December 11, 2018

Service

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to the others.

– Romans 12:4-5

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

– Romans 12:11

What are you doing to help others? How are you serving people who can’t do anything to repay you? How are you growing in Christ? How are you giving back?

We have a need for study leaders. There is a hunger but there are few willing to devote the time necessary to be a facilitator. One woman even suggested we send folks to another church so they could attend that church’s studies. Seriously?!

The hard truth is that there are few workers though there are many, many needs. Jesus said it and, unfortunately, nothing has changed. Everyone wants to take but few want to actually give back.

We know the numbers. They’ve been repeated often enough. Twenty percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. The saddest part is that those who never do anything don’t see a need to do anything but show up. They’re missing out on the satisfaction of serving Christ. And we’re all missing out on the talents and gifts they have to offer.

Service doesn’t have to be singing or playing the piano or even leading a Bible study. It can be something as simple as wiping down tables after a church meal or chaperoning children during Wednesday evening activities. Service can mean driving someone to a doctor’s appointment or delivering a meal to a shut-in. Maybe your gift is sending cards of encouragement or greeting people at the door with a bulletin and a smile.

All of us have different strengths and weaknesses and those differences lead us to what we are called to do. My calling is different from your calling. That’s how God intended it. Together we can do so much for God. But – and it’s a big but – that depends on everyone doing his or her part.

We have a wonderful woman who is gifted at leading craft night events. Women come from different churches to partake in a fun-filled night of fellowship. We have someone else who leads the prayer group. Another person serves by washing silverware after every church meal. Some people teach classes. Others work with children or youth. And together some amazing things happen.

We recently approved next year’s budget. The youth department is seeing a substantial increase. Why? The youth minister and adult volunteers have led a turnaround that has resulted in a much higher participation rate. That’s right. Instead of falling away from church, these teens are excited about participating. And they’re bringing their friends.

At the children’s nativity play Sunday night, I saw acquaintances who aren’t church members. Their kids come to Wonderful Wednesday activities. This outreach couldn’t happen without a great many volunteers. There are bus drivers and chaperones. There are people who provide snacks and clean up afterwards. There are people who help with gym and singing and the Bible lesson. So very many people ministering to children as a way of serving God.

I don’t know what you are called to do but I do know you are called to do something. We all are. So if you aren’t serving in your church, step up. And if you are, thanks! It takes everyone doing his or her part to make the body of Christ truly whole.

November 27, 2018

Rise Up and Reach Out

One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. – Proverbs 18:9

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

– 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Jesus never intended the church to be complacent. That was the message given to us last Sunday by our pastor. But, oh how we want to let someone else do the work.

We are quick to criticize. We rush to offer our opinion, usually negative, on everything anyone else might be doing. But we really don’t want to show up and do it ourselves. We don’t want to sacrifice time and money to be part of a solution. It’s way easier to stand back, criticize, and condemn those who do the work.

It’s all about us, after all. Really. It’s about what we want and how we want things done. We want to hear and sing the music of our choice. We want it to be the correct volume according to us. We want interesting sermons that keep us awake but don’t convict us of anything. We want programs and activities that we choose without having to sacrifice or pay for things that others deem worthy. We want only people like us to attend services and events. Does any of this sound familiar?

Pastor Ryan Martin talked about the in-between time in which we live. We live on the other side of Jesus’ resurrection but before the Second Coming. There is much work to be done but the laborers are few. We’d rather coast on through life than actually reach out to see and help others.

I know this is going to shock some of you but Jesus really didn’t come to grant you all your wishes. His life wasn’t about miracles and making everyone rich. It was about sacrificing Himself to reconcile us to the Father. Do we ever consider the cost?

Jesus’ birthday is less than one month away and we’re all caught up in the frenzy of gift buying and decorations. Christmas is the most commercial holiday we have. It’s become all about retail sales and gifts under the tree. We’ve forgotten to love the lost and care for the broken. We’re too focused on ourselves and our little world to remember anyone else.

Think a moment about your Christmas list. Who does it include?  What does it include? Probably lots of gifts and food and celebrations. How might your life and attitude change if you made a Christmas list not with things you want but a list of things you want to do for others?

I know. That turns our me-centered world on its head and makes us uncomfortable. We immediately defend ourselves while condemning those who might actually need a helping hand, a kind word, an outpouring of our love. It’s their fault, we insist. It’s not my problem, we explain.

Think a moment about who Jesus spent His time with. Was it the rulers? Was it the rich? Was it those who had their lives together? No. He loved on the outcasts, the widows, those who were sick. Why would we think He expects anything less from us?

Ask God to open your eyes to see the needs of others. Those was the words of our pastor. Christ’s work in this in-between time isn’t done. We are His laborers. There is no room for idleness, finger-pointing, or excuses. Rise up and work.

November 19, 2018

Bring God Glory

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.

– Romans 12:6a

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10

She wanted to know exactly what we would be doing at the craft event. One craft had already been announced but she wanted to know what the other one was. I didn’t know. She was surprised by that.

I directed her to the sweet woman who heads up this event for the Women’s Ministry Team. I may lead the team but I don’t micromanage or try to control what other team members are doing. I trust them. I know their talents and abilities. And they know if there is anything I can do to help, promote or support their efforts, I will gladly do it.

I realize that’s a different approach for some people. They want to be involved and consulted at every stage of an event. They want to be in control even if they aren’t in charge. I’m not one of them.

Maybe it’s because I spent years supervising more than 100 employees located in different geographical areas. I depended on managers and their assistants to do their jobs. If they didn’t, I found someone who would. At a certain point you have to realize and accept that you can’t do it all yourself.

Or maybe it’s because in my season of caregiving I learned how little control I have over anything. My plans could, and often were, disrupted on a daily basis by the needs of parents, livestock or other things. I learned a great deal about trusting God in the midst of continuing storms. I learned a great deal about the ugliness that happens when others want to control without actually showing up to help.

So, I don’t need to control everyone or everything around me. It’s a lesson God taught me. It’s a lesson I hope never to have to relearn.

We are all gifted in different ways, with different talents and abilities. The sweet woman who heads up the craft events is gifted at finding wonderful crafts that are easy to make and that everyone will enjoy. Another sweet woman is gifted in producing snacks that everyone loves and raves about. I am merely the worker who helps where I can, whether it’s plugging in glue guns or arranging snacks.

I have my own gifts, my own abilities. We all do. God meant for us to work together, each gift and skill complimenting those of others, to produce good works for His people. God surely wanted us to get along, to trust each other, and to let others use their talents.

I’m not really sure why some people need to control everything and everyone. I don’t know why they’re never satisfied with their own gifts and talents. I don’t understand why they need to do their part and direct the parts of everyone else. That’s not how God organized us all.

We can do so much good by simply getting out of each other’s way and letting others shine with their gifts. We can work together as a team and produce great things for God’s glory. Every one of us is gifted in some way. Use your gifts to let God’s light shine brightly.

June 3, 2018

Who Are You Today?

For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. – Romans 12:3

I was momentarily speechless, a rare occurrence for me. I looked at her face. She was genuinely concerned about something that had happened back in high school. Really? That was more than 40 years ago.

She was a woman facing an identity crisis. Anyone could see that. She’d married young, birthed her children and now spoiled grandchildren whenever she could. She was also unemployed. She had way too much time on her hands. She had time to consider high school, her “glory” days.

She wanted to know if she’d hurt me and others we’d grown up with. Why? Because she’d become a cheerleader – basketball for one year – and hung out with the popular students. Really? Her arrogance amazed me. She didn’t hurt me all those years ago but she certainly pushed my button on this day.

Everyone has different gifts. Everyone accomplishes different things. We are all unique and called to work together to bring glory to God. All those friends she believed she’d “left behind” were people who accomplished many things in their areas of giftedness. She was oblivious to anyone but herself.

We like to toot our own horns, don’t we? I love that cliché because it’s just so on target to what actually happens. We’ve been taught to brag on ourselves because, after all, who else will do it? It’s that struggle between healthy self-esteem and wallowing in our own pride.

I am proud of my accomplishments. I also recognize that I can do nothing, be nothing, without God’s help and guidance. All good things come from Him. I want so much to live a life that brings glory to God Almighty. Sometimes I get that right. More often, I get it wrong.

 I remember the past but I don’t dwell there. The journey has molded me into the person I am today. The hardships, the heartbreak, the joys and accomplishments all combine together to make me the person I am. The journey through the valley has led me to appreciate all the blessings God has given to me that much more.

This woman was trying desperately to cling to a past that she believed gave her value. She “remembered” things that never happened or just weren’t accurate. (I have never had red hair. Sorry.) And she tried to argue when I attempted to gently point out that her facts were wrong.

It was sad really. She has so many blessings in her life. She has so many ways that God can use her in the present and in the future. But first she has to let go of the past. First, she has to stop getting her value from what she sees is her lofty position from long ago.

Our value comes from who we are in Christ. Our worth is measured in how we live in His light. Our glory days are yet to come when we finally make it home. Don’t get hung up in the past. Remember who you are today and live your life in humility, seasoned with grace, and focused on the One from whom all blessings flow.

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 17, 2016

Give First To God

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. -- 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

How much do you give back to God? Do you give Him the first 10 percent of your earnings? Do you give Him part of what’s left at the end of the month? Do you give Him whatever you feel like when the mood suits you? Do you ever give, even when it hurts?

Not too long ago a sweet friend shared that she and her husband had stopped tithing. Okay. I wasn’t sure why she told me that. Maybe there was a tug on her heart and she was trying to rationalize their decision.

Business was down at their store and they were struggling. Okay. I sure understand that. My mind immediately considered all they own. Not just the nice house. There are the new vehicles and the motorcycle and the boat and all the others “toys”. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m happy for them. Except that I really don’t understand how someone can afford all those things and then cheat God out of the first fruits of their labor.

It doesn’t even have to be money. We all have certain gifts -- singing, organizing, teaching, rocking babies and on and on -- that we can give to our church family. Are you giving? Or are you one of those who show up sometimes on Sunday and take without ever giving back?

Newsflash: We are ALL busy. We are ALL tired. And we are ALL called to serve. And to give. Sacrificially.

That’s not to be confused with trying to do it all or trying to fill yourself up with good works so you won’t have to worry about spending time alone with God. Priorities, of course. But you don’t get a pass either.

If you aren’t tithing FIRST, you need to get right with God. And if you never give of yourself at church, you need to get right with God. Give first to Him and you will be blessed more than you could ever imagine.

　 

Friday, June 8, 2012

Everyone Has A Role

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. -- 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

It’s a 20/80 divide. That’s what they always say anyway. I’ve never heard a source for that statistic. I’ve also never doubted it’s truth.

I look around pretty much any church I’ve ever attended and I see it for myself: about 20 percent of the people are doing 80 percent of the work. It’s not right. It’s not how God planned it to be. But there it is.

The joke is that if you want to get something done, ask a busy person. But the reality is that people who are too busy, suffer from burnout and end up pulling away from the church and, by association, God. They become too exhausted to feel the Presence of God.

God intended for every single person to contribute to the body of Christ. Every one. Some people are just too lazy. But most just don’t feel they’ve got anything to contribute. They look around and compare themselves to the lady with the beautiful voice or the man with the handyman skills to do just about anything. They don’t see themselves as having anything to offer that would make a difference to anyone.

They are hurting themselves and those who would benefit from their contributions. Because God gives all of us special gifts to benefit others.

The other night a group of us met at church. We don’t have a great deal in common except that we care about those who are elderly, sick, injured or alone. We can all make phone calls. We can drive someone to a doctor’s appointment. We can visit. We can send a card. We can care. And, honestly, that’s all some folks really need or want.

The thing is when we think of gifts we tend to consider the soloist or the finance whiz or the eloquent teacher. We don’t remember the kind words that came at just the right time. We forget the person who helped arrange the tables for the social. At our church, one man washes the silverware after every Wednesday night dinner. It’s his way of giving back by doing something most really don’t want to do.

Most tasks are not what I’d call “glory” jobs. They’re the little things that are necessary for everything else to come together to do God’s work. Consider the person who cleans the sanctuary, who dusts the piano and vacuums. Consider the person who writes the check to pay the electric bill. Or the person who greets visitors with a smile.

I could go on and on. God has called you to do something for Him. Consider what you enjoy. Think about what you’re good at. Kindness. Compassion. Organization. Housecleaning. Driving. There are many tasks just waiting for someone to step up and take their place to glorify God.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

The Holy Spirit A Great Gift

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” -- Acts 1:4-5

Wonderful counselor. Constant companion. Barometer of right and wrong. The Holy Spirit living within us. Our gift.

Jesus’ disciples, His followers, His family, had all witnessed numerous miracles. They heard Jesus’ wise words, had seen His wisdom as He dealt with Pharisees and sinners and hurt souls. How could they possibly continue on without Him to guide their words and deeds?

Today is Pentecost. That’s the day God sent the Holy Spirit to live within believers. It’s available to anyone. The Holy Spirit helps mold us into the image of Christ.

I’ve never really been able to explain to anyone what it feels like in that moment when the Holy Spirit arrives. We are made new in Christ. We know that because the Bible tells us so. But how do we explain the peace, the excitement, the nearness of Christ? How can I tell anyone what it feels like to know with an unshakeable certainty that I belong to Him?

Not long ago, a co-worker accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. He’d always considered himself to be a Christian. But somehow along the way he came to understand the difference between knowing with his mind and feeling with his heart. He was Baptized with water but that came after his Baptism by the Holy Spirit.

“It’s different,” he told me.

I smiled and nodded. “I know.”

Some people are fortunate to grow up in church, always claiming Jesus as their own. They don’t know a time when they didn’t belong to Him. They’ve always known the Holy Spirit. They are blessed. And yet they also have missed something powerful. Because how can we fully know what we have without knowing what it’s like to be without it?

I am so grateful to the Holy Spirit for being there with me. I’m sure I’ve been frustrating at times, when I refused to listen to gentle guiding and instead charted a path that led me astray. But He never left me and, when I was ready, the Holy Spirit’s voice grew stronger and stronger in my life.

Today we celebrate a gift from God, a reminder of His love. We are not orphans. We were not left here alone to await the return of Jesus. We have a wonderful counselor and friend in the Holy Spirit. Thank you, God, for perfect gifts.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Jesus Is The Only Gift That Matters

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. -- James 1:17

All of the Christmas presents are finally wrapped and placed under the tree. Will the recipients like the gifts? Will I have wasted hard-earned money on things that will only end up in a garage sale? Will I be criticized and ridiculed for choosing wrong gifts?

I realize it’s impossible to please everyone all of the time. It’s even impossible to please some folks any of the time. Still, we want to give good gifts at Christmas. We want to see faces light up with joy. We want to know we chose correctly and that the recipients really like what we purchased for them.

As I wrapped package after package, I had to wonder if somehow we’ve missed the point of it all. Oh, don’t get me wrong. I like getting presents just as much as everyone else. And I even enjoy giving them. But, you know, it’s not my birthday. And it’s probably not yours either.

When did the birth of our Lord and Savior become more about Santa Claus than about a tiny baby lying in a manger? When did gifts for ourselves and those we care about become more important than those the wise men brought to Bethlehem? When did we lose focus of God’s plan for us all? And when did we start letting ourselves get so caught up in the retail marketing frenzy that we spend too much on items that won’t mean much in a few weeks or months instead of placing our focus on all things eternal?

What would be the most wonderful Christmas gift this year? To know that all those I love and care about truly know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I don’t mean that they know the right answers to the questions. I want them to know Him in their hearts. Any of you who have people close to you who aren’t saved know exactly what I’m talking about.

The only perfect gifts come from God. Everything else is only temporary. So why do we focus so much more time, energy and money on the temporary and neglect the eternal? Our priorities are all messed up. We are on a marketing-frenzy merry-go-round and there doesn’t seem to be a place to get off without being labeled Scrooge.

I’m going to have a wonderful time these next few days. I look forward to watching the children in my life tear into their gifts. I anticipate the adults opening their own gifts. I can’t wait to see what’s in the packages with my name on the tag. But I also realize those things, no matter how wonderful, won’t last.

The real gift of this holiday season was a baby born one night in a stable. God’s Son. Born to save the world. Born to save you and me. As we enjoy our gifts these next few days, let us also remember the greatest gift we’ve ever been given.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Look To The Motive

“If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I assure you, that person will be rewarded.” -- Mark 9:41

Gifts are wonderful things -- usually. But what happens when the “gift” is more about the giver than the recipient? Is it a true gift? Or is it meant for another purpose entirely?

I’m one of those people who spends a great deal of time trying to decide on the exactly right gift. I do have budget limitations. I also have to be aware of keeping things equal. But I care if the people who are receiving the gifts actually like the gifts.

What about you? Are you someone who spends a great deal of time selecting gifts or do you just sort of grab something at the last minute? Do you select gifts you think the person will enjoy or do you choose something you want them to have?

My trusty dictionary defines a gift as a thing given or received without payment. But is payment only money or can it be something else? Like power, guilt, control, a putdown, or anything similar? Yeah. You see where I’m going with this.

It’s important to keep an eye on motive when you decide to give a gift. If you find yourself giving money to a mission project merely to impress the project leaders, then you’re way off. If you buy someone lunch so they’ll feel obligated to you, you need to rethink yourself. If you purchase a gift that you know the recipient won’t like or use, consider your motives and your heart.

Everyone loves a gift that is meant to please and make the recipient happy. Make sure your gifts are for the recipient and not for you.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Everyone Has Unique Gifts

“God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

-- Romans 12:6-8

What is your unique gift? What can you do really well? What kind of resources do you have that could benefit someone in need? We all have special qualities that make us who we are. It’s important that we use those gifts as God intended for us to do.

Shawn King used his unique skills, along with facebook and twitter, to raise money and purchase Christmas gifts for Atlanta schoolchildren. It worked so well that after the earthquake in Haiti he used the same methods to buy tents for that devastated country.

He’s just one of many people featured in the Max Lucado study, “Outlive Your Live.” Normal people. Folks like you and me. Just using their skills to do things to help God’s people.
Of course, helping doesn’t have to be on such a grand scale. One friend remarked a couple of years ago that he was surrounded by “widow women.” He wisely recognized that maybe God was telling him something. Now he does simple things for these elderly ladies, like rolling their garbage cans to the road. A simple thing, yes, but something really big when every step is a struggle.

I think sometimes we hold back because we believe we couldn’t possibly make a difference. We forget the power that’s behind us. Take a step forward and see where it goes. You might amaze yourself at all God can accomplish through you.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Share God's Gifts

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? -- 1 John 3:17

President Obama had barely got the offer from his mouth before the criticism started. We couldn't afford to help Japan as it deals with the devastating effects of an earthquake and tsunami. We need to take care of our own people. Let someone else step forward and help.

I guess I'll never understand such a lack of compassion. Yeah, I know. We've got financial issues in this country. And, yes, I'm aware that there are many, many people in need in this country. I also know we waste a great deal of money, both individually and as a nation. God has provided enough. We just don't always use what He's given us wisely.

We have plenty to help people who have nothing left. We can afford to send recovery teams to help search for survivors. We can afford to send experts to help with nuclear reactor issues. We can afford to send doctors and nurses and medical supplies. And we can afford to send food and basic supplies to people who have lost homes, jobs and possibly family and friends all in one instant.

It's not just about the money. It's about the caring. It's about sharing what you have with someone who is in need. It's about kindness and compassion. It's about showing the world that Jesus lives in the United States of America.

We hear a lot of talk about how this country isn't the Christian nation it once was. There's a lot of finger pointing and blame bandied about. No one wants to take a hard look in the mirror. We're suppose to reflect Jesus to the world and here we are complaining about sharing the material possessions he's given us with people who really, truly need them. We're the ones shoving Jesus out of our country. And we claim to be Christians!

Do you love Jesus? Then stop hoarding His gifts and share them with people in need.