Extreme Makeovers

And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 1:19-20 ESV). Just the other night I was reading a book and a program came on the TV that I haven’t seen in a long while, Extreme Makeovers. I was too lazy and too far away from the remote to change it, so it continued to play in the background. It is one of the many reality shows that have been so popular where people are selected for “extreme” plastic surgery or other alterations to enhance their appearance. In this episode I must confess that the difference between the “before and after” was striking with both individuals. I began to think about that. It seemed like a fairy tale, really too good to be true. The skeptical part of me remembered the old adage, "If it seems too good to be true, then it probably isn’t." Then I remembered Jesus' conversations with Nicodemus the religious leader and the woman at the well. Both of these had their lives transformed by Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Nicodemus took awhile to reach, but transformation did come. The woman at the well did find her life transformation in less than an hour! This outcast woman left her water jug at the well, having found living water from Jesus, and led her whole village to life transformation. They were not alone in finding transformation! The book of Acts is full of stories of transformation. One of the very hardest to miss is the one in Acts 2 which resulted in 3,000 people experiencing life transformation. Paul reminds the Corinthians of their incredible transformation from being sinners to being God's holy children. Even notorious people of Crete (cf. Titus 1:12) had experienced this life transformation! These life transformations didn't come from a seminar, a book, or a philosophy. They were not the result of a "for pay" advertised life-plan. These life transformations came because people caught a glimpse of Jesus what he has done to bring them life through his own death and resurrection, what he can do in their daily lives, and what he will do in the face of their own physical death. These people turned their lives over to Jesus in faith, trusting in his power to save and being baptized in his name. The true power of transformation, the Holy Spirit, was set loose to work in them. Nothing would ever be the same for them! Every time I find myself getting a little cynical about people, the Lord confronts my hard heart with the truth: if I believe in Jesus, I must believe in the power of the resurrection that is set loose in those who believe in him. Life transformation is possible because of Jesus' grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. Life transformation in less than an hour is not only possible, it has happened for thousands of years to untold number of people. Maybe it needs to happen on your life today! Let the Holy Spirit begin an extreme makeover in your life!

Terminals and Departures

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV). In leaving for Kipnuk, Alaska I have several flights to board; and, though I’m not a nervous flier, two signs at the airport remind me of an important truth. They are “Terminal” and “Departure.” No wonder some folks get all jittery when they think about flying! Think of the imagery — we’re all destined to die (TERMINAL) and we’re leaving to go away (DEPARTURES). In fact, it sounds downright biblical! Remember what the Scripture says in Hebrews 9:27? “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment...” Sounds very sobering, doesn’t it! We don’t think much about being terminal or about the reality of our sure departures from this earth. It’s not in vogue. It conjures up terms like morbid, fatalistic, negative, and gruesome. We want the finality of our physical lives antisepticised (I hope that’s a word) and kept separate from the everyday world where we live, work, and play. But as distant as we like to keep it, reality breaks in as surely as it breaks our hearts. Thankfully, neither terminal nor departure is the final words! Jesus answered every one of our enemy’s attacks with victory and he also answers our terminal condition and our certain departure with his triumph. The Spirit didn’t end his reminder of our mortality in Hebrews 9:27. He let’s Jesus recast our most certain journey as a journey to the great house of joy, when he says: “So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” You see, there is also one other prevalent sign at the airport I didn’t mention: “ARRIVALS.” While on our side of the great journey the TERMINAL and DEPARTURES signs loom large, on God’s side of the journey, there is only one that matters to him: ARRIVAL! He is waiting for us to come home with his Son who brings with him all those who stand in eager expectation of his return to take them on the return flight home.

Lessons from LEGOS

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3 ESV). Mary has a LEGO table at her office for the children to play with while they wait to see the doctors. It is very popular. I’ve seen them play at these tables. When they get called back to the exam room, there is always a new creation left on the table. Some children construct tall buildings, while others merely create a colorful design on the tabletop. Each one is unique since it has sprung from their imagination. I decided to do a little research. It was in 1949 that the first sets of Automatic Binding Bricks were sold, exclusively in Denmark, by the LEGO Company. These bricks were very similar to the LEGO brick invented in 1958, except that they did not have tubes on the inside of the brick. The LEGO Futura division was established in 1959 with a five-person staff. It is this group that is responsible for coming up with all of the exciting, new LEGO sets that are released each year. It is estimated that during the past 40 years, more than 300 million children have played with LEGO bricks. While doing this research I came across the following “LEGO Lessons for Life.” The writer says: “Life might be less complicated for all of us if we each received our own LEGO kit at birth. Yes, I realize there is a choking hazard for children under three. But when you are old enough, you can learn a lot from LEGOs. I have learned that:” • Size doesn't matter. When stepped on in the dark, a 2X2 LEGO brick causes the same amount of pain as a 2X8 brick. • All LEGO men are created equal (1.5625 inches tall). What they become is limited only by imagination. • There is strength in numbers. When the bricks stick together, great things can be accomplished. • Playtime is important. Sometimes it doesn't matter what you are building, as long as you're having fun. • Disaster happens. But the pieces can be put back together again. • Every brick has a purpose. Some are made for a specific spot - most can adapt almost anywhere - but every one will fit somewhere. • Color doesn't matter. A blue brick will fit in the same space as a red brick. • No one is indispensable. If one brick is unavailable, another can take its place. • It doesn't always turn out as planned. Sometimes it turns out better. If it doesn't, you can always try again. Wisdom is found in many sources. True wisdom may be measured against the truth of the Scripture. As I read these lessons from LEGOs, they seemed to ring true to me. I pray they might for you as well!

Movies and Other Lies

I really like going to the movies, but they do not present the truth very often. They are designed to tell a “story” for entertainment purposes. Here are some examples of what you might be misled to believe if you took the movies too seriously: • It's easy for anyone to land a plane, providing there's someone in the control tower to talk you down. • The ventilation system of any building is the perfect hiding place. No one will ever think of looking for you in there, and you can travel to any other part of the building you want without difficulty. • If you need to reload your gun, you will always have more ammunition- even if you haven't been carrying any before now. • You're very likely to survive any battle in any war, unless you make the mistake of showing someone a picture of your sweetheart back home. • If an imminent natural disaster or killer beast threatens your town, the mayor's first concern will be the tourist trade or his forthcoming art exhibition. • A man will show no pain while taking the most ferocious beating, but will wince when a woman tries to clean his wounds. • Interbreeding is genetically possible with any creature from elsewhere in the universe. • All bombs are fitted with electronic timing devices with large red readouts so you know exactly when they're going to go off. • Most laptop computers are powerful enough to override the communication systems of any invading alien civilization. • No one involved in a car chase, hijacking, explosion, volcanic eruption, or alien invasion will ever go into shock. • You can always find a chain saw when you need one. • Any lock can be picked in seconds by a credit card or a paper clip, unless it's the door to a burning building with a child trapped inside. • You can always rely on your car keys already being in the ignition when you get in the car, but if it's an emergency you can't find the keys anywhere. • No one locks doors, and if they do, chances are there's a hatchet about to come through it. TV and the movies rarely depict real life accurately. But, then they’re not supposed to! There is only one source of truth. That is the Bible. Here’s what the Apostle Paul has to say: 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). Don’t settle for anything less!

Movies and Other Lies

I really like going to the movies, but they do not present the truth very often. They are designed to tell a “story” for entertainment purposes. Here are some examples of what you might be misled to believe if you took the movies too seriously: • It's easy for anyone to land a plane, providing there's someone in the control tower to talk you down. • The ventilation system of any building is the perfect hiding place. No one will ever think of looking for you in there, and you can travel to any other part of the building you want without difficulty. • If you need to reload your gun, you will always have more ammunition- even if you haven't been carrying any before now. • You're very likely to survive any battle in any war, unless you make the mistake of showing someone a picture of your sweetheart back home. • If an imminent natural disaster or killer beast threatens your town, the mayor's first concern will be the tourist trade or his forthcoming art exhibition. • A man will show no pain while taking the most ferocious beating, but will wince when a woman tries to clean his wounds. • Interbreeding is genetically possible with any creature from elsewhere in the universe. • All bombs are fitted with electronic timing devices with large red readouts so you know exactly when they're going to go off. • Most laptop computers are powerful enough to override the communication systems of any invading alien civilization. • No one involved in a car chase, hijacking, explosion, volcanic eruption, or alien invasion will ever go into shock. • You can always find a chain saw when you need one. • Any lock can be picked in seconds by a credit card or a paper clip, unless it's the door to a burning building with a child trapped inside. • You can always rely on your car keys already being in the ignition when you get in the car, but if it's an emergency you can't find the keys anywhere. • No one locks doors, and if they do, chances are there's a hatchet about to come through it. TV and the movies rarely depict real life accurately. But, then they’re not supposed to! There is only one source of truth. That is the Bible. Here’s what the Apostle Paul has to say: 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). Don’t settle for anything less!

I've Been Good

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 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 2:1-10 ESV). The Apostle Paul makes it very clear in our reading this morning that there is only one means to gain eternal life. It is only through grace that we may be given a place in heaven. The following little story illustrates how some people think of their efforts to win a place with Christ. There was a certain man who had worked all his life and was ready for a vacation. He wanted to go to a far away place he had never been before. He thought to himself, "You are a good person, you've helped the poor and cared for the needy. You deserve this trip." He went to the airport and got in line to get on the plane. In his mind, he felt no need to buy a ticket because of all the great things he had done for people in his lifetime. He thought he had earned this trip. As the line got closer and closer to board the plane, he grew more and more anxious to start enjoying himself on his journey. It came his turn at the ticket counter and to the amazement of the ticket agent, he told her he didn't have a ticket, but he deserved a free trip. He went on to explain what a good person he was, and how he never hurt anyone or caused anyone any sort of pain, but the ticket collector told him firmly, "You still need a ticket sir." Becoming concerned, he told her "I have never stolen from anyone, nor cheated anyone in all my life." The ticket agent stood firm and insisted he could not board the plane unless he could produce a ticket. He said, "I have given money to the poor and fed the needy." Still not being moved by his plea the ticket agent said, "If you want to get on this plane you have to have a ticket. No exceptions." The man was shocked. He walked away with his head held low and thought to himself, "I figured if I was a good person, who never hurt anyone and took care of other people, surely I would be able to get a free plane ride." Some people view heaven that way. They think if they are good, never hurt anyone, and take care of others; they will get a free ride into Heaven. Salvation is a free gift through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. No man can buy his way into Heaven, but Jesus came down to Earth in His own free will to give us Eternal Life. Now, that’s GOOD NEWS!

The Disciples - Part 11

And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13-19 ESV). In the listing of disciples, notice the name of Simon. He is called the Zealot. To understand who Simon was, you must understand a Zealot. Zealots were a group of anti-Roman activists. They hated the Romans, and refused to bow down to their rule. They were attempting to undermine Roman authority, and bring the Jewish people back to power. They were passionate about their cause, refusing to give in at any cost. They were very zealous in their work; hence the name Zealots. Which brings us back to Simon. This was a risky choice for a disciple. Being a Zealot, Simon would bring undue attention to the disciples by the Roman authorities. Simon was not a "safe" choice like a calmer, gentler disciple may have been. However, that should not surprise us. Jesus is known for picking the unlikely picks. Who would have picked one who was not gifted in speech to be Moses and lead the people out of Egypt, or a mere shepherd boy to be king David, or a persecutor of Christians to be the great servant Paul? In the mind of Christ, Simon was a perfect choice. He would bring the same "zeal" to the work of Christ as he had given to being a Zealot! Isn't it great that Christ chose what seem foolish to the world to do His great work? Doesn't it provide hope for you and me? Aren't you glad God looks for the potential in you and me, instead of our background? Simon was picked because of who He would become. So are you and I! That’s the beauty of grace. It is not who we are, or what we may bring to the task that causes God to choose. He chooses simply because of who he is. When a person works an eight-hour day and receives a fair day’s pay for his time that is a wage. When a person competes with an opponent and receives a trophy for his performance, that is a prize. When a person receives appropriate recognition for his long service or high achievements, that is an award. But when a person is not capable of earning a wage, can win no prize, and deserves no award—yet receives such a gift anyway—that is a good picture of God’s unmerited favor. This is what we mean when we talk about the grace of God. Our reaction ought to be one of thanksgiving. Are you thankful for God’s choice in your life? Thanksgiving results in obedience and obedience will bring peace. Try it!

The Disciples - Part 10

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:26-27 ESV). What an honor! John, the great disciple of God, was asked to care for the mother of Jesus. John was perhaps closer to Jesus than any other disciple. Probably an early follower of John the Baptist, John affectionately refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved". I don't think John was stuck on himself, actually to the contrary. Throughout the book of John, John refuses to name himself, even when he has done something great. One thing we can be sure of with John, and with his brother James as well, there was a fire in their heart for Jesus! In fact, you can be sure that whatever John was involved in he would display passion. Jesus nicknamed he and his brother James "Sons of Thunder", most likely for their quick-tempered spirit. I think Jesus was also referring to the great devotion and energy of their lives. John was in the inner circle of Christ. He accompanied Jesus to the high mountain, where they met Moses and Elijah. No doubt, John was never the same again. John was perhaps the sole disciple at the crucifixion; maybe being the only one who had the courage to stay in spite of the danger. However, I believe that John is best noted for his tremendous contribution to the Scripture. His writings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, are my favorites. They are usually the first books recommended for reading to new Christians because of their depth and simplicity. John alone tells of the reappearing of Christ to the disciples, how Christ fed them breakfast, and of the moving reinstatement of Peter to the Lord. And, of course, the most read and memorized verse in the Bible is found in John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Without a doubt John had the clearest understanding of the Love of God and how it worked both in and through a believer. Martin Luther said, “The love of God will put in us what God wants out of us. There is no doubt that the love of our Heavenly Father has the power to soften the hardest heart, heal the deepest wounds, and set at liberty those that are bruised.” This is the love John knew and wrote about. He preached and practiced this love in his life. This is the man to whom Jesus trusted the care of his mother. A “son of Thunder” displaying love like that is a lesson to all of us. As we strive to be like Christ, we can look favorably to the example of John, a faithful, devoted, passionate follower whom Jesus Loved.

The Disciples - Part 9

Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:22-27 ESV). Thaddaeus, also known here as Judas, was another lesser-known disciple. There are two things we do know about him that are worthy of our study. First, Thaddaeus, or Judas, was not Iscariot. This is not the betrayer of Christ. The disciples here want this to be known to all readers. Not that it really mattered otherwise. Also, Thaddaeus is important for the question he asked. This was an important question Thaddaeus asked. Jesus probably would have answered even if the "other" Judas had asked it. The distinction between Judas Iscariot and Judas who was also Thaddaeus is made, because, since this passage was written after the betrayal, the writer wanted no one to confuse the two. Evidently Thaddaeus was a character whose reputation was worthy of protecting. Our reputation is very important. That reputation is a direct reflection of our character. When people hear your name they automatically associate it with the image they have been given of you either by their knowledge of you or what others have told them. A number of years ago the Douglas Aircraft Company was competing with Boeing to sell Eastern Airlines its first big jets. War hero Eddie Rickenbacker, the head of Eastern Airlines, reportedly told Donald Douglas that the specifications and claims made by Douglas’s company for the DC-8 were close to Boeing’s on everything except noise suppression. Rickenbacker then gave Douglas one last chance to out-promise Boeing on this feature. After consulting with his engineers, Douglas reported that he didn’t feel he could make that promise. Rickenbacker replied, “I know you can’t, I just wanted to see if you were still honest.” One of the greatest dangers to our reputation is not the idle gossip of others, but our own failure to keep our promises. In the sales industry that’s what is called “over-promising and under-delivering.” Honesty demands just the opposite: under-promise and over-deliver! How’s your character? When people talk about you, what can they say good about your character? These are important questions!

The Disciples - Part 8

He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:16-19 ESV). I have searched and searched, and other than the same listing of disciples in the other gospels, I can't find this James anywhere else. He appears to be basically non-existent. Perhaps, as the younger of the two James', he was over-shadowed by the more outspoken James, son of Zebedee. That should give us a great deal of hope. For me, that God would call a no-name disciple is very encouraging. Do you think when Jesus called James, son of Alphaeus, that He made a mistake? Do you imagine Him saying, "Wow, I guess I got the wrong one.” Is that the Jesus you and I love and want to serve? Is He capable of such a mistake? Of course not! And, let me tell you this, He didn't make a mistake by calling you either. You may feel that you have no real place of service in God's kingdom. It may appear that all the "big names" do all the work of Christ in the church. But, make no mistake about it, God still calls those who will be lesser seen! He is still using those whose names appearing on the membership report will be the only public recognition they receive. During World War II, England needed to increase its production of coal. Winston Churchill called together labor leaders to enlist their support. At the end of his presentation he asked them to picture in their minds a parade, which he knew would be held in Picadilly Circus after the war. First, he said, would come the sailors who had kept the vital sea-lanes open. Then would come the soldiers who had come home from Dunkirk and then gone on to defeat Rommel in Africa. Then would come the pilots who had driven the Luftwaffe from the sky. Last of all, he said, would come a long line of sweat-stained, soot-streaked men in miner's caps. Someone would cry from the crowd, 'And where were you during the critical days of our struggle?' And from ten thousand throats would come the answer, 'We were deep in the earth with our faces to the coal.'" Not all the jobs in a church are prominent and glamorous. But it is often the people with their "faces to the coal" who help the church accomplish its mission. You can count on it, and we'll find out when we get to Heaven, that Jesus had a specific purpose for James, son of Alphaeus. And, I just suspect, that whatever it was, he was the perfect choice for the job! Our Jesus makes no mistakes...including with you and me!

The Disciples - Part 7

Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24-29 ESV). You've heard the phrase "Doubting Thomas". We often use it to describe those who just can't quite believe something. They may want to, but there is still some skepticism that keeps them from accepting with full confidence. The rest of the disciples had seen Jesus after his resurrection. Thomas was not there. Perhaps he was still discouraged. His Savior, the One to whom he had devoted his life, the One who he had trusted for safety, had been nailed to a tree. No more was the companionship of the Son of Man. Perhaps he just couldn't convince himself to join the other disciples. By not being there, he missed seeing Jesus. Now, in order to believe the disciples, he wanted tangible proof. He wanted to see Jesus personally. We tend to know Thomas best for his doubts, but he was also capable of displaying great courage. Some accounts of Thomas indicate that he became a great missionary in India during the first century. We do know that when Lazarus died and the disciples and Jesus went to be with him, Thomas said, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." I think he expected Christ to do a miracle, and he wanted to fully experience it. Maybe it's not so bad to have doubts. Christ certainly didn't condemn Thomas. When Jesus appeared again to the disciples, He allowed Thomas to see and feel that He was indeed the Risen Lord. Jesus accepted Thomas in spite of his doubts. You and I, in the face of a sometimes (really many times) dark world, will indeed have periods of doubt. We may experience times when our faith seems so weak. Jesus, the Maker of our souls, would say to us as He said to Thomas: "Peace be with you. Stop doubting and believe." It really isn’t that we have doubts, it is what we do when we have them that counts. Whatever is nagging in the recesses of your mind today, reestablish your faith in the power and promise of God to do what he has promised in your life. Trust him with everything. You won’t be disappointed!

The Disciples - Part 6

And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. (Mark 1:19-20 ESV). Of the three apostles who comprised the inner circle, Peter, James and John, we know the least about the apostle James. We do know, however, that the apostle James was the eldest brother of the apostle John and that their father's name was Zebedee. James, his brother John, Peter and Andrew were all partners in a fishing business prior to being called by Christ to follow Him. Zebedee was also a partner in the business. There is also some evidence that James was the first cousin of Jesus the Messiah and had been acquainted with Him from infancy. It is believed that his mother Salome was the sister of Jesus' mother Mary. Not much is known of his ministry after the Lord's resurrection, but it is believed that he lived another 14 years before his martyrdom. In fact, the apostle James was the first apostle to suffer martyrdom. By order of Herod Agrippa I, James was beheaded in Jerusalem about the feast of Easter, 44 AD. Nicknamed with his brother as the "Sons of Thunder", James was a "go for it" type of individual, with a fiery spunk. James was not a perfect man. You cannot clearly say that he was the strongest or most faithful among the disciples. Remember, he was the one who asked to be first, on Jesus’ right hand. In spite of his closeness to Christ, we don't see that he was without fault. However, what we do see about James, son of Zebedee is this: He loved Jesus and was willing to give his whole life to serve Him! James was much like you or I should strive to be, not necessarily the most noteworthy character, but one who was fully committed to his call. And, isn't that the attitude of which God is seeking? James is a reminder to us that with a heart fully devoted to Christ, we can receive great victory in the Kingdom of God. Mark Hatfield tells of touring Calcutta with Mother Teresa and visiting the so-called "House of Dying," where sick children are cared for in their last days, and the dispensary, where the poor line up by the hundreds to receive medical attention. Watching Mother Teresa minister to these people, feeding and nursing those left by others to die, Hatfield was overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the suffering she and her co-workers faced daily. "How can you bear the load without being crushed by it?" he asked. Mother Teresa replied, "My dear Senator, I am not called to be successful, I am called to be faithful." Like James, she was found faithful. It is an example for us to follow.

The Disciples - Part 5

One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). (John 1:40-42 ESV). Andrew is not among the most recorded disciples. Andrew was a brother of Peter, and both of them were fishermen at the Sea of Galilee with partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee. This was a very pious group of fishermen. When they heard about John the Baptist and his preaching about the Messiah, they became his disciples. One day, after Jesus was baptized, John the Baptist saw Him coming, and turning to his disciples said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." Together with his partner, John, Andrew ran to him and followed Him. Later, he brought his brother Peter to Jesus, from this event; Andrew is called Protoclete, which translates the First-Called Disciple. According to the Gospels, Andrew had a place of honor near the Master. He was the one who pointed out to Jesus the boy with the five loaves and the two fishes, which were used for the feeding of the multitude in the wilderness (John 6:8-9). He also was the one who brought the Greeks to Jesus when the expressed their to see Him. Was he necessary? Absolutely! Although it would have been easy for him to feel otherwise, he doesn't seem to have been affected. So it often happens with some of us. However, we are all essential to the Kingdom. Andrew was a vital part in the ministry of Christ. Christ chose him for a specific purpose; some of which we may not know until we get to Heaven. His influence was evidently vital for the plan Jesus had been called to complete. Just one of the accomplishments of Andrew was the beginning of the church in Constantinople. This church would become very important in the development of Christianity. Perhaps you sometimes feel unnecessary in God's kingdom. If you do, that is clearly NOT a word from God. If you are a believer, then Christ has also chosen you! He has a part in His ministry that only you can do! It may not get the recognition that other people get, but your Heavenly Father will reward it when someday you stand before Him face to face. I would suspect Andrew could tell you that! The most telling of all concerning Andrew’s character is found in our reading this morning. After finding Jesus, Andrew immediately went to get his brother. He was never satisfied with just finding the truth. He had to share it with others. In his small quiet way, Andrew became the example for most of us. He was never to become THE leader, but he would always be leading!

The Disciples - Part 4

After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” (John 6:1-7 ESV). Jesus had asked a question only to test the disciples. He had said, "Where can we buy enough bread for these people to eat?" He knew the answer. They wouldn't need to buy any bread. They had among them, the Bread of Life. Philip failed the test! It actually happened another time. Jesus had just stated that He was "the way and the truth and the life." Philip's reply was, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." Don't you get it, Jesus basically said, "I have been with you such a long time. When you have seen me, you have seen the Father." We shouldn't come down to harshly on this faithful disciple of God, should we? It is easy to underestimate the power of Jesus. Sometimes we fall into the trap of not fully recognizing the awesomeness of the REAL Jesus Christ. Philip came from the town of Bethsaida in Gaililee, the home town of Andrew and Peter, had put his life on hold to follow Christ, but there were obviously still questions that remained unanswered in his faith in God. As he walks with Jesus, his faith grows. He reminds us that we, too, have to be conscious of our Savior. He helps us to know that if we want to know the Father, we need to know the Son. In a seminary mission’s class, Herbert Jackson told how, as a new missionary, he was assigned a car that would not start without a push. After pondering his problem, he devised a plan. He went to the school near his home, got permission to take some children out of class, and had them push his car off. As he made his rounds, he would either park on a hill or leave the engine running. He used this ingenious procedure for two years. Ill health forced the Jackson family to leave, and a new missionary came to that station. When Jackson proudly began to explain his arrangement for getting the car started, the new man began looking under the hood. Before the explanation was complete, the new missionary interrupted, "Why, Dr. Jackson, I believe the only trouble is this loose cable." He gave the cable a twist, stepped into the car, pushed the switch, and to Jackson's astonishment, the engine roared to life. For two years needless trouble had become routine. The power was there all the time. Only a loose connection kept Jackson from putting that power to work. How’s your connection?

The Disciples - Part 3

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:45-51 ESV). Nathaniel was shocked. The Messiah had come from Nazareth! Can anything good come from there? Granted this was not the town of heroes. It was not the place where one might expect to see a world leader arise. The education system didn't produce the greatest academias. There were few monetary strongmen. It just wasn't the home of champions! Nathaniel, also called Bartholomew, was a man who spoke his mind. It wasn't that he was opposed to Christ coming from Nazareth. His view of God, however, just wouldn't allow such a thing to occur. He saw God as coming from the aristocratic neighborhoods of society. He thought God would be displaying great wealth and strength. That usually didn't describe someone from Nazareth. But, when Nathaniel saw Christ, even though He was from Nazareth, he placed his whole faith and devotion in this One who had come from the forsaken town. Nathaniel recognized the Living God! There was nothing false about his whole-hearted devotion! Perhaps we should be more like Nathaniel. Maybe we should look for God in the unexpected places of life. Quite possibly God wants to surprise us by showing up at those awkward times of life. God may have for us a few surprises. Perhaps your view of God is too small. Perhaps you have had some challenges in life that you were not sure God could handle. Because of that you did not trust your situation to him. You will never be able to know the peace and victory God has for you until you trust Him with everything. It has been my experience that God rarely does things the way I expect. However, he always comes through with more than I ever dreamed. It is always better to rest in the protection of His hand. Look for God today to show up when and where you least expect Him! Then trust Him!

The Disciples - Part 2

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:9-13 ESV). The next disciple in our series is Matthew. He is also called Levi by Mark and Luke. He was a tax collector. There was not a more unloved position in all the land. Tax collectors made a good living. They were generally despised by their fellow Jews and merely tolerated by their Roman employers. Tax collectors were creative in finding ways to tax the people. To have this position meant that he had sold out to the Roman officials and was willing to squeeze money from his own people. Being allowed to keep all extra money he collected, it was an opportunity to get rich at the expense of others. Matthew may have been from the tribe of Levi. The tribe of Judah largely absorbed the tribe of Levi after the kingdom of Judah had been exiled and returned from Babylon several centuries prior. Matthew was probably fluent in Greek and Aramaic. Greek was the official language while Aramaic was the local dialect. Matthew was literate and an educated writer and scribe. It is also believed that he knew a form of shorthand called tachygraphy. This may be the reason why he was able to write the detailed accounts of Christ’s spoken sermons including the long Sermon on the Mount. In contrast to Matthew, there is another story of another wealthy young man (cf.: Matthew 19). Matthew willingly chose to follow Christ. The young man placed material wealth over spiritual wealth. This is so common in the present. There is almost a quest for the dollar above all other considerations. But at what price? Is the dollar worth more than a child’s first step? Is the dollar more important than self worth? What price are you willing to pay? Do you want the rewards of this Earth or do you want the rewards in heaven? Matthew was posed these same questions. He had worldly possessions and wealth. He quickly gave up wealth for a devotion to Christ! He actually could have been a problem for Jesus. By accepting Matthew, Jesus put His reputation on the line. The fact that Jesus accepted such "scum", as the world would call Matthew, meant that anyone could come to Christ! This was not a popular position to take in such a legalistic religion. Matthew was ready to believe and Christ was ready to accept him. It was a perfect match. After all, Jesus had come to save sinners. Aren't you glad Jesus accepted Matthew? Aren't you glad that even Matthew was not too far for the grace of God to reach? Are you, like Matthew, ready to drop and give up everything for the sake of His call?

The Disciples - Part 1

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:15-19 ESV). Today begins a lengthy series. Each day we’ll take a look at the disciples. The first is Simon Peter. There were so many verses I could have picked to remind you of this popular character in the earthly life of Christ. From walking on the water, to cutting off an ear, to denying knowledge of Christ and the powerful restoration of Peter, you are familiar with this man's great faith. However, there is one incident that I want to focus on this morning. It speaks of his character more than any other. We start with Simon Peter, the ROCK, as Jesus would choose to call him. As we know, Peter was one of the inner circle of Christ. He was among Christ's closest friends. A man of great passion, we see Peter react quickly to his emotions. If Peter is angry, you knew it. If he was sad, it was obvious. If Peter was afraid, it was a great fear. Peter had no problem expressing himself. Even though, we sometimes criticize Peter for denying Christ those three times, we fail to mention he was the only disciple who stuck around long enough to have the opportunity. When he knew it was Jesus approaching the boat, he wanted to jump down out of the boat, and on to the water. He was impulsive, quick thinking, and loyal. And, although he was not always predictable in his actions, sometimes reacting harshly (Jesus one time called him Satan; a stumbling block...Matthew 16:23), Christ renamed him Peter, which means rock, because of what Peter would become. By the time we get to the book of Acts, Peter is a pillar of the New Testament church. It was his tenacious faith that made him such a good leader. What potential does Christ see in you and me? Would His name for us reflect the great opportunities we have to glorify His name? May we today be like Peter; a ROCK, ready to do whatever it takes to stand firm for the One who calls us into His glorious Kingdom! The same opportunities exist for us as they did these early disciples. The challenges of life are no less severe. God is calling us to be who he has gifted us to be. For some that may mean being a foundation for others. Don’t let the past keep you from taking your place in God’s kingdom. Like Peter put the past behind you and move into the future in faith!

The Shoe Shine Stand

Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” (Matthew 26:6-13 ESV). Walking through an airport is always an interesting experience. The shoeshine stand always catches my eye. It always seems like a picture out of the past. Chairs sitting high above the workstation, foot rests, an array of polishes, brushes and clothes, and then, the shoeshine man himself. The majority of customers are men, but occasionally a woman had her shoes polished also. Social interaction may occur, but often there is silence as one gives and another receives. In life there are also those who give and those who receive. Each of us has the opportunity to fit into both categories. Sometimes, we think giving is more important, but learning to be a gracious receiver is a wonderful attribute. Even Jesus was on the receiving end during special moments while on earth, and He is still receiving today. To this very day Jesus receives great joy when someone comes to know Him personally! He offers to serve you loving kindness, goodness, mercy, grace, forgiveness and everlasting life. Remember you have the opportunity to serve Him by being faithful to Him and showing kindness and service to others. If you give or if you receive… remember to be gracious and thankful for that particular opportunity. In Other Words, a publication of the Wycliffe Bible Translators, recently told a story about Sadie Sieker, who served for many years as a house-parent for missionaries’ children in the Philippines. Sadie loved books. Though she gladly loaned out some, others she treasured in a footlocker under her bed. Once, in the quiet of the night, Sadie heard a faint gnawing sound. After searching all around her room, she discovered that the noise was coming from her footlocker. When she opened it, she found nothing but an enormous pile of dust. All the books she had kept to herself had been lost to termites. What we give away, we keep. What we hoard, we lose. So, as we remembered the great gift God has given us, it is a good time to think of those ways we may give back. It is not as if we can sacrifice something for God. However, when we minister grace to others around us through our good works, it is as if we have done these things to Jesus. Give it some thought as you walk through this week. There will be those that need your gifts. Give freely! You won’t regret it. Emerson said it so well: The only gift is a portion of thyself.

It's All Abot Me

The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. (Proverbs 10:3-5 ESV). William Schreyer, chairman emeritus of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., tells the following story: It seems there was a pretzel stand out front of an office building in New York. One day a man came out of the building, planted down a quarter, and then went on his way without taking a pretzel. This happened every day for three weeks. Finally, the old lady running the stand spoke up: "Sir, excuse me. May I have a word with you?" The fellow said: "I know what you're going to say. You're going to ask me why I give you a quarter every day and don't take a pretzel." And the woman said, "Not at all. I just want to tell you the price is now 35 cents." Such is the mind-set of many today, especially those of us who live in the United States. We proclaim, "It's all about me" or "It's my right. Give it to me." A widespread attitude is, "Somebody owes me something." Just look at the premise of the countless lawsuits filed each day. I read about Kathleen Robertson of Austin Texas who was awarded $780,000 by a jury of her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running inside a furniture store. The owners of the store were understandably surprised at the verdict, considering the misbehaving little boy was Robertson's son. And how about the surfer who recently sued another surfer for "taking his wave." The case was ultimately dismissed because they were unable to put a price on "pain and suffering" endured by watching someone ride the wave that was "intended for you." It seems that everyone is looking for "something for nothing." We want the best life has to offer; but we want it from the markdown table. Like the lady at the pretzel stand, it doesn't matter if you get yours as long as I get everything coming to me and I want mine first. Our culture accepts this as the norm. Sales clerks are surprised when someone offers to return the difference after receiving too much in change. Employees who arrive on time every day and actually take only ten minutes for their 10-minute breaks amaze employers. Drivers who stay within the posted limits infuriate those who just have to get there five minutes sooner. The Wisdom of Solomon in our reading today speaks to this philosophy of entitlement. Today might be a good day for us to take inventory of our attitudes in life.

Honey or Vinegar

Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the venom of asps. (Psalm 140:1-3 ESV). Did you know that sometimes words could hurt just as much, if not more, than a physical blow to the body? That's right, for words spoken in anger, frustration, hatred, and jealousy have the capacity to cut deeply. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, we say something we don't really mean, but once it has left our lips, it is too late, and the damage has been done, unless forgiveness is immediately sought. We are all guilty of speaking unkindly or thoughtlessly at one time or another, but the way to make sure these times are few and far between with the goal of not again occurring, is practicing patience and love. Just as a vipers tongue can be so quick it is barely visible to the human eye, we must practice thinking before we speak, rather than speaking then thinking and often regretting. In order to do this we need patience; that unseen force which allows us to wait without becoming upset. Then, once in that holding pattern, we have better opportunity to think about what is the best way to respond to the matter at hand using wisdom, discretion and love, rather than anger or hate. When I refer to "best way," I am of course referring to the wisest way: God's way. At the risk of using a worn and perhaps corny expression, I ask myself, "What would Jesus do?" In conversation with another individual it would then translate to be, "What would Jesus say?" Not one of us is perfect as we all have sinned in our lifetime, but this does not mean we still cannot reach for higher levels of godliness even by keeping watch on the purity of our speech. On a windswept hill in an English country churchyard stands a drab, gray slate tombstone. The quaint stone bears an epitaph not easily seen unless you stoop over and look closely. The faint etchings read: Beneath this stone, a lump of clay, lies Arabella Young, Who on the twenty-fourth of May, began to hold her tongue. Will our words hold the bitterness of vinegar, or will they be sweetness to our soul? Today, won't you consider if your words will be like honey or vinegar?

Never Alone

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 ESV). Did you hear the one about the guy who drove his car into a ditch on a lonely country road? Fortunately, a local farmer came by with his big strong horse, named Buddy. The farmer hitched Buddy to the car and shouted, "Pull, Nellie, pull!" Buddy didn't move. Then he hollered, "Pull, Buster, pull!" Buddy just stood there. Once more the farmer yelled, "Pull, Coco, pull!" Still nothing. Then the farmer calmly said, "Pull, Buddy, pull!" The horse immediately stepped forward and easily pulled the car out of the ditch. The motorist was grateful but very curious. He asked the farmer why he had called his horse by the wrong name three times. "Oh!" the farmer replied, "Buddy's blind. If he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn't even try." Have you ever felt like you were the only one pulling? You aren't alone. The Old Testament tells us Elijah had those same feelings, "I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." (cf. 1 Kings 19:10). It's easy to feel like Elijah or Buddy. Sometimes we get so blinded by our own problems and circumstances that we can't see those around us who are still pulling with us. God spoke to Elijah, assuring him that there were still seven thousand in Israel who had refused to bow down to the pagan god, Baal. God has reminded me recently that I am not the only one still pulling. He has given us special friends that are sharing our burdens and making our load a little lighter. Are you carrying a heavy load today? Does it feel like you are the only one pulling? When you hear Him calling, "Pull, Buddy, pull!" Remember, you're not alone! God hasn't forgotten about you! In her poem “The Parable of Tomorrow,” Ruth Gibbs Zwall offers this description of God’s leading: “I looked at the mountain. ‘It is too hard, Lord,’ I said; ‘I cannot climb.’ ‘Take My hand,’ He whispered; ‘I will be your strength.’ I saw the road, ‘It is too long, Lord,’ I said; ‘so rough and long.’ ‘Take My love,’ He answered; ‘I will guard your feet.’ I looked at the sky. ‘The sun is gone,’ I said; ‘already the way grows dark.’ ‘Take the lantern of My Word,’ He whispered; ‘that will be light enough.’ We climbed. The road was narrow and steep, but the way was bright. And when the thorns reached out, they found His hand before they touched my own. And when my path grew rough, I knew it was His love that kept my feet from stumbling. Then I grew very tired. ‘I can go no farther, Lord,’ I said. He answered, ‘Night is gone. Look up, My child.’ I looked and it was dawn. Green valleys stretched below. ‘I can go on alone now,’ I said—and then I saw the marks. ‘Lord, Thou art wounded. Thy hands are bleeding. Thy feet are bruised. Was it for me?’ He whispered, ‘I did it gladly.’ Then I fell at His feet. ‘Lord, lead me on,’ I cried. ‘No road too long, no valley too deep, if Thou art with me.’ We walk together now and shall forever!”

Type A or Type B?

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ESV). The following was taken from Jean Marie Laskas' Nov. 9, 2003 Washington Post Magazine column: “ One woman was having a hernia procedure done as an outpatient. First her case was delayed by three hours because someone needed an emergency kidney operation, but instead of stewing and worrying, she was mildly amused by the type A surgeon who was miffed because another surgeon had power-played him out of "his" surgery slot. Then, the nurse pushing her to surgery paused to scan a job vacancy notice on the bulletin board, and referred to the woman as an "it" as she lay there vulnerable on the gurney. Finally the anesthesiologist was getting ready to put her under when his cell phone rang and he left the surgery suite. I'm not picking on medical people. This true story could have happened in any workplace with different specifics. But this patient, instead of demanding her rights as a customer or privately fuming, laughed it off. She was just ecstatic when she woke up because they were able to do the procedure by arthroscopy instead of surgery saving her weeks of recovery and therapy.” What kind of woman can look at all these frustrating experiences and be so laid back? She probably has a super type B personality. That led me to think about how essential it is to have variety in this world. If everyone was a type A personality - high strung, over-achieving, competitive, barely knows how to relax, aggressive, clock watcher, what an anxious world this would be. On the other hand, if everyone was type B - laid back, leaving important things to chance, uncompetitive, chronically late, and a doormat, that's not good either. Are you one of those persons who have to have everything figured out ahead of time, and know how and when something is going to happen? Or are you one who is satisfied to have a general idea of plan, leaving things to chance and opportunity, feeling that stuff usually works out in the end. Why borrow trouble? You are relaxed, uncompetitive, and maybe inclined to introspection and self-analysis. This kind of person does well at taking the heat-because they refuse to allow heat to make them hot. On the other hand, what would we do without the extreme type A's-creative achievers who get a lot done and make sure others do their jobs right and on time. They ask the who, what, when and where questions-and worry less about pondering the eternal whys. We are all different, but all essential. Celebrate who you are under God’s gifts. Be patient with those who are different. Work together at your job, in your church, at home and see the difference it will make in how good you feel as well as how much you get accomplished!

Happily Married

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:18-24 ESV). Have you ever wondered why some couples seem so happily married? It's not that their lives are any easier or more perfect than yours, but they do know how to keep the daily grind from eroding their relationship. Our reading today indicates that God’s desire is for us to have such relationships. The following suggestions might be something for you to consider: 1. Fall in love all over again. Make a conscious decision to be in love. The more you act as if you are in love, the more you will feel like you are. 2. Remember the good times. Treat your partner like you did at the beginning of your relationship. For the “shiny” to come back in your relationship, you need to polish it. Make a list of all the things you used to enjoy doing together. Plan for them and make them happen. 3. Help your partner feel more loved and secure in your love so that he or she can open up to you and express feelings and ideas without fear of being attacked or judged. Compliment, praise, and give a hug. Small gestures make the grandest statements. 4. Don't make unilateral decisions. You're a team in many ways, so act like one. Check in and make decisions together about things large and small. Be willing to compromise. 5. Be present. Train your mind to stay in the moment not at work; thinking about the new color you want to paint your kitchen, or any of the million things going on. They’ll still be there after you give your attention to your spouse. 6. Pay attention to your physical appearance. Take the time to stay in shape and look good for each other. It does matter. 7. Boost your compatibility. Couples in crisis focus on all the ways they are different, whereas those who are in love zero in on their similarities and think their differences are a compliment. Build compatibility by taking turns planning activities to do together. If you don't like your partner's choice, don't complain; it's your turn next. 8. Do not place blame. Replace blame and criticism with solutions and tenderness. Problem-solve together. Be playful. When was the last time you laughed together? Rent a comedy or love story with a happy ending (I call them “Mary movies”) to tickle your funny bone. 9. Fact-find don't mind-read. You may think you know but you can't assume. You may believe he should know, but that's not fair, either. Always clear up misinterpretations and misunderstandings to make sure they don't throw you both off course. 10. Fight fair and by appointment only. Schedule a limited time to discuss a problem and confine your comments to that issue only. It's easier to relax and feel free to enjoy each other when you know you won't be ambushed by a litany of complaints and criticisms. Try these and see if you won’t be happier in your relationship. It does take a lot of work. However, it is worth it!

Happy Birthday, Kyle!

Today is my oldest son’s birthday! Kyle is thirty-nine! I know I don’t know how that happened so quickly! I do know that there have been many opportunities through the years to see the grace of God at work in his life and mine through him. So, as I reminisce a bit, I pray that the Lord will use these brief words to convey His grace to you as well. Most of you have heard the stories of Kyle’s birth and I certainly won’t repeat those again today. However, one of the stories I will call back from those early days took place soon after his birth. I was the Student Minister at Tyler Junior College and afforded many opportunities to both act and feel young (I actually was pretty young in those days) being surrounded by college students every day. It was not completely uncommon for Mary to drop Kyle off at the student center for a little while as she had errands to run. The students were very kind to Kyle as he toddled around the center. In fact, one of the favorite activities involved teaching him to say certain words. Before you jump to conclusions, let me say they used great restraint in their teaching! In fact, the primary vocabulary consisted of one word in particular: “Ball.” Kyle loved to play and in order to get the students attention, he would toddle about simply repeating the word “ball” over and over again until someone relented and began to play with him. The more they played with him, the more he would repeat the word. God is like that in some ways. Of course, I am not saying that the more you pester God about something, the more he will participate with you. However, I am saying that when we speak to the Lord, he pays attention and responds to us. Here’s what Jesus has to say: And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.” (Luke 18:1-8 ESV). This parable is noted as going “from the lesser to the greater.” That is to say Jesus uses an example from human experience to call our attention to how much greater God’s response is being perfect rather than imperfect as all humans are. The truth is that God hears our prayers. Do not believe for a moment that he fails to hear every word from his children. His promise is to give his elect justice. Just like the students (imperfect) played ball with Kyle, so God (perfect) will maintain a relationship with us that will always bring the best to bear in our lives. When I think of Kyle saying, “ball… ball,” I am reminded of how often I have prayed and been answered with God’s full and undivided attention. My problem is not that there isn’t any answer from God; but, that there often isn’t a request from me! Keep praying. God is listening and working on your behalf!

Mistakes

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15 ESV). I found the following advertisements which reportedly appeared in a daily newspaper: Monday: “The Rev. A.J. Jones has one color TV set for sale. Telephone 626-1313 after 7 p.m. and ask for Mrs. Donnelley who lives with him, cheap.” Tuesday: “We regret any embarrassment caused to Rev. Jones by a typographical error in yesterday’s paper. The ad should have read: ‘The Rev. A.J. Jones has one color TV set for sale, cheap...Telephone 626-1313 and ask for Mrs. Donnelley, who lives with him after 7 p.m.’” Wednesday: “The Rev. A.J. Jones informs us that he has received several annoying telephone calls because of an incorrect ad in yesterday’s paper. It should have read: ‘The Rev. A.J. Jones has one color TV set for sale, cheap. Telephone 626-1313, after 7 p.m. and ask for Mrs. Donnelley who loves with him.’” Thursday: “Please take notice that I, the Rev. A.J. Jones, have no color TV set for sale; I have smashed it. Don’t call 626-1313 anymore. I have not been carrying on with Mrs. Donnelley. She was, until yesterday, my housekeeper.’” Friday: “Wanted: a housekeeper. Usual housekeeping duties. Good pay. Love in, Rev. A.J. Jones. Telephone 626-1313.’” Dale Carnegie once noted that the only animal the grizzly would allow to eat with him was the skunk. Grizzly bears in Yellowstone Park often come to eat at the place where garbage is dumped. This huge bear can fight and beat almost any animal in the West, but it lets the skunk share its meal. Carnegie said that the grizzly surely resented the skunk and could have easily killed the little creature in any fight. No doubt the bear would have liked to get even with him for his intrusion. But he didn’t. Why? Because he knew the high cost of getting even. Most animals are not dumb. They are much smarter than many humans who allow their stomachs to churn all day, their minds to storm all night and their souls to turn black with hatred as they plot revenge. Bitterness is the most dangerous of all plagues to healthy Christian living. It will eat away at the vitality of your spiritual life. It is the “cancer of the soul”, and it claims millions of victims each year. It spreads faster than the common cold and threatens the survival of many churches. Yet there is a cure for this plague. One of the most beautiful words in any language is the word “forgive.” The word is a common one, but the essence of the word is in the last part, “give”. To forGIVE means to give someone a release from the wrong that he has done to you. It means to give up any right of retaliation. That’s what God did for us in Christ. Regardless of how you have been treated, practice forgiveness toward others. You will find great freedom and strength as your reward.

This Side of the Dirt

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. (John 9:1-3 ESV). In a 24 hour period, if you’re an adult of average weight, here is what you accomplish: • Your heart beats 103,689 times • Your blood travels 168,000,000 miles • You breathe 23,040 times • You inhale 438 cubic feet of air. • You eat 3.25 pounds of food • You drink 2.9 quarts of liquids • You lose 7/8 pound of waste. • You speak 4,800 words, including some unnecessary ones • You move 750 muscles • Your nails grow .000046 inch • Your hair grows .01714 inch • You exercise 7,000,000 brain cells. Feel tired? There is actually so much more to living in one day than just these things! The only non-renewable resource any of us have is time. In our reading this morning Jesus encourages us to work while we can since there will be a day when we will run out of time. There are a few occasions when I have been reminded of this very vividly. Sometime ago I had a very angry client. He was upset because things were not going as he wanted in his marriage. He was so upset that he was actually shouting obscenities in the middle of our session threatening all manner of things. I waited for him to take a breath and merely asked, “Which side of the dirt are you on?” He was speechless, which was the desired effect I intended. He then stammered, “Dirt? What are you talking about?” I then explained that I would gladly help him walk through his problem. While challenging, it was not insurmountable. Then I answered his question about the dirt. God had given him another day. He woke up on “this side of the dirt.” He was alive with a precious resource. How foolish to waste even one minute of it in such frustration and anger. My mantra has remained the same: Never let outward circumstances determine inward joy. Perhaps you should adopt the same attitude. You have been given another day. You have been given another opportunity to see and experience the wonder of God’s grace in your life. You have been given another chance to bring that grace into someone else’s life. You are on this side of the dirt! Don’t waste a minute of it in negative pursuits!

Selective Hearing

The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. (Isaiah 50:4-5 ESV). I remember the first time my grandson called me grandpa. It was when he was just an infant. I remember it so distinctly because so many other folks didn’t believe it. Just the other day I heard a wonderful sound. My five-month-old grandson, Logan, said “grandpa.” Of course, I was told that it was just “selective hearing” on my part, but I heard it! Okay, maybe he didn’t really say grandpa distinctly. Maybe I did just hear that. He was making a lot of sounds and I suppose I could have just wanted to hear that. Maybe. Seriously, we do often hear things selectively. On several occasions, Jesus taught people and when he came to the end of his lesson, he would say something like this: “You have ears to hear; listen up!” OK, I’ve modernized it a bit, but if you will read your Bible, I think you’ll find this is pretty close to what Jesus challenged people to do. It’s one of those things so obvious that it ought to be...well, obvious. We have ears so that we can hear. Use them for their intended purpose. Now, why would anyone have to tell a person to use his or her ears? Sometimes, people are born with non-functioning ears. Sometimes accidents or diseases can create deafness. Even age can make our ears hear less than when we were younger. But, all those possibilities notwithstanding, ears are for hearing. I have often been accused of selective hearing, especially in the last two minutes of a TV show! On the other hand, I’ve been in places when my hearing worked all too well. My children were often amazed how well I could hear a sassy remark. It’s amazing how well ears work when you want them to work, and it’s amazing how poorly they work when you don’t care. The real question is how well do we listen to God? Do we have ears to listen as a disciple as Isaiah mentioned? What kind of ear does the disciple have anyway? I don’t get the idea that a disciple’s ear works better than anyone else’s ear. But there is one thing that disciples have going for them that others do not. The disciple can’t avoid hearing because God opens his or her ear. He “awakens” the disciple’s ear out of its sleep and makes it ready to hear. Does that mean that God somehow enables the physical organ of the ear to function better or does it mean that God has a way of getting our attention so that we listen up? Personally, I incline toward the latter. Besides, a real disciple is one of those “selective” hearers. When God speaks, the true disciple is ready, willing, able, and interested in hearing and doing what God says. Jesus understood the truth of selective hearing. Not that it’s something possible to only a few. The truth is that anyone could hear God’s word. But, the fact is, there are people who will simply turn off their ears and quit listening. They don’t really want to know, they don’t like what they hear, and they have no plans to do anything with what God says except to ignore it. Why would they want to listen? On the other hand, the one who wants to learn from God has his or her ears tuned in, ready to hear. How are your ears? More than likely, you’re just as good at this “selective hearing” thing as anyone. The big question is this: “To what and to whom are you listening? If you have ears to hear, then use them– especially when God speaks.

Heavy Water

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. (Matthew 11:27-29 ESV). I recently received a story about a lecturer who was giving a lecture to his students on stress management. He raised a glass of water and asked them, "How heavy do you think this glass of water is?" The students' answers ranged from 20g to 500gm. He went on to say, "It does not matter on the absolute weight. It depends on how long you hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it is OK. If I hold it for an hour, I will have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you will have to call an ambulance. It is the exact same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, we will not be able to carry on, the burden becoming increasingly heavier. What you have to do is to put the glass down, rest for a while before holding it up again. We have to put down the burden periodically, so that we can be refreshed and are able to carry on. So before you return home from work tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it back home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you are having now on your shoulders let it down for a moment if you can. Pick it up again later when you have rested... Rest and relax. Life is short, enjoy it!!" I have found it true that the burdens we bear are often unnecessary. Life can be very unfair, but God is always there to more than make up for that! Here are some “Words to Live By” that seem to bring this truth into focus: • Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue. • Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them. • If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. • If you lend someone $20, and never see that person again, it was probably worth it. • Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you don't have a leg to stand on. • Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. • The early worm gets eaten by the bird, so sleep late. • Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live. • You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person. • Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened. • We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors but they all live in the same box. • A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour! Rest and relax in the arms of Jesus. He will not let you down!

Happy Independence Day!

Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD! Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. (Psalm 25:3-10 ESV). Since this is the Fourth of July, I decided to turn my attention in a bit of a different direction. It would be easy to start from the perspective of history; however, I’d like to draw your attention to the future. Not long ago I overheard someone say, “If you think the problem is bad now, just wait until we’ve solved it!” That sparked my interest in looking at some of the quotes dealing with the future and optimism. I came across the following “Chisolm Effect.” It is a listing of “basic laws of frustration, mishap, and delay.” They are a little humorous, but do speak volumes in our culture. “Chisholm Effect: Basic laws of frustration, mishap, and delay”: 1st law of human interaction: If anything can go wrong, it will. Corollary: If anything just can’t go wrong, it will anyway. 2nd law. When things are going well, something will go wrong. Corollary: When things just can’t get any worse, they will. Corollary 2: Anytime things appear to be going better, you have overlooked something. 3rd law. Purposes, as understood by the purposer, will be judged otherwise by others. Corollary: If you explain so clearly that nobody can misunderstand, somebody will. Corollary 2: If you do something that you are sure will meet with everybody’s approval, somebody won’t like it. Corollary 3: Procedures devised to implement the purpose won’t quite work. Corollary 4: No matter how long or how many times you explain, no one is listening. I am constantly amazed at the pessimism of the general population concerning our future. If we can learn anything from the celebration of Independence Day it ought to be that our freedom won in that part of our history points us to real freedom. While there are many uncertainties in our day, there is also a wonderful promise as God extends His forgiveness and unfailing love toward us forever. That erases our past and secures our future. We may laugh at those who hold to such philosophies as the Chisolm Effect and know that the grace of our God is more than enough to keep us through the ages! While I hope America stands forever as the “land of the free and the home of the brave” my hope is not in America. It is in the God of the Ages! Take heart and have a Happy July 4th!

Transformed

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2 ESV). I know many people who desire to be someone else. They are not happy with how their life has progressed thus far, and may be discontent in their relationships, defeating attitudes, lack of education, or jobs. This list could go on and on, I am sure. However, life is so much more than these things. When people desire to be someone else they tend to sit around and mope; complaining about how unfair and cruel life is, as they do nothing to improve the matters, which displease them so. What are you willing to do to be transformed from the person you are, to the individual you COULD be? This may sound like a futuristic sci-fi movie, but the truth of the matter is that this ability has been with us all along. Not only does it require our own self-determination to make a better life for ourselves, but also, what is most important and required is our genuine desire to allow GOD to transform us! As the above Bible reading reveals, we can be a new person by changing the way we think. Through the truth, strength and goodness of God, we can replace negative, unproductive and ungodly thoughts and mindsets with positive ones that will glorify God and bring us more peace and joy. So too, as this same verse conveys, will we better understand what it is what God requires of those who call upon His name, and that purpose, my dear friends, is rooted and grounded in truth and love. These are qualities, which have the ability to change hearts and transform lives. It is what allows some of us to offer those who have wronged us, forgiveness, and it is what permits us to trust God with every corner of our life as He indeed is all-knowing and loving. All that is required is the desire for a better way, and if you truly wish for something, do you just sit around and wait for it to fall in to your lap? Or, do you search for it, and do what is required to obtain it? A relationship with God is not a difficult thing to find. He is standing at the doorway of our lives, and all we need do is open that door. When we do, we will truly be transformed.

Do Not Spit Here

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. (Romans 6:15-18 ESV). Sometime ago, I read about a little school for young Native American men and women, who came to Oakland, California, from the various tribes in northern Arizona. One of these was a Navajo young man of unusually keen intelligence. One Sunday evening, he went with the pastor to the young people’s meeting. They were talking about the epistle to the Galatians, and the special subject was law and grace. They were not very clear about it, and finally one turned to the man and said, “I wonder whether our new friend has anything to say about this.” He rose to his feet and said, “Well, my friends, I have been listening very carefully, because I am here to learn all I can in order to take it back to my people. I do not understand all that you are talking about, and I do not think you do yourselves. But concerning this law and grace business let me see if I can make it clear. I think it is like this. When the pastor brought me from my home we took the longest railroad journey I ever took. We got out at Barstow, and there I saw the most beautiful railroad station and hotel I have ever seen. I walked all around and saw at one end a sign, ‘Do not spit here.’ I looked at that sign and then looked down at the ground and saw many had spitted there, and before I think what I am doing I have spitted myself. Isn’t that strange when the sign say, ‘Do not spit here’? He went on to say, “I come to Oakland and go to the home of the lady who invited me to dinner today and I am in the nicest home I have been in. Such beautiful furniture and carpets, I hate to step on them. I sank into a comfortable chair, and the lady said, ‘Now, John, you sit there while I go out and see whether the maid has dinner ready.’ I look around at the beautiful pictures, at the grand piano, and I walk all around those rooms. I am looking for a sign; and the sign I am looking for is, ‘Do not spit here,’ but I look around those two beautiful drawing rooms, and cannot find a sign like this. I think ‘what a pity when this is such a beautiful home to have people spitting all over it. Too bad they don’t put up a sign!’ So I look all over that carpet, but cannot find that anybody have spitted there. What a queer thing! Where the sign says, ‘Do not spit,’ a lot of people spitted. Where there was no sign at all, in that beautiful home, nobody spitted. Now I understand! That sign is law, but inside the home it is grace. They love their beautiful home, and they want to keep it clean. They do not need a sign to tell them so. I think that explains the law and grace business.” As he sat down, a murmur of approval went round the room and the leader exclaimed, “I think that is the best illustration of law and grace I have ever heard.” Live in grace!

Temptation and Sin

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2 ESV). Some people have this notion that to be a Christian means they will suddenly be like Christ, knowing no sin or temptation ever again. Then, when they find themselves uttering hateful words, or involved in ungodly behaviors, they are caught unprepared. Rather than brush the dust off their pants, stand up and repent so they may again walk toward victory, they instead allow themselves to be defeated by continual feelings of guilt, inadequacy, failure and weakness. "Look what I did!" they might say, "If I was a true Christian I would not have fallen." How untrue this sentiment is because while Christ promises us victory over evil, this does not mean we will never again know adversity, struggle, weakness, or temptation. We are called and encouraged to be perfect, but there is only one perfect being and that is our Heavenly Creator. As John says in our reading this morning, our goal is to not sin. However, when we do fail, we have been given an advocate for our forgiveness and restoration. Temptation is unavoidable. During his time on earth Jesus Christ, Satan tempted the Son of God. If the adversary tempted Christ, do you think it impossible for him to likewise attempt to seduce you? Of course he will, and that is why we must not only be prepared to defeat evil with goodness by standing up for what is the good and acceptable will of God, but if, God forbid, we should fall, may we also be wise enough to quickly get up. If we stand and repent, and continue to look back on our sinful past either with fondness or profound guilt, can we truly say our repentance was sincere and complete? If then, our letting go of sin is genuine, then let us fully let go of what God has washed clean, and live the victorious life He has promised us! Today, if you are still playing the blame-game, and carrying your past-repented of sins upon you like a heavy ball and chain, now is the time to let fully go and be free from the chains which you, not God, have imposed on yourself. Our Lord is not here to condemn, but to save.