Simple Gifts (Part 2)
Few can “make the world go away” by retreating to the lake or other vacation destination. But you can find the ordering, simplifying presence of God for each hectic day. The moments you spend alone with God in prayer at the first of the day are doubtless your most productive. Then and there He sets the pace for a day of fruitful living. The pressures don’t relent. But neither does His continuing presence.
The great Apostle Paul appealed to the Corinthians in these words … “I am afraid that just as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”
All of us hunger for peace, simplicity and joy that only Christ can give. There is no stress that God cannot relieve. Why not give Him a chance in your life and experiment with His promises?
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Simple Gifts (Part 1)
Do you remember this stanza from the classic Shaker song, Simple Gifts? The haunting melody and evocative words remind us that busyness and stress are not supposed to be our daily experience.
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'Tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
Simplicity! Oh, what a wonderful word! I hope the following will aid us somewhat in our desire to be free from life’s undue pressures and complications! My thanks to two of my pastor friends for helping me put it together!
A Louisville policeman was late for work one day and was told to write out his excuse, which had better be a good one. His report read: “Due to strenuous exertion of psychophysical facilities, I experienced no revivification from my comatose condition by external stimuli.” When asked if heaven’s name that meant, he replied, “My alarm clock didn’t wake me!”
Simplifying always helps.
For instance, my hat is off to the Wall Street Journal for this assistance. What’s the difference between a “million” and a “billion”? Will, if you spent $1,000 a day it would take you two years and nine months to spend one million. But at $1,000 per day, 2,739 years to exhaust one billion.
Life itself needs simplifying.
Do you remember this stanza from the classic Shaker song, Simple Gifts? The haunting melody and evocative words remind us that busyness and stress are not supposed to be our daily experience.
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'Tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
Simplicity! Oh, what a wonderful word! I hope the following will aid us somewhat in our desire to be free from life’s undue pressures and complications! My thanks to two of my pastor friends for helping me put it together!
A Louisville policeman was late for work one day and was told to write out his excuse, which had better be a good one. His report read: “Due to strenuous exertion of psychophysical facilities, I experienced no revivification from my comatose condition by external stimuli.” When asked if heaven’s name that meant, he replied, “My alarm clock didn’t wake me!”
Simplifying always helps.
For instance, my hat is off to the Wall Street Journal for this assistance. What’s the difference between a “million” and a “billion”? Will, if you spent $1,000 a day it would take you two years and nine months to spend one million. But at $1,000 per day, 2,739 years to exhaust one billion.
Life itself needs simplifying.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
The Escort
The following story was passed along to me recently. The respect it shows toward our troops is deeply moving. It is important to remember and honor those who have died for our country. Their sacrifice gives us the freedom we enjoy to live the American dream … to build a new order for the ages. We must make this vision of our Founding Fathers our own!
Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who’s been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
“No, sir,” he responded.
“
Heading out,” I asked?
“No, sir. I’m escorting a soldier home.”
“Going to pick him up?”
“No, sir. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I’m taking him home to his family.”
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn’t know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier’s family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, “Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.”
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.”
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud and grateful to be an American.
When I read the above story tears come to my eyes. Even after conducting many military funerals as an Air Force chaplain I am not ashamed to confess my tears for their service … especially for those who have died in action. We owe them a great deal … not just for what they have done … but also the debt to live more deeply for the cause for which they died!
So here is another personal and public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do … so we can live the way we do. It will be my privilege to salute them in person this Memorial Day, May 28th, when I am the keynote speaker at the Fayetteville National Cemetery memorial ceremony. The program begins at 10 A.M. at the Fayetteville National Cemetery flag pole area, 700 Government Avenue. Everyone is invited to attend.
The following story was passed along to me recently. The respect it shows toward our troops is deeply moving. It is important to remember and honor those who have died for our country. Their sacrifice gives us the freedom we enjoy to live the American dream … to build a new order for the ages. We must make this vision of our Founding Fathers our own!
Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who’s been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
“No, sir,” he responded.
“
Heading out,” I asked?
“No, sir. I’m escorting a soldier home.”
“Going to pick him up?”
“No, sir. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I’m taking him home to his family.”
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn’t know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier’s family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, “Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.”
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.”
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud and grateful to be an American.
When I read the above story tears come to my eyes. Even after conducting many military funerals as an Air Force chaplain I am not ashamed to confess my tears for their service … especially for those who have died in action. We owe them a great deal … not just for what they have done … but also the debt to live more deeply for the cause for which they died!
So here is another personal and public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do … so we can live the way we do. It will be my privilege to salute them in person this Memorial Day, May 28th, when I am the keynote speaker at the Fayetteville National Cemetery memorial ceremony. The program begins at 10 A.M. at the Fayetteville National Cemetery flag pole area, 700 Government Avenue. Everyone is invited to attend.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
In Memory: The USS New York
“Never Forget” is the motto one of the U.S. Navy’s newest vessels, the USS New York. The ship, built in New Orleans, is one of three to honor those who died in the September 11 terrorist attack. The other two are the “…USS Arlington — named after the section of the Pentagon that was also hit by an airliner on September 11 — and USS Somerset, in memory of United Flight 93, which crashed in a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, on the same day as passengers struggled with al-Qaeda hijackers.” (Times Online, May 22, 2006)
Due to be commissioned this year (2007), the USS New York is an amphibious transport ship designed to land combat-ready Marines on any coastline with or without a port. These ships can also deliver relief aid, as her sister ship, the USS Boxer, did in the wake of hurricane Katrina.
The USS New York is already a monument to two disasters. First, her bow section was cast from scrap steel from the World Trade Center. The casting of the bow section from this scrap metal was an emotional moment for the foundry workers. Navy Captain Kevin Wensing recalls the pour thus, “… those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence. It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.” Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, recalled that the “hair on my neck stood up” when he first touched the steel. He said, “It has a big meaning to it for all of us. They knocked us down. They can’t keep us down. We’re going to be back.” The USS New York is a new weapon in the war against terror, one well fitted for her mission.
Second, the half-completed New York came through hurricane Katrina in tact. While the city around her came apart the ship faced the elements and stood firm. The crews who worked on her came back and took up the task of her completion as soon as possible. The workmen treat the ship with reverence, making a point to touch the bow when passing. This is in response to the meaning of the metal in her construction but in a wider sense, the respect shown the USS New York is a symbol of the hope, courage, determination and spirit of the American people – to build a warship from the ruins of a great defeat or to rebuild a ravaged city.
Americans have excelled at turning defeat into victory, of recovering from disaster and of starting over … again and again and again! This quality is one of the great secrets to our nation’s greatness. If there is anything totally admirable in the patriotic spirit of our country it is this “never give up … we can make it better” attitude. The USS New York is tangible proof that, as Mr. Chevers said, “They can’t keep us down. We’re going to be back.”
This is exactly the foundational faith of our Biblical vision of Jesus Christ. No matter what happens … even death … we can say with our resurrected Leader … “I will rise again!”
Check out the following websites for more on the USS New York: Snopes.Com, Times Online news story, Navy website.
“Never Forget” is the motto one of the U.S. Navy’s newest vessels, the USS New York. The ship, built in New Orleans, is one of three to honor those who died in the September 11 terrorist attack. The other two are the “…USS Arlington — named after the section of the Pentagon that was also hit by an airliner on September 11 — and USS Somerset, in memory of United Flight 93, which crashed in a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, on the same day as passengers struggled with al-Qaeda hijackers.” (Times Online, May 22, 2006)
Due to be commissioned this year (2007), the USS New York is an amphibious transport ship designed to land combat-ready Marines on any coastline with or without a port. These ships can also deliver relief aid, as her sister ship, the USS Boxer, did in the wake of hurricane Katrina.
The USS New York is already a monument to two disasters. First, her bow section was cast from scrap steel from the World Trade Center. The casting of the bow section from this scrap metal was an emotional moment for the foundry workers. Navy Captain Kevin Wensing recalls the pour thus, “… those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence. It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.” Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, recalled that the “hair on my neck stood up” when he first touched the steel. He said, “It has a big meaning to it for all of us. They knocked us down. They can’t keep us down. We’re going to be back.” The USS New York is a new weapon in the war against terror, one well fitted for her mission.
Second, the half-completed New York came through hurricane Katrina in tact. While the city around her came apart the ship faced the elements and stood firm. The crews who worked on her came back and took up the task of her completion as soon as possible. The workmen treat the ship with reverence, making a point to touch the bow when passing. This is in response to the meaning of the metal in her construction but in a wider sense, the respect shown the USS New York is a symbol of the hope, courage, determination and spirit of the American people – to build a warship from the ruins of a great defeat or to rebuild a ravaged city.
Americans have excelled at turning defeat into victory, of recovering from disaster and of starting over … again and again and again! This quality is one of the great secrets to our nation’s greatness. If there is anything totally admirable in the patriotic spirit of our country it is this “never give up … we can make it better” attitude. The USS New York is tangible proof that, as Mr. Chevers said, “They can’t keep us down. We’re going to be back.”
This is exactly the foundational faith of our Biblical vision of Jesus Christ. No matter what happens … even death … we can say with our resurrected Leader … “I will rise again!”
Check out the following websites for more on the USS New York: Snopes.Com, Times Online news story, Navy website.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The Bullet of Difference: Love One Another
The mature Christian realizes that every other person who is “born again” is a permanent member of God’s family. Regardless of human differences, doctrinal emphasis or mental limitations, our joyful duty is to love them as they are where they are! In fact, just like our Blessed Master has loved us!
Are we greater than Jesus (John 13:15-17)? No! Then let’s quit acting as if we are! Think of “how different” He is from us yet He loves us unconditionally! Only the Christian who is immature, arrogantly prideful or a fool can set aside the Savior’s specific request and commandment in John 15:12 … “This is My commandment, that you love one another, Just as I have love you!” That’s a heap of love!!
We must follow our Leader and Lord in becoming experts at loving imperfect people! (That includes learning to love ourselves!) It saddens me to see a Fundamentalist Christian attack another because of doctrinal imperfections. It greaves me to see the Liberal Christian mock a more ignorant yet sincere brother. It wounds me to see the Charismatic Christian pridefully belittle others because they suppose they have “experienced less!” It’s all a drama of babies pretending to be giants.
Paul said “when I became a man I put away childish things … the greatest of all is love” (I Corinthians 13:11b, 13b). Of course everyone seems to have “their idea” of how to love. Here is where we must give up our own view of love, hush our ignorant mouths and diligently follow Christ’s example in the power of the Holy Spirit. We must be students of the Scripture if we are to possess the Mind of Christ! The Lord knows who is faking it, so do others, and deep down so do we, if we are honest about truth!
The world may divide Christians by personalities, by denominations, by culture or by doctrines but it is not so with the Father! From Heaven’s point of view there are only two classes of Christians. Those who love one another and those who don’t! I pray you and I are numbered among those who know the difference.
The mature Christian realizes that every other person who is “born again” is a permanent member of God’s family. Regardless of human differences, doctrinal emphasis or mental limitations, our joyful duty is to love them as they are where they are! In fact, just like our Blessed Master has loved us!
Are we greater than Jesus (John 13:15-17)? No! Then let’s quit acting as if we are! Think of “how different” He is from us yet He loves us unconditionally! Only the Christian who is immature, arrogantly prideful or a fool can set aside the Savior’s specific request and commandment in John 15:12 … “This is My commandment, that you love one another, Just as I have love you!” That’s a heap of love!!
We must follow our Leader and Lord in becoming experts at loving imperfect people! (That includes learning to love ourselves!) It saddens me to see a Fundamentalist Christian attack another because of doctrinal imperfections. It greaves me to see the Liberal Christian mock a more ignorant yet sincere brother. It wounds me to see the Charismatic Christian pridefully belittle others because they suppose they have “experienced less!” It’s all a drama of babies pretending to be giants.
Paul said “when I became a man I put away childish things … the greatest of all is love” (I Corinthians 13:11b, 13b). Of course everyone seems to have “their idea” of how to love. Here is where we must give up our own view of love, hush our ignorant mouths and diligently follow Christ’s example in the power of the Holy Spirit. We must be students of the Scripture if we are to possess the Mind of Christ! The Lord knows who is faking it, so do others, and deep down so do we, if we are honest about truth!
The world may divide Christians by personalities, by denominations, by culture or by doctrines but it is not so with the Father! From Heaven’s point of view there are only two classes of Christians. Those who love one another and those who don’t! I pray you and I are numbered among those who know the difference.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Bullet of Difference: One Spirit
I don’t know about you, but let me tell you my most depressing experience with Christianity! It’s the way Christians are intolerant of one another! The way they allow divisions. The way they always “find something” to fight over. The way we take “cheap shots” at one another!
Don’t misunderstand me. There are some things we need to fight for. Issues where we must draw the line. Times when Christians can no longer work together because of too many “secondary differences.” God understands this and so should we. That’s why there are so many different ministries, churches and styles of Gospel presentations. As I Corinthians 12:4-6 so clearly tells us “there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit … varieties of ministries but the same Lord … varieties of effects but the same God Who works in them all!!!”
All of us, even the best of us mentally and spiritually, have huge gaps of imperfection. Our blind spots are enormous. Hence, even our differences which are many can serve the common good if we are mature about it rather than sectarian!
I don’t know about you, but let me tell you my most depressing experience with Christianity! It’s the way Christians are intolerant of one another! The way they allow divisions. The way they always “find something” to fight over. The way we take “cheap shots” at one another!
Don’t misunderstand me. There are some things we need to fight for. Issues where we must draw the line. Times when Christians can no longer work together because of too many “secondary differences.” God understands this and so should we. That’s why there are so many different ministries, churches and styles of Gospel presentations. As I Corinthians 12:4-6 so clearly tells us “there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit … varieties of ministries but the same Lord … varieties of effects but the same God Who works in them all!!!”
All of us, even the best of us mentally and spiritually, have huge gaps of imperfection. Our blind spots are enormous. Hence, even our differences which are many can serve the common good if we are mature about it rather than sectarian!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The Bullet of Service: Being a Servant
A servant is one who regards others as more important than himself. He is one who actively seeks the best interests of others. A servant foregoes all personal rights, ambitions and comforts as he finds his greatest fulfillment in the lives of others.
Certainly Christ gave us the greatest example of what a servant is. The Servant of Jehovah laid down His life on the cross for you. He took upon Himself the form of a bond-servant and humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death. Christ regarded your life as more important than His own.
Each and every one of us needs to have our thinking rearranged concerning the true measure of greatness in a person. What is it that God would change in you to begin this new life pattern or servanthood?
“You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and great men exercise authority over them. But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)
A servant is one who regards others as more important than himself. He is one who actively seeks the best interests of others. A servant foregoes all personal rights, ambitions and comforts as he finds his greatest fulfillment in the lives of others.
Certainly Christ gave us the greatest example of what a servant is. The Servant of Jehovah laid down His life on the cross for you. He took upon Himself the form of a bond-servant and humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death. Christ regarded your life as more important than His own.
Each and every one of us needs to have our thinking rearranged concerning the true measure of greatness in a person. What is it that God would change in you to begin this new life pattern or servanthood?
“You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and great men exercise authority over them. But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
The Bullet of Service: As God Counts Greatness
The story is told of a small religious school that was having financial difficulties, even though their spiritual and academic standards had remained very high. One day a very wealthy businessman came on campus. He walked up to a white-haired man in overalls who was painting the walls of the administration building and asked him where he could find the president. The painter pointed to a large, two-story house at the end of the campus and said he was sure that the president could be seen there at noon.
At the designated time, the visitor knocked at the president’s door and to his amazement was admitted by the same white-haired man, though now differently attired. The painter was the president! The visitor accepted an invitation to have lunch with the painter-president, asked a number of questions about the needs of the college, and told him he would get back in touch with him.
Two days later a letter arrived at the president’s office. Enclosed was a check for $50,000 and a note that read, “I am sending this gift, not because of your personal achievements and awards, but because you are a servant.”
It is this same principle that God uses to elevate our lives and measure “greatness.” God’s basis of “greatness” is very foreign to our way of life. In the world’s system, “great” men are those who exercise authority over others. “Great” men are those who can tell others what to do. They possess power. They possess authority. They possess clout.
However, Jesus said, “it is not so among you.” In fact, God’s evaluation of greatness is the complete opposite. In the eyes of God, true greatness is not being served, but serving others. The world equates greatness with being over others. God equates greatness with being under others. In God’s kingdom, the way up is down. The way to “live it up” is to first live it down … by serving the needs of others.
The story is told of a small religious school that was having financial difficulties, even though their spiritual and academic standards had remained very high. One day a very wealthy businessman came on campus. He walked up to a white-haired man in overalls who was painting the walls of the administration building and asked him where he could find the president. The painter pointed to a large, two-story house at the end of the campus and said he was sure that the president could be seen there at noon.
At the designated time, the visitor knocked at the president’s door and to his amazement was admitted by the same white-haired man, though now differently attired. The painter was the president! The visitor accepted an invitation to have lunch with the painter-president, asked a number of questions about the needs of the college, and told him he would get back in touch with him.
Two days later a letter arrived at the president’s office. Enclosed was a check for $50,000 and a note that read, “I am sending this gift, not because of your personal achievements and awards, but because you are a servant.”
It is this same principle that God uses to elevate our lives and measure “greatness.” God’s basis of “greatness” is very foreign to our way of life. In the world’s system, “great” men are those who exercise authority over others. “Great” men are those who can tell others what to do. They possess power. They possess authority. They possess clout.
However, Jesus said, “it is not so among you.” In fact, God’s evaluation of greatness is the complete opposite. In the eyes of God, true greatness is not being served, but serving others. The world equates greatness with being over others. God equates greatness with being under others. In God’s kingdom, the way up is down. The way to “live it up” is to first live it down … by serving the needs of others.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
“God” and “gods”, Part 2
All of us have our idols – that on which our affections are passionately set. Most of you would be honest enough to agree with me that your idols or gods have not brought you deep and lasting satisfaction. The new car or house, the trip, the raise, marriage, even a baby, will not ultimately satisfy one’s greatest, deepest hunger.
The Scripture tells us that not “gods” but only “God” is the answer and goal of life. “The poor deluded fool feeds on ashes; he is trusting what can never give him any help at all; yet he cannot bring himself to ask, ‘Is this thing, this idol that I’m holding in my hand, a lie?’” (Isaiah 44:20).
I know many folks around town who have held a lot of idols and are still holding onto them. They keep up the activities, they’re involved in everything and anything (even religion), they keep thinking the next experience, the next possession, the next goal realized, will really give them that great “kick” of life which has so far eluded them. But it never happens!
I’m not judging anyone. Old H.D. McCarty has played the fool as much as anyone else. In fact, I still feel the pull. I do know one thing though: of all the things I’ve ever experienced or possessed, only one has really delivered what was promised and what I really desired – that one thing is my personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Religion is man’s search for “god.” Christianity is not a religion, for it is God’s quest for man! Why not take inventory? What is your “god?” Or better still, why not give yourself to “God?” It will make a fantastic difference in your life.
All of us have our idols – that on which our affections are passionately set. Most of you would be honest enough to agree with me that your idols or gods have not brought you deep and lasting satisfaction. The new car or house, the trip, the raise, marriage, even a baby, will not ultimately satisfy one’s greatest, deepest hunger.
The Scripture tells us that not “gods” but only “God” is the answer and goal of life. “The poor deluded fool feeds on ashes; he is trusting what can never give him any help at all; yet he cannot bring himself to ask, ‘Is this thing, this idol that I’m holding in my hand, a lie?’” (Isaiah 44:20).
I know many folks around town who have held a lot of idols and are still holding onto them. They keep up the activities, they’re involved in everything and anything (even religion), they keep thinking the next experience, the next possession, the next goal realized, will really give them that great “kick” of life which has so far eluded them. But it never happens!
I’m not judging anyone. Old H.D. McCarty has played the fool as much as anyone else. In fact, I still feel the pull. I do know one thing though: of all the things I’ve ever experienced or possessed, only one has really delivered what was promised and what I really desired – that one thing is my personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Religion is man’s search for “god.” Christianity is not a religion, for it is God’s quest for man! Why not take inventory? What is your “god?” Or better still, why not give yourself to “God?” It will make a fantastic difference in your life.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
“God” and “gods”, Part 1
I once heard of a sermon entitled, “The Contemporary Practice of Polytheism.” The last word in the title simply means the worship of many (poly) gods (theism). The worship of many gods is not confined to the ignorant in faraway countries. Most Americans are victims of the practice. The sermon mentioned above was preached over forty years ago, but is just as fresh and applicable today.
My dictionary defines “god” as “any person or thing exalted as the chief god, or made the object of supreme devotion. Anything that absorbs one’s attentions or aspirations.” Therefore, whatever controls you, whatever you build your life around, whatever is your ultimate concern – that is your “god.” Be it your job, money, family, business, pleasure, self or even religion, etc. There are many “gods.” The dictionary further distinguishes between “god” and “God,” the creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe. The God of the Bible claims for Himself this distinction. He states through His Old Testament prophets and in the New Testament through His Son that He is the only true God and Savior and beside Him, there is no other. (See Isaiah 43:11 and John 14:6)
That’s a pretty heavy claim and one of man’s chief quests ought to be to discover if the God of the Bible is speaking truth, is a liar or is just putting us on!
I once heard of a sermon entitled, “The Contemporary Practice of Polytheism.” The last word in the title simply means the worship of many (poly) gods (theism). The worship of many gods is not confined to the ignorant in faraway countries. Most Americans are victims of the practice. The sermon mentioned above was preached over forty years ago, but is just as fresh and applicable today.
My dictionary defines “god” as “any person or thing exalted as the chief god, or made the object of supreme devotion. Anything that absorbs one’s attentions or aspirations.” Therefore, whatever controls you, whatever you build your life around, whatever is your ultimate concern – that is your “god.” Be it your job, money, family, business, pleasure, self or even religion, etc. There are many “gods.” The dictionary further distinguishes between “god” and “God,” the creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe. The God of the Bible claims for Himself this distinction. He states through His Old Testament prophets and in the New Testament through His Son that He is the only true God and Savior and beside Him, there is no other. (See Isaiah 43:11 and John 14:6)
That’s a pretty heavy claim and one of man’s chief quests ought to be to discover if the God of the Bible is speaking truth, is a liar or is just putting us on!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
The Bullet of Joy: Gratitude
Maintaining a sense of joy and well-being is dependent on one attitude … gratefulness! You can never be joyous unless you have a sense of gratitude! A thankful heart for all the good, not a selfish mind set on your disappointments, is the key to joy!
Most of us expect too much that isn’t really essential to true living. When we don’t receive what we think we deserve we lose joy. The truth is that we deserve nothing from God! The way most of us treat God is ample proof that He is under no obligation to provide all or any of our wants! Most of what we want is for ourselves and not others anyway! This is not the example of Jesus!
True joy comes when we are grateful for possessing what we know we don’t deserve or could have lost! For instance, falling in love with the right person always has both partners feeling unworthy of the other’s love. Gratitude for someone’s love brings fantastic joy! Again, joy is greatest for the athlete when he is grateful for winning, knowing that he came close to losing. And, again, receiving the news that you’ve won a new car in a contest is a perfect example that joy is born from gratitude.
William Secker put it well when he said, “He enjoys much who is thankful for little things: a grateful mind is both a great and happy mind.”
Show me a joyless person and you can be sure he or she is not grateful for the real and lasting gifts of life! A griping, grumbling Christian declares to all that there is no gratitude in his heart for Jesus Christ!
Maintaining a sense of joy and well-being is dependent on one attitude … gratefulness! You can never be joyous unless you have a sense of gratitude! A thankful heart for all the good, not a selfish mind set on your disappointments, is the key to joy!
Most of us expect too much that isn’t really essential to true living. When we don’t receive what we think we deserve we lose joy. The truth is that we deserve nothing from God! The way most of us treat God is ample proof that He is under no obligation to provide all or any of our wants! Most of what we want is for ourselves and not others anyway! This is not the example of Jesus!
True joy comes when we are grateful for possessing what we know we don’t deserve or could have lost! For instance, falling in love with the right person always has both partners feeling unworthy of the other’s love. Gratitude for someone’s love brings fantastic joy! Again, joy is greatest for the athlete when he is grateful for winning, knowing that he came close to losing. And, again, receiving the news that you’ve won a new car in a contest is a perfect example that joy is born from gratitude.
William Secker put it well when he said, “He enjoys much who is thankful for little things: a grateful mind is both a great and happy mind.”
Show me a joyless person and you can be sure he or she is not grateful for the real and lasting gifts of life! A griping, grumbling Christian declares to all that there is no gratitude in his heart for Jesus Christ!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The Bullet of Joy: It’s What We Want
What is the source of true joy? Have you ever seriously asked yourself that question? Certainly one of man’s primary pursuits is joy and happiness! How are you doing?
In a nationwide survey among High School students, the question was asked, “What are the three things you want most out of life?” The answers were far from unanimous but the three desires most prominent in order were (1) love, (2) joy and (3) peace. I believe it’s more than coincidence that the Apostle Paul lists the first three fruits of obeying the Holy Spirit (in Galatians 5:22) as love, joy and peace!!
Every week I hear comments from people admitting the emptiness, shallowness and joylessness of life. The prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 55:2) spoke of this problem in the 8th Century B.C. when he asked, “Why do you spend your money for what won’t really feed you? And why squander your wages on what doesn’t satisfy?” In the dry seasons of my own life … and who hasn’t had them … I’ve asked myself why I feel so down! Nothing seems to really excite me! Everything is so routine.
It seems I always tend to think of what’s wrong rather than what’s right! Folks can have ninety-nine good things happen and one bad and what do they concentrate on? Almost always the one bad!!
What is the source of true joy? Have you ever seriously asked yourself that question? Certainly one of man’s primary pursuits is joy and happiness! How are you doing?
In a nationwide survey among High School students, the question was asked, “What are the three things you want most out of life?” The answers were far from unanimous but the three desires most prominent in order were (1) love, (2) joy and (3) peace. I believe it’s more than coincidence that the Apostle Paul lists the first three fruits of obeying the Holy Spirit (in Galatians 5:22) as love, joy and peace!!
Every week I hear comments from people admitting the emptiness, shallowness and joylessness of life. The prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 55:2) spoke of this problem in the 8th Century B.C. when he asked, “Why do you spend your money for what won’t really feed you? And why squander your wages on what doesn’t satisfy?” In the dry seasons of my own life … and who hasn’t had them … I’ve asked myself why I feel so down! Nothing seems to really excite me! Everything is so routine.
It seems I always tend to think of what’s wrong rather than what’s right! Folks can have ninety-nine good things happen and one bad and what do they concentrate on? Almost always the one bad!!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
The Bullet of Joy: Look to the Source
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." John 15:11
The source of real joy is found in these words of the Lord Jesus. Real joy cannot be found outside one’s life but foundationally only within one’s own being. If there is no real joy from God “inside” your life, it is futile to seek for it on the “outside”; no matter the quantity of things you buy, friends you garner or how many sporting events you attend!
The gospel of Jesus tells us that His plan is to put joy into us if we will allow Him the right and receive it as His gift.
Nehemiah (read his book in Chapter 8, verse 10 and remember he lived in the 5th century BC) … know the secret! He knew that “the joy of the Lord is our strength.”
Only God’s joy within can overcome all the agonies and injustice life hurls against us! It’s a pity so few are humble enough to receive it! The conquerors of life have God’s joy in their hearts! It is the greatest power on earth! His joy!!
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." John 15:11
The source of real joy is found in these words of the Lord Jesus. Real joy cannot be found outside one’s life but foundationally only within one’s own being. If there is no real joy from God “inside” your life, it is futile to seek for it on the “outside”; no matter the quantity of things you buy, friends you garner or how many sporting events you attend!
The gospel of Jesus tells us that His plan is to put joy into us if we will allow Him the right and receive it as His gift.
Nehemiah (read his book in Chapter 8, verse 10 and remember he lived in the 5th century BC) … know the secret! He knew that “the joy of the Lord is our strength.”
Only God’s joy within can overcome all the agonies and injustice life hurls against us! It’s a pity so few are humble enough to receive it! The conquerors of life have God’s joy in their hearts! It is the greatest power on earth! His joy!!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The Bullet of Joy: Fulfilling a Purpose
Christians in name only will probably miss my point today. I have a truth to share that only those who have tasted the Spirit of Christ will be able to comprehend.
True Believers should look for their joy in Jesus Christ alone. Only in being consumed with God’s reasons for everything … family, life, fun, purpose, work, etc. … can a human being know “life” as God created it to be.
The question is then asked, “Why is it that so many Christians seem cranky or sad, and seem to live life that is flatter than a duck’s instep?
The answer is easy! God’s bottom line purpose for our lives is to make us like Himself … to conform us to His Character … to make us like Jesus!
Our Master led the most fantastic life ever lived because His home and purpose were in the Father rather than situations that surrounded Him or in the current fads of so-called worldly wisdom.
Our blindness to the false promises of fleshy fulfillment and unfaithfulness to the high standards and realities of God give us a problem. Hence, the Lord must continually allow pressures to build in our lives so that we will be forced to reject the false and embrace the truth!
Every “prison situation” we feel trapped in is in reality only God’s classroom to focus our attention on our current needed divine homework.
To sum it up, God puts people into “joyless situations” for a season to test the purity of their motives and affections. Only in a joyless trial can we give powerful evidence that the source of our joy is in God and not in situations or circumstance.
Christians in name only will probably miss my point today. I have a truth to share that only those who have tasted the Spirit of Christ will be able to comprehend.
True Believers should look for their joy in Jesus Christ alone. Only in being consumed with God’s reasons for everything … family, life, fun, purpose, work, etc. … can a human being know “life” as God created it to be.
The question is then asked, “Why is it that so many Christians seem cranky or sad, and seem to live life that is flatter than a duck’s instep?
The answer is easy! God’s bottom line purpose for our lives is to make us like Himself … to conform us to His Character … to make us like Jesus!
Our Master led the most fantastic life ever lived because His home and purpose were in the Father rather than situations that surrounded Him or in the current fads of so-called worldly wisdom.
Our blindness to the false promises of fleshy fulfillment and unfaithfulness to the high standards and realities of God give us a problem. Hence, the Lord must continually allow pressures to build in our lives so that we will be forced to reject the false and embrace the truth!
Every “prison situation” we feel trapped in is in reality only God’s classroom to focus our attention on our current needed divine homework.
To sum it up, God puts people into “joyless situations” for a season to test the purity of their motives and affections. Only in a joyless trial can we give powerful evidence that the source of our joy is in God and not in situations or circumstance.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Energy Crisis, More Than the Price of Gasoline
Here is an intriguing headline from an article on the current energy crisis from money.cnn.com.
How to beat the high cost of gasoline. Forever.
How to beat the high cost of gasoline. Forever.
(By Adam Lashinsky, FORTUNE senior writer, January 24, 2006)
This story is about one kind of energy crisis but there is a more important one.
A real “energy crisis” is within us! A statement by Paul centuries ago is still as true today as it was then. “The good things I want to do never seem to materialize. In fact, I find myself actually doing the things I hate” (Romans 7:19). This is the story of my life. If you’re honest, I’ll bet it’s your story too. This isn’t to say we never do anything good. There are thousands of good people doing good things. But man can’t be happy just doing good things. Why? Because man was made to do the best thing. He/she can never be happy or fulfilled without doing his/her best. Remember, the good is usually the worst enemy of the best.
I am constantly aware that even though I’d doing many good things, I’m failing to do some things that would be better. Better to visit my neighbor, than watch TV another evening. But I don’t. Better to work a little less and spend more time with my family. But I don’t. Better to get my body in shape by exercise and eating less. But I don’t. The list could go on for pages.
Where do I get the power to begin breaking the habits I hate and yet feel guilty about justifying? This is the “energy crisis” to which each of us should give priority! What makes Jesus Christ so fantastically appealing to me, and to thousands of other, is that He demonstrated a life lives always at its best. The even greater news is that He promises us “our share” of God’s energy for our own “life at its best!” “For to all who receive (accept, rely on, believer) Him, He gives power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12).
In short, the “spiritual energy crisis” is far more critical than any “physical energy crisis.” Physical energy won’t help a person who is spiritually miserable, bored with the good and hungry for the best. The reason serious Christians are so excited is that God has begun to rewire them for maximum living! Power to live life at its best! Energy for breaking hated habits! If you’re missing it, perhaps your connection is loose. Or worse still, better check to see if you’re even plugged in! I’m for solving “both” energy crises. How about you?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
The Bullet of Praise: Sing, No Matter What Your Voice
The older I get and the deeper I understand the wisdom of Scripture, the more open I am to truth, regardless of its source. All truth ultimately is from God. God’s truth is not limited to the labels of man. The more a man loves God and shows it, the less his label, heritage and bias seem to matter.
A remark from the late Pope John Paul I struck a cord of joyous response in my own heart. Listen to his words: “Some bishops resemble eagles who glide majestically at high levels. Other are nightingales who sing the praises of the Lord in a marvelous way. Other are poor wrens on the lowest bough of the ecclesiastical tree who only chip, seeking to offer some small though regarding the great themes. I belong to the final category.”
Right on!!! I know the feeling! Alone with God during the week I find my mind and heart literally exploding from the rewards of prayer and Bible study. I know that when my time comes to preach, I will strike with the force of an H-Bomb! But, alas! It seems that every time I preach all I can produce equals the force of a B-B gun!
Knowing the Lord Jesus Christ personally for what He really is … loving, forgiving, patient, joyful, truthful, tender, seeking … Shepherd, Savior, Master, King, Lover, Father … magnificent, wondrous, powerful, thrilling … all make me want to fill the earth with the beautiful praise song of a combined band and symphony orchestra numbering at least a thousand pieces and joined with a chorus of two thousand mixed voices!
Those of us who have experienced the authentic Christ yearn desperately for all the world to know His beauty and greatness and to love Him accordingly. But between wanting this and doing it is a great gap.
My greatest intentions to sound like a symphony for Christ usually deteriorates to the gutturals of a frog crock! Yet, far better to croak and get some of the message out than to remain silent. There are hundreds of folks around who are on the “croak wave-length” and will get the picture.
Be it the chirp of a wren or the croak of a frog, we little followers of Jesus must do something.
The older I get and the deeper I understand the wisdom of Scripture, the more open I am to truth, regardless of its source. All truth ultimately is from God. God’s truth is not limited to the labels of man. The more a man loves God and shows it, the less his label, heritage and bias seem to matter.
A remark from the late Pope John Paul I struck a cord of joyous response in my own heart. Listen to his words: “Some bishops resemble eagles who glide majestically at high levels. Other are nightingales who sing the praises of the Lord in a marvelous way. Other are poor wrens on the lowest bough of the ecclesiastical tree who only chip, seeking to offer some small though regarding the great themes. I belong to the final category.”
Right on!!! I know the feeling! Alone with God during the week I find my mind and heart literally exploding from the rewards of prayer and Bible study. I know that when my time comes to preach, I will strike with the force of an H-Bomb! But, alas! It seems that every time I preach all I can produce equals the force of a B-B gun!
Knowing the Lord Jesus Christ personally for what He really is … loving, forgiving, patient, joyful, truthful, tender, seeking … Shepherd, Savior, Master, King, Lover, Father … magnificent, wondrous, powerful, thrilling … all make me want to fill the earth with the beautiful praise song of a combined band and symphony orchestra numbering at least a thousand pieces and joined with a chorus of two thousand mixed voices!
Those of us who have experienced the authentic Christ yearn desperately for all the world to know His beauty and greatness and to love Him accordingly. But between wanting this and doing it is a great gap.
My greatest intentions to sound like a symphony for Christ usually deteriorates to the gutturals of a frog crock! Yet, far better to croak and get some of the message out than to remain silent. There are hundreds of folks around who are on the “croak wave-length” and will get the picture.
Be it the chirp of a wren or the croak of a frog, we little followers of Jesus must do something.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Easter: Accepting Reality, Part 2
The Apostle Paul said, in II Corinthians 4, the Christians are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake. In other words, we must die to our self desires before we can live for God’s desires. What fools we are in our insane dreams to think our desires for our lives are grater than God’s desires for our lives! Creator ambition for us is overwhelmingly greater than our limited ambition!
The following little anonymous poem sums it up quite adequately:
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all, most richly blessed!
Resurrection is something like this! I hope you’re in on it!
The Apostle Paul said, in II Corinthians 4, the Christians are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake. In other words, we must die to our self desires before we can live for God’s desires. What fools we are in our insane dreams to think our desires for our lives are grater than God’s desires for our lives! Creator ambition for us is overwhelmingly greater than our limited ambition!
The following little anonymous poem sums it up quite adequately:
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all, most richly blessed!
Resurrection is something like this! I hope you’re in on it!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Easter: Accepting Reality, Part 1
The reason that the resurrection of Christ has less meaning for Christians than it should and is really a mystery to most non-Christians, is the refusal to mix it with suffering. Pain and resurrection go together. The latter will never come without the former.
The greatness of resurrection victory is woefully diminished by the smallness of our vision of reality.
One practical expression of this is that so many Christians seem to think all they have to do is trust and pray, and God will pull of the hard stuff without their effort. This is immaturity and shallowness at its worst! Christ didn’t pray His way through the cross, He actually went there! His suffering wasn’t a “quickie” and then on with the fun. He hung there for six hours and then was sealed in a tomb! Agony and silence preceded His triumph.
In man’s blindness and lust for the easy, we refuse to mix agony and ecstasy. We deny the necessity of pain and seek only joy. We hunger for the happy times and are mystified at the place of grief. We disdain our need for suffering and thirst selfishly for more pleasure! Eric Heiden, the winner of seven gold medals at the 1980 Winter Olympics in speed skating, attributed his success to the pain he endured in training, “If a person’s going to win,” he said, “he has to be prepared to suffer for it.”
The reason that the resurrection of Christ has less meaning for Christians than it should and is really a mystery to most non-Christians, is the refusal to mix it with suffering. Pain and resurrection go together. The latter will never come without the former.
The greatness of resurrection victory is woefully diminished by the smallness of our vision of reality.
One practical expression of this is that so many Christians seem to think all they have to do is trust and pray, and God will pull of the hard stuff without their effort. This is immaturity and shallowness at its worst! Christ didn’t pray His way through the cross, He actually went there! His suffering wasn’t a “quickie” and then on with the fun. He hung there for six hours and then was sealed in a tomb! Agony and silence preceded His triumph.
In man’s blindness and lust for the easy, we refuse to mix agony and ecstasy. We deny the necessity of pain and seek only joy. We hunger for the happy times and are mystified at the place of grief. We disdain our need for suffering and thirst selfishly for more pleasure! Eric Heiden, the winner of seven gold medals at the 1980 Winter Olympics in speed skating, attributed his success to the pain he endured in training, “If a person’s going to win,” he said, “he has to be prepared to suffer for it.”
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Palm Sunday
One of the greatest joys of my Christian life has been the memorizing of Scripture. It’s harder now that I am getting older, but scores of the verses I memorized earlier come back again and again to give me strength and insight. I would have to say that one of the biggest mistakes of my following Christ is to not be diligent in hiding the Word of God in my heart (Psalm 119:9-10). I hope all of my readers will consider these verses with a new intensity.
I memorized a new verse recently that ties into the celebration of Palm Sunday … that day 2000 year ago when Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem to the praise of hallelujahs of thousands. Only a few days later these same voices would cry for His crucifixion!
Zechariah 9:9 says, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes to you; He is just and brings salvation, He is humble, riding on a donkey …”
Think of the humility of God … coming to us not at the head of an army dressed in splendor, but in the common everyday cloths on a donkey! Even earlier, John the Baptist announced Jesus as the Lamb of God, the humble, sacrificial lamb!
Yet all true Christians know that someday Christ will again return to earth, not meekly or humbly seeking our attention, but as reigning, triumphant, conquering King. He will judge and put right the veil of selfishness of all mankind.
I picked up the newspaper this morning and almost despaired as I read page after page reporting human failure. I almost wept as I saw story after story of evil, hurt, wounds, murder, injustice and hopelessness. Will men and women ever learn that they cannot conquer that which destroys them without the power of God?
Yes, Jesus came to earth first as a lamb. But the Scripture clearly declares that He will come for a second visit, this time as a victorious lion rather than as a suffering and patient lamb.
Fight on, those of you who love the Master! Jesus and His church may look like a lamb for the present, but let me assure you, the day of the lion is coming!! I especially like to think about that on Palm Sunday!!
One of the greatest joys of my Christian life has been the memorizing of Scripture. It’s harder now that I am getting older, but scores of the verses I memorized earlier come back again and again to give me strength and insight. I would have to say that one of the biggest mistakes of my following Christ is to not be diligent in hiding the Word of God in my heart (Psalm 119:9-10). I hope all of my readers will consider these verses with a new intensity.
I memorized a new verse recently that ties into the celebration of Palm Sunday … that day 2000 year ago when Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem to the praise of hallelujahs of thousands. Only a few days later these same voices would cry for His crucifixion!
Zechariah 9:9 says, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes to you; He is just and brings salvation, He is humble, riding on a donkey …”
Think of the humility of God … coming to us not at the head of an army dressed in splendor, but in the common everyday cloths on a donkey! Even earlier, John the Baptist announced Jesus as the Lamb of God, the humble, sacrificial lamb!
Yet all true Christians know that someday Christ will again return to earth, not meekly or humbly seeking our attention, but as reigning, triumphant, conquering King. He will judge and put right the veil of selfishness of all mankind.
I picked up the newspaper this morning and almost despaired as I read page after page reporting human failure. I almost wept as I saw story after story of evil, hurt, wounds, murder, injustice and hopelessness. Will men and women ever learn that they cannot conquer that which destroys them without the power of God?
Yes, Jesus came to earth first as a lamb. But the Scripture clearly declares that He will come for a second visit, this time as a victorious lion rather than as a suffering and patient lamb.
Fight on, those of you who love the Master! Jesus and His church may look like a lamb for the present, but let me assure you, the day of the lion is coming!! I especially like to think about that on Palm Sunday!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Choosing the “Good Part”
It’s again time for … the days of family vacations, trips to Grandma’s and trips to the lake. One of the typically recurring questions asked on every family trip by at least one of the children at least half a dozen times is, “Where are we?” It’s not too difficult to recall the look on the child’s face as he awakens from his backseat nap only to realize that he doesn’t know where he is.
This issue of were we are seems to be very pertinent in these days. How often do we hear the question asked, “Where are you going to be if I need to get in touch with you?” Most of us tend to reel off an answer rather quickly feeling assured that we know where we are and where we’re going, and we don’t have time to wait around answering rhetorical questions. Instead, we need to run the laundry, pick up the kids, go to the bakery, run by the doctor’s office, prepare the talk for the civic club and, after it is all finished, take a moment to relax before we start again.
We rarely stop to think that this “rhetorical question” that we let slip so often should be subjected to greater scrutiny. In chapter 10, verses 38-42 of the Gospel of Luke, Luke gives us a good picture of where we ought to be! The passage begins with Jesus being received into the home of two sisters. One sister, Martha, scurries about attempting to make preparations for Jesus. We can imagine her trying so hard to get everything just so right and just so good. Meanwhile, Mary, Martha’s sister, has decided to sit down at the feet of Jesus. Martha continues her frantic preparation and then in verse 40 we catch a glimpse of a very interesting occurrence, one that each of us must see about once a day. We catch a glimpse of anxiety in Martha as she gets mad at Mary for not helping to get all these “important preparations” taken care of. She calls out to Jesus trying to get at Mary through Him. At this point, Jesus answers Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things, but only a few things are necessary, really only one; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Where are you? If you aren’t seated at the feet of Christ, then you’re probably like Martha – “worried and bothered about so many things” when only one thing is really necessary. You’re probably spending so much time trying to do right that you don’t have time to be right.
Where are you? If you feel like you’re on a roller coaster that seems to have no end of it, if you feel like you’re chasing rabbits in the desert, then STOP! Remember where you ought to be! If you already have a seat at the feet of Christ, stay put! If you aren’t at the feet of Christ, come and take a seat; there is more than enough room for everyone!
It’s again time for … the days of family vacations, trips to Grandma’s and trips to the lake. One of the typically recurring questions asked on every family trip by at least one of the children at least half a dozen times is, “Where are we?” It’s not too difficult to recall the look on the child’s face as he awakens from his backseat nap only to realize that he doesn’t know where he is.
This issue of were we are seems to be very pertinent in these days. How often do we hear the question asked, “Where are you going to be if I need to get in touch with you?” Most of us tend to reel off an answer rather quickly feeling assured that we know where we are and where we’re going, and we don’t have time to wait around answering rhetorical questions. Instead, we need to run the laundry, pick up the kids, go to the bakery, run by the doctor’s office, prepare the talk for the civic club and, after it is all finished, take a moment to relax before we start again.
We rarely stop to think that this “rhetorical question” that we let slip so often should be subjected to greater scrutiny. In chapter 10, verses 38-42 of the Gospel of Luke, Luke gives us a good picture of where we ought to be! The passage begins with Jesus being received into the home of two sisters. One sister, Martha, scurries about attempting to make preparations for Jesus. We can imagine her trying so hard to get everything just so right and just so good. Meanwhile, Mary, Martha’s sister, has decided to sit down at the feet of Jesus. Martha continues her frantic preparation and then in verse 40 we catch a glimpse of a very interesting occurrence, one that each of us must see about once a day. We catch a glimpse of anxiety in Martha as she gets mad at Mary for not helping to get all these “important preparations” taken care of. She calls out to Jesus trying to get at Mary through Him. At this point, Jesus answers Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things, but only a few things are necessary, really only one; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Where are you? If you aren’t seated at the feet of Christ, then you’re probably like Martha – “worried and bothered about so many things” when only one thing is really necessary. You’re probably spending so much time trying to do right that you don’t have time to be right.
Where are you? If you feel like you’re on a roller coaster that seems to have no end of it, if you feel like you’re chasing rabbits in the desert, then STOP! Remember where you ought to be! If you already have a seat at the feet of Christ, stay put! If you aren’t at the feet of Christ, come and take a seat; there is more than enough room for everyone!
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