Creature of Habit

I’m a creature of habit…

Years ago Sharon and I had a favorite lunch spot where once a week we’d enjoy lunch together. Every time we sat at the same table and ordered the same thing.  One day it became obvious that we were “in a rut.”  After sitting down at “our” table, I made eye contact with the waiter across the restaurant and gave him a nod of the head. And before long, our favorite meal was placed in front of us.

Lately, I’ve made a habit of getting fuel at a Dara’s store in northeast Manhattan. I stop here for two reasons. First, because a 44 oz. fountain drink is only 99 cents. Second, because across the parking lot is a Paradise Donut shop. (What a great name, huh!?!?)

My order is consistent - two “old fashion glazed donuts.” They are cake donuts and as they bake a little canyon forms around the top; a canyon that holds a lot of icing!  I’ve placed the same order so many times that now when I come in the gal behind the counter automatically begins grabbing a couple of these delights!

Did I mention that I am a creature of habit? 

With the dawn of a new year, many take a moment to look back to what has been and forward to what should be. Resolutions often result; dropping some habits and/or picking up some new ones. So at the dawn of a new year, I want to give you some encouragement.

The Hebrew writer wrote the following:

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25, NIV-84)

No doubt much of the success of the Christian life is about perseverance and persistence.  Each day often boils down to resolving to march right behind Jesus, letting Him lead no matter what.  The world and its desires continually attempt to draw us away from our commitment to Christ and to one another.  Tests, trials and temptations often serve to erode hope. Personal interests distract us away from one another. And if we aren’t careful a decision to deviate away one time easily becomes a habit.

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Heb. 10:35-36)

So at the dawn of a new year, if you find that you are persisting and persevering then keep it up! Some habits need to continue.  Keep persevering. Encourage others to do the same. Always make meeting together a priority.

But, if you are honest with yourself and find that your habit has become being away from Christ, doing for yourself, and doing it alone, I want to encourage you to make a change.  Don’t throw away your relationship and confidence in Christ. Don’t become isolated from other believers, rejecting efforts from them to help you grow, and abandoning efforts to help them grow stronger too. 

  

May the year 2016 find you being a creature of habit – habitually spending time with Christ and celebrating Him – not alone but in the company of others whose habit is following Christ.

Excited live 2016 with you,

Ron

P.S. By the way, when I opened up the donut bag today (Christmas Eve) I found a surprise. I asked for and paid for two donuts, but I found a third. Merry Christmas!  It pays to be a regular.  J   But I also have some sad news...  I think my donut and Diet Pepsi habit needs to go. L

Celebrating the Gift

Thursday nights are a big night for me. It is my night to keep Sam happy and healthy until his grandma and mama come home…

The other night Sam and I went out into the dark to play in the backyard. He messed around with his truck for a while and then we played “catch me if you can.”  After a few chases around the yard he began walking off into the dark. Of course I followed him – remember I’m responsible for these few hours…

He headed down the long driveway, out to the road, and straight to the mailbox. He checked out both the mailbox and the box that holds the newspaper. Both were empty. And then he was ready to head back into the yard. I’m only able to spend a couple of nights a week with Sam – but this little journey told me a bit about what he does each night. Or at least likes to do.

I’m guessing that several evenings a week, Sam and Grandma walk out together to get the mail and the paper. So on this night, he was off to do what he usually does. His “tradition” got me thinking…  

When it comes to tradition, is there any other time of year that rivals Christmas?   The shopping while still filled with Thanksgiving turkey, the hunt for a perfect tree, the decorating, the caroling, holiday parties and gatherings, gift wrapping, giving, and opening; on and on it goes. Our home has its traditions – how about yours? 

On the eve of this season, I want to encourage you.  Sam’s and my trip to the mailbox turned up empty, but a trip to the manger never does.

Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:14

The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Luke 2:11-16

“This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” Luke 2:34-35

You’ve done it before – do it again – go to the manger and let the love of God fill your hearts this Christmas season!  J

Celebrating the Gift again,

Ron

Filled with Thanks

When I get a chance I like to take a long walk in the evening. One of my favorite “routes” is a walk from Morrowville to the “Marrowville” electric sub-station (south and east of town). It’s a scenic four-mile round trip and I always enjoy the journey. It’s a great time to unwind, to have a long conversation with God, to do some day dreaming, and to just let my mind wander.

Well the other day I was over halfway through the journey – my long conversation with God had concluded – and my mind was just wandering or “working.” In other words I wasn’t really paying much attention to what was going on around me. That’s fine most of the time – but not so much when a pheasant flushes from the plum thicket beside the road. It was one of those moments when you are glad no one was watching. Needless to say, they would’ve gotten quite a chuckle over my reaction. 

Sometimes I fail to notice stuff…

Two days ago as I was reading through the Book of Jeremiah I came across a prophecy against the mighty kingdom of Babylon. (Babylon was the nation that finally conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, killed countless Israelites, and hauled most of the survivors off into exile.)  Here is a portion of the prophecy God gave to Jeremiah to deliver to Babylon:

Because of the Lord’s anger, Babylon will become a deserted wasteland.  All who pass by will be horrified and will gasp at the destruction they see there.

The Lord has opened his armory and brought out weapons to vent his fury. The terror that falls upon the Babylonians will be the work of the Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

 

“I will come like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan, leaping on the sheep in the pasture.  I will chase Babylon from its land, and I will appoint the leader of my choice.  For who is like me, and who can challenge me?   What ruler can oppose my will?”   Listen to the Lord’s plans against Babylon and the land of the Babylonians.   Even the little children will be dragged off like sheep, and their homes will be destroyed. The earth will shake with the shout, “Babylon has been taken!” and its cry of despair will be heard around the world.  Jeremiah 50:13, 25, 44-46

My immediate reaction to this reading was, “I’m glad I didn’t live there then.”   But that thought was quickly followed by another, “I’m so glad that I live here now.”   I am truly blessed.

November is typically a month where we make an effort to take stock of our blessings and offer our thanks to the One who faithfully provides. We truly have so much to be thankful for. We are blessed beyond what we deserve. Don’t miss this truth!  Don’t get so caught up in the journey that you fail to notice the wonder of His creation, His amazing grace, His bountiful mercy, and the promise of His everlasting inheritance.

Give your thanks this month and then take them into the following months and give them again.

Filled with thanks,

Ron

Siding with Truth

Do you watch TV news often? Read the newspaper?  If so, did you come across the following?

“Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed.  Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked.”

I did. But I didn’t find it on the editorial page of any newspaper. It wasn’t on the evening news – not CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN or FOX.  But it could have been.  Doesn’t it seem like justice and truth have been taking a beating recently?  Of course it isn’t new – living in truth has always been a struggle.

Back in 0 B.C. a snake slithered up to Eve, and whispered untruth. But, it seemed good so she and her husband ate what wasn’t supposed to be eaten.  Later, when God came strolling through the garden, Adam and Eve hid. This wasn’t an out and out lie, but it was an attempt to hide what they had done.  The Garden was the birthplace of dishonesty. 

Okay – it wasn’t fair (honest?) of me to imply that the words I quoted above were recently written.  The prophet Isaiah wrote them about 700 years before Jesus (Isaiah 59:14-15). Clearly Israel was struggling to reflect their Creator.  They had been created by Truth to live in and live out truth. But things weren’t going well.

What has changed since Adam and Eve?  Since Isaiah?  Since Jesus’ time on earth?

A few moments ago – just for fun – I completed an online survey to find out just how liberal I am. There were a variety of questions about social issues, domestic policy, education, health care, foreign policy, economy, immigration, and the environment. Here is a sample of the questions asked:

• What is your stance on abortion?   Pro-life? Pro-choice?
• Should the government increase environmental regulations to prevent global warming?
• Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?
• Do you support Obamacare?
• Etc.

I submit that if truth were applied to most, if not all, of these issues, we would not need to put them on an online survey!

What I didn’t realize about this survey, was that at the conclusion, my answers would be matched to presidential candidates to see who I sided with most often. Wanna know who that was for me?   I’d love to tell you, but I can’t. I’m a preacher, this is a church newsletter – therefore I have to keep my politics in my pocket – you know, that separation of church and state thing.

Anyway, I suspect all of this presidential activity will heighten interest in truth. Fact-checkers will dig back in an attempt to get to the bottom of statements, claims and activities.  Talking heads will spout opinions. Editors will editorialize. 

And while all that can be exhausting, I’m kind of excited for it. I would love for truth surge in popularity. And I hope any increase in interest won’t be fleeting. Our hearts are supposed to be in the process of transformation – to take on the characteristics of our Savior. Who once called Himself – the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  May His truth reign in us – and then shine out of us in ways that reflect Him into a world that is more desperate than it knows

Trying to side with Christ on every issue,

Ron

Seventeen Twenty-one

My favorite Gospel account is John’s.  I like it because John spends more time on Jesus’ week leading up to the crucifixion, and, no other book has as many “red letters.”  A case could be made that John was the closest of all the disciples to Jesus, as Jesus told him to “take care of my mom” while hanging on the cross. John also recorded some other amazing things Jesus said hours earlier, like:

After washing twelve pair of dirty feet, He said, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  (John 13:12b-15)

A bit later He said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.   Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:12-14

And then, just before going out into the garden, where He knows He is going to be arrested, Jesus prays for His disciples. And at the end of that prayer He prays for us – you and me!  Hard to imagine, but it’s true…

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.  I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:  I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23 

  

Two things jump out at me in His prayer.  First, Jesus cares more about unity than we have. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that the most segregated hour of Christian America is eleven o’clock on Sunday morning.  Unfortunately this statement still stands true. Of course, King was talking of race and how men and women of different color choose to worship separately. But we know separation isn’t confined to race. Economic status, age, denomination, various life choices, etc. all prove to be issues that separate more than unite. Sad.

Second, Jesus says our unity has a very specific purpose – to encourage the world to believe that – God sent Jesus and that He loves.   Unity with a purpose!

So, over the past few weeks our church, Washington Christian Church, and Faith Connection Church have been discussing and planning for a time of worship together. We’ve named this worship service “Seventeen Twenty-One” as a reminder of Jesus’ prayer for unity.

It is scheduled for September 27, at 10:30am, at the Washington County High School Gymnasium, and it will take the place of our usual Sunday morning worship. All three churches are taking a leadership role, and other area churches have been invited to join us. An offering will be taken, and it has already been designated to go to yet to be determined need at the school. In other words, we want our unity to impact our community and draw attention to our Savior Jesus Christ! Unity with a purpose!

Please mark this date down on your calendars and make plans to attend. And, invite others to come!

Surrender

Last week a friend of mine passed away after several years of battling with Parkinson’s disease. And as I mulled over times spent with him, one memory stood out above the rest. It was a conversation we had where I listened as he shared about the challenges he was having with one of his sons. 

This young man was determined to live in rebellion and that irked dad. He didn’t like the rebellion being thrown his way, but what really bothered him was rebellion toward the Lord.  So, the two of them had many conversations where dad tried to get son to “see the light” and yield himself to the Lord. But the boy wasn’t having any of it.

Finally dad, who was a bit exasperated, finally said, “You just need to surrender.”

That word – surrender – stuck with me. I hadn’t thought about my walk with Christ being an act of surrender. But it truly is. Each of us have an independent streak in us. We like control. We like to do it ourselves. Set the rules. Evaluate the results. Determine the outcome. Etc.

Sometimes we see that better in the lives of someone else…

This morning I was reading the story of Ahab and Jehoshaphat. Allies based on convenience rather than common sense. Ahab was the king over the ten northern tribes of Israel – and if you looked up “rotten king” in the dictionary you’d find and picture of him.   Jehoshaphat was king over the other two tribes – Judah and Benjamin – and was basically a “good king.”

Well, one day as Jehoshaphat and Ahab were sitting together talking about “king stuff”, when Ahab asked a question. “I’m going to attack Ramoth Gilead. Would you and your troops be willing to join me?”   And without hesitation, Jehoshaphat agreed, “I am as you are, and my people as your people – we are in.”  But before we fight let’s check with God.

Now when Jehoshaphat said, “I am as you are…” he was leaving out one very important difference. Jehoshaphat served God in Heaven, but Ahab worshipped Baal and Asherah, among others. So when Ahab agreed to a consult it was check in with a god made of wood and stone.

Well that god said what it always said – exactly what the “prophet” wanted it say. In this case the “answer” was “Go to war! You’ll win a great victory.”

Well, Jehoshaphat wasn’t satisfied, so he asked if Ahab had anyone who could speak to the God in Heaven. Well there was one guy left in Ahab’s kingdom. Just one guy!  But Ahab didn’t like him because advice from this guy always conflicted with what Ahab wanted to do.  But Ahab relented. And this prophet was called in.

When the prophet arrived he also was asked “Do we go to war or hold back?”  And the initial response was sarcasm “Sure, knock yourselves out. You’ll win.”   But when pressed for a serious response the prophet said,  “Listen to what the Lord says! I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the armies of heaven around him, on his right and on his left.  And the Lord said, ‘Who can entice King Ahab of Israel to go into battle against Ramoth-Gilead so he can be killed?’

“There were many suggestions, and finally a spirit approached the Lord and said, ‘I can do it!’  “‘How will you do this?’ the Lord asked. “And the spirit replied, ‘I will go out and inspire all of Ahab’s prophets to speak lies.’ “‘You will succeed,’ said the Lord. ‘Go ahead and do it.’   “So you see, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths of your prophets. For the Lord has pronounced your doom.”

So what happened next?  Well the prophet was thrown in jail. Then the armies of Israel and Judah marched out to fight. And, during the battle a stray arrow from the enemy struck Ahab between the joints of his armor and he died. A lucky shot? I don’t think so!   

Surrender would have been the best option. Not during the battle, but instead of it! 

I loved the fact that Jehoshaphat thought of asking God before acting. (In my independence I’ve been known to forget this part.)  But when God spoke both of them chose to go ahead and do what they already had in mind. (I wonder if God ever thinks “If you are going to do whatever you want then why do you ask Me what I think!)

Try as we might we are not independent. We don’t know best. We don’t wield absolute control. Whether we recognize it or not, we are dependent beings. Without God we are not!  So let’s surrender and yield control to the One in control!

Ron

Run Toward or Away?

What do you tell someone who has just learned they have an aggressive form of cancer?  Do you have words for someone who just lost a job?  Do you do anything when you hear of the death of a loved one? Does it take a card shower to provoke you into sending a few words of joy to those who celebrate?

When a Sunday School class needs a teacher, does volunteering to lead cross your mind? When you learn that a neighbor has a financial crisis do you reach for your wallet?  When someone needs help planting does your John Deere head that way? When a younger Christian struggles do you, as the more mature one, offer encouragement?

Few things are more fun than seeing something you did not notice before…  

The Philistines had mustered their armies against Israel. Saul countered by assembling the Israelite army. And battle lines were drawn with each army occupying a hillside with a valley in between.

Now, the Philistines had some really big dudes in their army. One of them was named Goliath.  He was over nine feet tall and weighed who knows how much. He was big enough to wear a bronze coat of mail that weighed 125 pounds, carry a spear tipped with an iron head that alone weighed 15 pounds.  

As my dad would say Goliath was “big enough to go bear hunting with a switch.”

Everyday this mountain of a man would come out and taunt Israel. (and I paraphrase) “Hey, why aren’t you coming out to fight? Tell you what, let’s skip the mess of a big battle. You just send out your biggest and baddest and he and I’ll tussle. Winner take all.”

That sounds like a decent idea – if you are a 9’ foot giant – but to the regular Joes in Israel’s army it didn’t sound good at all. So no one stepped forward. Day after day, Goliath stepped forward to embarrass Israel by reissuing his challenge.

As it happened one day a young Israelite lad named David came into the Israelite camp as the giant was bellowing away. David was on an errand for his dad who wanted news from his sons on the front lines. Well, David heard the giant’s challenge and he watched as Israel cowered, issuing nervous glances to one another as if to say, “Not me. You go!”

David was filled with emotion – not fear – but disgust that this giant would defy God’s army. In David’s role of tending his father’s sheep he had experienced challenges from larger foes – fending off lions and bears that attacked to steal lambs from the flock. So David sought permission from King Saul to fight for Israel against the giant Philistine.

Once permission was granted David got his weapons – a slingshot and five smooth stones – and stepped out of the Israelite lines to face the giant. Well, needless to say the ole giant wasn’t impressed.

(Paraphrasing again)  “Is this the best you can do?  Do you come at me with a stick because I’m just a dog!?!?   Come over here boy – and I’ll feed you to the birds!”

To that David said, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!  And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” 1 Samuel 17:45-47

And here is the part of the story I hadn’t taken notice of before…   As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him. (1 Samuel 17:48)

Most people run away from a fire – few are willing to run into one. Most run away from those with difficult news or losses. Most pass on opportunities to encourage. Most don’t stick their neck out to help.

If David was one of those who run away, Goliath would probably still be standing there today – a 3100 year old, gray headed giant with a big spear and a bigger mouth. But David was not one of those who run away. David ran toward.

May we take a lesson from him and become people who run toward not away. May we be people who being empowered by Christ, inspired by the faithful, and armed with loving hearts, reach out to those who are facing a giant.

Running Toward,

Ron