold a lesson for all Americans. In the US we know COVID-19 is responsible; however, in Venezuela the culprit is socialism. A Proverb says, “Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest” (Proverbs 14:4 NIV). Socialism takes ownership of the ox.

The Wisdom of the Ant

I’m weary of mixed messages telling consumers to stock up enough supplies to last a couple of weeks, but don’t hoard. If we put two-weeks of groceries and hygiene items in a Walmart cart it will be overflowing and others will accuse us of hoarding. “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest” (Proverbs 6:6-7 NIV).

  

Hunkering Down

The Israelites were protected from the Plague of the Firstborn because they followed the Lord’s instructions to put some of the blood from their sacrificed lamb on the sides and tops of the door-frames of the houses where they ate the lambs. The movie The Ten Commandments gives us a visual of the Israelites safe and closeted in their homes when the plague arrived. Moses said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the firstborn son of the slave girl, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well. There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt—worse than there has ever been or ever will be again” (Exodus 11:4-6 NIV). Because of COVID-19, this may be the closest any of us come to experiencing what the Israelites went through as they were hunkered down. The good news is the wailing we hear in this pandemic will not be as bad as that heard throughout Egypt.

Keeping to the Plan

For their 50^th Wedding Anniversary my friends planned a trip to Germany, followed by a family gathering celebration at an island destination. The Coronavirus outbreak has caused a dilemma because the events are scheduled for Spring, the arrangements are made…and paid for. It’s easy for those of us who have no travel plans to question the travel decisions of others and my first thought was they should cancel the trip and not chance exposure to the virus and getting stranded outside the US. However, my second thought was Mary and Joseph, “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:4-7 NIV). Thank goodness Mary didn’t cancel the scheduled Bethlehem trip!

Members of the Family

The names for this post have been changed. The prayer request on the email prayer chain said, “John Doe just called to let me know his son Junior was just in an accident and is in surgery. John said Junior will likely lose an eye.  Please be in prayer for Junior, the surgeons, and Junior’s parents.” I’m quite disturbed by the way the request is worded. The facts are that John Doe is church elder, Junior was once a deacon and once the son-in-law of the preacher. The wording of this prayer request has relegated Junior to the position of just being John’s son. Similarly, Jesus went to his hometown and taught the people in the synagogue. They said, “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him” (Matt 13:55-57 NIV). Junior Doe, by his own standing, is a member of the church family and known by the church family.

Careless Words

Even among believers, the current political landscape has brought out caustic language and commentary from some against those who are not aligned with their views and opinions. We need to be mindful of our words, lest we become one in the brood of vipers. Jesus said, “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? 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 12:34-37 NIV).

Rejecting Advice

Because of the Coronavirus the store shelves in my community are empty of toilet paper and antibacterial cleaning items. Even though the government advised people to get prepared, some folks on social media are saying that stocking-up is ridiculous and they label those trying to prepare as idiots and stupid. In the midst of all the name-calling I had to laugh when one woman posted she was almost out of TP and would have to order it on Amazon…which will take 15 days. I’m reminded of King Rehoboam who consulted the elders who has served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. He asked them, “What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’” (1 Kings 12:8-9 NIV)?

What is the Time

For a week following the switch to Daylight Savings Time I keep asking myself, “What time is it really?” I distrust and second guess every clock I see because invariably there will be at least one clock somewhere, either in the house, the car, or a store that didn’t get re-set. To me Daylight Savings is simply an example of man thinking they can control everything, including time. Describing the coming of the Son of Man Jesus said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Matt 24:36-37 NIV). I’m guessing those who are left behind will be asking, “What time is it really?”

The Glory of God and the Glory of Man

It’s amazing how a haircut can change the attitude of a person, or of a dog. You feel better about yourself, your spirit is lifted, and it makes you frisky. Last weekend my daughter and son-in-law came for a visit and while they were here I gave Leslie a haircut, going from a shoulder-length hairstyle to a short-pixie cut. After an evening of putting up with Leslie’s sparing quips and comebacks Tim said, “Can you put it [hair] back on?” There are more than a few interpretations of Paul’s teaching on hair and whether or not his teaching was for a cultural situation (1 Cor 11:6-15). However, I find it interesting that hair plays such a role, not only in our physical being, but in our spiritual being…hair can be our glory or our disgrace.

As the Lord Determines

The last few years my husband’s health has kept us from traveling, going out to restaurants and attending church activities which last longer than about an hour. In my mind I had the script written for our future, i.e. we stay close to home, bring in fast-food and limit ourselves to brief appearances at church and in social activities. A few weeks ago, Bill’s physical issues made a turn for the better and last week we actually participated in a church Fellowship of Eight dinner group. While I’m rejoicing that Bill’s pain is diminishing, I’m also having to re-write the script for our future. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9 NIV).

Chatter

Last week I wrote about my middle-aged friend, a believer, who can’t find Mr. Right. She has what appears to be an on-and-off-again boyfriend waiting in the wings, but I’ve come to the conclusion that both she and the boyfriend are just “players”. Similar to junior high students, they like the drama of making one another jealous, breaking up one day and getting back together the next, all the time scanning the social horizon to see if there might be someone out there who is better. Last week when my friend started to tell me about their most recent date, I stopped the conversation in mid-sentence. It is not healthy for me, or anyone else, to be a sounding board for her to embellish her off-again-on-again relationship. Paul said, “Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly” (2 Tim 2:16 NIV). That being said, I must admit she and I still talk politics.

God Controls Plagues

I make a concerted effort to look for God in world situations, most recently the outbreak of the corona-virus in China. There is nothing funny about the life-threatening virus, but I had to laugh when some media and some politicians blamed President Trump.  John wrote, “The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him” (Rev 16:8-9 NIV).

So Be on Your Guard

In light of the corona-virus Americans are encouraged to be prepared and one recommendation is to have a two-week supply of necessities —food, medications, toilet paper, etc. It makes sense to me. If I get sick, I won’t be able to go out for two-weeks; if my community gets sick, I may not want to leave the house for two-weeks. During my most recent trip to Walmart I was surprised to find the anti-bacterial hand wipes, powdered milk and bulk survival food shelves empty. No doubt the store restocked overnight, but it indicated that some people in the community are taking the warning seriously. The Lord gave us signs of the end of the age and I can’t help but wonder how seriously some of us are taking that warning. Jesus said, “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down or enter the house to take anything out. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that this will not take place in winter, because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again. If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time” (Mark 13:14-23 NIV).

The Words of This Song

In the Sunday worship song service, we had a couple of older hymns and the participation was great. My cousin, a man who by many measures has gone the way of the world, was in attendance. To my knowledge he never attended church regularly, but surprisingly when we sang “Standing on the Promises”, he knew the words and sang along. After the service my aunt talked about the old hymns, “You know, the new songs are okay, but I can’t see well enough to see the words on the screen, so I can’t sing. With the old hymns I know the words, I don’t have to read them.” The title and introduction to Psalm 18 reads, “For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord. He sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.”

The Plan

Coronavirus-19 is a public health concern and people are taking precautions to avoid the virus and stay healthy. It gives me pause that people are more focused on a plan for dealing with the virus than they about the plan of salvation. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 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 10:28 NIV).

Taking the Bait

In the trial of Roger Stone, the Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors recommended Stone be given a nine-year sentence in federal prison. However, their boss, Attorney General Barr, recommended a sentence more in line with the crime and the judge in the case ruled for a 40-month sentence. A couple of the prosecutors stomped off in a huff and resigned from the case. The spin from most TV anchors and commentators is that the prosecutors showed justified indignation. Let me offer another perspective. Just as a petulant child tries to force their parents’ hand, the prosecutor’s maximum sentence was meant to force President Trump’s hand. In the political arena, as well as the spiritual arena, we must be aware of when we are baited. Paul said, “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough” (2 Cor 11:3-4 NIV).

The Son of Man is Coming

A man from Mississippi was dealing with recent flooding and just couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that his home was under water. He told a TV reporter, “I knew we lived on a flood plain, but it hasn’t flooded for 40 years!” I’m always been taken-a-back by believers who have a similar attitude about living in a fallen world…they never expect the world to fall on them. Jesus said, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Matt 24:37-39 NIV).

Reverence and Awe

In my youth our church held week-long revivals every year. Every night we would have a fill-a-pew competition to see who could bring the most guests to pack the church. I would not classify the sermons as the Hell-Fire sermons of yesteryear, but there was an urgency to the message concerning the return of the Lord. The visiting pastor and the elders made a concerted effort to contact visitors and share the plan of salvation. We always had a number of decisions and baptisms. Revivals are no longer a part of today’s church and the church has lost that particular type of worship. The writer of Hebrews said, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire” (Heb 12:28-29 NIV).

Player

My middle-aged friend, who is a believer, laments she can’t meet Mr. Right. She has what appears to be an on-and-off-again boyfriend waiting in the wings, and since I’ve heard only her side of the relationship, I’ve given her the benefit of the doubt. However, last week I watched her as she flirted with a new acquaintance who gave her his phone number. Straight out of a junior high playbook she said, “I told him if I breakup with my boyfriend, I’ll give him a call.” Proverbs states, “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right” (Proverbs 20:11 NIV).

Vultures

Someone tossed a McDonald's sandwich out their car window as they drove by my house. It laid in the gutter for about four days before a murder of crows found it and took turns guarding, snatching and flying away with pieces of the delicacy and now all that remains is the distinctive yellow wrapper. I’m reminded of the signs of the end of the age. Jesus said, “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather” (Matt 24:26-28 NIV).

Tolerance

It’s not unusual for a congregation to ask for a change in the pulpit or leadership, but those in positions of authority refuse to make changes for fear it will cause a split in the church. Personally, I find such reasoning to be Biblically unsound. John said, “To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols” (Rev 2:18-20 NIV).

No Place to Serve

Service clubs such as the Elks, Masons, Lions and Rotary are on the decline. Their mission statements have not changed, but it appears that changes in leadership may be part of the problem. Unqualified people are maneuvering their way into leadership positions and the membership, rather that following inept leaders, simply stop participating. I see something similar happening in the church as members of the body of Christ are not allowed to function. Today’s church leadership has done away with Sunday school, youth programs, choirs, Bible study and potluck dinners. For example, my church no longer uses qualified teachers to teach from the Bible, but rather relies on videos and televised lectures. The mission of the Lord’s church has not changed, but there simply is no place in today’s church for believers to serve, or be trained for service. Paul said, “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. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully” (Ro 12:4-8 NIV).

Laboring in Vain

The seasons in the life of a believer often bring change in our ministry. Your role as a youth Sunday school teacher may transition to that of an adult Bible study teacher, or your role as an elder may lead you to the mission field. Let me admit that I really don’t like those transitions. Most of us will do whatever the Lord calls us to do, but sometimes there is no clear direction. At those times I bombard the gates of heaven with, “Lord, what do you want me to do? Do you want me to teach, lead, or take a sabbatical?” For instance, as a writer, I don’t want my writing to be in vain. If a devotional book is not what the Lord wants me to write, and if there is no audience for the book, I need to go a different direction. Paul reminds me, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor 15:58 NIV).

Nothing is Impossible

Attorney General William Barr recently stated that President Trump’s comments and tweets on the Department of Justice criminal cases makes it impossible for him to do his job. I certainly understand where Barr is coming from. However, it occurs to me that President Trump could say something similar…that the Democrats, the House of Representatives and the mainstream media have made it impossible for him to do his job as President. As believers we’ve all experienced situations that in our humanness we classify as impossible, but the angel Gabriel comes to us in Scripture to say, “For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37 NIV).

Be Courageous

I understand people being disturbed by President Trump’s uncouth attitude and personality.  However, there is something about his ability to speak unvarnished truth that gives me pause. I sense that in some respects Trump has shown Republicans, as well as people of faith, that we can speak the truth as we know it and not fear the consequences. The Lord said to Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV).

Now is the Time

After a year of driving on a learner’s permit my grandson just got his driver’s license and he is so excited he can hardly contain himself. We can all remember similar monumental moments in our lives, particularly that life changing moment of our salvation.  Paul wrote, “As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.”  I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:1-2 NIV).

The Golden Rule

I am a rule follower, so naturally I want others to also follow the rules. As a child when I committed to the Golden Rule to memory, I fully expected to be treated the way I treat others. What a disappointment. Even as an adult it can be disheartening because “doing unto others” is no guarantee that others will reciprocate. Jesus did not say we would be rewarded for doing unto others as we would have them do unto us, he simply said, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matt 7:12 NIV).

Held in Honor

Some people who voted for Trump in 2016 have said they will not vote for him in 2020, not because of his policies, but because of his character. They find him crude, vulgar and undignified. I’m reminded of King David who, as he brought the ark of the Lord into the City of David, danced publicly before the Lord. David went home to bless his household and Michal, daughter of Saul came out to meet him, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor” (2 Samuel 6:20b – 22 NIV).

Treasures of the Heart

When the Spirit lives within us we have those “ah-ha” moments where the He gives us a revelation. It’s not unusual then, that we want to share our excitement and we feel that it is our “duty” to enlighten others. However, consider that the Spirit moving in you maybe meant just for you…His message is not necessarily a message that you are to give to others. Mary watched her son Jesus grow and mature, “Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:51-52 NIV).

Acquittal

President Trump is basking in his acquittal. As believers we can appreciate his sense of victory. We too will stand before God where Jesus, our advocate, will acquit us from all the accusations of the evil one. John said, “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for£ the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2 NIV).

The Mind of the Lord

TV commentators routinely ask their guests, “If you could advise the President, what would you tell him?” Unfortunately, teachers and preachers do something similar when they ask their audience to evaluate and question God’s motives and actions. On many occasions I’ve heard my pastor say, “I don’t know why God did XYZ, or chose this person over than person.” Paul said, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Ro 11:33-36 NIV).

Orderly Worship

While attending a government meeting the woman sitting directly behind me, who is a friend, allowed her internal dialogue to escape and become an audible running commentary. As a reporter I strained to hear the conversation taking place around the boardroom table and finally turned around in my chair and shushed her. When the meeting was over, I apologized and thankfully she was not offended. She explained she simply could not contain her frustration with the elected official’s discussion. I’ve had similar experiences in a movie theater and in the church worship service. Paul reminds us of why we need orderly worship, “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” (1 Cor 14:26 NIV).

One Body

In a corporate sense, my church offers very few opportunities for outreach, i.e. Bible study, youth groups, missions, Sunday school classes, etc. I spoke to an elder about the lack of outreach and he suggested that I independently start a Bible study in my home. It occurs to me that leadership may not want to expand organized outreach because they want to limit their oversight responsibilities. Certainly, any of us can do ministry on our own without being under the umbrella of the church. However, Paul reminds us we are no longer individuals, but we are a body, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Cor 12 :27 NIV).

Off Your Feed

After being sick and housebound for over a week I’ve come to the conclusion that I had flu…in spite of having had a flu shot. When it came to food nothing sounded good, tasted good, or satisfied. I dawned on me the flu has also hurt my spiritual appetite. There was no way could I feed on and mentally digest the Word of God.