Month: June 2018

I recently had a very interesting discussion with three Christian friends about social media in general and Facebook in particular. The one thing we all agreed on is that our personal, face to face discussion is much more enlightening and rewarding and our friendship much deeper than any online encounter. Keeping social media from interfering with those personal relationships or our time with God in prayer and Bible study is a real concern in this tech age. A study in Great Britain recently found generation Y is lonelier than any other generation. They spend a lot of time with their many “friends” on Facebook and “followers” on Twitter, but that doesn’t satisfy their inner hunger for close personal relationships and human contact for which we were created.

There are other problems with electronic media. There is a lack of clear communication. I have found texting is the easiest way to be misunderstood. Texts are usually brief thoughts lacking detail and context. It is so easy for a text message to be taken in a way that was never intended. I have never used twitter but I would think it would have the same limitations as texts. Emails are often more detailed but they still lack the nuance of a personal conversation.

Facebook has additional pitfalls. Instead of posting their own feelings and experiences, most people share posts from others or from websites with a specific bias. Some of those sites promote stereotyping and  hateful name calling. Coming across those hateful posts can trigger anger and hatred in response. I don’t have anger issues, but I feel sad that people actually feel that way about anyone. My temptation is to try to calm them down and correct the lies and half-truths usually found in such posts. Instead of opening a respectful dialog, that usually just escalates and redirects the hatred toward me, especially from like-minded friends of the person sharing the original post. Some people are quick to unfriend anyone with whom they disagree. I have never unfriended anyone. I just scroll quickly past those shared posts and react with encouragement to their positive posts about family.

I’ve heard people say the internet or social media is evil. That is certainly not universally true. Technology of any kind is only a tool that can be used for good or evil depending on the user.

I’ve seen evidence that the “Father of Lies” is online, but I have also reconnected with old friends and found kindred spirits around the world that I never would have gotten to know and appreciate without social media. We simply must be very careful not to let social media interfere with our love of God or personal relationships with family and friends around us every day who deserve our love and attention.

I am thankful for the discernment of the Holy Spirit that helps me recognize the lies and hate, even when they are sugar or chocolate coated to make them more attractive and palatable. Satan used out of context scripture to temp Jesus and he is still using that tactic on us. When we know the scriptures and get the full context of them from the Holy Spirit, we will be able to avoid the enemy’s traps.

 

 

God’s presence is so strong in our worship services at CLC lately. There have been a few times our pastor skipped the sermon completely as we continued in praise and worship until the invitation was given and more than a few people responded to the conviction of the Holy Spirit to accept Christ as their personal savior. I believe that atmosphere is as close to heaven as we can experience in this life on earth, as we join the angels celebrating those lost lambs who’ve been found and those sons and daughters who’ve been added to God’s family. Jesus said, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20) He always keeps that promise.

I leave the sanctuary walking on air, but then life happens.  God begins to seem a little more distant. In the midst of turmoil and trouble I used to wonder if He was still there at all, but when those feeling start creeping in, I’m reminded of Paul’s assurance to the church in Rome, “No power in the sky above or the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39) and I can say with King David, “I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”  (Acts 2:25)

My emotions or feelings aren’t necessary. I know He is always there whether I feel His presence or not, because God isn’t just walking beside me – His Holy Spirit dwells in my heart. I remember after the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, they installed a direct line between the White House and Moscow. That hot line provided instant communication between the two atomic super powers so there would be no possibility of misunderstanding or accidentally starting a war. That line was regularly tested to make sure it would work when needed. The Holy Spirit provides us with a direct hot line to God, but it isn’t just there for emergencies. When we pray, we open up that line so we can praise God and thank Him for all of the blessings we receive; ask Him for specific help or guidance; and pray for others in need. It is a two-way line of communication for God to use to speak to us too. The more we use that hot line, the better it works. God is never more than a prayer away.

It boggles the mind to think that God can communicate with you, me and a billion other Christians throughout the world at various times or all at once, but God is not limited by time or space. “All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.” (Jude 1:25)

I want to leave you with the chorus of another of my favorite Gospel songs. “God was in time for the children of Israel to cross the mighty Red Sea. He was on time when the walls of Jericho fell at Joshua’s feet. Every time I feel discouraged, I don’t have to wonder where He’ll be. God’s been in time, on time, every time for me.”

 

We all go through certain stages in our life. Parents have experienced the stage called the “terrible twos” when a child begins to test their limits and express their independence. That is just a rehearsal for the rebellious stage of the teenage years. Then, somewhere between 35 and 45 we go through a stage called “mid-life crisis”. I was a Christian during my teens and middle age. I think that may have toned down my feelings during those stages, but they were still there and very real. I have heard people talk about another stage called “second childhood”, but I’m not really familiar with that one. At 75, I’m still not quite finished with my first one yet.

A good friend and Christian brother said he heard a song on the radio that spoke to him in a very personal way. The song is Tightrope and you know if there are meaningful lyrics anywhere I will share them with you, so here is a portion of that song. “Can’t pretend that I’m blind; can’t go back and erase the mind. Naivety and wide-eyed wonder are far from me, but at least now I see it’s like I’m walking on a tightrope stretched across the universe way too high to go back from where I came and overwhelmed at the miles I’ve yet to tame. I’m too far in to turn around now and I’ve got too far to go to sit down now; too far in, too far to go. Hanging there in space my toes gripping the rope, it’s the only hope; that golden thread that got me here will be the same that brings me to the end. I know You’re with me. You surround me. Your invisible hand is around me in this uncomfortable in between where I’m too far in to turn around now.”

Isn’t that a great description of the mid-life crisis we all go through? It has been years since I felt that way, but I can still revisit those feelings of anxiety and helplessness. It really did seem at the time that I was on a high wire working without a net, but no safety equipment is needed when God’s strong arm is around you. I’m much closer to the end of my sometimes scary, always exciting journey. My mental and spiritual balance are still strong as I near the platform at the end of life’s tightrope, but physically I inch along slowly and carefully with a cane in each hand for balance and support while thanking God for His assuring arm around me knowing that He will get me safely to my destination walking with me each step of the way.

Over and over again in the Psalms, we read of the danger, fear, despair and helplessness the writer experienced in his life. But in every instance he called out to God for relief and He was always there and He will always be there for us when we turn to Him.

 

I have always tried to be very honest when describing my experiences and observations.  I try to share a true picture of life as a follower of Christ in this world. When you accept Christ as your Savior, your life does not suddenly change for the better – you do! Your reaction to life will drastically change and that will make all the difference. Yes, there will be times of great blessing, answered prayer and a taste of heaven in God’s presence, but in spite of what the prosperity preachers tell us, while we are on this earth there also will be suffering, trials and even heartache. You may even face additional attacks from those who hate God and anyone who loves and follows Jesus. The big advantage of being a Christian is that you no longer have to face hardships alone. God told Isaiah, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2) Paul wrote, “In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” (Romans 8:17-18)

There is a song by The Martins titled The Promise that blesses me so much every time I hear it. The lyrics describe our realistic walk with God much better than I ever could. “I never said that I would give you silver or gold or that you would never feel the fire or shiver in the cold, but I did say you’d never walk through this world alone and I did say don’t make this world your home. I never said that fear wouldn’t find you in the night or that loneliness was something you’d never have to fight, but I did say I’d be right there by your side and I did say I’ll always help you fight. I didn’t say you’d never taste the bitter kiss of death or walk through chilly Jordan to enter into rest, but I did say I’d be waiting right on the other side and I did say I’ll dry every tear you cry. Because you know I made a promise that I intend to keep, my grace will be sufficient in every time of need. My love will be the anchor that you can hold onto. This is the promise, this is the promise I made to you. Because you know I made a promise that I’ve prepared a place and someday sooner than you think you’ll see me face to face and you’ll sing with the angels and a countless multitude. So just keep on walking, don’t turn to the left or right and in the midst of darkness, let this be your light that hell can’t separate us and you’re going to make it through. This is the promise, this is the promise I’ve made to you.”

When I lost my wife of fifty years and had no family to which to turn for solace, God provided a large family of Christian brothers and sisters to give me love and support. He didn’t promise me a perfect life in His service, but He has made this life worth living and I know there is a perfect life waiting for me with Him when my my time here comes to an end. Life doesn’t get more real than that.

A friend told me about two churches in my city that have been hosting a free community dinner each month. One event is on the first Thursday and the other on the third Thursday. Most of the attendees are elderly people on fixed income like me, but there are a few people with children and others who are just lonely. The atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. It is perfect for making new friends and sharing experiences. The food is always plentiful and good, especially the homemade desserts. Several supermarkets sponsor the events by providing food and church members volunteer to prepare and serve the meals. There is always plenty for seconds and for some people to take home. There is a prayer over the food and attendees, but it is the loving, friendly service of the volunteers that demonstrates the love of Christ without words. In July, a third church will begin hosting dinner on the second Thursday.

Last month was my first time attending the third Thursday dinner. I got there late and had to park on the far side of the parking lot. They were having an outdoor cookout. When they saw me hobbling up, one person found a chair and put it at the end of a table so I wouldn’t have to walk far on the grass. Another person volunteered to go through the serving line for me and brought back a plate full of food. I exchanged names with everyone at my table and struck up a conversation with a retired couple sitting next to me. It was their first time at a community dinner so I told them about the one I had attended a couple of times on the first Thursday. We exchanged phone numbers to keep in touch between dinners. She even called me later that evening to make sure I made it home safely. When we ran out of lemonade a woman at our table asked a young man if there was some more. When he came back with a pitcher her husband recognized him as the pastor and told his wife, “You went right to the boss.” I love his response, “God is the boss. I’m Adam.” After the meal, I stood to leave and Adam asked if he could go get my car and pull it around for me. I appreciated his “valet service”.

This past Thursday, my friend couldn’t make it and my new friends were sitting at another table. By the time they saw me and invited me to join them, someone was already getting my food so I told them I would sit with them next time. A sweet little lady with a walker and long snow white hair sat next to me. She introduced friends who brought her and said her name is Alice, “Like Alice In wonderland”. She has a wonderful personality and outlook on life that makes me think everywhere she goes is “wonderland”. She told me with a smile that she is happy to be old. I told her I feel blessed to have made it this far too.

I’m sharing all of this because I would love to see these community dinners pop up everywhere. It is a great way for Christians to share the love of God in a very tangible manner providing both food and fellowship. Since each church only hosts once a month it doesn’t become a burden and is an event to which volunteers and attendees alike can look forward.

 

 

The laptop I am using to write this has Windows 10 and periodically Microsoft will make updates to the system. Sometimes the update includes new background photos that display during the boot up process. This last update produced a very peaceful photo of a park. A wide walkway with a row of trees on both sides and benches lining the right side of the walkway as far as the eye can see. It is a pleasant, peaceful photo. The next time it came up I noticed in the left of the photo was a canal or small river running parallel to the walkway and then I realized there were no people in the photo; not one person walking or sitting on the benches. It was then that I saw through the lower tree branches the sun was just coming up on the horizon. Now I know the photo was taken very early in the morning. It wasn’t until the fifth or sixth time I viewed the photo that I looked up above the tree tops and saw a tall, familiar structure. It was the Eifel Tower and for the first time I realized the photo was taken in Paris, France.

Whether we are looking at a photo or at our life, we tend to concentrate on the details and sometimes in doing so we overlook the obvious. It isn’t until we look up that we begin to see how the details form the big picture. God knows every tiny detail of our life, but He sees those details as part of the much larger picture He has planned for us. He knows where we have been; where we are now and where we are going. It isn’t until we look up to Him that we begin to see glimpses of that much bigger picture. Helen Keller once said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” We see our life from our point of view, but it takes vision to see it as God sees it.

I’m sure it doesn’t surprise any of the regular visitors to my blog that as I write about looking to God, the words of a song come to my mind. One of my favorite gospel music artists, Dotty Rambo, wrote this one. “Well I can’t see the sun with my head to the ground. Tears dim my vision and weigh my heart down, but I get this feeling when I kneel to pray; when I lift up my head and He lifts up my heart, my troubles just all roll away. When I’m down; when I’m down and out; when my heart is filled with fear and doubt; then I lift up my head and He lifts up my heart and my troubles just all roll away.”

I was always taught to bow my head in prayer, but in later years, I have gotten so much more from my prayer life by lifting my hands and my eyes toward heaven and the One who sees the complete picture. He has the answers to all of my questions and the solutions to all of my troubles.

 

Do you remember how you felt right after you accepted Christ as your savior? Remember that powerful feeling of walking on air with your head in the clouds knowing that all things are possible? Remember the desire to share your Good News with everyone you met? Remember how you longed to learn more about God and draw even closer to Him through Bible study and prayer? Remember how you looked so forward to going to church to worship and fellowship with other Christians? Has that powerful driving force gradually given way to the cares and responsibilities of your daily life or have you been able to maintain your initial enthusiasm?

Most of us not only need to remember, but we need to revisit the powerful love of God we felt and the love and praise we felt for Him in return. My church has a First Love Conference every year with special worship services and guest speakers to not only remind us of our first love, but to help us regain that energy and desire to serve and draw closer to Him. What did we do when we were new born babes in His Spirit? Do it all again! Did you pray without ceasing? Do it again! Did you witness to everyone around you? Do it again! Did you read and study God’s word daily? Do it again! Did you worship Him with all of your heart, mind and spirit at every opportunity? Do it again! That is how you reactivate the power and energy of the Holy Spirit within you; “the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead”. (Romans 8:11) That is all the power you will ever need to get back to where God wants you to be.

Although our relationship with God is primary in importance, other relationships often need to be revitalized too. Want to feel once more the thrill of falling in love with your husband or wife? Do and say the things you did back then. Did you dress up and go out to dinner together? Do it again with a regular scheduled date night! Did you give unexpected gifts to each other? Do it again! Did you find little ways to express your affection? Do it again! You will find that the flame you thought had died down or even died out is not only still there, but is burning even brighter now than it did on your wedding day.

Returning to your first love, whether it is God, your spouse or someone else very close to you, is easy. All you have to do is concentrate on your contribution to the relationship instead of waiting for them to make the first move. If you haven’t already experienced the thrill of renewed love, give it a try and you will never want it to end.

 

I have had neither the privilege nor the responsibility of raising a child so you might think this blog post about doing so will be very short. It might be hard to believe, but I was a child once and I have observed parents (including my own) doing their best. A friend once told me, “Most of parenting is getting mad at your kids for being just like you.”

Taking care of a child’s physical needs and making them feel loved is the foundation of good parenting, but it is also important to set boundaries for their protection. No matter how “childproof” your home might be there will still be no-nos. That enticing, dancing blue flame on the gas range is one example. “No-No! Don’t Touch! Hot!” Then as the child gets older and more independent, they push the boundary you have set and discipline is needed. Disciplining a child in our modern society is a little trickier than it was when I was young. “Experts” tell parents that spanking or even smacking a child’s hand will teach them violent behavior and harm their self-image. I only remember being spanked twice as a child. After that, one stern look from my mom reminded me of my boundaries. I think I straightened up for her sake as much as for mine. I knew how much she hated spanking me. The only lasting effect of that experience has been respect; for my parents, those in authority and other people and their property.

Children growing up without limits and discipline tend to have disrespect for all authority and reject any correction. I think that might be one of the reasons many people reject Christianity. They view it as restrictive and negative. They see the Ten Commandments from God as eight no-nos: don’t put any other god before Me; don’t make or worship any idols; don’t misuse My name; don’t murder; don’t commit adultery; don’t steal; don’t covet and don’t lie. Even the two positive commands to honor My Sabbath and keep it holy and honor your father and mother seem restrictive because they haven’t learned to respect their parents much less God.

God tells parents, “Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.” (Proverbs 13:24) “Discipline your children while there is still hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.” (Proverbs 19:18)

To children He says, “You will say, ‘How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings!’” (Proverbs 5:12) Our Heavenly Father tells us, “Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good.” (Deuteronomy 8:5) “My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline and don’t be upset when he corrects you.” (Proverbs 3:11)

Love not anger is the difference between discipline and abuse. Even when my parents corrected or disciplined me I felt their love. I never felt shame, guilt or anger. The enemy condemns and shames us when we stray beyond the boundaries, but not God. “I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.” (Revelations 3:19)