August 26, 2018

Are You Truly Changed?

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.

– Ephesians 2:8-9

He surrendered his life to Christ just a few years ago. He’d lived a life of church participation but in his 80s he finally realized that attending church and actually being saved really aren’t the same thing.

He had good intentions. After his baptism, he planned to attend church regularly. He was going to read his Bible. He was going to live right. Well, it’s easy to backslide into old ways. It’s easy to put off what you should do until another day, then another, until years have passed. Until you lose the one person you loved above all others.

His wife died today. He is lost. He is determined to live up to her standards. He vows to live for Jesus. I know he sincerely believes his own words. I hope he does live differently in the days to come. I also know that the numbness will end before he’s ready. A deep soul-shattering grief will grip his heart tightly. He will either turn to Jesus in the darkness or he will turn back to the self he knows.

One thing that bothers me is how insistent he is that he must live right so he can get to where we all know she has gone. We keep telling him that his salvation, Jesus’ promise of eternity in heaven, isn’t dependent on what he does or doesn’t do. He says he understands. Sometimes I wonder if he does.

James tells us that we aren’t saved by works but that there should be some evidence in our lives that we are saved. We should live right because of what Jesus has done for us. We should make wise choices, extend compassion and mercy, and do good to others because we are the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth. But none of that alters our status as children of God.

Death brings an emptiness that causes us to reevaluate everything. We realize we can’t wait for another day. We understand that we might not have another opportunity to get right with Jesus. We know that the only real promise in life is that death will one day come. Are you ready?

There is one way to heaven and that is through the blood of Christ. You can’t earn your way there. You can’t buy a ticket. Jesus paid your fare if you’ll only accept His gift. Have you?

Look around and take stock of your life. Do a self-exam on your heart. Are you different because of Jesus or are you just the same as you always were? While works won’t get you anywhere near the Kingdom of God, truly saved people want to do good because of Him.

When the day is done, we won’t have a chance to do things differently. Don’t wait. Accept Jesus’ gift of salvation and live a life of gratitude and service for all He has done.

August 9, 2018

Why Do You Serve?

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

– Ephesians 2:10

Are you active in your church? Do you belong to a civic group? Do you volunteer at your kids’ school? Why?

Before you flippantly answer, think about it for a moment. Be honest. It’s just between you and God anyway.

Most of us like pats on the back. Most of us like to be in charge or, at least, to be recognized for our contributions as workers. Most of us like things to be done our way. Most of us want to brag and feel proud of the good we do.

But here’s a hard truth: If your service is for anyone’s glory but God’s, you need to step aside and rethink your motives.

Whether you’re volunteering at church or anywhere else, you represent Jesus. You are His ambassador. It’s not about you. I know. That’s a common theme but it’s a common theme because it reveals such an uncommon heart.

We’re to have hearts filled with Him to such a degree that people see Jesus when we show up. There’s no room for pettiness and egos and pride. When those things rear their ugly heads, step back and drop to your knees. Satan is on the warpath and you need the strength of the Holy Spirit to withstand the onslaught.

I know. You probably think you know better than anyone else how something needs to be done. Maybe you’ve done it the same way for years and you can’t imagine anyone else wanting to change something that works so well. Maybe you’ve surrounded yourself with like-thinking people. Maybe you’ve closed your mind and your heart to even considering another person’s viewpoint.

A few months ago a pair of sweet older women announced that they were tired and would no longer decorate tables for a specific event. Okay. In less than a day, we’d organized a large replacement team who showed up to help and learn from the retiring volunteers. They were shocked at the response.

Do you know why no one had helped them before? Because they rebuffed every effort made by anyone. They were so focused on doing it like they’d always done it, on controlling it, on being able to brag about their service, that they missed a prime opportunity to receive help and to train others. They missed a chance to try different things and to get to know people of another generation who were eager to serve but just needed an opportunity to step up.

You see these wonderful ladies had lost sight of why they began their service long ago. When they began, it was to honor God and do good for His people. Later, it became about them instead of about Him.

So, let me ask you again: Why do you serve? If it’s about anything or anyone besides Him, step back. Step away. Get your heart right and in alignment with Him. Then step back up. God needs people to serve. He just wants them to do all that they do for His glory and not their own.

August 3, 2018

Treasure Each Other

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. – Ephesians 2:19-21

We shared memories today, my cousins and I. It’s one of the beautiful things of life when you can join together the past and today with unbreakable bonds that will carry you into the future.

It’s a sad time. The death of someone you love is never easy. Yes, we’ll see him again. But that doesn’t erase the pain of today. So, we remember the past even as we look toward the future of an eternal reunion.

We are all intertwined, these people I love and those who have joined the family through the years. My Dad went to school with the man who would become his cousin’s husband. I grew up down the street from the woman who would become another cousin’s wife. We were joined by blood at birth. We choose to be friends and family as adults.

Our lives are built on faith in Jesus Christ. Our foundation is solid even though the storms of life rock us now and again. We cling to Jesus and each other. A love that has weathered adversity becomes that much stronger.

We forget sometimes just who we are. We get so caught up in life, so comfortable with what we’re doing and what we “know” to be right, that we forget that we are unworthy sinners. We forget about what Jesus did for us.

Oh, we know. We tell ourselves that anyway. But our sin and Jesus’ death on a cross isn’t some vague something that’s mostly about someone else. It’s about us. It’s about what we have done and how He came to save me and you from eternal separation from God.

It’s not surprising that I became reacquainted with these cousins of mine in a church we all attended. We shared laughter and casseroles right along with Bible study and worship. I was blessed. I am still blessed. When the storm came, they stood beside me. Our foundations remained solid. That’s what faith is all about.

When my Dad died, his cousin came with food still hot from the stove. She came to love on Mother and I with hugs and support, stories that brought a tear and a laugh. She came to be there with us because that’s what a family born of God does. They show up. They help. They love and support those who are hurting. Today, I did that for her.

Life changes. Death reminds us that we are meant for someplace else. We are only transients here on earth. That’s something else we forget sometimes. We get so focused on the here and now that we forget nothing we possess on earth goes with us when we make the final journey home.

What remains are the relationships we forge with God’s people. If we are truly fortunate, we share the bond of blood family and spiritual family with the same people. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our lives. We cling to Him, just as we cling to each other.

I hope this day finds you surrounded by people of deep faith, people who share your stories, and people who remain steadfast no matter what life brings. The love shared by fellow believers is a bond that runs deep and true. It’s a gift from God. Treasure it as more valuable than gold because, as time often proves, it is.

February 15, 2016

Give God Credit

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. -- Ephesians 2:8-9

What did you take credit for today? What did you brag about? What did you praise yourself for?

We’re taught to think highly of ourselves. And, really, that’s a good thing. It’s important to have healthy self-esteem. But it’s also important to remember that all good things come from God -- that includes our successes and bright, shining moments.

This verse came to mind the other day as I listened to a man bragging about the illustrious career he’d had. Truly, he’s had great success. But never once did this man of faith mention his Lord. Not one time did he give credit to God. He went on and on about working hard and knowing the right people. Those are important things but there are plenty of people who work hard and know the right people who never have success. At least not success as the world defines it.

A couple at our church appear to have it all. I’ve been shocked at the occasional nasty comment aimed at them. Why? Because they are braggers who make ugly comments about others in an effort to build themselves up. God gets no credit in their minds.

I don’t want anyone to misunderstand what I am saying here. It is important to work hard. It is important to use your talents for God’s glory. And it is important to acknowledge that you are the child of the King. It is not okay to take credit for things that come from God.

That talent you’re bragging about started with a gift from God. Yes, you worked hard to develop it but others could work equally hard and never achieve what you have achieved. Not because they didn’t try but because that was not God’s gift to them.

The same is true with leadership, teaching, or anything else. Work hard and seek God’s guidance to develop His gifts to you. But recognize His gifts and all those open doors that allowed you to develop into who you are today. Give credit to God and use His gifts to bring Him glory.

　
  

January 24, 2016

Faith Is What Matters

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. -- Ephesians 2:8-9

I was amazed. This long-standing Christian was talking about the need to do good works to be saved. Excuse me? No.

I quickly corrected him. We are saved by faith in Christ. It is His blood that washes us clean. Good works should spring from true salvation but works have nothing to do with us being saved.

He argued. I quoted some scripture, including this passage from Ephesians. He tried to brush me off nad just shook his head. A woman listening tried to stay out of the conversation. She probably isn’t allowed to talk about her faith. She just quietly said “that’s right” when I explained again about faith in Jesus.

I wonder how many people believe that good works will get them to heaven. It sounds good but they are playing with hell and that’s a scary thing. I’ve heard people say they would just take their chances. I’ve heard others say that someone was a good person and surely he went to heaven.

They don’t get it. Good works don’t matter. Really. They’re nice and all. But they aren’t a ticket to heaven. What does the Bible say?

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -- John 14:6

Do you believe the Bible? Do you believe Jesus? Then lets ask that question: How do you get in to heaven? Through faith in Jesus. Period.

　

　

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Focus Scattered Mind On God

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -- Ephesians 2:10

It’s all about priorities. That’s what I tell myself anyway. But truthfully, just between us, most days my mind is so scattered from the overflow of tasks that it’s a wonder I ever manage to get anything done. Do you know what I’m talking about?

I’ve never been particularly coordinated and yet I find myself juggling too many things anyway. I keep telling myself to hang on. One day I’ll get a day off. I have to laugh at that. I’ve been saying it for years and I’m not sure a day off is any closer now that it was back then.

For most of us, a day off is simply not an option. My dream day off? A day with nothing to do and no responsibilities. I know. It’s just not happening. I’d probably be bored if it did. Isn’t that how life usually is? We want what we want until we get it. Then we want something else.

For a while I tried a “to do” list, conveniently written on a chalkboard I see whenever I sit down. I soon learned to ignore it. Of course, that meant it became useless. I didn’t mean to ignore it. Really. It’s just that I’d run out of time before I got everything done and then I’d start the next day already behind. After a while, it just got too frustrating to try and catch up.

These days I try to take a deep breath and focus. It’s a silent word I repeat over and over. If I can just focus on what’s important, I can deal with the rest later. But what’s important? Surely laundry and elderly parents and work and animals are all important? And so I juggle some more.

The Holy Spirit beckons to me. What’s important? Really. What’s important? Whatever God has called me to do. Whatever God has called you to do. To love others. Show mercy. Extend kindness. To tell others about Jesus.

God has prepared something for each of us to do. We’re all unique so our tasks are all different. But it’s something special for us alone. The key is spending time with God and listening to what He says so that we can learn what it is.

Quietness. Solitude. Time in the Word. Prayer. A relationship with God that brings peace amid turmoil, focus amid a scattered mind. That is the key I’ve been searching for all along.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the stuff that fills our lives and lose focus on what’s important. Start each day with time with God. Stay focused on Him as you go about your daily tasks. It helps keep you centered and able to make clear choices about what’s important and what’s not.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Let Everyone Be Themselves

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. -- Ephesians 2:10

The other day several of us discussed our various “buttons.” Everyone is unique, so different things make kindness and love difficult to show. One woman gets upset with telemarketers. Another gets upset about rude drivers. I get upset when people try to turn me in to someone else.

No. I’m not about to launch into repeat episodes of Bewitched. It’s just that my life sometimes seems to be one big struggle against the will of others as they try to turn me into someone like them. It’s frustrating, insulting, and just really pushes my button.

Oh, I’ve gone along at times. And always regretted it. Once upon a time I longed to be like everyone else. I wanted to wear khakis and be part of the “in” group. I wanted to like what others liked. I wanted to just get along. But I never fit in and I was incredibly unhappy.

Why? Because I was trying to be someone other than the person God made be to be. I wanted to be the person who always held her tongue and never said the wrong thing. I wanted to be the person who kept her own counsel and didn’t upset people with a truth they don’t want to hear. I am not that person. God created me to be someone to stir up the waters with His truth. I’ve come to understand that but it has been a painful journey at times.

These days I’m still someone other people don’t understand. How could they? I don’t fit the mold. I take care of elderly parents, transport cars and work as a folk artist. And somehow I manage to put together an income of sorts.

I try to keep a sense of humor when people don’t understand that, yes, I do work for a living. And, yes, I have responsibilities and things I must do each day. I also have a particular style of painting. Really. I’m not interested in copying anyone else. And, no, I don’t appreciate people telling me I should do what someone else is already doing. I’m not that person. And that person is not me.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it.

-- Psalm 139:14

God made me to be who I am just as He made you to be who you are. We are each uniquely and wonderfully made. So you be who God made you to be. Shine brightly with all the qualities and talents He gave you. And let me do the same.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Show Others God's Grace

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. -- Ephesians 2:14

What celebrity or public person do you think is least likely to ever know Jesus as Lord and Savior? Why do you say that? Do you think they’re too far from Jesus? Have they done bad things? Maybe they’ve laughed off Christianity? Maybe you’ve simply decided they’re unworthy?

We all have invisible walls around us. Some of the walls are natural and define who we are in terms of spouse, parent, child, co-worker, etc. Other walls come from those around us. We tend to unconsciously pick up prejudices and likes and dislikes, especially from our parents and teachers.

Other walls spring up as we live our lives. We look down on people who are struggling financially -- or who are super successful. We may dislike people who are a different color, speak a different language or dress differently than we do. We look at the exterior and make a quick judgment, whether we’re aware of it or not.

The same is true when we look at the past actions of people. We assume a kid in trouble will turn into an adult in trouble. We know that a recovering alcoholic will turn to the bottle once more. A thief is always a thief. A liar will always lie. We condemn without regard to our own past failures.

Jesus tore the curtain in two. It’s gone. We are one with Him. All of us who believe. There are no walls between God and His people. Jesus sacrificed Himself for us. Me and you. So why do we think that anyone is beyond the reach, beyond the grace, beyond the forgiveness, of God? Because no one has ever fallen too far or done too much to find grace at the cross.

It’s easy to hide ourselves behind our walls. They’re comfortable. But we’re not called to be comfortable. We’re called to love others as God loves us. So tear down the walls. Reach out to people who are different from you. Forgive someone who has wronged you -- again. Show others the grace that God has shown you.

Monday, May 2, 2011

What's Your Excuse?

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

-- Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

We are a people full of excuses. We’ve got an excuse for everything. Especially when we might have to do something we’ve never done before. We might have to get dirty, make a few financial sacrifices, get a little less sleep. We might have to care for someone who isn’t exactly someone we would choose as a friend. We would have to make an effort for someone who has nothing to offer us in return.

We couldn’t possibly go on a mission trip to Indonesia, Africa or Haiti. We know we couldn’t. We aren’t wealthy and we can’t give a million dollars to help anyone. The little bit we can afford wouldn’t matter anyway. Or so we tell ourselves. We simply don’t have time to volunteer, what with the kids and the spouse and the job and all those activities. No time for someone we don’t even know. Besides, there are people to do that. People who get paid to do it. People who are called to do it. People who enjoy doing it. Not us. Never us.

Of course, we can’t forget those people who think those who suffer brought it on themselves. People should get a job, they’re quick to say. If they don’t have anything, it’s because of their own bad choices. These people are content to live in their own self-righteous world and let those around them suffer. They go to church on Sunday. They place some money in the offering plate. In their minds, they’re doing their part to be good Christians. They really don’t have a clue.

Max Lucado tells us that 1 billion people are hungry in the world today. There is more than enough food to feed them. Except the haves just aren’t willing to share with the have nots. I know. Logistics are a nightmare. But we tend to think that God has given us a world without enough for everyone. That isn’t true. There is enough food. We just don’t have enough Jesus in our hearts.

Or rooms in the inn. Again, Lucado tells us there are 145 million orphans in the world.  Nearly 236 million Americans call themselves Christians. So American Christians could -- by themselves -- provide a home for all the orphans in the world. How many of you have an extra bedroom in your home? Yeah. There are lots of extra bedrooms in this world but even if we could work out all the international relations stuff, the owners aren’t willing to share them with a stranger, even if that stranger is a child.

We look in the mirror and think that the person we see could never change the world or even some small part of it. We assume we’re not smart enough, educated enough, connected enough or religious enough to make a difference.

We forget that the disciples weren’t either. Think about it. They were fishermen. A tax collector. Just regular folks who were neither well-educated nor well-traveled. But they loved Jesus and they believed in Him. They had the fire of the Holy Spirit within them. They understood that while they could do nothing alone, they could do anything with God leading the way. And they did.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Differences Are Good

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -- Ephesians 2:10

Some days I look up at the sky and I am amazed at all God has created for us to enjoy. He created everything out of nothing. His imagination is without limits and I stand in awe before Him.

God is the ultimate artist. He created the earth and He created me and you. And every single one of us is unique. No patterns or monotony for God. He values the quirks and differences that make us stand out as individuals. Too bad we don't share His view of being different.

I'm an artist. A folk artist. And I paint furniture. Sometimes I even build it. Most everything I do is a little different and filled with bright colors and snazzy special add-ons. I've gained a reputation as a kids' artist around here. I don't see myself that way at all. When did bright colors become only for children? It's like other people need to put me in a box. It seems to help them understand something they don't understand.

Artists are an eclectic group. We use different mediums. We have different skills. For some it is a hobby. Others make a living from it. But we are each unique in how we see the world. Sort of like how God sees us. He doesn't try to force us into a mold. Instead, He seems to enjoy our differences. In fact, it's when we bring all those differences together that we can most celebrate God.

So stop trying to fit the people you know in mold that you've chosen. Let them be who they are. You might be amazed at all that you learn -- about yourself and about God our Creator.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

We Are All Family

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."

-- Ephesians 2:19-20

We often think of the church as being a building where we worship God and gather for fellowship. Actually, the church is a group of believers. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He lives within us. We are all one body. Sometimes we even act like it.

Church folks are some of the most critical, back-stabbing people you'll ever meet. Don't get me wrong. They can be kind and generous and fiercely protective of their own. But they fuss and gossip, they form cliques, and someone is always unhappy with someone. Makes me wonder sometimes why anyone would want to be part of such a group.

What's so funny -- and you have to laugh or you'll break down sobbing -- is that some of the people don't have a clue as to what they're doing. One woman told me she was just fed up with all the gossip at her church. Then she proceeded to talk badly about several people. I defended a couple. She didn't like that at all. She doesn't see herself as part of the problem. She's blinded by her own self-righteousness.

Contrast that with a few church members conducting a yard sale for a small church. They don't even have their own building but they are faithful and true. The sale was going a little slow but they didn't seem to mind. They talked about all the wonderful people they'd met and the opportunities to witness. If there were fusses going on, I didn't hear about. If they felt put upon because not many church members were helping, it didn't show. If they were frustrated by their sales figures, they didn't seem to waiver in their faith.

Jesus called everyone to Himself. He wanted us all to get along, to help one another, to build up God's kingdom and not tear it down with bickering among ourselves. We all want to be first, to be most important, to be right. But who is willing to sacrifice for Christ? Who puts God first in all things? Who gives and gives and gives, refusing to stop and reflect on what others might or might not be doing?

My Uncle Green, the youngest of 13 children and the one who always brought the family together, told us again and again "we're family." He expected us to get along, to help one another, to support one another in good an bad times. It was that blood tie that kept us together no matter what happened around us.

We are all citizens of God's family. We are bound together by the blood of Christ. We are called to reflect the light of Jesus to others. We can't control what other people think and say but we can and should control our own words and actions. Perhaps our actions will reflect back and they'll change their behavior as well.