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

If You Love It, Lose It...

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.” John 12:25 (NLT)   This verse jumped off the page at me and my thoughts were flooded with questions, the biggest of which were:  What does loving your life in this world look like, and how does caring nothing for it work?  

From the moment I met him, I knew instantly that Tyler was a special young man. Special enough that I once told him that I wished he were triplets because I’ve got two daughters that I’d like to introduce him to.

My first interaction with Tyler was when he approached me after church in July 2013. He had just moved to Manhattan from Ames, Iowa. He had finished an undergraduate degree at Iowa State and was in Manhattan to pursue a graduate degree from Kansas State.

Unlike most students, at the top of his priority list upon arriving in Manhattan was finding a church to attend. And again unlike most, his agenda after church was to find out how to get plugged in and become a part of a church family. I invited him to attend our small group and from there our friendship blossomed.

Caitlin moved to Wamego in August of 2013. They weren’t engaged as of yet, but that was in the works. So she wanted to be close by. Within a year Tyler proposed marriage and in a few days (June 2015) their lives as husband and wife will finally begin.

The other day I told Tyler and Caitlin that I’d be at his apartment at 9am. They were merging two households just prior to their wedding day – by the way this is becoming rare, as the merging of households is more often done without regard to a wedding these days – and they had some things they wanted to give to a single mom who might need some help.

Again unlike many, Tyler understood the plight of a mom who has to raise children on her own. He grew up in a single parent home after his dad had made choices that removed him from the picture. So, Tyler wanted take the duplicates from merging households and give them to a single mom who had a need.

So we spent a couple of hours together loading and unloading. And, later, as I considered the “stuff” in my garage, it hit me…  God had arranged for some of my questions from earlier in the day to be answered.

I had just experienced an example of living without caring for life in this world. Some of the things given away could have been sold. But instead and more important, they were being used to glorify God and bless another.

I have witnessed a life of integrity that shines a spotlight on God’s greatness. And I saw a young man who cared for others by being observant, generous and loving. A young man in his early twenties, and his sweet fiancé brought me a lesson the other day…

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.” John 12:25 (NLT)  

Ron

The roof will cover it...

“Don’t worry the roof will cover it…”

On Monday I helped shingle a gazebo that had been given to the city. The shingles on it were well worn and needed to be replaced.  I haven’t shingled often, so I only know enough to be dangerous. With every bit of tar paper, flashing or shingles that I put on I find myself hoping that the roof doesn’t leak. And, every time I crawl onto a roof I hear, “Don’t worry the roof will cover it…”

My dad was a school teacher while I was growing up, consequently summers were “free” for him. He used to say that he got into teaching for three reasons: June, July and August. So, dad would spend that “free” time working another job. One of those summer jobs was working for local carpenter named Delbert Spain. 

Delbert didn’t often turn dad loose on many projects without supervision – after all dad was a teacher not a carpenter. But once in a while dad was directed to tackle something on his own. Later Delbert would come and inspect the work. Well one day dad made a bit of a mess with a project. And all Delbert said was, “Don’t worry the roof will cover it.”  (Delbert had a good reputation, so I suspect he fixed it later, but I don’t recall that part of the story.)

Last week I discovered a plumbing problem at our house. The line to the lagoon was blocked. So we had the line dug up at the point of the blockage and found the reason.

Apparently when the trench was backfilled a rock fell down on the pipe and knocked a couple of holes in it and partially crushed it. “Don’t worry the dirt will cover it.”  I’ve since learned that there are ways of filling in a trench that ensure things like this don’t happen. None of those steps were taken in this case.

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church he delivered some sobering news to those who attempt to put a roof or dirt over their shortcuts, errors or failures.

Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.  For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.

Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw.  But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.  If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward.  But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.   1 Cor. 3:10-15 (NLT)

After five years of use the broken pipe was finally found out, and just like it some of our Kingdom efforts may be revealed for what they are.  But some errors, shortcuts, and failures may remain covered up forever – not!  Eventually God will reveal the truth. Which, by the way, is something that He has known all along.

I’m guessing that most of us wouldn’t knowingly bury an error we created and then sell it to others. We wouldn’t build a building full of mistakes and then hope that the roof will cover it. So let’s take Paul’s encouragement to heart and give nothing short of our best to God. Kingdom work has eternal consequences, it has to be “built” to last.

Ron

In His Way

For the last few years I’ve tried to make it a practice to read from scripture every day. A couple of years ago I began journaling along with my reading. I try to write out a scripture that “jumps out” at me and then write an observation about it, an application for it, and a brief prayer.

Here is my journal entry for March 8…

Scripture: But Moses responded to the Lord, “There are 600,000 foot soldiers here with me, and yet you say, ‘I will give them meat for a whole month!’   Even if we butchered all our flocks and herds, would that satisfy them? Even if we caught all the fish in the sea, would that be enough?”   Then the Lord said to Moses, “Has my arm lost its power? Now you will see whether or not my word comes true!”  Numbers 11:21-23 NLT

Observation: Months in the desert had the people grumbling about food. We want meat! God heard their complaints about Him and His provision and decided to do something about it. He promised meat – so much meat that it would make them sick of it!

But Moses didn’t see how this could happen. He was thinking that it was something that he’d have to do. Something he’d have to supply. How can we get enough meat to satisfy this hoard?  Moses was limiting God by assuming God’s place.

Application: I am not God, so why do I insist on getting in His way and limiting His power? God is all able, all knowing, all present, all the time. Get out of His way! Quit trying to be in control of everything. Allow Him to do His will. Allow Him to do what only He can do.

Prayer: Father – wow!  I am constantly limiting You. Trying to take control. Trying to do things on my own. Please forgive me for being out of line and in Your way. Please do Your work on, in and through me. I love You Lord!

Humbled by His power and His word,

Ron

What to do when witnessing the amazing

I am not sure what Orville Redenbacher puts in his popcorn…

Our evening snack usually comes out of the microwave. But a couple of evenings ago Sharon broke out the stovetop popcorn popper and the results were amazing. Not because there were few “old maids” (thank you Orville Redenbacher).   And not because it tasted so good – after all butter can make styrofoam peanuts taste good.

So what was so amazing?

My grandson has developed a taste for popcorn. So when I sit down with a bowl of buttery goodness in hand, he comes crawling, pulls himself up, and stands there like a baby bird hoping to be fed. On this particular evening he hit the jackpot because his mom also had a bowl.  Two people to mooch off of…

After consuming quite a bit of popcorn something amazing happened.  This nearly 17 month old boy, who had shown no interest at all in walking, let go of the couch and headed across the room.  Baby’s first steps were a popcorn fueled stroll across the living room!

 

One day the house Jesus was teaching in was full – standing room only – even the doorway was occupied. You couldn’t have stuffed one more inside, but several guys were determined to get in; they were not about to be denied.

One of them was unable to walk, so his friends carried him up on the roof. Once there they removed some of the roofing and then lowered the paralyzed man down on a stretcher.  Jesus saw their faith and was moved to action. “My child, your sins are forgiven.”

Some took offense at what Jesus said, after all it is blasphemy to claim what only God can do. So Jesus challenged them and eventually told the man to “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home.”  A healing that clearly demonstrated an authority to forgive sins.

And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!” (Mark 2:12, NLT)

What do you do when you are amazed? 

Confession is good for the soul right?  For months we’ve been anticipating a first step and we’ve done what we could to encourage walking, but there was no real interest. So when the stroll finally happened I was truly amazed. So what did I do?  “Wow what did Orville put in that popcorn?”  Really?  The popcorn was responsible?

Did you notice what the stunned onlookers did when they were amazed?   They praised God!  

Everyday life unrolls amazing things for us to experience, enjoy and live.  These things ought to catch our attention, inform our faith, and inspire us to celebrate God. God is the author of the truly amazing. “Sing to the Lord; praise His name. Each day proclaim the good news that He saves. Publish His glorious deeds among the nations.  Tell everyone about the amazing things He does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!” Ps. 96:2-4a

Amazed and crediting God,

Ron

Do You Hear?

Have you ever been near a helicopter when it is taking off or landing?  The word that describes them best is – loud!  

This past week we spent a couple of days in Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Samuel, our #2 grandson, was there for surgery and his room was on the second floor, four floors below the landing pad on the roof.

When helicopters came in to land – well, you couldn’t miss it. The windows shook and any conversation that was going on had to wait until the maneuver was over.  During the night after his surgery, seven helicopters came in – and each time, folks that were trying to sleep were awakened.  Several others landed during the day, which got me wondering if this was a normal occurrence. (I imagine it is because Children’s Mercy takes the region’s most difficult pediatric cases.)

Did I mention that the helicopters were loud?  You can’t miss the “chop, chop, chop.”  But if you listen carefully, there is more you can hear.  It’s almost inaudible, but if you try you can make out the muffled whimpering of the child on board. A child that has been an accident of some kind, or has suffered serious burns, or is in need of some other emergency care.

In the distance, sometimes many miles away, you can make out the roar of a car as parents rush to be at their child’s side. It’s off in the distance, but it is coming closer.  Inside the car is louder still, as a mother weeps and a father tries to comfort.

Like helicopters, life can be so loud.  Do you only hear the “chop, chop, chop”, or do you hear more?

One day Jesus approached an insignificant little village called Nain. “His disciples were with him, along with quite a large crowd. As they approached the village gate, they met a funeral procession—a woman’s only son was being carried out for burial. And the mother was a widow. When Jesus saw her, his heart broke. He said to her, “Don’t cry.” Then he went over and touched the coffin. The pallbearers stopped. He said, “Young man, I tell you: Get up.” The dead son sat up and began talking. Jesus presented him to his mother.” (Luke 7:12-15, The Message)

A large crowd was following Jesus into the village as a large funeral procession was coming out. It would not have been a quiet scene as excitement mingled with deep grief and despair.  Yet over all the voices, Jesus heard the cries of a mother. He saw the pain of one who had lost her husband, and now had lost her only son, and with him, her hope. Her heart broke His.

Jesus noticed.

Some 2,000 years later not much has changed.  The sounds of life still collide as joy still mingles with sadness.  Like Jesus, we can notice too – if we try.

Listen closely – and hear those muffled cries. Look carefully at the crowd – and see the one who is hurting. Spot the broken hearts in the chaos of life – and then touch like Jesus.

Chop, chop,

Ron

Reminded Again

Can I make a confession?   Ok, here goes…

Some days I don’t feel very creative. I sit and stare at the computer screen trying to think of something to write. Something that will teach, encourage, inspire, or captivate the thoughts of a listener or reader.   So here I sit – a blank screen in front of me – and as I sit a long lost memory comes to mind. (I suspect it is a nudging from God.) 

Years ago, as I was “shaking out” folks after church, I greeted a fellow who had been a Bible college professor and preacher for years. Having him present was always intimidating, after all he can read a Greek bible. So I said something to him along the lines of doubting if my message had taught him anything or done much to help deepen his faith.  And he agreed – it hadn’t!

But he was okay with that. Because, according to him, most who come to church on Sunday know quite a bit about the teachings of scripture. Many have attended for years. So, to him the role of the preacher was to remind, encourage, and help folks see in a new light what they already know.    

In his second letter, Peter reminds readers that God has given them everything needed to live a godly life. And then he challenges believers to make every effort to live well by adding moral excellence to faith, then adding knowledge, then self-control, patient endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and finally to add a love for everyone.

No surprises. Stuff we already know - right?!?!

But then he wrote this: “Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught.”  2 Peter 1:12 (NLT)

Peter dedicated his life to teaching and re-teaching believers. So taking a cue from Peter (and with the encouragement of a friend), here a few reminders:

·         Stay faithful and true to Christ! (Hebrews 10:23)

·         Spend time in the Word! (2 Timothy 2:15)

·         Keep on praying! (1 Thessalonians  5:16-17)

·         Help others know Jesus! (2 Corinthians 5:11)

·         Keep your faith alive by doing! (James 2:26)

·         Encourage others! (Hebrews 10:24)

·         Attend every possible worship service! (Hebrews 10:25)

·         Excel in giving! (2 Corinthians 8:7)

·         Guard your thought life! (Philippians 4:8)

The list is not exhaustive, but I encourage you to ponder it carefully. It contains no new “news” or surprises. It is simply a re-teaching, a re-encouragement, and a re-reminder. But if we truly believe that God inspired the words to be written - and that the great men and women of our faith taught these things over and over - maybe we should make every effort to live in manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ!!!

Reminded to remind,

Ron

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Blessed Beyond I Deserve

For the last six years I’ve regularly donated blood. I have a few simple reasons for giving: 1) blood is needed, 2) it is an easy way to serve and be salt and light in the community, 3) my blood test is the only test I’ve taken and gotten a “grade” of A+, and, 4) to honor my mother-in-law, Edna Mae Joy, who was a faithful donor who gave gallons in her lifetime.

This past Friday I had an opportunity to give a pint of my A+ blood. As it happened the blood drive was in honor of Kevin Coffey. Four years ago Kevin died in Syracuse, NY, following a bus accident while on a trip to Toronto, Canada. He was from Manhattan, Kansas and was a 19 year old sophomore honors student at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

Kevin was an Eagle Scout and giving blood was one of his passions. So, his parents and friends have “Kept the Drive Alive” by holding yearly blood drives in Kevin’s honor in Manhattan and at Temple University.

After giving blood, and waiting the prescribed amount of time, and of course downing a couple of cookies, I got up to leave. On my way out I passed a table where Ray Coffey (Kevin’s dad) was standing. Ray was handing out “Keep the Drive Alive” t-shirts to those who had donated.  Ray was also encouraging donors to place an entry into a drawing for a chance to win a Bill Snyder autographed football, 2 tickets to a McCain performance on December 19, or a gift certificate to the Olive Garden Restaurant (as I recall).

I never win these things, but who could pass up a free drawing!?!?!

So I filled out a sheet of paper with my name and number on one side and on the other side I put an “X” in the box indicating that I wanted a chance to win the autographed football.

While filling out my form another fellow came up to the table. Ray gave him a t-shirt and asked him if he wanted to enter the drawing too.

When he saw the prizes, I heard him mention that December 19 was his wedding anniversary and his wife would love to go to a show to celebrate. I thought that was pretty cool – this guy was thinking of his wife and of celebrating his marriage to her. (I wonder if Sharon would like a football, hmmm…)

So, I told him I thought what he was doing was cool and so I was going to mark an “X” on the back of my drawing ticket for the McCain performance and that if I won I’d give him the tickets. So we exchanged business cards. My sentiment counted for something, so I left feeling good. I never gave the drawing another thought – after all, I never win these things.

This morning I got a call from Ray Coffey. Guess what – I won. Ray told me I had a choice between the football and the tickets. Great!  Kind of.  Which do I pick? Do you know how many times I’ve tried to win a Bill Snyder autographed football!?!? 

I wanted the football. But I had promised the tickets. Which would you choose?  That guy would never know I won – would he?

So, I told Ray I really wanted the football, but I also wanted to die with integrity so I probably ought to take the tickets. Then Ray had an idea. He said something about being on the McCain board and that he knew there were still tickets available for that performance. So, if I wanted to buy a couple of tickets I could have the football and die with integrity!

“Well, how much are the tickets?” I asked. “I’m not sure. But I’ll check and call you back.” Ray replied. Perfect!  A few minutes later the phone rang again. It was Ray. “You just won the football.” he said. He went on to explain that he told the story to the director of McCain. The director thought it was a cool story and told Ray that he’d like to give him two complimentary tickets to give to me, so that I could give them to the anniversary couple!  How cool is that!

This evening I called Justin and told him the story. When I told him that I wanted the football, he said something about that I should take it. He thought he was letting me “off the hook” on my promise. But then I told him there was more to the story. When he heard the rest he was ecstatic (me too!).

The end of the story?  Not yet…

This morning, about two hours before Ray called to tell me that I was a winner, I did my daily scripture reading and journaling. I read from Matthew chapter 17 through 19. In chapter 19, Matthew recounts a time that Jesus was approached by rich man who wanted to know how to get into heaven. “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”

Jesus told him that he needed to follow the commandments. “Which ones?” the rich man asked. And so Jesus listed off a few. “I’ve followed those. What else do I need to do?” was the reply. So then Jesus gave him the hard stuff – sell all you have, give it to the poor, and then follow me.

The rich man went away sad because “…it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”  Jesus taught a bit more and then Peter spoke up, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?”

Jesus’ reply contained the verses that caught my eye and made it into my journal this morning. Matthew 19:29-30 (NLT) – “Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.  But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

I then wrote the following thoughts on these verses…  “God is noticing what we do on behalf of Him and what we do for ourselves. When we sacrifice something that was ‘ours’ for Him, He notices. But He does more than notice. He keeps track and He blesses the giver beyond the gift. So, live with an eternal perspective. What I have is really best used for His purposes. Father this is Your day and I am Yours too. Today I want to spend the day with You.”

Today I won a football. But more importantly I made a couple of friends named Ray and Justin. And more important still, I got a living color lesson on how God is active and working in our lives.

These verses spoke to me before I headed out into the day, but I honestly didn’t connect the dots between this scripture and the day’s events until I began writing down these thoughts this evening.

But God’s Word is alive! It does apply to life! It teaches! It corrects! It encourages! It informs! It directs!

This scripture lesson (and others from earlier in life) must have lodged somewhere. So I gave. And, because I gave I was given too. I considered someone ahead of myself. And, I’m convinced that because I did, God – through others, chose to bless me. And in blessing me, He made His Word come alive in my life. And because it came alive in my life, I’m more driven and excited to absorb and apply His Word further!

   

Today, several were blessed (Ray, Justin and I – hopefully you too as you read this). Could this be the hundred times blessing that Jesus mentioned?  Why not!

God blesses those who live for Him. Even blessing a fellow like me – who really wanted to hang on to what I wanted – but in the end opted for doing what was right and God honoring.

Jesus encouraged His students, who had given up so much to follow Him, with a promise that God was taking notice of what they were doing. And God would bless them beyond their wildest imaginations and on top of that they would also receive eternal life!  Jesus didn’t say when those blessings would be given, so I suppose they could be given in this life and/or in eternity. Who knows, maybe He will even give them today.

Live to give. You can’t keep more than He can give you.

Blessed beyond I deserve,

Ron

Selected to Serve

The letter started with, “You are hereby notified that you have been selected to serve as a prospective juror and you are therefore commanded to report to the Riley County Courthouse…”  I’ve been eligible to serve for 36 years and this is the first time I have gotten this far into the process.

I feel strongly about doing my part in the community, so I was excited about the opportunity. Except for a couple of things.

The dates for the trial were a concern, because they fell in a busy time for me.  But I resolved to make it work.  And then, there was one other little thing about the letter that struck a bit of a sour note for me. It was a word in the first sentence: “commanded.”  Really?  Commanded?  It seemed a bit harsh. All they had to do was ask – I’m more than willing to help. Isn’t everyone?  :)

They could have written, “We need your help with an upcoming trial, so please come to the courthouse on 11/17/2014. We look forward to meeting you. Thank you in advance for helping us out.”  But then again, I suppose experience has taught them that stronger “encouragement” is needed.

On the night before Jesus died, He got up from the table and grabbed a basin of water and a towel. And then He washed every dirty foot in the room – even the feet that were going to betray Him in a few short moments.

After washing their feet, He put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing?   You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am.   And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.   I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. (John 13:12-15)

The Son of God, left a throne, to come and serve – to offer an example that encourages and commands us to follow His lead.  We have been selected to serve!

Today, in my daily scripture reading I read the following verse, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (1 Cor. 12:7)   Moments before reading, a friend had invited me out to his house – I needed some air for a low tire. He had the air compressor and tire gauge I lacked, so he checked and filled all four of my tires.

Today I witnessed Jesus’ example and Paul’s encouragement!

Friends, “…don’t get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Gal. 6:9)   Be excited to follow Christ’s lead. Take what He has given you and use it to help someone else. Serve with joy – not out of duty!

Selected to Serve,

Ron