Equipped for Service

Some weeks ago a retired couple moved to our town and when they learned I’d visited all the churches in our area they wanted some recommendations. Similar to directing someone to a restaurant I found out what they were looking for and then rattled off a menu of churches. Last Sunday they re-visited my church and told me they had attended six churches and while comparing our experiences the man said, “We’re trying to find a place where we can serve.” My first reaction was one of human nature…match skill sets with needs. However, Peter puts the believer’s service into a spiritual perspective, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV).

Great Fear

Normally when the church loses a prominent contributor we react with grief…grief for the loss of the person and also for the loss to the church. We mentally calculate such a death in terms of the person’s service, financial contributions, personality and spiritual knowledge. In the early church Dorcas, who was always doing good and helping the poor, died. To the joy of believers and the widows Peter then raised her from the dead and restored her to the church. (Acts 9:36-43). Ananias and Sapphira, in spite of the fact that they exaggerated the amount of their donation to the church, were still big financial contributors to the work of the Apostles. However, because they lied to the Holy Spirit, each fell down and died when confronted by Peter. The church did not grieve in the loss of this husband and wife, but rather, “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events” (Acts 5:11 NIV).

If It Looks Like a Duck

In our church we have a 55-gallon trash can that is used as a drop-off container for non-perishable food items donated to the community pantry. A sign on the can reads, “Sharing Ministries – This is not a trash can.” I chuckle because no one reads the sign and people simply see a large trash can that contains plastic grocery sacks, paper cartons and cans, so they toss in their trash. A few people approach Christianity in the same fashion. While they want to be seen as a new creation in Christ, their life style continues to resemble their old-self. Paul said, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:22-24 NIV).

According to His Ability

In the Parable of the Talents a man who was going on a journey entrusted his servants with money, each according to his ability. Two of the servants put their money to work and made more; however, the third servant buried his talent and then on the master’s return he simply gave it back. The master deemed the servant wicked, lazy and worthless because at the very least the money should have been put on deposit with bankers and gained some interest.  We may look at fellow believers and wonder why they seemingly have so much more than we do — talents, gifts, wealth. We forget that our ability enters into the equation of how much we are given. Through the parable Jesus said, “To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability” (Matt 25:15a NIV).

Streams of Living Water

When I accepted Jesus and was baptized I receive the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. I now have the perception that the Spirit is somewhat confined in my body, but ministering to me and through me. It’s not really registered with me that the Spirit has such a free-flowing character; one that is not based on my decision to measure and pour out the Spirit. On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus stood up and spoke in the temple courts and said, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified” (John 7:38-39 NIV).

Stop Sinning

Jesus often gave a postscript after he healed someone — go wash in the pool, pick up your mat, go show yourself to the priest, see that you don’t tell anyone. Jesus healed a man who had been an invalid for 38 years and my human nature is wondering, exactly how much sinning can a man who has been an invalid for 38 years do? Because of his limitations he probably wasn’t involved with prostitutes, nor was he a thief, or a murderer. I suppose that while laying around the pool at Bethesda he could have been trash-talking, telling dirty jokes, or reading pornography. The man did not know who healed him, but Jesus had yet one more postscript to add to the healing, “Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you” (John 5:14 NIV).

The Obvious Place

If I lose track of someone I usually have a general idea where to find them…in the tool section of a store, playing a video game at the mall, or in the fiction aisle of a book store. I can understand how Mary and Joseph lost track of 12-year-old Jesus on their return trip from the annual trek to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. However, I find it surprising that once they got back to Jerusalem it took them three days to find him. Even in his youth Jesus was filled with wisdom and God’s grace was on him. When his parents finally located the young Jesus in the temple and confronted him he asked, “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house” (Luke 2:49 NIV)?

Re-Claiming the Region

Jesus healed two demon possessed men and sent the demons into a herd of pigs. When the pigs rushed into a lake and died the incident was reported to the town, “Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region” (Matt 8:34 NIV). I find it very telling that, in spite of freeing the two demon possessed men, no one in the town asked Jesus to stay. In America today there are some groups of people acting in a similar fashion. In effect the environmentalist, the new ager, and the liberal media have all asked Jesus to leave what they perceive to be their region. People of faith can and should reclaim these regions for the Lord. 

The Things of Men

When you feel like you’re starving to death it takes very little to turn something into a temptation. As I continue with my diet friends and loved ones will unconsciously offer me such delicacies as the day-old donuts at church, or a sample of the grandkids stash of sugar bombs in the pantry. I know it sounds harsh, but I’m strongly considering using a quote from the Lord’s playbook, “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men”” (Matt 16:23 NIV).

If You Are Willing

I know Jesus has the power to heal all sickness and disease, and he can do so at any time. However, Jesus doesn’t always heal every infirmity so I preface my prayers with, “Lord, if it’s your will…” A man with leprosy used a different approach when he came and knelt before Jesus and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy” (Matt 8:2-3 NIV). My sense is there is a difference between Jesus being willing to heal vs. His will that someone be healed. The Canaanite woman with the demon possessed daughter comes to mind. It doesn’t appear it was the Lord’s will to heal the child until He saw the mother’s great faith; then He was willing to grant the mother’s request. (Matt 15:21-28).

Feeding Yourself

I have family visiting later in the month and in planning the menu I’m going to make it as easy on myself as I can. Rather than trying to find out what they need, or would like to eat, I plan on having dishes I can prepare ahead of time, that will serve well in a buffet line, and that will store well if there are leftovers. Jesus told Peter, as well as all leaders in the church, that their responsibility is to “feed my sheep.” On occasions I’ve visited churches where the food being served to the flock is convenience food, not the spiritual food that is needed, “These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead” (Jude 12 NIV).

Reading Aloud

As a writer I know when I read my work out loud I have a better chance of catching errors in grammar and punctuation. However, it is even more beneficial when I ask my daughter to proofread an article and she reads it back to me aloud and I hear the words from the reader’s perspective. Most worship leaders have set aside the public reading of Scripture, but the importance of reading Scripture aloud should not be underestimated. John said, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Rev 1:3 NIV).

Self-Imposed

For a while I wore a step-monitor to make me aware of the level of my physical activity...or lack thereof. I compared exercise notes with a young health professional and she admitted to being obsessed with her wrist monitor and checked it constantly. She loves her monitor so much she won’t end her day until she has reached her goal of a certain number of steps. Paul warns us of such obsessions, “Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self–imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence” (Col 2:20-23 NIV).

On That Day

Hunters and fishermen have trophies of their successes hanging on the walls, but more often than not the stories they tell are about the one that got away. We believers, as fishers of men, sometimes have a trophy experience when we are trying to make disciples, but it is only Jesus who can tell the story of the ones who got away. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers’” (Matt 7:21-23)!

Ordination

I took part in the national prayer event for women, Cry Out 2016 simulcast. Thirty of us assembled at my church for the three-hour event and we prayed for the nation, the church, our families and for ourselves as individuals. In small pods of three we shared needs, desires and goals. One segment had us ordaining one another to what we perceived to be our mission. I admit to being a little uncomfortable ordaining someone when I knew so little about them, or their calling. However, my mind was put to rest by the Psalmist, “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:15-16 NIV.)

One on One

Paul wanted those who are strong in the faith to accept those who are weak without passing judgment and he specifically mentioned personal opinions about food and drink. In today’s church we encourage each other to express ideas and opinions about all manner of things with little or no regard to the strength or weakness of others. Those of us who are mature in the faith have so much knowledge we want to share with others and yet Paul said, “So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves” (Ro 14:22 NIV). That’s one way to get mature believers to have a one on one with God.

Not to Worry

The executive director of a government agency took exception to the summary report I’d written for publication. Saying there were misstatements in my account the woman wrote a letter-to-the-editor with clarifications and corrections, which in essence calls into question my work as a reporter. Fortunately, there were about 20 other people in the room and the meeting was audio recorded. Rather than worrying about defending myself, I can let the record speaks for itself. Jesus said, “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:11-12 NIV).

The Uncalled

The teachers of the law who were Pharisees took exception to Jesus eating with sinners. Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). As a tax collector Matthew knew he was a sinner and if he had any doubt the Pharisees reminded him of his status. The Pharisees on the other hand thought they were righteous. I’m trying to put myself in the mind of the Pharisee and hearing Jesus say to me, “I’m not calling you.” 

Be on Your Guard

I see a pattern in my community where certain individuals steer organizations and boards to do something other than their assigned mission. The library board wants to offer classes in leadership and Civics 101; the recreation district wants to teach the community how to be civil to one another; and the city wants to work on economic development and tourism rather than maintain streets. While these may all be worthy endeavors, they lead the organization astray. Even within the church there are some who would draw us away from our mission. Paul warned the elders at Ephesus, “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard” (Acts 20:30-31a NIV)!

Things Above

With the busyness of life our daily focus is often on the things of the world. Politics, government and physical ailments can consume our minds. It occurs to me that even Sunday mornings the sermons we hear and the Sunday School lessons we’re taught are more about earthly things than they are about things above. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Col 3:1-2 NIV).

Arithmetic

Math equations are not my thing and if you add apocalyptic literature to math my eyes glaze over. I thought John was pretty straight forward when he said that number of the beast, man’s number, is 666. I get that. But what am I supposed to do when he says to calculate the number…add, subtract, multiply, divide? “This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666” (Rev 13:18 NIV). Obviously not all of us have the wisdom and insight needed for biblical interpretation. 

Tangled

Regardless of how carefully I put them up, when I get ready to go for a walk I have to untangle the earbuds I use with my cell phone. I’m now contemplating the disciples who fished all night and never caught anything. I suspect that each time they drew in their nets they had to untangle them before they cast them out again. Jesus said, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt 4:19 NIV). As believers we want to focus on the catch, but many of us spend a considerable amount of time untangling our nets.

King Over Us

Struggling with the lesser of two evils voters don’t seem to want Trump or Clinton as their President. I see something similar in the Parable of the Ten Minas. A man of noble birth went to a distant country and had himself appointed king, “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’” However, he was made king and when he returned he demanded an accounting of how his money was invested. We don't yet know who will reside in the oval office, but Jesus’ parable tells me that established rulers, whether Clinton or Trump, have a long memory, “But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’” (Luke 19:14, 27 NIV).

Need vs. Want

A mill levy is the revenue stream for many taxing districts. During a recent board meeting of one such district a trustee said he would like to see revenues increased with a ballot issue, “…and then [we’ll] see what we want to spend it on.” As individuals many of us have a similar attitude…we want to win the lottery, or have God bless, and then we’ll decide what we want to spend it on. God is more focused on our needs than our wants. Jesus said, “…for your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matt 6:8b NIV).

Peaceful and Quiet Lives

This election cycle has brought many of us to our knees. We are worried about terrorists, the economy, the American Dream going down the tubes and the next President. We hear the mantra about making America great again, but even as people of faith many of us fail to grasp why a great nation should be important to us. Paul said, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Tim 2:1-2 NIV).

You’re Looking Good

On my exercise walks I’ve become semi-acquainted with an older woman who sits on the back step of her apartment. We wave at one another when I pass by and on one encounter she gave me a verbal pat on the back by recognizing I’d lost weight. She went on to say that she too had been working on her weight and had lost 20 lbs. We now have this encouragement thing going on and she recently said, “You’re looking good!” I appreciate the support from a total stranger, but I’m now feeling guilty for not acknowledging Christian attributes in others when I see them. It would take so little effort to say to another believer, “You’re looking good!” Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:16 NIV). 

Crucify Him

The Jews thought Jesus spoke blasphemy and declared, “He is worthy of death” (Matt 26:66 NIV). Even Paul said, “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them” (Acts 26:9-10 NIV). Most of us can identify with wanting to an enemy put to death, but what I grapple with is the manner of death. I can’t image wanting even someone who I call an enemy to be tortured.  When Pilate asked the people what he should do with Jesus the people shouted, “Crucify him” (Matt 27:22 NIV).

Arranging the Parts

Through an educational program the city had an intern position in the planning department. However, it wasn’t long before the intern was snatched from the planning department and put into administration. While some might view the situation as climbing the ladder of opportunity, others view it as elevating a person to a position for which they are unqualified. We believers allow something similar to happen in the Body of Christ. In today’s church it is often the leadership who determines when and where people serve, which gives the appearance that leadership is responsible for arranging the body parts. Paul wrote, “But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be” (1 Cor 12:18 NIV).

Illegals

In the Parable of the Wedding Banquet the king went in to see his guests and noticed one man was not wearing wedding clothes, “‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless. “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are invited, but few are chosen” (Matt 22:12-13 NIV). As I consider the problem of illegal immigration the same question comes to mind, Friend, how did you get in the US without the proper documentation? America has always invited immigrants to her shores, but similar to the biblical example, immigrants must follow proper protocol if they are to gain entrance.

I See You

Over the holiday weekend I attended my 50^th class reunion and the photographer had a hard time getting everyone corralled. As requested, I positioned myself according to height, but then one of the former popular kids, with his beer in hand, bulled his way in front of me and others. The man was intent on being photographed with one particular classmate and had no regard for those behind him. The second photo was in another location and I stood next to a landscape barrier where no one could stand in front of me…or so I thought. One of the popular girls standing on a ledge below me called to her friends to come and stand on the landscape barrier itself. I did my best to shake the feeling of being back in high school and the sense of being overlooked, pushed aside and invisible. The story of Zacchaeus is a good reminder that Jesus always sees me. Jesus was passing through Jericho, “A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore–fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:2-5 NIV).

Sanctuary

In a small obscure park in my neighborhood there is an area where the grass just doesn’t seem to grow. This spring the city parks department re-planted the 16 X 24 foot area and then staked an orange plastic cargo fence around it to keep people out. For months the parks guys have mowed the grass around the cordoned-off area, but I think they have forgotten the plot itself. The grass is still not growing, but the weeds on the inside are flourishing. As I go passed the area on my early morning walk the crickets sing their little hearts out…their sanctuary is green, has lots of shade and they are out of reach of the local predatory ducks. We too have a sanctuary in the One who sits on His throne, “A glorious throne, exalted from the beginning, is the place of our sanctuary” (Jer 17:12 NIV).

The Benefits of Labor

Jesus reminds us, his disciples, that even today we reap what was sown by others, “Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor” (John 4:37-38 NIV).

Save Us!

One of the criminals who hung on the cross next to Jesus hurled insults at him, “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us” (Luke 23:39 NIV)! One would think the disciples would have a little more faith than the criminal. However, I hear the same words from the disciples when they were on a boat with Jesus. “Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown” (Matt 8:24-25 NIV)! Whether nailed to a cross, or on a sinking ship, our faith can be measured.

Duplicity

I picked up a 1 ½ inch wood screw laying in the roadway, but it wasn’t just a screw…it was a flat tire in the making. Things, as well as people, aren’t always what they seem. Spies went to Jesus and tried to trap him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, but they failed because he saw through their duplicity. Unfortunately, some believers also practice duplicity and they too are under the misguided impression that no one can see their motives. Proverbs says, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity” (Proverbs 11:3 NIV).

Not Welcomed

Most believers are diligent to bring Jesus into their little corner of the world, but even with all our efforts some towns, communities and regions fail to welcome the Lord. It is then that some of us become afflicted with the James and John Syndrome. When a Samaritan village did not welcome Jesus these two disciples offered, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” Then as now, “Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village” (Luke 9:54-56 NIV).

Modern Day Jonah

Next year my friends need to relocate to be closer to their adult children and their choices are North Dakota, where they have never lived; or Wisconsin, where they were from originally. Laurie said, “Wisconsin has become so liberal that it would be really hard for me to go back.” I understand her desire to live in a conservative community with people of like faith and I suspect most of us would feel the same way. However, I remember Jonah and his resistance to go to Nineveh and proclaim the message the Lord had for that community. The Lord said to Jonah, “But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city” (Jonah 4:11 NIV)?

What Sounds Good

My children are grown and have their own homes, so as an empty-nester I no longer have to have a plan for supper. Consequently, when it’s time to think about the evening meal Bill and I talk in terms of what sounds good — Mexican, Chinese, Italian. It’s as though we must tempt one another with different suggestions before we can make a decision. It’s a little embarrassing then when I hear Jesus say, “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:29-30 NIV).

Lifting a Finger

My 13-year-old grandson fertilized our grass, but his grandad forgot to tell him to keep the spreader moving and dispense the chemicals evenly, so we now have a couple of burned places in the lawn. Sometimes mature believers, in our zeal to help others grow, do something similar to babes in Christ. It’s not a case of burning them with extra-biblical teachings, but many of us have forgotten what it was like to be that new creation in Christ and the need for having the Word spread evenly. Jesus said, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them” (Luke 11:46 NIV).

Circulated to This Very Day

The articles I write for an online newspaper aren’t always appreciated. I report the facts of what I see and hear, but there are those who don’t want to hear that truth. They prefer I spin the situation to put them in a good light. In other words, they would rather have a press release than a news release. The situation is biblically familiar. The soldiers guarding the tomb of Jesus experienced the violent earthquake and the empty tomb and reported what happened to the chief priests. “When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day” (Matt 28:12-15 NIV).

Still Vigorous

Mentally my friend Betty has always rejected aging. Recently after an all-day senior outing she emailed me and said, “Do you think my body is saying, “No more trips for you, Old Lady?” Actually, yesterday was the first day I admitted to feeling 92!” I laughed and told her I was shocked by her admission, but she quickly pulled me up short and wrote back, “I said YESTERDAY was the first day I admitted to feeling 92. Today is another day. Slower, perhaps, but still…” Betty and Caleb seem to have a similar zest for life. Caleb, who remembered the promise from the Lord 38 years earlier said, “Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then” (Joshua 14:10-11 NIV). 

Trending

When shopping for some new shirts and blouses I found very little that appealed to me. The racks of clothes were screaming with bright multicolored prints, paisleys, flowers and geometric shapes. Quite frankly I don’t see such attire in church, the grocery store, at community events, or at business meetings, so I can’t help but wonder, who buys this stuff anyway? The church is not immune from following trends. I may have overlooked something, but the last big trend I witnessed on the religious landscape was the Purpose Driven Church movement of the mid-1990’s. Paul describes what we are like when we attain the whole measure of the fullness of Christ, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Eph 4:14-15 NIV).

Training Wheels

A little boy about five years-old lives next to the bike path and rides a small bike with training wheels. Sometimes as I passed by he’d show me how fast he could ride, do a wheelie, or race his brother down the sidewalk. Last week he charged up to me and dropping his bike on the grass, he crouched down beside it and showed me where his training wheels used to be attached, “Look here, look here! I took ‘em off. I don’t need ‘em anymore!” I can pinpoint the day I became a babe in Christ, but I’m now trying to recall the monumental moment when I took off my training wheels. The writer of Hebrews said, “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Heb 5:13-14 NIV).

Motives

My mom and sister, both now deceased, played the lottery. When Powerball reached a payoff of $50,000 mom would always buy two tickets with no power play — anything less was not worth her time. My sister, on the other hand, would buy two tickets with power play because she thought it increased her chance for a bigger payoff. While neither of them ever won anything, they always expected to win and dreamed of how they would spend their winnings. James reminds believers that motives play a big part in what we receive, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (James 4:3 NIV).

Know Your Enemy

Many Republicans are stressed because Donald Trump is off message and rather than going after Hillary Clinton and the economy, he is attacking the media. I not only see his actions as a brilliant strategy, I believe it will be a blessing to believers. The liberal media is Hillary’s true running mate, her left hand man if you will…and the real enemy to Christian conservatives. Win or lose, Donald Trump should be given credit for calling out the liberal media, labeling them for who they are and shining a light on their hypocrisy. The Psalmist wrote, “How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile your name forever” (Psalm 74:10 NIV).

The Nose Knows

An unkempt man with long grey hair riding a bicycle passed me on the bike path and for several feet his aged sweaty body odor hung in the air. The stench lingered so long that I began to wonder if the aroma of faith lingers with others after I pass by them. Paul tells us there is a fragrance associated with the knowledge of Christ. “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life” (2 Cor 2:15-16a NIV).

Detecting Weakness

A woman new to the political landscape appears to be trying to make her mark by picking public fights with individuals and organizations. I was stymied by her motivation until someone pointed out her tendency to attack when she detects weakness. I’m now wondering if those same optics might apply to Christians in America. Are the attacks on our faith due in part to the fact that the world sees a weakness in believers? Paul said, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love” (1 Cor 16:13-14 NIV).

Blinded by a Bargain

Bill wanted a bike mount to put on the garage wall that could have been purchased at Harbor Freight for $9.99. However, he found one on eBay for five cents and it was a bargain he just couldn’t pass up. Unfortunately, he won the bid and is now licking his wounds because with shipping and handling we now have a $20 bike mount. Believers are sometimes guilty of bargain shopping when it comes to the Gospel. Paul brings us up short, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned” (Gal 1:6-8 NIV)!

The One in Authority

Hillary Clinton claims that if she becomes President she will have broken the glass ceiling proving to young girls that anyone, even a woman, can become President. And then recently 50 heavy-weight Republicans signed a declaration against Donald Trump sending a message to boys and girls, “No, no…we don’t want you to think that just anyone can become President of the US. We deem the Donald Trumps of the world unqualified and unfit.” American believers often fall into the trap of thinking it is we who determine who has authority over us. Paul said, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Ro 13:1 NIV).

Warning

Recently my brother-in-law came for family visit and while taking his mom out for a hamburger he pulled a California stop and rolled through a stop sign. When the police officer came up to the car he asked Jim if he knew why he was being stopped. Caught between two figures of authority Jim said, “Yes, my 92-year-old mother just told me!” The officer let him off with a warning. “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (Proverbs 1:8-9 NIV).

Optics

My local school district will put a referendum on the November ballot to increase the mill levy in order to build a new middle school. While I understand the need to replace the current 60-year-old facility, I’m disturbed by the fact that over the years the school administration has elected to showcase the deterioration rather than cover it up. No doubt the optics of the sinking floor separating from the foundation, the cracks in the walls, and the exposed temporary foam insulation plays to their advantage. However, most of us in this area have homes that are also settling and shifting and we do not leave our homes with such optic defects. To the contrary, we patch the cracks, caulk seams and cosmetically conceal damage cause by shifting soil. Similar to showcasing a building’s deterioration, the Jews of New Testament times showcased their fasting by putting ashes on their heads. Jesus said to his disciples, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matt 6:16-18 NIV).

Readiness

During my evening walk a woman strolled my direction wearing flip-flops. We spoke a greeting and went on our way; however, about half way through my walking loop we ran into each other again. She joked, “With all this walking you’d think we’d lose more weight.” I agreed, but as I continued on my walk I just couldn’t wrap my head around wearing flip-flops and exercising. I now have this image of the prescribed footwear that completes the Armor of God and some of us deciding to show up in house slippers, sequined slings and cowboy boots.  Paul said, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Eph 6:14-15 NIV).

Things Above

For over a year I’ve been serious about diet and exercise and now that my weight loss is more noticeable it’s often the topic of conversations when I run into friends and family. Recently a friend lamented about her more mature body shape, “I’m the same weight I was in high school, but everything has shifted.” Many yearn for the youthful things of this world — physique, physical strength and hair color. However, Paul remind us, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:1-3 NIV).

Be Unashamed

My local newspaper is consistently making publishing errors — typos, erroneous information, misspelled names and misquotes. My first reaction was one of sloppiness and lack of proofreading. However, as it continues I now see the issues as a blatant disrespect for their readership. If these journalists were writing for a prominent national publication their submissions would be the best they could offer, polished to perfection. On the religious landscape believers too can be guilty of offering less than our best, whether to one another, or to God. Paul reminds us, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15 NIV).

Rain and Prayers on the Unrighteous

Recently a member of the local Humanist, Atheist, Free Thinkers and Agnostics (HAFTA) objected to the sign on our church marque which read, “Put God’s Truth over Political correctness.” In a letter to the church Mr. Read ranted and raved about God’s laws and then ended his missive, "So look, I understand that most of your congregation don't actually read the Bible or obey what it says, but I just wanted to point out how horrible out lives would be if we actually obeyed God's laws!" Secretly I wish enemies of the church would not make themselves known because then I’m obligated to love and pray for them. Jesus said, "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matt 5:44-45 NIV).

Spiritual Needs continued

All right, my words are coming back to haunt me and I’m now contemplating my own spiritual needs. I’ve written before about my struggle with the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Coveting is not my problem, but I now suspect my perception and obsession with fairness may lead to envy. In The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard the workers began to grumble against the landowner who paid all the workers the same wage regardless of how much work they had done. The landowner responded, “Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous” (Matt 20:13-15 NIV)? Obviously my focus on fairness and equality keeps me from seeing generosity.

Spiritual Needs

One man in my church normally prefaces congregational prayers with, “I don’t know what your need is, but God knows. Whatever your need is, bring it to God.” The invitation is stated in such a way that my thoughts always turn toward material, financial, physical or emotional needs. At that particular moment in the worship service the thought of bringing spiritual needs to the Lord never occurs to me. Today we believers rarely talk to one another about our spiritual needs, but that is not the example we see portrayed in the New Testament where we hear, “Lord increase my faith…help me in my unbelief...give me this living water…show us the Son…tell me so I can believe…what must I do to be saved?”

In Service

On multiple occasions I’ve watched a slight built woman walking her muscular dog in the park. Actually, she’s not walking him, he’s walking her. She leans back against his pull and even with a sturdy harness and heavy duty leash he drags her along going where he wants to go. One day they were close to the bike path and when he approached I asked if he was friendly. She said, “Oh yes, he’s my service dog!” It occurs to me this dog illustrates the actions of many believers today. We call ourselves servants and refer to Jesus as our Master…and yet we strain to drag and pull the Lord to every tree, bush and friendly face we see. The psalmist wrote, “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me” (Psalm 3:18 NIV).

Right Hand of Fellowship

In the early church the Apostles endorsed newcomer Paul with the right hand of fellowship once they saw he was entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul said, “James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews” (Gal 2:9 NIV). Unfortunately, in today’s church extending the right hand of fellowship is often based on inclusiveness, rather than grace or the mission.

A Slap in the Face

Whether it’s in the biological family, or the church family, we believers often unconsciously look the other way when it comes to bad behavior, destructive actions and false teachings. I suspect that many of us confuse looking the other way, with turning the other cheek. It takes someone with the character of Paul exposes our tolerance, “You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face” (2 Cor 11:20 NIV).

Appropriately Dressed

It’s not unusual to have a themed wedding or party, but a themed funeral service gives me pause. Recently a member of our congregation passed away and the invitation to the memorial service read, “Clair loved to travel and she was particularly fond of taking a cruise. In celebration of Clair’s life, the family is asking for those attending Clair’s service to wear clothing that one might wear on a cruise (casual, Hawaiian, palm trees, no grass skirts, but you get the idea.” My closet is filled with beige, black and tailored clothes; hence if I wear my normal black funeral attire I’ll not be dressed appropriately. In the Parable of the Wedding Banquet there is conjecture from modern-day commentators as to the meaning of the wedding clothes and the customs of that period. However, with a literal reading of the text I find myself commiserating with the guest who, at the last minute, was brought into the banquet from off the street corner. Jesus said, “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless” (Matt 2:11-12 NIV).

Power in Forgiveness

A secular-leaning friend recently said, “I think forgiveness is a form of power.” I’m still digesting the thought. When I think of the character of forgiveness, the words humble, compassion, grace, and obedience come to mind. The idea that forgiveness has the attribute of power has never crossed my mind. If anything, and I’m not sure why, I sense weakness in forgiveness. I suppose forgiveness might come naturally to some folks and they could experience a sense of power…then there’s the rest of us who must keep going back to Forgiveness 101. Jesus said, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matt 6:14-15 NIV).

Suppressing the Truth

Donald Trump secured the Republican nomination and the media is now scrambling to explain how they got it so wrong. It’s no wonder the media missed all the indicators…they were too busy trying to build a reality that matched their own world view. On the religious landscape believers do something similar when they avoid passages of Scripture that don’t match their narrative and definition of God. Paul warned there is danger in suppressing the truth. “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Ro 1:18-20 NIV).

Keep Watch

For the last two weeks during my early morning and evening walks, a male Red-winged Blackbird leaves his perch in a tall pine tree and flies to-and-fro over my head chirping out a warning.  He then lands on the same cottonwood tree branch and continues his verbal warning until I pass by the territory he’s protecting. The bird is focused, on guard and diligent in his duty. I’m reminded of Paul’s farewell to the elders in Ephesus, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:28-31 NIV). Paul too was focused, on guard and diligent in duty — for three years, night and day he warned them with tears.

Higher Standard

Fox News interviewed a former Islamic extremist and his view on the global Islamic problem is that the world has failed to hold darker skinned, people of color, to a higher standard. In essence, the world gives darker skinned people a pass as though we can’t expect anything more from them…which he found offensive. It occurs to me that we do something similar in the church. We give one another a pass simply on the basis of being a believer. And yet, the writer of Hebrews stressed we are capable of a higher standard, “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Heb 5:12-14 NIV).

More Highly Than You Ought

A recent post on social media showed a 15 second video clip of a backhoe in the final stages of cleaning up a demolished building. A viewer commented to the photographer, “Except you missed the interesting part, and wasted our time with THIS!” Seriously…15 seconds out of one’s day is a waste of time? Measuring time with self-importance is a trap that even believers fall into. 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” (Ro 12:3 NIV).

Dead Give-Away

After Jesus was arrested Peter disowned Him three times. Twice two different servant girls identified Peter as being with Jesus; and then those standing around confronted him, “…Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away” (Matt 26:73 NIV). It wasn’t Peters actions, deeds or spoken witness that gave him away as being a disciple of Jesus…it was his accent. It’s sad to say, but many of today’s proclaimed disciples don’t even have an accent that gives them away.

Exercising Authority

Immediately following Jesus predicting his death, James and John, along with their mother, petitioned Jesus to have the boys sit on the Lord's right and left hand in his kingdom (his glory). I’ve always thought this meant sitting on the Lord’s right and left hand in heaven. However, it occurs to me that when learning of the Lord’s impending death, these boys thought someone needed to be in charge…and it should be them. It stands to reason that if the Lord endorsed them while he was alive, these boys would have a place of authority and honor on earth, as well as in heaven. Jesus called the disciples together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:42-44 NIV).

In Memory of Her

Mary had a jar of very expensive perfume that she poured on the head of Jesus as he reclined at the table. The disciples were indignant at the waste, but Jesus came to her defense, “When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.” No doubt Mary used the perfume as a form of worship and adoration to the Lord, but I doubt she had any inkling that her actions were intended to prepare for the Lord’s burial. Like Mary, many of us underestimate the significance of our actions and deeds. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Matt 26:12-13 NIV).

Wick Trimmers

A lamp trimmer on a ship specialized in maintaining oil lamps and a poorly trimmed wick resulted in a flame that was dim and smoky. Jesus told the Parable of the Ten Virgins, “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps” (Matt 25:6-7 NIV). The virgins could have simply roused from their sleep, grabbed their lamp and went out to meet the bridegroom with a dim light. However, they took care to trim their lamps so that the flame would burn bright and clear. We know that Jesus, the Bridegroom, is at the door…I suspect that some of us have dim lights and it would behoove us to trim the wicks of our lamps.

Have a Good Day

When I call people for interviews I regularly get their voice mail. People tell me they screen their calls and most want to call me back at their convenience. However, for my convenience I rarely leave a message…I don’t want people returning the call while I’m in the process of interviewing someone else. As believers we constantly hear from the Spirit and I suspect that, for the sake of convenience, many of us are guilty of letting Him hear a recorded message, “Your call is important to us. Leave Your name and number and we’ll get back to You as soon as possible. Have a good day.” The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…”” (Hebrews 3: 7-8a NIV).

Strengthening the Church

It’s poor manners to talk during a movie and movie goers will sometimes shush the offender, or call theater management to ask them to stop. For some time now our adult Sunday school class has watched video lessons and I’m amazed by all the sidebar comments that take place during the viewing. Individual comments (Praise the Lord, Hallelujah, Amen) mingle with conversations between couples. I realize folks are making connections and sharing their insights and emotional experiences. However, when others in the room must strain to hear the lesson over the extracurricular comments it weakens the message. Paul said, “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).

Power to Weight Ratio

I interviewed the owner of a 1957 Porsche 55 Spyder, 1600 cc, 120 HP, 4 cylinder, four speed stick. With only a couple of minor differences the vehicle is like the one in which actor James Dean was killed. The car weighs just 1,200 pounds and the owner described the power to weight ratio as “awesome.” As a racing car the vehicle is stripped down to the necessities — it has no top, bumpers, heater, spare tire, radio or luggage space. In a similar fashion the writer of Hebrews said, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Heb 12:1 NIV).

Obedience to the Criteria

During a visit to a local service club I was struck by the need for them to adhere to the national criteria for projects and grants. If they don’t strictly follow the rules, their project is thrown out of the competition. As believers we are so into forgiveness, turning the other cheek, and not judging one another that we sometimes forget that entrance into the kingdom has criteria that must be followed. The rich young man, who expected to gain eternal life by doing good things, wanted to make sure his bases were covered. Jesus responded, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” (Matt 19:17 NIV).

Scot-Free

Steve’s parting comment on yesterday’s blog about the Clinton’s once again getting away scot-free sparks the ire and high blood pressure in many of us. But will they really get off scot-free? At the judgment of the dead John wrote that each person will be, “…judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books” (Rev 20:12b NIV). I trust that the Lord has recorded the deeds of the Clintons and will hold them accountable. In the meantime, “Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy” (Rev 22:11 NIV).

Lack of Confidence

GrammarCheck put out a list of five words that writers should avoid because it makes their writing ineffective. One category was writing, “I feel/I believe/I think.” They explained, “These phrases change the focus of the sentence from the subject to the writer. They make the writer look unsure of what he is writing and do nothing to inspire confidence or persuade readers.” I’m struck by the fact that I frequently and repeatedly hear those phrases coming from preachers, teachers and believers when they are witnessing. Saying “I think” does take the focus off the Gospel and puts it on the speaker…and if the speaker appears to lack confidence people will, even subconsciously, not be persuaded.

Leader-Less

I talk to those in club leadership who are often oblivious to the history, background and current status of their club. They have stepped forward to volunteer in the administration of the club and understand how to run a meeting; however, they are disconnected from the mission statement. I’m reminded of Paul’s observation of Jews, “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” (1 Tim 1:6-7 NIV). It is imperative that we believers understand our mission.

Freedom in Christ

The United States of America was born out of the right for self-determination and with that right is the reminder that freedom is never free…it is bought with a price. There are similarities in being an American and in being a Christian. Christians are born again through Jesus Christ and Paul reminds us, “You were bought at a price…” (1 Cor 7:23a NIV). Happy Independence Day!

They Call It Good

The Obama administration just announced that transgenders may now serve openly in the Armed Forces and they are entitled to drugs that will enhance their sexual preference. I doubt if the President, or members of Congress, would ever consider living with transgenders in an open barracks, with open showers and no privacy. And yet this is what is forced on those who are under the authority of the Commander and Chief because he has determined it to be good. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20 NIV).

To-Do List

The older I get the more I make lists to remind me of what I need to get done for the day. We have company coming for the holiday weekend, so I have a list for the grocery store, a list for household chores, and a to-do list for Bill. I’ve never compiled, nor do I know anyone who has ever compiled, a spiritual list of to-do’s. I get the sense the Paul is recommending we add spiritual things to our to-do list. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Col 3:1-2 NIV).

Out of Her Poverty

Yesterday when leaving Home Depot an elderly woman, who appeared to be 80ish, sat on a walker under a tree on the grassy median. She was alone with no transportation in sight and held a cardboard sign that read, “Hard times, need help.” I’ve seen a lot of men of various ages and transient couples with their dogs panhandling, but this was a first. I wondered, “How did you get yourself situated on this grassy knoll? Where is your family? And why are you begging on the street?” I couldn’t help but compare the woman to the widow who put two very small copper coins worth a fraction of a penny into the temple treasury. Jesus called his disciple to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43 NIV).

Consultation

On the religious landscape when believers feel they are being led by the Spirit to start a mission they consult with friends, family and church leaders. It’s almost as though we’re looking for blessing, approval or support from others…or that we feel inadequate and want others to help share the load. Embarrassingly, not many of us are as confident and obedient as the Apostle Paul, “But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus” (Gal 1:15-17 NIV).

Christ Has Been Preached

It was the Apostle Paul’s ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known and he had already preached from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum. Paul wrote in Romans, “But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions…” (Ro 15:23a NIV). The United States is a Christian nation and I’m now trying to wrap my head around Paul telling my local community that there is no more place for him to work in this region.

The Prodigal

At an event I sat with a fellow believer who ministers to the homeless. He introduced me to one of his acquaintances and after the man left Jim encouraged me to write a human interest story about the man. The man and his wife, who was recovering from a miscarriage, had been homeless for two months. They recently found housing and were trying get their children back from social services. I told Jim I had reservations about writing a story because the man reeked of alcohol. Disappointment spread across Jim’s face, “Really, was he drinking?” The real story of a prodigal is not that a man is homeless and wanting to eat pods with the pigs…the testimony and story lies in a man coming home to the Father.

Fear of the Message

Ron talked to me about his brother, Bob, who hasn’t taken very good care of himself physically.  After a recent life threatening situation Ron said, “I think Bob knew he had problems, but he was afraid to go to the doctor. He was afraid of what he might hear.” Ron then went on to say, “I’m wondering if that’s why some people don’t go to church…they are afraid of what they might hear.” Ron has a point. I have this image of the men who were furious and gnashed their teeth at the testimony of Stephen. When Stephen said he saw the Son of Man Standing at the right hand of God it was more than they could take and I suspect there was an element of fear. “At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him” (Acts 7:57-58b NIV).

On the Same Side

Some veterans have a hard time transitioning to civilian life and they yearn to once again be in command of men. Recently one such Marine put out a call to local veteran organizations to rally at a county commissioner meeting in order to verbally ambush a county commissioner. The circulated email stated, “Please work your schedule around this meeting as it’s important for us to support each other as veterans…” Interestingly the targeted commissioner is himself a veteran. Even in the body of Christ denominations have been known to target one another and go after each other. John saw a man driving out demons in the name of Jesus and tried to stop him. “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:50 NIV).

Self-Sufficient

The topic of our Sunday school lesson was redemption and the presenter used the story of Hosea (prophet) and Gomer (prostitute) as an example of redemption. By marrying the prostitute Hosea redeemed her; however, after bearing him children, Gomer went back to her profession. Hosea once again redeemed Gomer by purchasing her out of slavery. It strikes me that Gomer had a lucrative career in prostitution, was apparently able to feed and clothe herself, and felt she could take care of herself. It’s no wonder that evangelism is so difficult…we’re often witnessing to people who are so self-sufficient that they don’t even know they need to be redeemed.

Mission

A local middle school is in desperate need of replacement and the school district is getting ready to launch a campaign for a ballot initiative. The print media is championing the cause and praised the county for stepping up with additional funding, and the city for the promise to look for ways to support, other than financial. A recent editorial said, “So how about the remainder of the organizations — public, private nonprofit, churches or organizations? Where do you stand?” I’m startled by the suggestion that churches should step up to the plate to help fund schools. Public schools are the same organizations that removed prayer in classrooms, Ten Commandment plaques from walls, and now require restroom use to be based on sexual identification. The writer of the editorial apparently does not understand the mission of the church. Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matt 22:21 NIV).

Spiritually Asleep

Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, pleaded with Jesus to come to his house because his only daughter was dying. As Jairus made his plea word came that his daughter had already died. Jesus went on to the house and when he arrived people were wailing and mourning. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep” (Luke 8:52b NIV). It occurs to me that we might diagnose those who blatantly reject Jesus as being spiritually dead; however, Jesus might see them as simply being asleep.

Itching Ears

Fifty people were killed and 53 wounded in a mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando by an Islamist terrorist. While President Obama called it terrorism, he avoided using the word Islamic. The Islamic terrorist attack on our military base was labeled as “workplace violence.”  I’m only guessing, but I suspect the LGBT community will hold the administration’s feet to the fire and demand the attack be labeled this for what it is, Islamic terrorism. Unfortunately, we in the church can be just as guilty of watering down our own words, and those of Scripture. Paul wrote, “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Tim 4:3-4 NIV).

Prescription

My mother-in-law, who will soon be 93, is not happy that she can’t do the things she used to do. During a recent doctor visit the doctor was sympathetic, but told her she was in better shape than some 60 year-olds. The doctor said he didn’t want to prescribe any mood altering drugs, but then paused in mid-sentence and said, “On second thought I think I will give you a prescription. Do you have a Bible at home?” When she told him yes he said, “Okay, this is your prescription…go home and read the book of Ecclesiastes.” And she is doing as he prescribed.

Your Inner Self

During an evening walk I stumbled across five elementary children who appeared to be in the process of vandalizing a local school. I took photos of the kids and some of the damage and told them I might publish the photos in the local newspaper, or give them to the police.  I went on my way and when I was a block away from the school the mother of two of the children came charging down the road on her bicycle screaming, “Why are you messing with my kids? I’m calling 911!” Please do. She jumped off her bicycle, got in my face and demanded to see the photos I’d taken. Implying I had accosted her children and said, “You’re a disgusting old woman.” Her children were privy to their mother’s menacing outburst and she continued to throw verbal bombs at my back as I ignored the rant and simply kept walking. In hind sight I wish I had had the wherewithal to ask the mother, “Are you a Christian?” Peter reminds women, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV).

Unclaimed

Over the years a local funeral home changed ownership on multiple occasions. The newest owners were in the process of remodeling the facility when they discovered 170 unclaimed cremains sitting on shelves in the basement of the building…50 of which had no identification. The new owners made an effort to not only locate the next of kin, but then to have a memorial service for the cremains that remained unclaimed. I’m trying to imagine the moment of death and those souls that will go unclaimed by the Lord. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers” (Matt 7:21-23NIV)!

Think About Such Things

During a communion meditation the speaker wanted the congregation to focus on the emblems that represent the body and blood of Jesus. He said, “Stop worrying about lunch, what you didn’t get done this week, and what you will do when you get home.” Immediately my mind went to thinking about what I should fix for lunch. Paul understood how our thoughts, or the thoughts of others, can lead us down a rabbit trail. He said, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil 4:8 NIV).

Health Care

Many folks today are in dire financial straits due to rising health care costs and insurance premiums. While we might like to point an accusatory finger at Obamacare, the reality is that throughout time healthcare expenditures often shipwreck people financially. The woman who was subject to bleeding for 12 years was caught in such a dilemma. By the time she learned of the healing power of Jesus and got close enough to touch his cloak, her situation went beyond her physical ailment, “She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse” (Mark 5:26 NIV). In the narrative she had faith to be healed and Jesus then sent her on her way, “Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” We don’t know the end of the woman’s story. I wonder if she rejoiced in her healing, or did she lament to others about the lousy doctors and her loss of financial stability.

The Greatest Commandment

When asked which was the greatest commandment in the law Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself”” (Matt 22:38-39 NIV). It occurs me that today’s church focuses more on the second commandment, than it does on the first. The religious landscape is saturated with sermons, Bible studies and books on believer’s relationships with one another. However, expository teaching, preaching and instruction is sparse when it comes to loving God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind.

I Am a Friend

Often a praise hymn sung on Sunday gets stuck in my head for the remainder of the week. Lately the replaying praise song in my mind is, “I Am a Friend of God.” The chorus and bridge say, “I am a friend of God…He calls me friend. Lord of glory, you have called me friend.” I’ve never been fond of lyrics that put God on a human level, such as being a friend. However, I was taken aback when I read the account of Judas betraying Jesus, “Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for” (Matt 26:48-50 NIV).

Humbled in Greatness

Muhammad Ali is quoted as saying, “It’s hard to be humble when you are as good as I am.” I can see the Lord’s wisdom in doing whatever it takes to keep believers humble. The Apostle Paul had a lot to boast about — a man who had visions and revelations from the Lord and was caught up to paradise. Paul readily admits that it is the Lord who kept his ego in check, “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Cor 12:7-9 NIV).

Blind Guides

At a press conference presidential candidate Donald Trump lambasted media reporters and did some name-calling. Naturally the reporters became indignant and took offence. In true Trump fashion the candidate simply dismissed them and their indignation. I thought of a similar situation when the Pharisees and teachers of the law accused the disciples of breaking the tradition of the elders because they failed to wash their hands before eating. Jesus not only took the Pharisees to task for their accusation, but he called them hypocrites. The disciples then came to Jesus and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matt 15:12-14 NIV). 

You Told Me Not To

My mother-in-law, who will be 93 in September, is self-sufficient, lives alone and still drives. However, she occasionally has trouble with the TV cable remote and when she hits the wrong button her cable goes out. In her frustration she’ll start poking all the buttons, not just the cable remote, but the TV remote as well. Bill has told her not to touch the TV remote because it makes matters worse, but that hasn’t stopped her from trying it as a last resort. Devising different ways to remove temptation Bill put the TV remote away in a drawer, another time he taped a cautionary note to it, and then finally he took out the batteries. The other night mother called and said, “I did what you told me not to do. I got out the TV remote…I put batteries in it.” I’m starting to get an inkling of how God might feel when believers insist on being in control.

It’s Hard

During a DVD video lesson the seasoned pastor took a passage of Scripture from the New American Standard Bible (NASB). Before reading Ephesian 2:1 he apologetically prefaced the verse with, “The NASB is very literal. It’s hard to understand.” He explained that paraphrased versions, such as the Living Bible and the Message, are easier to understand. All too often I hear pastors and teachers say that elements associated with being a Christian are hard — a hard teaching, hard to obey, hard to understand, hard to accomplish, hard to walk the walk, etc. Jesus disagrees, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt 11:29-30 NIV).