The Power to Love Instead of Hate

One of these days I’m going to write a book. I’ve already chosen the title: Things I Wish Jesus Hadn’t Said.  Luke 6:27-28 is going to be the basis for one of the first chapters.  Did you read it? Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” And I haven’t even gotten to the part about turning the other cheek. 

            Doesn’t Jesus know how hard it is to love those who love me?  Even those who love me disagree with me from time to time. They do things that drive me crazy.  I’m giving all my energy loving the ones who care about me.  How in the world am I supposed to love my enemies? 

            It really is an impossible task.  I cannot love my enemy.  I would rather say with the psalmist (58:6), “Break the teeth in their mouth, O God.”  And yet there it is right in front of me. “Do good to those who hate you.” 

            How do you obey Jesus when everything within you cries out to do the opposite?  How do you bless the curser, or pray for the abuser? 

            I am reminded of two verses in the New Testament that point out our great need and potential. In John 15:5, Jesus declared, “Without me you can do nothing.”  And in Philippians 4:13, Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

            There is my answer! As I said before, I cannot love my enemy. I do not have that capacity within me.  And recognizing that is the first step I must take.  I am not able in my own strength. 

            But in Christ I have great power to do that which I could not otherwise do.  Jesus allows me to love my enemies. He empowers me to do so.  He lives within me. That is my only hope. 

            It’s not just that I can’t love my enemies. On my own, I don’t even want to do so. But in Jesus’ name I can do it.  And so can you. “Love your enemies.” Do good to them and pray for them.  Jesus did.  He calls you to do the same.  And He will be with you to help you as you do. 

The Last Day of Christmas

Tomorrow is the last day of Christmas.  Does that surprise you?  Most of us long ago packed away the decorations and all of the other trimmings of Christmas. In many places the only remnants of Christmas are a few broken toys and several unwanted pounds added to the waistline. 

            But traditionally Christmas was celebrated through January 6, the Epiphany, marking the visit of the Magi to Jesus and Mary recorded in Matthew 6.  I’ve been reading a devotional book that I will complete tomorrow morning.  In many ways it has helped me to carry the spirit of Christmas beyond the “Big Day.” 

            There are songs that say it, and perhaps you’ve heard a preacher or teacher declare, “We should take the spirit of Christmas with us through the year.” And it is true. We should do that.

            But the problem is simple. Even when we try our best to do so, life happens.  And life can be messy and disappointing and even hurtful. Life is scary at times.  We hear words like recession, inflation, cancer, death, and divorce, and our blood pressure rises. Our heart rate increases. And we are not sure how to cope.

            So many times in Scripture we read, “Do not be afraid.” And then, we read these words. “I will not forsake you.” And it is clear to me that these words are most helpful when taken together.

            I need not be afraid, because God is with me. He will not forsake me. He will not leave me to my own foolish choices. Paul wrote to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:13), “When we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”  What an encouraging word! Even when I blow it, God is with me.  I can trust Him. So can you.  Happy New Year. 

Jesus is Lord!

We have come to the end of another year.  Every year has its challenges and its victories.  Just consider what you and others around you have experienced in 2021. There have been weddings and the birth of babies. There have been divorces and funerals to attend. 

            Someone has learned they are expecting a baby. Someone else has suffered a miscarriage.  Someone got a job promotion with an increase in pay. Another was laid off when the company downsized.  Someone was diagnosed with cancer, while someone else is now in remission.  And all along this one truth rings certain.

            Jesus is Lord!

            That short phrase was the first church confession.  For the first century believer to make this declaration could be viewed as treason. After all, Caesar was lord (notice the small l), and he did not share his authority with another.

            But this remains our declaration today. Jesus is Lord. And because He is Lord we can face any and all that the world throws in our direction.  Nothing can defeat you if you belong to Jesus, because Jesus is Lord.

            I once heard it said that there are three kinds of people in the world. Some are in the midst of a storm. Some have just come out of a storm. And some, even if they do not yet see it, are about to enter a storm. In other words, storms in life are normal. They are to be expected.

            But the good news that Jesus is Lord reminds us that no storm can defeat us. A storm may take your home away. A storm could take a loved one. A storm can radically alter your life.

            But a storm cannot defeat you, because Jesus is Lord, even of the storm! And that good news can sustain you in the midst of the storm.

            I am not a fan of the teaching that life will be easy for the believer in Jesus, because I know it is not true. The Bible makes that clear. Experience drives the point home. Every follower of Jesus will face storms. But the good news is still the same.

            Jesus is Lord! And because of that we will be victorious.  We may not have the victory in this world. But we will win the victory, because our Lord has already defeated death and the grave.

            Jesus is Lord. With that news you can face anything. Never forget. Jesus is Lord. And that is enough. 

Three More Sleeps

Just three more sleeps. Any parent of small children knows exactly what I mean.  When they were younger our boys had a calendar with twenty-five pockets. Every day we would move the mouse to the next day, counting down to Christmas morning.  One year my youngest got the idea that he could speed up the process by moving the mouse more than once in a day.  We had to stress to him that this would not work.  He had to be patient.

            Patience.  Oh, what a difficult concept!  Waiting is never easy.  And yet the Bible has much to say about waiting.

            Consider this. The very first promise God gave concerning the Messiah was in Genesis 3:15.  The coming one would bruise the serpent’s head.  Then, writing 800 years before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah spoke of the coming Messiah in several places in his book. And still the people had to wait. 

            And now we have been promised that Jesus will come again. In John 14 Jesus promised, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself.” That is as clear a promise as you will ever hear.  The Lord is coming back.

            And yet, it has been 2000 years since that promise was made. Can we trust it? Can we trust the One who made it?  Peter answered that in one of his letters, “The Lord is not slow concerning his promises…but is patient toward us, not wanting any to perish.”
            Do you get that? The reason that the Lord tarries is so that we can tell more people, and they can come to faith in Jesus. 

            The first coming of Christ is the reason for Christmas.  We celebrate His lowly birth. But then we also anticipate His return.  And we wait patiently, confident that God does not lie.  We trust, even when it is hard.

            The next three “sleeps” will be difficult for young children.  They can hardly wait. But until He comes again, we all can hardly wait.  Be patient.  He’s never lied.  He will keep His word.

            And please indulge me in this. Happy anniversary, Sweetie.  Forty-two years today.  I think we’re going to make it after all.  Love you.

The Parties and Programs of Christmas

Churches are very busy during the Christmas season. That is certainly true for us at Shellman Bluff.  Leading into December we gathered shoeboxes filled with toys and supplies for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse to children around the world. 

            We also collected materials and filled backpacks for children at a mission camp in Shelby, North Carolina.  We receive an offering we call, “The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions, along with Southern Baptist churches across the nation.  That money, named for a lady who spent her life as a missionary in China, provides for those who serve as missionaries around the world. And that doesn’t even count the folks we help close to home. 

            And then there are the parties and the special programs.  As pastor I am invited to every Sunday school class party, and it’s a wonder that I don’t gain 20 pounds every December. You may not be aware, but Baptists can cook.

            And then there are the programs. Music is such a significant part of the season.  There are all kinds of songs, both secular and religious that help us celebrate at Christmas time.

            This Sunday our choir, of which I’m a part, will be singing our cantata at both services at 9 and 11 am.  Our children’s choir will also sing at the 11 o’clock service.  I will have a short message, but the majority of the message is in the music.

            If you are looking for a special way to celebrate Christmas this year we would love to have you join us. You can come at 9 and still make it to your own church later in the morning. Or if you do not have a church home we would love to have you stop by.  The truth is that we all need to worship with others, and there is no better time to start than at Christmas.

            As we get closer to the day, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas. May God bless as you celebrate His great work this year.

Isaiah and Jesus

At Christmas time we think of Jesus. Just who was He? What did He do? How do we know He is what the Bible says of Him? 

Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. These are the four titles Isaiah used to describe the coming one, the Messiah, some 800 years before Jesus was born.  You can read them in Isaiah 9:6.  God gave the prophet a vision for what was to come.  And Jesus fulfilled this prophecy in His life, ministry, death, and resurrection.

            What does each title mean?  Wonderful Counselor. The Hebrew could be rendered, “a wonder of a counselor.”  There are those moments when we all need advice.  Perhaps you ask a parent, a pastor, a sibling, a spouse, or a trusted friend what they think.  But the good news is that the Messiah, Jesus, is a wonder of a counselor. He never leads us astray. He guides us in the way we should go.

            Mighty God.  This reminds us that Jesus is indeed God in the flesh.  This is a basic teaching of the Christian faith. To deny the deity of Christ is to deny the very essence of our faith.  Immanuel means God with us. Jesus is our true God.

            Everlasting Father.  What do you do or have that lasts forever? Every possession you own is wearing down.  Even our bodies will not last.  We slow down with age. And yet, Job said, “He has put eternity in our hearts.” That means that we long for more than we see.  Eternity is real, and Jesus is the One who lives and reigns forever.  He will always be there for us.

            Prince of Peace. We all know that we do not experience perfect peace in this world. But Jesus promises the day when peace will be complete and absolute.  He calls us to be peacemakers. But He is the One who gives us peace, even in the midst of the storm.  And His perfect peace will one day be ours as well.

            All of these titles give us a bit more insight as to who Jesus truly is.  Because of who He is, we can trust in Him.  Ultimately we say with the early church, “Jesus is Lord.”  And the day will come when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess. Until that day, we wait. 

God Did More

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”  You can almost hear the echo from your childhood when playing hide-and-seek. “Ready or not, here I come.”  And indeed, Christmas will be here in just a little over three weeks.

            Christmas is such an integral part of the Christian faith.  The teaching is that God stepped into His world in a brand new way.  “God became flesh and dwelt among us.” And that changes everything.

            Consider all the things that God did do, or could have done, to reach us.  He could have sent messengers.  Indeed He did send the prophets. He could have written us messages. And that is what the Old Testament is.  He could have created a world that reflects His glory, and again He did just that.

            But at the right time, and in the right way, God did even more. He came to earth and lived a perfect sinless life so that we might know that it could be done. But then He did more. He walked up that lonely hill to the cross and died in our place.  He bore our sins when we could carry them no longer.

            The message of Christmas is a wonderful message. God entered our world as had never been done before.  But the message of Christmas must always be coupled with that of Easter. Let us always remember this truth. Baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem for this very purpose; to die in our place for the forgiveness of sin.

            As you celebrate the baby in the manger, remember to worship the Savior on the cross. And always recognize that the cross was not the final word. No, Jesus is alive! And because He is alive, we too can live. To God be the glory.

"In Everything Give Thanks"

It is the day before Thanksgiving.  This time of year is very special to me. I love Thanksgiving Day.  Tomorrow we will have 20 people in our home. My sister, her children, and grandchildren will join my family as we have our first major holiday since our Dad passed away.  I am sure that the moment food is served will be somewhat bittersweet.  We have a tradition that the oldest person there goes through the line first.  Dad’s absence will be felt at that time.

            But I also know that we will overeat, tell stories, laugh and have a good time together.  I’m sure the children (there will be seven of them between the ages of one and twelve) will provide plenty of entertainment.  We may watch a ballgame, go down to the dock, or just sit and reminisce. 

            But I am sure of this one thing. We will give thanks.  First we will give thanks to the Lord for His grace shown to us in so many ways. We will give thanks for our family. We will give thanks for memories.

            There’s an old gospel song in most of our church hymnals entitled, “Count Your Blessings.”  What great advice!  “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done.” Have you stopped lately to count your blessings? Even in the midst of trials and troubles, God is good. 

            Paul wrote, “In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice that he did not write, “For everything give thanks,” but, “in everything.” There is a difference. There are things that trouble us. There are things we are trying to overcome. We aren’t thankful for these things.

            But in the midst of them we can still be thankful. Those who are thankful are the happiest people I know.  And attitude of gratitude makes all the difference in the world. I challenge you. Be thankful. Remember that God is good.  You’ll be glad that you did.    

Pro-Am Patience

I am doing something interesting today. I am carrying a golf bag for an amateur golfer at the Pro-Am tournament the day before the RSM Classic begins at Sea Island Golf Resort. 

            If you are not familiar, a “Pro-Am” event is held the day before a professional golf tournament begins. On that day three amateur players (who pay quite dearly for the privilege) play alongside one of the professional golfers for 18 holes.  The pro has his regular caddie.  Others of us volunteer to caddie for the amateurs.

            I’ve done this a couple of times before, thanks to my son.  It’s a very interesting day. I get to spend four hours or so watching one very good golfer play. Most of the time he is not nearly as serious as he will be the next day, but still I can learn from watching.  On his worst day he is so much better than I will ever be.

            Sometimes the amateur golfers are pretty good. But sometimes it becomes apparent that the amateur golfer has only one thing to qualify for the day. Enough money to pay the fee.

            I feel for the pro on those days.  It must take great patience to play with someone who will score more than 100 when most days you are playing with the best golfers in the world. Of course, these golfers are quite nicely compensated, so perhaps that is simply a price that must be paid.

            That word patience is interesting, is it not? “Be patient.” Those words may come when you are hungry.  And hungry can quickly become “hangry” (the merger of hungry and angry), right?

            I am reminded that God calls us to be patient. And of course, He is very patient with us.  I long to be more patient.  But that is a process. It will not happen overnight. I must practice patience.  And it is never easy. I pray that we will grow in our patience.  May we be more Christ-like in acting with patience. 

"Braves Win!" or Facing Adversity

Well, it’s old news now, but fresh on my mind as I write the day after the final game of the season. The Atlanta Braves are the World Champions for the first time since 1995.  I was six years old when the franchise moved from Milwaukee, and my Dad took me to my first game that year. 

            Since that time I have been to more games than I can remember.  I was there when Bob Horner hit four homeruns in one game.  I’ve seen them play in St. Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Toronto, in addition to games at old Fulton County Stadium, Turner Field, and Truist Park. 

            The one game that stands out in my mind was in Chicago. On a Friday afternoon my family watched as John Smoltz out-dueled Greg Maddox, when he was still a Cub, and the Braves won in Wrigley Field, 1-0.  For a former high school pitcher, it was the greatest game I have experienced live.

            This year’s team has had more than its share of adversity.  Their best player was hurt the first week of July.  Another outfielder was removed from the team due to off-field behavior. And a third outfielder just never really met expectations. The catcher missed 1/3 of the season with an injury, and one of their better pitchers missed the entire season.  And then their best pitcher broke his leg in the first game of the World Series. 

            Lesser teams would have quit. They would have given up. But these Braves added new players, older ones stepped up their games, and in the end they won four games against the Astros when it mattered most.

            I’ve always believed that sports can serve as a metaphor for life. Anyone who has played a game knows the temptation to quit. Practice is hard. Conditioning is a killer. And sometimes the breaks don’t go your way. 

            Life, too, huh?  Jesus said, “He who perseveres to the end will be saved.”  That doesn’t mean that you can earn salvation. But it does mean that you are to keep at it, keep going, never quit.  I have said this often, but as I age the words have even more meaning to me. I want to “finish well.”  I pray the same for you. Don’t give up. The Lord is with you. Trust Him. Follow Him.  He will never forsake you. 

In Training

Tonight we have Thanksgiving dinner at our church.  I always use this day as training for the real thing later this month.  I know that I have to prepare in order to do my best on Thanksgiving Day.  Well, not really.

            Have you noticed this?  It takes weeks to lose ten pounds. You can put them back over a weekend.  The same thing is true for getting into condition.  I remember running and jumping rope for several weeks in order to prepare for basketball season. One weekend of bronchitis could set me back to the start again.

            The same thing is true in our Christian walk.  When I pray regularly, read my Bible daily, worship weekly with my church family, and make a concerted effort to love my family and neighbors, I build character.  I become more like Christ. And yet the growth appears to be so slight.  I progress so slowly. 

            On the other hand, I can blow it in one quick minute.  The loss of temper and a flurry of words, and a witness is destroyed.  Dwell too long on temptation, and before you know it you are going down a road that leads to pain and sorrow.

            I remember the first time I ever got serious about prayer.  I had a roommate in college who closed every evening with 30 minutes of prayer, and I decided I would do the same. So I lay face down on my bed, and prayed for everybody I knew, as well as every need that came to my mind. I poured out my heart to the Lord, and then I glanced at the clock. 

            I had been praying for all of four minutes.  As I have to build my legs and lungs for walking, I also have to build my spiritual muscles.  When they have gone unused for a period of time they atrophy. 

            But they can be built again.  God wants us to grow. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).  Let us be faithful to pray for each other in this journey, and let us be faithful to grow in grace and love. God will help us along the way.  We simply need to trust Him.

We Have Hope

Earlier this month we buried a dear sweet lady. Ninety-three years old, she was a member of our church for seventy years. She was well-known in the community, a pillar of the Shellman Bluff family.  And on the day of her funeral, we celebrated.

            Now, I am not saying that there were no tears shed. Of course there were.  Her absence has left a hole in the lives of children, grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.  Death has a way of doing that.  Those of us who have lost loved ones know the pain.  We do mourn, for it hurts to lose someone we love.

            When Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonian church, he was writing to Christians who were confused and concerned. Paul had told them that Jesus was coming back, and they believed him. And they were expecting this return to be soon.  When Jesus did not come back immediately, and then some of their members died, they were not sure what to do. They did not fully understand the concept of the resurrection of all believers, and were wondering if their deceased friends and family were missing out.

            Paul wrote with these words. “Do not grieve as those without hope.” Notice that he did not say, “Do not grieve, period.”  We grieve at the death of someone we love. But not without hope, if that person is a believer. Paul elaborated on the fact that all of God’s children, both those alive at the coming of Christ, and those who have already passed on, will be with the Lord in heaven. There will be a resurrection, and that gives us hope, both for now and the future.

            The final words Paul wrote in chapter 4 of that letter simply says, “Therefore, encourage one another with those words.” 

            Do you get that? There is encouragement in the hope of the gospel! There is encouragement in the hope of the resurrection.  We may grieve for a season, but joy comes in the morning. We have hope that is real, knowing that the Lord has not forgotten us. We will be raised with Him. And we will live forever with Him.

            So, “Encourage one another with these words.”

Autumn = Thankful

I must admit to you that the fall of the year is my favorite season.  I know, we do not have the same type of fall here in southeast coastal Georgia that I experienced in my growing up days in northeast Georgia, and especially not so much as in Indiana and Michigan, other places I have called home.

            Still, there is something about cooler mornings and evenings, and the fact that I do not burst into a perspiration machine just walking to the mailbox.  The “thickness” of the air during July and August can be suffocating. 

            Two of my favorite activities in the fall are to walk a golf course, and to sit in a boat hoping to introduce myself to some fish I have never met.  Of course, I will do either of these things during any season of the year, but there is something extra special about October and November golf and fishing.

            The psalmist wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”  And Paul said about the Lord, “His invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made…”  In other words, nature reveals the reality and the goodness of God.

            Late in the fall season we celebrate Thanksgiving Day.  We gather at the table with family and friends. We watch parades and football. Some head to the malls. I simply want us to remember to give thanks, even before that special day. The Lord has been good, and will continue to be good to His children.  Let us trust Him, and let us thank Him for all He has done.

Repay

"What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?” Thus writes the psalmist in Psalm 116:12.  He is basically asking, “How can I repay the Lord for all that He has done for me?”  What a question.

            A few years ago, one of my sons said to me, “Dad, I can never pay you back for all that you have bought for me. I don’t like that. I don’t like feeling like I’m in debt. How can I pay you back?”

            My response was simple. “Son, I can never pay my Dad back either.” And that was before he left me a small inheritance, making my indebtedness even greater.  But then I said to him, “I have paid my Dad back, by taking care of you. And you will pay me back by taking care of the next generation. That’s just how it is done.”

            But that still doesn’t fully answer the question, “How can I repay the Lord?” In fact, the answer is that we never can. God’s care and goodness and graciousness for us have been boundless. Simply the fact that we are living and breathing is a precious gift from the Lord.  He has been so good to us.  His salvation is free, and it can never be bought.

            Still, we want to do something. So, where do we start?

            The psalmist wrote, “I will lift up the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.” 

In other words, He will worship and serve the Lord. When we worship. When we serve. When we act in gratitude and thankfulness. It is in these moments that we “repay” the Lord.  As I’ve already said, we can never actually repay Him for His grace. But He desires worship and gratitude for His goodness to us.

You can do that. So can I. Let us be faithful to give worship and thanks and love and service to the One who gave us His all.

"Think Spiritually"

My wife and I returned from our trip to Guatemala last Friday.  It was quite an experience. I’ve been to the former Soviet Union (Ukraine), Nigeria, and Haiti on mission trips before, as well as some here in the states. In addition, my wife and I lived and served churches in Louisiana, Indiana and Michigan, as well as here in Georgia.

            It is fascinating to me to see the differences and similarities between people in different places. In some ways we are all the same. We are God’s special creation, made in His image, and yet marred by our own sinfulness.  That is true, no matter where you live, or what language you speak.

            But we are also different. We speak different languages, we eat different foods, we have different customs, and the list goes on. 

            When I have visited different countries, I have tried to learn a few basic phrases in the native language.  I want to be able to communicate, at least in some manner.  I studied Spanish in both high school and college, and so I was better prepared for Guatemala than any other country I have visited.  As I read, and listened, I could translate certain phrases and words for my wife.

            But I could not listen “fast” enough to understand everything. The truth is that I “think” in English.  That is my native tongue, and it is most natural to me.

            That gets me to thinking. Do I “think spiritually”, or do I “think” according to the ways of the world?  To “think spiritually,” in my mind, means that I naturally think of ways that I can obey the Lord and follow His direction. 

            I know this much is true. When I am reading my Bible, praying, and worshiping regularly, I “think spiritually,” more often.  I must maintain my relationship with the Lord in order to walk with Him. I imagine that is true for you as well. I pray that we will learn to, “thing spiritually,” that this will become our normal way of living. 

Guatemala

As you read this I am in Guatemala on a mission trip.  Along with three others I am meeting new friends and seeking ways for the churches in our local Baptist association to return and serve the people in this part of the world. 

            I’ve never been to Guatemala.  I’m not sure what to expect in many ways.  But I am looking forward to this time.  I’ve had the privilege of traveling to Russia, Ukraine, Nigeria, and Haiti on previous mission trips.  I’ve been to Haiti five times, and have built friendships that I treasure.  The hope is that this will be the first of many times in Guatemala as well.

            Why would I go to a place I have never been, to serve people I’ve never seen, when there are people here at home who have needs?  Would it be better to stay here and serve?  Am I wasting time and resources that could be better used close to home?

            I know people who believe that to be the case. They are in favor of sending resources to places like Guatemala, but only for the use of those who already live there.  The belief is that short-term mission projects cause more headaches than help for the people we say that we serve.

            Let me simply respond in this way.  I believe that relationships can be made that will help people on both sides of the mission trip.  I believe that we can share Christ and share resources in a way that God is glorified, and people are pointed in His direction.  I want to be a part of that.

            I’m sure that I will have stories to share when I get back home.  But I hope that my own heart will be touched and molded so that I will be more faithful to serve the Lord where I live.  If you think about it, pray for us as we travel back home on Friday.  God bless. 

Gardening

I recently planted a few items in my garden.  This is a new adventure for me. For several years (actually decades) I have planted a garden in the Spring.   I do so enjoy tomatoes, squash, peppers and cucumbers fresh from the garden. But now I have planted broccoli, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and snow peas. 

             I am very interested to see how this goes.  I really enjoy watching things grow.  I’ve taken the required biology classes in high school and college, and I have a basic understanding of the processes of germination and pollination. 

            Still, that can’t explain it all. I put a seed in the ground.  Soon a small plant pops up through the surface. Then blooms form, and finally there is a vegetable on the vine.  If you do not see the hand of God in all of it, I feel sorry for you.  There’s not a chance that this is simply by chance.

            Earlier this year, when we first moved into our home, we planted grass and trees and shrubs. Two of those again have me fascinated. A small lemon tree, no more than two feet tall, has seven lemons hanging on its limbs. I’ve had to place a tomato cage around it in order to prop up the fruit. 

            And then there is the sod I planted in the backyard. In an attempt to save money and labor (mine) I planted grass in a checkerboard fashion. I simply left gaps between each piece of sod so that the grass and dirt formed a green and brown checkerboard of sorts.  That was the last week of April.  Now, in September, you can hardly tell. The grass has grown and filled in the gaps. 

            Again, science explains the process.  But I am confident that the hand of God is involved at every step. Psalm 19 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”  I would add to David’s thought, “And the fruit of the ground makes known his power as well.” 

            Look around you. Do you see the hand of God? He’s at work.  I pray that we will see what He is doing.

Finish Well #2

            When in seminary one of my professors said something that surprised and disappointed me.  He indicated, that if statistics held true, less than half of us in that classroom would serve in the ministry until retirement. He was right.  Fewer than half of my seminary classmates remain active in their calling today.

            Here’s the deal. I understand why it happens.  Many of you do as well.  Serving in the church, whether as pastor, deacon, Sunday school teacher, or any other capacity, can be downright difficult.  The work is hard, and often people are not grateful for the efforts you make. Sometimes they ignore the advice offered. Sometimes being in ministry hurts.

            I’m not throwing a pity party. This is not exclusive to pastors. There are times when we hurt each other, even in the church. And there is that ever-present temptation to do that which we think will bring peace. Just quit.

            Can I encourage you to keep going? My professor used a phrase that I have remembered ever since to describe his desire for his life. He simply said, “I want to finish well.”  I was 23-years old at the time, just getting started. I was excited about the journey, and had no idea what that meant.  Almost forty years later I get it.

            The fact is that I probably have ten or fewer years left in active service as a pastor.  God has blessed in so many ways in my ministry.  There have been buildings built and programs started. But the greatest part of the journey has been to see the lives of people changed and challenged along the way. 

Still, there have been days when I wanted to quit.  One too many critic, one too long committee meeting, one too many deaths.  The temptation to quit always lingers. Still that thought that remains in my mind. “I want to finish well.”

            The apostle Paul put it this way in the last letter he wrote to Timothy. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  He went on to say that a reward was awaiting him. 

            That same reward awaits you and me. Keep going. Don’t give up. Don’t quit.  Fight the fight, finish the race, and keep the faith.  God is with you. He will keep you. Count on it. 

Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

Earlier this year I preached through the book of 1 Thessalonians.  As Paul brought that letter to its conclusion, he offered several pieces of advice we would do well to follow.  Actually, in chapter 5, verses 14-22 he gave us fourteen commands. They are not holy suggestions. They are commands.

            “Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient… do not repay evil for evil…  seek to do good, rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances…do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophecies, test everything, hold fast what is good, and abstain from every form of evil.”  Some of these commands are negative, while others are positive. But all of them apply to every believer.  That means you and me.

            Let’s consider just three of them from verses 16-18. “Rejoice always.”  That means when things aren’t going well. Remember that Paul wrote this after he had been thrown out of Thessalonica for preaching the gospel. He said similar things to the Philippians while in jail. Paul followed his own advice. So I ask. Are you rejoicing?

            “Pray without ceasing.”  That means to be in a spirit of prayer in every waking moment.  You have work to do. This does not mean to stay on your knees and pray out loud 24/7. But still pray.  Listen to God. Speak to God (yes, in that order). Pray every chance you get.

            “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Not for everything, but in everything. God has been good, so we should give thanks. God has blessed, so we can give thanks. 

            Notice this.  When you don’t feel like rejoicing, rejoice anyway. When you don’t feel like praying, pray anyway. And when you don’t feel like giving thanks, give thanks anyway.  I truly believe doing these three things can transform your life.

            Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. Why? “This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  May God help you to rejoice, pray, and give thanks.  May He help me do the same. 

"I Know Who Holds Tomorrow"

The last two years have been strange, to say the least.  I mean, I have actually (on more than one occasion) gotten out of my car, put on a mask, and walked into a bank.  Just think about it.  I’ve watched enough episodes of Roy Rogers to know that simply isn’t done.

            What have you done in this time that you would never have imagined in a million years?  Truth is truly stranger than fiction.  I mean, I’m not smart enough to have made some of these things up. 

            We have been caught off guard, have we not? Surprised, shocked even. The fact is that none of us expected this, and we have literally been flying by the seat of our pants, as the saying goes. 

            But here is something important to remember. This pandemic has not caught God by surprise.  If He is truly omniscient (that is, He knows all) then He knew this was coming.  That means He was fully prepared for it. And because of that, we can trust Him.

            The old gospel song says, “Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand.” But in the chorus we are reminded, “But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know He holds my hand.”  What a relief to realize that God has this under control!  He will not let us down.  We can trust Him.

            Are there times I wish that I understood better? Of course. At the same time, I’m glad that I do not have a crystal ball that would tell me the future.  It would frighten me to death. So, let me offer you this advice. Trust the Lord.  Don’t worry, and don’t try to go it alone.  The Lord has promised never to forsake us. We can take Him at His word.