Where is the Justice?
I am exhausted, and it’s only Wednesday. I know that we may feel this way at any time. But I am writing these words, not because I am tired on this day, but I know that on the day it is published I will be quite tired.
You see, our church is having Vacation Bible School from June 8-12. This is an event I anticipate every year. I love to be around the boys and girls as we teach them and love on them through this week. But I must admit this. I am also grateful when Friday night arrives. It’s a good tired. But it is a real tired. VBS wears me out.
In some ways, VBS in our church is just like life. Life itself is both exciting and exhausting, all at the same time. We have those moments in life that we wish would last forever. Graduation day. Wedding day. The day the first baby, or even better, grandbaby is born. Do you remember how you felt on those days?
When I held my precious granddaughter in my arms the first time I have to admit that the tears flowed. There was such joy. But there was also a bit of fear for her. The world into which she was born is messed up. In fact, we are living in a time when the words of the prophet Isaiah could not be more appropriate.
Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Do you see that happening around you today? Some in the media, some politicians, and perhaps one of your friends or relatives actually rejoice when bad things happen. And they lament when the good is done. It’s just not right.
And yet, in this world, we know it will continue to take place. And we long for more. We pray that God will bring true justice to our world. There is an inner longing for such, and it was placed there by the Lord Himself.
I pray that you will rejoice in the good, cry over the evil, and seek the Lord’s justice in all that you do. And I encourage you to trust Him. He will make things right in His time.
Is Your Life in Order?
Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I love baseball. I played in the first T-Ball league in metro Atlanta when I was six years old. It was 1966, the year the Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta. I’ve been a fan since. I played through high school, umpired for several years, and had the privilege of coaching both of my sons.
If you have not been paying attention, it has been a good year for baseball in the state of Georgia so far. The Braves have the best record in the major leagues, and Georgia Tech and Georgia are ranked second and third in the nation. Both are hosting regional tournaments, and have won their first games. By the time you read this we will know if they have advanced to the next round of the NCAA tournament.
But there have also been some sad moments this year, especially for Braves’ fans. Former owner, Ted Turner, former manager, Bobby Cox, and former third baseman, Bob Horner all died last month. Turner and Cox were in their eighties, and had been sick in recent years. Horner was only 68 years old. As I approach my 67th birthday I am sobered by that thought.
I never met any of these men. They would not have known anything about me. But I still was moved to hear of their deaths. In some manner each one touched my life.
As I think about death I am reminded of several things. The Bible is clear on this issue. “It is appointed unto man once to die…” It also says, “Man knows not his time…” I know it might sound morbid, but this is the truth. The death rate for living is 100%. Death is our greatest enemy, and we all must face it.
The question before us is simple. Am I ready to die? Some folks are diagnosed with a fatal disease and have time to prepare. Others lose their lives without warning to an accident or a sudden medical incident. But again the fact is that we all die.
I did not write these words to scare you. But I hope that you will take the time to ponder your own life. This world is not all that there is. God has made us for more. He has made a way for us to live eternally with Him. Again I ask you. Are you ready?
“The Price of Life Everlasting”
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” These are the words of Jesus found in John 15:13. Jesus Himself would prove His love for us by going to the cross and dying in our place. That is the greatest display of love in all of human history, and for that we give thanks.
Earlier this week we celebrated Memorial Day. Throughout the history of our nation, men and women have paid the ultimate price so that we might enjoy the freedoms we have in this country. Even today we have military personnel in harm’s way. Each enlisted person knew that the day might come that they would be confronted with this possibility.
As we consider Memorial Day, I imagine every person reading this can think of someone, a friend, an acquaintance, or a relative, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It is a sobering thought to realize the price that has been paid on our behalf. I am forever grateful for all of those who have served. I am particularly humbled by the thought that many gave their lives for our freedoms.
I am even more humbled by the truth that Jesus did that for me. He was completely free and innocent of sin. He never even had an untoward thought, much less did something that violated the will of His Father. And yet, the Bible says, “He who knew no sin became sin for us.” And He died in our place.
I hope that you took the time on Monday to remember those who gave their lives for our country. I pray even more that you will remember daily the One who gave His life for you that you might have life everlasting.
“Work, as if for the Lord”
Last month our church hosted the worship service for the Blessing of the Fleet. I was the speaker. At first I wasn’t sure what I would say. I had never preached a sermon for such an event. And then it came to me. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
I want to share a quick summary of this message, because I believe it is applicable to all of us. The first phrase Paul writes is, “Whatever you do…” This is a reminder that we are to discover our own calling. Mine is to preach. I have no doubt about that in my mind. But I would argue strongly that the call to be a pastor or missionary is not the only call God gives. He calls some to teach, some to do business, some to work on cars, and some to fish. God gives each of us talents and gifts, and He wants us to find our own calling. There are no unimportant jobs in the kingdom of God. If you find your calling, life will have meaning. “Whatever you do…”
The second phrase is, “do heartily.” That means to do the best you can. Do an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. Don’t be lazy. Don’t cut corners. Give it your best effort. I believe that is God’s calling. If you cut grass, trim the edges, rake the clippings, and make the yard as pretty as you can. Give it your all. “Do heartily.”
The final phrase is, “as for the Lord, not for men.” Here’s a question for you. Who is your boss? You might offer me a name. Perhaps you are self-employed, so you work for yourself…or your customers. I would argue that, ultimately, you work for the Lord. He is your ultimate supervisor. Do you work as if for the Lord?
That finishes the verse, but the sentence goes through v. 24. “…knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord.” What a great way to summarize it. You are serving the Lord. The Lord will reward you. I pray that you will discover the truth to this great lesson. “Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord…” God bless.
“Don’t Squander Your Gift”
This past Sunday was Mother’s Day. We celebrated both my wife and my daughter-in-law as a family. Lots of food, lots of laughter, a few gifts, and an occasional tear. My mom has been gone now for 21 years. I no longer think specifically about her every day. But when I think of her, I miss her so much.
Mom was an athlete. She played basketball in high school on a state championship team. She remained competitive her entire life. There was a tradition of playing “Rook” when her side of the family gathered. Some of her brothers and sisters could be vicious. And oh, how I loved to watch them play. Accusations of incompetence, along with questions about cheating were loudly thrown around. And they laughed until they cried, both after winning and losing. There was never any money involved. Just the joy of beating your siblings.
Mom played different games with her grandchildren. She allowed them to win during the preschool years. By the time a child was in first grade, you better strap on your chinstrap. I heard her declare, “Suck it up, buttercup,” to all five of those grandchildren, followed by the heartiest laughter you’ve ever heard. It was time to grow up.
But she was also quite tender-hearted. She kept nursery in her church for almost 30 years. There were close to 600 people at her funeral, and almost 400 were under the age of 30, those whom “Mrs. Shelby” had held in her arms during church services.
Proverbs 31 describes what many have called, “The Ideal Woman,” and I suppose many women have become frustrated trying to live up to her standards, while many men have held out for the perfect Proverbs 31 woman. The truth is, there is probably not a woman to have ever lived who could be that ideal. But here’s the point. You don’t have to be.
God has called you to be who He created you to be. Artist. Athlete. Cook. CEO. We all have different gifts. Use yours. God gave them to you. Use them for His glory. When you do, you will have fulfilled your calling. And that will be enough.
“Ours is not to reason why…”
The fires that have been burning south of us have been devastating. In many ways, the damage done by such fires, or hurricanes, or blizzards, is unfathomable unless you see it with your own eyes. I’ve never lived in a place where fire has been so destructive.
But I’ve survived hurricanes (in both South Louisiana and Coastal Georgia), as well as a blizzard in Michigan. Again, until you see it, you just can’t comprehend it.
I remember taking a canoe ride following Hurricane Alisha near New Orleans more than four decades ago. We were in a neighborhood, and my paddle hit something a couple of feet under the water. I couldn’t determine what it was. My friend in the front of the boat said he was pretty sure it was the top of a neighbor’s chain link fence. Again, until you actually see it…
We wonder at times, how can this be? Why does a good God who loves us allow for such devastation? Why do we suffer in this world? Well, the truth is that we do not know all of the answers to such questions. I will say this. It is certainly the result of living in a fallen world. Sin is what caused such tragedies to enter our lives. That does not mean that a specific sin caused this specific act. But we do suffer as a result of sin, both our own and that of others.
We may never understand the reasons for such things in this life. But we can determine how we will respond. The many kindnesses we see, the generosity we experience, and the love that is shown in the midst of trouble is such a blessing. I have seen God’s love from others more often while going through trials that at any other time. And for that I am grateful.
And I am certain of this. For the child of God, such troubles will not last for eternity. Jesus said, “In the word you have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” I’m counting on that promise to be true. I pray you will do the same.
“Faithful to Us Always”
All my life I have been competitive. I have played different sports. My first organized attempt was T-ball at the age of six. Over the years, whether in an organized league, or just with friends I have played baseball, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, “walley-ball” (that’s volleyball on a handball court), ping-pong, pool, bowling and golf.
In most of those sports I have been at least somewhat competitive. Football and bowling were the exceptions. Six feet, two inches tall and 150 pounds, and the coach told me he was going to put weight on me and make me a lineman. That was laughable. And I can’t seem to hit the head pin in bowling more than two or three times a game. Can’t make the ball curve at all. I remember the first time I played where the score was kept electronically for everyone in the place to see. Decided it was not for me.
I’ve reached the age where my only real competitive outlet is golf. I love to play. And I can be decent. I’ve made three holes in one over 40 plus years. Not long ago I shot a 76, my personal best at Sapelo Hammock. The very next week I shot a 97. How can that happen? I’ve told people that the most consistent aspect of my golf game is my lack of consistency.
The truth is that is okay. I play well enough to enjoy the game, but I have no dreams of giving up my day job to join the senior tour. I just want to get some exercise, some fresh air and occasionally break 80.
I think my lack of consistency on the golf course sometimes mirrors my lack of consistency in living for the Lord. I understand Paul’s frustration when he writes in Romans 7, “I do the very thing I wish not to do…” Sometimes I simply fail to do what I know the Lord has led me to do. I don’t want to fail. But in my humanity I am unable perfectly to obey. The good news is this. God forgives. And He helps us the next time. I am encouraged by Paul’s words to Titus. “Even when we are faithless, He is faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”
“Using our Spiritual Gifts”
This coming Sunday will be a big day at Shellman Bluff Baptist Church. We will welcome our first ever associate pastor, Steven Jacobs, and his family to our church. Pastor Steven will have responsibilities over our youth and children’s programs, as well as our men’s ministry and the old “line 13,” other duties as assigned.
As I mentioned earlier, he will be the first ever full-time associate pastor to serve at Shellman Bluff Baptist. I am truly excited to be able to share the work. I believe that we are following the instructions Paul gave in 2 Timothy 2:2, “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Paul made it clear that Timothy was not to do all of the work. He was to train others to serve, and then give them the responsibility and the opportunity.
One of the greatest tragedies in many churches today is that the pastor is expected to do almost all of the work of ministry. Sometimes the pastor himself has this mentality, unwilling to share the responsibility, perhaps thinking he is the only one qualified for the work. At other times, the members of the church allow the pastor to do the work simply thinking, “Well, that’s why we pay him.”
Paul also wrote to the Ephesian church that the pastor’s job was, “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,” (Ephesians 4:12). This verse is found in the midst of one of the lists of the spiritual gifts. Paul’s point was clear. God has gifted all of His children, and we all are to use our gifts to build the church. God doesn’t need us. But He has still chosen to use us for His glory.
I pray that you will find your place in your church (if you don’t have one you need one), and that you will utilize the gifts God gave you to help your church accomplish its mission. It will be a blessing to your church and your pastor. It will also be a blessing to you.
“Law Abiding Christian”
Happy Tax Day! Have you completed and submitted your 2025 return yet? Unless you have filed for an extension, today is the day to send the forms (and a check if you owe) to your friendly Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service. Oh boy. Thanks for the reminder, huh?
What is it they say? Death and taxes are the only two things that are certain. I have to admit that I did not know that quote came from Benjamin Franklin until I was writing this column. He wrote a lot of stuff. Quite the character.
Still, the idea of taxes can get you down. We have income tax, sales tax, property tax, ad valorem tax, and I won’t finish the list. But you can be certain of this. If you have it, sooner than later someone will try and put a tax on it.
In the New Testament the tax collectors were considered to be some of the vilest and hated of people. Bystanders could not understand why Jesus would stop and speak to Zacchaeus. Others were amazed that He would call Matthew to be His disciple. The fact is that the Lord loved all people, and He has charged us to do the same. Notice, though, that He did not leave them as He found them. They were called to change, and they did.
Well, that still leaves us with the idea of taxes. I must admit that I do not enjoy writing a check to the government. I don’t like the added costs to my car, my clothes, or my dinner out with my wife. And yet, Jesus reminded us that we are to, “Give to Caesar what belongs to him, and to God what belongs to Him.”
God is our first priority. But we are to be faithful to do what is right when it comes to our civic duty as well. That may mean paying taxes, serving on a jury, voting, or running for public office. Here’s the thing. As in all other areas of life, “Do whatever you do to the glory of God.” That is your calling.
“A Mother’s Love for me…and Him”
Yesterday marked twenty years since she has been gone. My Mom breathed her last just after 7 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2006, only three days after her 67th birthday. I was sitting on the side of the bed holding her hand when it happened. It was just the two of us. It was a moment both precious and devastating.
As I ponder this memory, one of the more jolting things to consider is that I will be 67 in July. I am quite healthy. I anticipate that I have many more years on this earth, barring an accident or something else unforeseen. Still, to realize this is sobering.
Mom was a remarkable lady. She grew up poor. The daughter of an alcoholic, she was the ninth of ten children. Her dad died when she was only 13. She was the only one of her siblings to graduate high school. She played high school basketball, winning one state championship, and runner up another year. She was all-state, and only scored two points in her career. She was a guard in the days of three on three. If you know, you know.
Mom taught preschoolers in Sunday School for more than 40 years, sang in the choir, worked in the school cafeteria, and drove a school bus. She was a wonderful cook. She taught my wife how to make REAL homemade banana pudding…the kind where you cook the pudding on the stove, and bake it with a meringue. No other banana pudding is worthy of the name.
Mom was a strong disciplinarian. I once ran from her and climbed a tree in order to escape a spanking. Next thing I knew she was on the limb beside me, having broken off a smaller limb on the way up to use on my legs. I never did that again.
Most of all, my Mom was a lady who loved Jesus, and helped to instill that same love for Him into both my sister and me. She was very much a Proverbs 31 woman. And I miss her. My deepest desire is to be the man that my Mom and Dad trained me to be. They set a marvelous example for their children and grandchildren to follow. May God grant that same wisdom and commitment from me.
“Holy Week”
We find ourselves in the midst of Holy Week. This is the week that we remember the “passion” of Jesus, the week when He completed His teaching to His disciples, when He ate His last meal with them prior to His death, when He was arrested and tried, and finally when He was taken to Calvary and crucified. “Good Friday” (quite the interesting name, right?) is the final act of this week. Saturday was cold, dark and filled with sorrow.
I fear that sometimes, in our rush to get to Easter (after all, this was the most joyous occasion on earth) that we forget, or neglect, the days leading up to it. Don’t get me wrong. On Sunday I want to sing with all my heart, “He lives, He lives,” and “Because He lives I can face tomorrow,” and, “Up from the grave He arose.” Those songs remind us that Jesus is alive, and that because He is alive, we can live forever.
But, let us remember that the week leading up the resurrection were days of sorrow and pain. And I am speaking of more than the physical pain of the cross. If you have ever seen Mel Gibson’s, The Passion of the Christ you have a better understanding of the torture of the method of execution known as crucifixion.
But I would say to you that the pain of carrying our sin was the greatest pain that Jesus faced. God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin.” And Jesus took on His shoulders the sins of the world, dying as if He were the worst sinner ever to live, when in fact, He had never sinned.
I hope and trust that you will remember this great sacrifice made on your behalf. Know that Jesus died for you, in your place, to make a way for you to know peace. Please, go to church Sunday and celebrate the risen Savior. But take a few moments prior to that morning and remember the great mercy and grace the Lord offers to us all.
“Under Construction”
This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, named such to remember when Jesus marched into the city and the people cut palm branches and made a “red carpet” of sorts so that the Lord could enter in majesty. The tragedy is that only a few days later He was arrested, placed on trial, found guilty, and put up for execution. Good Friday, as it is called, was the same week as Palm Sunday.
There is such irony in this fact. James speaks of something similar in his short letter near the end of the New Testament when he writes, “Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, it ought not to be so.”
Here is what James is saying, and what we saw in the closeness of Palm Sunday and Good Friday. Our lives are often filled with contradictions. Some people refuse to attend church because they claim that churches are filled with hypocrites.
My response to that is to say, “Yes. What’s your point?” The church is filled with people, and people are sinful, and that includes you and me. As hard as we may try, we simply don’t get it right all the time. We say things and do things that we know we should not say and do. We feel bad about it, and we try to change.
Here’s the thing about that. We can’t change in our own power. But I am reminded that Jesus said, “Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.” In other words, the Holy Spirit can help us to change.
Mrs. Ruth Graham once said that her life was like many of the roads in her native North Carolina. It was, “Under Construction,” and only to be completed when she passed from this life to the next. What a great description!
And it is true for you and for me. Yes, we do sometimes contradict what we believe with what we do. But we are in the process of becoming more like Jesus every day. I hope that is true for you. And I hope you will remember the words to the song.
“He’s still working on me to make me what I ought to be…how loving and patient He must be. He’s still working on me.”
The Most Important Book
Over the years I have bought, read, and shelved thousands of books. I don’t have any idea how much money I have spent on books. Quite frankly, more than I have spent on golf and fishing combined would be my estimate. My wife has reminded me that libraries will allow you to borrow books, and my response is always that they expect you to return them.
My mother instilled a love for reading in me when she took me to the library every week when I was in elementary school. And to continue to learn and remain fresh in my ministry, I have felt it necessary to buy and read more books.
But, in recent years I have come to realize that I will never again read many of these books. And so I have started the process of purging my library. I gave several hundred to the Guido Bible Institute in Metter back when I was teaching there. And I have allowed a number of younger pastors to come and take some as well.
I do have some built-in shelves at the house where I plan to keep a number of my commentaries and other books that I will want to have in retirement. But it is my hope that I can give many of them away prior to that.
The problem is that many younger pastors don’t buy books anymore. It is not that they do not read. Rather, they purchase entire libraries that they install on their computers. Or, they buy books for their Kindles. Evidently it is more economical and takes up far less space than my physical books.
For me, nothing can replace an actual book in my hand. Something I can mark in, make notes in the margin, and underline. That’s just one more piece of evidence that I am, in some ways, a dinosaur. Yes, I still read both a daily and weekly newspaper from cover to cover too. And I like it that way.
Books matter. Continued learning matters. But it is THE book, that is the Bible, that matters the most. As I read the many books on my shelf, I also read the Bible in its entirety every year. Been doing so since 1976. And it seems I learn something new on a regular basis. God’s Word still speaks. I pray that you will read it and hear what it says.
Growing Our Ministry
This coming weekend is a big one for our church family. Just to give you some background, I became the pastor at Shellman Bluff Baptist the first Sunday of December of 2019. Of course, we know that the pandemic hit us just a couple of months later, and that church in general was turned upside down.
The good news is that we began to recover strongly very quickly. On the first Sunday of January 2021 we returned to having small group Bible studies (we call this Sunday School) and worship. Since that time we have experienced God’s blessings in so many ways. Keep in mind, I am the first full-time pastor who has lived directly in the area in a long time. So, when the church called me, it took a great step of faith.
Well, in recent days we have built a new social hall from the ground up, and paid for it. And we have continued to grow. So, last year it was decided that we would begin the process of searching for a full-time associate pastor to come alongside and help me. This coming weekend we have a man coming in view of a call. If the church votes in favor of his coming, he should be with us by the middle of April. When you consider where we were in the early months of 2021 to where we are today, it is mind-boggling
I have had a lot of time to ponder what is happening in our church. I am reminded often that it is God who has blessed us. People are moving into this part of the county from all over the country. And many are finding their way to our church.
To see what is happening is exciting and humbling. And as I get older I realize my days of leadership will one day draw to an end. I want to be able to say with Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” In other words, I want to finish well. That would be a good prayer for all of us. Let’s finish well to the glory of God.
Don’t be Late!
Do you remember that extra hour of sleep you got back in the Fall when you changed your clock? Well, guess what. They’re going to take it away this Saturday night. Yes, you will need to move your clocks forward one hour before going to bed on Saturday, or you will be late for church on Sunday.
I used to joke and say that anyone who showed up at church on that morning as we were wrapping things up would have to take the preacher and his wife to lunch. I never held anyone to that. I do know that, historically, this Sunday in the year is often one of the lowest attendance days for churches. Folks do forget, and then realize the next morning that they are running late. Or, folks just don’t operate well on short rest, and they don’t get up in time for church that day.
I’m just going to say this out loud. I hate changing the clocks back and forth. I lived in Indiana for almost seven years in the 1990’s, and back in the day we did not change our clocks. During the winter our time was the same as New York’s, and in the summer we matched Chicago. And I liked it.
I’ve heard there has been much conversation and debate in Congress about moving to one standardized time and doing away with Daylight Savings Time. But for whatever reason they don’t do it. I don’t care which way they go. Just let me set my clock one time and forget about it. It took me decades to remember to fall back and spring forward.
I think there are probably lots of lessons to learn here. Perhaps the most important one for me is that I need to be more patient, and not worry about those things I can’t control. If my blood pressure is impacted by this, then I have a problem.
Paul wrote, “Be anxious for nothing.” That’s great advice, but often hard to do. The only way not to be anxious is fully to trust in the Lord. We need to remember that He is greater than any of our problems. He can be trusted. We don’t need to worry.
I hope you get to church on time this Sunday. If not, you can choose the restaurant.
Take Respite
Last week I told you about “my room.” It’s actually a second den, or living room, if you will, but it’s not as large as our true family room. It really is my room. Tina let me paint it the color I wanted, and I have largely decorated it myself. The rug on the floor is a baseball diamond. Yeah, she’s pretty lenient.
By the way, she has her own room, too. It’s her music room. Her piano, cello, and ukulele are all there, along with a closet filled with music books. Have I told you she is a retired music teacher?
Well, back to my room. I have a pennant from the 2021 World Series won by the Braves, along with a Coke bottle from the 1996 Olympics that were held in Atlanta. I also have the small trophy that my mother received in 1954 when her team won the only state championship in the history of Dacula High girls’ basketball. True story. And my dad, my sister, my nephew, my niece and I all played basketball for the Dacula Falcons.
But there’s one thing that is on my shelf that I hope people recognize is a joke. I admit that I am an introvert, and I do go to bed somewhat early, but I really am not this bad. The plaque says, “Welcome to our home. Please leave by 9 p.m.” Again, I’m joking. Sort of.
The truth is that home is where we go to rest, to relax, and to recharge. We all need a home where we can do that. I am aware that there are homes where this does not happen. I am so glad that I have a place where I can get away from life, if only for a short time.
But can I simply remind you of this one truth? My true home is not in Shellman Bluff. According to Paul, I am a citizen of heaven. I’ve not yet been to my true home. But one day I will be welcomed there. I’ve made my reservations. I’m going home. I hope that you have done the same. I hope to see you at home one day.
Spend it Wisely
As I write these words I am sitting alone in the back room of my home. My wife refers to this room as my man cave. I have my big easy chair, a nice TV that my son bought me, and on the walls I have all kinds of sports memorabilia. There is a wood cutting of Sapelo Hammock Golf Course. Plaques that commemorate holes in one. A drawing of the layout of Augusta National. And behind me there is the big fish. It’s actually a replica of the largest bass I’ve ever caught.
I share this room with a nine-year-old beagle mix, and a sixteen-year-old Pomeranian. They stay pretty quiet most of the time. But there was the day when the possum came up on our back deck and helped itself to the remaining food in their bowls. That caused quite the ruckus. And I must tell you this. I had never seen a possum move so fast, or climb a fence, until I opened the door and told him to scram.
But back to my story. I am sitting alone because my wife has been away at a Vacation Bible School training session. She left yesterday. She should be home later tonight.
As I sit here alone, I have had much time for thinking. I’ve done some reading. I’ve tried to get interested in a basketball game between Michigan and Michigan State. And I’ve spent time practicing reading and speaking Spanish. I hope to take a mission trip to South America later this year, and I would like to be able to converse at least a bit with the new friends I will meet.
And then I decided to write for the paper. I have actually accomplished a good deal this evening by myself. I have tried to use my time wisely. Listen, we all need “down time.” But I know that I can easily waste hours on my phone or watching mindless TV. I want to do better.
Paul spoke to us about, “redeeming the time.” You only get so much, and you don’t know how much it will be. Use it wisely. Use it to make yourself better, to help someone else, and above all else, to glorify God.
God’s Love for Us
This Saturday is Valentine’s Day. Gentlemen, if you have a wife or a girlfriend, consider this your gentle reminder. SATURDAY! NOT NEXT WEEK! THREE DAYS FROM NOW! Sorry for yelling, but the truth is that most men have selective hearing. But I digress.
Valentine’s Day is a time set apart to celebrate love. Yes, I am aware that it is the epitome of a “Hallmark Holiday.” The people who benefit the most are the candy and card makers and shops. But I also know this. Those years when I have remembered, and have presented my wife with something nice, it has made her day.
One year I gave her a nice necklace. She showed that thing off to so many of her friends and the husbands all quit speaking to me. They made it clear that I had ruined the day for all of them.
I haven’t always hit the mark on this day. I’ve completely forgotten it more than once. But I try to remember, and at least to do something to celebrate the day, even if it is simply cooking dinner myself. I actually grill a pretty decent steak.
I do know this for sure. Valentine’s Day is a day to consider love, not just for each other, but for the love God offers to us. The most memorized verse in the Bible declares, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
I wonder how many of us understand the power and the scope of God’s love for us. He gave His Son! What a tremendous sacrifice! I pray that we will see and comprehend all that He has done for us, and that we will in turn love Him and love others in the way that He has called us to love. “We love, because He first loved us.” Without His love we could not love. But because He loves, we can love, too.
Keeping His Promise
A friend said to me recently, “If it doesn’t warm up soon, I’m moving south.” I didn’t have the heart to tell him he was already there. Obviously he was teasing. But let me tell you something. It has been cold. And I’ve lived in the upper Midwest for 14 years. Doesn’t matter. It’s been cold.
I’ve spent several afternoons covering lemon and orange trees with sheets and tarps. And the next morning is spent taking them down. And I wonder if it will be worth it. The truth is that I won’t know until late spring, or perhaps even summer. And it could be later than that. You do the work, but you don’t know if the effort will pay off.
Some people think of the Christian life in that same manner. Or at least what they perceive as the Christian life. You do the best you can, you try to be good to others and do the right thing, and then, at the end of life you will find out if it was worth the work. One day eventually you will know.
I am convinced that we can do better than that. The Bible is so clear on this issue. There are many precious promises from God. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Not might be saved. Not could be saved. Will be saved.
The Bible offers us a certainty when it comes to the promises of God. He has never failed to keep a promise, and He will not fail us in that day. We have been called to repent (change our hearts and minds to agree with God), and to trust the Lord. This is more than simply believing that He exists. It is putting one’s full trust in Him.
But when you do that, you can be sure that God will keep His Word. Indeed, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” You can put that in the bank.
“But God”
This is the fourth column I have written for the Darien News so far this year. In addition, I have written bulletin material for our church several times. I’ve even typed a letter or two. And just to show that I am truly a dinosaur, I have written a couple of checks. And I am proud to say that, thus far at least, I have not written 2025 instead of 2026 even one time.
You may not be impressed. But I think that is quite the accomplishment. I have been writing and typing 2025 for 12 months now. It’s just a reflex by now. A habit. It’s hard to change old habits. It’s hard to change our ways.
Those last two statements are true. It is not easy to change things that you have been doing, whether for a year, or for a lifetime. From time to time someone will say to me, “I just can’t help it. That’s who I am.” And usually that is an excuse for doing the same old same old that they have done for years. Losing their temper. Saying inappropriate words.
We are reminded all the time that change is hard. But there is something we need to see in the Bible. Many times we see these two words together, and while they are quite short words, they make all the difference in the world. “But God…” When you read, “But God,” you should be reminded that you don’t have to stay the same. He can change you when you can’t change yourself.
I pray that you will have “But God” experiences in your life, that you will see that He can change you, and that you will become the person He is calling you to be.