THE SCARED CHURCH

On the evening of the first Easter the disciples huddled in a closed room and bolted the door to keep out the world. They were so frightened of the people outside they had to use doors and walls to separate themselves from outsiders.

Today our churches still seem afraid of the world. We hide behind our stained-glass windows, choir robes and Sunday School literature and preach about the evils of homosexuality, drugs and pornography.

The message of such behavior is “We are scared of Satan and his world of evil.”  We meet to share time with other frightened Christians and have a few hours each week of “holy huddle,” fervently hoping the world will not physically or emotionally intrude.

We say “Our church doors are open. All are invited to worship with us.” We even send out visitation teams to persuade people to come to our church next Sunday. But are our hearts as open as our doors? Are we careful to invite only the “right kind” of people from “correct neighborhoods” to join us in our sanctimonious ceremonies?

If new-comers do not dress correctly or wash frequently do we secretly hope they will search for God somewhere else? The world that many people face every day is dirty, mean and dangerous. Many of the people that live in that world tend to be unkempt and rough, with an unpleasant odor. Do we as long-time members really want them to be a part of our worship.

The addicted and abused, the frightened and confused are not urged to attend the 11:00 Sunday morning, suit and tie, heels and hats, upper room gathering of the faithful. They frighten us. We do not want them to disrupt our services, offend our sensibilities and upset our routine. My goodness, one of them might actually sit in my pew.

Even worse, some of these down-and-outers might require some of our own personal time and assistance. They might become a bodily, practical expression of God’s message “unto the least of one of these.”  After all, if we don’t intend to individually go “into all the world” we for sure don’t want the world coming to us!

Listening to God’s Advice

Suppose I was the world champion rodeo bull rider.  I had mastered all the techniques and tricks of the trade. I was the best that ever existed.

Then two years ago I retired.

Now my son wants to be a top tier rider. He is in his second season. I try to teach him all I know. He listens, but when he climbs on a bull he ignores my advice. In event after event he gets bucked off. His pain and injuries are mounting up week after week.

Each time he hits the ground it hurts me, too, because I love him. I know it would be so much better for him if he would just listen and follow my instructions.

So it is with God when I try to live my life outside his advice and commandments. Life would be so much easier and successful if I just followed what He has told me in his Word. When my stubborn nature leads me away from Him I get hurt and He suffers because He loves me.

Daily Footprints

Last night we had a two inch snowfall in my community. Everyone who walked in the park behind my house left footprints, a temporary record of their passing.

It is now evening and I have just finished living another day. Like strollers in the park, I also left a trail to show where I went.  I left emotional footprints that show how I affected other people. Did I successfully follow Paul’s admonition to live peaceably with all men? (Romans 12:18)

I left intellectual footprints which attest to my wise or unwise choices. When I lacked wisdom did I consult God?  Did I try to be an attentive student and learn all God wanted to teach me? (James 1:5)

In such sloppy weather I tried not to track snow onto the clean floors of my home. But I was unsuccessful and dirt ended up inside. Was I as concerned about keeping undesirable thoughts out of my mind, which is God’s home? (I Corinthians 6:19)

I left communication footprints. What did I talk about? What did I listen to? Did I speak of and point to Jesus? (James 3:1-10)

Most importantly I left spiritual footprints which attest to my priorities as I went about my assigned and chosen tasks? Did my life point to eternal issues or temporary concerns? (Colossians 3:2)

Tomorrow I will again leave a record of my presence in the lives of others. God calls me to walk so that those impressions will honor and glorify Him. I pray that with the help of the Holy Spirit I will be successful.

Bit & Pieces, Odds & Ends – 10

When Jesus returned to heaven, what did He take back as souvenirs of His trip here? Five scars and the assurance He had done his Father’s will.

God’s voice is true and relevant whether He whispers (butterflies, gentle rain, a cat’s purr) or shouts (Niagara Falls, thunder, a hurricane). In all things He is saying “I created. I control. Trust me.”

If I refuse to tell others about God’s grace, if I refuse to share what I know about the grace I have received, then I have received it largely in vain.

As a Christian I take comfort in the fact that God always keeps his word. Can others take comfort from the fact that I will always keep mine?

My love for God is proven by my obedience (Mark 12:31). My love for others is proven by my service. Obey and Serve. It seems simple enough, but after sixty years of Christian life I still struggle to do both.

Every problem in my life is an opportunity for me to  allow God to solve that problem in a way that will glorify his name. Why is that so hard to remember?

The most valuable athlete, by word or action, says “Coach, I’m not as good as I want to be. Show me how to get better.” The most valuable employee says the same thing to his boss. The most valuable Christian says those words to God…and means them.

The degree to which I have become holy is indicated by the degree to which I am sharing God’s blessings.

I did not do anything to achieve my salvation but I must do everything in my power to exhibit it every day.

In 2 Corinthians 5:14 Paul said the love of God “compels” us. It compelled him to preach  the gospel. What specific day-by-day actions am I compelled to carry out because of His love?

Using My Wealth

God has allowed each of us some amount of earthly wealth. As we decide what to do with it we divide ourselves in one of three categories.

HURTERS

These people use their wealth to hurt other people. Their attitude seems to be “It’s all mine. You can not have or use any of it. In fact, if I can figure out a way, I’ll get a part of yours for myself.” They see people as objects to be used for their own benefit.

HURRIERS

These people are too busy to find ways to use their money for anyone other than themselves. Their attitude is “Life is short. I don’t have time to be concerned about anything except money and what it can buy.” They don’t necessarily want more money, but they have to hurry in their efforts enjoy what they have. They simply do not see or understand the needs of others.

HELPERS

To these folks, wealth is a gift from God. It is intended to be used by his children to benefit others. “What is mine is really ours and I will share it with you when I see your need. How can I help?” They are continually looking for ways to use their wealth to further God’s kingdom.

God will never ask us “How much money do you have” but He will call us to give an account of “Where and how did you get it” and “What are you going to do with it.” We need to be sure He will be pleased with out answers.

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When I concentrate on being a friend of God, I am blessed. When I concentrate on being a friend for God, others get blessed, too.

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What does God look like?  Anything He wants to, anytime He wants to,  for as long as He wants to.

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Because we are future residents of heaven we can get overly-involved in all the details of the place. We talk about gates and lampstands and thrones and living creatures and harps and scrolls. We must remember that the glory of heaven is not in the place that is heaven but in the presence that is in heaven….the presence of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

Has God Ever?

Has God ever cried?  He did at Bethany (John 11:35)

Has God ever cooked breakfast? He did on the sea shore. (John 21:9)

Has God ever gone to a party?  He did at Cana. (John 2:2)

Has God ever washed feet? He did in the upper room. (John 13:5)

Has God ever scolded slow learners? He did on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:25)

Has God ever defended sinners? He did at the temple. (John 8:10)

Has God ever had dinner with sinners? He did with Zacchaeus. (Luke 19:7)

Has God ever physically attacked sin? He did in the temple.(John 2:15)

Has God ever been tired? He was in Samaria. (John 4:6)

Has God ever gone hiking? He did in Galilee. (Mark 1:35)

Has God ever been hungry? He was in the wilderness. (Matthew 4:2)

Has God ever told anyone to mind their own business? He did Peter. (John 21:22)

Has God ever led a parade? He did in Jerusalem. (Mark 11:7-11)

Has God ever been thirsty? He was on the cross (John 19:28)

Has God ever gone sailing? He did on the Sea of Galilee. (Matthew 9:11)

Jesus is fully God and fully man. He understands our humanity because He experienced it.

Specific Repentance

Many people believe (and I agree) that when we pray for God to bless others, our requests are more likely to be granted if we pray for specific blessings. Rather than “Father, bless Johnny today” we should pray “Father, help Johnny pass his math test and behave in the lunch room and remember to bring home his dirty sweat socks and feed the cat after school.”

The same principle holds true when we pray for forgiveness for ourselves. Instead of “Dear Father, forgive me for all of my sins today” we should pray “Dear Father, forgive me for snapping at my kids and for the name I called the driver of that black pick up and for criticizing my boss and for laughing at that crude joke I heard during the coffee break at work.”

Specific sins call for specific confession and repentance.

But what if no specific sins come to mind while we are praying? Then our prayers should be “Dear Father, show me the exact ways I disappointed you today. Make me aware of them so I can confess and repent. Give me the wisdom and strength to resist them tomorrow.”

Such prayers will no doubt prolong our prayer times. When we linger and allow the Holy Spirit to be bring specific sins to mind we are more likely to achieve intimacy with our God, which is the main purpose of prayer.

Obedience

How should I respond to God when He gives me a command or a suggestion? Certainly not “I can’t.” He never tells me to do anything I am incapable of doing. If He says “Do it” and I respond “I can’t” I am calling Him a liar.

If, instead, I should respond with “I don’t want to” I am telling Him my desires are more important than his. That is arrogant and selfish (and more than a little foolish.)

If I allow the Holy Spirit to work within me, someday my sense of “I can’t” and “I don’t want to” will no longer be the first response that comes to mind when God gives me an opportunity to serve within his kingdom. Then my response of “Gladly” will be my instant reaction every time.

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In Matthew 11:29 stated “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…and you will find rest for your soul.”

What is that yoke? I think it is his concern, sympathy and love for others.

Is it more than that? Is it different than that? Perhaps. But whatever it may be, we are promised peace when we accept it and wake up each morning eager to wear it and display it during that day’s activities.

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I want  to be a “puppy” Christian.

A six-month puppy is a combination of raw enthusiasm and unlimited desire to please his master. Such energy results in licks, leaps, wags, and barks.                     .

When his master, through consistent and strict training methods, teaches the pup what is expected he delights in doing what he is told.

I should be just as eager to please God and as willing to be taught. Then maybe my last pre-sleep word from the Holy Spirit will be “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

 

 

 

Pay the Price to Make the Team

2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful.” (CEV)

On the first day of school Billy entered the basketball coach’s office. “Coach, I didn’t get to play much as a freshman last season. But I’ve grown almost two inches this summer. I know practice doesn’t begin until November, but I want to start working out now so I can make the junior varsity team this season.”

“That’s good to hear, Billy. I’m glad you are eager to get started.”

“What should I do, coach? Give me a work-out plan. I’ll do it every day and really be ready when practice starts.”

“Okay, Billy. To start with, you’ll have to throw away your cigarettes. I’ve seen you at least a dozen times this summer with one in your mouth. You can’t smoke and keep up with the running schedule I’m going to give you. And I suspect you are drinking. The kids you run around with on Friday and Saturday nights are into alcohol. There is no room for you on our roster if you insist on being part of that lifestyle.”

“Remember the team meeting we had on the last day of school last spring? I gave every one of you a schedule showing when the gym would be open during the summer. You didn’t show up for even one of those sessions. That schedule suggested you run at least fifteen miles a week. Have you done that?”

Billy muttered a resentful “No”.

“Some of the boys said you are working four nights a week at Betty’s Burger Bar. I don’t think you will have enough time to work there, keep up your grades and do the pre-season work-out schedule. Your grades come first, so you will have to decide between burgers and basketball.”

“Billy you have some real basketball talents. I’m glad you want to improve them. But so far you haven’t shown a willingness to do the necessary work. Here’s the pre-season schedule. I hope you can follow it.”

Like the young man in Mark 10:22 Billy “went away grieved.”

In times of religious fervor we are apt to pray “God, use me.” Does he have a list of things we need to do or become so we can be of value in his kingdom? Are we willing to pay the price of obedient Bible study and prayer in order to be a valued member of the winning team?

Drop and Pick Up

We are not called to reach the lost by dying. (Jesus has already done that.) We are called to reach them by living—living the sacrificial life of Christ. Paul reminded us of this when he said in Philippians 1:21 “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” and in Romans 12:1 when he talked of a “living sacrifice.”

Such sacrificial living demands that we give up (drop) some things. We must walk away from some types of recreation. We are required to surrender some thought patterns. We are called to renounce our physical, intellectual, spiritual and emotional holds on every thing that impedes our movement toward becoming Christlike.

But surrendering things is only the beginning. Then we must add (pick up) those things which the Holy Spirit tells us will strengthen our witnessing about God’s love, mercy and grace. We must allow the fruit of the Spirit to be developed within us (Galatians 5:22-23.) We must take up our cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24.)

Unfortunately too many people (even God’s children) see only the “dropping” side of Christianity, expressed by “Thou shalt not.” They feel their Christian growth is complete when past temptations are successfully ignored. But at that point the process of becoming Christlike has only begun.

Our Father has many things He wants to incorporate into our lives. And He has promised that what is added will always be better than what we surrender. The rewards will far outweigh the sacrifices.