True Understanding

Today, when I went to the store to do some shopping, I saw a woman squatted down and looking at some bakery items on the bottom shelf. I was really taken aback by the fancy sling she had for her arm. Usually one sees a basic white fabric sling, but this one looked like it was made of leather and the strap was hooked into the sling, not by sewing, but by brass clasps. I was wondering how rich someone would have to be to have a sling that stylish or how long one would need to wear the sling to justify such a purchase. I was conjuring up in my mind what sort of person this might be, and then she stood up and turned. From a different angle, I realized that it wasn’t a sling, but a purse. The first angle I looked at, lined up the purse (between the body and elbow/arm) with the bend of the elbow so that it appeared to support the arm, but in reality did nothing. I had to laugh to myself and be thankful that no one knew what I was thinking. Sometimes what we see or assume we see can lead us in the wrong direction. I was reminded of Proverbs chapter 3 that stated, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Our wisdom and thinking can be very deceiving, but we are invited (urged) to trust the One who knows all things and can direct us in the way the is good and right. King Solomon goes on to make it even more clear in the next few verses, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Not only are we to trust Him fully, but we are told that it will be good for our health as well. Stress and uncertainty can put a strain on any individual, but when we trust God, we have nothing to fear. Proverbs 5 goes on to what that trust might look like, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” When I am trusting myself, I hold on to what I have tightly, but when I trust God, I realize that everything I have already belongs to God and so faith and trust allow me to be generous. We do it, not for the blessings, but for joy of servicing. Father, fill me with such an amazing faith and trust that I am not stingy with the gifts You have given, but praise You in all things. Amen.

What’s Left at the End?

I have often thought about the man from the Old Testament who is named Job. He loses everything in one day and his response is not anger, bitterness, or despair. His response reveals where his heart is. “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job knew that everything he had was a gift from God and that he was not going to be able to keep it forever. Even though he was probably the richest person of his day, his true riches came from his relationship with God. I heard a twist on Job’s words today, “When we come into the world, we have nothing. Then we spend all our time trying to gain everything. Then we leave the world with nothing. I just hope your soul hangs onto more than your hands do!” It is opposite to the monkeys that are caught in Africa. Where am I going with that, you might ask? Well, to catch the monkeys, the natives would carve out a hollow in a tree or dirt mound. They would leave an opening just big enough for the monkey to fit his hands in. Then they would put some food in the hollowed area. The monkey sticks his hand in, grabs the food, but then can’t remove the fist through the tight hole. Unwilling to let go of the food, the natives are able to easily capture the monkey. Using that concept, those that are grabbing what they can in the world are unwilling to let it go. The very act of hanging onto the world and not simply trusting God for our “daily food”, imprisons us. Hold on to the blessings found in the world with a loose grip, so that if we should lose it, our lives won’t be up ended. Hang on tightly to the things from God like love, joy, hope, faith, forgiveness, eternal life, etc. When we lose sight of God and the hope He brings us through His Spirit and His Word, we are also in danger of losing everything, including eternity with God. How tightly are you holding on to your finances, your possessions, your power and influence? Are they really worth dying for... or should I say dying without? As we read in Psalm 42, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” Father, may my heart always hunger and long for You, my rock and my salvation. Amen

Serving Our Community

A few times a year, Spring and Fall, our youth would help to keep the highway clean in front of the church. The number of youth have gone down considerably, but it still seems like a good way of serving our community. It is amazing to see how quickly things can be cleaned up when people put their mind to it. I’m not sure how much longer we will be able to do it, but I think it is important for people to see us serving outside of the church. Not only is it good for the community to see, but the youth that help get to see that it is not about what others can do for me, but a chance to give back...to show how much we appreciate what we have been given. The concept of servanthood is all through the Bible. First, there were servants in some of the households that were from “war plunder”, those that had been purchased, and even some that sold themselves to pay off debts. The Gospel today implied that a servant shouldn’t expect any special acknowledgment for doing what they were supposed to do. Then we get a comparison to faith in Luke 17:10, “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" The word for servant also means slave. Wouldn’t it be a little harsh for Christian’s to be known as slaves before God? We like to think of ourselves as friends filled with warm fuzzies. We must understand that we are not equals. We don’t bring anything to the table as if we were deserving. Communicating with God through prayer is a privilege that God gives us and we would be foolish not to use it often... to praise, lift requests, confess, and to seek wisdom and direction. Forgiveness again is by the grace of God. We are saved fully and completely by what God has already done for those who walk by faith. We are not just servants of God, but we are called to serve those around us. Romans 12 states, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Father, Forgive us for the times we think of ourselves more highly than we ought. Help us to serve You and those around us. Amen

Character Matters

Sometimes we get caught looking at whether the job gets done and we don’t always look at the attitude and character of those working. I think good character changes both the attitude and productivity of the one working and also gives a positive view on the work that is done. I sometimes watch clips of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Many of the clips are underwhelming compared to the men’s version, but that is ok... they are not the same. What I have noticed plaguing the WNBA the last couple of years is the terrible play calling by the refs, poor oversight over the league, and awful sportsmanship, or should I say awful sportswomanship. There are some players that are fun to watch, but there seem to be teams that are favored and teams that become the scape goats. There was good attendance through the playoffs until the Indiana Fever got knocked off. Now, as they approach the big playoff, the attendance is very low. I’m thinking most high school games have a better draw on a regular game. Why can’t the WNBA get anyone to cheer on the finals? They don’t trust the winner to necessarily be the best players. People are tired of seeing dirty plays winning over good talent. The players that most people wanted to see, because they play hard and expect to receive the fruit of that labor - playoffs, didn't make it. Even with the tickets dropping to an incredibly low price, people still aren’t buying them. When there are more people at a playoff game than at the finals, there is a major problem. Instead of being honest about the referee calling and lack of justice with each dirty play, and trying to protect the few players that are really drawing in the fans, the response is either one of blaming or thinking that maybe things will eventually work themselves out. In our Christian walk, our character matters. If we say one thing and do another, people aren’t interested. If we regularly attend church, but do not live a particularly Christian life, people aren’t going to be attracted. If we make excuses for why people aren’t filling the pews, instead of seeking the real issues, things will likely not improve. Character matters. Father, we do want to see Your house filled with seekers and worshipers. Show us how we might serve others. Amen

What Are You Willing to Do?

We live in a time where most Americans have experienced some semblance of peace. There have not been any new wars within the country, although there have been heated disagreements. We expect to be able to go to work, earn a living, come home to a place we relax at and call home. We have so many expectations of what life should be like, how the government should be run, and who will be part of our life. We look for some sort of prosperity, maybe material possessions, and a freedom to worship. Then I read the second lesson for this Sunday and see Paul talking about being in chains for the gospel. We read in 2 Timothy 1, “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” We have not experienced this sort of trial for having faith, although other parts of the world have. Does your faith have a breaking point? Are you willing to face ridicule? Slander? Abuse? Prison? Torture? Paul not only asks them not to be ashamed of him, but not to be ashamed to proclaim the good news of what Jesus Christ has done for all who would believe. On top of that, he calls fellow believers to suffer with him for the sake of proclaiming God’s word. Paul isn’t saying that he desire them to suffer, but rather that because suffering seems inevitable for all who are faithful, to boldly stand up for the truth. Martin Luther did this when the church of his day called him to recant everything he had written. Luther refused. The leader of the church removed their protection from Martin Luther... basically putting a bounty on his head. Did Luther back down? NO! He was not afraid to die for what he believed. The Apostle Paul, Martin Luther, Charlie Kirk, and many other believers make it clear why they are willing to die in service to God, the Creator of heaven and earth. “Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” If God protects us, we have another day of service... if not, eternity with God awaits us. Father, give us faith and a boldness to stand on Your word, even when the world comes against. You are our only hope! Amen

What Does Jesus Say?

There are many times through my life that I have faced hard times or just felt lost and alone. So often there was someone (parents, wife, friends) who wrapped their arms around me and comforted me. Even though I was broken, I was not destroyed. I seldomly found that comfort from strangers since there was no relationship or connection. God offers us so much comfort throughout His word. I was just thinking about a hymn called, “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”. The natural response is, “What did He say?” The first verse - “I heard the voice of Jesus say ‘Come unto me and rest. Lay down, thy weary one lay down thy head upon my breast. I came to Jesus as I was weary and worn and sad. I found in Him a resting place and He has made me glad”’" In this world that is filled with such diverse opinions and feelings, it is indeed comforting to know that Jesus calls us to find rest in Him. This rest is connected to faith and relationship. Even on your worst day, this invitation is extended. It does not mean the burdens will always be removed, but it does mean that we are not alone and He is able to give us strength to carry on. There is no other place as precious and healing as in His arms. Let Him turn your sadness to joy. The second verse - “I heard the voice of Jesus say ‘Behold, I freely give the living water, thirsty one stoop down and drink and live.’ I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream. My thirst was quenched, my soul revived and now I live in Him”. Like the woman at the well that didn’t even know what Jesus had to offer, He said that He had water for her to drink that would satisfy all thirsting. He was speaking spiritually of the word and the Holy Spirit, not a physical water. Right now, there seems to be a fresh thirsting for the truth of God’s word. May we lead them to and may they find revival. The third verse - “I heard the voice of Jesus say, ‘I am this dark world's light. Look unto me; thy morn shall rise and all thy days be bright.’ I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my star, my sun. And in that light of life I’ll walk till traveling days are done”. We never realize how dark it was until we stand in His light. Father, we come before You, weary, worn and in darkness. Thank You for rest. Feed our hungering spirit. Amen

Why Do I Need to Know the Whole Bible?

There are two parts to the Bible... the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament points to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and the New Testament tells of the life and times of Jesus and the growth of the early church. I’m always a little bothered when I hear Christians say they are New Testament Christians, as if the old was just rules and regulation without value. I remember an old fable told of six blind men that never knew what an elephant was. Each was to try to determine what this object was before them. The first person went to the elephant and felt what was in front of him. He said, “It is long, thick, powerful, and has air flowing through it (trunk). The next said that it was large, flat, and leathery (ears). Another said it was tall, round, and solid (body). Another said it was thin, long, and a little twirly (tail). Still another spoke of large stumps, too big to lift (feet). The last one spoke of something long, smooth, and pointed (tusks). They all felt the same animal, but what they learned seemed unlikely to be one creature. Now, I’m sure I am drawing a different conclusion from the original fable but think it can describe God’s word. There are parts that speak of history, parts are poetry, parts are from journals, a song book, prophesies of future events, life and times of Jesus, the growing of the early church, and books that speak of end times and what is yet to come. It speaks of war and of peace, law and gospel, judgement and mercy, condemnation and unconditional love, and so on. It is hard to imagine that one book (the Bible) can contain such varied writings and still be united in its presentation. Even though God makes His word available to us, I sometimes wonder if those blind men would “see” more than those of us that claim to see. To understand the elephant, one needs to know more about it than a trunk, or tusk, or tail. To understand God’s word, we need more than just the gospels that tell of Jesus life... we need to know the fullness of Scripture. On top of knowing what God’s word says, we need the help of the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and understanding. Reading the cliff notes doesn’t work with God’s word... we need to know Him fully and serve Him. Father, Open my mind to know Your truth, open my eyes to see Your will, and open my heart to love unconditionally. Amen

What People Want

I know if I asked people what they wanted most, the answers would vary quite a bit. I’m sure the desire for money, a good job, a healthy church, good friends would all be high on the list. My experience lately is that people just want to be seen. I’m not talking about just being looked at, but to be recognized as a person with real ideas, feelings, struggles, desires, etc. We have become good at arguing, yelling, accusing, and disrupting others, but do we know them? I read something on the internet that sounds so terrible, although it also sounds very refined and rehearsed. There are pictures to back up the article, but looking in the background, it tells a different story... creating a storyline instead of opening a dialogue. I think one of the reasons the death of Charlie Kirk was so hard for those that knew him, and for those that had seen him on the internet. is that he was saying the things that they believed, only were too afraid to stand up and say it. In their hearts, many were cheering him on, but in practice, they were silent. Like it or not, Charlie brought the conversation into the public arena, listening to what was being said and sharing what he saw going on (with facts). Those attacking from hate often left angry. Those asking serious questions were left with things to ponder. I think many felt like Charlie knew them, saw them, and was standing up for them. When he was martyred, they realized the need to be seen more publicly, not passively, but standing up for what they believed. There are people turning to God’s word, going to church, and desiring to present themselves as someone with honor. We see them, and hopefully are praying that God would use terrible circumstances to bring about revival in the heart of the nation. I go to a men’s study where those in attendance feel they are a part of something greater than themselves. It is a place where they are seen, not just background decoration. I join in another Bible study and part of that time is sharing what is going on in our lives. I think that those in attendance feel seen and have a voice. Instead of name calling, maybe we can have an actual conversation... really seeing each other. Father, forgive us for putting labels on everyone and failing to listen and understand. Use us to bring open dialogue. Amen

Why Do We Have Church?

I grew up going to church. My dad was a pastor, and it was just expected. I didn’t stop to think why. I never had a “come to Jesus” moment. It was a gradual day by day walk with God. There have been moments where I have seen the hand of God at work and there are times that nothing earth-shattering was happening. I always knew that God was there. I have heard hunters and fishermen saying that they can worship God just as well from their deer blinds and boats as they can in a church. We have a men’s study group that is attended by people from many different denominations and non-denominational backgrounds that have said that they find that group more church to them than their own churches. We can pray and study at home, listen to the radio, and even go to church via radio or internet. So, what’s the point of going to church? I can understand that thinking if you think of it as going to church and not going to worship. The country I grew up in spoke of “seeing church”. I think many of those that wonder why they need to go to church are not focused on fellowship with God and with others or joining with other believers in lifting their voice and spirit in praise and worship. We go to worship because God said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst.” There is a unity in our hearts as we worship together. If I study and worship at home, it is easy to fall into a rut or focus on what I want to hear and not what might need to be said. Even as a pastor, I sometimes find myself going through the motions. When we come together, our conversations can encourage and challenge one another... including the pastor. Hopefully the pastor has good training and theology so that he can open a deeper understanding that we might not find on our own. If we think that we can find everything we need on the internet, we are only half right. The internet is filled with good and bad teaching. If you do not know God's word, you are just as likely to follow the wrong thing as you are to go the right way. The Old Testament talked about false prophets teaching what the people’s itching ears wanted to hear. What we want to hear may not be what God is saying. Father, draw us all into Your house and bind us together by Your love. Amen

Being Humble in Blessings

Have you ever met someone that complained that they never succeeded at anything and that they weren’t any good. Then they suddenly achieve something great and all of a sudden, they are a pain to be around. They want everyone to know what they did. It is sometimes easier to be humble when we don’t have much, for what do we have to boast about... and yet even then, the human nature tends to find someone that we can still be better than. Our second lesson tomorrow is from 1 Timothy chapter 6. It starts in verse 6 saying, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” If it is true godliness, it seems that contentment is part of the fruit of that faith, but apparently, even then, our sinful nature can create issues. I can’t help but think about Job, maybe the richest man in the Old Testament, when he lost his livestock, servants, and children, all on one day. His response was, “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise be to God”. Even in great loss, he found strength and hope in God. If you need more than God and His word to be content, you might need a faith lift. Money is one of the most mentioned topics in the Bible and yet it is one of the least talked about. God makes it very clear that seeking after riches has been the downfall of many people. Actually, we can go back to the garden. Eve (and Adam) listened to the serpent and then found herself not feeling content, for she longed to be wiser, knowing things that God knows. Coveting things that we do not have can be a very dangerous pursuit... one that might destroy us. It is that love of money that will get us every time. Timothy is told to flee from this temptation with the words, “flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Replace that desire with something that is better and more satisfying. A few verses later we read, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment”. We are to be rich in deeds, being generous and willing to share. We may have longed to be rich, but with wealth comes great responsibility. Be content in all things. Father, I hear the voice of the world telling me to seek my own desires, but Your desire is that we always walk according to Your word. Amen

Accept By Faith

I have had times that I knew God was calling me to do something by faith. I have been faithful in some and have failed at others. There were many times God expected His people to trust his promise even when they didn’t see immediate results. I was reading some of 2 Kings the other day and was struck by something that didn’t quite make sense. I had read that if someone had leprosy, they were considered unclean and had to isolate themselves from contact with society. Only a priest could restore them if they had been healed. Well, my struggle begins in chapter 5. The prophet Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, had taken some things that didn’t belong to him. Elisha told the servant that because of this, leprosy would stick to him and his descendants. He became leprous, as white as snow. In chapter 8, we find the king having a discussion with Gehazi, the servant. This bothered me, because if he had leprosy, the king would not have him in his presence. Without any further information, I would have to accept this is possible because of faith or find how I misunderstood the passage. There are a number of possibilities. God could have healed the servant again. The chronology could be out of order as it has happened in other places. The king may have ignored the law, which he had done before, but then he risks contracting it. Lastly, he might not have had a contagious strain. I found out that in Leviticus 13 that the body can be covered with leprosy, the skin can be found white, and the individual can be deemed clean. I trust it no more or no less because of the added details, for I have believed it by faith. Knowing the “why” can help in discussing the content with others. It is good that God allows us to find answers to sooth the mind. Those that trusted God’s leading often found themselves helped by God. In chapter 8, we find that Elisha had told the family of the boy. he had raised to life. to leave the area for seven years, as a drought was imminent. The mom of the healed boy and her family were now returning home, after living among the Philistines. She went to ask the king if he could help her get her land and home back, just as Gehazi was telling the King about Elisha’s help. The king instantly restored the woman and her property. Father, give us faith to be obedient to Your call, persistence to follow it, and a heart of worship as we see Your victories among us. Amen

What Do We Do with Roadblocks?

Today, on my way to a 6:30 am Men’s “Bible” Study, I took a shortcut, which today did not save me any time. I heard a loud bang under my car and then saw a tree had fallen across the road. I think someone put two large pieces of wood to warn drivers, but in the 6:15 am darkness, I didn't’ see them. The warning, if that is what it was, was almost more dangerous than the tree. The road was blocked. Now what? I called the non-emergency number for dispatch to report the blocked road and then redirected to the new route. I don’t know if I should have moved those blocks of wood, but moving the tree was beyond my ability. Telling someone who could find a solution was something I could do. I wonder how many people turned around without telling anyone. I wonder if anyone was on their way home or back with a chainsaw to remove the tree. I can’t assume what someone else will do, but I can let the right people know. Do you ever find roadblocks or construction in your life? Maybe your plans got changed (involuntarily). Maybe something you thought would happen at work or through work fell through. Maybe you are facing medical issues or hardships that make God’s plan look out of reach. Do we stop trying? If God closes a door, he will open another one, or at least a window to get you some fresh air while you seek God’s will. Moses was leading the army out of Egypt, but the Red Sea was before him, mountains on the side of him, and the Egyptians behind him. Pretty big roadblock, but God brought them through. King David faced a roadblock after committing adultery with Bathsheba, and he didn’t handle that one so well, but God did forgive him, when he finally repented. There was Goliath, wicked kings in Israel and Judah, captivity by enemies, and the biggest roadblock?... our sin! The Devil, the world, and our own sinful nature are trying to detour our lives, but the God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are determined to keep you on track. If you listen too closely to the world, you will not only find road work, but you will eventually hit a dead end. Who are you going to call? The only One who can help. Father, we face all sorts of detours in life, but You were already aware of them and had a way out. Give us ears to hear. Amen

Should We Forgive the Unrepentant?

This is a touchy issue on the best of days, but it is even tougher in light of what Charlie Kirk’s wife said at her husband's funeral. Erika spoke of the mission that Charlie had to reach the youth that were confused and misguided. Then she uttered the heart wrenching words, “I forgive him!” Who? She forgave the gunman that assassinated her husband because she knew he was exactly the type of person that Charlie was trying to rescue. It is hard to imagine that depth of faith and love. But how can she forgive if there is no repentance or recognition of his sin? I think the technical and theological answer is that there cannot be forgiveness of sins without repentance. We read in Luke 17, “So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." Clearly repentance is part of God’s design. Then again, we have Jesus on the cross and Stephen when he is being stoned saying, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” Notice he doesn’t say, “I forgive you”. He is asking the Father not to hold this against his executioners. So, was Erika Kirk wrong for forgiving the man? We have to understand that her forgiveness is different than God’s forgiveness. Her forgiveness does not absolve him from the consequence of his sin... murdering Charlie Kirk. What she is saying is that she chooses not to hold her anger, bitterness, and pain against him. She will not carry it with her as she moves on in ministry. Since the shooter has not repented, if he did shoot Charlie, he still stands guilty before the law of the land and before God. In light of this, not only do we rejoice in the example set by Erika Kirk, to not stand in judgement over the shooter, but we must pray for his soul, that he might come to faith in Jesus and have the hope of eternity that Charlie longed for them to have and that God has made available to all people by His death on the cross. He is still subject to the laws of this land. Our forgiveness is not standing in judgement over him. The laws forgiveness is freedom from consequences. God’s forgiveness, after true repentance is total spiritual freedom. Father, may we have a forgiving heart that releases our right to judge and fill our heart with love. Holy Spirit convict and restore them. Amen

Staying in Shape

Today, we had the furnace company come and inspect the furnaces and make sure that they are ready for the winter. A few days ago, it almost got up to 90 degrees (F). It is hard to start thinking about frost, cold Autumn winds, and snow. The reality is, if we don’t get ready for it now, it might not work when we need it. How well do think an athlete would do if he/she didn’t start training until the day of the race? How well do you think the military would do if they started training when they saw the enemy advancing? The need to stay in shape and tuned up is vital for most things in our world. Actually, it is no different with our faith. Do we want to start memorizing or learning God’s word after we meet someone seeking God, or should we be familiar with that word? Is it ok to wait until the Lord returns before we start entrusting our lives to Him? If a car doesn’t stay tuned, someday it will cease to work. Just because we changed oil 5,000 miles ago, doesn’t mean we will not need to keep up with the maintenance. Very few things will keep improving with time, unless you are a fine wine, which is very doubtful. God is speaking to the seven churches in the book of Revelation about their condition. Laodicea may be more like us than we would like. In Revelation 3, it says, "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” God declared that He knew them and they were not doing well. They had begun to trust their own ability and resources and their faith had ceased to grow. Not only didn’t it grow, it appears that it was fading. They were no longer on fire for God, but more like a smoldering fire... enough to know they are there, but not enough to be good for much of anything. The image of God spitting out the church is terrifying. The comment about wishing they were either hot or cold indicates that if we take a direction, good or bad, we can be guided. How are you doing? Father, it is terrifying to think that there will be many who will not enter Your kingdom. May Your fire burn within us. Amen

Making Wise Choices

Life if full of choices... from what to wear, what we will do, how we will treat others, what we will eat, etc. Some choices, like what to eat, will probably not be life changing, but what we will invest our time in can be monumental. I think the Charlie Kirk assassination caused many people to think, whether good or bad. For many that question was, what am I going to do with my life... how am I going to invest myself... and where does God fit into all of it? We used to jokingly say, “Do unto others before they do unto you”. Our faith should not be reactionary, but deliberate, grounded in God’s word. Are we to do to others what we would want them to do to us? I think more importantly is to do to others what Christ would have us do. I heard a phrase that stopped me in my tracks. It went like this, “Don’t sit at a table that Jesus would have flipped”. Jesus flipped the tables in the Temple because people were using it to sell goods for personal gain and not to serve God. They had made the house of worship into a den of robbers. The question must be asked if we are where Christ wants us to be, or are we where we feel the most comfortable, but are in danger of Jesus “flipping our table”. What “tables” are we sitting at? Are our actions for our own personal gain or are we willing to sit at the table with “tax collectors and sinners”. This does not indicate a demotion, but rather a willingness to sit with those that are hurting, searching, outcast, and bring them comfort, hope, and Jesus. The world says we should be climbing the ladder of success and taking every opportunity to succeed, even if it means stepping over other people. God says, “Follow me wherever I lead you, and if you experience success, give glory to God by what you do with what you have been given”. Some of our choices should not be split second decisions, but lasting, such as the choice to read God’s word, spend time with Him in prayer, and treat others as God would have us do. To make truly wise decisions requires a full surrender to God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Are you sitting down and celebrating with the world or are you standing for God’s truth. Father, I want to learn to love and serve You more every day. I want my legacy to be one of faith, love, and faithful service. Lead me by the Holy Spirit and give me a heart to love and serve those you put in my life. Amen

How Do Others See You?

There is so much pressure for people to conform to the image that the world dictates for you. So often for women, this image is one that makes them into objects for men to look at. If the women dress provocatively and then think that they should be taken seriously, we have a problem. Some have embraced this attention and use it to manipulate others. Even though they may succeed, it usually doesn’t come with honest respect. It may sound like I am disrespecting women, but it is exactly the opposite. Because I respect women, I want to see them respect for who they are, and not by their appearance, which can be fleeting. We read in 1 Timothy 2, “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.”...he is strong in the strength of the Lord, and his heart is to be filled with gratitude. The passage goes on to say, “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” The gist of this passage speaks to men as well. The beauty that God is indicating here is not turning heads because of the “sexy” outfit that is worn, but the beauty that radiated from within. The world doesn’t understand the respect that men and women should give each other... and God. There is a beauty from how one is dressed, the jewelry that is worn, and the makeup that creates an unrealistic image and often hides the heart. There is many a man that is distracted by a woman’s appearance and it may put thoughts in his heart that shouldn’t be there. A godly woman should not desire to be in the heart of another man unless it is her husband, just as a husband's desire should be in his wife alone. What I have seen is that many women are more concerned with their outward appearance than the beauty of who she really is. I heard someone say today that some people should eat makeup so that they are pretty on the inside, and not just on the outside. In this world filled with hate, we should be more concerned about the purity of the heart over what the world desires. Heavenly Father, help all of us to see that our beauty and identity are not in our outward appearance, but in complete surrender to You. Amen

Limited Visibility

I had to travel a ways to get to a regional meeting for our church. Most of the trip was amazing. It was overcast, but that just meant the sun wasn’t shining in my eyes. Had a little rain, but having the wiper blades on the lowest intermittent was sufficient for taking care of that. As I was getting closer to the destination, there was some fog coming in off the lake. I could see clearly for about 200-300 feet and then there was a white wall of fog. After about 15-20 minutes, that was gone too. It wasn’t until I was entering the town of the meeting that the fog started really causing issues with visibility. Not knowing for sure where I was going or how the streets were laid out, it was a little scary. Our hotel was on a hill and so I was trusting my GPS when it told me to turn up a small driveway. When I got to the top of that hill, behold, a hotel was actually there. The GPS on the phone saved me some major issues. I’m not sure how long I would have needed if I was using an old-fashioned paper map... if I could even find one. I had an idea where I was going, but I leaned heavily on the GPS directions. I have heard people make an acrostic on GPS that says, God’s Positioning System. It could refer to the Holy Spirit or the Bible. Actually, there is an acrostic for Bible too - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Both are true and both are very applicable for what I am sharing and for everyday life. The Apostle Paul was heading to Damascus to arrest and kill Christians. Jesus confronted him, blinded him, and gave him the following message when Paul asked who He was. Acts 26:15-18, "'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. 'Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' Jesus is not just offering to restore them, but to bring them to true fellowship with God and other believers. Paul is to open their eyes to the truth, turn them away from darkness and the power of Satan, bringing restoration. God’s GPS at its best. Father, Open our eyes that we may see You in all of Your glory. Amen

Lessons on Strength

We live in a world that is full of people flexing their proverbial muscles to prove they are the most able. There is the big brother or sister bossing around the siblings. There is the bully that tries to control people by fear and power. Then there is the manager that feels he/she has so much control, they can make life easy or hard, depending on how they are treated. There is the boss that may want to acquire other businesses that is trying to make himself look superior to get the upper hand on any deal. We see it in politics. We see it with wars. I’m not saying everyone does this and is bad, but there are many that don’t respect themselves enough, or know they will be exposed if they don’t keep everyone else on the defense. If that strength comes from honest faithful hard work and they use this strength with respect for those they serve, this strength can be wonderful. If this power is used to prove themselves and also used without care for others, this power will likely be destructive to many. What does the Bible say about strength? First and foremost, we see where true strength is found. Deuteronomy 4, “Because he loved your forefathers and chose their descendants after them, he brought you out of Egypt by his Presence and his great strength, to drive out before you nations greater and stronger than you and to bring you into their land to give it to you for your inheritance, as it is today.” All is possible for God and nothing can happen to His people without God allowing... even martyrdom. When God was rescuing His people from slavery in Egypt, He won their battles. What about when people boast that all they have and all they have done has been by their own strength and resolve. Let’s look at Deuteronomy 8, “He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” It is time to humble ourselves before God giving Him thanks and praise for how He has enabled us to serve Him. Lord, help us remember that all things are possible through You, who gives us strength. Help us to seek Your direction in all things. Amen.

We Have Been Set Free

I was only about eleven years old when the people of Papua New Guinea became independent from Australia. I don’t know all the politics, but I was there when they gained their independence. Today, fifty years later, they are celebrating this landmark event. The country has grown tremendously. Some things are good, and some things have gotten worse. Good or bad, they gained the freedom, the right to make their own choices and govern as they so choose. Unlike the freedoms that a country receives, we have been promised freedom in Christ. A freedom that is not based on the will of man that could change with the passing of time. The believer’s freedom will not be taken... it can only be canceled if we turn away from God. Freedom from what? Freedom from the power of the law. Jesus fulfilled the laws righteous demands when He, a perfect sacrifice, died in my place... our place. Freedom from the power of sin. I’m not saying I no longer make mistakes, but my Father in heaven sees my life through the lens of the crucifixion, so my sins have been atoned for. If I continue to walk by faith, confess my sins, submit my life to Him, I am free. I am not only free from certain things, but I am also free to serve God, free to serve the Christian community, and free to reach out into the world in love to those that hate me. This is not a natural worldly longing, but in Christ, my heart has been transformed. As I think back on my time in Papua New Guinea, the freedom I had physically to ride my bike anywhere in public that I wanted is not so free now. The house in the town I lived in was 50% screen window. Those windows are now covered with metal bars for protection. God doesn’t have to fortify heaven, but we still need His leading and protection. I don’t need a key or password to enter the gates of heaven... I just need faith. Praise God that He does not change. Just as they celebrated the 50 year anniversary with song, dance, drums, etc, we are called to celebrate our freedom. That is done as we gather in God’s house, the church, and lift our voices in hymns of praise. The most important day to praise and worship God is today! Father, to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. In You I trust, O Lord... You are right here beside me everywhere that I go. Amen

There Is More to the Story

I was just thinking about turning in my report for church council. I include things like who I visit, who is communed, and other things that I have done throughout the previous month. Even though there may be many things written, there is always more to the story. It doesn’t account for all the study that is done, the people that I stop and visit with at the store or some other activity. There are things that are done that are confidential that don’t make it on the report. Not that long ago, I was visiting with someone about a passage in scripture. The attempt was made that because something wasn’t specifically written then it didn’t happen. I have also heard the opposite said that just because it wasn’t specifically written down doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Both can be true, but both can also be false. So much is found in the context of the verse, but it must also be viewed through the lens of the rest of Scripture. It is obvious that if everything was recorded, there wouldn’t be enough space to contain it all. There were no hard drives back then unless it was made from stone. One of the questions that we must ask is, “Is this essential to the understanding of this passage”? It many ways, it is like a parable... only one main focus. Sometimes in trying to break down a parable, we strip it of its power because not everything spoken of is to be figured out. Some of the parable is just setting the stage. We can’t get lost on pointless details at the expense of the focus... the truth. Does it matter what time of day it is? Do we need to know what everyone did? Were there other people healed, raised from the dead, baptized, or beaten for their faith? Maybe, but in the context, is that fact going to change the message that was given. It is important to know who they were writing to and maybe the reason for the letter. Were they believers in Jesus Christ or were they Jews, still bound by the law? As with understanding any literature, we need to ask who, what, where, when, and why? We might not be able to answer all those questions in any given passage, but it is worth knowing. We also want to know where in God’s word this particular topic has been discussed before, as a guide. It is good to ask questions, but we must finally rest on what God says. Father, we can be guilty of adding and taking away those things that don’t fit what we want to see. Forgive us. Teach us the truth. Amen