Where Did August Go?

And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21 ESV). August is almost gone. I wish I could say that it didn’t seem to fly by, but it did. In a way I like that. Most my favorite things happen in the fall. It won’t be long until I’m out in the woods of Middle Tennessee watching the leaves turn and drop; listening for the soft sounds of the world as it wakes up in the morning; and, taking in the wonderful scent of the forest as it readies for winter. It will be here very soon. Time is like that. It passes quickly. Our reading today is about a man who didn’t realize the precious nature of time. Jesus tells the story of a rich farmer who enjoyed great success. Reflecting on his accomplishments, he remarked how he would need to build bigger barns to hold his bounty. He was making plans to expand his business even further, going into other cities to sell his crops. But God told him, "You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?" We can find some commendable things about this rich man. He was a hardworking farmer. He probably would have had to work longer and get up earlier and expend more energy than the other farmers of his day to achieve such success. But his mistake wasn't in being successful in his work. His mistake wasn't even in acquiring possessions. His mistake was failing to make plans for eternity. He was living large. But he forgot that the clock was ticking, that life was passing by. And this man who died, leaving all his possessions behind, is like many people today. They just want to enjoy the moment. "Take it easy!" they say. "Eat, drink, and be merry!" Yet God says that is not the way to live. In Psalm 10, the psalmist describes an arrogant, wicked man. One of the most striking things he says about this man is in verse 4: "In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God". That says it so well, doesn't it? There was no room for God, no room for the Creator, Lord, and Savior in all this man's many thoughts about this and that. Our lives on this earth may be very brief, but when we fill our thoughts with the eternal God and His purposes, we prepare ourselves for an endless life in His presence. How’s your timekeeping?

The New Kyle Field

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV). The 2015 College Football Season is almost here! Texas A&M will have the new Kyle Field ready for the first home game. The seating capacity will be 102,512. It is the biggest in the SEC and third largest in the nation. Only Michigan and Penn State are larger. Perhaps I will get to attend a game there someday soon. The yells will be deafening in the new environment! There’s a greater stadium, with greater fans though. The writer of Hebrews says we are surrounded by them in our lives today. They are a “great cloud of witnesses” according to our reading today. I believe these people are our friends and loved ones in heaven who are watching us and cheering us on. There are others as well. Hebrews 11 is a record of the great men and women of faith who died serving God. We sometimes refer to it as the Hall of Faith. You read about Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Gideon, Samson, David, Rahab, Daniel, and the other great faithful. I am convinced they cheer us on too. Certainly, as one interpretation indicates, they are simply people of faith who have gone before us, giving us a model to follow so that we might live and exercise our faith as they did. Reading about the lives of these men and women who have walked with God and trusted Christ and stood strong in the face of trials and persecutions can add strength to our journey. However, another way to look at it is that these men and women aren't simply giving us a template to follow, but are actually observing us and taking note of our progress in the faith. They are the "cloud of witnesses" watching us and cheering us on. I need those cheers from time to time. Don’t you? We are in the race of our lives on earth, and we don't how long it will last. I need all the help I can get. I don’t desire to simply show up. I want to play to win. The stakes are high. Fortunately we have the greatest of “yell leaders” (that’s what we call those who cheer the team on at Aggieland). Jesus is watching us, turn for turn, step for step. He has taken those steps; he has made those turns himself. He will not just cheer us on, but lead us to victory. Come on. Let’s get in the game! We can win this one!

The Peacemaker

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:15-20 ESV). The Colt Single Action Army which is also known as the Single Action Army, SAA, Model P, Peacemaker, M1873, and Colt .45 is a single-action revolver with a revolving holding six cartridges. It was designed for the U.S. government service revolver trials of 1872 by Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, today's Colt’s Manufacturing Company, and was adopted as the standard military service revolver until 1892. It was also known as “the gun that won the West.” I have a Ruger Blackhawk single-action western style revolver that is similar. They are fun to shoot; and, I can imagine how important they were in the 1800’s as the western part of our country was being settled. We certainly don’t settle our disputes now the same way as then; but, we all desire to live at peace in our community. Thankfully we have excellent law enforcement officers who help insure our safety and peace. Even with that, I find my search for peace goes beyond my environment. I want peace in my life too. After all, isn’t that one of the promises of Scripture? The Peace of God is often spoken of in the New Testament and it should be our present possession. It is something that belongs to us here and now. From the first moment that we place our faith in Christ, we can begin to experience the peace of God. This is the reference Paul has in our reading today. Many people think that this peace is simply an absence of conflict or anxiety. But biblical peace is much more than that. It is a strong, elevating, positive good in our lives. It isn't just an absence of anxiety; it is the presence of something wonderful beyond our comprehension. Peace has been given to us as a gift from God because we have been justified by faith. It isn't describing a feeling; it's describing a fact. It doesn't come from what we are, but from what He has done. In other words, you can't have the peace of God until you first have peace with God. If we are fighting with God and continually resisting His plan and purpose for our lives, then we won't experience His peace. Maybe it’s time for you to trust in the real “Peacemaker.” His name is Jesus!

Balanced

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (Philippians 1:21-26 ESV). On April 29th of this year, Nik Wallenda, of the famous Flying Wallendas, walked on top of the Orlando Eye, which at 400 feet tall is higher than the Statue of Liberty. A crowd watched as he hopped into a capsule, rode to the top, climbed out and walked onto a steel beam about 6 inches wide. "It's a little windy," Wallenda told NBC's Today show, which broadcast the event. He said the structure was "really wet" as he began his 4 minute walk. Really? There isn’t enough of anything to make me desire to do that! But, with his incredible balance, it seemed to be an easy feat for him. The apostle Paul wrote the words in our reading from a dungeon in Rome, facing imminent execution, and Christians through the centuries have repeated them. This is the right kind of balance for our lives on this earth. The apostle Paul loved life. And the simple fact is, no one should love life more than the Christian. We can enjoy it because we know it comes to us from the hand of a loving God. But as blessed as we may be in this life, there is more. Just as I said yesterday, there is more to be had at the end of our lives than anything we may experience now. All the great things we do experience in the here and now are just hints of heaven, hints of something better that will come for the man or the woman who has put faith in Jesus Christ. C. S. Lewis made this statement: "All the things that have ever deeply possessed your soul have been but hints of [heaven] — tantalizing glimpses, promises never quite fulfilled, echoes that died away just as they caught your ear." He went on to say, "If I find in myself a desire, which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." There is another place, another time, another life. And life on earth, be it a little while or a long while, is a nanosecond compared to eternity. Trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is the only key that will open the doors of heaven to us after we leave this life. How’s your balance? Trust in Jesus today!

More, Please

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man. I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. (Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 ESV). Mary and I stopped at the Krispy Kreme the other day. I ordered two filled donuts and she ordered two chocolate glazed with sprinkles. We had to wait an unusually long time in the drive through to place our order. I could see inside the store, the sign was “lit,” and I was ready for my donuts. It was almost as bad as the bell and Pavlov’s dogs! When we finally reached the pick-up window, I was more than ready for my snack. The server came to the window and told me the price and I paid. He then handed me a full dozen donuts saying, “I’m sorry for the delay. Please accept this full dozen to make up for the wait.” I thought, I’ll wait longer if I can get more! I wanted to ask him for more, please! Deep down inside we're all like that. We always want a little bit more out of life. We chase after the newest, the latest, the freshest, and the best of everything. We want more. That shouldn’t be a surprise. That is the way God has made us. But here's the problem, as much as we see, taste, and experience life, it always seems like it just isn't quite enough. It never satisfies. And, it never can satisfy. We are also created that way too. God has placed a seed of eternity deep in our innermost being. In our heart of hearts, there is a recognition that this world won't be able to deliver on its promises. No matter what this world gives us, we find ourselves wanting more. We want more life; more hope; more joy; more peace; more satisfaction; and, ultimately, more of the presence of God Himself. In heaven, those desires will be fulfilled in a way beyond what we can imagine. But until that day when we cross over to the other side, He willingly gives us more and more and more of Himself. And that's the closest thing we have to heaven on earth. I’ve thought about that a lot over the years. Somehow we cling so tenaciously to the things of this world, we fail to recognize the glory of the things waiting for us. Of course I am not advocating that we give up in this life. We are called to persevere. We are urged to make everyday count. However, that is not the end of life. It is merely a step in that direction. I do want “more, please”! god has promised to deliver that to me through the gift of grace in the completed act of Jesus’ sacrifice on my behalf. Now that’s even better than getting a dozen free Krispy Kreme!

I'll Buy, You Fly

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4 ESV). One of the perks of being in the ministry is the many opportunities to go out to eat with folks. It is not unusual to have meetings scheduled around breakfast or lunch. They are great; however, the times I most enjoy are the spontaneous times of fellowship around a meal. Not long ago I was spending some time with a friend and it was lunch time. I suggested we ride into town and get a bite to eat. The natural conversation of “where” and “what do you like” ensued. I simply said, “I’ll buy; you fly.” He looked at me oddly, obviously not understanding that idiom. So I explained that if he would drive I’d buy the meal. I didn’t care where he chose, just as long as he would drive. It was merely a way of cooperating together toward a common goal. Our reading today is a strong indication of this principle working in our lives. The apostle encourages the church to “be of the same mind.” Paul wanted them to recognize that while they may take different paths in life, they should seek to end at the same place. The goal should always be to be of one mind and spirit in the fellowship and the family. It is the practice of humility. Andrew Murray said: “Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is for me to have no trouble; never to be fretted or vexed or irritated or sore or disappointed. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret and be at peace as in a deep sea of calmness when all around is trouble. It is the fruit of the Lord Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on Calvary’s cross, manifested in those of His own who are definitely subject to the Holy Spirit.” I have found that as I become more interested in that kind of relationship, I am more perfectly at ease with all of my circumstances. I find a greater peace in whatever happens. So much of what seems so important at the time fades into the backdrop of eternity and the promise of eternal life. Perhaps you are at a place in your life now that you are feeling uneasy; try letting go of the controls. It might amaze you how quickly you get “control.” “I’ll buy, you fly” works in relationship!

Poking a Hornet's Nest

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV). I sometimes have so much to say in such a little space I don’t know where to begin. Over the last few days I have been involved in several families and their challenges in regard to parenting. I have come back to our reading often. There is an incredible wisdom of balance the apostle outlines for us. It is a very direct, uncomplicated statement of truth. Children should be obedient to their parents; and, parents should exercise gentle, kind discipline and instruction with their children. I know that’s easier said than done. Believe me I have made more than a few mistakes in this area. However, our mistakes don’t change the truth. Relational balance is the key. I have often said to parents and children alike, “The tighter the grip, the more the struggle; and, the more the struggle, the tighter the grip.” It’s just another way of encouraging families to stop competing with one another. No one needs to win in our relationship; rather, everyone needs to win. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Let’s see if I can illustrate the truth here. You have three children, all separated by several years. Correspondingly they are different sizes. You get ready to go someplace and one of them says, “I’ve got shotgun.” That was a common thing in the early days when my boys were growing up. The car was always not quite big enough for the oldest in the back and if one of the younger guys wanted the front it always resulted in an argument. You’ve been there. What do you do? How do you discipline, or teach in this situation. My solution was to remind them of the basic rules of engagement. The bigger guy always got the front where there was more room. When they became “bigger” they would get the front. I won’t detail the principles involved in this teaching, but it is the way of God. He often chooses for us things that seem unfair. Peter felt that way when Jesus told him his ultimate end would be crucifixion (cf. John 21:15-22). He asked Jesus, “What about John?” Jesus reminded him that wasn’t his concern. Sometimes we go about in our families as if we enjoy conflict. We “poke the hornet’s nest.” It is completely unproductive and unnecessary. Find a better balance in your family and you will find peace and harmony. Amazingly you will also find that it is easier for everyone to live respectfully toward one another. And one last thing: they don’t need to be just like us. We, and they, need to be just like Jesus. The next time you are tempted to be God, remember to take them to God. We are not a good substitute for Him. Children, obey your parents; and parents, don’t provoke your children. You’ll like that kind of life much more!