June 1, 2018

Why Are You Afraid?

Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since your have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” – Exodus 4:10

We are good at excuses, aren’t we? God says to go and we respond with “but” and proceed to list all the ways what He’s called us to do will never work. It’s just common sense, we explain. It can only end in disaster, we assure Him.

He, of course, is Almighty God. Nothing is too hard for Him. Nothing is impossible with Him. But, truthfully, we really don’t trust Him with the unknown. How many blessings do we miss because of that?

Moses was afraid to confront Pharaoh. He gave God excuse after excuse. God rebuked every excuse. God finally agreed that Moses’ brother Aaron could help Moses. Do you think that hurt God? He had called Moses to greatness, to lead His people to freedom, but Moses didn’t trust that God would give him the words and protect him on the journey.

We’re no different. We want to step out in faith. We really do. But there’s that pull of comfort and what we know. Satan whispers that God’s plan will never work. People around us tell us we’re foolish or lazy or destined for disaster. So we sink back into what we see and miss what could have been.

What is your dream? Do you want to go back to school and become a teacher? Do you want to stay home with your children but you just know your family could never survive on one income? Do you want to start an after-school outreach program? Are you feeling led to begin a new Bible study? Maybe you feel drawn to include your elderly neighbor in a weekly meal? I could go on and on because there are just so many ways God speaks into our hearts.

But none of that matters if we choose to sit on the sidelines. Nothing will ever change unless we step up and step out in faith.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7

Do you want to be the person who, at the end of his life, looks back and sees all the things he wished he had done. Do you want to end your life regretting missed opportunities? Do you want to stay comfortable and miss the blessings true faith brings?

The Bible tells us repeatedly not to be afraid. Scholars who count such things say He tells us that 365 times. One “do not fear” for each day of the year. Do you think God believes it’s important?

I wonder if sometimes we say no because we’re afraid God might lead us on a path we never wanted? What if the life God has planned for us is totally different from the life we had planned for ourselves?

And what if that life is better than anything you ever could have imagined? Will you be faithful enough to find out? What are you afraid of?

Monday, January 23, 2012

Don’t Just Pray; Take Action

With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you. -- 2 Timothy 1:14

We Christians are really big on prayer. For good reason, I might add. We pray when we’re happy. We pray when we’re thankful. We pray when we’re sick or in need. We also pray to get out of doing what we really don’t want to do.

Okay. A few folks just stiffened up. They don’t understand what I meant. Or, they hope they don’t. So I’ll be a little plainer: sometimes we Christians use prayer as a way to get out of doing what God has called us to do.

We’re confronted with someone is need -- someone sick, someone hurting, someone who is hungry or unemployed, someone who is lonely. We are filled with kindness and compassion. “I’ll pray for you,“ we tell them. And most of the time we probably do.

But what God is really telling us to do is get up off our knees and help them! It’s not that prayer is a bad thing. Prayer is wonderful and, indeed, we should pray for them. But prayer doesn’t replace action, no matter how persuasively we try to convince ourselves otherwise.

What God is really calling us to do is buy a bag of groceries for the person who is hungry. He is telling us to spend a half hour with someone who is lonely. He is calling us to take a friend to her chemo treatment or give someone a hug. It’s just not what we want to do. We don’t want to take time or spend our money to help someone else. We want to desire to do those things. We just don’t.

Honestly, we really don’t even want to hear about somebody else’s problems. We want to hear that they’re doing fine, that they’re getting by, that all is well. We want to talk about ourselves. We want to brag about our children and grandchildren. We want to keep it all superficial so we don’t have to feel anyone else’s pain.

Are we called to pray for others? Absolutely. But, more importantly, we are called to action. Take another look at your Bible. Jesus didn’t spend a lot of time praying for people. He went off alone and prayed to His Father. He sought His counsel. But when Jesus was among people, He ministered to them.

I realize that Jesus performed many miracles that we can’t begin to do. But that’s no excuse for not doing what we can, where we can. I’m reminded of a friend who was once a young widow with seven children to house, feed and clothe on a nurses’ aide salary. She talks of praying to God for food to feed her children. And someone -- she never knew who or even if it were one person or many -- would leave a bag of groceries by her front door. A need met because someone heeded God’s call and took action.

We are called to love and minister to those whom God puts in our path. God knows what we can do and what we can’t. He’ll never ask us to do more than what we can do with His help. The next time you encounter someone who is in need or hurting, don’t be so quick to dismiss them with a prayer. Ask God what He wants you to do, then take a step out in faith and actually do it.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Crisis Changes You Forever

"For I am being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure."

-- 2 Timothy 4:6

Paul was near the end of his life. He looked forward to a race finished and a heavenly crown as he entered the presence of Jesus. We focus on that rather than the words "drink offering." We'd rather not remember that Paul suffered for his faith. Truly suffered.

Somehow we've come to believe that following Jesus should be easy. We'll do our bit -- got to church, give a little money, volunteer a time or two -- and life will go by orderly and without great disaster. Then when we are poured into the fire of crisis, to a place when no other can offer help and hope, we feel abandoned and broken. It is at that point where we find God waiting.

Oswald Chambers wrote that after the crisis, life changes forever. "When the crises arises, you realize that things cannot touch you as they used to," he writes. Truth that can only be realized on the other side of the crisis. Priorities change. Things that were once so important, no longer matter. They are put into the context of eternity. And, really, who cares about all the little aggravations of life?

We do, of course, or we wouldn't call them aggravating. We focus on the daily struggles, high points and low points, of our lives. We get bogged down and lose sight of the distant destination that will come at the end. Yet, when is the end? As Pastor Meghan said, none of us have any guarantee of even the next breath. That kind of puts it all in perspective.

The fire isn't an easy place to be. Been there, done that, don't ever want to go back. I've got enough souvenirs, thank you very much. But I also know I wouldn't be where I am on this journey without ever having gone through the fire. It drew me closer to my God. It made me lay down at Jesus' feet in a way I'd never even contemplated. It filled with me the Holy Spirit and gave new meaning to a life destroyed by circumstances beyond my control.

Are you ready for the fire? Are you willing to walk the difficult path that draws you closer to God? Are you willing to suffer as Paul did so that in the end you will know that you fought the good fight for Christ? The journey isn't easy but it is worth the price.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Read The Bible Yourself

"All scripture is God-breathed..."

-- 2 Timothy 3:16a

We've been studying other religions and cults during my Sunday school class. Don't worry. Our plum line is the Bible. We just think it's useful to understand what other folks believe. Some of it is quite scary but I won't get into that here.

What amazes me is how many "religions" distort the Bible in order to draw people in. Today we discussed Jehovah's Witnesses. I can't say I knew a lot about them. I know they keep predicting Armageddon. They're never right, of course. Jesus clearly said no one knew the time or day of His return except for God.

I also know they go door-to-door and they get on my nerves when they won't leave my booth at craft shows. I really didn't know that they have rewritten parts of the Bible they've deemed wrong. They lure people in by quoting scripture, taking it out of context and editing it a bit.

It's easy to see how people who really don't know Scripture could be confused. I don't mean to pick on the Jehovah's Witnesses. Other so-called christian religions do the same thing. Some leaders, including clergy, at mainstream religions also mislead and misinterpret Scripture.

It is so important to find a Bible and READ IT! It doesn't matter if it's the King James Version, the New International Version or The Message. I know. I've said it before but I'm saying it again. God gave us His Words do we could read and understand. If we don't understand something, we can research it. There are so many wonderful study Bibles and reference books available. Just don't do the lazy thing and let others hand-feed you their views on God.

There is nothing more important that your salvation. Don't trust it to anyone but Jesus. Read the Bible. Pray. Surround yourself with good, Biblical friends and teachers. Then when someone starts talking about what the Bible says, you'll know for yourself whether it's true or not.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." -- 2 Timothy 2:3

We don't want to suffer. As Christians, we somehow think we should be exempt. At least from the really bad stuff. We may know in our minds that bad things happen to everyone but in our hearts we think our love for Jesus should keep us somewhat insulated. It doesn't.

I met a wonderful man recently. He seemed gracious and kind. A good person. Late last winter he fought cancer -- and survived. In January, the home he and his wife have shared since 1968 caught fire. He considered himself blessed that no one was hurt and the fire was confined to the kitchen, utility room, etc. No major keepsakes were lost. The spring brought the death of their only child. She was 42.

When I read this passage, I couldn't help but think about the meaning of hardship. Certainly, Paul referred to suffering for the faith. He endured beatings and prison and so much. Paul carried on and he wanted Timothy to do the same.

Few of us will ever suffer great hardship for talking about our faith. At least not the way Paul did. But how we handle the tragedies that do come our way tells others about our faith. I didn't need to ask this man about his faith. He lived it. Do we live ours?

Hardship comes in so many ways. It can mean the very real struggled of trying to pay rent or a mortgage and buy food and necessities for ourselves and our families. It can mean physical limitations. It can mean keeping a job you hate, where you feel unwelcome, because it's a job and you need it. It can mean emotional challenges that comes from taking care of a loved one. The list goes on and on. Hardship can be a season or it can be an ongoing challenge with no end in sight.

How we handle hardship reflects on us -- and on Jesus. Non-believers look at us as we navigate rough waters. If we struggle and appear to sink, why would they want to welcome Jesus into their lives? But if they see strength amid challenges, they're far more likely to want what we have.

I'm not saying it's an easy road. It's not. It's difficult and sometimes seems unfair and impossible to handle. But as Christians, we know we are never alone. We can draw strength from the hands that hold us up as we face whatever comes our way.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

What Is Really Important

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." --  2 Timothy 4:7

One of my first assignments as a journalism student was to write my own obituary. Yeah. Everyone in the class had to do it. It'll make you stop and think.

In hindsight, maybe a better assignment would be to write our own eulogy. An obituary is all about basic facts -- when are the services, who are the survivors, maybe a tidbit or two about your job or volunteer activities. A eulogy is a little different. A speaker is called upon to sing your praises, so to speak. What would someone say about you or me?

Do you think they'll mention your bank account balance? What about that snazzy new outfit you just had to purchase? Will they talk about the high-priced car you drove or the elite address you called your own? What will people say about you?

More importantly, what do you want people to say about you? Do you want people to remember how much you loved your family? Do you want people to recall how you went out of your way to speak a kind word or offer a helping hand, with no expectation for repayment? Will people mention your kindness, your volunteer spirit, your honesty? Will they know how much you loved the Lord?

Not too long ago I heard one of the best eulogies ever. The speaker shared funny stories and the special love that brought  the man she spoke of into their lives. She also shared his faith. She spoke about how much he loved Jesus and shared Him every chance he got. She spoke the truth. I knew the man. He was good and honest and loved Jesus with all his heart. He sought each day to live his faith. That's what I remember about him.

What do you think people will say about you after you've left this life? It's something to consider when you make decisions each day. What is really important?

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Politics Doesn't Determine Christianity

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." -- 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Here in Alabama we've been having a big fuss over electronic bingo. There has been lots of fingerpointing and accusations on both sides. What particularly disturbs me are the accusations that those who favor legalized gambling aren't Christians.

First, I don't really know how any person can know the soul of another person. Only God can truly see inside a soul. Being a Christian is not determined by whether you support one side of a political issue or another. I guess as simple as it sounds, I'm just a John 3:16 kind of person. It's what the Bible says and I believe it.

Second, I get upset when one side tries to mold the Bible to fit their personal views or political agenda. When we gamble are we coveting another person's money? Yes -- because we want something we don't have. We want to win the game and the prize that goes with it. Just like we covet our neighbor's new car, a promotion that went to someone else or a glazed donut our co-worker is consuming. Anytime we  want something we don't have, we covet it. Because we are wanting something someone else has -- whether it's a person or a business.

Electronic bingo isn't stealing from the poor. It's playing a game. When the local senior center sells chances -- excuse me, "takes donations" -- before they raffle a quilt each year, they aren't stealing from the poor seniors who probably don't have a dollar or two to spare. People make choices. We are all responsible for our own choices, whether we're playing a game, buying a ticket or purchasing a gallon of ice cream we probably shouldn't be eating.

Third, as I scrolled websites I was appalled at the "Christians" who mock the christianity of pro-gambling people. It gets my own Christian hackles up when someone questions another person's ability to be saved based on a political viewpoint. I want to suggest they focus on their own soul first, plucking that plank out of their own eye before they reach for the speck in someone else's eye.

As Christians we are going to disagree on many things, including Biblical interpretations. But when we stoop to mocking and questioning another person's christianity based on politics, we've crossed a line. Shame on all of us!

Misusing God's Word

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." -- 2 Timothy 2:15

I get so upset when a "Christian" judges others and uses the Bible as his excuse. The Bible says not to drink or the Bible says not to gamble or the Bible says ... on and on. You fill in the blank. I wonder if they've ever even bothered to read the Bible themselves.

The Bible, for those who truly don't know, doesn't say not to drink. It says don't get drunk because it leads to all kinds of sin. So true. But the Bible doesn't say no drinking. In fact, in John 2: 1-11, Jesus turned water into wine.

The Bible also doesn't say not to gamble. The excuse many give is that while Jesus was on the cross, men cast lots for his belongings. That's true. Jesus' death was horrible. He suffered and died for us and we owe Him a debt we can never repay. However, that doesn't mean the Bible says not to gamble.

The Old Testament repeatedly refers to casting lots to determine God's will. It wasn't considered gambling. It was a way to determine what to do.

Anyone can argue against drinking and gambling. Or argue for them both. But don't use the Bible as an excuse. And remember, when you aren't sure, read it for yourself. The Bible is a wonderful book full of many good teachings. Spend time with it and I promise you, God will spend time with you.