A Lesson from a Baseball Card

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:4-10 ESV). While I was in North Carolina some years ago I saw an item on the news that a rare Honus Wagner baseball card was for sale at auction. That story caused me to do a little research. The story that emerged is hard to believe, but it's true. The owner went into antique stores because he was interested in old baseball cards. In one store he didn't see any on display, so he asked the owner if he had any baseball cards. The shopkeeper produced a cigar box with some very early baseball cards, which dated back to the early 1900s. He said, "I don't put these out for everyone to see. I keep them in a drawer most of the time." Among those cards, the shopper found one of the most valuable baseball cards there is. It was a rare card featuring Hall of Famer Honus Wagner. When the shopper inquired about the price, the owner said, "Well, I bought all of these from a woman for $20.00. But I know they're worth a lot more. I'll sell them to you for $200.00." Of course he bought them all. Just that one card alone is worth an estimated $200,000.00! The woman who sold that card to the storeowner didn't know what it was really worth. The storeowner didn't realize its value either and he let it go for what turned out to be very cheap. It's one thing to undervalue a baseball card and let it go for less than its value. However, it's another thing for a person to undervalue him or herself and let themselves go too cheap. Maybe it's a mistake you've been making. You don't understand how much you're worth and you've been making hurtful choices because of it. It could well be that some people in your life have treated you like you're not worth much and you've believed it. Maybe you've been told you're not worth much, or you've let your inadequacies and limitations and your failures convince you that you must not have much value. What a mistake - and it leads to so many other mistakes. You end up devaluing yourself or settling for less than God intended for you because you think it's all your deserve. That’s not the declaration of Scripture. In our reading this morning Paul says, "We are God's masterpiece." That means you're a unique, handmade original, made by a God who only does masterpieces. All those people who treated you like you don't matter have no idea who you really are! No one on earth gave you your worth and no one on earth can take it away!

Atta Boy!

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV). We all need an attaboy every-now-and-then. Unfortunately there don’t seem to be enough of them to go around right now. So many people second-guess what they are doing and are so afraid of failing. We live in an incredibly negative and competitive society. The result has been a serious decline in the number of attaboys. This is a serious problem because marriages, families, and workplaces are severely compromised in their effectiveness, joy, and productivity because of the decline in attaboys. I guess I never really saw the theological importance of attaboys until I read the story of the baptism of Jesus recently. I was doing some study of the Holy Spirit in Luke-Acts and was focusing on the significance of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of Jesus. I had studied the theological implications of Jesus’ baptism in Luke many times. It is the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry, it is the fulfillment of the enthronement Psalms, it is Jesus entering into his role as God’s Messiah, it is the hand-off of John the Baptist’s ministry to Jesus. But this time, I saw something different. It struck me that God’s words to his Son were the most powerful example of an attaboy I had ever heard! “You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased.” God affirmed his relationship, his love, and his pleasure in his Son. What’s more, he did it to prepare Jesus for the battle with Satan that was about to take place in the desert. Remember what the first thing the Evil One says to Jesus in the temptation? “If you really are the Son of God...” “Sorry about that Satan, but I’ve got that one nailed down. I’m his beloved Son who gives him pleasure. He just told me.” Jesus could have confidently told him. A similar thing happens just before his final trip to Jerusalem. “This is my Son, whom I love...” Jesus goes into his most important and heartbreaking battle with a divine attaboy from his Father! No wonder the writer of Hebrews instructs his readers to encourage one another as they gather together for worship. Truthfully that is good advice for everyday of our lives. So now that you know what an attaboy is, why not start looking for them so you can share them! Incredibly, they will reproduce fastest in an environment where they are frequently passed on!

If I Had It to Do Over

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. (Psalm 95:1-3 ESV). I always get a little nostalgic at this time of the year. I sometimes begin to think of those things that might have been done differently through life. Reflection on the past is always an interesting exercise. It can be very helpful, or as is often the case, very dangerous. The past is indeed the past and while a teacher of sorts, it must not determine our present sense of peace and joy. Trying to strike that balance, I thought of Erma Bombeck. Often poignant, often funny, often true, Erma Bombeck’s observations of life, especially that of the suburban housewife, has made men and women smile for several generations. It was not so much that Erma was humorous but rather her daily and weekly editorials reflected what millions of people, especially mothers, wives, and career women were going through just in the daily juggling act of life. Starting out in a local newspaper, her column was eventually printed in 600 newspapers across the country. Realizing that she could not overcome the cancer that had overtaken her body, she wrote the following poem titled “If I Had My Life to Live Over.” I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life. I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's".. more "I’m sorry's"... but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it... live it...and never give it back. Learn from your past. Live in your present. Celebrate your future! There is much to be thankful about, if we will only look!

Words to Live By

I received the following recently. It was titled them “Wisdom to Live By.” They provide both humor and a springboard to a very important truth from the Scripture: 1. The early bird still has to eat worms. 2. I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose fitting clothing. If I HAD any loose fitting clothing, I wouldn't have signed up in the first place! 3. The worst thing about accidents in the kitchen is eating them. 4. Don't argue with an idiot, people watching may not be able to tell the difference. 5. Stress is when you wake up screaming and then you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet. 6. My husband says I never listen to him. At least I think that's what he said. 7. Why is it that our children can't read a Bible in school, but they can in prison? 8. If raising children were going to be easy, it never would have started with something called labor! 9. Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever 10. Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we could simply press 'Ctrl Alt Delete' and start all over? These are funny, however the Scripture validates the truth in the last of these humorous proverbs. There is a “Ctrl Alt Delete” in life. It is in confession and repentance. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:5-10 ESV). One of the greatest needs of any of us is that of acceptance. It centers itself in our deep need for a relationship with both God and others. Forgiveness is the door to that acceptance. Regardless of what you may have done, God has given you a means of achieving acceptance in His eyes. Because of the gift of Jesus Christ no one need feel alone any longer. Turn to Him today and begin the journey again!

Happy Birthday Faith and Logan!

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22 ESV). Since it is Faith and Logan’s 9th birthday, I thought of the following. It is designed with the intent of laughter, though I think some of it is too real! At the very least I hope it will make you laugh. That really is the best medicine. It is titled “7 Reasons Not to Mess With a Child”:  A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small. The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible. The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah". The teacher asked, " What if Jonah went to hell?" The little girl replied, "Then you ask him".  A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawin! g. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, "I'm drawing God." The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like." Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute."  A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to "honor" thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?" Without missing a beat one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered, "Thou shall not kill."  One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?" Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white." The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"  The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture. "Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown up and say, 'There's Jennifer, she's a lawy! er,' or 'That's Michael, He's a doctor.' A small voice at the back of the room rang out, "And there's the teacher, She's dead."  A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said, "Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it, and I would turn red in the face.." "Yes," the class said. "Then why is it that while I am standing upright in the ordinary position the blood doesn't run into my feet?" A little fellow shouted, "Cause your feet ain't empty."  The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and! posted on the apple tray: "Take only ONE. God is watching." Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies. A child had written a note, "Take all you want. God is watching the apples." If it did make you smile, use it as a reminder that no matter how dreary and difficult life may seem, God’s desire is for your heart to be filled with joy. Rest in that promise! AND, Happy Birthday to my grandchildren, Faith and Logan!

Undaunted

I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth, and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD. (Psalm 138:1-5 ESV). Courage in the face of difficulty or failure is “easier said than done”! The following humorous story epitomizes the attitude that produces a sense of confidence in the face of difficulty: A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball and bat. "I'm the greatest hitter in the world," he announced. Then he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed. "Strike One!" he yelled. Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said again, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!" He tossed the ball into the air. When it came down he swung again and missed. "Strike two!" he cried. The boy then paused a moment to examine his bat and ball carefully. He spit on his hands and rubbed them together. He straightened his cap and said once more, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!" Again he tossed the ball up in the air and swung at it. He missed. "Strike Three! Wow!" he exclaimed. "I'm the greatest pitcher in the world!" Your attitude determines how circumstances impact your life. The little boy's circumstances hadn't changed, but his optimistic attitude prompted him to give an encouraging meaning to what had happened. Much of the way we face our future depends on how we view life’s experiences. Zig Ziglar may be one of the most gifted motivational speakers of our day. He said, “I’m so optimistic I’d go after Moby Dick in a rowboat and take the tartar sauce with me.” If we expect to win, often we will be winners. Sometimes the score may not reflect that we have beaten our opponent, but we will still be winners. That was a lesson I learned early in my college days. We practiced a tradition of never admitting defeat. We may have been outscored on a particular day, but we never lost. That attitude has proven to be a key in many experiences in life. What difficult time are you going through right now? Can you do something to change it? If you can, don't wait another day, make the needed changes. If you can't change the circumstance, however, change your attitude. You'll discover that circumstances won't have the last word.

Choices

“Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods. (Joshua 24:14-16 ESV). "You don't get to choose how you're going to die, or when. You can only decide how you're going to live." - Joan Baez Most people go through life like a river, carried about by a seemingly uncontrollable current, pushed from one place to another. Where the river empties is their destination. This is not the best way to live your life! While there is no denying there will always be certain things out of our control, to a large extent, we have a great ability to control how we live. What direction do you choose when evil is in your path? Do you turn away and steer clear from it, or do you allow it to drag you into its dangerous current, pulling you farther and farther away from God? The power to make choices is a gift every Christian has been given with the presence of the Holy Spirit. We all have it, but how often do we exercise it when choosing to reject evil? The decision to reject those things which God shuns can often be difficult, even painful, but the end result is well worth it because our wise decision brings us one step closer to God. The real key is in commitment. "When I was a boy, my father, a baker, introduced me to the wonders of song," tenor Luciano Pavarotti relates. "He urged me to work very hard to develop my voice. Arrigo Pola, a professional tenor in my hometown of Modena, Italy, took me as a pupil. I also enrolled in a teachers college. On graduating, I asked my father, 'Shall I be a teacher or a singer?' "'Luciano,' my father replied, 'if you try to sit on two chairs, you will fall between them. For life, you must choose one chair.' I chose one. It took seven years of study and frustration before I made my first professional appearance. It took another seven to reach the Metropolitan Opera. And now I think whether it's laying bricks, writing a book--whatever we choose--we should give ourselves to it. Commitment, that's the key. Choose one chair." Today, ask yourself how you are going to live your life, whether you are going to pursue sin or godliness. Once you evaluate, act; pull up all your strength and place your trust in God. Our Heavenly Father has great rewards in store for those who fervently seek after righteousness.

Winners

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:22-23 ESV). Winners see luck as opportunity. They see the rewards of success in advance. They do not fear the penalties of failure. The winning individual knows that negative thinking attracts bad luck and that an attitude of optimistic expectancy is the surest way to create an upward cycle and to attract the best of luck most of the time. Winners know that so-called luck is the intersection of preparation and opportunity. If an individual is not prepared, he or she simply does not see or take advantage of a situation. Opportunities are always around, but only those who are prepared utilize them effectively. Winners seem to be lucky because their positive self-expectancy enables them to be better prepared for their opportunities. When asked by a news reporter how she thought she would do in one of her early career swimming meets in the United States several years ago, 14-year-old Australian Shane Gould replied, “I have a feeling there will be a world record today.” She went on to set two world records in the one hundred and two-hundred-meter freestyle events. When asked how she thought she would fare in the more testing, grueling, four-hundred-meter event, Shane replied with a smile, “I get stronger every race, and besides ... my parents said they’d take me to Disneyland if I win, and we’re leaving tomorrow!” she went to Disneyland with three world records. At 16 she held five world records and became one of the greatest swimmers of all time, winning three gold medals in the 1972 Olympics. She learned early about the power of self-expectancy. I have read that there is a plaque in Arnold Palmer’s office that has the following poem inscribed on it. It is wisdom supported by the truth of the promises of God: If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t. If you’d like to win but think you can’t, It’s almost certain you won’t. Life’s battles don’t always go To the stronger or faster man, But sooner or later, the man who wins Is the man who thinks he can. What is your hope today? What are you holding to? Prepare yourself for the opportunities you will be given with an unshakeable knowledge that God loves you and will never fail you!

It Comes with the Ticket

Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:29-35 ESV). The story is told by Peter Kreeft of an immigrant family on a ship from Europe to America. They were poor, so poor that they had to spend almost all of their money on the ticket. What they had left over for food was only enough to buy bread and cheese. All they ate were cheese sandwiches. The young boy, Hans, said to his father, "Dad, please, give me some money for an ice cream cone. I hate cheese sandwiches!" His father said, "Son, we are poor. Cheese sandwiches will keep you alive until we reach New York; the streets are made of gold, and we will eat whatever we want." Not satisfied, Hans continued to beg for money so his father gave him some change for an ice cream cone. The boy disappeared and didn't come back for two hours. When he did come back he sported a big fat tummy and a huge smile on his face. "Hans, did you get your ice cream cone?" "You bet, Dad. And then another one, then a steak, and then apple pie." "What? You bought all that with the money I gave you" "Oh no, Dad. It is free! It comes with the ticket!" There is tremendous truth in this story. Obviously, this immigrant family did not realize that the food comes with the ticket. Perhaps they were misinformed or they had trouble speaking the language. Were they quiet and shy, not wishing to mix with the other passengers? Whatever the case, they missed out on some great food. Yet, we are also on a journey to a foreign land. We may be quiet and shy or be misinformed. There are many that just exist on cheese sandwiches. Little do we realize that there is a cafeteria where the food comes with the ticket of life. The Scripture, the source of incredible food, has some real answers for all of us! It can be understood in all languages. If we but step out of our confines, our cabin, and ask God for His life-giving Bread, He will satisfy us until we are simply overflowing. I would encourage you not to be content with cheese sandwiches. The ticket that has been purchased for you with the life of God’s only Son is “first class”! It includes all the amenities! Don’t settle for mere cheese sandwiches any longer. Ask for the full presence of God’s Spirit within you now.

The Real Story of Thanksgiving

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV). Most of us know the story of the first Thanksgiving; at least, we know the Pilgrim version. But how many of us know the Indian viewpoint? The real story is the amazing way God used an Indian named Squanto as a special instrument of His providence. Historical accounts of Squanto’s life vary, but historians believe that around 1608, more than a decade before the Pilgrims landed in the New World, a group of English traders, led by a Captain Hunt, sailed to what is today Plymouth, Massachusetts. When the trusting Wampanoag Indians came out to trade, Hunt took them prisoner, transported them to Spain, and sold them into slavery. But God had an amazing plan for one of the captured Indians, a boy named Squanto. A well-meaning Spanish monk, who treated him well and taught him the Christian faith, bought Squanto. Squanto eventually made his way to England and worked in the stable of a man named John Slaney. Slaney sympathized with Squanto’s desire to return home, and he promised to put the Indian on the first vessel bound for America. It wasn’t until 1619, ten years after Squanto was first kidnapped, that a ship was found. Finally, after a decade of exile and heartbreak, Squanto was on his way home. But when he arrived in Massachusetts, more heartbreak awaited him. An epidemic had wiped out Squanto’s entire village. We can only imagine what must have gone through Squanto’s mind. Why had God allowed him to return home, against all odds, only to find his loved ones dead? A year later, the answer came. A shipload of English families arrived and settled on the very land once occupied by Squanto’s people. Squanto went to meet them, greeting the startled Pilgrims in English. According to the diary of Pilgrim Governor William Bradford, Squanto “became a special instrument sent of God for [our] good . . . He showed [us] how to plant [our] corn, where to take fish and to procure other commodities . . . and was also [our] pilot to bring [us] to unknown places for [our] profit, and never left [us] till he died.” When Squanto lay dying of a fever, Bradford wrote that their Indian friend “desir[ed] the Governor to pray for him, that he might go to the Englishmen’s God in heaven.” Squanto bequeathed his possessions to his English friends “as remembrances of his love.” Who but God could so miraculously weave together the lives of a lonely Indian and a struggling band of Englishmen? It’s hard not to make comparisons with the biblical story of Joseph, who was also sold into slavery and whom God likewise used as a special instrument for good. That is God’s promise to all of us! That’s really something to be thankful for!

How Thankful Are You?

On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:11-18 ESV). I have always been amazed at the story found in our reading today. And, yet, as I think of the many blessings God has given me, I wonder if I am not just as those nine ungrateful lepers were. As I have said recently, we live in a world of “what have you done for me lately.” This has caused us to offer many excuses for our failure to be thankful. Charles Brown offers the following explanations for the attitude of ungratefulness expressed in the nine lepers who did not return to Jesus. I hope you do not find yourself among them! • One waited to see if the cure was real. • One waited to see if it would last. • One said he would see Jesus later. • One decided that he had never had leprosy. • One said he would have gotten well anyway. • One gave the glory to the priests. • One said, “O, well, Jesus didn’t really do anything.” • One said, “Any rabbi could have done it.” • One said, “I was already much improved.” In his book Folk Psalms Of Faith, Ray Stedman tells of an experience H. A. Ironside had in a crowded restaurant. Just as Ironside was about to begin his meal, a man approached and asked if he could join him. Ironside invited his to have a seat. Then, as was his custom, Ironside bowed his head in prayer. When he opened his eyes, the other man asked, “Do you have a headache?” Ironside replied, “No, I don’t.” The other man asked, Well, is there something wrong with your food?” Ironside replied, “No, I was simply thanking God as I always do before I eat.” The man said, “Oh, you’re one of those, are you? Well, I want you to know I never give thanks. I earn my money by the sweat of my brow and I don’t have to give thanks to anybody when I eat. I just start right in!” Ironside said, “Yes, you’re just like my dog. That’s what he does too!” Give thanks today!

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. (Psalm 28:6-8 ESV). Stores are decorated, travel plans are made, and Thanksgiving is but days away. This year is more unusual than every before. This year Mary and I will not be with all of our boys. Because of schedules and work they will be unable to come to Tennessee. Of course, we are very grateful to be able to be with Kyle, Brandy, Faith and Logan; but miss David, Becca, and Aaron. We will see them for Christmas in Texas. I am thankful for some and desire more. Isn’t that true for many of us? In the middle of all of those thoughts, our reading this morning came to me. How do you “burst out in songs of thanksgiving,” when you don’t feel very thankful? How do you look beyond the circumstances of the moment and be grateful? The answer to these questions was really rather simple. I stumbled on the following prayer; it helped to bring some things into focus for me. Maybe it will for you as well. Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings each morning, thank you, Lord that I can hear. There are many who are deaf. Even though I keep my eyes tightly closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you, Lord that I can see. There are many who are blind. Even though I may huddle in my bed and put off the effort of rising, thank, Lord that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden. Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, and tempers are short, thank you, Lord for my family. There are many who are lonely. Even though our breakfast table may never look like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord for the food we have. There are many who have no job. Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord for the gift of life. The key is looking out instead of in. It’s so easy to find things that are not as good as we might prefer. However, when I look at the challenges others face, my circumstances are no more than minor inconveniences. As you prepare for your holiday this week, where are you looking?

Rainbows

Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9:8-17 ESV). According to Scripture, rainbows are God's promise to mankind that there will never again be a world-wide flood such as there was in the days of Noah. In his book, "His Name Is Jesus," author, J. Rambsel relays that when a rainbow is seen from above, it is not seen as the familiar arc of color we know it to be, but as a complete circle. How appropriate this is since the shape of the circle conveys the sentiment of infinity or eternity. The same is true with the familiar symbol exchanged in the marriages of our western culture, the wedding band. Many eastern peoples also have their own symbols of promise. The circular design of the wedding band represents, not only a clear marking that one is married, but is a symbol of never-ending love. How brilliant and a thing of wonder the rainbow is! According to Sir Isaac Newton who is regarded as one of the greatest geniuses the world has known, like the spectrum whose source is white light, the rainbow also gives off these seven shades of color. Since the Scriptures often refer to God as "Light," perhaps the colors of the rainbow stem from the pure and radiant white light of our Creator! When we consider the many colors of the spectrum from a Scriptural perspective, it appears that even in the simple design of the rainbow, each shade may hold deeper meaning.  Blue portrays heaven and infinity.  Red or scarlet depicts blood and redemption.  Orange is for the fruit of atonement.  Indigo was the color of skins used for the Tabernacle covering.  Green stands for new life or resurrection.  Yellow or gold depicts perfection and deity.  Violet or purple is the color of royalty and kingship. The next time you see a rainbow, consider the silent yet profound message this symbol speaks, not just to mankind, but to you, as a individual. Let His awesome light shine upon you!

The Perfect Mate

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:1-7 ESV). I finished my last book and was searching for something to read when I picked up one of Mary’s magazines. It was one of those ladies magazines that have many different articles centered on some form of self-improvement. One in particular caught my eye. The topic had to do with fate, romance and soul mates. One woman interviewed described the moment she "found" her soul mate. "You know how the actors and actresses in 'Touched by an Angel' become illuminated when they disclose they are angels? Well, this guy looked at me and that's exactly how he appeared!" she said. She and her "soul mate" have been happily married for over 30 years now. Another woman told how, at age 35, she still had not met someone that she could make a lifelong commitment to. Then, at an out-of-state seminar, she met a man whose character she greatly admired. The two exchanged numerous letters and phone calls learning they shared many common interests and goals. After a year, the two were married and remain happily together. Another woman's story wasn't so happy, as she regretfully spoke of how she found out too late that her own husband was not her "soul mate." I began to think whether or not there is such thing as a "soul mate?" Is there a special someone who loves and accepts us more than any other, who understands how we think and feel, who is patient with our flaws and weaknesses, who appreciates us as the unique individuals we are, and with whom we share a special bond that none other can replace? Well, I cannot speak with certainty if such an earthly "soul mate" exists for each of us. I have found such a mate though I know there are those who have not. I also know that on a spiritual level, God is the ultimate soul mate. The love He offers to those who call upon Him is unique, more fulfilling than any other love we have ever known. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, we can have salvation, forgiveness of sins, strength to overcome adversity, and a sense of peace and joy that only faith in God can provide. Yes, your "soul mate" is there waiting for you. Seek Him early and you will know a love unlike any other.

The Law and Grace

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-4 ESV). In our reading today the Apostle Paul says that there are two laws. One is the law of the Spirit and life, the other the law of sin and death. The law of sin and death says that if you trust in the law for your goodness, you had better be very, very good. In other words, the law is the law and you are going to be measured by that law. Because no one has ever lived up to the law, except Jesus Christ, you are in trouble, your sin will be revealed and you will die eternally. On the other hand, the law of the spirit says that Jesus Christ obeyed the law perfectly and became your sacrifice. If you trust in that sacrifice, it will be sufficient. There’s a good story that illustrates this truth well. There was a man who went to the gates of heaven. Peter told him that he needed a thousand points in order to get into heaven and asked, "What have you done to earn a thousand points?" The man thought a long time. He was a good man and had certainly earned a lot of points. He made a list: "Well, I was raised in the church, my father was a pastor and I never rebelled. I was president of my youth group. I went to a Bible college and then to a Christian graduate school. I have been active in the church. I don't just talk religion either . . . I live it. I give over 30 percent of my income to the work of the kingdom. I have never had a drink of whiskey, I have never lied that I can remember and I have always witnessed for Christ in every situation in which I found myself. I have been married to the same woman for over 40 years. I have never cheated on her and I was always sensitive to her needs. We had three children, two girls and a boy. One girl is married to a preacher, the other is serving on the mission field with her husband and my son is now studying for the ministry at a solid seminary. I have always supported my pastor. I have been an elder in the church for over 20 years and have been regular in my attendance at Sunday school, Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening worship services. I have supported missionaries and have often visited them on the field to support and encourage them. I'm a bank president and I've tried to be a good citizen in my community sup porting the poor, working the prison ministry and offering low interest loans to minorities." Then, pausing, the man looked up at Peter and said, "How am I doing?" Peter answered, "Well, that's about one and a half points." The man cried out, "Good Lord, have mercy!" Peter laughed and said, "You've got it, come on in." The law of the Spirit says that when you trust in Christ, He is sufficient to free you from the law of sin and death. That is the premise to the conclusion: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Caught in the Act

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:33-37 ESV). In June 1991, the following squib appeared in San Francisco columnist Herb Caen's column: I heard a news report on Chicago radio that a guy in California got a speeding ticket that was sent to him via the mail. It was one of those new "camera" set-ups that got him, where a camera is positioned along the highway, sans officer. The camera took the picture of his speeding car and tag number. A letter was generated by a computer and sent to him with the photograph of his car speeding and the date and time of the offense. The letter went on to state that he had to send in a fine of $40.00. The story went that the guy was so mad that he sent back the letter with a photograph of two twenty dollar bills. A week later he got a letter back from the police. He opened up the letter and inside was a photograph of a pair of handcuffs! It's clear both the violator and police chief were engaging in a bit of horsing around. Your run-of-the-mill speeder does not normally contact a high-profile columnist with the news that he's about to pay a fine, after all. However, the humor in it reminded me of a very sobering truth found in our reading today: There is a judgment due for all of our sins. It is reported that just before the death of actor W. C. Fields, a friend visited Fields' hospital room and was surprised to find him thumbing through a Bible. Asked what he was doing with a Bible, Fields replied, "I'm looking for loopholes." The Bible teaches that there will be no “loopholes.” There is however a defense. That will be our relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior. In the context of our reading today, the Pharisees were unwilling to believe that Jesus could be the messiah promised in the Old Testament. He didn’t fit their interpretation of the prophecies. The “fruit of their tree” was not good. Their words sounded good, but their actions gave them away. From that there would be no escape. Mailing in a photograph could not save them! What are you depending on for your salvation? Only Jesus will do!

Combinations

All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:27-30 ESV). I was recently looking for a phone number in the local yellow pages (I know… that’s really old fashioned), and discovered something unusual. If you look at the top of each page, you will notice category headings. If the page includes more than one category, the beginning and ending categories will be listed separated by a hyphen. There are some very interesting combinations of categories listing each of the sections. Perhaps yours will be the same. For example, in the “P’s” I noticed that the top of the page read, “Plumbing-Police.” What a great idea to have “Plumbing Police.” They could have a number similar to 911. When there was a plumbing emergency, all you had to do was dial one number, like “777,” and the nearest plumbing police officer patrolling your neighborhood would be dispatched. There are other combinations, too. How about “Food-Forklift”? Having attended many church socials over the years, that image seemed to fit very well. But then there were others, like “Hair-Hardware.” Even in my wildest imagination, I’m having difficulty with that one. Here are some religious ones: “Christmas-Churches” is listed on the left-hand page, but on the right is “Churches-Cigar.” I know what Christmas churches are, but what about “Churches-Cigar?” Does it have anything to do with deacons standing outside the church sending up burnt offerings? The list goes on: “Pest-Pet,” “Motel-Motorcycles,” “Garage-Garbage,” “Fishing-Fitness,” and “Airlines-Alcoholism.” The last word combination was “Youth-Zoo.” Sound familiar? It is probably the best two words that describe many homes. You would rather live in a zoo than spend another day with your child. Raising a family is often difficult. The challenges of guiding them without being too strict or too permissive can be a great burden. The answer to achieving that balance begins with your partnership with Jesus. Begin with a conscious commitment to pray each day that your family will find peace and that harmony will fill your home. One thing I know for sure. You cannot find peace and harmony in the yellow pages because Jesus is not there! Right answers can only be found in the right places. Trust in Him and you will begin to find the solutions to those problems you face in your life each day.

A Time for Everything

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ESV). The average American will spend six months siting at stoplights, eight months opening junk mail, one year looking for misplaced objects, two years unsuccessfully returning phone calls, four years doing housework, five years waiting in line, and six years eating! What a way to spend your life! I began thinking about the time today as I drove back from Nashville. There is nothing at all unusual with my being on that highway. We live just thirty minutes south of Nashville and often travel into the larger city. What was unusual about this drive was where I had been. I had just finished another blood treatment for my hemochromatosis at Vanderbilt Hospital. I am on a schedule that requires me to do this once every eight weeks. It has become a mere inconvenience now. After so many years of doctors, treatments, and “ologists” of various sorts I have come to recognize that it is just another part of the “seasons” of life. It has been nearly twenty years since I first discovered that I had this disease. There were some days early in the treatment that we were not sure how it would turn out. So, driving along, I became a bit nostalgic. How could nearly twenty years pass so quickly? Where did the time go? I have learned much during these years. My hope is to have passed that knowledge on to my children and others along the way. They have given much to me. I hope that I have given as much as I have received. I found the following poem recently and thought I’d pass it on today: When as a child I laughed and wept, time crept. When as a youth I dreamed and talked, time walked. When I became a full-grown man, time ran. And later as I older grew, time flew. Soon I shall find while traveling on, time gone. Perhaps you should think on the time that you have left to do and say all those things that need to be done and said to your children. I am so thankful for each of my sons. I miss them when I am away from them. Whether yours are young or old, take a few moments and celebrate with them their growth. Even when they may have done better (we all could have done better), or when they could have done more (we all could have done more), or even when you disagreed (we are, after all very different), tell them of your love and confidence in who they are. Bless them today with a kind word and a loving gesture. You will get more than you give. There is a time for everything. Perhaps its time for this today!

Asking and Receiving

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8 ESV). Mike Hayes of Rochelle, Illinois, decided he would test the truth of asking and receiving. In 1987, while a chemistry freshman at the University of Illinois, he came up with a novel idea to solve his tuition and college expenses problem. Figuring that just about anyone could spare a penny, he brazenly asked everyone to do it. He wrote to Chicago Tribune columnist Bob Greene, asking him to request each of his readers send Hayes a penny. The notion tickled the veteran columnist's fancy enough that he was willing to go along with it. From Bob Greene's column: No one likes being used, but in this case I'm willing. It sounds like fun. Mike Hayes, 18, is a freshman science major at the University of Illinois in Champaign. He is looking for a way to finance his college education, and he decided that my column is the answer. "How many people read your column?" he asked me. I told him I didn't know. "Millions, right?" he said. "All over the country, right?" I said I supposed that was true. "Well, here's my idea," he said, and proceeded to explain. I'll break it down simply: Mike Hayes wants every person who is reading this column right this minute to send him a penny. "Just one penny," Hayes said. "A penny doesn't mean anything to anyone. If everyone who is reading your column looks around the room right now, there will be a penny under the couch cushion, or on the corner of the desk, or on the floor. That's all I'm asking. A penny from each of your readers." You wouldn't think a scheme like that would be wildly successful. But it was. In less than a month, the "Many Pennies for Mike" fund was up to the equivalent of 2.3 million pennies. Not everyone was content to send merely a penny, many sent nickels, dimes, quarters and even more. There's something lovable about a kid who asks you for a penny. Ask Debra Sue Maffett, Miss America 1983. Not only did she send a check for $25.00, but also her donation was accompanied by a letter saying she admired him. She even signed the letter 'Love, Debbie'. Donations were received from every state in the United States, plus Mexico, Canada, and the Bahamas. Yes, he ended up with the $28,000 he'd set out to get. But 1987 was a long time ago, you say. Whatever happened to Mike Hayes? He went on to earn his degree in food science from the University of Illinois. As for why this scheme worked: ''I didn't ask for a lot of money,'' Hayes said. ''I just asked for money from a lot of people, 2.8 million people [of Chicago].'' Perhaps the last word is best left to the lad's father, Bill Hayes: "When Mike first told me about his idea, I just laughed and said that I thought it was dumb. Which shows you that he's smarter than I am." I am not saying this is the answer to your financial needs. However, I am saying that many people simply don’t receive from the Lord because they don’t ask, believing. Give faith a chance!

Using All the Space

But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.” (Matthew 12:39-45 ESV). Have you ever moved from one place to another and wondered how you were ever going to put all the stuff up? When we moved into our new home about six months ago, the first thing I did in the garage was to set up the shop and build some new shelving! I am still not quite sure how we got it all to fit. Thank goodness we didn’t move the stuff we still have in Kyle’s basement! I suppose you could say that if it is “in storage” it is merely wasting space. You may be right! I was reminded by this experience of how much wasted space that we might have in our lives. At first, you may protest and declare emphatically that you don’t have any wasted space. In fact, you’re probably going to assert that you have more to do than you can “say grace over.” But I believe if we are honest, we will find a lot more wasted space than we ever imagined! So often, we define our faith by what we don’t do that the world does. In fact, when sin enters our lives, we do everything we can to rid our lives of that sin. And in all honesty giving up, stripping away, avoiding, and putting to death sinful thoughts, habits, and actions are crucial parts of our walk with Jesus. However, when we work to remove many of these sinful elements, we do little to put anything in their place. We neglect the empty wasted spaces left behind when we excised these sinful elements of our lives. Before we know it, the same old thing or some new thing has crept into that wasted space and taken up residency. Why? Because we only cleaned out the bad. We didn’t intentionally fill it with godliness. We didn’t invite the Lord to take residence and control of that area of our life and lead us into something new and productive to put in place of the sin driven out. That’s the warning Jesus issues in our reading this morning. When we’ve left too many unguarded, wasted spaces in our lives that are not consciously and consistently turned over to the Lord for his use, we focus so much on avoiding sin that we don’t put something back in its place that is righteous and good and nurturing. Renew your commitment to invite the Lord into the areas of our life that are empty, wasted spaces.

Tell Me Again

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:19-23 ESV). A week or so ago was one of “those weeks.” Starting with a kidney stone attack on Monday and ending with two surgeries to remove a very large stone, you could say it just wasn’t my week! Several times during the week I began to look through some of my old pictures to my Texas deer lease! Those thoughts seemed to make the rest of the week a lot better. Since I love the outdoors, it just made the rest of the week go better when I began to remember the things I saw when I was there. It's amazing that how one views the world depends on what is happening in one's life. When pain and turmoil dominate your life, the world appears dull, lifeless, and carries little or no meaning. People appear selfish, cold, and uncaring. But when one's life is filled with peace and joy, suddenly the world seems a brighter place. Life takes on meaning and you have a sense of hope. You feel that, no matter what happens, everything will be okay. You no longer focus on the negative in your fellow man, but instead, see their acts of caring, giving, and love. Those who cross your path are no longer viewed as strangers but likened unto brothers and sisters, deserving of kindness and respect. I can recall a line in the hymn, Amazing Grace: "was blind but now I see!" Inviting God into your life can color your world in ways you never thought possible! First and foremost, a heart once blackened with sin can be made pure through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Focusing on God's word and will gives one a totally new outlook because we are no longer the same, but are His new creations. Whatever you put into your life will come out of your life. Fill your body, mind, and heart with sin and expect no good to come out of it. Fill up on God's living word and your world will be forever changed! What it all boils down to is this, how you perceive the world depends on whether God is in or out of your life. Let God color your world like only He can! Listen to Jesus again: Your eye is a lamp for your body. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul. But an evil eye shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness. If the light you think you have is really darkness, how deep that darkness will be! Don’t settle for darkness. Let the light in to your life today!

Somebody, Somwhere, Love Me

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 ESV). In 1963, the United States Supreme Court outlawed prayer in America's public schools. One of the plaintiffs in that case was America's best-known and most visible atheist, Madalyn Murray O'Hair. Over the years, she was a vocal proponent of atheism and an aggressive campaigner against religion in public life. Then one day she vanished, leaving her sports car in an airport parking lot and $500,000 missing from the American Atheists Association bank account. Her disappearance still remains an unsolved mystery. The Internal Revenue Service seized Mrs. O'Hair's home to pay her creditors and some back taxes. One of the items at auction was her diary. And one entry said, "The whole idiotic hopelessness of human relations descends upon me. Tonight, I cried and cried, but even then feeling nothing." I was really struck by four words that Madalyn Murray O'Hair reportedly wrote at least half a dozen times over the years, "Somebody, somewhere, love me." In a way, her cry is the cry of every human heart. "Somebody, somewhere, love me." And for many that do believe in God, there is still that awful vacuum. It's possible to believe in God, to do God's things, and to still miss the deep experience of His love. And without that love, the emptiness and loneliness in our heart is never satisfied, no matter how many human loves we experience. While you may be nowhere near an atheist, it could be that you've invested a lot in good things that could easily become other gods: your career, your children, your projects, your friends, your charity work, your spiritual pursuits. But the deep, aching sense of aloneness seldom seems to go away. Every earth-love has ultimately either failed you or failed to satisfy you. So, after all these years, your heart is still whispering, maybe even shouting, "Somebody, somewhere, love me." Our reading today describes the only love that can ever truly answer this deepest cry of the human heart. It is unconditional love, immeasurable love, that God wants you to experience. It is more than you can imagine, so much so that He sacrificed the One He loves the most for you, His one and only Son, Jesus. The reason we are missing that love is because we've pushed God out of our lives with our sin. We've lived "my way" instead of God's way, over and over again. And that has left us separated from God and His love with a death penalty on our heads. But God just lavished His love on you by sending Jesus to die in your place. Jesus is the "Somebody, somewhere" that your heart has been lonely for. And you don't have to live one more day without His love. Turn to Him today and be lavished with His love. He is the somebody who will love you right where you are!

Today for Tomorrow

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:3-7 ESV). The following golf joke raises a critical question each of us needs to answer. The golfer was new to the game. When his ball landed on an anthill, he took careful aim, swung hard, and missed the ball completely. Instead of hitting the ball, he destroyed half of the anthill. Enraged at the miss, the golfer swung even harder a second time. He destroyed the other half of the anthill as the golf ball went straight up in the air several feet and came down in the same spot. Two ants crawled dizzily from the remains and looked around. One of them saw the novice golfer preparing to swing again and said, "Uh oh! If we want to survive, we'd better get on the ball!" Do you need to get on the ball? The last quarter of the year will soon begin. Not long ago you were thinking about how to make 2012 better than 2011. Soon, 75% of this year will be gone. How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions or other plans for 2012? Have they been forgotten? It's amazing how we intend to improve our lives or solve a particular problem. The answer usually comes back “someday.” But the weeks, months and years speed by, and no changes are made. Norman Vincent Peale pointed out a key reason when he said we wait too long to begin life. You may be thinking, "I'm so busy, and time just flies by!" That's true. But since time flies, it's up to you to be the navigator. You see, wasting time is really wasting a life. That's a tragedy. Before any more of 2003 becomes history, stop wasting time. Plan specific things you can do that will be positive for yourself and for others in various aspects of your life. Don't stop with planning. Begin DOING something to improve each area of your life regularly. You see, a good reason for doing the right thing today is tomorrow. For a better tomorrow, be diligent at navigating your life today. Those ants had the right idea; it's time to get on the ball!

Traps and Snares

O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you! Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice! Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies! Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds. When their judges are thrown over the cliff, then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant. As when one plows and breaks up the earth, so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol. But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless! Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me and from the snares of evildoers! Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely. (Psalm 141 ESV). Someone once said, "Feather by feather, the goose is plucked." That applies to geese, and to us. There is a story written by G. H. Charnley, The Skylark’s Bargain that provides a wonderful illustration to this truth. It tells the story of a young skylark that discovered a man who would give him worms for his feathers. Worms were the bird's favorite food, but a lot of work was necessary to occasionally enjoy this delicacy because they were scarce. The thought of an easier, better life was very attractive to the young skylark, so he offered the man a deal--one feather for two worms. The man accepted. The skylark thought he had it made--no more hunting and working for food. The good life was his! The next day the lark was flying high in the sky with his father. The older bird said, "You know, son, we skylarks should be the happiest of all birds. See our brave wings! They lift us high in the air, away from danger, and nearer to God." But the young bird did not hear his Dad, for all he could think about was the man with worms. Down he flew, plucked a feather from his wings, and had a feast. Day after day this went on. Then autumn came, and the man with the worms was gone. It was also time to fly south. The lark's family and all their friends began gathering for the long journey. As everyone else flew off, the young skylark had to stay behind to face the harsh winter all alone. Why? Slowly, day by day, he had exchanged the power of his young wings for worms. Thomas Jefferson said, "Do not bite at the bait of pleasure 'till you know there is no hook beneath it." Many careers, marriages and lives could be saved if Jefferson's advice were followed. Most of us try to avoid making the big mistakes in life. But just as a goose is plucked feather by feather, we can create difficult situations for ourselves step by step. Whether it is untruths that are uttered, gratitude that is unexpressed, or faith that is not built and maintained, we are tempted to make and repeat small mistakes over time. As a result, we can end up like the lark--unhappy, alone, and maybe even doomed. Don't take small steps toward big problems. Focus on developing strong wings of character and faith that will enable you to soar away from daily temptations that are so alluring. And remember the lark, you also face a constant temptation in life to exchange wings for worms. Guard against letting that happen.

Proof

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 ESV). US archeologist recently found the remains of a 7,500-year-old building probably a house more than 300 feet below the surface of the Black Sea. Robert Ballard, famous for discovering the Titanic, took photographs of the structure and recovered some artifacts from the site using a remote-controlled submersible called Argus, not much bigger than a washing machine. The building appears to have been on the beach of the Black Sea, which at that time consisted of fresh water. "Now we know that people were living on that surface when the Flood took place, because we are finding evidence of human habitation," Ballard reported in a telephone interview from his ship off the Turkish coast. Last year Ballard found indications of an ancient coastline with tree branches and other debris, miles out from the current Black Sea coast. Ballard, a National Geographic Society explorer in residence, said he had studied shells found along the ancient coastline and found two types. One group is an extinct type of freshwater shell, while the second is from saltwater shellfish. The saltwater shells date back 6,500 years, while the freshwater shells all date to 7,000 years ago and older. "We know that there was a sudden and dramatic change from a freshwater lake to a sea of saltwater 7,000 years ago," Ballard states. "And we know that as a result of that flood, a vast amount of land went underwater. We also know that that land was inhabited. What we don't know is who these people were, and how broad their settlements were." He continues his research with Argus on the floor of the Black Sea. This exciting archeological discovery indicates that rising waters in the Earth's oceans caused the Mediterranean to crash through a natural earth dam blocking what is now the Bosporous Strait (under a half a mile across at some points). For as long as two years, water rushed through with the flow of 200 Niagara Falls and filled an area the size of Florida. This discovery also indicates that the concept of the Great Flood, Noah's Ark, and God's judgment on civilization at that time, are plausible and persuasive. The Bible is proven once again that it can be used as a credible source of information. Many people have remarked that they have had trouble “finding God.” They require more proof. While there is no scientific measurement that can absolutely prove the existence of God, there are many indications such as this discovery that ought to call us Him. Further, I challenge you to take that seriously enough to trust His plan for your life ask Him for forgiveness and make the desire of your heart to seek Him. The mystery of the Black Sea reveals that God takes away our doubts and emptiness and fills the void with radiance and joy. How much further will you go before you recognize it is only God that can pick you up, make you walk and have a reason for living? Allow God to be part of your life today?

The Right to Vote

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6:46-49 ESV). Today is Election Day in our country. I hope you have either voted early or plan to vote today. However, there is a wonderful illustration from history and the Scripture for us from this great freedom we have. Women who had become politically active through their work in the abolitionist and temperance movements founded America’s woman suffrage movement in the mid-19th century. In July 1848, 200 woman suffragists, organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, met in Seneca Falls, New York, to discuss women's rights. After approving measures asserting the right of women to educational and employment opportunities, they passed a resolution that declared "it is the duty of the women of this country to secure to themselves their sacred right to the elective franchise." For proclaiming a women's right to vote, the Seneca Falls Convention was subjected to public ridicule, and some backers of women's rights withdrew their support. However, the resolution marked the beginning of the woman suffrage movement in America. In January 1918, the woman suffrage amendment passed the House of Representatives with the necessary two-thirds majority vote. In June 1919, it was approved by the Senate and sent to the states for ratification. Campaigns were waged by suffragists around the country to secure ratification, and on August 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the amendment, giving it the two-thirds majority of state ratification necessary to make it the law of the land. The package containing the certified record of the action of the Tennessee legislature was sent by train to the nation's capital, arriving in the early hours of August 26. At 8 a.m. that morning, Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed it without ceremony at his residence in Washington. The amendment was the culmination of more than 70 years of struggle by woman suffragists. Its two sections read simply: "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex" and "Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation." It is a right that Americans have come to cherish. However, there really isn’t a “right to vote” in our relationship with Christ. God allows us to choose our path, but there is only one way to righteousness. Our Christian walk should not be a democratic process. Right and wrong is not determined by the wish of the people, but by the will of God.

Life After Death

Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” (John 11:17-27 ESV). Ancient Egyptians fervently believed in an afterlife. So much so that Egyptian burial rituals are the only custom familiar to most moderns. For thousands of years their misguided faith motivated them to build immense tombs with an ingenuity of design, as well as a cost in labor, money, and blood, that still astonishes people. Over the centuries the Egyptians prepared each other for eternity by mummifying countless people, animals, and even insects. Within a few centuries, Egypt had a critical excess of mummies reverently wrapped in joyful anticipation of the afterlife. With mummies showing up everywhere, later Egyptians got creative. Nineteenth century European travelers exploring Egypt sent home reports of household roofs thatched with mummies or ground mummies used for fertilizer. Hustling Egyptians sent mummies by the ton to Americans who used their linen wrappings to make paper. Even more bizarre, millions of mummies were used in place of scarce timber for Egypt's wood-burning locomotives--a far cry from the destiny that the original embalmers imagined for their beloved departed and a reminder of the fallacy of holding to a well-intentioned but baseless belief. Ancient Egyptians were right to believe there's life after death, but it's downhill from there. Almost every world religion, in fact, teaches that death is not the end. They go wrong, however, with their belief that we can prepare for eternity through our own efforts. Many current false religions, cults, and New Age philosophies offer elaborate schemes for achieving eternal life or for managing your reincarnation. The Bible teaches that there's only one way to gain eternal life, though, it's through believing that Jesus Christ gives eternal life to those who have faith in him. Life after death is real. What happens depends on your decisions now. Give your life by faith to Christ and the life you experience after death will be more than your mind can imagine!

The Star Spangled Banner

“The Star-Spangled Banner” by Don Emmitte And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:16-21 ESV). As we prepare to vote today in one of the most important of elections our country has ever had, it would do us well to remember that on September 14, 1814 Francis Scott Key composes the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner." He wrote it after witnessing the massive British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Maryland during the War of 1812. Key, an American lawyer, watched the siege while under detainment on a British ship and penned the famous words after observing that the US flag over Fort McHenry had survived the 1,800-bomb assault. After circulating as a handbill, the patriotic lyrics were published in a Baltimore newspaper on September 20. Set to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven," an English drinking song, written by the British composer John Stafford Smith, it soon became popular throughout the nation. Throughout the 19th century, "The Star-Spangled Banner" was regarded as the national anthem by the US armed forces and other groups, but it was not until 1916, and the signing of an executive order by President Woodrow Wilson, that it was formally designated as such. In 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional act confirming Wilson's presidential order. The first stanza goes: Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? When Key wrote those words, freedom in America was merely a future hope. So it is as we anticipate the freedom that Jesus came to bring us. That freedom was begun with his death and resurrection, however it will not be compete until he restores his rule on the earth. As I read the Scripture and compare the current events unfolding with those prophesied, I am sure that day is closer than anyone might imagine. Are you prepared for that day? There is only one way to be ready. That is through faith in Christ. Trust in him today. You will not be disappointed!

Justice

What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:15-23 ESV). We pride ourselves in America as being a people of justice. Unfortunately, in the name of "justice," some Americans have initiated strange and convoluted lawsuits. Consider the following true cases:  At a recent boxing match a fan drank too much, got into a fight, and ultimately fell down a flight of stairs. His family wanted "justice," so they hired a lawyer and sued. Included in their lawsuit was "Ticket Master," the company that sold the man the ticket to the boxing match.  Then there was the man who bought a four-seated plane. In order to rig the plane so he could fly it from the back seat, he removed the pilot's seat, along with all its safety equipment. The plane crashed and the man's family sued the company that designed and built it. The family won a million dollars, even though the man altered and deliberately misused the original equipment.  In another case a young woman was injured when her fiancee deliberately smashed into her go-cart, as they were finishing up their ride around the track. The court ruled that the young man who actually ran into the woman was 85% responsible, the young woman herself was 14% negligent, and the theme park was 1% involved. However, in the interests of "justice," the theme park was required to pay the entire cash judgment. Shifting responsibility, blaming others, and expecting someone else to pay for our stupidity is common in today's legal system, but someday we will all stand before a truly righteous judge who will accept no excuse and will tolerate no legal jargon. On judgment day you won't be able to sue anyone or blame anyone else for your own sins. Our reading today is very clear on our personal responsibility before God. But, there is good news too! We can be certain that we will not be condemned to death, as we deserve. Jesus' sacrifice has made grace available to us through faith. Trust in Him today!

Mealtime Confessions

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. (Proverbs 17:27-28 ESV). Someone has said: "Many things are opened by mistake, but none so frequently as the mouth." The following story is a great illustration of how our tongue can turn from good to bad quickly. A man sat down to supper with his family. As usual, he said grace, thanking God for the food, for the hands that prepared it, and for the source of all life. As the meal proceeded, the man began to complain. The bread was not fresh enough, he grumbled. The cheese was too sharp. And the coffee was hotter and bitterer than he preferred. After a while, his young daughter looked at him, perplexed. "Dad," she asked, "do you think God heard the grace today?" He answered confidently, "Of course." Then she asked, "And do you think God heard what you said about the coffee, the cheese, and the bread?" Not so confidently, he answered, "Why, yes, I believe so." The little girl concluded, "Then which do you think God believed, Dad?" The man usually had a quick response to any question his daughter asked. Now, he sat in stunned silence. The man realized that his mealtime prayer had become a well-practiced habit in which he said words that made him look and feel good. He also saw how his real attitude, as revealed by the spontaneous words in his complaints, was not what he wanted, or even liked. An interesting thing about the tongue is that it can be helpful, or destructive. The tongue can encourage, or discourage. It can spread love, or spew forth venom. The difference is not in the tongue itself. The difference is in one's heart. Many hidden diseases of the body are detected when doctors look into the mouth. Hidden diseases of the spirit and mind are revealed by what comes out of the mouth. You see, people get a picture of which you really are by the way you use your tongue. Fortunately, you can frame the content of that picture. Our reading today is so clear at this point. Solomon understood this principle very well. Evaluate the words you use and your tone of voice. What picture are you painting of yourself with the things that come out of your mouth? But don't stop with the question of your appearance. Consider what your words and tone of voice says about your spiritual and mental conditions. Do the things that come out of your mouth reflect God's values and standards? Do they give evidence of a strong relationship with Jesus Christ? If they don't, why not? There is only one way that our tongue can reflect the character and presence of Christ within our lives. That is through the gracious things that come from it. If you are not living up to the standards set by Jesus in your speech, commit yourself to a new way of speaking today! Bless others with all that you say.