The Christian Ear is a forum for discussing and listening to the voice of today's church. The Lord spoke to churches,“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Rev 2&3
April 30, 2013
What Next?
A few weeks ago I
unhappily had to replace my three-year old washing machine because a bearing
had gone out of the motor. Our nine-month old refrigerator is scheduled for its
third service call to replace defective parts. A few days ago the lifetime warranted
furnace died and it will take two weeks to get in the part. I’m now keeping a
suspicious eye on the dishwasher. One repairman told me that today most
appliances have a life expectancy of only about three years. In warning about
greed Jesus noted that treasures on earth are destroyed by moth and rust. Boy, wouldn’t
I just love to have an appliance around long enough for it to succumb to moth
or rust! “Do not store up for yourselves
treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and
steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do
not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
(Matt 6:19-20 NIV)
April 29, 2013
Climbing the Ladder of Success
In today’s society we
feel that we step up and down the ladder of success by our own volition and we
are seldom prepared for the fact that someone may come along and knock the
ladder out from under us. Recently I saw a friend’s career came to an abrupt
end, not because he was fired or demoted, but his job was simply eliminated. He
then had to make a decision of whether to take the offer of a lesser position
in the same company, to retire, or to seek employment elsewhere. For the
believer, reevaluating and reinventing a career path has the added dimension of
the Lord’s oversight. We know that God always has our best interest at heart,
but sometimes our idea of what is best may not pass His scrutiny. “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but
motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you
do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:2-3 NIV)
April 26, 2013
Ready, Aim, Fire
Because of the recent
terrorist attack in Boston I continue to contemplate gun-control issues.
Recalling Vice President Biden’s suggestion to his wife that, (paraphrase) ‘if a bad guy is around, just shoot a
shotgun into the air and help will arrive’ is mind boggling. I was reminded
of young David’s willingness to fight Goliath and Saul cautioning, “You are not able to go out against this
Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man
from his youth.” (1 Samuel 17:33 NIV) Goliath came at David armed with a
sword, a spear and a javelin, but David was armed with the Lord, a sling and
five smooth stones. Thankfully David aimed at Goliath’s head rather than
shooting the stones into the air on a wing and a prayer that he could rally the
men of Israel and Judah to come to his aid.
April 25, 2013
Kibitzing
We’ve all experienced
going to the movies and being disturbed by people who are carrying on a
conversation at various times during the movie. The culprits are either
oblivious, or just don’t care that they are disturbing others. Glaring and
shushing them is seldom very effective…especially if they are adults. Much to
my chagrin the same thing happens in church. Fellowship and visiting continues
even though announcements have begun, pew partners engage in conversations
while congregational singing is going on, and my personal grievance is with
people kibitzing during communion. All of the elements for the communion time –
the song selection, prepared meditation, prayer, serving the emblems - are
designed to focus the worshipper’s attention on the Lord. Because of the
insensitivity of some, moments of meditation and reflection are often shattered
and stolen from worshippers. I think Paul’s instructions to the early church
concerning talking in tongues and orderly worship could be applicable to us
today. “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.” (1 Cor 14:27-28 NIV)
April 24, 2013
Manipulation
The newspaper
reported that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), who administers millions of
acres of public lands in Western States, is asking for public comment on
uranium programs. I went to submit my comments, but interestingly, the web
address given in the article took me to an environmental group opposing all
uranium programs. Going back to the article I did find the ‘official comment
site’ listed, however it was more obscure and not as clearly labeled. I suspect
that the reporter’s environmentalist bent had something to do with subtly redirecting
the public’s attention. Certainly it’s the prerogative of the reporter to be
‘green’. However, leading readers to a website that had not been mentioned in
the article brings journalistic ethics into question. Unfortunately, even among
believers there are individuals who will use a passage of Scripture out of
context to garner support for their line of thought. Whether in the world or in
the church, none of us are completely immune from falling victim to deception. “A truthful witness does not deceive, but a
false witness pours out lies.” (Proverbs 14:5 NIV)
April 23, 2013
Brother’s Keeper
When my children were
teens I cautioned them about underage drinking. Well actually, it was more than
a caution. I threatened that if I ever discovered them or their friends
drinking I wouldn’t wait for them to get caught; I’d turn them in to law
enforcement myself. I am absolutely amazed to learn that when the FBI released
the photos of the Boston Marathon terrorists not one of their immediate or
extended family members called law enforcement to identify them. The callousness
shown by the family feels similar to the story of Cain and Abel. Cain killed
his brother Abel and when confronted by God, Cain lied about knowing the
whereabouts of Abel. The indifference and lack of concern displayed by the Tsarnaev
family smacks of them too saying, “Am I
my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:10 NIV)
April 22, 2013
Well Armed
Bostonians were in house lock-down for 24-hours while law enforcement
went door to door looking for the suspected bomb terrorist. Putting myself in
their place I found an element of comfort in the fact that I had recently
purchased a hand gun and taken a gun safety class. It really wasn’t so much a
matter of my being able to protect myself against a man with guns, bombs and
grenades, but rather that I wasn’t at the total mercy of police officers to
come to my aid quickly enough if the terrorist was coming through the back
door. Spiritually speaking we find ourselves in a similar situation if we
aren’t prepared with Scripture written in our mind and on our hearts. When we
come under spiritual attack from the evil one we can’t expect preachers, elders
and deacons get to us quickly enough to defend us from the attack. Before Jesus
began preaching he was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the
devil. Jesus was armed with scripture and with each of his three responses to
the devil began with, “It is written…”
(Matt 4:4,7,10)
April 19, 2013
Treasure on Earth
Recently in the news media a few financial advisors are expressing
concern that people in their 50’s are taking money out of their 401K. They feel
that the only legitimate reason for dipping into a nest egg would be to
purchase a house and those who have used funds for other purposes should pay
back into their retirement fund ASAP. I gave value to their opinions until one
30-something accountant tweaked my jaw saying, “If you haven’t planned for retirement you better enjoy living with
your kids…and if you haven’t put aside enough money for your retirement, you
will be unfairly burdening the rest of us because we will have to take care of
you.” Wow. Some of us already have a hard time grasping that God will take
care of all our needs; we certainly don’t need the added pressure of storing up
treasures on earth so that we won’t be a burden to others. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust
destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where
thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matt 6:19-20 NIV)
April 18, 2013
Puke
For the last few days I’ve been a care-giver for a sick dog with
digestive problems. Charlie is now on medication, but the vet restricted him from
eating grass because it causes him to vomit. I’m getting an up close and
personal look at the proverb, “As a dog
returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” (Proverbs 26:11 NIV) Interestingly
there doesn’t seem to be a definitive reason from either veterinary science or
Biblical commentary which tells me why a dog would eat his vomit. Peter
referenced this proverb applying it to false teachers and their destruction.
Left to come to my own conclusions I’m thinking that false teachers either like
the taste of their own deceptions, or they think that reiterating heresies will
make it easier for others to swallow. (2 Peter 2)
April 17, 2013
Marathon
The government is assuring us they will find out who is responsible for
the Boston Marathon bombings and that justice will be served on those who
perpetrated this act of violence. Most of us are anxious for the results of the
investigation, but we may be overlooking the fact that God knows who is
responsible and we can play a part in the situation by petitioning Him in
prayer to quickly reveal those who have committed the crime. “So do not be afraid of them. There is
nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made
known.” (Matt 10:26 NIV)
April 16, 2013
Expectations
I’m getting
acquainted with a 41 year-old man who is receptive to becoming a Christian, but
has reservations. “Well, I believe in
God, but I just don’t know anything. I don’t know any of those Bible stories
that everyone else learned when they were kids [Noah, Moses].” Regardless of age, his feelings of
inferiority when stepping onto the religious landscape are not unusual. What
he, and others, not fortunate enough to be raised in the church fail to realize
is that no one is going to question them about Moses, Noah and Daniel in the
Lion’s Den. While these are all wonderful faith building stories, they are not
a pre-requisite to becoming a believer in Christ. Unbeknownst to my young
friend, he is in an extraordinary and enviable position right now because he
would be a new believer starting with a clean slate. “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven
over one sinner who repents than over ninety–nine righteous persons who do not
need to repent.” (Luke 15:7 NIV)
April 15, 2013
Weed Collection
A favorite pastime of
one of our local politicians is sowing seeds of dissention in the community. When
I see evidence of his half-truths starting to sprout I’m inclined to get out
the weed spray or try pulling them up by the stalk. In the Parable of the Weeds
there was a problem with being able to tell the difference between the wheat [believers]
and the weeds [non-believers]. Intellectually I understand the Lord’s reasoning
and His advice against pulling up the weeds, but personally I’d just rather not
be growing up among the weeds. “Let both
grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First
collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat
and bring it into my barn.’” (Matt 13:30 NIV)
April 12, 2013
Clear Choice
My niece is using Facebook
to garner support for her homosexual lifestyle and those who aren’t supportive are
accused of being intolerant and bigoted. What I find absolutely amazing is that
these alternative-lifestyle folks are really asking people of faith to choose
between them and God. When I look back over my family tree I see people who struggled
with sin in the form of alcoholism, drug addiction, and sexual immorality, but I’m
struck by the fact that not one of them ever petitioned the family to accept or
support their lifestyle. It’s interesting that even in the church some
believers have gone beyond simply embracing their loved ones to embracing the
gay agenda. There are consequences for believers who bring sinful agendas into
the fellowship of believers. Jesus said, “Things
that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom
they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea
with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little
ones to sin.” (Luke 17:1-2 NIV)
April 11, 2013
Iron Lady
I love hearing and reading remembrances of the recently deceased Margaret
Thatcher, Britain’s only female Prime Minister. In a report by Associated Press
her press secretary said, “Let us not kid
ourselves. She was a very divisive figure. She was a real toughie. She was a
patriot with a great love for this country, and she raised the standing of
Britain abroad.” Thatcher certainly had her political critics, but they
always knew where she stood and that she would stand her ground. I think of those
in the early church with a similar resolve and determination, such as Paul,
Peter, and Stephen. Since we have the benefit of the revealed WORD, I wonder if
individuals think Scripture can speak for itself and therefore they are less
courageous in confronting and publically stirring the masses. I’d love to see
someone in the religious landscape with the tenacity of a Margaret Thatcher. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens
another.” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV)
April 10, 2013
Clean-Up on Aisle Three
We had family visit us for the weekend and my 30-something nephew, who
loves to cook, volunteered to do all the cooking. I didn’t feel I could turn his
offer down, but I jokingly ask if he also did the clean-up. His answer was ‘no’
to the clean-up, but that the rest of the family would rally around for that
chore. Turning over my kitchen to someone is no different than a guy handing
over his keys to his woodworking shop and then just watching from the sidelines.
By default the kitchen clean-up chores fell to me because I knew where
everything was, where things went when they needed to be put back, where the
cleaning supplies were located, and which kind to use. The large stockpot
cooking on the stove boiled over, there was BBQ sauce on the screen door, and
salad greens on the floor. I found myself having a major Martha Meltdown, but unfortunately
it was only after I had put the house back in order that I could hear the Lord
saying, “Martha, Martha, you are worried
and upset about many things….” (Luke 10:41 NIV)
April 09, 2013
Already Said
I’m working on a non-fiction book proposal and while discussing the
premise with others, two people recommended I read a particular fiction novel
that they thought had a similar theme. Their intent might have been to help me
generate additional thoughts on the subject; however, it felt more like they
were saying, ‘What you’re proposing has
already been written. I just read this other book that says what you are trying
to say and it’s already on the market.’ I have to smile when I think of the Gospel authors Matthew,
Mark, Luke and John. I wonder if they had similar comments and warnings from
their friends, publishers and editors.
April 08, 2013
Preaching Milk
Every once in awhile I’ll hear a sermon that, to me, seems diluted and
lacking depth, but invariably someone else will say the same message was
exactly what they needed to hear. Paul chastised the Corinthians for their lack
of spiritual growth and described them as worldly, mere infants in Christ. “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you
were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.” (1Cor
3:2 NIV) I have to admit that my thoughts have always focused on the immature
Corinthians, but I’d never considered the frustration that Preacher Paul must
have experienced when he was forced to deliver a milky-type message.
April 05, 2013
Miscalculation
The sandstone rocks in Utah have become an attraction for daredevils
‘pendulum’ swinging through the stone arches. One young man was recently killed
when he smashed against the rock wall. Although his equipment was all in order,
he had miscalculated the length of rope needed. It’s interesting that there is a
cost associated with everything we do, yet we give it little thought. Our focus
is always on the benefit, the pleasure, or the reward. Jesus said that just as
a builder estimates the cost of building his building and a king estimates the
cost going into war, we too must estimate the cost of becoming His disciple. Unfortunately,
most evangelism methods concentrate on having all the equipment in order,
rather than on calculating the cost. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his
father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even
his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not
carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27 NIV)
April 04, 2013
At the Well
In today’s society it’s not unusual to see a hyphenated name when a
woman keeps her maiden name, or a long established first marriage name may be
kept when there is second marriage. In a recent obituary the lengthy hyphenated
surname of 90 year-old Sally was the result of four marriage and divorce
situations. The family is quoted, “She
never gave up on finding love.” I thought of the Samaritan woman who Jesus
encountered at Jacob’s Well. Jesus revealed to her that he was aware of her five
previous husbands, as well as her current in live-in relationship. Without any
apparent discomfort, hesitation or explanation, the woman simply said, “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet.”
(John 4:19 NIV) I love the fact that this woman, rather than going home in
embarrassment, went back into town and shared her Jesus experience with her
community. “Come, see a man who told me
everything I ever did”…and knows I haven’t given up on finding love.
April 03, 2013
Same Services
Civil unions are now law in Colorado and the only exemption is that the
bill doesn’t require religious leaders to perform a same-sex marriage ceremony.
Charles Ashby, reporter for the Grand Junction Sentinel states, “Unlike last year’s bill, the new law
doesn’t allow anyone, including religious groups, to discriminate against
same-sex couples by denying them the same services they provide to heterosexual
ones.” Apparently legislators made a distinction between ceremonies and
services. One has to wonder if services include sacraments, baptism, or even
being a candidate for positions of authority – elder, deacon and teacher. It
will be a struggle for churches to navigate the waters of holding fast to the
Word of God and also being forced to be as inclusive as the new law demands. “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn
him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You
may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self–condemned.” (Titus
3:10-11 NIV)
April 02, 2013
Disenfranchised
Every month our
congregation focuses on a different outreach ministry and last month our
support went toward the local soup kitchen. The information insert in the
church bulletin described the dedicated kitchen volunteers as coming from all
walks of life, “who are the hands and
feet of Jesus for the poor, hungry and the disenfranchised”. On the surface
all three of these categories might seem benevolent. Certainly people of faith
are to feed the hungry, even if they are an enemy (Ro 12:20). Jesus suggested
that the rich young man give to the poor (Matt 19:21) even though the poor will
always be with us (Matt 26:11). However, citing the disenfranchised gives me pause.
By its nature, being disenfranchised means being deprived of something that you
have a legal right to, such as the
right to vote. I have to tell you that I’m struggling with the idea of feeding
someone because they are disenfranchised. The question becomes, do any of us
have the right to be fed? Paul said, “For even when we were with you, we gave you
this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” (2 Thes 3:10 NIV)
April 01, 2013
The Day After
Our local newspaper doesn’t publish a paper on Mondays, so occasionally
the comic strips and syndicated columns differ from those printed in other
local papers. On Easter Sunday the paper published the Dear Abby column which
began, “Dear Readers: It’s April Fool’s Day…” I have to say that I was a little
miffed at the newspaper editor. I couldn’t decide if it was just sloppy editing
or if he wanted to move the community quickly past Easter and get minds set on the
next calendar event, April Fools…or both. After some thought, maybe the error
is more appropriate than at first glance for those who reject the resurrection
of Jesus, the Son of God. “The fool says
in his heart, “There is no God.” (Psalms 53:1a NIV)
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