February 27, 2023

 

Love Like Jesus

 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -- John 13:34-35

 

What does love look like? I’m talking about the love Jesus had for us, the love He commanded us to have for others. When you consider that kind of love, what do you see?

 

Do you see the man who’s been unfaithful to his wife? Who is still being unfaithful? Do you see the woman who’s too busy gossiping to parent her children? Do you see the young woman with an “easy” reputation? Or the teenage boy who bullies those smaller than himself? What about the man with unethical business practices who brushes it all aside as “just business”? Do you see love when you look at these people?

 

The truth is that if those people look and talk like you and have solid economic status, you probably do. It’s easy to love those who are like us. It’s easy to ignore their sins and accept them. We may even agree with that businessman who believes that misleading people is okay so long as it’s not illegal.

 

Let’s look at another question: What does love look like when you don’t particularly like the other person? What does love look like when a baby cries incessantly throughout the worship service? What does love look like when you’re in a hurry to leave and an elderly person is blocking the way?

 

A few years ago, I asked my cousin why she and her husband stopped going to church. I was horrified at the reason. They were told that their adult daughter who had Down’s Syndrome was no longer welcome. This was a “child” who loved church with her whole heart, who tightly held the Bible she couldn’t read and listened intently to the pastor’s sermon each week. But because she sometimes “commented” on his words while he was preaching, she wasn’t welcome.

 

Love isn’t always easy. Sometimes it means accepting someone who makes us uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s loving someone in the midst of their sinful ways. Sometimes it’s extending the same grace and mercy Jesus has extended to us.

 

Who are you judging today? Who have you cast aside because of their “sin”? Who have you failed to love as Jesus loves us?

November 30, 2018

Be Different

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” – Matthew 5:13

We want to be like everyone else, don’t we? We want to fit in. Even if we long for attention and accolades, we want to get along with others. We want to be liked.

But we weren’t created to blend into the crowd. We weren’t created to shine for ourselves. We weren’t created to look the other way.

If you make no effort to affect the world around you, you are of little value to God. How can the world see Him unless you are different from what it sees in everyone else?

What does that look like? It doesn’t have to mean selling everything you own and traveling to another country to be a missionary. Though it can look like that, often being different is something we do right where we are.

It can mean that we are simply kind to people. Encourage others. Offer grace. Smile. Look someone in the eye. Refuse to participate in gossip.

Being the salt can also mean refusing to remain silent when we should speak out. Do you voice your opinion when you see someone being mistreated? Do you speak up for the poor? Do you defend the single Mom struggling to work and care for her children? Are you quick to criticize or are you quick to help?

We don’t do God any good when we are more interested in going along with the crowd than in doing what He has called us to do. We also don’t help Him when we’re so focused on our own political views, our own bank accounts, our own lives, that we miss what His Word clearly says.

How often do your actions deny Him? Think about it. When you gossip, you’re denying Him. When you refuse to show mercy, you’re denying Him. When you cling to His gifts, you’re denying Him. When you make excuses for not doing what He has called you to do, you’re denying Him.

We also sin when we don’t share our faith with others. Is it because we truly don’t know what to say or because we don’t want to be bothered? What if we didn’t try and make it so complicated? What if we merely told people our story? What if we simply shared our faith with others without judging or criticizing? And what if we just started with an invitation to an event, a service, a gathering?

There are so many hurting people in the world. People are hungry. I’m not talking about people who live in other countries or who refuse to work. I’m talking about the elderly or those working two or three jobs and trying to support themselves, their children and sometimes their parents. Do you know how expensive a major illness can be? Insurance only covers part of the cost. What are you doing to help?

When we go along with the crowd, when we refuse to be bothered by the lost or hurting, we’ve lost our effectiveness as God’s chosen people. Stand out. Stand up. Live boldly for Christ. Dare to be different.

October 3, 2018

Show Mercy and Grace

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – Hebrews 4:16

He mocks those who mock, but gives grace to the humble.

– Proverbs 3:34 (HCSB)

She isn’t well liked. She’s the first to point a finger at anyone who makes a mistake. And she’s the first to respond with denial if she’s the one who made the mistake.

She’s quick to judge but not so quick to show mercy. No one ever meets her standards. All of her coworkers have been on the receiving end of her nasty comments.

She’s not a boss. She’s not even a supervisor. She’s a co-worker with less experience than everyone else in her department. Her attitude sends a different message. She thinks of herself as superior to everyone else.

The saddest thing isn’t her attitude. The saddest thing is that her attitude simply covers up a deep insecurity. She feels like people look down on her. She talks about discrimination. She’s determined to “prove” she’s better than they are. All she proves is that she’s got a mega chip on her shoulder that has cost her job after job. She doesn’t understand grace or mercy or compassion.

As Christians, we think of grace as a gift from God. We can’t earn it through works or money. He gives it to us when we believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

What if we offered grace to others? What if we showed compassion, not because they deserved it or had earned it, but because of Jesus? What would happen to their hearts? What would happen to our hearts?

Where does mercy fit in? What is it? Because mercy and grace aren’t exactly the same thing. I think now to the movie War Room. One of the main characters had done something illegal. He’d confessed and made retribution. The company owner had a choice: forgive or call the police. He chose to forgive. Would you have made that same choice? Would your hard heart have softened when you encountered genuine repentance?

How often do we have the option of offering mercy or condemnation? Do we fail to forgive an offense, choosing instead to “punish” the offender? Or, after a sincere apology and changed behavior, do we grant mercy and forgiveness?

This young woman thinks she’s being smart and tough and strong by lashing out at others. She’s actually being weak. She doesn’t understand the concept of being part of a team. She’s doesn’t understand grace and mercy. And it shows in the vicious words she throws out.

She wants to get ahead in the workforce but she won’t. Who wants an employee who’s so divisive? Who wants to promote someone who won’t take responsibility for mistakes? Does it sound like anyone you know?

The next time someone you know makes a mistake, offer grace. Be merciful. I know. It’s not always easy. Do it anyway. Grace and mercy have a way of coming back to you in ways you never expect.

August 18, 2018

Do You Make Mistakes

But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

– 2 Corinthians 10:17-18

When was the last time you made a mistake? When was the last time you admitted you made a mistake? We make mistakes all the time. We’re human, after all. But admitting we’re the one at fault isn’t so easy.

I was at a meeting with a sweet friend. Before the meeting ended, the group scheduled the time, date and place of the next meeting. Somehow, she missed it. When it came time for the next meeting, she was furious. The meeting was set for a time and day when she couldn’t attend. She was convinced it was intentional.

She refused to acknowledge that she’d been present when the new meeting was set. She refused to admit that maybe she’d messed up. She was too busy making excuses to see that maybe she’d made a mistake.

I couldn’t understand the big deal. We all do it. We zone out and miss something important. We make a mistake. We deal with the consequences. There was nothing life shattering about it. Just admit it and go on. She’s still pointing fingers.

What is it about us that makes us refuse to admit to our very real humanness? Why do we expect perfection from ourselves and then try to hide it when we fail? And we always fail. Always. Jesus was the only perfect One who ever walked this earth.

We also expect perfection from others. We have no sympathy for someone who fails to meet our standards. We don’t extend grace and mercy. Our words are harsh, unforgiving, mean.

We tell ourselves it’s about standards. It’s really about pride. Our pride. It’s all about us. And we can’t stand to be wrong, questioned, or embarrassed.

We also don’t want to admit when anything bad happens. We’re embarrassed. We don’t want anyone else to know we’re having financial trouble, going through a divorce, have a child involved with drugs. We’d much rather pretend that everything is all right, that we’re living that perfect, American-dream life, than to admit we’re struggling.

Pride is a dangerous thing that keeps us from the very ones who can hold us up when life tears us down. Pride wraps us in pretense, in illusion, in a glass bubble that is destined to shatter. And for what reason? So we can boast about being who we aren’t?

Our identity, our worth, comes from Christ. It’s not about us. Really. It’s not. We’re going to make mistakes. Bad things are going to happen. Hurtful things are going to shake us to our core. But we can put all that in proper perspective when we realize we are not our mistakes or our successes. Our value comes because we are children of God Almighty. When we finally, truly, realize that, it shifts things around and puts them in their proper place.

God knows we aren’t perfect. He knows we’re going to mess up. He knows we’re going to fail. He knows others are going to hurt and betray us. And He understands that we are like small children, hiding rather than admitting we’ve done something wrong.

Grace, mercy and forgiveness come when we fall at the foot of the cross. We don’t have to hang on to our mistakes or to hide them. We can confess and watch the blood of Christ turn us whiter than snow. We can let go of pride-fueled perfection and admit we need a Savior. We can be forgiven and move on.

August 15, 2018

Do You Make Mistakes?

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

– Proverbs 28:13

It’s comical. Really. It is. She absolutely refuses to accept responsibility, insisting that I am somehow at fault for her missing a committee meeting.

Let me explain. At the last meeting, the committee set the day, time and place for the next meeting. She was sitting right next to me in that meeting. She never said one word about a conflict or that a particular day never works for her. Until she realized three weeks later that she couldn’t come because of another meeting.

I don’t know her schedule. Honestly, I don’t want to know her schedule. We’re all adults. I checked my calendar, as did the other committee members. She didn’t. That’s not my fault. It’s not anyone else’s fault. She made a mistake. But she won’t admit that, not will she let it go. We are all shaking our heads in astonishment.

Why is it so hard to admit when we’re wrong? We all make mistakes. We all mess up. Why can’t we admit it and move on? Why do we need to keep defending ourselves and pointing the finger long after we should have moved on?

I suppose it’s easier than looking in the mirror and facing the truth. This was such a small issue but small issues have a way of revealing larger truths. What we do in the small things reflects how we live our lives in the big things. Maybe that’s what we are trying to hide.

A friend shared a story about a new pastor who rode a city bus one day. When he got to his seat, the pastor realized the bus driver had given him an extra quarter in change. What to do? It’s only a quarter. It really isn’t a big deal. Surely, it’s not worth the time to give it back?

But the pastor, when he got ready to get off the bus, felt a nudge inside. He handed over the quarter to the driver, explaining that he’d gotten too much change. The driver simply smiled. It seems the driver was looking for a new church and the extra quarter was a test. He had heard about the pastor but he wanted to check him out first. The bus driver told the pastor he would see him on Sunday.

It was just a quarter. But it wasn’t about the quarter. It was about integrity. What we do with the small things in life reflects how we will live the big ones.

I am sad for my friend. I am sad for any of us who feel we can’t confess a mistake and move on. I’m sad about pointing fingers. And I’m sad that I can’t really trust her on the big things anymore.

Most people are filled with mercy when others make a mistake. Why? Because we’ve all been there. It’s what makes us human. It’s what helps us unite with others. Think about it. Who wants to hang around someone who is perfect all the time? Who wants to share secrets and life with someone who always gets it right?

So, the next time you make a mistake just admit it. Then move on. And the next time someone else makes a mistake, be gracious and move on. No one wins when someone refuses to step up and take responsibility for his own mistakes.

July 28, 2018

Who Is Your Neighbor?

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

– Luke 10:29

This wasn’t just any man questioning Jesus. The Bible tells us he was an expert in the law. He wanted to test Jesus. But Jesus always has a way of turning the test back to the person asking the question.

What must you do to inherit eternal life? Love God with all your heart and soul and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus let the man answer for himself and then assured the “expert” that he had answered correctly.

But the man, much like us, wouldn’t leave it there. He wanted to know who his neighbor actually was. And Jesus, being Jesus, answered with a parable designed to cut right to the heart of the matter. We would do well to heed His words today.

Some Christians believe their neighbor is only an American. What do you believe? Do you believe that Jesus only meant for us to love those like us, those who share an earthly citizenship with us?

When Jesus told us to go forth and make disciples of all nations I guess He didn’t intend for those disciples to be our neighbors. Maybe Jesus never expected us to love them, to have mercy on them, to include them. What do you think? Did Jesus expect us to look down on others, much the way the Pharisees looked down on Gentiles (that would be me) and Samaritans?

We know the parable well. We call it the parable of the Good Samaritan. We understand that someone should help those in need. Just not us. That’s especially true if it means we might have to get our hands dirty or share what we have claimed as our own.

What did you sacrifice to live in this country? For most of us, the answer is absolutely nothing. We are here, enjoying the freedoms and privileges, because it’s where we were born. Most have never served in the military or fought in a foreign land. We don’t have a clue about a lifetime of daily suffering and fear.

Yet we reject those who come to us for refuge. We blatantly cast aside those who are hurting without bothering to hear their story. We tell ourselves they aren’t our neighbors. Jesus didn’t intend for us to love them. They need to follow the law. They have no right to grace or mercy unless they follow the rules.

Was it lawful for Jews to associate with Samaritans? Not really. It made them unclean. Maybe that was why the Samaritan had mercy in his heart. He understood how it felt to be cast aside, to be deemed unworthy, to be condemned because of his birth.

So, while the priest and the Levite went out of their way to avoid a traveler in need, the Samaritan stepped up. He got his hands dirty as he personally cared for the traveler who’d been beat up and robbed. He paid money for a hotel room and, when he left the next day, he told the innkeeper to look after the man and he’d pay him anything extra if the innkeeper had any added expenses.

It cost the Samaritan. It cost him time and money. But he did it because it was the right thing to do.

Jesus asked the “expert” which of the three men was a neighbor to the man who fell victim to robbers. He correctly answered: the one who had mercy on him. What was Jesus’ response? “Go and do likewise.” (v. 37)

We spend so much time trying to sort out who is worthy to be our neighbor. We want to pick and choose who to help and who to cast aside. But that’s not based on the Bible. Who is your neighbor? Before you decide, consider how Jesus would answer. Then go and do likewise.

July 22, 2018

Are You Better Than Others?

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.

When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – Matthew 9:10-13

Who do you look down on? Oh, come on! Admit it. Who do you consider to be less than you? And, on the flip side, who do you consider to be better than you are?

Our pastor said today that we all want to associate with people whose sins are like ours. Why? Because it makes us more comfortable.

Of course, the Pharisees thought they were better than anyone else. They had all these rules and regulations to follow, far more than God had ever commanded. It made them feel good. It made them feel superior. It made them, well, much like us.

We don’t want to sit beside or socialize with the confessed adulterer. We don’t really care that she repented and changed her life. We prefer to paint her tainted and unworthy. We do it every time we walk away, every time we gossip about her past, every time we refuse to associate with a sinner such as she.

We would rather cast her aside with the convicted drug user. You know the one. He went to prison for his addiction. Some say he found Jesus and is leading a changed life. We’re not sure anyone can change that much. We don’t plan to find out. We’re keeping our distance. He can go to some other church, sing in some other choir, volunteer with some other group. We don’t need his kind in our congregation.

Have you felt a twinge of guilt yet? You should. Jesus associated with the worst of sinners. He even called them to His side, to be His disciples, to lead His people after He was gone.

Take Matthew for an example. Tax collectors were despised. They collected oppressive taxes. And, to make it worse, they could add extra to those taxes and keep that money for themselves. Why would Jesus call such a man to His side? Why would Jesus beckon someone like that to be a leader in the early church?

Jesus gives us the answer Himself. He came to save sinners, not those who consider themselves righteous. Jesus came to save those of us who know we need a Savior.

In turn, Jesus expects us to show grace and mercy to others who also need a Savior. Because we’re all the same. We’re all guilty. We’re all unworthy. And we can all find redemption at the foot of the cross.

Those who are most gracious, most kind, most giving, are those who truly understand the gift of salvation. They understand the depth of their sins and show their gratitude by welcoming all into their midst.

What about you? Are you still so impressed with your own righteousness that you see no need to associate with those who are lesser? Or are you still so ashamed of past mistakes that you hang back from fully participating in God’s amazing plan for your life?

No matter what you’ve done, where you’ve been, who you think you are, join hands with others and kneel at the cross. Jesus welcomes everyone. So should we.

March 23, 2018

Focus On What’s Important

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. – Titus 3:9

I wasn’t raised in the church. I have few memories of the days when we attended a little country church. By the time I was in school, we’d stopped going to church at all. I was in college before I found my way back.

It happens. I’m grateful that while I lost God for a while, He never lost me. But here’s the thing: I never learned all those little songs that teach children the books of the Bible – in order. I learned the Ten Commandments, Psalm 100 and Psalm 23 in school.

It placed me at a disadvantage, though I didn’t know that until I attended a church not too far from where I grew up. I found other women looking down at me because I didn’t “know” all they knew. I learned to keep my mouth shut. Not that it mattered. Because nothing I said would be taken seriously. After all, I was surrounded by people who had attended church all their lives. They had all the answers. Or so they thought.

God had a different lesson for me. As I grew stronger in my life, as I read and studied, both in Bible studies and alone, I came to know more and more. I will never know all I seek to know. My heart is hungry for Him. I hope it always will be.

But what I found is that while I moved forward in faith, the other ladies were simply content to rest in the knowledge they’d gained as children. There were a few who sometimes attended Bible studies. Most had the attitude that they were “retired” and had no need for such things.

I began noticing how they lived. God pointed out that sometimes “prayer requests” were just a sanctioned way to gossip. Did we really need to know all the details? No. The joke was that if you wanted to know what was going on in the community, just go to church. Except that truth was so sad.

I also noticed the upturned noses when someone showed up that wasn’t “appropriately” dressed. They frowned on jeans, for example. There seemed to be no gratitude that two long rows were filled with teenagers. Weren’t they happy about that?

They were always quick to complain. The politics of the church were almost comical. They’ve been through a lot of pastors because not one of them was ever perfect enough to suit their needs. They can be mean to outsiders, refusing to help anyone in the community who isn’t one of their own.

I don’t mean to pick on this church. There are way too many just like them. Some of the members lament society and how far our standards have fallen. They’d never consider themselves to be part of the problem.

We get so caught up with things that aren’t important that we miss what’s right in front of us. Do you love Jesus? Do you accept Him as Lord and Savior? Are you trying to live right and do good to others, whether you like them or not? Do you extend a helping hand, a kind word, maybe a meal, along with a dose of grace and mercy?

The world has way too many judges and not enough workers in the kingdom of God. Cleanse your own heart and trust God to take care of the rest.

March 7, 2018

Extend Mercy and Grace

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. – Matthew 23:23

What does it mean to show mercy to someone? My dictionary said it is compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.

What is justice? A concern for justice, peace and genuine respect for people. Also even-handedness with a lack of bias.

What is faithfulness? Constant, loyal, stable and dependable.

Who are you holding a grudge against? Who have you condemned as unworthy?  Who do you avoid as being unworthy?

I’m sure you are doing it all in Christ’s name.

We are to be faithful to the words of Christ – even when it hurts. We are to treat everyone the same – even when someone else appears worthier. We are to show mercy – even when the other person refuses to admit guilt.

It isn’t enough to tithe. Sure, that’s important. It’s also important to attend church, pray daily and study your Bible. But living a life of true faith is so much more than that. It’s about letting go of the ugliness that binds you, not because someone else deserves it but because it’s what Jesus expects of you.

The Pharisees were all about rules. No one could live up to their standards. They were quite proud of themselves and didn’t hesitate to look down on the lesser Jews, the gentiles, all those who weren’t “pure” in the eyes of the law the Pharisees had created.

But that wasn’t what God wanted at all. Sure, He gave us rules and standards to live by. Think about the Ten Commandments. But all that other stuff? It was never about God and living for and worshipping Him.

The Pharisees wanted to place as many obstacles as they could in the path of those who longed to be righteous. They wanted to hold themselves separate and above all the rest of us. We see that today, don’t we? Every time someone doesn’t dress “appropriately” for church. Every time someone doesn’t know the books of the Bible in the correct order. Every time someone admits a less than perfect past.

We are so quick to condemn. We are so confident in our judgements, our words and actions that betray a dark soul. We’re so sure of our own righteousness that we forget it is only by God’s mercy and Jesus’ sacrifice that we can approach His throne at all. None of us are worthy. None of us.

So if you’re on your own pedestal, certain of how “good” you are and how “bad” someone else surely is, get down on level ground with the rest of us. We all need a Savior. We all deserve another chance. Is it easy? Not always. Do it anyway. We all are clothed in mercy that we are meant to extend to others.

February 13, 2018

Focus On Fixing Yourselves

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank our of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” – Matthew 7:3-5

It was comical really. As we waited for a couple to cross the parking lot, he criticized the man for allowing the woman to carry a large, bulky box. “He should be ashamed,” he said with a shake of his head.

I looked to see if he was joking. He wasn’t. I laughed. “I can’t believe you just said that,” I told him.

He started to protest but it was my turn to shake my head. “If that were you and I, the situation would be exactly the same. Your back wouldn’t allow you to carry the box so it would be me toting it and you walking empty-handed beside me.”

“You’re right,” he admitted.

“We don’t know their situation. Maybe he is just lazy. Maybe she is determined to do it herself. Or maybe there’s something we can’t see at play here.”

We are just so quick to judge, aren’t we? We assume we know all the facts without really trying to learn anything about the situation. Not that it’s any of our business anyway. But that’s a different topic for another day.

It really is easy to tell other people how to live their life. It’s quite fun, actually, to focus on the “flaws” of those around us. It’s much easier to do that than to look at the person in the mirror and fix our own flaws first.

Please don’t excuse it with “At least my sins aren’t like that,” or “Well, you don’t know what he did.” It doesn’t matter. Sin isn’t about comparison. It’s not about whose sin is “greater”. We all sin and all sin condemns us to death. Except for the grace of Jesus.

I am so thankful that Jesus doesn’t look down and sort us according to our sins. I’m so grateful for His mercy and kindness. I’m filled with gratitude for the many chances He gives me each day to get it right this time.

We marvel at His grace in our own lives even as we condemn the lives of others. We fail to extend the same grace to others and we call ourselves justified in our actions.

Does it make us feel better about our own sin? We make our excuses. We defend our flaws and mistakes. We point bitter fingers at others even as we pray in Jesus’ name. We stamp ourselves with the label “hypocrite” even as we cry out to God for forgiveness.

Sometimes I wonder what would happen if we extended the same grace to others that Jesus has extended to us. Would we all be less angry, less hateful? Would we learn to get along better, seeing others as God’s children rather than as the enemy?

Perhaps we all need to take stock of the person in the mirror. Maybe we need to look for the good in others rather than focusing on the “flaws” we see. We are all in this together, doing life as best we can and failing Jesus every single day.

January 1, 2018

It's A New Year!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17

It’s a new year! It’s time for a fresh start! How many of us made resolutions and rang in the new year last night with a determination to make changes? And how long do we really expect our new goals to last?

Making a fresh start is hard, no matter what day of the year it is. We have dreams and goals. We want to change our lives for the better. We want to lose weight or make more money or finally take our dream vacation. Maybe our goals aren’t so self-focused. We want to go on a mission trip, give more money to the church, volunteer at the food bank or help with the outreach program for the homeless.

We have good intentions. We’re going to make positive changes. And we’re going to move away from the bad choices of the past. Ah, yes. The past. That thing we can’t change and yet can’t seem to forget either. That albatross that has wrapped itself around us and refuses to leave us to peacefully live out the rest of our lives.

Other folks help us with that. A sweet friend once confessed that she only goes to church when she is at her family’s vacation home. Why? Because of the looks she gets when she attends a church in her hometown. When she was young and foolish – and weren’t we all – she made a mistake that broke up a marriage. She wishes she’d never made that choice but she can’t go back and undo it. She has forgiven herself. It’s everyone else who has the problem.

We can’t seem to let others change. We can’t seem to forget their sins. Why should we? We can’t forget our own sins either. And that is what keeps us locked in a past we can’t change.

What if we showed ourselves – and others – the grace and mercy God shows to us? What if we pressed forward into Jesus, forgetting what is behind, and focusing on the possibilities that lie ahead? What if we gave ourselves a chance without allowing the past to cloud our vision?

I pray that we all become better people this year. I pray that we reach forward and let go of all that is holding us back. I long for the opportunities Christ has given to all of us. We have a chance to live like we are His. How amazing is that?!

Each journey is different for the individual making it. I can’t tell you what path you should take and you can’t tell me what path to take either. But we can support each other. We can pray for one another. We can forget the past and move toward Jesus. We can do it together, one step at a time.

So make your goals and resolutions. Fill your heart with joy. Then take a step forward. Then another. Give yourself grace for the inevitable setback, getting up again and trying once more. Our days are measured in His love. Lean into Him. You can do this, not under your own strength and will, but because Jesus has hold of your hand.

February 25, 2016

True Repentance Brings Change

27 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. “This time I have sinned,” he said to them. “The Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. 28 Pray to the Lord, for we have had enough thunder and hail. I will let you go; you don’t have to stay any longer.”

29 Moses replied, “When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands in prayer to the Lord. The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the Lord’s. 30 But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the Lord God.”

31 (The flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley had headed and the flax was in bloom. 32 The wheat and spelt, however, were not destroyed, because they ripen later.)

33 Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the Lord; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. 34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. -- Exodus 9:27-34

We all sin. That’s a given. We are humans living in a fallen world. The real question for us is what happens after we sin.

Do you confess your sin to God and ask for forgiveness? It’s what we Christians are called to do. And God forgives us. He grants us mercy and forgiveness we don’t deserve because of the blood of Jesus Christ.

Then what? If we truly regret our sin, our mistake, we make every effort to change. We repent. That’s what God wants us to do. Will we still mess up? Sure. But God knows our hearts and He knows when we are truly trying to change.

Unfortunately, many view God’s grace as just another reason to go out and do what they want. Saved people are saved. We won’t lose our salvation, if that salvation is real. But we will grieve the Holy Spirit when we don’t at least try to become more like to person God called us to be.

Have you ever had someone ask for your forgiveness, then turn around and do or say the same thing again? How did that make you feel? You probably thought the other person really didn’t mean the apology. You probably believe the other person really doesn’t intend to change. Because apologies and pleas for forgiveness without a change in behavior really don’t mean much.

So think for a moment about how God feels when we go to Him, confess our sins, ask for forgiveness -- then go out and do the same thing again. Do better. Mean it next time or don’t say it at all.

January 25, 2016

Who Do You Want God To Love?

But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. -- Jonah 4:1-2

We all know the story of Jonah. He was a prophet who fled the calling of the LORD rather than preach to the people of Ninevah. Why? Because he knew they would repent and God would forgive them. Which is exactly what happened.

Why don’t we always share the gospel with everyone we know? Why do we tend to keep it to people who are “like” us? Are we trying -- in a passive aggressive kind of way -- to determine who ends up in heaven and who doesn’t?

Maybe you haven’t thought about it quite that way. It’s just uncomfortable to talk to people who aren’t exactly like us. We’d rather stay within our church building boundaries and focus on the people we know. Except they probably aren’t the ones who need Jesus the most because, hopefully, they already known Him.

Jonah didn’t think the people of Ninevah deserved to be forgiven. Do any of us? Really? The sentence for sin is death. It is only the blood of Jesus and our belief in Him that saves any of us. Who are we to say that we somehow in our sin are more worthy of salvation that someone else? But isn’t that what we do every time we turn away from someone who needs to hear about Jesus?

Would you share God’s love with someone who worked in a bar and got drunk every night? Would you share God’s love with someone in prison? Would you share God’s love with an unwed mother? Would you share God’s love with someone who has never held a “real” job? I could go on and on.

We are so quick to judge; not so quick to forgive. Yet God wants everyone -- regardless of their type of sin -- to come to know Jesus and be saved. In Jonah’s day the Jewish people didn’t want the Gentiles to know God. I am so very thankful that God had a different plan. How about you?

November 26, 2014

Be Kind

 

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

-- Matthew 5:7

Thanksgiving Eve makes us think of turkey and dressing and family gatherings. For many of us, that's what Thanksgiving means. But not for everyone.

What do you remember about Thanksgiving? The real one. With pilgrims and Indians and a feast. The Indians were merciful. They paid for it later, in ways they could never imagine. But they showed mercy on people who truly didn't have a clue.

Do we? Do we show mercy? During your Thanksgiving feast do you invite those beyond your family? Do you include the lost and forgotten, those without family, those without anywhere else to go? Are you merciful? Are you kind? Compassionate? Or so focused on your own holiday that you forget that others face a lonely holiday?

We're all in an uproar over shopping on this man-made holiday. Who cares? It's not about us. It's not about eating or shopping or watching football. It's about giving thanks -- and passing it on.

We don't need a holiday to be thankful. We shouldn't need anything other than the blessing of this day to give thanks to God for all He does for us. And yet we do. Somehow, we do. We get busy. We forget. We get so caught up in ourselves that we ignore the hurting, the lonely, the unlovely, among us. We forget to be merciful.

Today is a day of celebration. However you do that, remember that the first Thanksgiving happened because native Americans showed mercy and kindness. Do likewise.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

No One Is Ever Good Enough

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”

On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

-- Matthew 9:10-13

“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” -- Hosea 6:6

A woman I’ve known for more than 30 years grew up attending a neighborhood church. She has all the answers. Just ask her. She doesn’t need to talk about the Bible or religion of faith. And she doesn’t. Why waste time on what she already knows when she could be gathering gossip on something she doesn’t know?

Yeah. That’s right. She’s also the neighborhood gossip. And judge.

It’s not that she’s a bad person. She isn’t. She’s done many wonderful things for others over the years. She also did an admirable job of caring for her husband as he lay dying. She’s in church most Sundays and even on Wednesday nights as well. She does everything right on the outside. But what about the inside?

I always wonder when folks know too much to keep learning about Jesus. I realize that group Bible study isn’t for everyone but I can’t imagine not wanting to read and study the Bible for as long as I can. I want to grow closer to God, not assume I’m close enough already.

It always comes back to relationship. I want to have a relationship with God. I am His child and I want to know Him in all things. I can’t understand why anyone would want to keep Him at a distance. In His place, so to speak. Because His place is everywhere in my life.

She knows all the right answers. She grew up memorizing the little songs and books of the Bible. But sometimes I wonder about her heart. Because faith is a heart thing or it isn’t faith at all.

She’s so quick to look down at others who don’t have all the answers. She doesn’t bother looking in the mirror because she assumes she’s already good enough. I don’t want to ever be like that. I don’t want to ever think I’m better than others and I don’t want to ever assume I’m good enough.

I want to always remember what Jesus did for me. I want to forever understand God’s mercy and kindness that I could never deserve. But He loves me anyway. He loved me enough to send His Son to die for me. My God. My Father. My Creator.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Show Mercy, Compassion

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

-- James 2:12-13

How easy it is to line up and condemn those who have done wrong. We look at them with our superior attitudes and tell each other that those people got what they deserved. Some even applaud.

We are so busy condemning that we can’t see ourselves and what we’ve become. We’re so certain of ourselves, we can’t show compassion. We fail to realize that we could make the same mistakes. We could stumble and fall. Next time, it could be us.

Recently a local businessman, a former lobbyist and a former state legislator were sentenced to prison. They each plead guilty to charges stemming from bribery and a casino project. Some would say it was politics as usual and they got caught up in it. Others say it’s the corruption of gambling. Everybody’s got an opinion.

What I don’t hear is a lot of sadness. Three men with wives and children, with families and lives, are going to prison. It’s never cause for celebration. And don’t crow too loudly about what they “deserve.” Because we deserve death and eternal separation from God. Yeah. We don’t like to think about that.

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

-- Luke 6:36

We see it everywhere. Someone makes a mistake and the crowd is quick to condemn. Someone makes a wrong choice and the line grows long with those happy to say “I told you so.” We forget about mercy and compassion. We forget that we’re just as human -- and imperfect -- as they are.

Look in the mirror. Have you led a perfect life? Be honest. And remember that God knows all your truths. Oh, I hear you. Sure, you’ve made mistakes but nothing serious. Nothing as bad as those other folks, you‘re quick to say. Are you sure about that?

Because sin is sin in God’s eyes. And the sin of judgment is pretty serious, indeed. The Bible tells us that God will judge us based on how we judge others. It sure puts mercy in a different perspective, doesn’t it?

So don’t celebrate a tragedy. Pray for these men and their families. Be kind in your comments. Show mercy with your actions. Treat them as you want God to treat you.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Extend Mercy And Grace

You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble. -- Obadiah v. 12

We live in a wonderful country that allows us to have trials by a jury of our peers. It’s a privilege we sometimes take for granted. And a privilege we frequently don’t want to be a part of.

I got called for jury duty recently. I was not a happy camper. Still, I was determined to go. What was the point in trying to get out of it? I’d just get called again. It’s better to get it over with. So I did.

And, yes, I was selected as a juror. Fortunately, the judge predicted it would only require a day. He was right. He seemed quite smart and competent. Personable even. Much nicer than those television judges I avoid like the plague.

That said, I hope I never, ever have to do it again. It was not a fun experience. I don’t revel in the fact that I was part of a wonderful event. It wasn’t pleasant listening to people lie -- and both sides tripped themselves up -- and even less fun having to make a decision with a group of very different folks.

That’s the point I suppose. But getting everyone to stick to the facts was difficult. Personalities were all over the place. And personal agendas can’t be totally hidden.

One woman seemed determined that the defendant “pay,” insisting that he had the money. We did explain that was irrelevant. I wondered how she thought she knew anything about the man’s finances. It wasn’t part of the testimony and I didn’t get the impression she was privy to his bank statements. But she’d already judged him guilty based on her own prejudices.

Others found themselves feeling sorry for the plaintiff based on their own experiences. Again, not relevant to this case. But none of us can leave our prejudices at the door. It’s impossible.

Why do we always want someone to pay? And why do we need to take our own experiences out on someone else? And why do we get such pleasure in seeing someone else take a fall? Do we secretly think it’s justice? Do we feel better about ourselves if someone else has something bad happen?

It is never wise to gloat over the misfortunes of others. Nor should we rejoice when others take a fall, even -- or maybe especially -- if we secretly think they deserved it. We deserve death for our sins. Each and every one of us. But God showed us mercy. Jesus gave us grace. Shouldn’t we also extend the same mercy and grace to others?

Friday, April 20, 2012

Everyone Has A Sinful Past

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. -- Lamentations 3:23

A dear friend has a past she would like to forget. This wonderful person had an affair during her first marriage, something she still regrets. Not surprisingly, a divorce was the result. She has since remarried and rebuilt her life.

She has moved on as best she can. It has been many, many years. Her ex-husband has done the same. The people in the small town where she lives, well, they haven’t been so quick to forgive and forget. They still whisper about her great sin, reminding her with smirks of the person she used to be.

Perhaps it wouldn’t be so difficult to bear if these were perfect people looking down on her. They aren’t. Some have cheated others in business. A few drink too much. Others have lied and done things they wouldn’t want anyone else to know. Yet they feel qualified to judge her.

I’m not trying to excuse what she did. But she admitted her mistake and has paid dearly for it. Most importantly, she confessed her sin to God and He forgave her. That has allowed her to move forward.

It’s not that she wouldn’t change it if she could. She can’t. None of us can change our pasts. And we’ve ALL got things we wish we hadn’t said or done.

So often other Christians are the worst judges of all. They remind me of the Pharisees, so caught up in their rules that they can’t get past them to see their own sin. It’s easy to see the sins of others. It’s not so easy to see our own.

Another women tells of her brokenness after the business she and her husband started, failed. Bankruptcy and financial destruction followed. She could handle the loss of possessions and even their home. But the humiliation and talk just about did her in.

Fortunately, she’s surrounded now by a church family in a different town who loves them both and could care less about their past. Maybe it’s because so many of us glance back and see our own skeletons.

Some people who judge and criticize are trying to tear others down in order to build themselves up. Perhaps they think their own pasts -- or presents -- won’t stink so much if they focus on the sins of someone else.

It’s easy to point your finger and gossip about someone else. It’s not so easy to look back and remember where you’ve been. I thank God that every day His mercies begin anew. My sins are forgiven. What about yours?

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Show Mercy, Not Anger

"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." -- Matthew 5:44

"They shouldn't even bother with a trial," the woman said, referring to the Tuscon shooter. "Just do away with him." This Christian was filled with vengeance. She was judge and jury rolled into one. No compassion. No kindness. Certainly no love anywhere in her. Just another hard heart lashing out in her "eye for an eye" justified mind.

Oh, what a sad state is our world. No wonder people look on Christians with scorn. How can we preach love and then, also, preach revenge? Who do we think we are, dragging Jesus into something so awful? Oh, wait. He's there already. Comforting the families and friends of those who died and were wounded. He's holding on to the parents of that young man who did this horrible thing. And He's waiting, patiently, in hopes that this mentally ill person will heal, repent and invite Jesus into his heart.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not advocating letting this young man out where he can harm others. He clearly is mentally ill. He did a horrible, horrible thing that changed people forever and sent some really good folks home earlier than anyone planned. But God loves him as much as he loves those who were killed or wounded. God is hurting for the shooter just as much as he's hurting for the wounded and the families, friends and witnesses of this awful tragedy.

We tend to forget that as we lash out in anger and pain. The husband of the wounded congresswoman said he'd be willing to meet with the shooter's parents because the shooting wasn't their fault. Another victim said she'd already forgiven the shooter. Compassion. God's love and forgiveness living and breathing in those who are hurting as they reach out in kindness and mercy.

None of us knows how we would react if we were in such an awful circumstance. We don't. We can only pray that God would lead us in such a way that others could see Jesus living within us. Jesus doesn't have a hard and unforgiving heart. He is the face of love and forgiveness. He died to prove it. The least we can do is open our hearts to those He loves as much as He loves us.