The Need to Be Liked

We live in a world that craves attention. I watched a story on social media and the announcer say, “And they have only received two likes”... meaning that only two people found the content worthy of response. Part of it is a sales gimmick to get your name and info for advertising, but there are so many that need to feel wanted/liked. I have often struggled with people having a job as an influencer. That means they offer viewpoint or content that people want to follow. The more followers they have, the greater their influence and the more money they can make on ads. Their whole job is to be liked or interesting enough that people want to follow them. One, it baffles me that some people can make a good income from doing that. Worse yet is the people that feel the need to follow them... to live vicariously through them. Now, not every influencer is self absorbed and not every follower needs someone else to add meaning to their life, but I have the feeling the numbers are pretty high. There are also the fan clubs for Hollywood stars and other public figures whose life find meaning in who someone else is or what they do. The Pharisees and Sadducees, if they were around today, would probably be trying to get peoples approval through social media. We are told they fasted, prayed very publicly, and gave gifts so that people would notice them. God tells us that they have received their reward in full and it has no bearing on their spiritual wellbeing. False prophets wanted to echo what the people wanted to hear. Even today, there are many churches and members that are more likely to parrot the things of the world rather than that of God. They are more interested in the world’s approval than what God has to say. Now the light must shine upon us. Is what we do for the joyful service of our Lord or are we also seeking to be liked by the world? When we do something or offer a “free” service, are we upset if we don’t get thanks or if others don’t recognize us? I’m not saying others shouldn’t be grateful, but if we are serving the Lord, then being faithful to Him should be our greatest desire. As you spend time in prayer before God, ask Him for ways that you might serve Him and those He has placed in your lives. Then do it without need for praise. Father, to You be all glory and praise now and forever. May all that has life and breath praise Your holy name. Amen

Confusing Times

New York just elected a new Mayor who is pretty vocal about what he stands for. He is, at the very least, socialist and very likely communist. Someone was interviewing people after he had become mayor. He asked a woman in her mid-twenties whether she had voted for Mamdani. She proudly acknowledged that she had. The next question was whether she thought socialism would work in the United States and she quickly and confidently said, “NO!” Help me out here folks. If she doesn’t think socialism works, why in the world would she vote for this man. Our elections have become less about the quality of the individual and more about picking someone our party stands for or someone we like. A well-known movie star who has zero experience in politics or anything else pertinent has a better chance of being elected than someone with incredible skills and experience who might be less known. Then, they blame the opposing party, as if they were the problem. Certain areas continue to vote for people with the same ideology over and over again and then are surprised that things don’t change. They vote for someone who promises things will be rosy and when they don’t do what they promised, write it off as politics. However, if someone in the opposing party doesn’t accomplish everything they promised, even though they tried, they are mocked for not keeping their promises. Why did I share so much? Because that mentality is the same way many people respond to God and His word. They will embrace whole heartedly something from God’s word that fits their mind set and agenda but somehow question the authenticity of the parts that don’t fit what they want to happen. The same word but picking and choosing what fits our thinking. If it doesn’t fit their thinking, that part of the Bible is wrong. I have been called a fundamentalist because I believe God’s word is what it says. I believe in grace alone, faith alone, God’s word alone, Christ alone, and glory to God alone. I am not to add, or take away, or reinterpret. Like that voter, I think too many people proudly claim faith in Christ while living a life conflicting with this. Salvation is for true believers. Father, increase in us a deep love and understanding for Your word. Help is to reject worldly wisdom and trust You. Amen

Do We Live Victorious Lives?

As Christians, we talk about the promises that are ours. We talk about the hope that is ours. We even talk about the victory over death and the grave but... do you see it? When a athlete wins a race or wins a game, the victory is usually written all over their faces and in their body language. When a worker achieves a great success, they want to celebrate. They don’t consider what the co-worker might be thinking, they want people to celebrate with them. Why, since believers are victorious in Christ, do we not show it more in our daily living. Our faith in Christ should be obvious to all we meet. What is the passage? “Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let [my faith] shine.” Maybe we would relate more to the student who always gets A’s in class. After a while it becomes an expectation and they react more if they get a B. Most of those students, however, work very hard to get those grades. If we were that diligent in our faith, in the reading of God’s word, and spending time in prayer, our light might shine like a lighthouse. A devotion I read recently spoke of the people that saw Jesus doing all the miracles followed Him. It doesn’t say believed but rather followed. Maybe they were hoping to see more entertainment or knew of others that needed healing. They saw the victory of Jesus, but they didn’t live it. Being victorious is more than going to church, getting your Bible reading quota in, and reciting a list to God. It is a living relationship with the One who created the heavens and the earth. It is knowing I am no better than my neighbor, but my God is, and He forgives my sin and restores my soul. It is knowing that God’s word is true, and living according to His will, guided by His Word. It's knowing that I am saved by grace through faith in Christ, not because I am worthy, but by faith in what He has already done for me. It is not fearing death, knowing that as a believer, it is the gateway to eternal life with God. It is not allowing the world to dictate what I do or how I feel, but living unapologeticly for Christ. It is knowing, even if I lose everything here, I still have everything I need in Christ. It is waking up with the desire to serve God and having a heart filled with praise and worship. This victory through faith should show in my face, in my decisions, how I treat others, and in all I do. Father it is easy to say we are victorious through Your Son, but help us not take it for granted, but live each day in this reality. Amen

Tainted Relationships

It is sad to see how skewed relationships have become. I remember reading Song of Solomon (Song of Songs) in the Bible. It is an account of a man and a woman from introduction, to courting, to marriage, and the bliss that followed. There would be times that the woman wanted to give herself fully to the man, but he continued to call on her to wait until they were married. This is the outline of marriage in the Bible. I rarely see a couple, anymore, that isn’t together sexually before they get to marriage. I have heard some people speak of wanting to make sure that they were sexually compatible before committing themselves. What God had designed to be the greatest gift a couple could offer each other -purity, the world has thrown away. I was listening to a couple guys that were stunned by a couple that had never kissed until they were married. The one announcer made the comment, “(Paraphrased) What if they kiss and find out one of them is terrible at it. They are doomed. They will be stuck with that throughout the marriage.” They gave no credence to how well they fit spiritually, emotionally, ideologically, etc. The focus immediately went to the physical and sexual aspect of their relationship. The afore mentioned things are not easily changed and are the heart of who they are. The sexual can be learned and fine-tuned. When they reach their golden years (which I’m not sure those gentlemen will with current marriages) what will be the most important? When the physical beauty (as the world defines it) is gone, what is left to hold that marriage together. The announcers scoffed at the idea of saving one’s self for marriage, but it is the Biblical directive. This may be one of the reasons marriage relationships don’t seem to last that long amongst those that don’t value it’s worth. The world focuses so much on the sexual relationship that they often miss out on the beauty and intimacy that should be present. Scripture talks about the two becoming one... in a physical/spiritually bond. Every previous relationship cheapens what is given in that new relationship. If the marriage is just the physical act of sex, one won’t notice. If it is about the intimacy and joy God gives...the marriage is harmed. Father, instill in us the true understanding of what love, as You designed it is like. Draw us back to Your design. Amen

Fruits Are Important

I’m not talking about apples and oranges here. I am referring to an outcome of our lives. We had an appointment with a doctor about 70 miles south of where we live. During the day, there was a power outage where my wife works. She heard that there were quite a few outages south of us, some in the very town that the doctor's appoint was. So as not to waste a trip south, I called to the clinic. I asked the receptionist if there was a power outage in their facility. Her response told me everything. In a somewhat confused and incredulous response, she asked, “A what?” By her response, I knew that there was no outage there. She went on to say they rarely have outages there. She told me everything I needed to know by her response. Do we telegraph our faith that well? There have been some people that I have met that I instantly knew were believers. Some of it was present in their eyes. I think there is some truth that the eyes are the gateway of our souls. Some of my confidence was partially in what they did, but also the attitude in which they did it. As believers, can we have a bad day and give the wrong signals? Yes, to some degree. Matthew 7 tells us, "by their fruit you will know them". He is indicating how to recognize a prophet, but the same process works for believers as well. It goes on to say that a good tree doesn’t bear bad fruit and a bad tree doesn’t bear good fruit. The fruit is the result of our faith and heart. Even a bad day can be recognized by our response to it... our confession... our seeking reconciliation or restoring relationships. If someone were to observe your life, would they see a life that reflects Jesus? Would the world recognize us because we stand on the truth of God’s word or would we blend in? If the world doesn’t see Christ in us, I would be fearful that Christ may not really reside there. How do we treat others? How do we treat others when we don’t think anyone else is watching? What is the motive for everything that we do? Is it for self or to honor and glorify the name of Jesus. If our lives are not obviously Christian, we probably need to go back to God’s word, spend genuine focused time in prayer, and lift our hearts and voices in worship. The fruit comes, not from me, but from Christ within me. Holy Father, I know I am not perfect. I am aware that I need some pruning. Change my heart and fill it with Your presence. Amen

The Body and Blood of Christ

Today we celebrated Holy Communion. It comes under a number of different names. Sometimes it is called the Passover Meal, reminding the people of when the blood of the lamb, painted on the doorframes in Egypt, spared the eldest born male in every family as the Angel of Death passed over them. We also hear it called the Lord’s Supper, indicating Jesus celebrating the Passover with them, but identifying Himself as the “lamb” whose blood was shed for the people. I have heard it called the Breaking of Bread, which simply describes part of the meal. It is also called Eucharist, which means “thanksgiving”, thus another name known as the Great Thanksgiving. But what is it. Jesus does say, “This do as often as you eat/drink it in remembrance of me”. Is it just remembering? Jesus celebrated the festivals and the Sabbath Day, but it appears that the Gentiles were not commanded to do the same. We read in Colossian 2, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” As a matter of fact, when the leaders of the church were accusing the disciples of doing what was unlawful the Sabbath (working/picking grain), Jesus defended them. He Himself healed (worked) on the Sabbath. So, if God didn’t seem to enforce the holy days, then why would He command us to celebrate the Lord’s Supper often. It was more than remembering, or else He would have required us to keep all of the feasts, etc. I like what Martin Luther writes, “It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and drink.” And if it were just remembering, why would Paul tell us in 1 Corinthians 11, “Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.” Lord, You put a great importance on both Baptism and Communion. Help us to understand and receive it worthily. Amen

Investing our Time

My wife and I received a call from some dear friends of ours asking if we would like to join them for a musical evening of singing. We accepted and enjoyed a nice concert. After the concert was done, we went out for some burgers and fries. It was nice to just be able to sit down and visit for a while. Investing our time with others is so important for relationships. When we are investing money in stocks, property, or business ventures, we are often looking for what we will get out of it. When it comes to investing in others, what we get out of it is secondary. Sometimes as we listen to others and encourage them, it can change their day. Sometimes, as we share our faith or invite them to join us in worship, they may be encouraged in their faith, but go to another church. As much as I would love to have them join us, I’d rather them be worshiping somewhere, than just sitting at home. I go to a men’s group weekly that is made up of many different churches. There are so many of them that I would love to have in our church, but if they can be encouraged to share the good news with others in their own churches, how can I not celebrate their investment in the faith of others. As we invest in others, we are seeking their benefit... a living faith in Jesus. We read in Romans 8, “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” We see someone, God, that is investing in us. His son wasn’t spared so that we might have the hope of eternal life. A few verses later, “...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ...[nothing] in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Because God invested in us, giving us the assurance of eternal life with Him, we, by the power of the Holy Spirit, are able to impact the lives of many. The thought that nothing in all creation can separate us from Jesus’ love bring my heart great joy. The is only one thing that can separate you from God... and that thing is you! Let’s invest in others by praying for them, that God would enter their hearts. Let us pick one of two people to encourage. O Holy Spirit, we surrender our lives to You that we may also be Your disciples, investing spiritually in the lives of others. Amen

Does It Need to Be Said

I sometimes struggle with this. I like to be involved in the conversation and put in my two cents (well probably fifty cents with inflation). I’ve heard the phrase, “There is a reason God gave you two ears and only one mouth!” There is that tendency, for some, to act as if we had two mouths and only ½ an ear. I often pray, as I head off to a Men’s Study on Wednesday mornings, “Lord, help me to know when to keep my mouth closed and when to speak up”. This concept isn’t just for a social setting, but for at home with family, when we interact with someone at work, or wherever we happen to be. I might have shared this before, but I ran across the following poem today, “A wise old owl sat on an oak. The more he saw the less he spoke. The less he spoke the more he heard. Why can’t we be like that wise old bird.” There is so much to see, to observe, to soak in, and to ponder. When we always have to lead the conversation, we may miss out on a lot of what God wants us to see. James 1:19ff might be addressing anger, but it has greater implications too - “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” Our anger is often brought on because we don’t listen and consider where others were coming from. We read again in Proverbs 21:23, “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity”. Our tongue can be a dangerous thing. The more we speak, the more likely that sin will creep in through false witness, lying, coveting, and dishonoring. I believe that is what King Solomon was saying in Proverbs 10:19, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise”. The last verse that I was going to look at for now is Proverbs 18:13, “He who answers before listening — that is his folly and his shame”. We need to contemplate the damage that an untamed tongue can cause and commit to seeking to serve God more faithfully. I remember hearing someone challenge speakers to ask themselves three questions, which are, “Is it true?”, “Is It necessary?”, “Is it kind?” Those can good rules to follow, at least as a starting point. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. Lord, help me to take greater stock in what I say and direct me, by Your Holy Spirit, to bring the true words of life to others. Amen

Thoughts on Halloween

There are two “celebrations” that go back-to-back. There is, as many know, Halloween. Less known, even in the church, is the day after Halloween, which is All Saints Day. This second day was “to commemorate Christian martyrs and all those who have led conspicuously holy lives.” After the Reformation, led by Martin Luther, the church didn’t focus on the degree of holiness, but used it as “a day to remember and thank God for the faithful departed”. Saints, not being super-human Christians, but all who walk by faith, made saints in the blood of the lamb. As this festival was celebrated in the church, the night before became All Saints Eve or All Hallows Eve, thus getting the name Halloween. As All Saints Day focused on the saved, there was a day that addressed the opposite. I don’t believe the original intent was to give credence to “ghosties and goolies and long legged beasties and things that go bump in the night”. Today, there is the part of Halloween that is intended for “fun”, but there is also a very dark part of this night that is celebrated by those opposed to God and His word. Will someone who participates in Halloween festivities be struck down by God? I don’t believe so. Is it wise to give the Devil his own day? Probably not. If one wants to celebrate, make it a fall festival and dress in things less gruesome and offensive to God. Whether we want to believe it, there is a very dark part of spirituality that does include witches, warlocks, spells, fortune telling, calling up the dead, etc. This is not anything that believers should take lightly. There was a time that there was a clear distinction between good and evil. The good characters always wore white (representing holy) and witches, Dracula, werewolves, demonic, spells, fortunetellers, etc. were evil and roamed in the night. Now, Hollywood has made some of these “evil” characters the “good” guys. The line has become blurred. How? We haven’t made it clear and the world has taken advantage of that. You may be thinking I am overly sensitive. The book & movie series on Harry Potter caused thousands of people to dig deeper into witchcraft and I believe many joined Covens (gathering of witches) because of it. Do kids remember Halloween or All Saints Day? We must live wisely. Father, give us discerning hearts. Show us how in this season, we can be a light to the world and remember the faithful. Amen

There Are No Partial Believers

I remember reading somewhere that when the assembly line at the Ford Company was beginning, Ford would always put the laziest person on the section that took the most time. Why? He was looking for an expert. You may think that is a contradiction, but Ford knew that if anyone could find the fastest and easiest way to get something done, it would be the slacker. Once that person found the fastest way to do it, Ford would remove that person and put someone who would faithfully fill that gap. I hear from employers about entitled workers that are less reliable, want more money and benefits, but fewer hours. They don’t realize that it was a solid work ethic that brought our country to where it is. There are more people than ever that want the government to take care of them, taking from those that are already working, and giving it to those who don't want to work. We are quickly getting to be a people that want all the benefits, but don’t want to work for it. I think how years ago, people complained that the problem with our country was that prayer wasn’t allowed in school. My recall is that many of those that complained about not being able to pray in school were not praying at home or teaching their children to pray. There was a time that parents were the main source of education, spiritually, scholastically, and especially morally. Now, churches teach spiritual things, schools teach education (and are babysitters), and schools and media try to take over the moral education (or lack thereof). I read something that really rang true for our day - “Most people would not want to live where there are no churches but many people live as though there were no churches.” We know that without churches, the country would spiral downward very quickly and the form of government that would arise would likely have far fewer freedoms and protections. People want the churches around, even though many complain about moral teaching, because churches generally provide a serving, loving, caring people, and moral compass for the nation. If the churches die, so will much of the culture as we know it today. Father, open the hearts of our communities, that they might be receptive to Your word. Lead us as Your ambassadors. Amen

God Reigns Supreme

I think that we have become a nation that doesn’t take the Devil seriously. There are those that enter our schools while publicly identifying as Satan worshipers. We see movies that seem to glorify the things that were once associated with spiritual darkness. Most people, if asked, would describe the Devil as being red, carrying a “pitch fork” and having a pointed tail. We have jokes about the Devil and those that go to hell. What we are greatly lacking is a healthy awareness of His power and that of his demons. Luther didn’t miss that in “A Mighty Fortress”. The third verse clearly declares that there are many demons, just as the possessed man in the Bible spoke of being filled with multiple demons. “And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us; The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him.” Even though we are surrounded with a spiritual battle taking place between angels and demons, and even though you and I have no power and authority over them, God has promised triumph to all who walk by faith. Where do we find this triumph? In the truth of His word and in Him who is Truth. Even though the Devil is threatening disaster and judgement upon us, we will not fear, for God’s authority and words destroy the Devil’s power. When Jesus told a demon to leave someone, it had to obey. Through faith in Christ, we have been given the authority to rebuke the Devil. The word that God gives us, the Bible, and the prophetic word of God exist whether we believe or the Devil agrees. “That word above all earthly pow’rs, no thanks to them, abideth; The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth; Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.” God pours out his Holy Spirit and His gifts on His people. He pours His Holy Spirit on us, equipping us and fulling His word. We are being called to love God more than we love family and our life... take up your cross and follow Jesus. They can attack us physically, but only God determines our eternity. He rules all things. Father, again we see Your might, Your power, Your promise, and the assurance of eternal life to all who believe. To You be glory. Amen

A Mighty Fortress

This hymn was forged in the midst of a battle for solid Biblical understanding. Tradition tells us that Martin Luther, the great reformer, wrote the words of the hymn “A Mighty Fortress”, but the tune was taken from a popular song, possibly played in the bars. This paints a picture of Luther, a man that didn’t try to push his authority over the people but brought the word to the people so that they could read it. Likewise, it appears that he also took the music that had meaning for them and crafted the powerful words of the hymn we are looking at. Understand, the church of the day had quite a few practices that were contrary to the word of God such as works were necessary to enter heaven, the selling of forgiveness (indulgences), praying to those other than God, etc. As Martin Luther battled the church for truth, he became very aware of all those leaders that wanted to see him dead. He saw much of it as the work of the Devil. The first verse speaks of the sea. “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing: For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; His craft and pow’r are great, and, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.” A bulwark was a defensive wall or a breakwater to prevent the sea from overwhelming the area it protected. The flood water represented a flood of worldly and devilish attacks. We are reminded not to under-estimate the power of the devil. He is incredibly powerful, fueled by hatred. Luther goes on to say that on earth, the Devil has no equal. The second verse continues, “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same, And He must win the battle.” Then, at the heart of the battle for truth, Luther states his great discovery... that we are not saved by works, but rather by grace through faith in Christ. Clearly, we cannot battle the powers of the Devil on our own. Our hope rest solely in Jesus who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is our hope, and He has won the victory. Father, thank You for reformers like Martin Luther. Help us fight the good fight. Amen

Taking the High Road

There was a time when people tried to achieve the best. It wasn’t about doing just enough to get by but pushing themselves to do better. Now it seems that we are so focused on not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings that we keep lowering the standards. Years ago, we used to have the highest scores in education, and now we are a long way down from the top. It seems we expect less because we don’t want anyone to feel bad, so have failed to push for excellence. There seems to be an effort to lower standards so that no one loses, but in the process, it is becoming a reality that no one really wins. We allow men to participate in women’s sports because they identify as a woman, which is unfair to biological women. I believe God’s word tells us He created them male and female. If, however, there are those that feel they need that classification, they can compete among those of similar identity. We see entrance tests to get into colleges have been lowered to accommodate those that are politically correct to receive, but in the end, hurt to whole focus of a higher learning institution. Sadly, I see this same mind set falling into the hearts of “Christians”. We generally teach less, demand less of the students, try to entertain them so we don’t lose them. The parents need to be pushing for their children to learn and grow in the faith. About 150 years ago, Sunday School didn’t even exist, as the parents educated the children at home and they grew together in faith as families came to church. Many have even softened their stance on sin. We not only see churches not standing on God’s definition of male and female, but we often don’t even seem offended by the couple that lives together before marriage or just chooses not to get married. I think we are often afraid to address sin because we don’t want to offend anyone, but to soft pedal on sin is extremely offensive to God and will likely have eternal consequences when it comes to the final judgement. I read a great quote today, “When the Lord's white sheep become dirty gray, all black sheep feel more comfortable.” Down grading the consequence of sin helps no one. The one who sins is still guilty. There is no pressure or expectation not to sin. Those that are sinning are unphased. Lord, may we always desire to give our best in service to You. May our sins, all kinds, grieve us as we know they grieve You. Amen

It Takes so Little to be Kind

The world is filled with wonderful people. The problem is that we often only remember or focus on the ones that didn’t treat us well. I’m not going to say that I never complain, but in general, I usually try to be nice to most people. I had just returned home after a long drive. Maybe I gave off a sense of being tired, or even non-caring. If I did, that wasn’t my intention. Maybe I didn’t pay close attention to those that might have been friendlier. There was someone that came up to me in the produce section, pointing out what to look for so that I got great produce. The rest of the contacts weren’t so encouraging. I was ready to check out and was standing in the self-checkout line. A spot opened, and before I could react, a mother and daughter walked by me and took that spot. I wasn’t feeling too appreciated. Then it was my turn. I had a few items which I checked through quickly and efficiently. As I was paying, a worker was looking over my shoulder to see what I was doing. When I was all done, she then asked if everything was going ok. I’m not used to a worker staring over my shoulder. She could clearly see, before she asked, that I was having no issues. Then as I headed out to my car, there was a family that stopped to visit someone right by the exit door. It is starting to get a little cooler so keeping the sliding door open was letting a lot of cold in. On top of that, the children were running in and out, assuring that the doors wouldn’t close. I had to navigate around them to get out. I bet you are thinking I am going to compare those I experienced tonight with the unfaithful in God’s word. I might have started with that in mind, but realized, more importantly was my actions, or lack thereof. I kind of glared at the two the moved in front of me at the checkout. Not a good witness on my part. Why did I let it bother me? With the worker staring over my shoulder, I could have said something constructive, encouraging, or even thanked her for her concern. I failed again. As far as those in the doorway? I could have politely asked them to move away from the door if it was that important. How hard is it to be kind and love one another? It’s not. Holy Spirit, teach us to love others with the love You have for us. May they see You in us and not an ungrateful heart. Amen

Is It Safe?

I needed a few items from the store in a large town at about 11 pm. I didn’t know the areas of town were good and what areas were more dangerous. When I used to live here about 30 years ago, we lived right on the edge of a bad neighborhood. We were considered safe, but within a number of blocks, it was labeled as being somewhat dangerous. I asked the person working the desk at the hotel if it was a safe area. He declared that it was very safe. It got me thinking of C.S.Lewis and the Chronicles of Narnia. In this allegory of the Christian faith, the story tells of the Lion, Aslan who represents Jesus Christ. As the children are told of the coming of this lion, they ask the question, “Is He safe?”. The answer was, “No! But He is good!” Sometimes, we are so wrapped up in being comfortable and secure that I think we shut ourselves off to being used by God. What do I mean? If you want to be comfortable and secure, would you really be open to go into the mission field in another country without assurances of safety? Would you be open to serving in a food kitchen, inner city, or go on a mission trip where life is likely to be unpredictable and a little uncertain? God doesn’t call us to be safe and secure. He doesn’t call us to retire and relax. He calls us to follow Him... to be faithful... to be open to His call... to take up our cross and follow him. I recently heard a prayer in church that petitioned that we might live peaceable and prosperous lives. My first thought was, “No”... is that what God is calling us to do? Since when has our wellbeing been the number one priority in Christian living? It has not. It actually seems about as opposite as we can get. Paul tells us that if we are faithful in our Christian life, we will face persecution. That doesn’t sound safe to me! So, what did it mean in the Chronicles of Narnia to call “Jesus” not safe but good? Was it safe for Jonah? Moses? Abraham? the Apostles? Christians in the early church? Etc. Was it safe for Charlie Kirk? No! But God used each one of them in powerful ways in the church. Some died, but the good news is, that by faith, they entered into heaven. In faith, God uses us to accomplish His will. Father, we tend to define good by getting what we want. You show that good is when lives are transformed and souls are saved. Amen

Don’t Get Sidetracked

I drove across the state to get to a Pastor’s Conference. My plan was to get to the hotel first, check in, and then join the others for the evening meal. I left plenty of time to accomplish that. The problem is, a couple of things came up that I needed to attend to and by the time I got to the town I was headed for, I just barely got there in time for the meal. It wasn’t a planned interference, but it threw the schedule off anyway. Have you ever experienced those pesky distractions? Maybe you are doing things around the house or out in the garage. There is a specific task in mind. As you begin the work, you get sidetracked by this and then that and then.... I hear people say that they were just multitasking. The reading that I have done indicates that multitasking usually takes longer than focusing just on tasks. I know there are exceptions, but staying focused can be very beneficial. I sometimes find that happening when I try to study God’s word. I start in one place, and then it reminds me of something else. By the time I follow those rabbit trails, I don’t get the original work done and only have bits and pieces of other things. There are also times that God puts a name on my heart or there is something I know that I should do, and for whatever reason, I find other things that I need to do (which were important) and run out of time to do what I had planned. My delay might reduce the benefit it might have been. Was my delay a genuine need, or was I avoiding what was set before me? I think the Devil likes to play games with us, trying to set us up to fall or fail. After stating the importance of not getting sidetracked, there are times that we need to be open to the possibility that our plan is just that...ours. If it is our schedule, and not something that we feel God leading us too, God may have different plans. Just be available to God’s leading. I am not trying to confuse you, but rather warning that we must differentiate between our priority and God’s call. I bet Jonah was busy when God called him to go to Nineveh. Moses was busy when God called him to go to Egypt to set God’s people free. The disciples were busy when Jesus called them to follow Him. Stay focused but also stay available so that you might not miss opportunities. Father, clear my mind of earthly wants and desires and tune my heart and mind to Your will and desire. To You be glory. Amen

A Beautiful Statement

There are a lot of things that I have heard said during my ministry, but I think I heard one of the most beautiful phrases this evening. We were gathering with some of the youth in our congregation. We dug into the Bible, did some crafts, played a few games, and generally had a nice evening. Towards the end of the time, one of the youth asked, "Can I bring a friend with me next time?" It may sound like a simple statement, but in that statement was a desire to share what we were experiencing. I also remember this same person sharing what he had learned with some others - family and friends. Learning should never be our own private group. I have said it before, and I say it again... we are to be ambassadors to the world. That starts in the church and at home and spreads out from there. Imagine if everyone in the church brought a friend with them. What a glorious day that would be. There is definitely a movement right now, after Charlie Kirk was martyred, to start reaching out to our youth and any who would listen. There seems to be revival taking place, and it is beginning with our youth. They are tired of mind games and false agendas. The are looking for reality and they are finding it in God’s word. Praise God. I think there are always people seeking the truth... Jesus but some times are more fruitful. I was reading in Luke 10, “After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.” There are people that want to hear, and sometimes there are not people ready to go. We need to be praying for more people submit to God and take up the call. Some of the places where the word needs to be taken is in areas that are hostile to Christianity, but if no one goes, how will they have a chance. One hymn said, “How sweet would be their children's fate, if they, like them, could die for thee!” Father, raise up men and women that are all in for You. Whether ministry near home or in distant lands, use us. Amen

Preparing for What Is Yet to Come

If you are in professional sports, you don’t just run out on the field and start playing. There is a lot of preparing that needs to be done. You need to get to know your teammates and learn their strength, weaknesses, and habits. You need to learn the plays so that when you are on the field, you will know what is expected of you. You need to practice things over and over until they get to be second nature. You need to strength train for power and endurance, depending on the sport you are in. There is a lot that needs to be done before you step out onto the field against another team. I think many jobs have their own share of things that must be done in order to operate at peak performance. Why is it that so often we don’t see that in our own Christian walk? There are many who claim to be followers of Jesus, but they go through life without any real preparation. How can we prepare each day? We can offer up a prayer of thanksgiving that God brought us through the night. Even before stepping out of bed, we can ask God to direct our thought, our actions, and our hearts. If possible, it is good to have some devotion time with the Lord. This might include a book that has mini-messages, or even someone that writes words to encourage us in our Christian faith. I think it is important to make sure the Bible is the main text we use in any sort of devotional. People can have good things to say that challenge and encourage us, but God’s instruction in His Word is priceless. Throughout the day, we can be lifting up short prayers as needs and praises come to mind. Especially if we get the opportunity to visit with someone, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to lead us in that interaction. This preparation is especially important when it comes to worship. To get the most out of the service, it starts long before we get there. We can lift up the pastor and musicians, that they might lead us in this time of worship. Praying for the pastor throughout the week can be important as we want God to speak through him. We can be praying that God would prepare our hearts to receive the message that is given and fill our hearts with a passion and desire to meet Jesus there. We can also lift up those worshiping with us. Prepare... then let God lead. Holy Spirit, help us to always be prepared for whatever You have in mind for us today. Equip us for Your work. Amen

The Little Things Matter

With some of the warmer weather we have had, I have noticed a resurgence of bugs. Not too many, but enough to be an issue. I try to wash the windows when I get gas, but sometimes there is quite a few days in between fillings. One or two don’t seem too bad, but they keep adding on to each other. I still can see ok, but then if it rains, the windshield wipers make a real mess of things. We could say the same thing about littering. If only one person did it, it would be a little unsightly, but passable. However, if everyone did just a little, or I did a little quite often, it would definitely add up. When it comes to sin, we like to categorize them as big or little sins. Killing someone is a big sin and telling a white lie is a little sin or maybe not a sin at all. That is not what the Bible says! “The wages of sin are death”. It doesn’t specify the type or severity of sin. Jesus didn’t die just for the "big" sins, but for all sins. Why is this such a big deal? Because very few people started off with despicable actions. It usually started with sin that seemed harmless. Trouble is, when sin is left unchecked, whether we feel it is big or small, it grows and causes greater damage. In 1 John 1:8-10, we are told, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” If we don’t acknowledge that sin, we deceive ourselves and God’s truth does not reside in us. If we claim we have not sinned, we deny God’s word, make Him out to be a liar, and basically declare that Jesus' death on the cross was not necessary. In the middle of those verses, we are told that if we confess our sins, acknowledge our failures, and turn back (repent) to God, not only doesn’t He hold that sin against us, but He removes all unrighteousness from us. Too often we get wrapped up with trying to categorize levels of sin rather than see the damage that sin does. We try to justify that sin or make it easier to accept than to see the death and destruction that lays in its path. We can never un-sin or put lipstick on it to make it seem more acceptable. We can only believe and confess. Father, help us to grieve even the “little” sins and to admit our part. In Your mercy, forgive our sins and set us free. Amen

Actions Have Consequences

Some years ago, a Walmart employee that got arrested for writing down people’s credit card numbers and then using it for her own gain. They didn’t have to check the cameras. They didn’t have to break her in a long interrogation. They just had to look at the receipt. “Why?”, you might ask. She put her name on the receipts so that she could claim her employee discount. The world is made up of all kinds of people. We are creatures of habit that don’t always think about the consequence of our actions. Someone might find money on the ground and keep it, saying, “Finders, keepers”. What if that was all that person had to live on for the next few weeks. Is my ‘want’ greater than the wellbeing of another? Maybe we are upset, and an employee does something that hits us the wrong way. We may tell someone else about what we perceived as terrible behavior without realizing that we were just venting. That action, however, might be the final straw that gets that person fired...again, maybe taking their source of income. When driving, we may not like someone that is honking their horn behind us and looking like they will pass us, even if it is dangerous. We may try to prevent that because we want to teach them a lesson. What if they are trying to get to the hospital because of a medical emergency? Maybe someone is seeking a church, as they have not gone in a while. As they ask if we know anything about a certain church, we respond either by ignoring their question and trying to get them to come to our church or we start to cut down that church because they have a different worship style. Either of those responses, if coming from selfishness, could turn them away from church again. Our words, our actions, and even our silent judgement of others can either build someone up or tear them down. I think it is James that talks about praise and worship coming from our mouth. He also says that out of the same mouth comes cursing and speaking wicked things. He clearly declares that should not be. Neither should our careless use of words tear down others. Let us lift up one another, encouraging them to be their best. Father, help us to use our words carefully and keep us from speaking words that might tear down another. You are our life. Amen