Just Like Us

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 ESV). February 15, 1921. New York City. The operating room of the Kane Summit Hospital. A doctor is performing an appendectomy. In many ways the events leading to the surgery are uneventful. The patient has complained of severe abdominal pain. The diagnosis is clear: an inflamed appendix. Dr. Evan O’Neill Kane is performing the surgery. In his distinguished thirty-seven-year medical career, he has performed nearly four thousand appendectomies, so this surgery will be uneventful in all ways except two. The first novelty of this operation? The use of local anesthesia in major surgery. Dr. Kane is a crusader against the hazards of general anesthesia. He contends that a local application is far safer. Many of his colleagues agree with him in principle, but in order for them to agree in practice, they will have to see the theory applied. Dr. Kane searches for a volunteer, a patient who is willing to undergo surgery while under local anesthesia. A volunteer is not easily found. Many are squeamish at the thought of being awake during their own surgery. Others are fearful that the anesthesia might wear off too soon. Eventually, however, Dr. Kane finds a candidate. On Tuesday morning, February 15, the historic operation occurs. The patient is prepped and wheeled into the operating room. A local anesthetic is applied. As he has done thousands of times, Dr. Kane dissects the superficial tissues and locates the appendix. He skillfully excises it and concludes the surgery. During the procedure, the patient complains of only minor discomfort. The volunteer is taken into post-op, and then placed in a hospital ward. He recovers quickly and is dismissed two days later. Dr. Kane had proven his theory. Thanks to the willingness of a brave volunteer, Kane demonstrated that local anesthesia was a viable, and even preferable, alternative. But I said there were two facts that made the surgery unique. I’ve told you the first: the use of local anesthesia. The second is the patient. The courageous candidate for surgery by Dr. Kane was Dr. Kane. To prove his point, Dr. Kane operated on himself! A wise move. The doctor became a patient in order to convince the patients to trust the doctor. In order to bring us eternal life, Jesus became just like us. He has proven that we can go where he has gone. We can win victory over sin and death. Trust him with your life!

“Do Nice Guys Finish Last?”

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:3-4 ESV). While we get ready for the 2014 Winter Olympics, we ought to remember the story of Henry Pearce of Australia, who was competing in the single scull-rowing event at the 1928 Olympics. He was leading when a duck and her string of ducklings came into view up ahead. They were on a collision course and Pearce reckoned that his scull would cut the string in two and sink a few ducklings in the process, so he pulled in his oars. When the ducks passed, Pearce again bent his back to the task. There’s a happy ending to the story. Pearce won. Sometimes acts of sportsmanship result in defeat. Remember Leo Durocher’s pronouncement, “Nice guys finish last”? It happened several years ago in the marathon tandem kayak event at the world championships in Copenhagen. Danish paddlers were leading when their rudder was damaged in a portage. British paddlers, who were in second place, stopped to help the Danes fix it. The Danes went on to defeat the British by one second in an event that lasted nearly three hours. But there’s a happy ending to this story too. According to The Wall Street Journal, the British kayakers won what many people regard as the highest honor in sports. They became the winner of the Pierre de Coubertin International Fair Play Trophy. The trophy is named for the founder of the modern Olympic Games, and it has been awarded annually for the past 28 years to people in sports who have demonstrated nobility of spirit. It is big news in Europe, but it has not been given much recognition in the United States. In the past, the trophy has gone to a Hungarian tennis player who pleaded with officials to give his opponent more time to recover from a cramp, and to a high school basketball coach who forfeited the Georgia (US) state championship after he found out that one of his players was scholastically ineligible. The first trophy went to an Italian bobsledder named Eugenio Monti for a gesture that exhibited a touch of class. In the two-man bobsled event at the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics, Monti was the leader after his final run. The only one given a chance to beat him was Tony Nash of Great Britain. As Nash and his teammate got ready for their final run, they discovered that a critical bolt on their sled had snapped at the last moment. Monti was informed of the problem and immediately took the corresponding bolt from his own sled and sent it up to Nash. Nash fixed his sled, came hurtling down the course to set a record and won the gold medal. Monti may not have won that event, but he was the victor. So it is with the kindness you show to others. The wisdom of Solomon in our reading today explains how we are to wear our kindness “like a necklace.” If you do, then you will not finish last! Goodness does ultimately win!

To Choose One's Way

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:12-18 ESV). Viktor Frankl (1905-1997) said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: To choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's way.” Perhaps the name Frankl doesn’t mean anything to you, and therefore the opening quote doesn’t quite seem as powerful as it ought. In September of 1942, a young doctor, his new bride, his mother, father, and brother, were arrested in Vienna and taken to a concentration camp in Bohemia. It was events that occurred there and at three other camps that led the young doctor, prisoner #119,104, to realize the significance of meaningfulness in life. One of the earliest events to drive home the point was the loss of a manuscript, his life's work, during his transfer to Auschwitz. He had sewn it into the lining of his coat, but was forced to discard it at the last minute. He spent many later nights trying to reconstruct it, first in his mind, then on slips of stolen paper. Another significant moment came while on a predawn march to work on laying railroad tracks: Another prisoner wondered aloud about the fate of their wives. The young doctor began to think about his own wife, and realized that she was present within him. And throughout his ordeal, he could not help but see that, among those given a chance for survival, it was those who held on to a vision of the future, whether it be a significant task before them, or a return to their loved ones, that were most likely to survive their suffering. It would be, in fact, the meaningfulness that could be found in suffering itself that would most impress him. That young doctor was, of course, Viktor Emil Frankl. Attitude! The strength of character to choose one’s own way! These are the ingredients to happiness and joy. Peace of mind does not come from our circumstances or environment. Joy, peace, and happiness come from our choice of reaction to these stimuli. Life simply is not often “fair.” However, God is always faithful and true to his promises. So, choose to be happy and rejoice!

Monday Holidays

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV). I hope your Monday holiday was wonderful! We love them, don't we? Memorial Day. I hope that the weather was cooperative for your outdoor activities. As I think about Memorial Day one more time, I can't help but think about memories. Having a memory is a good thing. It is especially valuable when you are taking a test in school, or trying to recall that phone number you need. It is also helpful when you go to the grocery store to remember why you went in the first place! But memories can also be hard on us. We can be weighed down with memories of past sins. We can hang on to incidents that brought us heartache. We can become so encumbered by painful pasts that we become immobilized. We can find ourselves feeling useless. These memories can wear us down and wear us out! How can we move beyond the pain of past hurts and sins to become positive in life? Our reading this morning gives us the answer. We need to fix our eyes on Jesus. In our remembering, we need to recall that though there was no sin in him, he bore our sins on the cross. He did this that our sins could be forgiven. If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, those sins are forgiven! And when God forgives, he forgives completely. If God is willing to let go of our sins because of Jesus' sacrifice, we do God a disservice by holding on to them! This week give thanks for those men and women who died in the service of their country. But give thanks as well that God has forgive your sin and given you a new beginning. Whatever your plans today, spend a moment reflecting on the greatest of all sacrifices, that which Jesus made on your behalf. Give your past to him. Rest in your day. Trust him with your future.

Trust and Obey

For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (Matthew 25:29 ESV). Imagine, if you will, that you work for a company whose president found it necessary to travel out of the country and spend an extended period of time abroad. So he says to you and the other trusted employees, “Look, I’m going to leave. And while I’m gone, I want you to pay close attention to the business. You manage things while I’m away. I will write you regularly. When I do, I will instruct you in what you should do from now until I return from this trip.” Everyone agrees. He leaves and stays gone for a couple of years. During that time he writes often, communicating his desires and concerns. Finally he returns. He walks up to the front door of the company and immediately discovers everything is in a mess--weeds flourishing in the flower beds, windows broken across the front of the building, the gal at the front desk dozing, loud music roaring from several offices, two or three people engaged in horseplay in the back room. Instead of making a profit, the business has suffered a great loss. Without hesitation he calls everyone together and with a frown asks, “What happened? Didn’t you get my letters?” You say, “Oh, yeah, sure. We got all your letters. We’ve even bound them in a book. And some of us have memorized them. In fact, we have ‘letter study’ every Sunday. You know, those were really great letters.” I think the president would then ask, “But what did you do about my instructions?” And, no doubt the employees would respond, “Do? Well, nothing. But we read every one!” That story is an accurate description of many Christians today. Our reading this morning comes from a parable that Jesus uses to encourage us to be faithful until his return. Faithfulness is much more than learning more about Jesus. It is about being obedient to him also! John Sammis had it right when he wrote the following: When we walk with the Lord In the light of his word, What a glory he sheds on our way! While we do his good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there's no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. How obedient are you?

Bang! You're Dead!

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). Some of the memories I have of growing up in Galveston are of the neighborhood around 10th and Postoffice streets. We lived above a small grocery store not far from the medical center. Like most neighborhoods in the 1950’s, there were plenty of times when the children of the area got together and played. We had many games that occupied our time. Street baseball was one of our favorites. Home plate was a piece of cardboard on the street and the other bases were usually bumpers of cars parked on the side. Today we would frown on the danger of “playing in the street,” however in those days the danger level was very low. There weren’t that many people who drove through the neighborhood and those that did certainly watched for the children at play. Another game was a little dangerous, but still a favorite. We loved to play “war.” Some of us had homemade slingshots, others store-bought. All of us knew how to use them. It was not unusual to gather on a Saturday morning after our chores were done and meet near the “ammo dump.” That was a huge Chinaberry tree near a large vacant lot. We’d fill our pockets with the berries for the war. Some of us would hide, waiting to ambush the others who were on patrol. I remember one day in particular when I decided to climb a Mulberry tree to get a better view of where the "bad-guys" were hiding. Climbing higher and higher, I saw no sign of anyone until I was six to eight feet off the ground. It was from there I noticed one of the others quietly sneaking along, ready to shoot the first thing that moved. I allowed him to move in a little closer before taking aim and shooting; however, I was distracted by a noise from the other side of the tree. Turning to investigate, I found myself staring straight down the loaded slingshot of one of my other friends, Al Amato. Not only did Al get me, I had nowhere to run and Covy Wilkinson, who was sneaking along, saw me too. He got me as well. After emptying their pockets of ammo I had to surrender! I wasn’t hurt, at least physically, but the rules of the game declared me “dead.” As I recalled that time this morning, I began to think of another war we are engaged in. It is not a game, but it does have some similarities to the one I played as a child. Just like the make-believe bullets of childhood games, Satan's fiery darts cannot make you fall. His blistering trajectories usually whiz toward us in the form of stinging words, words like "I want a divorce" or "You have cancer," maybe even "You're fired!" All of which can be painful, and sometimes even enough to make you want to give up, but none have the power to make you fall. You only fall if you surrender. No matter what Satan throws at you, it will never be enough to make you fall. Remember, he can shoot all he wants, and even scream "Bang!" until he's blue in the face, but the truth remains: you will only fall if you surrender to his lies. The truth is: nothing can separate us from Christ!

Artificial Life

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. (Matthew 13:24-29 ESV). I was in the doctor’s office not long ago and I saw some beautiful flowers on the filing cabinet behind the receptionist’s desk. I happened to be one of the first patients to arrive for the day and I noticed that they were very fragrant. I thought that she must have only recently put the flowers in the room. I remarked how nice they smelled and she smiled and reached in her desk and showed me a can of floral aerosol spray! I couldn’t have been more surprised. In fact, when she told me that the flowers were artificial, I really was amazed. They looked like they were real, they smelled like they were alive, but they weren’t! Our reading today is about the illusion of life. In verse 24, "Jesus told them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.'" Now, Jesus went on to say that the farmer's servants are concerned about this mixture of wheat and weeds so they ask, "'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'" Jesus explained it later. The wheat is the people who really have a relationship with Him. The weeds are people who look like they have a relationship with Him, but really don't. Notice the servants couldn't tell the difference between what was real and what wasn't. We can't tell, but God can. According to Jesus, there are lots of folks who are sort of like our receptionist's artificial flowers, they look and smell and sound like they have eternal life, but the looks are deceiving somehow, they have missed Jesus. And the difference will be very clear on Judgment Day, horribly clear. The weeds, Jesus said, will be burned. The wheat will be brought to Him. It's an unsettling thought that sitting next to each other are two people who both look like they know Jesus, talk like they know Jesus, even act like they know Jesus, but one is headed to heaven, the other is headed to hell. The difference is whether or not there was a time when they, in their heart, went to the cross of Jesus and said, "Jesus, I'm putting all my trust in You and what You did on that cross for me. You may have a lot of Christianity but somehow you've missed Jesus. All you have is artificial life. Don’t settle for what appears to be real when you can have the real thing!

Accountability

But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. (Luke 12:39-48 ESV). Sometime ago someone sent me an email that had a link to a short video titled “Terry Tate, Office Linebacker.” Perhaps you have seen it as well. It is funny. The premise is that an office manager hires a professional football player (Terry Tate) to hold his office staff accountable for their work. As you might imagine, the only way a linebacker knows how to “enforce” company policy is through football tackling. You can imagine the scene when an office worker fails to throw away an aluminum can in the recycle bin and is faced with a vicious “hit” from Terry Tate, Office Linebacker! Accountability is essential in life, though I don’t think Terry Tate is the answer! Having become a manager responsible for many employees in various positions, three principles have come to stand out in my mind. They also apply in our spiritual life.  First, the more you have the greater your accountability. This is the meaning that Jesus has for us in our reading this morning. Make no mistake: Whatever our assets might be - financial, personal, position, opportunity, or ability - we are called to be good stewards of those assets.  Second, there is no accountability without freedom. Accountability and freedom are two sides of the same coin; you cannot have one without the other. It is useless to hold an employee responsible for a certain level of production if I didn't give them the authority to get the job done. If they aren't free to make decisions, then I could not blame them for the results. If we are going to hold people accountable, and then we have to create an environment, a society, in which they have the freedom to take risks and make mistakes. We need the freedom to fail and the freedom to advance as far as we can.  Third, there is no accountability without assessment. It's hard to be accountable without some kind of objective evaluation. We all need help in assessing our personal performance. A fair system of evaluation nurtures the incentive to work hard and reap the reward. Without regular assessment, anyone in any occupation could not rise above those who don't want to work and are just along for the ride. Everyone is accountable to someone. Use that accountability to propel you to where you want to go. Only when we take full responsibility for our actions can we shed the burdens of our mistakes and go forward. Grace is free, although it does come with accountability both in the physical and spiritual realm. Accept that and be all that you can be in Christ! Much is required from those to whom much is given. And, we have been given so much through Christ!

A Priceless Gift

Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense? A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor. (Proverbs 17:16-18 ESV). Helen Steiner Rice wrote: "Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be bought or sold, but its value is far greater than a mountain made of gold - for gold is cold and lifeless, it can neither see nor hear, and in the time of trouble it is powerless to cheer. It has no ears to listen, no heart to understand, it cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand. So, when you ask God for a GIFT, be thankful if He sends not diamonds, pearls, or riches, but the love of real true friends." Seems like there has been an abundance of poems and anecdotes that focus on friendship. I began thinking about the priceless quality of friendship. C. Raymond Bryan has written the following definition of friendship: Friends are people with whom you dare to be yourself. Your soul can be naked with them. They ask you to put on nothing, only to be what you are. They do not want you to be better or worse. When you are with them, you feel as a prisoner feels who has been declared innocent. You do not have to be on your guard. You can say what you think, as long as it is genuinely you. Friends understand those contradictions in your nature that lead others to misjudge you. With them you breathe freely. You can avow your little vanities and envies and hates and vicious sparks, your meannesses and absurdities, and in opening them up to friends, they are lost, dissolved on the white ocean of their loyalty. They understand. You do not have to be careful. You can abuse them, neglect them, tolerate them. Best of all, you can keep still with them. It makes no matter. They like you. They are like fire that purges to the bone. They understand. You can weep with them, sing with them, laugh with them, and pray with them. Through it all—and underneath—they see, know, and love you. A friend? What is a friend? Just one, I repeat, with whom you dare to be yourself. On one occasion, Peppermint Patty said to Marcie: “I’d like to read this book, Marcie, but I’m kind of afraid. I had a grandfather who didn’t think much of reading.” She continued by saying, “He always said that if you read too many books, your head would fall off.” Marcie responds, “you start the first chapter, and I’ll hold onto your head!” Today, why don’t you find the friend you value and tell them! Unless you are willing to GIVE friendship, you cannot fully RECEIVE friendship! In like manner, we can only truly know love at its FULLEST, by knowing God, and inviting His Son, Jesus Christ, in to our heart and life. It is a priceless gift!

A Little Speck

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5 ESV). Ed Price has written a wonderful little parable that illustrates the call to forgiveness. This is the heart of the message in our reading this morning. Once upon a time there were two screws fastening a vital part of a gasoline engine. One of the screws was haughty and proud of it's shining head. The second screw was quiet, intent only on doing its job to the best of its ability. One day a speck of rust appeared on the head of the second screw. Filled with vain pride of its own beauty, the first screw began to laugh at the second. "Your head is tarnished," the first said to the second. "Look at you. Your perfect luster is gone." The second screw said nothing. Instead, it concentrated on what it was doing. "How ugly you have become," the first screw chortled, "and how beautiful I have remained." Then it began to laugh so hard at the second screw that it failed to notice that it was working itself loose. Finally it dropped off the engine and plunged into a small pool of dirty oil below. With the first screw no longer holding up its end of the load, the second was faced with doing the work of two. Meanwhile the first screw, now covered with grimy oil, wailed and lamented. "Just look at me! I'm dirty and filthy and all my beauty is gone. By laughing at the blemish on my friend the second screw, I worked myself loose and fell into the muck. Now I'm doomed." Now, it just so happened that a short time later the owner of the engine started it up. He immediately noticed that something didn't sound right -- the engine was running rough. When he checked, he instantly saw that one of the two screws holding the vital part was missing. "Ah ha!" the owner said. "One of the screws must have worked itself loose and fell to the ground, but I don't see it. Maybe it fell into that puddle of old oil." The owner reached into the oil and found the missing screw. "Look at you," the owner said. "You're all covered with grime and oil. How ugly you are. But I will fix that right away." The owner reached for a nearby rag and wiped all the oil and grime off the first screw until it shone even brighter than before. Then he replaced it on the part. Before he turned away, he noticed a little speck of tarnish on the head of the second screw. With the second rag, he wiped the head clean and bright. Then the owner walked away. Finally the engine was started. The two screws, now equally beautiful, held the part tight. "Forgive me, my friend," the first screw said to the second. "In my vanity, I was so busy laughing at your blemish that I did not notice that I was working myself loose." "And what have you learned?" the second screw quietly asked. "I learned not to judge others because I have my own sins to deal with." "Then," the second screw said, "I forgive you." "Thank you, my friend. And rest assured, my vanity will remain forever at the bottom of that dirty puddle of oil." Jesus called those who could not forgive hypocrites. It is a word that carries severe penalties. He simply states that we will receive the same kind of forgiveness that we give to others. Forgiveness is difficult, especially when you have been truly wronged. However, it is the right thing to do. It will always bring blessings back to you.

A Little Rest

Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” (Acts 12:6-11 ESV). I have been accused of being able to sleep in any position! I suppose that’s at least partially true. When I get ready to sleep very little keeps me awake! I have found that to be a very positive ability. Peter must have been that way. In our reading this morning we see that it was only a few years after the death and resurrection of Christ, and the Christians were experiencing some serious persecution. King Herod had arrested James and killed him. When he saw how well that went over with the religious leaders of the day, he arrested Peter with the same intent. While Peter was kept in prison awaiting execution, we see this miraculous deliverance. The real interesting part of the whole story is in the fact that he was asleep. When do you sleep the worst? When a project is due the next day? When the bills on the kitchen table add up to more than the balance in the checking account? When your kids are out late? When you are nervous, stressed, worried? When do you sleep the best? When you are on vacation? On Friday evenings when you know you can sleep late the next morning? When your projects are completed and you are "ahead of the game?" When you are at peace? Look at it again: "Peter was sleeping..." We toss and turn with thoughts of work and life. We stare wide-eyed at the ceiling wondering how we will make it till the end of the month. We lie awake, our head spinning with our responsibilities. Then we look at Peter and think: "How in the world could he have slept at such a time?" Perhaps he was remembering the words of Christ: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Cf. Matthew 11:28). The following prayer may be of help to you today: “God, it is late in the evening, and I can't sleep. My mind simply won't slow down. I need Your peace. I need to be reminded that rest is found in you. That the security that allows sleep starts in You. That I can come to You and you will give me rest. Work in my heart and in my mind and in my emotions. Give me Your peace. Lead me into Your rest. Amen.” Get a little rest. He will take care of you!

A Spider's Web

Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off. The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. (Psalm 37:37-40 ESV). Rod McKenzie tells a wonderful story of a young soldier who found himself in a terrible and hopeless battle. The enemy was soundly defeating this young man's army. He and his comrades found themselves hastily retreating from the battlefield in defeat, running away in fear for their very lives. The enemy gave was close behind them. This young man ran hard and fast, full of fear and desperation, but soon found himself cut off from his squad. He eventually came upon a rocky ledge containing a cave. Knowing the enemy was close behind, and that he was exhausted from the chase, he chose to hide there. After he crawled into the cave, he fell to his face in the darkness, desperately crying to God to save him and protect him from his enemies. He also made a bargain with God. He promised that if God saved him, he would serve Him for the remainder of his days. When he looked up from his despairing plea for help, he saw a spider beginning to weave its web at the entrance of the cave. As he watched the delicate threads being slowly drawn across the mouth of the cave, the young soldier pondered its irony. He thought, "I asked God for protection and deliverance, and he sent me a spider instead. How can a spider save me?" His heart was hardened, knowing the enemy would soon discover his hiding place and kill him. And soon he did hear the sound of his enemies, who were now scouring the area looking for those in hiding. One soldier with a gun slowly walked up to the cave's entrance. As the young man crouched in the darkness, hoping to surprise the enemy in a last-minute desperate attempt to save his own life, he felt his heart pounding wildly out of control. As the enemy cautiously moved forward to enter the cave, he came upon the spider's web, which by now was completely strung across the opening. He backed away and called out to a comrade, "There can't be anyone in here. They would have had to break this spider's web to enter the cave. Let's move on." Years later, this young man, who made good his promise by becoming a preacher and evangelist, wrote about that ordeal. He wrote: "Where God is, a spider's web is as a stone wall. Where God is not, a stone wall is as a spider's web." Discover the protection of God in your life through trust in Him!

Web-maniac

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. (Proverbs 16:16-21 ESV). I have to admit I'm a bit of a web-maniac. I was reading a book the other day, the paper kind, and I caught myself trying to scroll to the next page! I've heard that there are folks out there who are even much more computer-obsessed than I am. You might be one of them if you've discovered you can't let a TV commercial pass without checking your email. If you can turn your keyboard upside down and shake out enough food crumbs for a seven-course meal, I'd say you're dangerously close to web-obsession. If mousework persistently wins out over housework, or if you realize you haven't left the house since the last big sale on Amazon, you just might be a compulsive clicker. When your only muscles are in your fingers, or when you find yourself heading for bed and tell your spouse that your screen saver is about to kick in, it's probably time to think about a 12-step program! No matter what stage of web-compulsion we're experiencing, it's always good to remember that it's easy to "get beached" surfing the net. There are sneaky sites lurking, waiting to pounce. We need to be ready to unplug - to run, even sprint, from the worldly things that seek to pull us down. There is safety and life when we learn to run from evil influences and run to Christ. There are wonderful opportunities and amazing abilities stemming from our entrance into the Computer Age. The information highway has proven to be a powerful tool for sharing God's Word. We simply need to make sure we stay on the upright highway and use our computer power for good and not evil. This is the wisdom of Solomon in our reading this morning. I like the Contemporary English Version of verse 16: "God's people avoid evil ways, and they protect themselves by watching where they go." We can avoid evil and protect ourselves by watching where we go and by watching where we go on the net. We need to make sure the time we spend (and the amount of time we spend) on the computer is God-honoring. And if we get to the place where we've never seen any of our best friends' faces, it might be time to rethink the 12-step program idea.

Making Your Mark

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ESV). I was at a park some time ago and noticed one of those old benches that have several wooden slats for the seat. It looked quite old and by the carvings in the wood has served as the repository of a history of the people who have made it a place of rest. I suppose it was their way of “leaving their mark.” I began to do some thinking about that and realized that most people I know DO want to somehow let the world know that they were here. I am not saying that carving your initials in a bench will accomplish that. There are many other ways to do that effectively. Some people may accomplish this by doing something wonderful for mankind, as discovering a helpful vaccine, or contributing a great collection of art, while others may draw attention to them self by committing an evil, such as in how Adolf Hitler is now remembered for his attempt to exterminate all the Jews of the world. Of course there are less impactful things to do that will leave our mark on society too. Our time here on this earth is so short, isn't it? Being a dad to three young men I tend to reminisce quite often. Last night when I was looking at some new pictures of the grandkids I began to think that it seemed like just yesterday when I was holding him in my lap. Time seems to slip by so quickly. This month marks a special milestone in my son Aaron’s life. He has finished his Ph.D. and will be going to Georgetown University to begin his teaching career. I remember very well when he began this journey. It seems like yesterday to me, though I know it seems like forever for him! Well, the day has come. What a wonderful conclusion to his plan! He is beginning on his own now and will make a lasting mark of his own. My hope is that I have left a mark on all of my sons that will produce positive things. There really can be no better way to leave a legacy. All of my sons have made me so proud to be their dad. In spite of the mistakes I may have made along the way, they have been able to develop truth and character in their lives. When people remark how much we look alike, I am very proud. But, when people say that we act alike, I am sobered in thinking that I had such an influence in their lives. What about you? What type of mark will others remember you for? It is never too late to turn your life around, and it is never too soon to reach out to God for direction. Begin to make your positive mark today!

Who Are You?

An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble. From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. (Proverbs 12:13-15 ESV). It is always good to take a moment and reflect on how we react to others. In fact this may be the most important way of determining who we are. Walt Disney once wrote that there are three kinds of people: "well-poisoners," "lawnmowers," and "life-enhancers." He said "well-poisoners" are the negative types who put other people down and try to discourage them from achieving their dreams. They’re people who should be avoided and whose advice should be ignored. "Lawnmowers" are good citizens who keep up their own yards but seldom venture beyond their back fence. They go to work each day, pay their bills and taxes, obey the laws, and maintain their property but seldom volunteer or get involved in their community. Then there are "life-enhancers". These are the people who really make life worth living. They go out of their way to enhance the lives of others with encouraging words and deeds. I would like to think that I am more of a "life-enricher," an encourager, someone who motivates people to always have hope. All of us have opportunities every day to be life-enrichers. It’s as simple as offering a word of encouragement; volunteering our time, talents and treasure to enrich our schools, churches, government or community; or writing a note of thanks to a teacher, a pastor, a public servant or volunteer. God calls us to be life-enrichers. "Well-poisoners" try to build themselves up by tearing others down but never achieve relief from their misery. Many "lawnmowers" may achieve material success and even respect in this world. But people who serve others will be first in God's kingdom. We all need to spend time mowing our lawns. But take some time from mowing to get out of your own yard and take a few simple steps to be a life-enricher. Thank your child’s teacher, let your children know you’re proud of them, lend your neighbor a hand, volunteer at your church, be a mentor, help with a fund-raiser, put your talents to work for a charity, give blood, invite your pastor to dinner, write a note of congratulations to a friend or relative who has achieved something special. You'll be amazed at how your word of encouragement or giving a helping hand can have a dramatic impact on enriching another’s life - and your own! Listen to the wisdom in our reading this morning. People really may get many good things from the words they hear. Someone needs to hear some good words from you today. Be a life-enricher!

Which to Choose?

“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.” (Joshua 24:14-15 ESV). I went to buy some shaving cream the other day and found the store was out of my usual brand. I thought it should be easy enough to pick a different one. That turned out to be more challenging than I thought, there were tons of them. But all the rows of choices created a new problem. Which to choose? Did I want creamy or scented? Did I want it with or without aloe? Should I choose with Vitamin E or without? Cream or lotion? Finally I decided on the one with “33% more for free” and went to the counter to pay. When I got there the choice was “paper or plastic?” All of life is full of choices. I've been thinking about the mid-term elections coming soon. I'm reminded that every year we make another set of choices. Vote for him? How about her? Sometimes it's confusing. As a matter of fact, it can even be painful. Usually it's only painful for the people involved in the campaigning. Still, despite the angst of elections and choices, we celebrate the fact that we get to choose. What a wonderful privilege and awesome responsibility. Even in our spiritual lives, God has granted us the amazing privilege of choice when we were born again. Will we serve him? Will we serve worldly objectives? Will we serve ourselves? Joshua understood this principle very well. In our reading today he is delivering a farewell address to the people. It is his last words of instruction for them to live in the new land God had given them. His choice is very clear. He will serve the Lord. The choice is ours. We have been given the grace of God to empower us to make good choices in life. Let's not blow it. Let's roll up our sleeves. Let's make wise choices regarding who serves in government leadership. Let's be even more cautious how we choose who gets our heart service. Deuteronomy 13:4 says, "It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. Joshua gave the people the choice whether to serve worldliness of the past, sinful desires of the present or the God of all time. The people were free to choose, but "not deciding" was not an option. To choose any way other than God's way was to choose self. Joshua chose to serve the Lord. As a matter of fact, he chose wisely for his entire household. We need to make wise choices as well in all the big areas and in the small ones too. Which do you choose?

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For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. (Romans 4:15-17 ESV). Is your inbox filling up with all kinds of “free offers”? Lately, I've been getting some interesting offers in my e-mail. Here are some of them: • "Burn Fat 24 Hours a Day.” I’m not sure that could be legal. If it is, why haven’t I done that before? • "Make Money Giving Away Free Stuff!" Now that one really intrigues me. I have managed a retail business, and I was never able to make money giving away something free! • "Lose Up to 30 lbs In 30 Days in the New Year." This is one of the best. That weight loss would put me back to where I was in 1996! Of course, people would think I was ill just as I was when I weighed that little. • "Confirm 4 Free Air Tickets." This one is great. There are four free tickets, but the handling charges are astronomical! • "Receive A Free Phone." Yes, you can get a free phone, but you must agree to a two-year contract with the phone service to operate it. And you should see that bill! • "Quit Smoking For Good." Don’t ask me how they got my name for this one. I don’t smoke at all. Maybe the email has already worked and I didn’t even know it! • "Clear Away All Past Tax Today!" This one is easy. If you have past due taxes, write a check or go to jail. • "Pick up My Free Photos from some Girl Named Trudy." Funny how this one gets in your inbox. The address isn’t even close, but it gets delivered anyway. Maybe she has me mixed up with some other Don. • "Earn A College Degree Without Leaving my PC." I really need another degree. Would someone e-mail Mary and let her know that I'm working on another college degree, but I'll be in for dinner soon. • This one is the best: I was even told that I could get an "Increase of up to 3 Full Cup Sizes." I’m sure they were talking about my coffee cup since I don’t use anything else that has a “cup size” associated with it. You've probably received some of these same offers. And they don't just come by e-mail. Sometimes they pop-up in places and times when least expected. Life is full of offers you “can't refuse.” Some may be legitimate and worth looking into. Others are just too good to be true. I know of one offer that sounds unbelievable, but it really is the real thing. Paul says in our reading this morning that God’s promise of eternal life is a free gift. That is the real thing. Trust him today with your future. He will not disappoint you!

Mother's Day, 2013

This is a Mothers’ Day devotional without apology and with appreciation for that time honored institution without the benefit of which we wouldn’t be here! Every Mother’s Day message I’ve run across starts with an explanation, and today will be no exception. So, let me remind all of us that we should be merely sentimental about motherhood. First, for some, motherhood is an accident, and not always a welcome one; second, for some, biological motherhood isn’t possible; third, for some, mothers weren’t all that nice; and fourth, for some, motherhood under the very best of circumstances is still less than a bed of roses and a primrose path. Perhaps the poet, Wilhelm Busch said it best: “To become a mother is not so difficult; on the other hand, being a mother is very much so!” So, with all those qualifications, why bother with Mothers’ Day at all? I’ll tell you why. It is because, for all its stumbling blocks, pitfalls and broken dreams, for all the soiled diapers, soiled wallpaper and spoiled plans, we’re talking about a beautiful ideal, a natural part of God’s creative plan to bring love and caring to light. Motherhood is a constant demand for the gift of love and caring. Perhaps the best example for all of us is found in the mother of Jesus. After the angel came to Mary and told her of how she would bear the child to become the Messiah she did not question the faithfulness of God. She did question how she could have a child since she was a virgin, but she did not question the power of God or his will. Notice what Luke writes: And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:34-38 ESV). Here is a word for all of us. When God desires us to complete a task for him, he will also make the way possible for it to be done. So, for all who are moms and dads, take heart today. As God has given you such a wonderful responsibility in your children, he has also given you the power to accomplish his will in their lives. Seek him and all of his resource. He will be enough! I know that’s easier said (or in this case, written), but it is the truth. I read the following prayer from an unknown source recently. Perhaps it will inspire you as it did me: Dear Lord, thank you for this child that I call mine; not my possession but my sacred charge. Teach me patience and humility so that the best I know may flow in its being. Let me always remember, parental love is my natural instinct but my child's love must ever be deserved and earned; that for love I must give love, that for understanding I must give understanding, That for respect, I must give respect; that as I was the giver of life, so must I be the giver always. Help me to share my child with life and not to clutch at it for my own sake. Give courage to do my share to make this world a better place for all children and my own.

Puzzle Pieces

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:31-34 ESV). Several years ago I enjoyed the slow pace of jigsaw puzzles as a hobby. In fact, I found that I could think best while passing the time working on them. Our dinning room table was a favorite place for me to spread out all the pieces and begin. Some nights I might only put one or two pieces in the puzzle, while others might see the completion of an entire section. I enjoyed the landscapes more than any of the other subjects. It would always begin the same. Dump out all the pieces and turn them right side up. Of course, you needed to separate the pieces with the straight edge. Those would make the border and it needed to be completed first. Then I would prop up the puzzle lid so that I could see the finished picture using it as my guide. Sometimes the puzzle became a community project. After a while the puzzle pieces would be scattered everywhere on the tabletop. It always gave me a sense of accomplishment to see the last piece go into place. I have wondered what if there had been no cover picture to guide us and help put the pieces together? It would have been much more challenging, just like our lives! We don’t have a lid to look at, with a finished photo, for the puzzles of our lives. God, however, knows exactly and precisely what the picture looks like. I recall a time when one of the boys was young and he would pick up a piece, and determinedly say, “This fits!” as he forced the cardboard into the space. We sometimes try the same tactic with our lives, trying to squeeze something into our life that is not supposed to be there, not designed for that particular time and place. One day at a time, as we turn our lives over to Him, the Lord gives us a piece for the day. “It’s a puzzlement!”... the King of Siam, to Anna, in the musical, "The King and I." Yes, well, not to God. Regardless of how difficult your life may be, no matter how many pieces you may have bent and tried to force into place, the good news is that there is hope for a beautiful picture! Jesus’ words to us in our reading today talk about the freedom from anxiety we can have as we trust in God for each day of our lives. You don’t need tomorrow’s puzzle piece, just today’s. Trust Him to show you the next step in your life.

Carrying Christ

From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. You meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways. Behold, you were angry, and we sinned; in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved? We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. (Isaiah 64:4-6 ESV). I found the following illustration to use as a springboard for a thought about being foolish: The donkey awakened, his mind still savoring the afterglow of the most exciting day of his life. Never before had he felt such a rush of pleasure and pride. He walked into town and found a group of people by the well. "I’ll show myself to them," he thought. But they didn’t notice him. They went on drawing their water and paid him no mind. "Throw your garments down," he said crossly. "Don’t you know who I am?" They just looked at him in amazement. Someone slapped him across the tail and ordered him to move. "Miserable heathens!" he muttered to himself. "I’ll just go to the market where the good people are. They will remember me." But the same thing happened. No one paid any attention to the donkey as he strutted down the main street in front of the market place. "The palm branches! Where are the palm branches!" he shouted. "Yesterday, you threw palm branches!" Hurt and confused, the donkey returned home to his mother. "Foolish child," she said gently. "Don’t you realize that without Him, you are just an ordinary donkey?" It is foolish to think we are something we are not. Just like the donkey that carried Jesus in Jerusalem, we are most fulfilled when we are in the service of Jesus Christ. Without him, all our best efforts are like "filthy rags" and amount to nothing. When we lift up Christ, however, we are no longer ordinary people, but key players in God’s plan to redeem the word. Even the simplest of tasks, the smallest of ministries, is a great gift when centered in Christ. Regardless of what you may be called upon to do in Christ’s name, do it knowing that it will be a great blessing to someone. Look for an opportunity to carry Jesus into the lives of others today. It may be a kind word, a small gesture of encouragement, or merely a smile that carries the message of Christ to others today, however, doesn’t miss the chance to give that gift!

Pennies from Heaven

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 ESV). It is amazing how many different things I am sent through email. Some of them from folks I know and others I do not. The following humorous story struck me in how it illustrates a typical human condition: Little Jimmy was laying about on a hillock in the meadow on a warm spring day. Puffy white clouds rolled by and he pondered their shape. Soon, he began to think about God. "God? Are you really there?" Jimmy said out loud. To his astonishment a voice came from the clouds. "Yes, Jimmy? What can I do for you?" Seizing the opportunity, Jimmy asked, "God? What is a million years like to you?" Knowing that Jimmy could not understand the concept of infinity, God responded in a manner to which Jimmy could relate, "A million years to me, Jimmy, is like a minute." "Oh, "said Jimmy. "Well, then, what's a million dollars like to you?" "A million dollars to me, Jimmy, is like a penny." "Wow!" remarked Jimmy, getting an idea, "You are so generous ... can I have one of your pennies?" God replied, "Sure thing, Jimmy! JUST A MINUTE." Funny, yet so true. God enriches us more and more, when we are willing to wait for Him longer. Even during the times when it seems we are losing He sustains us. There are many riches he gives to us, as we trust him each day. There are the gifts of hope, wisdom, joy, patience, and peace to carry us through each of those losses. And, of course there are those physical blessings that he gives us as well. Who can measure the worth of all that God has given us? Set your heart to wait upon the Lord and trust He will not only carry you through but will raise you highly above the tough situations you might be going through. Our reading this morning comes from the psalms of David. This one was likely written during the time when he was forced to flee for his life. Saul pursued him throughout the hills of Judea. He lived more like a hunted animal that an anointed king! Yet, he found a way to measure the blessing of God. At the moments when pain, temptation or anger seem too tough for you to handle, sing with David. I believe you’ll find that the “pennies from heaven” will be more than you could have hoped for!

Bewildered

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17 ESV). You may not have been a fan of the TV show staring Fess Parker that ran from 1964 to 1970, which made Daniel Boone's name synonymous with the coonskin cap. I was. It was not a very accurate portrayal of the pioneer. It is not widely known that Boone detested Coonskin caps. It seems that Boone preferred a flat low crowned wide brimmed hat, which most rural people wore in the late 18th and early 19th century. He would only have donned a fur hat on cold days. It didn’t seem to matter to me. I loved the show and didn’t need to do any research to verify the accuracy of the Disney character! However, there is an interesting story I have discovered about him that illustrates a key truth. As you may know, Daniel Boone is credited with opening the way west into Kentucky from the Carolinas and Virginia. He spent time following Indian trails and learning the lay of the land. His exploration and surveying trips helped open what was then the American West and is now Kentucky and Tennessee to settlers. When Chester Harding was painting Boone's portrait in 1820 (when Boone was nearly 86 years old), Harding asked Boone if he had ever been lost during his travels. Boone replied, " No, I can't say as ever I was lost, but I was bewildered once for three days." Even Christians can be much like Daniel Boone. We can be saved and covered by God's grace, but we can also be "mightily bewildered" sometimes by circumstances and tribulation in our lives. We must look to the source of our salvation for direction. When we do, we can overcome the obstacles that hold us back in our relationship with the Creator. Boone helped generate maps that cleared the way for others to follow. Likewise, God has provided us with detailed directions for finding Him. It's called the Bible. That’s the instruction Paul gives to Timothy in our reading today. It is good advice for us as well. Obviously you care about reading the Scripture or you wouldn’t be reading this little devotional today. Continue to explore the Scripture and you will find it is the map you need to navigate through the unknown of your future!

Casting Your Care on Jesus

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (1 Peter 5:7-9 ESV). While Mary was away recently I made a new discovery. I left the coffee pot on all day, and when I checked it after church, the remaining few cups of coffee had been reduced to a layer of tar in the bottom of the pot. It was black and sort of chewy-looking. That's when it hit me that I might have something. What if I peeled it off the bottom of the pot and cut it into strips? It looked like Coffee Jerky to me! Just think what this could mean to all those heavy eyed weekday commuters. Instead of sloshing scalding coffee in their laps and all over their nice leather seats, they could just pop out a hunk of coffee jerky. I'm thinking it would be a great way to make a pot of coffee last all day, too. It would take several hours just to get it all out of your teeth, just like real jerky! Seriously, I think I might really be on to something here. It would be great for all kinds of people. Think of people who work at jobs requiring a high level of alertness. They can’t be stopping to pour a cup of coffee all the time, so a strip of coffee jerky might be just the thing! And, it might even spurn off some other products. Since it really looks, feels, and tastes like tar, maybe it could be used as some new kind of glue. At least it would be relatively childproof since it would be edible, although it might keep them awake for a day or two! Well, maybe not; but, alertness is a good thing. That is the instruction of our reading this morning. We have an enemy who seeks our destruction. He is the devil. Now that might be a cause for concern if the first part of this instruction didn’t give us the answer. We are simply to give all our worries to God. Casting all your anxiety on Christ doesn't mean you have to slip into a vegetative state. It's when we surrender our troubles to him that we are truly freed to be alert to Christ-centered things, the things that count. It's better than anything caffeinated yet it won't keep you up at night. As a matter of fact, giving your anxieties over to Jesus is exactly what you need for a peaceful night's sleep. I’m not going to be spending a lot of time perfecting the idea of Coffee Jerky. But, I do need to spend my time thinking about the things of Christ in my life. There is a direct correlation between the peace I feel and the surrender I practice. Give it a try and see if it won’t work for you too. Be alert and cast al your cares on Him!

Under God

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:5-7 ESV). MSN.com conducted a “power poll” to measure the feelings of people concerning the removal of the words “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance. At this writing the poll is running about 80% opposed to removing it with only 20% in favor. The impetus for the poll is in the renewed interest in bring the issue to the Supreme Court on whether the Pledge of Allegiance can be read in public classrooms. The arguments stem from a case brought by Michael Newdow. Newdow says the Elk Grove, Calif.; school district violated the First Amendment's restriction against Congress making laws regarding religion by requiring teachers to lead students in the Pledge. You may recall further that several years ago, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which covers nine Western states, ruled in his favor. The Pledge of Allegiance is not a verse composed by the Founding Fathers of our republic. It was written especially for children in the summer of 1892 to commemorate that year’s celebration of Columbus Day in public schools through out the country. The pledge first appeared in print on September 8, 1892, in The Youth’s Companion, which was an educational publication. In its original form, it read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which is stands—one nation indivisible—with liberty and justice for all.” Its author was Francis Bellamy, an assistant editor of The Youth’s Companion, who intended it for a one-time recitation. But its immediate popularity transformed it first into an annual Columbus Day tradition and then into a daily classroom ritual. It became one of the earliest verses memorized by students. Since its debut, Bellamy’s pledge has undergone two major alterations. In 1923, the National Flag Conference of the American Legion replaced the somewhat ambiguously personal “my Flag” wording with the more explicitly patriotic “the Flag of the United States of America.” And in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill that added the words “Under God.” Our reading this morning speaks directly to the efforts of some to dispense with any reference to God in our lives. The promise is that when we humble ourselves before God and acknowledge his position over us, we will be honored. Tragically it seems that many nations have refused to learn the lessons of history. There have been many great nations that are no more than references in our history books today because they defied the will of God. The Roman Empire may be the most vivid example of that. It was one of the greatest empires the world has ever known. Today that great government is no more than a collection of ancient artifacts for tourists to visit. Whether collectively or individually, nationally or personally, denying the rule of God in our life can only lead to destruction. President Eisenhower was wise to sign into law the additional phrase of “under God.” It should be the principle of our public and personal life. Are you “under God”?

Knowledge Is Power

My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. (Proverbs 2:1-8 ESV). “Knowledge is power.” Stunning in its simplicity, not to mention eminently quotable, British philosopher Francis Bacon’s aphorism also is one of those rare insights that grows more rather than less profound with the passage of time. Certainly, that statement has more truth within it today than when it was written in 1597, not yet 150 years removed from Guttenberg’s invention of the printing press. Then, Bacon might just as easily have said "information is power," because information, the raw material out of which knowledge is shaped and synthesized, was every bit as precious as the finished product. Then to possess one essentially was to have the other. If you had information, you almost always had knowledge. That is not necessarily the case in today’s world of information overload. An article I read recently said, “While knowledge has lost none of its value, information has undergone a process of inflation that has made it a much less rare coin. It is no exaggeration to say that information, so omnipresent and pervasive — so available — has been reduced to the level of white noise, a persistent buzz always in the background of modern life. That we are awash if not drowning in information was made clear by a study done by the University of California at Berkeley’s School of Information Management & Systems, which determined that during the previous year the world’s citizens had produced between one and two exabytes of unique information. To lend a bit of perspective, all the words ever spoken by human beings up to that point would have amounted to about five exabytes. Put in per capita terms, which might be easier to get one’s mind around, the 2012 output amounts to 250 gigabytes of unique information for every man, woman and child on the planet.” I needed a translation of that image. So I did a little research as to how much a gigabyte of information really is. If I were to fill the bed of a truck with printed pages, that would be a gigabyte of data. And remember, that was 250 truckloads for each of us. We write it, photograph it, record it, film it and then send it or save it. Finally, like the man trying to drain the swamp, up to his knees in mud and surrounded by alligators, we wonder what to do with it all! Incredibly, with this glut of information there are still many people who have so little knowledge of God. It becomes very easy to fill our minds with things about God and never really fill our hearts with His presence. Commit yourself to learning about Him though a deeply devotional relationship with Him through His Holy Spirit. You may be surprised at how little you need to really know!

The New Emperor

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. (Proverbs 11:2-4 ESV). The following story from In the Garden with Jesus, by Tiziana Ruff, is a great illustration of the truth in our reading this morning. An emperor in the Far East was growing old and knew it was time to choose His successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or his children, he decided something different. He called young people in the kingdom together one day. He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you." The kids were shocked! But the emperor continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed today, one very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next emperor!" One boy named Ling was there that day, and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the story. She helped him get a pot and planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Ling kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks went by. Still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants but Ling didn't have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by and still nothing in Ling's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn't say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow. A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn't going to take an empty pot, but his Mother said he must be honest about what happened. Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his Mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace. When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other youths. They were beautiful - in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kinds laughed at him. A few felt sorry for him and said, "Hey nice try." When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the emperor. "Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!" All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. "The emperor knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!" When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. "My name is Ling," he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, "Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!" Ling couldn't believe it. Ling couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor? Then the emperor said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds, which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When the rest of you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!" The truth is always easier! It is a guide for our way. Whether in your business or home, make honesty your way!

His Word

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:6-12 ESV). Many years ago the Rev. Robert Burris, now over 90 years of age, worked for four and one-half years as a missionary in South China. As part of his ministry he journeyed into the mountains carrying copies of the Bible translated into Chinese for distribution. In this way, even though he could not speak fluent Chinese, the people were given God's word. Toward the end of his term Mr. Burris and three companions began a 180-mile journey with 4,000 copies of the Chinese New Testament. In the first ten days about half of these New Testaments had been distributed. Then, in the remote countryside, five armed bandits who took everything they had stopped them. They lost their money, clothing, shoes, and the remaining 2,000 copies of the New Testament. Mr. Burris and friends limped home barefooted in their shirts and trousers, glad to be alive. Approximately 25 years later when Mr. Burris was the pastor of a church in Ohio, he and his wife attended a lecture with slides presented by a missionary to South China. Among the slides shown was a picture of the very place in which he had been robbed by the bandits. "Now," the missionary said, "we come to the most important slide in my collection. I call it ‘The Miracle Church.’" The picture on the screen showed a large rough empty building. "This is The Miracle Church," the missionary continued, "because no one knows who started it, or how, every Sunday, 400 people attend, each with a copy of The New Testament in Chinese. No one knows were they got these New Testaments. So far as is known, no missionary or distributor ever went into these mountains, which are infested with bandits and robbers. Yet today, the church is there and the people have God's Word". Mr. Burris smiled in gratitude. God's Word, taken from him that day by bandits had been building it's own church in China for 25 years. You may not be able to carry an actual copy of the Bible with you. However, you can be the “word of God” to others through the things you say and do. It will not return void! Don’t underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit to use your life in the lives of others.

Telephone Poles

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV). I was just thinking this morning (and I know that could be dangerous); the fictional story of a telephone pole captured my attention. It was once a Douglas fir towering nearly 80 feet above the forest floor. Its trunk swayed gently as the winds passed over the mountainside. Its great limbs, surrounded with successive layers of green foliage, were shading the plants beneath it. Yet one day the sound of a bulldozer disturbs its mountain home. The whine of chainsaws might have sent a chill through the trees as they began to fall one by one. Chainsaws lop off each limb that protrudes, and mighty jaws lift the giant tree on board a truck headed for the mill. Inside the sounds of the mill are deafening. The debarker whines and bucks as it slices through branch stubs and reduces them to submissive knots. Layer after layer of bark and outer wood are peeled back until the trunk is naked and smooth. Its base is plunged into a vat of burning creosote and preservative forced into its pores with unremitting pressure. That process now complete, the new telephone pole is stacked with brother poles on yet another truck. And one day he feels himself drop to the side of the road. A crane stretches his top to the sky and lowers his feet into a deep hole. Climbing spikes and crossbeams, connectors and insulators, then strung with humming high voltage lines, now pierce the pole. Phone conversations and TV shows pass under his artificial limbs, but he does not hear them. Perhaps he stands in stillness and ponders his fate. An occasional car rushes by or a hawk rests upon his top for a few moments waiting for rodents to stir in the field below. But mostly he stands stoic and sterile, never to grow again. All he can look forward to are the cracks and fissures that come with dryness and age. He will feel the rain and snow melt and trickle down those cracks into to the ground beneath that eventually will cause him to rot and decay. When he can, the pole lives in the fragrant memories of his past, not in the stark hopelessness of his present. Does the story begin to sound familiar? Might it be a description of your life? My life hasn't exactly gone as I had planned either. But as I really think about that telephone pole I think it may have found a new meaning to his life that he had no reason to expect. Birds flutter near his top. Now, one of them inches down the pole and suddenly inflicts a new violence upon him. Bang, bang, bang. The woodpecker drives his sharp bill deeper and deeper into the pole's fibrous tissues. Bang, bang, bang. The hole is deep enough now. Peck, peck, and peck. The bird splinters the sides of the hole to widen it. It flies away momentarily, but now returns with something in its beak. It jams an acorn into the new hole until it is firmly wedged. And now the bird and his friends begin again. Bang, bang, bang. Peck, peck, and peck. If you will look carefully, you can see that this particular telephone pole has been a favorite of generations of Acorn Woodpeckers. Every deep crack, every widening crevice is jammed with hundreds of acorns. Every hole whittled out in years gone by is stuffed with an acorn against the coming winter. Enough acorns are there to feed an entire colony of woodpeckers the whole winter long. They will not starve, for their food tree sustains them. And as I see the pole surrounded by its woodpeckers, bearing a harvest not its own for a family not its own, I sense it has grown more philosophical, more thankful with age. Few trees aspire to be telephone poles, you know, but for many that is their destiny. Often we can feel only pain and loss. We suffer. We hurt. We feel sorry for ourselves. But sometimes, if we can grasp it, God is creating for us a new and wonderful life through that which has died. Who would think that an aging pole could be thankful for a colony of woodpeckers? Who indeed?

Helping Others to Fly

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). There are so many stories that have been used through the years to illustrate the ministry of love toward others. I almost hesitate to use another this morning. However, the following story, told by Roger Kiser, touched me. I couldn’t help but wonder if it might be a message we need to hear again in our world. Once upon a time there was a little boy who was raised in an orphanage. The little boy had always wished that he could fly like a bird. It was very difficult for him to understand why he could not fly. There were birds at the zoo that were much bigger than he, and they could fly. "Why can't I?" he thought. "Is there something wrong with me?" he wondered. There was another little boy who was crippled. He had always wished that he could walk and run like other little boys and girls. "Why can't I be like them?" he thought. One day the little orphan boy who had wanted to fly like a bird ran away from the orphanage. He came upon a park where he saw the little boy who could not walk or run playing in the sandbox. He ran over to the little boy and asked him if he had ever wanted to fly like a bird. "No," said the little boy who could not walk or run. "But I have wondered what it would be like to walk and run like other boys and girls." "That is very sad,” said the little boy who wanted to fly. "Do you think we could be friends?" he said to the little boy in the sandbox. "Sure." said the little boy. The two little boys played for hours. They made sand castles and made really funny sounds with their mouths. Sounds that made them laugh real hard. Then the little boy's father came with a wheelchair to pick up his son. The little boy who had always wanted to fly ran over to the boy's father and whispered something into his ear. "That would be OK," said the man. The little boy who had always wanted to fly like a bird ran over to his new friend and said, "You are my only friend and I wish that there was something that I could do to make you walk and run like other little boys and girls. But I can't. But there is something that I can do for you." The little orphan boy turned around and told his new friend to slide up onto his back. He then began to run across the grass. Faster and faster he ran, carrying the little crippled boy on his back. Faster and harder he ran across the park. Harder and harder he made his legs travel. Soon the wind just whistled across the two little boys' faces. The little boy's father began to cry as he watched his beautiful little crippled son flapping his arms up and down in the wind, all the while yelling at the top of his voice, "I'M FLYING, DADDY. I'M FLYING!" There are two thoughts that come to my mind from this story. First, I wonder how much I have taken for granted in my life. I may not be able to fly, but I certainly can walk and run. And, second, I wonder how many opportunities I have missed to help someone else while I concentrated on my own needs? Perhaps it is a question for you to ask today too.