Month: May 2017

I’m not only old; I’m “old school”.  I am computer literate, but I don’t own a GPS or Smart Phone. When a wonderful family invited me to their rural home for Thanksgiving last year I looked up the address on MapQuest and printed directions. The directions involved a lot of turns and I was concerned about driving safely while navigating all of them correctly. Looking at the map I noticed that a highway I knew ran parallel with their street with Beecher Road connecting the two near their home.  I got on that highway and kept a close watch for Beecher Road but I never saw it and I knew I had traveled too far.  I turned around and stopped at a gas station.  I asked a man pumping gas how to get to Beecher Road.  He said, “I’m not from around here but let me check my app” as he pulled out his phone. He said, “It looks like Indiana Avenue becomes Beecher Road.” I had just crossed Indiana Avenue so I thanked him and arrived at my destination relieved although a little bit late.  Why am I sharing this story with you?  It illustrates what happens when we take control of life’s journey and try to get there our way.  The enemy simply changes one road sign and we wind up lost even when we think we are in familiar territory.

My wife and I both grew up in Evansville, Indiana. About 25 years ago we decided to visit our hometown for the first time in many years. This time the street signs were very familiar but nothing else looked the same.  We literally felt lost on streets that used to be so familiar.  Then we would see a cemetery, park, school or hospital and we knew exactly where we were and began to feel more comfortable. Those landmarks helped us navigate through once familiar territory.  Like our hometown, America’s culture and society have changed drastically in my lifetime.  I still hear familiar terms like “values,” “beliefs,” “honor,” “love” and “freedom” but they don’t seem to represent the things I remember.  Then while studying God’s word I find those eternal landmarks that help me navigate through this modern society.

I heard a joke recently about a man who bought a new refrigerator and put his old fridge in the front yard with a sign that said, “Free to a good home.” For three days no one took a second look at it. He thought they must think it is too good to be true so he changed the sign to “For sale $50”.  That night someone stole it.  Life in our society today is a lot like looking at the display in a store window with the price tags all out of place.  Things of little lasting value are expensive and greatly sought after while the things that are of real value are discounted and seemingly of little worth.

Don’t trust the signs!  Trust God, through His Holy Spirit, to be our GPS and tour guide.  He will show us the best route to get us to our destination and point out important landmarks along the way.  He will also teach us the true value of every piece of His creation including us and our relationships.

 

 

Every generation has produced believers whose gift is to share the truths of God in poetry set to music. Are their words, or even the words of this humble blogger, as powerful as God’s word? Of course not! But they are powerful because of God’s word.

I took a German course in high school and one of the projects was to translate the lyrics of a song from English to German. I can still sing the first verse and chorus of “You Are My Sunshine” in German (virtually the only German I remember). The problem was, by translating the meaning of each word correctly, I lost the poetry of rhythm and rhyme.   I believe that as powerful as the message of the Psalms is in English, they must have had even more power and impact in the original language of the songwriter.

If you frequent my blog you know that I love to quote the lyrics of sacred songs that have made my heart sing. (It’s a “joyful noise” when I sing them.) Classic hymns of the 1700s like “Amazing Grace” and “Rock of Ages”; those of the 1800s like “It Is Well with My Soul” and “Sweet Hour of Prayer”; those of the 1900s like “The Old Rugged Cross”, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” and “Because He Lives” have all blessed my soul with reminders of God’s love and grace. Gospel songs (more than I can list) and contemporary Worship music also provide me with inspiration and draw me closer to God as I sing or listen to them.

God continues to inspire poets in this century who write songs lifting the hearts of those who sing or listen to them. Very few of us will be around to enjoy all of the songs of the 2000s, but there will be no end of singing and dancing in our future home.

I want to leave you with a sample from two of my favorite worship songs.

“You make me brave. You make me brave. You call me out beyond the shore into the waves. You make me brave. You make me brave. No fear can hinder now the promises you made. As your love, in wave after wave crashes over me, crashes over me. For you are for us, you are not against us. Champion of heaven, you have made a way for all to enter in.”

“It is amazing grace. It is unfailing love; that you should take my place; that you should bear my cross. You laid down your life that I may be set free. Jesus, I sing for all that you’ve done for me.”

Mark Twain once wrote, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Overcoming inertia by taking that first action is never easy (just watch me stand up some time), but you can’t get anywhere without taking your first step in that direction.

There is an old joke about two drunks waiting for an elevator. When the doors opened the first drunk stepped in not realizing the elevator car was not there. He dropped about eight feet to the bottom of the elevator shaft then yelled up to his companion, “Watch out for that first step. It’s a doozy!”  Sometimes our first step is scary, but we must carefully move forward if we want to get anywhere.

“Belief” and “faith” are often interchangeable terms for us.  Even in the scriptures they often appear to be used in a similar way.  Believing that something is true is one thing, but putting that belief to the test by taking action requires faith.  Sometimes our first action is not just a step but a leap of faith.

A friend I met on Okinawa was a Green Beret.  He parachuted on a regular basis as part of his training and he once told me with a smile, “That first step is the hardest.” He would jump out of a perfectly good airplane by faith; faith in the aerodynamic design and quality of his parachute, faith in the person who packed his chute and faith in his own ability to guide the chute to a safe landing area.  No matter how many times he jumped, the leap always required his faith.  However, each time he landed safely, his faith was strengthened and increased.

Isn’t that the way it is for us as believers?  Our first and most important step of faith is when we believe Jesus died for our sins, confess our sins and accept His grace, mercy and eternal life. Then we take the next steps of faith; acknowledging Him before others and entering the grave and rising with Him to new life in the waters of baptism.  As we begin our new life, we rely on the power of His Holy Spirit within us (Romans 8:11) to keep us walking on the path He has prepared for us (Psalms 23:3-4).  Each step we take with Him requires our faith.  However, with each successful step our faith is strengthened and increased.

 

 

 

 

God’s word is awesome! When I accepted Christ as my personal savior, the King James Version of the Bible was all I had. Although the old English seemed stiff and strange to me at times, it was also beautifully poetic. The 23^rd Psalm is a great example that still resides in my memory. As I studied the scriptures at that young age a miracle took place; my heart understood that which my mind should have had trouble grasping. God’s word came alive and spoke to me as I learned about His majesty, power, love, grace and forgiveness through the words and actions of His Son. I also learned valuable lessons from the stories of men and women who turned to God and even those who turned away from Him.

Today we are blessed with some great modern translations of the Bible. If you have been following this blog you know that when I quote scripture it is from the NLT version unless otherwise noted. A friend who studies the original Hebrew and Greek tells me it is the most accurate of the modern translations. The Amplified version expands on the multiple meanings for words or phrases and the Message uses colorful descriptions. In addition to the English translations, the complete Bible has been translated into 553 languages, the New Testament into 1,333 languages and at least one book of scripture has been translated into 2,932 different languages and I’m sure translators are working hard on new ones as I write this. Which of them is the inspired word of God? All of them!

How can that be? It is because the inspired word of God is not about language; it is about God’s message to us. As long as His message resonates within us, we can be sure it is His inspired word. The miracle of God’s word is that it comes alive when seekers and believers read it. The message impacts each of us in a very personal way. There are times when a verse or passage literally jumps off the page at me when I need it most. There are other times when I am reading a very familiar verse or passage and my mind is opened to a whole new aspect that I had never thought of before that has specific application for me now.

Three of the Gospels record these words of Jesus, “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31 and Luke 21:33) John’s Gospel describes Jesus as the living Word of God.

My daily devotions are taking me through the entire Bible again this year and after finishing the book of Judges with all of its violence, disobedience and chaos, the book of Ruth is like a breath of fresh air.  Set in that same period when the nation of Israel was in such turmoil, Ruth is the story of love, loyalty and faith within one family.  It also has special meaning for me because on December 7, 1963, Carol and I stood at the altar of a small Baptist church in Baldwin, Missouri, and before God and those assembled we exchanged our vows from the book of Ruth: “Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:  Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)

Love and loyalty are precious gifts to be given and received with thanksgiving and praise to God.  Ruth’s love and loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of both of their husbands took her to Bethlehem where she met Boaz.  She was rewarded by God with a loving marriage to Boaz with descendants that include not only King David but also the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

God still rewards love and loyalty.  The story of Helen Keller, who was born deaf and blind, is a story of love and loyalty between Helen and her teacher.  Their relationship has been immortalized in the play and movie “The Miracle Worker”.  Anne Sullivan’s love and loyal determination not only brought light into Helen’s dark, silent world, but it also brought Helen’s wonderful insight and perspective into our world.  Helen went on to become the first deaf and blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and her life and her words have long been an inspiration to me.  One story that I love is when Anne tried to tell Helen in sign language about God and she immediately responded in signs, “I know that”.

As I read the book of Ruth and reminisce about our wedding vows, one of my favorite quotes from Helen Keller echoes in my mind: “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

 

One of my favorite worship songs proclaims, “I am no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God!” How do we become a child of God? The answer is found in Galatians 3:26, “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” When we are born anew spiritually through faith in Jesus Christ, we are freed from our old childish nature, becoming childlike instead; wide-eyed and in awe of our surroundings as we see them for the first time through the perspective of the Holy Spirit. Like infants and small children, we are like a sponge as our senses soak up all of the wonder of God’s creation around us. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children”. (Luke 18:16)

God has adopted us into His family through the life, death and resurrection of His only true Son, Jesus Christ. We are brothers and sisters of Jesus and all believers. No room for sibling rivalry or dissension in this family, only love and family unity. Just as children imitate their earthly parents, we imitate our heavenly Father because we are His dear children. (Ephesians 5:1) We begin to take on a family resemblance not just in our appearance, but in the way we walk and the way we talk. Our acts of love and service reflect Jesus just as His acts of love and service reflect those of His (and our) Father.

As a child of God we have family responsibilities. Our Heavenly Father requires and expects our obedience. In Hebrews 12:8 we read, “If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.” The key to our obedience is love.  Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” (John 14:15) We are commanded to honor our father and mother. It is the first commandment with promise. (Ephesians 6:2) There is a much greater promise for those who love and honor their heavenly Father. Not just a long and full life, but eternal life.

One last thought. “God wants full custody of His children – not weekend visitation.”

 

No, “one plus one equals one” is not new math.  As believers, we are very familiar with the Biblical definition of marriage. “This explains why a man leaves his mother and father and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” NLT (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7 and Ephesians 5:31) But I wonder if even those of us who have experienced it fully grasp the miracle of a husband and wife becoming one. It is oneness that goes far beyond uniting in the flesh to produce children.

A lot of marital problems and stress result when the husband and/or wife try to retain personal ownership of their feelings, hopes, dreams, blessings and burdens. When we become one as God ordained, everything each of us experiences is in joint ownership and has a direct effect on both husband and wife. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be conflict or differences as the two individuals merge into one. Some of the strongest marriages I know are between husbands and wives with very different strengths and weaknesses who have embraced each other’s strengths and understand each other’s weaknesses. When the two become one, they begin a life of shared experiences, feelings, worship and service.

My favorite Cracker Barrel server found out how much I love Southern Gospel music and she gave me two CDs she burned with 39 of her favorite Southern Gospel songs. I have been blessed by every song on her playlist, but one song written and performed by Mark Bishop touched me very deeply. It reminded me of how much Carol and I shared (good and bad) throughout our 50 years of marriage. I want to share the words of that song with you.

She had a good man with livestock and good land.

God gave them daughters and sons.

They worked every day, never failing to pray

to thank God for all He had done.

Job was renowned for the faith he had found

and his wife stood strong at his side.

For years she adored him, but now she cried for him

as their faith was tested and tried.

Long nights she lay weeping; it seemed God was heaping

more suffering than they both could bear.

The workers and the farm and the children all gone,

so broken she no longer cared.

Job could find no relief. She watched his pain and grief.

All he’d lost she had lost too.

She said “Just curse God and die”, fell to her knees and cried,

there was nothing else she could do.

Just say a prayer…a prayer for Job’s wife.

But by the grace of God such heartaches could enter your life.

Don’t judge her too harshly, till you’ve known her strife.

Just say a prayer; thank God you’re not there with the care of Job’s wife.

Amidst the turmoil of life it is so easy to take the gift of marriage for granted or to dwell on petty differences instead of celebrating unity.  I make it a habit to encourage every married couple I know to cherish every precious moment they share, especially on their wedding anniversary when they are already remembering the day they became one.

We read many occurrences in scripture of angels visiting humans. In a way I’m kind of glad I have not had that experience. Angels are awesome creatures. I know this because everyone’s immediate reaction is extreme fear. The first thing an angel must say is, “Don’t be afraid.”

I was surprised to read, “Therefore, angels are only servants – spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.” (Hebrews 1:14) I actually have something in common with one of those amazing beings. Last year my men’s group studied our church’s mission statement and then wrote our personal mission statements. I prayerfully wrote: “I have been called to study God’s Word, pray and follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit in order to encourage and inspire the next generation of believers through intercessory prayer; words (written and spoken) and a life of service. I vow to leave no inspiring or encouraging word unsaid; no kind or thoughtful deed undone and no mission for God incomplete.” An angel and I are both servants of Almighty God sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Wow!

An angel’s visit isn’t always overwhelming. Hebrews 13:2 tells us, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” Is it possible for an angel to take the form of a human or a human to become an angel? I can only speak from my recent experiences.

I lost my part time job from home the end of February. I was facing financial disaster. I asked every believer I know to pray for me and I trusted God for provision. By the end of April I was down to rock bottom but still believing God for answers and provision (Have you ever noticed that God lets us reach bottom to test our faith and prove to us He is the only one who can bring us out?)  A friend on Face Book mailed me a check with a note that God had put me on her heart. Then a Christian brother showed up at my door and told me God woke him up in the middle of the night and told him that he must help me as he handed me an envelope filled with cash. Others brought me food or invited me out to eat.  A possible new source of income has miraculously appeared and thanks to those angels in my life I am able to get by until God gets me back on my feet.

“I believe there are angels among us” is a song to which I can relate. Some may actually be angels in disguise, but most are simply believers who are servants caring for seekers and other believers. Isn’t it awesome that you or I can be an angel in the life of someone?

 

 

Have you ever been shy about sharing Jesus with others for fear that you would become tongue tied and embarrass yourself?  The enemy has given every believer that feeling at one time or another.  Those of us who have overcome it must never forget to encourage newer believers to rely completely on the Holy Spirit.  Jesus described to his disciples how to tell others about Him even in the most difficult situations they would ever face.  “You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers.  But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.  So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!” Luke 21:12-15

How can we ever accurately express how it felt when we accepted Jesus Christ as our savior and opened ourselves to God’s Holy Spirit?  The wonder of God’s love and the thrill of beginning a new life with Him seem beyond words.  But even Helen Keller, who was born deaf and blind, found words to describe her life changing transformation. “Once I knew only darkness and stillness… my life was without past or future… but a little word from the fingers of another fell into my hand that clutched at emptiness and my heart leaped to the rapture of living.”

God promises through His Holy Spirit not only to present us with opportunities to share Him with others, but to give us the right words and wisdom at the exact time they are needed.  When we allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us, His message will not be a canned speech to be memorized.  He knows the hearts and the needs of each person to whom we testify, so the words He puts in our mouth will be the exact words they need to hear at that moment, whether it is simply inviting them to worship next Sunday or introducing them to Jesus Christ.

A friend shared an experience with me recently that is a great example of how this whole process works.  After a noon Sunday service at CLC, she went down front to share some encouraging words with the pastor, but there were several people ahead of her so she turned to leave.  She noticed a young woman bent over in prayer as she continued toward the exit.  Just before she reached the doors she felt the tug of the Holy Spirit.  Turning around, her eyes again focused on that young woman.  She went up to her and asked if there was something she could pray with her about.   Startled, she replied that she was praying for God to send an older woman to show her how she could ever be worthy of heaven.  My friend began by explaining that none of us is worthy of heaven, but God’s love and grace make it possible for us to go there anyway.  That young woman poured out all of her guilt and doubt as my friend shared God’s word and her life experiences with her until the lights were turned out in the sanctuary.  She gave the young woman her contact information and told her to contact her any time she needed to talk to someone.  My friend described to me how they both left church that afternoon smiling broadly and walking on air.  When you are sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, you never know when you will be the answer to someone’s prayer.