God Intended it for Good

All the major media outlets were riveted to Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s opening statement defending himself against the charge of sexual misconduct 36 years ago. Mixed in with his emotional defense Kavanaugh gave witness to his personal faith and testimony about God. There was no time limit put on Kavanaugh’s opening statement. There were no interruptions from the committee members or protesters, and no media outlets cutting-away for a commercial break. Who could have ever imagined that Kavanaugh’s devastating experience actually gave the Lord the opportunity for an uninterrupted platform on liberal media sites. While the Democrats have used this hearing to harm, delay and deny Kavanaugh’s appointment to the Supreme Court, I’m reminded of Joseph forgiving his brothers for selling him into slavery. “But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them” (Gen 50:19-21 NIV).

More Highly Than You Ought

Yesterday was not a good way to start the day as I arrive at the gym at 6:00 a.m. and encountered a patron yelling at the front desk employee for not having better customer service. I don’t know the story behind the patron’s grievance; however, in my mind the $20 monthly membership fee she pays does not entitle her to verbally abuse an employee in front of other clients. In the church we see something similar from a few who feel that a measure of entitlement allows them to throw their weight around. Paul reminds us, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (Romans 12:3 NIV).

Obey

I interview local law enforcement officers for a newspaper series “Answering the Call.”  One question I like to ask is, “What can the community do to help you do your job?” The officers have given readers a lot of good pointers such as, keep a record of serial numbers, if you see something say something and just continue to give us your support. Recently one officer kept his response short and simple, “Obey the law!” Not unlike the officer’s perspectives, most of us have ideas about how to help the church expand the Kingdom of God, but I can hear Jesus keeping it short and simple, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28 NIV).

What is that to you?

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

The Witness

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

The Light of the World

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

The Accusers

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

Only by Prayer

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

Naïve People

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

Unworthy

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

Abandoned Prayers

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

Running Aimlessly

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

False Evidence

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

Hear His Voice

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

 

What’s Mine is Not Yours

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

Life is a Curve Ball

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

Reckless Words

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

Serving the Lord, Rather that the Church

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

Fit for a President

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

Labor Day

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