Trivial Pursuit

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+1:7&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2019:7-11&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119:97&version=NIV1984

Everyone likes trivia.  Not everyone remembers it.  But most people like it.  Then, there are some people who love it.  And live for it.  Such as Ken Jennings.

Jennings, a former software engineer, was selected to appear on the internationally famous quiz show, Jeopardy!  His first appearance was on Wednesday, June 2, 2004.  Jennings, with his extensive knowledge of trivia, defeated the 2-time champion, Jerry Harvey.  Well, Jennings won the next show.  And the next.  And the one after that.  All told, Jennings won 74 consecutive Jeopardy! contests over a span of almost 6 months.  To put this in perspective, the previous record was 8 consecutive wins.  Boy, did Jennings blow that record out of the water or what! 

Finally, on November 30, 2004, Jennings’ long reign as Jeopardy! champion ended when he lost his 75th game.  To challenger Nancy Zerg.  It all came down to one final question.  The  category was Business & Industry, and the answer was “Most of this firm's 70,000 seasonal white-collar employees work only four months a year.”  Jennings responded with the question, "What is FedEx?”  Wrong!  Zerg answered correctly with, "What is H&R Block?”  Don’t feel too sorry for Jennings though.  All told, he won $3,022,700.  For knowing trivia.  I guess knowing trivia does actually pay.  For a few people.

It would appear that trivia has become very popular in our culture.  This is seen by the popularity of such shows as Jeopardy! as well as the sales of trivia-related games such as Trivial Pursuit.  It seems that knowing a little trivia can make a person popular.  And it may even contribute to the perception that they are smart.  Who knew?  Interestingly, there is  even such a thing as Bible trivia.  This is for serious-minded Christians who want to engage in some meaningful memorization.  (I’m kidding!)  Such things as ‘What 2 chapters in the Bible are exactly the same?’  And 'What is the longest verse in the Bible?'  (The answer to the 1st question is 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37, Psalms 14 and 53.  The answer to the 2nd question is Esther 8:9.  Not a particularly great verse to memorize!  Check it out = http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%208:9&version=NASB)

Unfortunately, all of this obsession with memorizing trivia can come at the expense of real knowledge.  Knowledge that is useful.  Knowledge that will expand a person’s mind.  Knowledge that will ultimately make a difference in a person's life.  The fact is that knowing how to administer CPR is going to be of much greater help to a person who needs it than knowing all kinds of trivia will be to them.  CPR can save their life.  Trivia might lead to their death.  This is especially true in the Christian life.

There is a vast difference between knowing trivia about the Bible and knowing the Bible.  As a pastor (and I say this very carefully) I would rather have my people know a few key Scriptures and doctrines and apply them to their lives, than I would to have them memorize large portions of Scripture and know many doctrines and apply none of them to their lives.  In the final analysis, not only is WHO you know important, but WHAT you know as well.

So, if you want to memorize a little trivia that’s fine with me.  Just don’t major on the minor.  Major on the major.  Know the important stuff in life.  Know your Bible.  Know the important doctrines.  Memorize key Scriptures.  And most of all, live it!  Allow the Holy Spirit to take your knowledge and enable you to live a holy life.  This is pleasing to God.  And helpful to yourself.  And others.

Lord, with the limited time that I have available to me, help me to use it wisely.  Help me to seek for, and treasure, true knowledge.  Knowledge about You and Your ways.  And may that knowledge be used by Your Spirit to help me live as You desire.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What Have You Done For Me Lately?

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6:15&version=NASB

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2:24&version=NASB

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%206:26&version=NASB

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%206:66&version=NASB

I am competitive.  Very competitive.  I like to win.  In fact, one of my sayings is that “I like to beat anyone, at anything, anytime, anywhere.”  Yep, that about sums it up!  There is nothing like the feel you get when you win.  But, as a Christian, I also understand that winning isn’t everything.  It is about how you play the game.  And loving the game.  And realizing that your success, or lack of it, doesn’t define who you are.  Unfortunately this opinion is not shared by many people involved in professional sports.  Including the fans.  No matter how many games you’ve won or how good you are, lose too much and you’ll get thrown under the bus.  I was reminded of this again yesterday. 

As October 27th, 2011 dawned, the Washington Capitals were in 1st place in the entire NHL with a 7-0 record.  It was the best start they’d ever had in franchise history.  In the past few years their coach, Bruce Boudreau, had completely turned around a perennial loser.  He also won 200 games faster than any other coach in NHL history.  Certainly Boudreau’s job was safe for the foreseeable future, right?  Wrong!  As November 28th dawned, the Capitals had slipped to 17th place in the NHL with a 12-9-1 record.  Not a great record but certainly not terrible.  Unfortunately the Capitals last game was an embarrassing 5-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres (My team!).  Who were missing 9 of their regular players!  (There’s only 22 players on the entire team.)  So Boudreau was fired.  The end result is that in just a month’s time Boudreau went from great job security to being fired.  It’s the same old question, “What have you done for me lately?”

This question is the scourge of our time.  “What have you done for me lately?”  It would be bad enough if this question were asked only in the realm of sports.  But it has permeated all of society.  Bosses ask this of their employees.  Employees ask this of their boss.  Citizens ask this of their government.  Spouses ask this of each other.  Children ask this of their parents.  Millions of people ask this of God.  The problem with this question is seen in its last 2 words.  Lately.  By using this word this question refuses to remember the past.  The result is that 10, 20, 50 years of faithfulness and service are forgotten in the context of today.  As such, this question is total devoid of any kind of loyalty.  Me.  In essence, the question is entirely selfish in nature.  It is not concerned about what is done for others.  It is only concerned about what is done for me.  That’s pure selfishness alright.  No wonder our society is in the shape it is in.  No wonder why so many people feel unappreciated.  One day you’re on top of the world.  The next day you are under it.  The fall from grace can be sudden.  And devastating.

Fortunately, God never deals with us in this manner!  For one thing He is patient.  He knows that there is a learning curve to the Christ-life.  It is not all victories.  There are defeats along the way.  In fact, at some points in our relationship with Him, there may be more defeats than victories.  That’s OK because God is also forgiving.  When we repent and ask for forgiveness our past failures are erased.  Gone.  Forgotten.  Of course, God is also loving.  He loves us for who we are.  Not for what we do for others.  Or even for Him.

What a relief this is!  In a world that is so demanding and performance-oriented, we have Someone who accepts us.  For who we are.  He appreciates the things we do for Him.  All of them.  Nothing, no matter how small or insignificant, is forgotten.  Or goes unappreciated.  Nor will it go unrewarded.  In Mark 9:41 Jesus said “I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in My name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose their reward.” 

So, relax.  Don’t worry about the incessant demands of others.  How short you may see to come up in their eyes.  Delight yourself in the Lord instead.  Because ultimately He is the only One who’s opinion really matters anyway.

Lord, I thank you that when I fail to measure up to the expectations of others I can always rely upon You.  You know my heart.  You accept me for who I am.  You know that while I might fail at times it doesn’t mean that I am a failure.  You love me.  Unconditionally.  Thank you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jew Or Not A Jew?

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%203:9-12&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2015:17-20&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus%201:15&version=NIV

I don’t have a smart phone.  Yet.  I wouldn’t mind having one but I don’t want to have to pay the $30/month data fee that comes with it!  I understand that smart phones can be pretty useful.  There are a large variety of apps that are available for personal use.  Apps that count calories.  Or design recipes.  Or keep track of sports.  Or the weather.  You name it.  I read about a recent app that is available that created quite a stir.

The app is called ‘Jew or not a Jew?’  It was created by Johann Levy and hit the stores a few months ago.  The app allows a person to type in the name of a celebrity or public figure and find out if they are Jewish or not.  Yikes!  When I first read this I immediately thought of Adolph Hitler and Nazi Germany.  They would have loved this app!  In fact, my first impression was that this was some neo-Nazi creation.  With all the anti-Semitism in the world these days what a terrible app to have available.

Fortunately, the creation of the app is not so sinister.  It seems that Levy, who is Jewish  himself, developed the app strictly for recreational use.  Apparently there is a sense of curiosity in the Jewish community over whether certain celebrities are Jewish or not.  So Levy designed this particular app to satisfy such curiosity.  Whew!  I feel a little better now knowing this.  Still, the app has been very controversial.  In France four anti-racism associations filed a lawsuit asking to have the app removed.  There were afraid of the negative side effects of this particular app.  Levy agreed to remove it from circulation.

What to make of this?  To me it just goes to show that anything can be used for good or for bad.  When used the way that the designer Levy intended it to be used, the app could be useful and entertaining.  However, when the app is used to profile and target individuals because of their ethnicity, it could be very bad.  

We see this potential for either good or bad use in other areas as well.  Food is something that is necessary for our physical growth and survival.  And a lot of it tastes great!  But too much food, or the wrong kinds of food, can lead to obesity.  Or a host of other physical maladies.  Wine is good.  Many people enjoy having a glass with their meal.  (Even though, I, myself have never tasted it).  But too much wine can be destructive to our health.  And sometimes to the health of others.  The list goes on and on of things that can be either good or bad depending upon how they are used.  Guns.  Knives.  Technology.  Music.  Nuclear energy, etc.

So what’s the solution?  The heart.  Not the organ that pumps blood through our bodies.  The part of our being from which desires originate.  See what Jesus had to say about this in Luke 6:45.  “A good person brings good things out of the good stored up in their heart, and an evil person brings evil things out of the evil stored up in their heart.”  The solution is to change the heart.  To have it regenerated.  Sanctified.  This is where the Gospel comes in.

The Gospel changes people’s hearts.  In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we are told that when a person repents and puts their faith in Jesus as their Savior that “they are a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”  Once the heart has been changed everything else changes.  Our attitudes change.  Our desires change.  Our words change.  Our behavior changes.  And the way that we use things such as guns, music, and technology also changes.

So let’s keep the main thing the main thing here.  Many things in life are neutral, meaning that they can be used for either good or bad.  As Christians, let’s endeavor to use the things in our lives the right way.  The godly way.  The beneficial way.

Lord, I thank you for the many things that are available to me in our present culture.  Things such as food, technology, entertainment, etc.  Help me to use them with a pure heart.  To use them as You would want me to use them.  To be a blessing in my life.  And a blessing in the lives of others.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Love Of God

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3:18&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:38-39&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2031:3&version=NIV

Over 25 years ago there was a woman in our church in Niagara Falls, N. Y. who occasionally sang a solo.  Her name was Shirley Pearson.  When Shirley sang, the song she liked to sing was a hymn entitled, “The Love Of God”.  I don’t know that I was especially smitten by the song the first time she sang it but gradually it grew on me.  Not only did I like the tune, the words were very powerful.  Especially the 3rd verse.  There’s a story behind this verse.

The hymn was written by Frederick M. Lehman.  Lehman pastored several Nazarene churches in Indiana & Illinois before moving to Kansas City in 1911.  There he became involved in starting the Nazarene Publishing House.  At some point in time, many years earlier, Lehman was at a camp meeting in a mid-western state.  At the end of his message, an evangelist quoted what is now the last verse of the song.  It seems that this verse had previously been a Jewish poem, The Hadamut, which was written in 1096 by Rabbi Mayer.  Lehman was so impressed with the words that he determined to preserve it in song for future generations.  Sometime later, Lehman composed the first two verses as well as the chorus.  Hence the creation of the hymn.  Lehman copyrighted it in 1917.

The hymn, which is posted below, is very good.  Talk about Holy Spirit inspiration, this is it!  Of course, as I have mentioned, the 3rd verse is simply profound.  Basically what it says is that it is humanly impossible to describe the love of God.  Isn’t that the truth!  Oh, the wonderful love of God that reached down to save me.  And you.  And all humankind.

                        THE LOVE OF GOD

                The love of God is greater far
                Than tongue or pen can ever tell.
                It goes beyond the highest star
                And reaches to the lowest hell.
                The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
                God gave His Son to win,
                His erring child He reconciled
                And pardoned from his sin.

                O love of God, how rich and pure,
                How measureless and strong,
                It shall forevermore endure,
                The saints' and angels' song.

                When hoary time shall pass away,
                And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
                When men who here refuse to pray,
                On rocks and hills and mountains call,
                God's love, so sure, shall still endure,
                All measureless and strong,
                Redeeming grace to Adam's race,
                The saints' and angels' song.

                O love of God, how rich and pure,
                How measureless and strong,
                It shall forevermore endure,
                The saints' and angels' song.

                Could we with ink the ocean fill,
                And were the skies of parchment made,
                Were every stalk on earth a quill,
                And every man a scribe by trade,
                To write the love of God above,
                Would drain the ocean dry,
                Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
                Though stretched from sky to sky.

                O love of God, how rich and pure,
                How measureless and strong,
                It shall forevermore endure,
                The saints' and angels' song.

Lord, once again I marvel at the depth of Your great love.  Measureless.  Strong.  Overpowering.  Life-changing.  May my life give testimony to these facts on a daily basis.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Father's Love

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203:16&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20John%203:1&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15:13&version=NIV

As a father and grandfather, there are some stories that tear me up when I read them.  The following is one of them.  I read it in the book, Battlefields And Blessings, by Terry Tuley. 

The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the most important yet awful of the entire American Civil War (1861-1865).  8,000 soldiers were killed.  27,000 were wounded.  Another 11,000 were  captured and taken prisoner.  All from one, 3-day battle.  One of the men who fought in that battle was Amos Humiston.  Humiston was a sergeant in the 154th New York Volunteers.  His body was found on the battlefield following the battle.  In his hand he was clutching a photograph of his 3 little children.  Unfortunately, Humiston didn’t have any identification on him.  His comrades who had survived the battle had since moved on.  So no one knew who he was.  No one was able to let his wife and children know that he had fallen in combat.  That he had given his life for his country.  And ultimately for them.

Fortunately a doctor, John Francis Bourns, obtained the photograph.  He had a copy of it made.  Then he began circulating it in the hope that someone would recognize the children and be able to identify the fallen soldier.  Newspapers across the country helped in the effort.  Although the technology was not yet available to print the photograph, the newspapers printed a detailed description of the children.  One such description was ran in The American Presbyterian where it was read by Philinda Humiston of Portsville, N.Y.  As Philinda read the description she thought it sounded like the photograph that she had sent her husband.  But she couldn’t be sure.  She also hadn’t heard from him in 4 months.  Could it be that the fallen soldier was her husband?  So Philinda wrote Dr Bourns who sent her a copy of the photograph.  When Philinda opened the envelope and saw her children in the photograph she knew right away that her husband Amos was dead.

Historians later put the rest of the puzzle together.  Several months before the historic battle Humiston had received a photograph of his 3 children; 8-year-old Frank, 6-year-old Alice and 4-year-old Freddie.  For a soldier, away from home and facing death, the picture was an inspiration to him.  In a letter to Philinda a couple months earlier, Humiston had written, "... I got the likeness of the children and it pleased me more than any thing that you could have sent me.  How I want to see them and their mother is more than I can tell.  I hope that we may all live to see each other again if this war does not last to long."  It turns out that Humiston had been seriously wounded on the first day of the battle.   Somehow he managed to drag himself to a solitary patch of ground.  It was there that he pulled out his children’s picture.  To gaze upon their sweet, innocent faces.  It was what he was looking at when death overtook him.

Even now as I write these words hot tears trickle down my cheeks.  What a sad story.  But how inspiring it is at the same time.  A dying man whose last thoughts were for his children.  How precious!  What a wonderful picture of love  What a picture this also is of the love of God.  For us!  It was love for us that kept God from wiping out humanity after Adam & Eve sinned.  It was love for us that caused God to send His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins.  What can be said about the depths of His great love?  How does one begin to describe it?  Or who can fully experience it?  This love is for me.  For you.  The love of a Father for His children.

Lord, what can I say about Your love for me?  How do I begin to describe it?  How do I go about understanding it?  Or experiencing it?  It is so far beyond my comprehension.  Nonetheless I thank you for it.  A love that motivated You to go to such extreme measures to rescue me.  May my understanding and appreciation of Your great love for me grow each day.  And may I love You in return.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Black Friday

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom%206:23&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+9:15&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2:8&version=NIV

Here in the United States, today is known as Black Friday.  Black Friday is the official start of the Christmas gift-buying season.  As a result, many retailers will open their doors very early for shoppers.  In the past, many retailers opened their doors for business at 6 AM.  This year however some will open even earlier.  Like 5 AM.  4 AM.  Midnight.  The sales will be many.  As will the shoppers.  Fortunately I don’t have to deal with this.  My wife, daughter and son have made this an annual ritual.  They are willing to be sleep deprived.  They are willing to battle the crowds.  And in some cases the elements.  Meanwhile I shall be fast asleep.  With visions of sugarplums dancing in my head.

According to Wikipedia, Black Friday received its name in Philadelphia.  It was a reference to all the traffic and pedestrian congestion that bogged down the city from shoppers the day after Thanksgiving.  After a while the term caught on elsewhere across the country.  Others claim that Black Friday got its name because this is the day when many retailers finally go into the ‘black’ for the year and turn a profit.  Take your pick on the origin.  Either way the name is going to be around for a while.

Scripture tells of another ‘Black’ Friday.  It occurred in the city of Jerusalem.  The city was packed with both inhabitants as well as a great number of visitors.  The occasion was the Passover, the most sacred of Jewish holidays.  It was on this particular Friday that Jesus was condemned to death.  And crucified.  On a cross.  As a criminal.  His death dashed the hopes of many people.  His disciples.  His mother.  His supporters.  People such as Mary Magdalene.  Nicodemus.  Joseph of Arimathea.  And many others.

Up to this point they had all believed that He was the long-awaited Messiah.  In fact, His disciples believed that He was actually God’s Son.  They didn’t arrive at this conclusion overnight.  It took 3 long years for them to get there.  And countless miracles.  And inspired teaching.  Then, just when they were convinced of who He was, He was crucified.  That day when Jesus died, their hopes for Him and the future died as well.  Truly it was a ‘Black’ Friday.

But very early Easter Sunday morning Jesus rose.  In triumph.  From the grave.  Death could not keep Him.  When He first appeared to His disciples they couldn’t believe it.  Something about seeing Him tortured and publicly crucified had turned them into doubters.  But they didn’t doubt for long.  They finally believed.  And when they did their joy returned.  And their hopes and dreams for the future were also resurrected as well.  Jesus really was the Messiah.

As Christianity spread, the death of Jesus was seen as the most significant event in human history.  As a result, somewhere in time, ‘Black’ Friday became known as ‘Good’ Friday.  'Good' in the sense that it was a sacred day.  The day that God died.  For the sins of humankind.  The day that the curtain separating God from His people was torn.  The day that a path back to God was established. 

Today, there were millions of shoppers out early this morning and throughout the day.  They were all looking for a bargain.  The perfect gift for that certain, special someone.  Some of them were able to get their gift.  Many others were no doubt disappointed.  The supply of great bargains is always limited.

But not so the gift of forgiveness.  It is unlimited.  It is available to one and all.  To whosoever.  That gift is found in a person.  Jesus.  He is the ultimate gift.  The gift that fits every human heart perfectly.  The gift that keeps on giving and giving.  Now and throughout eternity.

In the midst of all your holiday shopping have you found ‘the’ gift?  And if you’ve found Him are you seeking to give Him to someone else?  I hope so.  The great thing about the Christmas season is that God entered the world.  The word became flesh.  And dwelt among us.  Now He dwells in our hearts.  By faith.  Oh that this Christmas season many millions would see the light.  That they would discover the gift.  That their Black Friday would be turned into a Good Friday indeed!

Lord, help me to remember that during this holiday season, while I am out buying gifts, that Jesus is the Perfect Gift.  May I do everything in my power to share Him with others.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Being Thankful

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy+6:8&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4:12&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:28&version=NIV1984

As Americans, we live in one of the most affluent countries in the history of the world.  We have so much to be thankful for.  Freedom.  Opportunity.  A very high standard of living.  Yet not all Americans are thankful.  In fact, a sizable minority are not very thankful at all.  For people like this there is always something to complain about.  Family members aren’t doing enough for them.  Or their boss.  Or their teacher.  Or the government.  Or God.  Of course, when you feel entitled to everything you are thankful for nothing.  Fortunately, the majority of Americans are thankful.  That is something to be thankful for right there!

In thinking about thankfulness it appears to me that there are some misconceptions regarding it.  Such as that it is easier to be thankful if you have a lot of possessions.  Or good looks.  Or are super-talented.  Certainly these are things to be thankful for.  But just having them is no guarantee that we are going to be thankful for them.  Another misconception is that it is harder to be thankful if you don’t have a lot of possessions.  Or good looks.  Or are not super-talented.  Certainly these are things to be thankful for.  But just because we don’t have them doesn’t mean that we still can’t be thankful.

The fact is that thankfulness is a state of mind.  It is an attitude.  An attitude of gratitude.  If thankfulness is an attitude then it means several things.  One, that everyone can be thankful.  Yes, some people are more prone to being thankful than others.  But no one can say that thankfulness is out of their reach.  That they are incapable of it.  Everyone can be thankful.  And should be thankful.

Two, thankfulness it is not dependent upon how much or how little we have.  So the person who has very little can be just as thankful as the person who has a lot.  Thankful that they don’t have all those possessions that end up distracting others.  Thankful that they don’t have to worry about maintaining and securing all their ‘stuff’.  Thankful that their ‘stuff’ doesn’t get in the way of their relationship with God.

Three, thankfulness is a choice.  Let’s face it, some things are difficult to be thankful for.  Such as being laid off, failing an exam, having cancer, being in a difficult marriage.  Yet I have known people who were thankful for these very things.  Maybe not right away.  But eventually.  Because they saw how God was using that situation for good.  Theirs and others.

I believe that if we will make a commitment to being thankful, that we will become thankful.  After all, feelings often follow the will.  When we choose to obey God, we will become obedient.  When we choose to love someone, we will love them.  When we choose to be thankful, we will become thankful.

I hope this Thanksgiving Day that your heart is overflowing with all the blessings that God has given you.  The fact is that if you are reading this right now then you must have the blessing of life.  You must have the blessing of sight.  You must also have the blessing of a computer screen.  And you must have the blessing of comprehension.  (At least I hope you do!)  So, as the old hymn says:

            When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

            When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,

            Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

            And it will surprise you what the Lord has done!

Lord, on this day of national thankfulness, I lift my voice in thanksgiving to You.  You have blessed me so much.  And in so many ways.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

My Thanksgiving Box

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thess%205:18&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles+16:34&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+100:4&version=NIV

As a Christian I have always sought to be thankful.  After all, as I mentioned in my post, Blessing Guilt, God has blessed me greatly in my life.  He has given me way more than I asked for.  Or deserved.  So I have tried to respond to Him by being thankful.

After a Thanksgiving sermon in 2005 I decided to add a new twist to my attempts to be thankful.  Whether the idea was original with me, or I saw it somewhere else, I don’t remember.  Anyway, I took an empty facial tissue box and wrapped it in fine, elegant, gold foil.  In some ways it looked like it could be a gift to the Christ Child in a Christmas play!  Then I designed a page of Thanksgiving slips on my computer and printed it out.  After cutting the page into individual slips I began to write down things for which I was thankful.  Some big things.  Mostly small things.  Such as a safe trip to and from Billings for District business (900 miles round trip).  The celebration of a holiday or birthday with the family.  The birth of our grandchildren.  Their first teeth.  First steps.  Going out to a restaurant to eat.  All kinds of things.

Once the following Thanksgiving rolled around I took all of the slips out of the box.  I carefully arranged them in chronological order.  Then Beth & I sat down and we read them all.  How much we had to be thankful for!  A whole year of blessings, big and small, many of which would have been forgotten if they hadn’t been written down.  It certainly helped us to see how much God had done over the past year.  This inspired another wave of thankfulness.

The reality is that some people are naturally thankful.  They seem to have been born that way.  Others, not so much.  They are worriers.  Or complainers.  So thankfulness doesn’t come quite as easy for them.  But this doesn’t mean that they will always have to be thanksgiving-challenged.  With God’s help, and a little bit of intentionality, they can change. They can learn to be thankful.  To embrace it as a lifestyle.

I don’t know where you are on the thankfulness continuum.  Perhaps you are one of those rare people who is thankful for anything and everything.  God bless you.  Keep it up.  Then again, maybe you’re not.  Nothing to fear.  There are plenty of ways to embrace a thankful lifestyle.  Make your own Thanksgiving Box.  Or include a time of thankfulness in your daily prayers.  One person I read about decided to give thanks for something every time they had to stop at a red light in traffic.  Another person trained themselves to give thanks every time they opened a door.  The ‘how’ is not important.  The fact that we give thanks is.

Lord, I thank you for all the rich, wonderful blessings You give me.  Big and small.  I am grateful for them.  Continue to help me to be thankful for all that I have.  For all that You do.  For all that You’re making of me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessing Envy

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%203:14-16&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+12:22-24&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2045:9&version=NIV

If there is such a thing as Blessing Guilt (see yesterday's post) there must surely be such a thing as Blessing Envy.  Blessing Envy is when we are dissatisfied with the blessings that God has richly bestowed on us.  When we are envious of the blessings of others.  Now if we were all alone in the world, we probably wouldn’t have Blessing Envy.  But since there are others around us (people we know personally or from afar) we are very susceptible to it.  Unfortunately.

Probably all of us knows of someone for whom almost everything seems to be either handed to them or comes easy.  The former kind were born with all kinds of blessings.  Blessings that they did not necessarily earn or deserve.  Born into a wealthy family.  Or a loving family.  A Christian family.  Born with good health.  Or good looks.  Or a great personality.  Or all kinds of talent.  The fact is that these individuals were never on a level playing field with the rest of us.  They started off with tremendous blessings and went up from there.

The latter may not have been born with all of the blessings and advantages of the former but somewhere along the way they became the recipients of tremendous blessings just the same.  The spindly, skinny boy grew into a good-looking, athletic football player.  Or the shy, socially-awkward girl grew into a beautiful actress.  Or singer.  The child who grew up in poverty later became a wealthy businessman.

The similarity between these two groups is that they both have it made.  Either given to them or it finds its way to them.  The end result is the same.  Chances are that if you have a couple siblings you know what I mean.  One of them most likely lives a charmed life.  They have it all.  Brains.  Looks.  Talent.  Mom and Dad’s attention.  You, however, got the left-overs.  And you were envious.  You would gladly have changed places with them in a heartbeat.

Now, in some cases, the people who seemingly get all the blessings are deserving of them.  They are nice.  Caring.  Considerate.  Humble.  Class acts.  However, there are many others who are the recipients of great blessing who don’t deserve any of them.  They are mean.  Nasty.  Conniving.  Arrogant.  Incredibly selfish.  In either case we are left wondering, ‘Why them’?  And ‘Why not me’?  Valid questions to be sure.

Well just as was the case with Blessing Guilt the answer lies in the Sovereignty of God.  While some of God’s blessings are, indeed, dependent upon following His commands, others are not.  These blessings are given simply by divine choice.  One person receives them.  Sometimes a lot of them.  And another person doesn’t.  It’s that simple.  What isn’t simple is what to do with Blessing Envy.

As we know any kind of envy is sin.  As such, it needs to be repented of.  Envy impairs our relationship with God.  And many times it harms our relationship with those we are envious of.  The key to dealing with Blessing Envy is in our own attitude.  What we need to do is to learn to thank God for the blessings of others.  That’s right, thank God for them!  ‘Lord, I’m glad that you blessed my neighbor with a brand new vehicle’ or ‘Lord, I am glad that my older brother is such a talented musician’.  By doing this, we affirm that God knows what He’s doing.  I would say that’s pretty important, wouldn’t you?  Then we need to be thankful for the blessings that we do have.  Sure, they aren’t as many as the person we are envious of.  But the reality is that they are a lot more than some other people we know.

So as we approach Thanksgiving let’s endeavor to be thankful for what we have, and not focus on what we don’t have or on what others have.  After all, if we have eternal life, and our basic needs are being met, isn’t this enough?  Isn’t Heaven in our future?  A time of unparalleled blessing?  Yes it is.  And when we finally arrive there Blessing Envy will be a thing of the past.  We will all be thankful for the blessings that we’ve received.  And we’ll be just as thankful for the blessings that others have received.  Once again, all those crowns and rewards that we will have received are simply going to go to Jesus anyway.  He alone deserves them!

Lord, I admit that there are times when I can’t help but notice how many blessings some people have.  In some cases they don’t even seem to deserve them.  But they are enjoying them anyway.  Help me to keep my eyes on You.  To be truly thankful for the blessings that You have given me.  To understand that I have a choice about whether or not I am going to be envious of the blessings of others.  Help me choose to be content.  And thankful.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessing Guilt

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:3&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+3:8&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+17:10&version=NIV1984

Survivor Guilt.  Or Survivor’s Syndrome.  This is a condition where a person feels guilty for surviving an incident that someone else did not.  For example, some of our soldiers who have fought in Iraq or Afghanistan experience this as they deal with the death of their comrades.  They feel guilty that they survived an attack while one, or several, of their friends died.  Survivor’s Guilt can also be experienced by people who survive an accident.  A crime.  Or even a layoff.  Instead of the traditional ‘Why me?’ when misfortune befalls them they ask, ‘Why them and not me?’ when misfortune befalls others.  

Sometimes I think that I have Blessing Guilt.  Don’t bother looking it up because I don’t think it is official.  By Blessing Guilt I mean that a person feels guilty for being blessed in ways that others aren’t.  I confess that I experience this from time to time.

By all accounts I am a very blessed man.  I have a wonderful wife who is incredibly gifted, loyal, and loving, and we have been married for 36 years.  I have 3 wonderful children who are now adults who I am very proud of.  I have 4 precious grandchildren (with another one on the way in a couple months) who are cute, loving, and talented.  I own a nice home.  We own 2 cars.  I am a pastor.  Every week I get to study, pray, and preach - and get paid for it!  I serve a wonderful congregation whom I love and who loves me in return.  I have great health.  I can see.  Hear.  Talk.  Walk.  And many other things.  You see, I am a very blessed man.  And I know it.  I also know this.  I don’t deserve it.

Now some would challenge me on this.  They would say that I deserve to be blessed because I have been faithful and true to God.  And so it is only right and natural that God has blessed me.  I understand this.  But I also know that there are many other Christians who aren’t as blessed as I am.  They have gone through a divorce.  Or lost a spouse in an accident.  Or to an illness.  They may have a child who is developmentally-disabled.  Or who died.  Or who is addicted to drugs or alcohol.  They don’t have a ‘career’.  They have a dead-end job that doesn’t even begin to pay the bills.  They may not own their own home.  Or have a very reliable vehicle.  They may not enjoy good health.  They may not have many family and friends who love them.  They might not even live in this country.  They may be living in a country that is opposed to the Gospel.  Like China.  Or Saudi Arabia.  Or North Korea.  The fact is that there are untold millions of Christians around the world who don’t enjoy anywhere near the blessings that I do.  Yet God loves them just as much as He loves me.  And their faithfulness and loyalty to Him may far exceed my own.  Now you understand why there are times when I experience Blessing Guilt.

What to make of all this?  When I stop and think about it, all I can do is to chalk it up to the Sovereignty of God.  I don’t enjoy the blessings I do because I deserve it.  Because I don’t.  It is only by the sheer goodness of God that I have been born in this land of plenty.  And been given so much.  All I can do is to thank God for the blessings He sends my way.  To receive them with humbleness and gratitude.  To enjoy them because this is why God has given them to me.  I also understand that I need to share what I have been given.  Instead of selfishly hoarding it.  Or spending it only on myself.

The Bible tells us that God is a righteous Judge.  Someday He will reward each person according to what they have done with what He has given them.  (See The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25)  I take great comfort in this.  Others who didn’t receive anywhere near the blessings that I have will be rewarded.  Fairly.  By God.  And I won’t mind.  Those who didn’t have much of this world’s blessings deserve to experience them in Heaven.  I won’t be jealous.  I’ll be happy for them.  And together we’ll take the crowns and rewards that we receive and lay them at Jesus’ feet.  Because, ultimately, He is the only One who deserves them!

Lord, I thank you for the many, many blessings that I enjoy.  I receive them with gratefulness, knowing that I don’t deserve them.  Help me to enjoy all the blessings that You have given me.  And to be careful to share them with others.  And to use them to advance Your kingdom.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A. B. Simpson

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%2028:18-20&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%2024:14&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%202:18&version=NIV

Since Don Dillavou did his A. B. Simpson characterization this morning in our Worship Service I thought that I would post some biographical information about this great man of God:

Albert Benjamin Simpson was born December 15, 1843 in Bayview, Prince Edward Island, Canada.  Very early in life Simpson felt the call of God on his life and later experienced a dramatic conversion to faith in Jesus Christ.  By ‘dramatic’ I mean complete.  Simpson gave his whole life over to Jesus - lock, stock and barrel.

Simpson later attended Knox College in Toronto, Canada.  After graduating in 1865 he accepted a pastorate at Knox Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, Ontario.  That same weekend Simpson married Margaret Henry.  Two huge events in a single weekend.  It was a portent of the kinds of things that Simpson would later accomplish.

In 1873 Simpson became the pastor of the Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.  After that he accepted an invitation to pastor the Thirteenth Street Presbyterian Church in New York City.  As it is today, New York City was then teeming with immigrants from many countries.  Simpson ministered to these down-and-out foreigners bringing them into his fashionable church.  Unfortunately they weren’t welcome.  As a result of this Simpson resigned and struck out on his own.  No church.  No money.  Only a strong conviction from God that he should start his own church.  A church where all people - the poor, homeless, sick, and displaced - would be welcome.

Gradually this led Simpson to being concerned about the unreached masses of the world.  People in faraway lands who had never heard the name of Jesus.  People who were doomed to a Christ-less eternity.  Unless someone did something.  That ‘someone’ was Simpson.  That ‘something’ would later become a denomination that would send missionaries to the four corners of the earth.

At first, Simpson gathered like-minded people from many denominations around him who had a heart for missions.  They met on Sunday afternoons for teaching, fellowship and prayer.  That led to the formation of two ‘Alliances’ - one for the furtherance of holy living here in the United States - and another one for the sending and support of missionaries around the world.  Eventually these two Alliances combined to form the Christian & Missionary Alliance.

In the beginning the Christian & Missionary Alliance consisted of people who had a passion for holiness and missions.  Over the years, as many denominations began drifting away from the Gospel message, these people only attended C&MA meetings.  Soon C&MA churches were formed.  Eventually, though not Simpson’s intention, it became a denomination as it is today.

Simpson, after experiencing divine healing earlier in his life, was an indefatigable worker.  In addition to overseeing the C&MA, he founded and edited a magazine dedicated to missions.  He also started a Missionary Training Institute so that the C&MA would have a ready supply of committed and trained missionaries to send out.  In addition, Simpson also founded a home for unwed mothers, an orphanage and a dispensary for the poor.  The stamina, drive and vision of the man was simply amazing.  He lived in the Spirit and the Spirit worked though him to accomplish nothing short of the miraculous.

I admire Simpson.  One man, sold out to God.  With God's help he realized a vision that reached thousands of people around the world for Christ.  That vision is still going strong.  And is currently reaching tens of millions of people.  That same opportunity to serve God is ours as well.  No we may never found a denomination.  Or a magazine.  Or an orphanage.  But we can do great things for Christ, may I say, through Christ, as well.  The reality is that there are still millions of people in the world today who don’t know about Jesus.  Some of them live right where we live.  There is still a great need to be Jesus’ hands and feet in the world.  To minister to widows & orphans.  The poor.  The persecuted.  The uneducated.  Single moms and dads.  One could very well make a case that the current needs of our world are greater than they ever have been.

What is it that God is calling you to do?  In what ways does He want you to make a difference?  God’s power is just as available to us today as it was to Simpson.  The question is, Will we choose to take advantage of it?  Will we sell ourselves completely out to God?  Will we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us to transform our world?

Pray.  Ask God what He would have you to do.  Then do it with all your might.  Depending upon Him for direction, strength and results.

Lord, I thank you for A. B. Simpson and the incredible impact that he has had upon our world.  I thank you that I am a part of a denomination that cares about holy living.  And reaching the lost.  Help me to be completely sold out to You.  To be used by You to make a difference in the world.

Never Give Up!

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023:39-43&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter%203:9&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%206:9&version=NIV1984

Today we had Don Dillavou speak at our monthly Men of Faith breakfast.  Don is basically our Assistant District Superintendent.  He shared about the story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5.  Interwoven with the story of Naaman, Don shared a personal story.  About his dad.

Don had a good dad.  Not a godly dad.  But a good dad.  At some point in time Don accepted Christ and was called into ministry.  Don’s dad was OK with that.  But he, himself, wasn’t ‘in’.  And had no desire to be.  Over the years Don tried to witness to his dad because he was concerned about his eternal destiny.  Though not hostile, his dad wasn’t interested.  Don then shared a couple examples of his dad’s opposition to the Gospel over the years.

One day Don’s dad was visiting their house.  His granddaughter (Don’s daughter) asked him to come into her bedroom.  While checking it out she sat on the bed and opened up a Gospel tract.  She was concerned about her grandfather’s soul and wanted to make sure that he knew Jesus as his Savior.  As she started to talk about Jesus her grandfather stopped her.  No offense, but he wasn’t interested.  He left the room.  This devastated his granddaughter.  She cried.

Later when Don’s daughters (he has 3 of them) went to college he would slip them a little money from time to time.  Something to help them out.  But when he did so he would always tell them - ‘This money’s for you.  Don’t give any of it to the church.’

Well, the years kept going by and Don’s dad kept getting older and older.  Finally he reached the ripe, old age of 90.  And his wife as well.  By this time they had also been married 69 years.  So their children and several friends decided to throw a party for them.  After the party Don was alone with his dad.  His dad asked Don a couple questions.  “If a person became a Christian, what kind of changes could they expect to see in their life?”  “How does a person become a Christian?”  Clearly he was now interested in spiritual matters.  So Don answered his dad’s questions the best that he could.  But his dad still wasn’t ready.  So Don prayed (with his dad’s agreement) that God would guide him in his search.

A couple months later Don was visiting his dad and brought up their previous conversation.  Don was curious whether his dad remembered it?  And whether he had made any decision yet?  Don’s dad did remember it.  As they were driving in the car he shared with Don that he was a Christian, and did believe in Jesus as his Savior.  Just to make sure Don led his dad in prayer asking Jesus to be his Savior.  It was one of the highlights of Don’s life!

What a touching story!  And an instructive one as well.  As he shared with us this morning, there were many times when Don thought that his dad would never respond to Jesus.  So he didn’t pray as often or as fervently as he should have.  Yet God was still faithful and his dad finally did believe.  At 90!  Who knew?

The point is that we should never give up praying for the salvation of others.  Family.  Friends.  Co-workers.  Anyone.  We know that it is God’s desire that they repent and come to Him in faith.  So when we pray for them we know that God is on our side.  But when we pray and don’t see any change or interest we can get discouraged.  And discouraged people don’t pray very often.  Or very passionately.  The result is that sometimes we give up.  Which we should never do.  We need to continue to be faithful to pray.  To pray as long and as often as it takes.  To not take ‘no’ for an answer.

So, who are you praying for these days?  Do you believe that God wants them in the Kingdom?  Do you believe that your prayers are making a difference?  That God is actively at work, behind-the-scenes, even though you can’t see any evidence of it?  Well He is!  So keep on praying.  Pray hard.  Pray often.  Never give up. See what God will do!

Lord, I thank you for those unknown people who prayed for me.  I praise You that their prayers were answered!  Help me to be faithful in my prayers for the lost.  Help me to believe that You hear my prayers.  That you want these people to come to You.  Help me to remain faithful.  And in due time may they respond and come into the Kingdom!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

OMG

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%206:9&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ex%2020:7&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=unwholesome&qs_version=NIV

If you text or post on facebook a lot then you know what these initials mean.  They are the abbreviation for a popular saying, ‘Oh my God!’.  No doubt you have heard the expression before.  It seems like practically everyone uses it these days.  I hear it all the time.  On  television.  The radio.   In conversations.  I see it (usually abbreviated) on facebook and on blogs.  It has become a universal expression.  As such it is used in a variety of ways.  To express shock or disbelief.  To show surprise.  Or simply as a figure of speech.

Most people probably don’t have any scruples over using it.  As I said, so many people use it as a regular part of their vocabulary that it doesn’t even raise an eyebrow.  However, as a Christian, I have always felt a little uncomfortable when I hear it.  Call me old-fashioned but why would I want to mention the name of God in situations where I really am not even thinking about Him?  It seems like a rather careless and frivolous use of His name.  Even if it is His generic name.  No, I don’t believe that it’s the same as swearing or taking His name in vain.  But it is close.  Close enough that I prefer not to use it.

My understanding of God’s name, whether you want to use the generic ‘God’, or a specific name of His, is that it is sacred.  Holy.  Special.  Obviously we need to use His name when referring to Him.  And He is OK with that.  But using His name also comes with a certain amount of responsibility.  I take this to mean that we should use His name with respect.  Fear.  Awe.  Somehow blurting out His name dozens of times a day, without even thinking about Him, just to express surprise or shock, doesn’t seem very respectful.

The point is that there is a specialness to God.  He is different.  Vastly different from any human being.  Infinitely so.  He is the very embodiment of holiness.  Purity.  Righteousness.  This specialness applies to anything associated with God.  His name.  His word, the Bible.  His church.  His people. 

Now I’m not going to be dogmatic or legalistic about this.  If you want to continue to use this expression that’s between you and God.  I prefer to say something else.  Such as ‘Oh my gosh’ or ‘Oh my goodness’.  I know that there are some who would take exception to using even these expressions.  They would prefer something quite different from OMG altogether.  As I said, I believe that this is a matter of personal preference.  It is between the individual and God. 

To me, this and many other things that we say and do, fall under the broad category of I Corinthians 10:31, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”  I love God.  I want to honor Him.  And treat Him with the respect and awe that He deserves.  I hope that you do too.

Lord, I thank you that because of the blood of Jesus I now have a relationship with You.  And that I can come confidently before Your Presence.  Help me never to abuse this privilege.  Or to treat You, or anything about You, in a vulgar or disrespectful manner.  Including Your wonderful, holy, majestic name.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Rewards Of Faith

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1:27&version=NASB

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+10:38&version=KJV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2017:5-6&version=NASB

Tonight was a very special night.  At 9 PM I arrived at Glacier Park International Airport with my 2 grandsons, Brett & Jaydon.  The reason?  To meet Mamush.  Mamush is the 6-year-old adopted son of Casey & Lacey Bertram from our church.  The Bertrams had just arrived at the airport minutes earlier after picking him up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  A little over a year ago the Bertram’s felt God’s call to adopt Mamush.  It has been quite the journey.  You can read about the experience in their own words (with pictures) at http://bertramfamilyblog-bertrams.blogspot.com/.

After securing the necessary financing for the adoption and successfully jumping through all the hoops, the Bertrams were ready to go get their son in June.  They hoped that they would be on their way to Ethiopia in July.  Or August at the latest.  Unfortunately a lot of changes took place in the adoption system in Ethiopia.  A number of adoption centers were closed.  And the entire process slowed down dramatically.  To a snail’s pace.

So July came and went.  As did August.  Then the Bertram’s received some disappointing news that they weren’t as far along in the process as they were led to believe.  What was God doing?  Were they going to get Mamush or not?  A little uneasiness began to creep into the situation.  Then September came and went.  And so did October.  The Bertram’s had now spent a whole year trying to adopt Mamush.  As Lacey wryly observed, a couple can produce their own child in 9 months!  Months passed by with very little progress.  Fortunately pictures of Mamush would arrive just when the Bertram’s needed a little encouragement.

Then God fast-forwarded the situation.  And how.  Within days of hearing that the adoption was a ‘go’ the Bertrams were on a plane headed to Ethiopia and their son.  Tonight, less than a week after they left Kalispell, the Bertrams arrived back home again, Mamush with them.  What a wonderful scene it was as the Bertram’s 3 children got to meet the newest member of their family.  And how special it was to see so many friends and family at the airport as well, to meet Mamush and to congratulate and support the Bertrams.

At our house, our grandchildren have prayed for Mamush at every meal for months on end.  There’s something special about a child praying for another child.  There’s this instant kind of connection.  So earlier tonight when I told Brett & Jaydon to get their coats on because we were going to the airport to meet Mamush they were excited.  What a great experience for them.  A flesh-and-blood answer to their prayers.  And in the weeks and months ahead I am sure that they are going to get very well acquainted with their new friend.

So what are the lessons learned in all this?  Quite a few actually.  That God rewards faith.  When He puts a dream in our hearts He will make a way for it to come true.  Patience is still a virtue.  God’s timing is always perfect.  That one couple who step out in faith can affect an entire church.

As a pastor I sometimes deal with situations that are difficult.  Sad.  Tragic.  People drift away from God.  Others get divorced.  Some get cancer.  Others ruin their health through addictions.  How great it is to be involved in a situation where God is at work.  Where people do the right thing, even though it may be difficult and costly.  And God rewards them.  Talk about encouragement.  And faith-building.  This is it!

Obviously not everyone can adopt a child.  Or should.  But everyone can step out in faith and make a difference.  Somewhere.  At work.  At school.  At church.  In the community.  And when we do, God will reward that faith.  He will come through.  He will make it happen.  And when it does, we will be emboldened to take another step of faith.  And another.  And others will be emboldened as well.  It is the ultimate win-win situation.

Thank you Casey & Lacey for showing us what faith is all about.  For inspiring us.  And challenging us.  And showing us how it’s done!

Lord, I thank you for the Bretram’s safe arrival tonight with their adopted son, Mamush.  I pray that in the years ahead that Mamush grows up to be a godly young man.  I ask that You will give Casey & Lacey strength, patience, love and whatever else they need to realize this goal.  I ask that their adoption would be the catalyst for more steps of faith in our church.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

20 Years

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%204:13-15&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%201:24-25&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2090:12&version=NIV

20 years.  That’s 2 decades.  A lot can happen in that amount of time.  For example, if they only served one term each, this would mean that 5 Presidents would have been in office.  That really puts 20 years into perspective, doesn’t it?  A quick look at technology will also demonstrate how long 20 years is.  20 years ago hardly anyone had a personal computer.  There were no such things as CD’s & DVD’s.  There were no cell phones.  Or smart phones.  Or iPods.  Or iPads.  No internet.  No flatscreen TV’s.  Or HD.  How did we ever live without all these things?
 

As of the end of August I am embarking on my 20th year of ministry.  All at the same church.  My first church.  No one would have thought that would happen 20 years ago.  There was some discussion on the Board at the time about whether I had enough experience?  (I didn’t.)  There was also some concern about whether a native New Yorker would do well in northwest Montana?  (I have.)  In the end it was one Board member, Steve Bakke, who persuaded the church to hire me.  Thanks Steve!  When I arrived I was hoping that, best case scenario, I would make it 10 years.  I am now in the process of doubling that.  Who knew?

Of course, a lot of ministry has happened over these almost 20 years.  I’ve preached close to 1,000 sermons.  Taught countless Sunday School classes.  And led numerous Board meetings.  I’ve also officiated at many weddings, funerals, and child dedications.  I’ve baptized a number of people and been privileged to lead many to the Lord.  Tens of thousands of prayers have been answered.  During this time a lot of people have come and gone in the church.  Some have died.  Some have moved.  Others have simply left.  There’s only a handful of people who still attend who were here 20 years ago.

As I go through my 20th year of ministry it is a time of celebration.  Certainly God has blessed both me, my family, and our church in many ways. So many people have prayed, given, loved and served in order to get this far.  It is also a time for reflection.  What has God done?  Where has He worked?  What still needs to be done?  What does He want us to do?  How have I grown as a pastor?  As a child of God?  Where do I still need to grow?

So, how does one go about reaching a significant milestone in ministry?  Or a job?  Or marriage?   One day at a time.  That is the irony in all this.  In between the great days and the bad ones, are thousands of ordinary days.  Days when nothing extraordinary happened.  But it is all these ordinary days that add up to produce a milestone.  A legacy.  A life.

That’s why faithfulness is so important.  Simply getting up each day and doing what we know we are supposed to do.  Doing God’s will, the best we understand it, the best we know how.  If we keep doing this, the milestones will come.  And eventually the rewards.  In Heaven.  By Jesus.  Now that is something to look forward to.  And work toward!

Lord, I thank you for the significant milestones that occur in my life.  Birthdays.  Anniversaries.  Years of ministry.  These are a result of my faithfulness to You and Your faithfulness to me.  Thank you for being there in the good times, the bad times, and in the ordinary days in between.  Help me to continue to depend on You.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Danger Of Sin

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%204:6-7&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201:13-15&version=NIV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter%202:19&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb%2012:1&version=NIV1984

Beth and I pulled into the parking lot at church early this past Sunday like we always do.  As we did so I noticed a senior citizen walking by.  They were just past the parking lot walking on the sidewalk so I couldn’t tell if they were a man or a woman.  Whoever it was had on a winter coat with a hood pulled over their head.  They also had both hands on their walker as they proceeded slowly down the street.  If that was all that I had seen I probably wouldn’t have given it a second thought.  It is not uncommon to see senior citizens using walkers.  Especially in our neighborhood.  There are 4 senior citizen’s apartments within 3 blocks of our church.  And the Senior Citizen’s Center is kitty-corner.

What really caught my attention was that I noticed some vapor around their head.  At first I thought it was their breath.  After all, it was pretty cold.  But upon closer inspection I realized that it was smoke.  Sure enough I caught a glimpse of a cigarette in their mouth.  So here they were, going down the street, walking behind their walker, puffing on a cigarette.  And I mean puffing.  I don’t think I have ever seen that much smoke come from a single cigarette.  The irony is that they were walking away from the church.  Somehow it was fitting.

What a sad sight that was.  Someone who could barely walk, who had to have both hands on their walker, addicted to cigarettes so badly that they had to have one perched between their lips.  I vacillated between feeling pity for them and disgust.  After all these years they still hadn’t got victory over a bad habit.  It just goes to show that old age is not necessarily a guarantee of wisdom.

Sadly, scenes such as this are on display every day in our culture.  People who are caught in the throes of all kinds of habits and/or addictions.  Gambling.  Alcohol.  Smoking.  Drugs.  Sex.  Gossip.  Lying.  Legalism.  Somewhere in the past it gained a foothold in their life.  And it grew from there.  Year after year they have remained in its grip.  Never changing.  Never knowing freedom.

This is what sin does.  It seeks to gain entrance into our lives.  At first it appears to be rather harmless.  Even attractive.  Inviting.  But once we give into it, it quickly changes.  It becomes aggressive.  Possessive.  It seeks more and more control.  Gradually it becomes a habit.  Then an addiction.  One day we realize that we are no longer in control.  Our sin has enslaved us.  We try to fight it but it isn’t easy.  The longer we have been held in its grasp the more difficult it is to become free.  The result is that some people simply give up.  They resign themselves to the fact that this is who they are.  A few even embrace their addiction.

The moral of the story?  We need to guard ourselves.  To be vigilante.  We need to treat every sin, no matter how small, as a mortal enemy.  As something that wants to control us.  And ruin us.  This means that we need to resist it.  Run away from it.  We need to do whatever we have to do to keep from having it invade our lives.  The stakes are high.  Satan plays for keeps.  And if he cannot claim our soul he will settle for having as much control over us as he possibly can.  He wants us to be useless.  Ineffective.

The older I become the more I realize that the Christian life is a battle.  Every day.  So we better be prepared for it.  We do this by putting on the armor of God.  By trusting in the Lord.  Walking in the Spirit.  This doesn’t mean that we won’t occasionally sin.  But hopefully it means that we won’t allow Satan to gain any footholds in our lives either.  That we are quick to repent.  Quick to confess.  Quick to get back in step with the Spirit.  If not, who knows, but that we could become a pathetic figure ourselves.  Someone whom others pity.  Or worse yet, find disgusting.

Lord, help me to treat every sin as a dangerous, mortal enemy.  As something that wants to defeat me.  Control me.  Enslave me.  I thank you that You always make a way to escape the temptations that I face.  And that You provide forgiveness when I fail.  Help me to live in the freedom that is my right as one of Your children.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.