May 20

What is the Purpose of Memorials

We drive by them daily, maybe thousands of times, but don’t even know what they say or why they are there. As a culture we place value on marking graves with marble headstones as memorials to our loved ones. We visit battlefields that are covered with memorials honoring valiant soldiers. We go to church and observe communion as a memorial to Jesus Christ. We pass plaques on walls placed in honor of services rendered. A lady goes to her jewelry boxes and selects a special pennant worn by her great-grandmother which now holds special family memories.

Memorials surround us everyday! It is no surprise we have a “Memorial Day.” We live with memorials. But we treat most memorials the way we do the day, we occupy ourselves with our present pursuits and barely stop to notice or consider the purpose of the memorials. Truth be told, we don’t even know who most of them are a memorial too. So what is the purpose of memorials?

Memorials have three important purposes. First, memorials are necessary because we need to know history. Memorials keep us from forgetting, at least that is their purpose! Present and future generations need to know the story. The story behind the memorial is worth telling and should not be forgotten! They are reminders! Second, memorials call us to gratefulness and thanksgiving. We are drinking out of wells we did not dig! Memorial Day should be a day of thanksgiving! Third, memorials are necessary because we are motivated to live differently in the present. Memorials remind us that freedom isn’t free! Memorials motivate us to carry on family legacies, fulfill our duty in the present for the future, and live God-fearing, honorable lives. You can’t visit national memorials, family cemeteries, or partake communion as a memorial to Christ without being changed. You remember, reflect, and are inspired to be better!

Let us pause and give attention to the memorials all around us. Memorials teach us our history, inspire us to gratefulness, and motivate us to better lives.

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Apr 30

Dog-treats and Self-Control!

I enjoy giving my dogs special treats. It might be a meat bone or a dog treat. Our two dogs have always reacted differently to food you give them.

Bailey, our Golden Retriever, snatches it as quickly as possible. She will eat it as fast as she can. If it is a bone she will grab it up and run to a safe hiding spot to enjoy it. She can go through as many dog biscuits as you will give her, literally woofing them down without even tasting them.

Fleece, our huge, furry, solid white Great Pyrenees, is right the opposite. Fleece apparently thinks, even after four years, that everything we give him is possibly poisoned! Fleece will take it in his mouth, go sit it down, and smell it for a time. If we sit the food down, he will stand over it and look suspiciously at us for a few minutes. He always eats it, but he takes lots of time and is in no rush!

When I consider these two different dog paths to treats, I see two human paths to life. Some people just open themselves up to anything someone else tries to give them. They want to fit in and will take whatever the crowd is offering. When the world pushes it, they want to be the first to jump on board. While others exercise self-control and are suspicious of what the world is offering.

Why is Fleece able to be so patient and self-controlled with his food, while Bailey, like most dogs eats it as quickly as possible? The reason is simple, Fleece is secure. He doesn’t feel threatened by any other dog. Bailey believes she has to eat her’s fast and hide quickly to prevent Fleece from getting it. Fleece knows he has the strength to eat it when he wants it and he can choose to reject it as well.

This same lesson applies to us as Christians. Understanding our strength and security in Christ is necessary for self-control. Self-control is product of the Spirit’s work in our lives (Gal. 5:23). If our security, strength, and trust is in God, then we can patiently, wisely make a good decision about what the world is offering! We can exercise self-control! While I love Bailey, this trait of living out of fear and eating everything thrown your way, is a dangerous way to live our lives. Satan ensures through the temptations of this world that many supposed “treats” will be thrown our way. If we don’t have self-control, we swallow up many harmful practices and sins that can destroy our lives.

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Apr 28

Are Average Christians Non-Essential?

Essential employees have stayed on the job through the coronavirus pandemic. There has been much discussion and debate about why some industries and businesses were deemed essential, but others non-essential. The term essential means, “absolutely necessary; extremely important”(1).

While our leaders and citizens can debate about what workers are essential, I thought of a better question for us to consider; “Who is essential to the body of Christ?”

Paul addressed the issue of non-essential Christians in 1 Corinthians 12. Let me put his answer succinctly–there ain’t none! I know that is extremely bad grammar, but you understood what I was saying didn’t you? Paul says the body is one and has many members. Each member has an essential role to play in the body. Paul compares the body of Christ to the human body’s various parts. He personifies various body parts included the hand, foot, ear, and eye. Each part plays a unique and essential role for the body. Paul says, “God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. . . As it is, there are many parts, yet one body” (1 Cor. 12:18-20).

Every Christian is essential to the body of Christ. Each Christian has a different role to play for the success and work of the church. The talent and ability that you possess is essential for the cause of Christ.

While we are in the midst of this pandemic, Christians may be tempted to consider themselves non-essential. After all they don’t even have to “go to church.” Maybe the essential church workers are reduced to the few who are doing the “Live” videos and teaching for the church? Some may even feel like the work of the church has ceased. There are no classes to be taught, no youth program to bless, no organized outreach effort to attend, and even attendance is no longer essential. Thus, Christians may conclude, “I’m non-essential” to the church.

If this is your view of Christianity, then this pandemic should open your eyes to your distorted, Americanized view of church. Essential church work is not limited to the church building! Essential Christians aren’t limited to the ones who have titles like elder, preacher, deacon, or Bible class teacher. Essential work isn’t just filling a role in a church ministry that the leaders had to have filled so the church could accomplish the task. That is not New Testament Christianity. The life of a disciple of Jesus is essential! Your Christian work and witness is essential at home, work, and at play. Each Christian has an essential role to play for Christ during this pandemic. You may not be teaching on a live stream or fulfilling traditional roles in a building, but the need for Christians to provide the “same care for one another” has never been more essential (1 Cor. 12:25). You are essential as a Christian. Fulfill your irreplaceable role by praying, loving, evangelizing, serving, and caring wherever you are found. The church has left the building, but the church is still called to be the essential church that this world desperately needs!

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Apr 22

Who Do You Worship?

Who are you?

Who do you worship?

Are those questions related? I would say the second question directly shapes and creates the answer to the first! You become like what you worship!

James Michener writing in his book, The Source, tells the story of a man named Urbaal, who was a farmer living about 2200 B.C. He worshipped two gods, on god of death, the other a goddess of fertility. One day, the temple priests tell Urbaal to bring his young son to the temple for sacrifice–if he wants good crops. Urbaal incredibly obeys dragging his wife and son to the temple for the ceremonial execution along with other children. After the sacrifice the priests of the goddess of fertility announce that one of the father’s will be chosen to spend a week with a new cult prostitute. Urbaal’s wife is stunned to noice the desire written more intensely across his face than ever before. He eagerly lunges forward when his name is called. The ceremony is over and she walks out of the temple baffled and crushed by the episode. She lost her son and her husband! She concluded, “if he had different gods, he would have been a different man.”

How right she was in her conclusion! Who we worship shapes who we are as an individual! God in speaking about the children of Israel says, “They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them” (2 Kings 17:15). They took on the character of their gods!

Jesus taught us that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mat. 6:21). Whatever we treasure, esteem, value, adore (i.e. worship) will be what has the love of our hearts. Our identity is shaped by who or what we worship. If we worship stuff we will focus on accumulation and prize our possessions. We will often grow greedy, miserly, or bitter when they are taken away. If we worship an image, lifestyle, or celebrity we will put our heart and self-image into pursuing this aim. If we worship pleasure we will be constantly focused on getting the next high.

One of the great statements of Scripture is “Be holy, for I am holy” (Lev. 11:44; 1 Pet. 1:16). As Christians we take our identity from God. We are to be loving, kind, merciful, just, righteous, and pure because of who God is! Worship is transformative. In worship, because we adore, esteem, and love the one we worship, we take on His image and reflect his glory.

So who/what do you worship? You will become like what you worship. Be careful who you put on the thrown of your heart! Only Jesus deserves it!

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Apr 15

Quarantine Season

I have been working on my tiller this week. We have mowed the yard a couple of times already. Spring is here! Trees and flowers are bursting forth with new life. Gardens are being turned. Farmers are preparing fields. It is that time of year!

It is also the time of year for school picnics, graduation ceremonies, baseball and softball games, and spring break trips. But none of these things are happening this year. Because another season has invaded our lives we could call “quarantine season.”

The ancient Bible book of Ecclesiastes famously says, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (3:1). The writer lists many of these seasons of life which include a time to be born, die, plant, harvest, weep, laugh, embrace, refrain, seek, lose, love, hate, war, and peace. These verses have given wisdom and comfort to readers since ancient times, because we realize the balance, harmony, and seasons of life. The challenge we have in life is adjusting and accepting the different seasons and times.

We are going through a season now that was unexpected, unwanted, and uncontrollable. Yet it is certainly here upon us as a season, just as the spring season is here for planting. So what should we observe about “quarantine season?”

First, recognize that “quarantine season” is just a season. This will pass. There is a “time for everything.” Life will not stay this way forever, this is a season. It is helpful to keep a longterm perspective and recognize it as a season in your year.

Second, consider what you can learn and do during this season. Each calendar or sport’s season has their own unique qualities. We benefit and enjoy the change of pace and activity that they bring. This quarantine season has brought many changes to our lives. What have you learned? What have you enjoyed? What challenges has it produced within your life? Rather than focusing on all that you cannot do during this season, focus on what you can do!

Third, look around and see how this season is affecting others. Your experience of this season is surely not the experience of everyone else. Just as winter and summer bring different joys and challenges to others, so this quarantine season hits each person and family uniquely. Some are suffering mightily, some are unchanged, and still others, are enjoying the season. Don’t put your experience over on everyone else. Open your eyes to understanding others, loving them, and helping those in need.

“For everything there is a season” . . . (Ecc. 3:1). This is only a season.

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Apr 08

Christ’s Victory Over Death

We have returned to wartime eras where the evening news offers grim death counts. The coronavirus pandemic has brought death to the forefront of our nations conscious. The virus has halted our nation because of its power to cause death; it is not the fever or cough that frightens us–it is the possibility of death!

Death is our enemy (1 Cor. 15:26). It is our punishment and wages for sin (Gen. 3; Rom. 6:23). Death is a certainty for all mankind (Heb. 9:27). Man lives in the fear of death (Heb. 2:15).

As we face an invisible enemy that is threatening and causing death across the globe, we should have a greater appreciation for the work of Jesus! Jesus stripped death of its power! He came to “deliver all those who through the fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Heb. 2:15). How ironic is it that while our nation is on quarantine, we pass the traditional Christian holiday of Easter. Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ everyday, but special attention is given on this weekend. This year, we truly need a reminder of the resurrection.

Jesus saw His work on earth as confronting and destroying the enemy of death. He claimed power over death with his words. He stated, “I am the resurrection and the life, Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26). Earlier he stated to the Jews, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (John 8:51).

He demonstrated his power over death during his ministry. He brought the widow of Nain’s son back to life (Luke 7:11-17), raised Jairus’ daughter (Mat. 9:18-26), and raised his good friend Lazarus after he was dead for four days (John 11:38-44). He didn’t just claim power over death, he demonstrated it!

Ultimately, Christ triumphed over death through his own resurrection. Christ laid down his life for the sins of the world (John 10:17-18). But it was not possible that death could hold him because Christ never sinned (Acts 2:24; Rom. 6:9-10). The stone was rolled away by the power of God and Christ came out of the tomb in a resurrected body that would never die again. He overcame death! He gained the victory over death and offers that same victory to all of his followers (1 Cor. 15).

This Easter weekend with the coronavirus sweeping across our nation like a wildfire causing chaos, let us be reminded of the victory Christ won over death through his resurrection!

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Apr 01

Steadfast Love of the Lord

This crisis has shown me the fragility of the world. A small microscopic bug has torn down many permanent fixtures. In a short amount of time businesses are threatened, sports has been put on hold, and fear has swept across our nation.

Israel endured many such times throughout the Old Testament. They endured persecution, disease, famine, and war. A rich and deep concept fills the Old Testament writings. The Hebrew word chesed refers to the Old Testament’s highest expression of love. It is used most often for God’s love for humanity. It is translated with English terms such as, “unfailing love, steadfast love, lovingkindness, and mercy.” It is the term which refers to God’s rescuing people from disaster, sustaining life, forgiving sin, and showing mercy. It is rich and deep in meaning because it involves his covenant-keeping nature. God is a promise-keeper!

It is this steadfast love that the Isrealite often praised and relied upon despite their suffering and hardships. Many Psalms proclaim the glory and hope which is seen in the unfailing love of God (Psalm 33, 89, 136). It is this steadfast love that Moses proclaims as the foundational character of the God of who led them out of Egypt and gave the law at Sinai (Ex. 34:6-7). It is this steadfast love that Jeremiah finds hope in despite his lamentations and weeping over the destruction of Jerusalem and ensuing captivity by Babylon. Jeremiah wrote, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him”” (Lam. 3:22-24).

As we deal with the pandemic of coronavirus and the crisis it has caused, let’s remind ourselves of the steadfast love of the Lord. His mercies are still new every morning! Great is His faithfulness! He has not forgotten or abandoned us! His love is unfailing. Take hope! Take comfort! Have peace; the Lord is own His Throne!

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Mar 24

Keeping Anxiety From Ruling Our Hearts

We live in anxious times. We live in depressing times. We need social interaction and encouragement, yet many are confined to isolation. Fear is thriving.

The Apostle Paul could relate to our anxieties. He suffered shipwrecks, imprisonments, countless beatings with whips and rods, vicious attacks from enemies, hunger, exposure to harsh weather. Upon top of all these physical persecutions, he writes about the “daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:23-29). Paul endured personal pain and spiritual struggle with his “thorn in the flesh.” He repeatedly sought the Lord to remove it, but was told “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor. 12:6-10). Paul had anxiety about his own death (Phil. 1:21-25).

If Paul was so well acquainted with anxiety, why did he counsel us in Philippians 4:6 to “not be anxious about anything.” Are we sinning when we feel anxiety over situations? When you consider Paul’s statement in the context of Paul’s life, and specifically the book of Philippians, we are able to understand what Paul is teaching. Paul understands we are going to have anxiety, thus he is concerned with what we do with it. He had it! Even, the Lord endured times of heightened anxiety and stress (Mat. 26:36-46).

We must not let it rule our hearts; stealing our joy and peace. Paul maintained joy in the Lord despite his many persecutions and anxieties (Phil. 4:4). We cast our anxieties on the Lord through prayer making our requests known to a loving God who cares (Phil. 4:6). Because of our relationship with the Lord, peace, rather than anxiety, guards our hearts (Phil. 4:7). We should meditate on pure and virtuous things that bring comfort, joy, and delight to our souls (Phil. 4:8). It is through practicing these things that Paul maintained the peace of God through all of his anxieties (Phil. 4:9). The same joy and peace can be possessed by Christians today in the midst of our anxiety.

You are going to have anxiety and stress in this world. But don’t let it rule your heart and steal your joy and peace. Paul didn’t condemn having anxiety, he condemned Christians letting it rule their hearts.

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Mar 13

What to do when the world is in a panic?

Fear! The uncertainty of the unknown is causing hysteria across our nation in response to the coronavirus. We are canceling annual sporting events that involve millions of dollars because of fear related to public safety. The stock market is crashing. Schools are being dismissed. Toilet paper and cleaning supplies are in high demand.

What is a Christian to do when the world is in such a panic?

  1. Do not fear! We are tempted to join the panic. Fear is a basic survival instinct within all of us. Fear drives our behaviors. It paralyzes us from action and tells us lies. Fear will cause us to act irrationally and keep us from trusting God. the Bible says “fear not” in some form some 366 times. Christians must hear the words of Isaiah as the pandemic spreads across our nation, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Is. 41:10). Jesus rebuked his disciples for fearing (Mat. 8:23-27). Peter sunk when walking on the water when he became afraid (Mat. 14:30). We must not give into fear, but stand strong in faith.
  2. Be reasonable and kind! Paul admonished us to “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone” (Phil. 4:5). When the world panics, Christians respond with reason, calm, and fortitude. We should practice recommended hygiene practices, like washing our hands. The golden rule demands Christians to be thoughtful, kind, and sensitive in our actions regarding sickness. We should not go to restricted places when asked being respectful of others. If feeling sick ourselves, we should stay in and consider the good of others. We ought to be appreciative of governing authorities who are trying to look out for the good of society. Our efforts should be to assist them and pray for them rather than criticizing (Romans 13).
  3. Understand the fragility of man. David said while on the run from Saul, “there is but a step between me and death” (1 Sam. 20:3). The coronavirus is humbling our nation. In a nation sport-obsessed and financially-focused a little microscopic virus has thrown a major disruption into our world! We are a nation who reveres our medical system and believes we have a long life promised. We forget the very fragile nature of human life. Our life is but a “mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:13). We are a heartbeat from eternity. Let us follow our Lord’s advice and be ready (Mat. 25)!
  4. Remind yourself of where your confidence must be. The coronavirus is a test of America. It is a test of our character and strength. It is a test of our faith as Christians (1 Peter 1:6-7). We put our confidence in health, wealth, and pleasure; all of which have been threatened by this virus. Our confidence must be in the Rock! Our trust must be in God (Ps 91). We should take counsel from saints of ages past who dealt with plagues and disease.* They kept their faith, ministered to the sick and hurting, and clung to God in worship. In fact, let us as Christians pray that people will come to Christ during this time realizing He is the only sure foundation and rock to build your life upon!

So while the world panics Christians remain strong in faith and resolute in their witness for Christ in the midst of chaos.

*See this article – http://johnmarkhicks.com/2011/02/23/david-lipscomb-on-the-cholera-epidemic-in-nashville-june-1873/

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Mar 10

Choosing Your Correct Bible Study Level

We are programmed to need an appropriate challenge. We need a habit, skill, or knowledge to be just a little more challenging that our current abilities to inspire us. For example, if you want to play tennis you need to find someone who is close to your same skill level. Playing against a tennis pro each day would be overly discouraging and cause most people to give up the game. Conversely playing with your eight year old each day would not be challenging enough. To become a regular tennis player able to improve your skills you need to find someone who is just slightly better than yourself that gives you a challenge.

This human nature quality applies to how we should study the Bible and choose religious literature. Many people have been discouraged from study of God’s word because they found it too difficult. It was like trying to do 10th grade algebra in 5th grade math class. Conversely, experienced Bible students need to be challenged with deeper study or they can grow bored.

Let me encourage you to find your appropriate Bible level for your growth. The Bible talks about this in terms of the “milk” of the word that is for “newborn babes” and the “meat” of the word that is for the “mature.”* Everyone needs to find the appropriate diet for their level of faith and spiritual maturity. The focus is on growth and not staying at your current level!

Here are some tips:

For an easier level:

  • Consider using a modern version like the ESV or NIV rather than the KJV.
  • Choose a New Testament book–I would suggest Mark, John, James, or 1 Peter.
  • Choose basic Bible study literature written for a general audience.
  • Listen to sound Biblical sermons and attend a good Bible class to help enrich your Bible knowledge.

For a more challenging Bible level

  • Read from various versions of the Bible comparing texts.
  • Look for themes and reoccurring words in a passage.
  • Tackle a new book of the Bible you haven’t studied before–I would suggest Job, the Minor prophets, or Romans.
  • Learn how to do original language word studies; something that can be accomplished easily today with Bible apps.
  • Read one or more good commentaries that dive deeper into the text and offer further explanation.

More suggestions could be made, but please consider the best Bible study level for your growth. Don’t be overwhelmed with the difficulty or bored with the familiar; learn to challenge yourself appropriately so that you can grow your faith.

*See 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; 1 Peter 2:1-3; Hebrews 5:11-14

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