Month: August 2018

When I was a Little League first baseman  in ages past, my long arms gave me an advantage getting to wide throws. My manager told me I had a boarding house reach. I did some research and found that before my time people would take temporary residence in boarding houses (somewhat like the bed and breakfasts of today). When meal time came the food would be placed on the table and it was every person for themselves. The person with the longest reach had the best chance of leaving the table full. I thought it was a neat phrase, even if my parents had taught me better table manners than that. I think all of us stretch to reach what we want – what looks good to us – without checking to see if it is really what we need.

God knows His plan for us and what the future has in store, but He only lights our path one step at a time because he also knows how we tend to get ahead of ourselves and put the cart before the horse (another of my parents’ favorite expressions). We live in an age of instant gratification and that tends to make us very impatient and in a constant rush, but that isn’t really something new. Reading about the Israelites after they escaped from Egypt, you get a sense of the same impatient demands. We need to learn from their mistakes and trust God’s leadership and timing to get us to the Promise Land on schedule without a forty year detour.

When I began walking with a cane, I soon discovered that getting in too big of a hurry could put me at risk. When the tip of the cane is firmly planted on the ground or floor it gives me full support, but when I reach out with it to speed up my progress, the tip is on edge and easily slides on the surface, suddenly leaving me with no support at all. I think it is that way in our walk with the Lord. When we trust Him one step at a time, we have full support, but when we begin reaching ahead on our own we slip, lose our balance and many times we fall.

I have become more patient in my old age. I don’t know if it is because I’m wiser or because I no longer have the energy to plow ahead on my own like I did when I was younger. I do know that God has never failed me when I stay on His timetable instead of my own. One reason God lights our path one step at a time is if we knew the trials ahead we might become worried or if we knew the blessings that lie ahead we might try to grab them before we are ready for them. I think another reason is that as a loving Father, He wants to surprise us with His gifts. There is a gospel song that states, “Expect the unexpected when God’s about to move. He will meet our every need in ways we wouldn’t choose. Be still and know He’s in control, His power will come through. Expect the unexpected and watch what God will do.”

Walking with the Lord one step at a time isn’t always fun. There can be no victory without a battle; no reward without risk; and no prize without effort. But His path always leads us toward Him and our final glorious destination.

I had a weird experience the other morning. I awoke with the words of a song in my heart and on my lips. What was strange about it was that it is an old love song written by Leon Payne. When we were first married, I used to sing it to Carol in my best baritone, Jim Reeves imitation and she would smile broadly and advise me to keep my day job. I had not sung or even thought about that song for at least 45 years, so I had no idea why it should suddenly come back to me like that. Then, as I thought about the lyrics, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that hymns, worship music and gospel songs are actually all love songs. By simply changing the word “dear” to “Lord”, that song becomes a worship song.

I love you because you understand, Lord
Every single thing I try to do
You’re always there to lend a helping hand, Lord
I love you most of all because you’re you

I love you because my heart is lighter
Every time I’m walking by your side
I love you because the future’s brighter
The door to happiness, you open wide

No matter what the world may say about me
I know your love will always see me through
I love you for a hundred thousand reasons
But most of all I love you ‘cause you’re you.

Not all worship songs speak of the “overwhelming, never ending, reckless love of God”. Not all hymns describe how “love lifted me” or “Jesus loves me this I know”. Not all gospels songs tell us that God’s “love is the anchor we can hold onto”. But what they all have in common is that they express the loving relationship between us and God. As I hear them or sing them, I become very aware of His love for me and my love for Him. I can’t really say my love for Him is mutual, because there is no way I can match His love for me, but I have spent a lifetime trying and that has now become my day job.

I know it sounds strange today, but there was a time when many towns across our country had a public square with a platform where people could voice their opinions and debate each other on any issue without anyone being offended or hateful. I’ve heard about one occasion when an atheist and a Christian minister agreed to take to the platform to express their very different points of view. The atheist went first and during his description of the humanistic utopia of Communism, he pointed to a homeless man and confidently stated, “Communism would put a new suit of clothes on that man.” When he was finished, the minister took the platform and pointing to that same man with even stronger conviction he declared, “Christianity would put a new man in those old, worn clothes.” Then he proclaimed the transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ, reading verse after verse from his worn Bible. Mankind seeks to improve their environment and living conditions, but God seeks to improve and transform mankind one person at a time.

I once heard a member of a Southern Gospel singing group describe an experience she had on the road. They were eating dinner at a restaurant after one of their concert appearances. A local reporter recognized them and came over to ask them some questions. He asked, “What makes your music different from other forms of music?” She responded, “The words of our songs can change peoples’ lives. I don’t know of any other music that can do that.” She then told him about a man who attended one of their performances. One song in particular touched his heart and he determined to find his long lost son. When he found him, they were able to begin a new relationship with each other that blessed and enriched both of their lives. She would be the first to tell you that Christian lyrics are not as powerful as God’s word, but they are very powerful because of God’s word.

Every Christian has a powerful story of transformation and redemption. A story that God wants us to share with others. There is nothing more powerful than the testimony of a person whom God has transformed. He changes lives every day, but He does it personally and individually. He knows and loves each of us more than we can ever fully comprehend. He has a special plan for each of us to follow that fits our abilities and our needs perfectly. No power on earth or in the spiritual world can separate us from His transforming love.

 

The first two things I remember my mother and father teaching me are, “There is a God and you are not Him.” I always knew I was an important part of their life and I never doubted their love for me, but it was important to them for me to know that I was not the center of the universe. That teaching has served me well throughout the years.

I have written about humility before, but it was in contrast with pride and I spent most of that post describing the dangers of pride. A humble spirit has its own reward. Peter writes, “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” (1 Peter 5:6) Jesus contrasted life here with life in His Kingdom, “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.” (Matthew 20:16)

That familiar line in the Beatitudes about the meek is translated this way in the NLT, “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” (Matthew 5:5) Looking around today at what is going on in this world I wonder, “Who would ever want to inherit this mess?” Jesus was obviously referring to the new heaven and earth He will establish and that is a reward worth achieving.

Jesus gives us two examples of a humble spirit. The first is that of a young child. The second is that of a servant. Both would be near the bottom of the social ladder from a human point of view, but God has a different vantage point and a very different set of criteria for success.

Albert Einstein once said, “Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.” When I think of a life of service, Mother Teresa is the first example that comes to mind. Her work with the poorest of the poor in India was loving and tireless. She was admired by millions, but that was never her focus or goal. Everything was about those God put in her care and she served them well.

Being humble or meek doesn’t mean being weak! Ask any caregiver and they will tell you that It takes a lot of strength to do service work for others. The kind of muscles a Christian should build, physically and spiritually, are those needed to lift up others, even carry them for a while. God loves to provide that kind of strength for those serving others. It is important to serve their physical needs, but we must not forget their more urgent spiritual needs. Sharing the Good News of the gospel is the greatest service anyone can provide.

 

 

I heard a pastor recently on a Christian radio station call the times in which we live the age of rage. I believe that name is appropriate. We seem to be outraged about anything or anyone who doesn’t line up with our thoughts or beliefs. This life is full of frustration and stress. It is so easy to take that frustration out on others even when they are not the source of our problems. The source of our rage might vary, but it doesn’t come from God.

It seems like every other day there is a road rage incident where someone gets hurt or killed. Often, we hear of family disputes turning into domestic violence. That kind of rage builds up within individuals. What is the source of violent actions like that? Is it the glorification of violence in video games and movies? Is it a lack of discipline and respect for authority in childhood? Is it an increasing devaluation of human life brought about by the abortion of viable unborn infants, or euthanasia of the elderly or disabled who are not productive members of society? Could it simply be the result of a secular society moving farther and farther away from God?

A few days ago a white supremacy group planned a demonstration in front of the White House. They could only draw about 120 people to such a vile, racist demonstration. What a blessing it is that in a nation of well over 300 million people, such a tiny group of them proclaim that ridiculous view. That insignificant event should have attracted no attention at all. But then a much larger group of protesters showed up to cause trouble and disrupt things with violent personal intimidation and property damage. Ironically, that group who call themselves Antifa (anti-fascist) uses the exact same tactics of the fascists they claim to oppose. If it is true that actions speak louder than words, that group certainly does not live up to its name. There is never a good reason for violent personal intimidation and property damage. That is a lesson we should have learned long ago from the brown shirted mobs of Nazi Germany. Mob rage is always manufactured by the organizers using lies and false stereotypes to build blind hatred. Once a group is isolated and dehumanized, it is easy to build the kind of blind rage and hate that is capable of anything, even the unimaginable horror of the holocaust.  Every stereotype is false. We are each created uniquely by God, so no group of people is alike even if members share one or two characteristics. Once the mob accepts that first lie of stereotyping, introducing other lies to increase the level of rage is relatively easy.

Mob rage isn’t new. The chief priests and religious leaders in Jerusalem two thousand years ago spread lies that had the crowd yelling, “Crucify him!” Then they stirred up a crowd to stone Stephen to death for proclaiming that Jesus was raised from the dead and alive. I think in a way every angry, out of control mob is rebelling against God.

Paul wrote, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slanders, as well as all types of evil behavior.” (Ephesians 4:31) and “But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander and dirty language.” (Colossians 3:8) Since I became a Christian, I have not had to struggle with personal rage or hatred. God’s word and His Holy Spirit inside me have kept me from becoming a victim of individual rage and helped me identify the lies told by  those trying to instigate mob rage. Thankfully, as children of God, we each have access to that escape from the rage around us.

 

 

 

 

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1919, the armistice treaty was signed ending World War I. It was the end of the Great War to end all wars. We all know how that turned out, even though the commemoration of the signing of that treaty is still a day of celebration in many countries. Peace in this world is temporary, fleeting and illusive. Even the weather on a peaceful day is often just the lull before another storm rolls in.

When I was a boy, one of my favorite songs was Peace in the Valley. Based on prophesies from the Old Testament about heaven, it describes a place of perfect peace where “the bear will be gentle and the wolf will be tame and the lion shall lay down by the lamb” and “the beast from the wild will be led by a child”. The key to entering that place of eternal peace is this; “I’ll be changed from this creature that I am”. Our very nature is far from peaceful and must change. Is it even possible for us to find peace this side of the gates of heaven? The surprising answer to that question is yes!

When the angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in the field, they sang; “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:14) The peace Jesus brought into the world is not a period of cease fire or a treaty between nations. It isn’t even a break in the weather. It is an inner peace that comes to each of us through a personal relationship with God. It is not dependent on our surroundings or situation. It is peace that can exist even in the middle of a battle or in the midst of the worst storm we face in life. Jesus described it to his disciples like this; “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.” (John 14:27) So many times over the years I have felt His peace come over me in some of my worst trials. It is beyond comprehension and along with His mercy and grace it is another gift from God that I do not deserve and could never repay.

I want to leave you with this blessing from the Apostle Paul, “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” (2 Corinthians 1:2)

 

 

 

When I was a boy I followed the adventures of the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto. There was a joke back then that they were surrounded by a hostile tribe of Indians and the Lone Ranger said, “Looks like we are in a tight spot Tonto.” To which Tonto replied, “What you mean we, paleface?” It was funny at the time because it was so out of character for a faithful friend. Later in life, I discovered the sad truth that some people are only faithful when it is convenient or benefits them, which really means they are not faithful at all.

In Psalms and Proverbs there are 22 verses that describe both God’s unfailing love and His faithfulness. Love and faithfulness are connected. What good is love if you can’t count on it anytime or every time? What good is faithfulness without love? I suppose it is even possible for people to be faithfully bad or evil. At least you would know what to expect from them.

When we think of being faithful, the first thing that usually comes to mind is being faithful to our husband or wife. Keeping our promises and vows to our mate is an important example of being faithful, but there is more to it than that. Faithfulness means that we are consistent in our actions, even to the point of becoming predictable. Do you faithfully call elderly relatives and friends when it is very hot or very cold to make sure they are alright? Now that I am one of the elderly receiving those calls, I can tell you it is both an act of love and of faithfulness. God is faithful. He is always there when we need Him and when we are always there for friends and relatives when they need us, we will extend to them that same love and faithfulness we have received from God.

The Bible tells us again and again that God is faithful but you don’t have to be a child of God for very long at all to have experienced His love and faithfulness.  It should be clear to us by now that those nine kinds of fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22 are all attributes of God and not our human nature. So when we exhibit those qualities to those around us, we are exhibiting our family ties to our heavenly Father. It is God’s Holy Spirit within us displaying himself to a lost world through us. When we faithfully spend time in prayer, the study of God’s Word and in obedience to Him, that family resemblance will continue to grow stronger each and every day.

 

 

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians 5:22-23) We are called to be in the world, but not of the world and those nine characteristics are what set us apart and make us different. Of those nine kinds of fruit listed, I have written about five of them and written quite often about love. Over the next couple of weeks I want to consider those other four characteristics that are manifestations of the Holy Spirit residing within us.

Self-control is listed last, but I believe it may be just as important and impressive as love. Every fruit of the Holy Spirit sets Christians apart from the world. But in a world where self-indulgence, selfishness and egotism are rampant, self-control highlights the difference Christ can make in a way that will get the world’s attention.

There are three areas where self-control is needed most. First, we need to control our urges.  Each of us has certain sins that are more attractive to us than others. The enemy knows our weaknesses and will attack us in those areas. It is only through the prompting and power of the Holy Spirit that we can resist the urge to slip back into old sinful habits. “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.” (Romans 8:12) When we follow the urges and prompting of the Holy Spirit instead, we are transformed from death into life.

Second, we need to control our temper. Anger can eat away at us from within and destroy our relationships. Anger only makes matters worse, never better. “A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool- tempered person stops them.” (Proverbs 48:18) “Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm.: (Psalms 17:8) Jesus said, “If you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” (Matthew 5:22)

Finally, we need to control our communications. Words matter and so do tone and body language. “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” (Proverbs 18:21) James 3:3-10 tells us the power of the tongue for good and evil and how hard it is to tame. When we turn to the Holy Spirit for this fruit, we will find ourselves listening more instead of thinking about what we are going to say next. Then, He will help us say things that are true, positive and useful.

If we rely on help from the Holy Spirit to control these areas of our life, can we still call it self-control? Yes! The Holy Spirit does not prompt us or provide us with strength without our express permission and obedience. True self-control can’t happen without our obedient response to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

I love the New Testament book of Philemon. That short letter from Paul of only 25 very short verses is easily overlooked in our Bible study, but it is the perfect analogy or example of redemption.

Imagine with me a dark home with everyone sound asleep. A figure moves silently gathering up valuable items and then sneaking quietly out the door. That thief was a trusted slave named Onesimus (Greek for useful). He high tailed it to Rome where he would be able to blend into the huge crowds and avoid detection, but wouldn’t you know it, he ran smack into Paul who immediately recognized him from visiting his master’s home. Onesimus confessed and Paul led him to faith in Jesus Christ. Then Onesimus began servicing God by serving the needs of Paul and others in prison. Paul and Onesimus both knew that he would eventually have to return to his master and face the music, so Paul wrote a letter for him to take with him to give to his master, Philemon.

Philemon stood in front of his home as he spotted a person approaching from a distance. As the person got closer he recognized Onesimus and the hurt and anger began to build within him. But as Onesimus approached him, he dropped to his knees and presented Paul’s letter. Finally taking his eyes off of Onesimus, Philemon recognized Paul’s handwriting and called to his wife, “Apphia, come quick there is a letter from Paul.” No doubt she pulled up short when she saw Onesimus, but then Philemon read the letter out loud. Paul acknowledged that Onesimus had not been useful to Philemon in the past, but he had become useful to Paul and other believers and Paul was returning him to Philemon not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ stating that he would pay the price for whatever Onesimus had taken. The Bible doesn’t tell us how Philemon and Apphia responded, but reading Paul’s letter it doesn’t take much imagination to know that it was a very happy ending.

Once, I was trying to escape from the presence of God, stealing some of His blessings along the way. But then I ran smack into Jesus, who immediately recognized me and my sins. He offered me His love, mercy and grace. I confessed and I have shown my love for Him by obeying and serving Him and others. We both know that I will eventually have to return to my Master and face the music before His judgement throne, so Jesus has written a letter on my heart in His blood for me to present to His Father. When the Father looks into my heart He will immediately recognize His Son’s handwriting and His shed blood and know that Jesus has paid the price for all of my sins and He is returning me to the Father not as a slave to sin, but as a son and Jesus’ adopted brother. My redemption will be complete. .

This story of redemption is true for every Christian and it doesn’t take our imagination to know there will be a very happy ending to every one of those stories.