New Memories

Memorial Day is a time set aside for Americans to remember and show gratitude for service men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We often mix in our gratitude for veterans and current armed forces personnel.

Because men and women have fought and died for our freedoms, we enjoy life like most in our world do not. I am thankful.

My grandfather served in the Army during WWII. He never talked about it. I never heard any stories. I never saw pictures or medals.

When my grandmother died last December we began going through box after box of pictures. Wow, what memories! I had a great childhood with lots of family.

Tucked away in one of the boxes or drawers was a treasure of pictures and postcards from the war years. My grandparents were so young. Dado was a handsome soldier. Mom was a beautiful young bride and mother.

We're not sure where those pictures and postcards are. Misplaced, not lost.

But new memories fill my mind. I read each postcard. I soaked in each picture.

If I never see the pictures and postcards again, I'm glad I got to spend a few hours filling in some of the blank spots in my understanding of my grandparents' lives.

Features and Benefits

I am looking to buy a new DSLR. Mine is this first generation Canon Rebel. Yes, it's old! And the computer on it is bad.

So I'm in the nice camera shop in town talking with a 10-year veteran of camera sales. He's pointing out feature after feature. I think that this sounds a lot like an iPhone camera.

iPhone cameras are pretty nifty but I want a DSLR because of what it can do that a phone cannot. And for the commission he could have earned I would figure he would sell me on the differences and advantages rather than the similarities.

I could have shopped online or at a box store and learned as much. Or more.

I wonder if our Christian witness is like that. Jesus is the one true God. There is none like him. He is the only way to salvation. His is the name with the power to save.

The Christian life is more than a new and improved version of what you have now. There really is no comparison. So do the people around you get that? Are you living and telling a testimony true to the Savior?

If people are getting more information about Jesus from sources other than those who are called to bear witness to the truth, we Christians aren't doing our jobs.

Headed Home

I turned 51 yesterday. It was a good day. So many friends contacted me via mail, email, phone, text, or social media that I lost count.

One of the first to send me birthday greetings was my friend Forrest. He serves as a deacon and leader in our church. He's the one who got me out on Rushing Road and keeps me there.

Forrest's text went something like this:

F: So you're half a century +1

B: Yeah, I figure I'm about two-thirds the way home

I've been saying that I peaked the hill, reach mid-life when I was about 38. I can't imagine living more than 75 years. Even though medicine is helping to prolong life, I've abused my body to the point I'll be pleased with 75 years. That's one of the reasons I'm out on Rushing Road three days a week!

So 51 is about 2/3 of the way home.

This life is not all there is. I know people - you do, too - who live like this life IS all there is. They try to get all they can, do all they can, achieve all they can, etc. It's like they think if they don't maximize the pleasure and gain in this life that they will have missed out on something.

I have learned that something awaits us after this life is over. Whether we live 51 years, 75 years, or 90+ years, this is not all there is.

The Bible talks with certainty about life after death. Followers of Jesus Christ take comfort and assurance in knowing that we will spend eternal life in heaven with Jesus. Heaven isn't the only after-death destination. Hell exists as a place of torment where those who reject Jesus Christ will spend eternity.

My Dad used to say that hell's too hot and eternity's too long for anyone to want to go there. Maybe nobody does want to go there but the truth is that plenty will go there. And for only one reason. Not that they have sinned. Not that their sins are greater than someone else's sins. Not that they were one of the most evil people to ever live.

The only reason a person will spend eternity in hell is because they rejected Jesus Christ and his offer of salvation and forgiveness. Jesus died on the cross for every sin every person will ever commit. Jesus died on the cross and resurrected from the grave to defeat death, hell, and sin.

Lots of people are trying to be good enough to make it to heaven. Others reject the idea of heaven and hell. Some don't believe in life after death.

But I'm headed home to heaven. And I want the remaining years I have to help others see the way home, too.

Never Hopeless

Spring is in the air! Baseball games have started. Pollen fills my sinuses. Snakes crawl across the road. Birds have moved into the birdhouse. The grass HAD to be mowed this week. And severe weather is forecasted for tomorrow in Arkansas.

Even with all the downside of Spring it's still one of the most anticipated events on the calendar. Now understand, I'm not saying that baseball games are the downside of Spring! In fact, for me it's just the opposite. Baseball is the main reason I like Spring and Summer. The only way baseball could be more perfect is if it were a Fall and Winter sport!

But, alas, I must take the good with the bad. I can bear the near-record temperatures today because of baseball.

What is the silver lining to the clouds in your life? Sometimes it is easy to see the good against a backdrop of bad. Sometimes it is not.

From your point of view you may not be able to see a silver lining, only clouds. Dark clouds. Dark clouds with lightning flashing within them. And strong winds.

We cannot control everything that comes our way. Often we can't even control ourselves in the midst of the storm.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible tells of a stormy night on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples - many of whom were seasoned boatmen on that very body of water - couldn't control the boat and maintain safety. They were scared. Jesus was also on the boat and he was sleeping through the storm. They woke him and pleaded for help.

In the midst of a terrible storm Jesus calmed the winds and the waves. The disciples were safe because Jesus was on board.

I've experienced storms like that. Few were literal weather-related storms. Most were physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual problems. Like the disciples, I tried my best to deal with it without calling on the Lord. And like the disciples, I had to call on the Lord or I would have been overwhelmed.

When I could see nothing good in my situation I learned that Jesus is at work to bring something good out of my troubles. Even the self-inflicted troubles that are all too frequent for me. With Jesus I am never hopeless. Because of Jesus I am never hopeless.

Discipline, or the Lack Thereof

It's fair to say that we let our circumstances dictate our mood too much, isn't it? I know that to be true and that position was validated this morning when I looked at my blog's dashboard. This is where I see the stats about how many people click over here to read my thoughts and when they do it.

I'm not surprised at the level of readership, after all, this is mostly an outlet for my thoughts where I wrestle with how to apply a biblical worldview to what I see happening to me and around me.

I was surprised, however, to see that my last post was over a month ago. I'm not being a good host to anyone who might surf by looking for nuggets of truth, wisdom, or humor. I feel like I owe you an explanation.

The thoughts and ideas for posts have been plenty the last few weeks. Some were pretty good, I thought, but I just didn't sit down and write at that time. If you are like me, thoughts are slippery things. My get away from me if I don't nail them down.

Other topics were reactions to current events. Honestly, my reactions may have been best kept to myself on some points. Do you react without thinking? Me, too. That's not good when your fingers are on the keyboard. I'm glad the Lord kept me from writing what I was sometimes thinking and I'm glad he's renewing my mind so that I think thoughts that might translate into posts that bring him glory rather than shame.

You know that song that says, "Holiness, holiness is what I long for"? Stick in the word "discipline."

"Discipline, discipline is what I long for.
Discipline is what I need.
Discipline, discipline is what you want from me."

When you lose discipline in one area of your life it's likely you'll lose discipline in other areas. And that's a symptom of a greater issue, maybe.

Here's what I've found to be true over the years of ministry and in my own life: a person's love for Jesus drives everything else.

Revelation 2 relates the words of Jesus to the church in Ephesus: "You have forsaken your first love!" Paul had spent two years in Ephesus teaching these believers to love God. Within fifty years they had fallen from great heights of love. But Jesus held out the hope of restoration to them.

You and I may waiver in our love for God. Our actions will prove it out. But we, too, have the hope of restoration.

Addiction

According to psychaitry.org, "addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. Health, finances,relationships, and careers can be ruined."

That definition contains some heavy words.

Chronic

Brain

Disease

Compulsive

Consequences

Ruined

The National Institute of Drug Abuse says, "Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting and can lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors." That is weighty, too.

Today one of our favorite baseball players disclosed to MLB that he had relapsed. His career, his family, and his health are in question.

Everyday someone in your circle of influence is struggling with an addiction. It may be drugs, alcohol, pornography, or dozens of other things. Not everyone will seek help.

I believe in the power of prayer and I believe in the power of God. I also believe that God uses skilled doctors and counselors to affect healing in addicts. And I believe in the power of friendships.

Most of us can pray. Most of us can be the friend that walks through recovery with someone we love. Most of us can encourage the addict to get help.

It seems the MLB star came forward on his own - or at least without a failed drug test about to be released. More details will come out in the next hours and days. But he's seeking help. His story includes relapses and recoveries so he knows there is a way of hope. He has a testimony of Christian faith. It would be easy to throw rocks at him, cast him on the trash heap, and look for another hero.

My own faith-journey tells me that there is always hope. Yes, there may be relapses into whatever sin you struggle most with, but the hope is in knowing that Jesus forgives us when we turn to him, he accepts us with all our faults, and he works in us to make us something new. If I cast this player on the trash heap I might as well join him. How can there be hope for my sin if there's no hope for his?

Look around you for that person who needs someone to believe in him. Find the addict in your circle and pray for her. Encourage them to seek help.

Hidden Files

I've spent about 2 hours trying to get my mail app to import old mailboxes. It should have been easier and quicker but the operator didn't know what he was doing.

Here's the story. I opened Mail on my MacBookPro this afternoon. It worked fine. I hadn't check mail on this computer in a few days so it went through the process of checking mailboxes, downloading any email I had not already deleted on other devices, and deleting messages I had deleted already elsewhere.

Then I needed to reboot for another issue and when I tried accessing Mail again a message came up telling me that I needed to import mailboxes from earlier versions of Mail before I could continue. OK, no problem. I clicked "import" and waited.

A minute later another message came up telling me that the import failed because of some gobbledy-goop I didn't understand. So like any good computer user, I tried again. Same result. Then I remembered the first line of response the IT guy at my previous employer always used - "Reboot!"

So I rebooted. Same thing.

My next favorite thing to do is to Google the exact phrase in the message box hoping that someone else has already plodded through the problem and I could just simply copy his solution.

I found plenty of threads talking about this issue but it was too technical. I needed a simple 1, 2, 3 answer in simple English.

Then I searched the Apple resources and found a couple of things I understood and tried. One was really easy and allowed me to actually get into the Mail app for the first time in over an hour.

The second super secret solution was to help me regain the old email I had saved in Mail prior to this unannounced and mysteriously downloaded upgrade.

I found the old mailboxes tucked away in a nest of computer drawers in a never-ending computer file cabinet. But they were in a hidden folder! I could get to them in Finder but not in the Mail app to import them.

So I spent a long, long time trying to figure out who to "unhide" my hidden mailbox files. And I did and all is right and well and just the way I like it.

Deep within each of us are some super secret things we've done. We think nobody knows about them. We think nobody will ever discover them. As time goes on we become arrogant about our ability to keep others from finding out.

But God knows. He sees the secret places in my heart. I'm not exactly sure of the emotion he has regarding that stuff. I don't think it's anger although most of us have heard that God is angry because of sin and is just waiting to fling a lightning bolt of judgment down upon us.

I believe God is just and holy and righteous. I believe he will judge every person. But I really don't think that's the emotion God feels while you and I are trying to hide our sins from everybody else.

Maybe what God is is grieved by our sin. When you stop and think about what God has already done to deal with our sins, it seems grieved could be a good description of his response to our sins.

"For God loved the world in this way: He gave his One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16 HCSB).

God's done a lot to deal with our sin. Jesus died receiving the punishment for our sins so that we could be reconciled to God - restored to right relationship with him. God freely offers salvation, forgiveness, redemption to anyone who will accept the gift. It's his grace extending freedom from what we are trying to hide and held prisoner by.

Have you ever tried to give someone a very special gift but they refused it? How did you feel? In some small way that is how God feels when you try to hide your sin rather than receive the forgiveness that's wrapped up in the free gift of salvation.

It's been my experience and that of hundreds of people I've talked with during my years in ministry that trying to hide your sins, ignoring your sins, or thinking sin is no big deal will make you miserable. You'll be smothered by the presence of sin and there is nothing you can do about it.

Except to turn to God believing that Jesus is his son and what Jesus did on the cross is the only remedy for your sin problem. Confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord, and commit to follow Jesus for the rest of your life.

Stop hiding your sins. God knows about them anyway. And he loves you anyway.

Faith, Adversity, and the Crucible

I'm never amazed when God speaks to me while running down Rushing Road. What he says, however, is always amazing.

God speaks through the most simple things. He did that this morning.

2.68 miles

36 minutes

2 seconds

1 Aha Moment

First, don't make fun of my speed.

Second, Forrest does most of the audible speaking. My pace doesn't strain him like it does me. I can barely grunt and he's telling stories running uphill.

The pace was slow enough so I could actually join in the conversation a little today. I would look for a downhill slope, take a big breath, and quickly spew out a thought or response.

We were talking about the struggles people face. Family, finances, friends, and faith seem to be targets that Satan is good at hitting. That's the case for lots of folks we know.

These verses from the Bible came to mind as we made our way through the darkness.

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. (Proverbs 17:3)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:6-7)

So Forrest and I began to chew on these two statements. Let me know if you think either is valid. Are both valid?

Adversity is the crucible in which faith is proven.

Faith is the crucible in which adversity is crushed.

In adversity, faith is all you have to count on. Do you believe that God loves you? Do you believe that God wants what is best for you? Do you believe that God can do anything? If you believe (have faith in God) then you can rest in who God is and in his promises even though circumstances don't look so good right now. Faith allows you to have hope in what may seem to be a hopeless situation.

If your belief in God's love, God's desire, and God's ability aren't strong, your faith waivers and your circumstances overwhelm you. You lose a spouse, you lose a job, you lose control...and you lose it. Life spins out of control. Hope is lost. Fear moves in.

But it doesn't have to be that way. You can trust God to do what is best for you because he can and he loves you. And your faith will grow. That will prepare you for the next crucible experience. Don't face that experience with waivering or no faith.

Which Way?

In our devotion time this morning, Deana and I talked about God's timing. I like to think I am a patient person. I don't want to rush ahead of God. Should I act too quickly I will most likely make a mistake.

Just as bad as acting hastily is erring on the side of caution. Can you be too patient?

No, you can't be too patient because patience is simply waiting for God's timing. But you can so drag your feet IN THE NAME OF PATIENCE that you miss the opportunity.

In my desire to not act hastily I miss opportunity. My actions seem to say, "God, show me an open door. OK, there it is. Now push me through it."

Dr. Lemley, my college accounting professor, used to say accountants were doubly cautious. They wear a belt AND suspenders.

I want God to sky-write my directions. I want a courier and a trumpeter to show up on my doorstep. I want every commercial in every local newscast to be God's instructions to me.

So I wait patiently and hope I haven't already missed it.

Sometimes I don't understand God and his ways.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)

Second Guessing

The Super Bowl ended with the commentators, analysts, pundits, and fans questioning a play call. Down by 4 points with less than a minute to go, the Sea Hawks had the ball on the Patriots one yard line. A power run through the middle, a leap over the top, a scamper around the end and the game goes the other way.

Instead, Seattle calls a quick slant pass play. The ball is intercepted and the game ends with New England the victor.

Seattle has one of the NFL's best running backs...especially when it comes to power running. But with time running out the coach wanted to maximize his three remaining downs. The running back had buoyed the team many times before. But the play was a pass.

I completely understand the call. I also completely understand the noise from almost everyone calling for a run play.

It was late October 1981. The Dardanelle Sand Lizards were trying to beat the Ozark Hillbillies for a spot in the playoffs. With the game winding down and needing a touchdown to win the game, we started deep in our own territory. We had a great running back, Jamie Young. For three or four plays Jamie took the ball around the left end and we were near the Ozark 20 yard line.

As I leaned forward in the huddle to hear the next play I smiled when I heard the call. Ray Webster was a junior, a little smaller than Jamie, but really fast. Our coach called for Ray to take the ball around the right end. I knew we were about to score. Ozark would expect Jamie to take it left again.

A few seconds later my excited crashed. The pitch from the QB to Ray hit the ground. Ozark recovered the fumble. They ran out the clock. Our hopes of making the playoffs ended.

Predictability is a curse when it comes to sports. Even this beast of a running back for Seattle scored only once out of five attempts from the one yard line this season. NFL defenses can load up for a plunge up the middle and stop even the best offenses.

I won't second guess the coach...mine from 1981 or Seattle's from last night.

Sometimes we squeeze God into a predictable box. Because he did something we liked once or that was helpful in a certain situation, we want him to act that way again. Wouldn't it be better to let God - with all his knowledge, understanding, and power - do whatever he wants to do? Maybe last week's solution is not the best for this week. Maybe last year's miracle is not what you really need this year.

It's the creativity of God that we rarely tap. We talk about the beauty of creation and wonder how he did it. What if we stopped resisting his creativity in our daily experience? I think what God would do would be better than making the high school playoffs or winning the Super Bowl.


photo cred:
nbcsports.com
answersingenesis.org

Temptation

We had a spirited discussion in Bible study last night. I started it when I used this definition of temptation while talking about Genesis 3.

"A temptation is an opportunity to accomplish a good thing in a bad way." (Warren Wiersbe, Be Basic)

I threw out the definition then went on to apply it to the text. I didn't make it that far for several minutes. And that's ok. Sometimes we need to park a minute to make sure people understand. I'm not sure we got there but we tried.

The sticking point was whether or not every temptation fits that definition. My first thought was about sexual temptation. God created humans for sexual intimacy. Sex is a good thing but rape and abuse, sex with a person other than your spouse, an overly aggressive pursuit of sex or the denying of sex to your spouse, and pornography are bad ways to express sexuality.

What about stealing? Wiersbe isn't saying that stealing is a good thing. Stealing is the bad way of acquiring things. We need things to live but stealing them or stealing to get them is wrong. We want things, too. If the desire leads to stealing or even coveting we have fallen to temptation.

The temptation Eve faced was to find her worth and value (which are good things) not in her relationship with God (a good way) but by a disobedient shortcut (a bad way).

Satan is crafty and he knows how to attack our weaknesses. It's not a sin to be tempted; the sin is to follow the temptation by choosing a bad way to get even a good thing.

So I wonder about the person who says they would steal to feed their children if they had to. I'll let you chew on that. Leave a comment.

Teaching Stewardship

This morning I'm looking at stewardship material to use at Cross Road. We will teach and preach about biblical principles of stewardship during Bible study and worship each Sunday in February. As with all Christian disciplines, it's easy to soften on our commitments. While I believe stewardship is a central component of discipleship and include these principles regularly in my sermons, taking a closer look usually helps us renew our commitments or make new ones.

Many pastors that I speak with are feeling an economic crunch. In spite of what we heard in the State of the Union last night, the economy has not bounced back. It hasn't in my world personally and in the realm of my pastorate. Up and down the roads and all around town I hear the same thing.

Some of the financial struggles a church faces are due to economics. A tithe is 10% of a family's gross income. If gross income goes down then the tithe goes down. Income decreases because business is bad, sales are lower, a family member loses a job, factories shut down, the main wage-earner enters retirement, etc. There's not much a church can do about that. If the family is faithful to stewardship and continues to tithe then that is a positive rather than a negative. I hope that I've taught and modeled to be faithful in little or much, less or more.

A church may also deal with tight times because some who tithe no longer attend the church. The migration of church members really doesn't bother me if the members move along because God is leading them to do so. I've heard plenty of reasons that somehow seem to have attracted God's blessing. "This other church offers more for my family." "This other church is where my friends attend." "I like the music better at the other church." I won't say those are never good reasons to move but I can say honestly that I've never heard one of these excuses when it wasn't just a coverup for something else.

Regardless of the reason, when a person no longer attends our church we no longer receive their tithe. We have experienced some of this and have to adjust accordingly.

So there isn't much you can do about economics and migration, but a third reason churches struggle financially is fixable: when members are not properly stewarding the resources God entrusts to them. I don't know that this is absolutely the case with our church but I do know that money is an area where a little encouragement and instruction helps people apply wisdom. So we will study passages of scripture that teach stewardship fundamentals. If just one or a few families become better stewards then the church benefits and the families do, too. God promises to bless those who are faithful stewards.

I should mention a fourth reason churches struggle with money. Sometimes the church is not a good steward of her resources. We expect our members to be good stewards; we should lead our churches to be good stewards, too. Budgets - a better name is Ministry Spending Plans - have to be reviewed regularly just like a family's home budget is reviewed. Adjustments may be necessary to reflect what really is happening and to focus attention on specific areas of ministry. Hard decisions regarding favored projects must be made. You get the point: churches must be good stewards.

The bottom line for me is humorously reflected in what a preacher once said. "I have good news and bad news. The good news is that God has provided all the resources we need to do everything he wants us to do. The bad news is that most of it is still in your pocket."

It's true. If we are good stewards with the resources God has given us our churches will never lack for resources to meet the ministry opportunities presented to us when engaging the Great Commission.

Just think about it. The gospel reaches lost people. Needs of the poor and hurting are met. Churches fulfill God's calling. Christians are blessed. Teaching stewardship is good for everyone.

Sealed

My youngest son turned 14 a couple of weeks ago. About six months ago he downloaded the driver's license test booklet and began studying. I hope he studied because he will take the written test later this afternoon.

One document required for this by the State of Arkansas is an attendance form from his school. He picked that up earlier this week from the school office. He had to put his name on the list for documents to be prepared later that day. Apparently, I'm not the only parent embarking on this journey.

The attendance form verifies that Riley is attending school and maintaining a "C" average. At the bottom, the school registrar signed it and stamped it with the school's official seal.

This isn't an ink stamp. This is the kind of seal that leaves a raised impression of the seal on the paper. Have you ever had a document notarized? That's the kind of seal I'm talking about. The seal authenticates the information.

I have a friend (a pastor) who has a personalized seal that he uses to mark each book in his library. There's no way someone who borrows one of his books will forget whose book it is!

The Bible mentions a seal like this a few times. In the book of Esther the king gives his ring to another person (more than once) so that person can issue a decree with his seal on it. The seal in those days was a blob of wax with the impression of the king's ring pressed into it. One look and anyone would know it was an authentic decree of the king.

When Jesus was placed in the tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea, Jewish leaders convinced the Roman ruler to put a his seal on the huge rock covering the tomb's opening. The idea was that anyone coming to the tomb to steal Jesus' body would think twice upon seeing the ruler's seal. The seal would let everyone know that the tomb was not to be tampered with.

In Ephesians, Paul wrote that God seals his people, too (Eph 1:13-14). The seal guarantees that what God says is true and that what God's seals is his. What did God say? He said that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ for salvation will be saved. What does God seal? He seals as his all who believe in Jesus.

I'm actually happy about Riley learning to drive. Listen, if he doesn't learn to drive then somebody has to haul him everywhere for the rest of his life!

I'm more happy that I am sealed with God's Holy Spirit. This is how I know that I'll have an eternal home in heaven and nothing can separate me from God's love.

How Wisdom Helps

I'm reading one proverb from the Bible each day this year. During January I am posting to social media a verse or two that jump off the page to me each day. Proverbs is part of the Bible's wisdom literature. I've not gone a day (not just this year but ever) reading from Proverbs that I have not been challenged by truth and grown in wisdom.

I encourage you to read the Bible each day. Some of you will want to read a few verses. You'll study them or maybe just move on. Others will want to study larger portions of scripture each day, going in depth to hear from God. Still others will try to read the entire Bible this year. If you are looking to read God's Word regularly, I commend you! And I suggest you look at bible.com if you need plans for your reading.

As I read Proverbs 8 (because today is the 8th day of the month) I came across these words in verse 13:

All who fear the Lord will hate evil.

Do you struggle with evil? Maybe we don't want to admit that we do because we associate evil with terrible things like rape, murder, child abuse, and terrorism. Certainly, those are evil. According to the Bible, dishonesty and manipulation and a critical spirit are also evil. Stealing, selfishness, and bitterness are evil, too.

So do you struggle with evil? Yes, we do.

Do you give in to evil?

Do you hate evil? Hatred for evil is a by product of fear for the Lord.

Maybe a person doesn't hate evil because he doesn't fear the Lord.

A person who fears the Lord:

• will be guided by Him (Psalm 25:12)
• will have all they need (Psalm 34:9)
• delight in obeying His commands (Psalm 112:1)
• have the Lord as helper and shield (Psalm 115:11)
• will be blessed (Psalm 115:13)
• will follow His ways (Psalm 128:1)
• will gain knowledge of God (Prov 2:5)
• will turn away from evil (Prov 3:7)
• follow the right path (Prov 14:2)
• are secure (Prov 14:26)
• will not envy sinners (Prov 23:17)

These are just the promises that come from Psalms and Proverbs for those who fear the Lord.

Here's my take-away today. I am better equipped to withstand temptations when I respect who God is and what he says. I am better prepared for life when I fear the Lord.

What I Expect

In 2015 I expect God to comfort us when a friend or family member dies, just like he did in 2014. Three people very close to me passed away last year. Two more who were extended family to people I'm close to died. Another handful with whom I had no personal relationship except to observe them passed away. Death brings sadness, tears, uncertainty, reflection. In the midst of it all was the comfort Jesus promised to those who mourn. The Holy Spirit's presence was obvious. I wouldn't dare to think 2015 will be without such loss and I wouldn't dare doubt that God will be with me.

In 2015 I expect God to provide all I need, just like he did in 2014. My balance sheet is not much to brag about. The county can't tax much property. My assets don't have much shine to them. But I have all I need and much of what I want. God has been good. I've found that my desires have changed over the years. What I once thought were necessities, those things that later slid down to the wants list, are now completely off the radar. And other necessities have appeared. The lesson for me and my family was that God provides what he knows is best. My responsibility is to be faithful to him and with what he provides. And to be thankful. I am and will be this year.

In 2015 I expect God to draw my family nearer to him, just like he did in 2014. My family grew by one this year when my son Caleb married Keegan. My wife, three sons, one daughter-in-law, parents and step-parents, my sisters and their families, and me - God will draw each of us closer to him. I know that to be true because that's what God does. What I'm not certain of is whether each of us will respond. My life is a testimony of obedience and disobedience mixed together. Sometimes the obedience outweighs the disobedience, but not always. That's probably true for all my family. I hope we are more obedient than disobedient this year. Actually, I hope our obedience far outweighs our disobedience when God draws us.

In 2015 I expect God to forgive me, just like he did in 2014. I am a sinner. I'd like to say that I've left sin behind me but I can't. Each day brings new and recycled temptations. Sometimes I fail to withstand them. But I've never sinned a sin that God has not forgiven. The Bible tells me that Jesus died because of and for my sins so that I could be forgiven and be right with God. As I understand scripture, the only sin that will not be forgiven is to die having not believed in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. So I confess my sin and God forgives me. Being forgiven feels good.

In 2015 I expect God to speak to me, just like he did in 2014. Like others have said, "God doesn't speak in an audible voice, he speaks much louder than that." As I read the Bible I hear God's voice. Faithful people advise me and I hear God's voice. God uses circumstances to guide me. Even my conscience hears God's Spirit. Countless times each day God speaks to me. I don't always listen but I want to hear him more because I need his instruction, guidance, and wisdom.

In 2015 I expect God to be just who he was in 2014. And I'm glad for that. Everything changes except God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

This Is What Christmas Time Means To Me

Christmas makes you feel emotional.

It may bring parties or thoughts devotional.

Whatever happens or what may be,

Here is what Christmas time means to me.

Those words are the introduction to one of my favorite Christmas songs. You may not recognize them but you will recognize the rest of the song.

City sidewalk, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style.

In the air there's a feeling of Christmas.
Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile,
And on every street corner you'll hear:

Silver bells, silver bells, it's Christmas time in the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring, soon it will be Christmas day.

City street lights, even stop lights, blink a bright red and green,
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures.
Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch, this is Santa's big scene,
And above all this bustle you'll hear:

Silver bells, silver bells, it's Christmas time in the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring, soon it will be Christmas day.

It's an ageless song, isn't it? Whether you prefer Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Andy Williams, Michael Buble, Martina McBride, Alan Jackson, or a host of other classic and modern artists, you are sure to find a recording to suit you.

Yes, it's one of my favorite Christmas songs. But there is no mention of the real meaning of Christmas. You may catch a glimpse of it in the first verse where people are happy and treating each other joyfully. By the time the second verse comes around with the focus on shopping you see the writer wasn't trying to tell us about the true meaning of Christmas.

I'm OK with that. I'm not one who thinks everything about Christmas has to include a Bible verse. I like giving and receiving gifts. I still believe in Santa Claus; he's just not who I thought he was when I was a little kid!

But you can't have Christmas without Jesus. I want to tell you what Christmas time means to me.

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. His birth was the fulfillment of promises God had made through prophets centuries earlier. Jesus is the Son of God and he IS God. he lived the same kind of life you and I live filled with the same struggles and emotions and temptations you and I experience - but he did not sin. He overcame everything life threw at him to remain holy and pure.

Jesus is the Lamb of God who was the sacrifice for our sins. God demands a perfect sacrifice and Jesus met the qualifications. His death was in my place - yours, too - so that by believing (which is not just head-knowledge but a total commitment of myself) I could be reconciled to God.

Jesus not only lived and died, he also resurrected and lives again. Even today Jesus is alive. He returned to heaven where he is preparing a place for those who believe and will return one day to gather us to himself. In the meantime, his Spirit is with us to help us live each day to bring glory to him. I want my life to honor Jesus and help others to see how they can also be reconciled to God through Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and return.

This is what Christmas time means to me.

Peace on Earth

Somewhere along Rushing Road about 5:20 this morning I was overwhelmed with the thought that Jesus came that there would be peace on earth. I began to pray that it would happen. Then I remembered that I believe the Bible teaches that peace will come upon the earth when Jesus returns to establish his 1,000-year reign. We may have pockets of peace before then but the pageant-wish for world peace won't really happen.

I jogged on.

"But Lord," I prayed, "what if right now we experience just a 24-hour period of peace? Can't the conflicts between nations, religions, races, and preferences come to a halt for just a day?"

I jogged on.

"Lord, just let me be at peace and be a peacemaker today. Let me hold my tongue, subdue my anger, see people with love, treat people with respect…"

I jogged on.

Within a minute I was having thoughts that absolutely betrayed my prayer! I don't know if it was Satan trying to trip me up or God telling me this would not be easy.

Only when I've kept my focus on Jesus have I been able to be at peace and be a peacemaker today. There have been times today where my focus fell from the Savior and I failed to be at peace in, keep the peace during, or bring peace to the situation.

The skies above the pastures surrounding Bethlehem were filled with angels one night long ago. They said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:14 NIV).

Peace is not the absence of turmoil. It is not an attitude. It's not a response or a mind-game.

Peace is the presence of Jesus that overwhelms those who keep their focus on him.

I jogged on.

I stumbled. Not on Rushing Road. But in my daily routine trying to honor Christ in a fallen world.

The lesson is as clear as a Bethlehem midnight to me; I hope it is to you, too. Even in the midst of conflict, peace surrounds those who focus on Jesus.

Hope

I've often quoted a particular passage of scripture to people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Today I am grieving. My grandmother died yesterday after five months of health problems. She turned 90 in May, went to a kidney doctor in July for a regular appointment (her kidneys had been hitting about 30%), was admitted to the hospital the next day, and has been home just a handful of days since then.

My mother is one of 4 daughters, one of which has already passed away. My grandfather passed away several years ago. My grandmother was is vibrant, leading part of our family.

By the way, the first grandchild was my sister. I was second but the first boy after the five girls (daughters and granddaughter) so I'm sure I was the favorite!

Mom (we all called her that even though she was mother to only the four daughters) went into hospice care Friday afternoon. About 48 hours later she died. The daughters and sons-in-law, most of the grandchildren, and a sister and her family were gathered in the small room as Mom took her last breath. We had thought at least a hundred times before that she had taken her last breath but after what seemed like minutes she would gasp again. So this time we waited expecting another breath.

That breath never came. I headed to the nurses station to report to them that we thought Mrs. Appleton (I felt odd calling her that) had died. The two of them came to the room and, with so much grace, listened for a heartbeat and let us know that we were right.

The tears flowed. Tears had been flowing for weeks but these were different. Earlier tears were of confusion, disappointment, frustration, of denial. These tears were from grief.

Honestly, I've only experienced tears like those a few times in my life. I've been sheltered, I know.

I've watched families go through this plenty of times. As their pastor I've hugged and held them while their tears flowed. I almost always say, "I'm so sorry you have to go through this." I don't say much else right away. Presence has been more appreciated that words - especially since words don't carry much comfort in the immediate experience of loss. "I love you." "I'm praying for you." "I'm so sorry." I've found that those words mean the most.

And I've been on the receiving end of those words for the last 24 hours. I'm convinced more than ever that the caring words of friends are of great value in such times. My friends are the best!

"Brothers, we do not want you to…grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

I've watched families grieve over the loss of a loved one in such a way as to express their lack of hope. I fully understand the hurt and loss associated with the death of a loved one. Christians - whose hope is in the Lord - grieve differently because we do have hope.

God does not say that we will not or should not grieve. He says that our grief should not be laden with hopelessness. The passage quoted above is part of Paul's words to believers to help them understand things related to the end of this life and the realities of eternal life.

These days are not filled with grief, although grief is part of these days. Hope is the banner that covers the grief. It doesn't mask or hide the grief; it helps. My hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation that what God said is true: those who accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord have an eternal home in heaven and one day Jesus will gather all believers for a meeting in the air that will usher in his kingdom.

Grief is a reality. Hope helps us as we grieve.

Peace on Earth

Driving through the city today making the stops necessary to complete my list of things to do, I listened to a lot of radio. I prefer talk radio - sports talk, specifically - because the music stations that play what I like are very sparse. Honestly, I spent too much time behind the microphone on my own radio show. Some of what I hear irritates the programmer in me. I should get over that, I know.

So as I listened to talk radio I heard local and national news broadcasts a few times. A particular lead-in really caught my attention. There was a confrontation between a white guy and an African American guy. I really don't have a problem calling races by color or continent of origin, but can't we be consistent? Some are offended when called a color. If a news network has determined that calling a particular race by a color may be offensive (and so they avoid it) then why don't they apply that decision to all races?

Either we're all colors or we're all continent of origin. In my opinion, both are silly. If you live in America, are an American citizen, have family roots in America, etc., then why can't we just say that you are an American? Remember the idea of being a melting pot?

In the news story I heard, the continent of origin and the color of the skin had nothing to do with the conflict. Two guys had a disagreement and settled it with force. One guy was black..or brown, the other guy was white..or beige. One guy was African American, the other guy was European American, I guess. Doesn't that sound silly?

The brokenness that sin brings upon us is most evident in this area. And it's a shame.

Later in my tour across our city I heard that the grand jury in Ferguson has made a decision and it will be made public later today. I can only imagine how the tensions between the races will be manifested after this.

I pray that the peace of Christ will rule in the hearts of all believers. Those who profess to follow Jesus should really try hard to follow Jesus during these days. The brokenness that engulfs our world can only be made right by the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed so that our sins could be forgiven.

Sins of racism can only be made right through Jesus. Hatred between people can only be made right through Jesus. We can only be "color blind" or "continent of origin blind" through Jesus who came that there could be peace on earth.

Ruling or Leading

I just read a tweet that set apart leading from ruling. The President made a speech last night. I guess that's the reason for the tweet.

But it causes me to think about my role as a pastor. I must confess that there have been times in my 32 years of ministry that I have tried to rule rather than lead. I apologize for that! People are much more receptive to leaders than to rulers. (Should I remind you that the President made a speech last night?)

The Bible refers to pastors as shepherds. God's people need to be led toward fulfilling the Great Commission, to confess sin, to love one another, to live moral lives, etc. I could stand in the pulpit (sadly, I have) and demand action and response. That almost always results in no response or the opposite response I was demanding. But shepherds lead the sheep. Once the shepherd gains their trust the sheep will follow him anywhere. They trust him to be looking out for them and leading them to the right places.

A church will follow a leader much better than obey a ruler.

Years ago I worked as a training manager for call centers. One of my trainers was a bit of an independent type. She was a good trainer but not so much a good employee. Finally, I had to sit down with her to develop an action plan based on her misconduct. I had a couple of options. I could call her in my office and tell her what the rules were and demand she toe the line or else.

Instead, I chose to sit down in the training room with her. I had a blank piece of paper on which we would outline the action plan. In my mind I knew what I wanted to write on the paper and usually I would have already written it down. But as we talked about the situation, the company's policies, and the expectations for employees, she crafted an action plan that was almost identical to the one in my mind. By asking questions and getting her involved in the problem-solving process we walked away with a plan we both owned.

I felt like I had been a good leader.

People in your workplace, school, family, club, or church will follow a leader. They might rebel against a ruler. (Remember the speech last night?)

OK, I'm headed to Google to find articles on effective pastoral leadership.

First Reactions

Deana and I left for Israel on November 4. We'll be home on November 13. It's been a great trip with 52 friends and new friends - all of us associated with Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock in some way.

I married in.

It's time to pack for the trip home so I'll make this short. But I'll share more in the next few days…or weeks. Actually, I'll share my experiences for the rest of my life.

1. The blue-ness of the Mediterranean is unbelievable.
2. Being in a boat on the Galilee was emotional.
3. The Via Dolorosa is a bit too commercial.
4. A trip to Israel really does make the Bible come to life.
5. I felt safe the entire time.

I plan to come back and bring some of you with me. Who wants to go?

A Telling Anecdote

As a preface, I'm not bashing individuals. I'm not ranting. Just making a statement based on three anecdotal observations.

Halloween is a fun time for lots of people. I'm an introvert so I don't really want to draw attention to myself by dressing up and parading anywhere. When I was a kid I loved Halloween because of the candy. As I think about it, that's still why I like the day. But I'm not going to a costume party and since Riley's a teenager, I don't have to go trick-or-treating…which really cuts down on the candy!

You can't see another house from our house. We live on a fairly busy road but there's not much reason for people to trick-or-treat our house. Trick-or-treating works better in neighborhoods where kids can score a pumpkin full of candy in a few minutes. But we turned on the porch light and had candy waiting for any kids whose parents would risk the one-house-stop. We had four kids and I loved seeing them, getting hugs from them, taking their pictures, and handing out candy. It reminded me of riding on the tailgate of my grandfather's pickup truck as we headed down Fifth Street in Paris, Arkansas forty years ago.

Halloween is not really a holiday, is it? Businesses don't close. Governments don't shut down. I'd guess that few people miss work on October 31 because they get to show up dressed however they want.

But I've read on social media that some people claim Halloween is their favorite holiday. And some of these people are Christian - maybe just cultural Christians. My concern is that people who claim to be Christian would put a day that has very little if any Christian significance (I do realize that this is also Reformation Day when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the church door) above the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior - the Incarnation of God. Secular pleasure overtakes spiritual significance.

Then I heard a news broadcast on the radio. The anchor was reminding people to set their clocks back one hour Saturday night / Sunday morning as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end. On the lighter side, I thought, "Hey, that's my job! These twice-a-year reminders are about the last thing the government and culture allows pastors to do without harassing us!"

On a more serious note, she went on to say that if you didn't adjust your clock Saturday night / Sunday morning you would be an hour off schedule MONDAY MORNING. And she said to take advantage of the time change by sleeping in SUNDAY MORNING. Our culture has long ago left the perspective that church matters. I knew that but when the news broadcast totally ignored a worship service possibly being on someone's Sunday schedule…

I shouldn't be surprised. Even last weekend should have prepared me for this weekend. The NFL season has included playing one game in London the last few years. That was last weekend. Last Friday, the sports radio show I listened to hailed the idea of televised football on Sunday at 9:00 A.M. since the morning would otherwise be void of any usefulness. Again, church attendance and participation (and importance) are ignored.

So Halloween is the favorite holiday and Sunday mornings have little to do with going to church.

If we ever were, the United States certainly is not a nation of Christians today.

I heard a story this week that I had heard before that is appropriate for our situation. A shoe company sent a salesman to an African country. After a few weeks the company received a telegram from the salesman: "I quit! Nobody wears shoes over here." The company sent another salesman who sent this telegram a few weeks later: "Send more shoes. Prospects everywhere!"

I'm not lamenting (much) the state of Christianity in America, but recognizing the sobering reality that the fields are white unto harvest. Just look out the front door. OK, maybe I'll have to drive a quarter of a mile to see the fields.

The Great Commission demands that those who are truly followers of Christ are to make disciples. My pastoral ministries professor aptly defined this as "winning people to Jesus and building them up in the Lord." Let's don't cry in our cereal; let's pray for workers for the harvest and let's be those workers.

Surrender = Victory

Leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention is calling for prayer for revival and spiritual awakening. I've been convicted about the need for a stirring among God's people and particularly within our church so I am preaching a series of messages based upon the model demonstrated within the convention. Dr. Ronnie Floyd, President of the SBC, leads prayer gatherings around the country. I participated in Little Rock a few months ago and it was a powerful time.

Yesterday was the third Sunday of preaching about praying for revival. The first sermon challenged us to cry out to God to open the heavens and pour out his blessings upon us. Last week we talked about confession and repentance. Then yesterday the topic was surrender.

Jesus is a great example of surrender. He prayed just minutes before he was arrested that God would allow the subsequent events to be different. Jesus would be arrested, beaten, falsely convicted, and crucified. I would have asked for another plan, too! But the crucifixion was necessary because of sin, and Jesus could be the only perfect sacrifice to die for our sins. There could be no other plan.

Despite knowing what would happen over the next few hours, Jesus surrendered his desires for the Father's will. He did this because he trusted the Father's plan for redeeming the lost and he agreed that the lost were worth redeeming.

Do I trust God's plans? Do I agree with God's purpose? If not, I won't surrender to him. I will continue to follow my desires, my will, my plans. I'll continue to cater to me!

In surrender, I am saying that I trust God's plans and I agree with God's purpose. Are you willing to say this? Are you willing to follow Jesus (and Jesus' example)?

The passage in Luke 22 that tells us of Jesus praying in the garden teaches us that surrendering to God's will brings about great victory. After the crucifixion, Jesus arose to live again, he fellowshipped with his friends, he ascended to his rightful place in heaven, and he will return gloriously to establish his eternal kingdom. That's all victory!

Even his death is a victory because in death Jesus secures forgiveness for all who will turn to him.

We don't usually equate surrender and victory. One army surrenders to the victor. But in God's design, surrender equals victory. Will you surrender to God's will? If you do you will gain victory in this life and in eternity.

Love, Dad

My three sons - the Loyd Boys - are 30, 28, and 13. Jim, Caleb, and Riley have sure made this Dad a proud and happy man. I haven't produced clones and wouldn't want to but sometimes I wish they were more like me. And sometimes I wish they were less like me. In his infinite wisdom, God chose to pass along to them from me as he did. I don't understand. I'm not supposed to.

A person who had never met me told me last night that she knew I was Caleb's Dad because he and Jim and I look alike. Maybe she was exaggerating but it made me feel good.

Caleb is getting married today to Keegan. It's a happy and exciting day. Caleb asked me to officiate. Keegan let him ask me. For that, I am very thankful.

So to Caleb and Keegan I say...

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female. 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (Matthew 10:6-9)

I pledge to pray daily for you. I pledge to always give you my love and support. I pledge to be an example of a godly man, father, and husband.

Love,
Dad

Things That Last

I love taking pictures. My Dad and sister are much better at it than I am. My Dad bought a Minolta 35mm SLR when I was a kid. I never used it much but thought that kind of camera was so cool! My sister was on the Annual Staff and roamed the halls and sidelines recording memories for our high school. That was before digital cameras so she learned to develop the film in the school's darkroom.

I bought my first Canon SLR in the film days then replaced it with the first digital SLR Canon produced. And I still have it. Its 6.3 megapixels don't come close to what cheaper and smaller cameras produce these days. My iPhone's camera has more megapixels than that. But the camera phones and the point-and-shoots don't take pictures like an SLR.

I'd love to upgrade but that will have to wait for another day. I have a philosophy about cameras and golf clubs: Why pay more money for new ones when you don't really know how to use the ones you have? I have a lot to learn about photography...golf, too.

Some things are obsolete almost as soon as you buy them. Some things wear out over time with use. Some things last forever but get replaced by the latest and greatest.

Computers, running shoes, and cast iron skillets.

But one thing never becomes obsolete, never wears out, and can never be replaced. God's Word - the Bible - is God's expression to us of all we need to know to make sense of this life and make it to eternal life. Times change, people change, and circumstances change but God's Word is the ultimate guide to knowing Jesus. Whether a person lived before my lifetime, lives during my lifetime, or will live after my lifetime, nobody will ever discover God, forgiveness, love, and redemption outside his Word.

Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" (Luke 21:33).

The psalmist wrote, "Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens" (Psalms 119:89).

Peter quoted Isaiah 40 when he wrote, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever" (1 Peter 1:24-25).

I have bookshelves laden with books. I have electronic devices loaded with digital books. None compare with the Bible. Yes, I have different translations and a favorite translation, but it is what God says to me in his Word that is so precious.

I still have my Letterman's jacket from high school...but it doesn't fit anymore. I have photos from my childhood...but they are faded. I have memories of special events...but some of the details may be missing.

I have God's Word. It will always fit. It will never fade. It will always be complete.

I hope to have enough money someday to buy a new camera. Then I'll put my old one on EBay or give it away to someone. But I'll never outgrow God's Word or get too smart for it.

Consider

This thought crossed my mind today. It was jaywalking because it was not in the regular traffic pattern of my thoughts at the time. Rather than demanding the thought pay attention to my thinking pattern, I decided to go with it. I chased a rabbit. I'm a preacher, I can do that.

The word "consider" popped into my mind; I'm not sure why. Then I began to think about the times it is used in the Bible. Logos Bible software gave me hundreds of hits of the word in English. After a little clicking here and there I found that many Hebrew and Greek words are translated "consider" in our English Bibles.

Since I was chasing a rabbit and needed to get back to the task at hand I decided to just consider a few verses...in English.

Job 1:1 says, Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job?"

Luke 12:24, 27 say, "Consider the ravens" and "Consider how the lilies grow."

Acts 15 tells of the Jerusalem council considering the question of circumcision.

Consider this... Each of these passages calls us to consider someone or some object or some issue. What is common about them? Each invitation to consider is an invitation to learn something about God.

The story of Job is not about his success, loss, and regained success. God is the center of the story. When we consider Job we see how God impacts a person's character in both good and bad times. We see God at work with complete authority over all things. We see God having no equal. We see God being merciful and gracious. We see how God's ways and thoughts are so much different that the way we think. Considering Job teaches us so much about God.

Ravens and lilies are not simply parts of creation for which God cares and to which God tends. Ravens and lilies show us God's dominion over creation so we can be confident he has dominion over our lives and problems, too. Considering God's activity in the least of creation causes us to realize he will be actively involved caring and providing for us. We do not live in a world of Deism where God created but no longer attends to the world; God is ever-present and ever-active in our lives. Considering the ravens and lilies teaches us so much about God.

The Jerusalem Council convened to discuss what it meant to be a Christian. Was Christianity an advanced stage of Judaism? If so, then circumcision must be part of the Christian experience. The council rightly determined that circumcision was not necessary to be a Christian. In other words, the trappings of religion may get in the way of truly knowing God. The circumcision given to Abraham's descendants was an act of obedience marking the people as God's chosen ones. Paul referred to the true faith-descendants of Abraham being marked by a changed heart, not a changed physique. The Jerusalem Council agreed that God is looking not on outward appearance but upon the heart. Considering how a Christian lives teaches us so much about God.

Consider this... God created you to be in a love relationship with him that brings honor to him as your worship him. Your sin stands in the way of that relationship but Jesus - God in the flesh - gave his own life as the penalty for your sin so that the relationship can be restored as God desires. Will you turn from your sin and toward God's purpose of relationship and praise? Will you follow him? Will you serve him? Will you consider following Jesus?

I Am a Champion!

I have the trophy to prove it. I am a champion golfer.

Last weekend I was part of a 4-Man Scamble Tournament of Arkansas Baptist Men. And we won our flight. By two strokes. We shot 4-under par.

I am a champion. But I'm a terrible golfer. There is no way I could be a champion on my own.

Here's the story...

My Dad called and asked if I wanted to play in the tournament. Sure I did so I asked what it cost. He said he'd pay my entry fee so I could be on his team.

The way a scramble works is that all team-members tee off. Then the team decides whose ball they want to play next. You usually choose the ball that's in the best position for the next shot. Then three players pick up their balls and play from the best position. I picked up my ball a lot! I can't remember choosing my ball more than a couple of times.

My Dad invited me. He paid the entry fee. We played his ball all day long. I picked mine up, put it in my pocket, and am a champion. All I did was accept the invitation; someone else did all the work. But on my bookshelf sits a trophy that says, "Champion."

Here's another story...

Jesus invited me to be part of his family. That's an impossibility because I am a sinner. But Jesus paid the penalty for my sins since I could do nothing about it. I've never been able to live up the expectation of being in his family (expectations I set), but he always forgives me and let's me live in his righteousness.

All I did was accept the invitation to be part of his family, my sins are forgiven, and now I am a Christian.

Hypocrisy Exposed

Jesus said, "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1 niv).

Do you know people whose lives are full of religious acts? They appear to be doing the right things, good things. And maybe they are. Any help given to an orphan is a good thing. It's always right to give to meet needs of the poor.

But a religious act is more than the act. Anybody can do the acts but only a Christian can do a religious act. By that, I mean actions that align with "true religion." James wrote that true religion is displayed in actions that help the helpless (James 1:27). Yet in the same breath he says that hypocritical religion is worthless (James 1:26). So why we do what we do makes a difference.

Christians must do helpful acts in the name of Jesus. Let's call that "religious heroism." The attitude with which we do religious heroism matters; let's call this attitude "godly humility." When the two are together, we get a beautiful picture of the body of Christ in action. Absent of godly humility, religious heroism is hypocritical.

Religious heroism without godly humility leads to self-righteous hypocrisy.

Is it possible for religion to be bad? When the action is not coupled with the right attitude, it stinks like soured mile or a junior high boy's gym locker! Paul challenges believers to "live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2).

Most of the time when I walk through the fresh meat section of the grocery store I move quickly because the smell of the fresh meat...well, it stinks. I can't imagine being a butcher! But take a piece of that fresh meat and put it on the grill, add a little seasoning and the aroma is delightful! I can stand over the grill and breathe it in.

Our acts of righteousness have a stench when not coupled with humility. Hypocrisy morphs the best acts into something that God will not tolerate.

Christians honor God by serving others with no expectation of personal gain. People in your community need God-honoring believers to help them. Orphans need God-honoring believers to love them. The broken ones, the hurting ones, the forgotten ones need God-honoring believers to touch their lives. Will that be you? Will that be your church?

Information Overload

On my desk is a stack of magazines that most preachers probably see each month. All of them have articles claiming to hold the key to revitalizing the church, reaching the community, or increasing offerings. You can't implement every idea for every facet of ministry, so what do you do?

On the counter at home is a stack of sales flyers that most of you probably see each month. All of them claim to have unbeatable prices on stuff I have to buy in order to have fashion in my closet, safety in my garage, or comfort in my living room. I can't afford all of it. I don't want much of it. So what's a guy to do?

On the table next to my chair is a Bible similar to one most of you have read. The Bible claims to have answers to problems I have with relationships, troubles I perceive in our culture, and forgiveness for  the sins I've committed that weigh me down and strip life away from me. Unlike the magazines and sales flyers, it IS possible to apply everything the Bible says. I can't implement everything the magazines suggest for my church. I can't purchase everything the flyers say I need. But I can apply biblical teachings without conflicting one another or overloading my life.

And I should. So should you.

Dr. Al Mohler recently spoke at a conference in Conway, Arkansas. His topic was "The Battle for the Christian Mind" and he said that the Christian mind can only be developed with scripture. The Bible must be central to our lives if we hope to think and act like faithful followers of Christ.

I kinda hate to comment about dust on Bibles because I have stacks on my bookshelves that don't get opened very often. I have some that were given as gifts. I have others that I now also have in digital form. I have a few that I go to for the great study notes in them.

So I won't ask if your Bible has dust on it because I might be guilty. Better questions are these: Is the Bible central in your life? Do you read it every day? Do you study the Bible to learn what God says about your situation? Do you try to apply biblical principles on a regular basis?

Better than "dusty" we might use the word "rusty." I visited my grandmother last week. While there I strolled around the barns that have sat empty and unused for years. My grandfather passed away years ago. My uncle who worked with him passed away just a few years later.

I found some pieces of farm equipment that had sat idle for a long time. The lack of use has given rise to rust on the moving parts. Some of those parts wouldn't move even if you took a sledge hammer to them.

Some of us  have Bible skills that are rusty from lack of use. The best lubricant for rusty Bible skills is simply using the Bible. Pick it up. Read it. Think on it. Share ideas with others. Put it into practice.

If you need a faith-community in which to do this, check out Cross Road Baptist Church. We'd love to have you join us as we try to live faithfully with God's Word in the center of our lives. We're finding that life has meaning and purpose when we live like this.

What's A Follower To Do?

The more I study the Bible the more I've become aware of God's mission in the world and my place - the church's place - in the mission. I believe God is a sending God and that believers are sent just as Jesus was sent.

Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you!

As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

(John 20:21)

Our Lord spoke these words to his followers, his disciples. Often Jesus addressed a specific group but a larger group also heard. It was as if Jesus wanted the others to hear what he said. (In fact, he did!) But these words were spoken to the disciples, not the crowds, not the opposers.

Jesus was sending his disciples on the same mission the Father had sent him to accomplish. So what was Jesus' mission? He came to redeem lost people by taking the punishment for their sins through his death on the cross.

He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).

He came to give his life to set sinners free from sin (Mark 10:45.)

Obviously, his disciples can die on a cross to absorb the penalty of sins for someone else. We aren't even an acceptable sacrifice for our own sins. We are sinners in need of a Savior and that's who Jesus is and that's why Jesus did what he did.

So what is our role in the mission of God? We are sent just as Jesus was sent but we can't do what Jesus has done. But we can point people to Jesus. We can show others who are lost in and bound by sin that Jesus has died to reclaim them and set them free.

The details of the disciples' mission is not just the same as Jesus' mission but the purpose and desired result is the same. Jesus died for sinners' sins; we proclaim this truth to them. Jesus died and rose again to gain victory over sin and death; we proclaim this truth.

The last words of Jesus that Matthew recorded in the Gospel are these:

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them

in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the earth."

This Great Commission, like the sending passage in John 20, is intended for Jesus' followers. Whether that numbers in the dozens, hundreds, or millions, followers of Jesus are to make disciples - or other followers of Jesus.

We do that by joining the mission of God.

We do that by proclaiming Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

We do that by proclaiming truths found in Scripture that guide the way we are to live.

And really, aren't disciples supposed to live out their beliefs? Shouldn't what's in our mind be exposed in our actions? I think that is true. I think it does happen. Our actions do reveal what we really believe. I can't really judge if a person has trusted Jesus for salvation but often it's obvious whether or not that person is truly a follower or disciple of Jesus.

Professing believers ought to live by the instructions of the one they claim to follow. The Bible has plenty of passages that describe how a disciple ought to live, but just read the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7. Our worship, our relationships, our finances, our priorities all fall under the authority of Jesus Christ. Our entire lives are to reflect him.

I don't measure up to well with these passages, do you? What's a follower to do when you realize you aren't following very well?

1. Repent or turn away from your sins and seek forgiveness.
2. Turn toward God's word for help knowing how to live.
3. Yield to the Holy Spirit as He guides you.
4. Huddle with other believers to encourage and equip each other to live for Christ's glory.
5. Go and make disciples of all nations because that's God's mission.

Facing Mistakes

I'm excited about heading to Pottsville tonight for Riley's first Junior High football game. The Arkansas Baptist Eagles face the Pottsville Apaches at 7:00. I have no idea what to expect!

Heading to Pottsville brings to mind a couple or three mistakes I've made. Pottsville itself is not a mistake. We lived there for a couple of years. Riley's first home was in Pottsville. A couple of different decisions and, who knows, Riley could be on the Pottsville sideline tonight.

Without going into detail about the mistakes, I'll just say that one had to do with relationships, one had to do with stewardship, and one had to do with calling.

I believe God has a plan for each of us. If we are able to seek and understand and follow the Holy Spirit's guidance in every situation we would follow that plan without deviation. The truth is that we sometimes follow our own guidance or the guidance of others who may not be speaking on behalf of the Lord.

So we get of the path the Lord has planned for us.

I do not believe that even our mistakes are God's will or plan for us. My mistakes have led me into sin and that certainly cannot be God's desire. God's desire will bring me away from sinfulness and toward Christ-likeness.

My desires often lead me the other way. "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). The key to this verse unfolding in my life is to delight myself in the Lord. Then my desires will match his desires and he'll give me those things. I really don't think God will give me the desires of my heart if my heart doesn't match his heart - especially when those desires are result in sin and straying.

I want to do better. I want to honor God with my relationships, stewardship, and calling. A friend recently taught me that most of us want to do better, we just don't have the courage or faith to carry out that desire. The first few verses of the Book of Joshua remind me to be courageous based on God's promises and his word. My courage doesn't come from within me but from God and my faith in him to do what only he can do and to help me do what he wants me to do.

By grace God had a plan for me. He handed it to me. I messed it up and handed it back. He took it and, in grace, worked all things for good. He handed a revised plan back to me. That cycle has occurred several times in my life but grace has always answered failure. I praise God for that!

There are some reminders in Pottsville. They don't serve to keep me regretting the past. They challenge me to be courageous today and in the future so I can better achieve God's desires (which are becoming my desires, too).

...but those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Go Eagles!

I'm Learning to Be Less Selfish

Deana and I (I'm not accusing her of being selfish, she's just part of the story) spent a few hours this weekend cleaning out closets. We both have way too much stuff so we are donating clothes to the Little Rock Compassion Center.

I filled two big black trash bags and stopped bcause I was tired of doing it. I'll finish some other time.

Have you ever put on a jacket you had not worn since last winter and found money in the pocket? That's a pleasant surprise. It can be a blessing, if you know what I mean.

We decided not to have a garage sale because we just wanted to bless others without a price tag. I'm not saying that is how everyone should do it. That's just our decision this time. Maybe we'll have a garage sale next time, who knows?

So I'm stuffing these bags through the small hole in the "donation hut" in the KMart parking lot. And I'm thinking, "Did I check the pockets?"

I do a lot of laundry at the house because we have a rule: Money found in the laundry belongs to the person doing the laundry. So you can imagine my dilema knowing that as soon as the bag goes through the hole I'll never have another chance to check the pockets because I'm too big to fit though that hole!

I didn't check the pockets. I figure that the next hand that reaches in those pockets belongs to a person who needs the blessing. God has blessed me in abundance. The least I can do is not be so selfish.