March 3, 2022

 

What Are You Giving Up?

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

– Galatians 5:22-23a

 

It is the season of Lent. We attended a beautiful Ash Wednesday service last night and it really got me thinking about what we give up for Lent. Or, perhaps, what we do for Lent.

 

Our church is reading the New Testament in its entirety during the 47 days leading up to Easter. The idea is that as we read and spend time in the Word, we’ll become more like the people of Easter. In other words, we’ll become more like Jesus and His early disciples.

 

Just before this passage on the fruit of the Spirit, Paul wrote about giving up the acts of the flesh. He included hatred, selfish ambition, jealousy, immorality and discord. He was telling us how not to live and then how to live.

 

So, I wondered what would happen if we gave up something that mattered to God?

 

What would happen if instead of trying to “fix” people who weren’t like us, we loved them like Jesus? How would our lives change if we sought joy rather than focusing on the negativity around us? Perhaps we could plant peace in our hearts rather than choose to lash out at others. Maybe we could be patient with those who don’t meet our expectations, just as God is patient with us. Maybe we could practice kindness to those we view as outcasts. Goodness could replace harsh words. Faithfulness could call us to worship God in truth and not just words. Gentleness might turn us toward compassion. And self-control could cause us to think about ourselves less and to actually listen to others before we judge.

 

I’m certainly not against giving up chocolate or soda, if that’s what you prefer. And we could all use less social media these days. But I wonder how highly God thinks of our “sacrifices” and our “discipline” when it does nothing to bring honor to Him or His Kingdom.

 

So, instead of going the easier route I challenge you to give up something that matters to God. Seek to truly live the fruits of the Spirit and, in so doing, shine His light for all to see.

December 23, 2018

Love

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

For the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. -- Luke 1:46-49

Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. Love. That’s the candle we light today. It’s all about how much God loves us. How much God sacrificed for us.

Do we ever really think about that? In our busyness, in our rush to buy gifts and cook delicious food, and gather together, do we ever consider how much God loves us? Do we ever think about what that means in our lives?

What does love mean to you? We tend to put it into categories. There’s romantic love. There’s parental love. There’s friendly love and family love and, well, there’s all kinds of love. But the love God gives to us is so much more than that. The love He has for us is sacrificial love. He gave Jesus to die for us. How many of us would do the same for Him? Not many. How do I know that? Each day we are called to die to ourselves so that we might live for Him. How many of us really do that?

We have such a hard time with love. It hurts, even when it’s good. There’s betrayal and disappointment. There are expectations that can never be met by anyone but God. There’s death that comes too soon and children who are longed for but never come.

We also reject love as too confining, too controlling, too much about someone else. We push people away, so afraid they will consume us that we miss the love behind their actions. We are an independent sort but that only carries us so far.

We love others. We love our children and we call it sacrificial but is it really? Can we ever truly compare what we are willing to do for those we love with what God has done for us? How much would we give, who would we sacrifice, for the wayward children we love to come to accept His priceless gift?

Do we ever really see God for all that He is? Do we truly understand His magnificence? Can we even comprehend that the Creator of the universe chose us? Can we ever grasp how much He loves us?

Think about that today. Take a few minutes to bask in the glory of His love. Let His peace fill you up. Refocus on the child in the manger who came to set us free from the death our sins require.

This season is about so many things but, mostly, it’s about His love for us. Don’t ever lose sight of that.

June 26, 2018

What Will You Sacrifice?

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

– Mark 10:21-22

We want to follow Jesus until it costs us something. We want eternal life but we don’t want to make sacrifices on this earth to make that happen. We want a life of faith but we don’t want to make any changes in how we live.

This man wanted to inherit eternal life. He followed the commandments. He assured Jesus he’d done that since he was a child. But he wasn’t willing to give up his possessions, his great wealth, to follow Jesus.

It’s not that there’s anything wrong with material blessings. The challenge comes when we value those things more than Jesus. It’s there that things become idols, whether we realize or acknowledge it or not.

This man wanted to do right, to live a good life, to follow Jesus. He thought he had. It’s as though he was coming to Jesus for reassurance that he was good enough for heaven. He wasn’t.

The sad truth is that none of us are good enough for heaven. We are all sinners. We are all too dirty to kneel before Almighty God. The only way to enter His Presence is to be washed by the blood of Christ. And that, my friends, will always cost us something.

What are you willing to give up for Jesus? Are you willing to tithe 10 percent, whether you think you can afford it or not? Are you willing to trust God with what you need even when you can’t see beyond today?

Are you willing to sacrifice your time and money to go on a mission trip or volunteer at a shelter? Are you willing to give up your well-deserved day off to help an elderly neighbor with yard work he can no longer do and can not afford to hire out? Just how much are you willing to give of yourself to be the hands and feet of Jesus?

We talk good. We point fingers. We write a check. We volunteer when something interests us or when we will benefit from it. But to sacrificially serve Jesus? Well, we’re not so sure about that. But His Word says that we must deny ourselves. We must take up His cross. We must be willing to get dirty, to step out in faith, to help those who aren’t pretty and clean and “worthy.”

Ah, yes. There’s that word. “Worthy.” We want to pick and choose who deserves our help, our money, our time. We forget that Jesus loved everyone equally. We ignore the reality that Jesus frequently welcomed those whom others cast aside.

Jesus calls us all to service. He calls us all to sacrifice. He calls us all to a different life than what is comfortable and of our choosing. The question is: Will you walk away or will you step out in faith? The choice belongs to you.

February 14, 2018

Remember

Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. – Matthew 26:48-49

Today is both Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day. Fitting, don’t you think? The first is a day of repentance and sorrow and the second is a day to indulge in chocolate and flowers and perfume.

We get caught up in the commercial trappings, don’t we? It’s nice. Why not share a fancy dinner with someone you love? What’s wrong with a little indulgence to celebrate a relationship you cherish?

It’s all so wonderful – until it isn’t. Betrayal carries a high cost and becomes a burden that weighs us down, reminding us that the deadliest wounds come from those closest to our hearts.

Some churches conduct an Ash Wednesday service, placing ashes in the form of a cross on those who slowly make their way to the alter. A reminder of our sins, our sorrow and our repentance.

We struggle during the Lenten season, determined to make a sacrifice for Jesus. We give up candy or soda. We make vows and turn off Facebook or television. We remind ourselves daily – well, except for Sundays – of the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

But do we really get it? Really? Deep inside where our hearts at times feel broken by human betrayal, do we really understand what God did for us? Can we comprehend a love that deep? Do we really grasp the sacrifice of Jesus’ death for the sins you and I have committed?

We are so filled with self-interest. We do good so we will be praised by the multitudes. We sacrifice so that others might see how good we are. We shout loudly all our great attributes.

And we depend totally on ourselves. We work hard. We pave our own way forward. We do all we can as though it depends on us. In our minds, it does. God is for emergencies and miracles. Not to worry. We’ve got the rest.

Except He has called us to a life of daily sacrifice. He draws us toward a life directed by Him, for His glory and not our own. It’s not about us. It’s never been about us. And no matter how hard we try or how loudly we proclaim our goodness, we will never get past the sin and anguish of brokenness deep within.

As you go through this season leading to the cross, remember the cost. Look in the mirror and see your guilt. Close your eyes and feel the sting of betrayal, your betrayal of Jesus Christ. Feel the nails as they penetrate His skin. Swelter under the sun’s heat. Hear the insults that draped a man who was never anything but good.

On this day, remember what you have done for a kiss and 30 silver coins. Kneel down in genuine repentance. Rise. Feel the grace and mercy and love as it engulfs you. Go, and sin no more.  

May 22, 2016

Wait For God’s Timing

As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 8 Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.” And he offered the burnt offering. -- 1 Samuel 13:7-9

Saul was under a lot of pressure. He was facing a crucial battle and his people were afraid. And where was Samuel? The priest was supposed to arrive any time but where was he?!

So Saul did what many of us would do under those circumstances: He took matters into his own hands and offered the sacrifice himself rather than waiting for the priest.

It was a bad, bad move. Saul meant well. He did. But good intentions didn’t erase the fact that Saul had disobeyed God and violated His law.

Then, to make matters worse, Saul tried to blame it on his people for scattering and Samuel for not coming earlier. That’s also something we’re prone to do. Sometimes it’s really hard to admit when we’ve made a mistake.

Today’s sermon was on naming the sin so that we can deal with it. When we don’t actually admit what we’ve done, we can’t get past it. We can’t deal with it.

That’s one of the first things people in recovery learn. And by recovery I don’t just mean drugs and alcohol. It could be someone suffering from overeating or depression. It could also be jealousy or envy. The key is that no one can heal until we admit that we have a problem.

It’s also harder to forgive someone who won’t admit what he’s done. Saul wanted to point fingers. Yes, his people were scattering because they were afraid. Yes, he was facing a crucial battle and was concerned he would lose his army before it started. And, yes, Samuel ended up arriving later than Saul expected. That’s a lot of pressure, even for a king.

But it’s when pressure hits that our true character comes forward. Saul didn’t trust God. He didn’t. Because if he had, Saul would have known God would send the priest to provide an offering before the battle. Saul knew Samuel was coming. His only task was to wait.

We’re not good at waiting for God’s timing. In this instant society, we want results now. We fail God when we don’t wait for His timing.

Good intentions done the wrong way are still wrong. Denying that, pointing fingers, doesn’t change that simple fact. Wait for God. Follow His direction. Then watch His blessings freely flow.

March 20, 2017

Faith Is A Lifetime Journey

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Are you one of those people who gave up something for Lent? Some people choose to give up something -- such as chocolate or soda -- so that by depriving themselves they enjoy they might “suffer” a bit and feel closer to Jesus. Of course, this is nothing like Jesus went through for us.

The practice is good for what it is. But I have a question for you: If you’re going to make a change for Jesus, shouldn’t it be a permanent change?

We act like we’ll do this wonderful thing for 40 days -- Sundays don’t count -- and somehow we’re honoring our Savior for what He did for us. But I’m not sure how giving up chocolate really honors Jesus. Don’t get me wrong. It’s good for our health. But does it further God’s kingdom? Does it help anyone know Jesus? Does it draw us closer to Him?

Our faith journey isn’t meant to be a short excursion with a finish date set by us. It is rather a life-long journey that only ends when God calls us home. We should constantly be moving toward Jesus, toward being more like Him, toward learning more about Him, toward living more like Him.

So what could you give up for Jesus? Maybe you could give up anger. Maybe you could give up jealousy. Maybe you could move past greed. Maybe you could give up that focus on things of the world.

What could you do for Jesus? A popular thing is to pay for the order behind you in the drive thru line. You could take a meal to a family going through a tough time. You could visit with an elderly person. You could drive a sick friend to the doctor. There are many, many ways to be Jesus in a hurting world.

Giving up something for Lent is fine. Nothing wrong with it at all, especially if it makes you feel closer to Jesus. But remember that our faith journey isn’t a short 40-day sprint. It’s a long journey with our eye on a eternal crown of life.

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, March 30, 2012

Christ Lives Within Us

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. -- Galatians 2:20

Folks are beginning to think about Easter. The ladies are shopping for a new dress with shoes to match. The kids eagerly anticipate the Easter bunny and all the chocolate they can imagine. Family gatherings are planned for after the required church service. It will be a glorious day.

Too bad we don’t spend as much time and effort remembering the days leading up to that empty tomb. We forget that sacrifice, rushing past it’s agony and moving on to the glory. But there can be no glory without the cross.

My cross. Your cross. The cross Jesus willing died on to pay for my sins and yours. We like to think of that in general terms. He died for all humanity. He died for everyone. It’s somehow easier than looking in the mirror and saying, “Jesus died for me.”

Some days I imagine myself in His shoes. I think about the whip, with nails entwined in the strap, coming down on my skin again and again. I imagine trying to carry that heavy cross beam, that scholars estimate weighed at least 75 lbs. Then the cross itself. The nails going in. The hours of agony as it becomes harder and harder to breath.

For me. He did it for me. He paid for my sins. His agony was because of me. And I died right there with Him. His victory over sin gave me life. So now I live anew, with His heart within me.

How does that change me? Do I still want what I want or do I yield those desires to the One who gave up everything for me? Do I still worry and fret over things I cannot control or change or do I give them to the One who defeated death? Because He lives within me, my life rests within His almighty hands.

It changes how I view life. It changes how I view others. Problems seem smaller when I see them through the eyes of Jesus. People seem different when I see them through the eyes of Jesus. I look out on a world that seems so dark and yet there is light. Hope. A chance of forever with a Savior who gave all He had to save you and me.

It’s fun to get all dressed up on Easter. It’s great to celebrate and gather with family and friends to share joy and great food. But let us never, ever forget the cost.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

He Loves Us So Much!

"O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption." -- Psalm 130:7

God amazes me. No matter what I do or what you do, He loves us. We can't do anything to cause Him to take His love away from us. That kind of love is something I can't even comprehend.

It's not that we can just go about our way without consequences. Sin causes its own set of problems. We see that in the Bible again and again. And we see it in our own lives. I always think of David, who was a man after God's own heart. He sinned greatly and he paid a high price for that sin. But when he came to understand what he'd done, he repented and asked God to forgive him. And God did. See, God never stopped loving David.

God sacrificed His Son for us. Do you get that? It's mind-boggling. Really. Jesus died a painful death on a cross as He took our sins -- yours and mine -- on Himself. His gift to us was and is eternal life. All we have to do is accept His gift, acknowledge His sacrifice and open our hearts to the Holy Spirit.

This invitation -- this gift -- is open to anyone. It doesn't matter what our past holds against us. Jesus paid for our sins. We race to embrace His gift, even as we shove others aside. What? You don't do that? Think about it. Very few people want murderers, rapists, thieves, child predators and other disreputable people to be included. We'd prefer a more exclusive club. One with people "like us."

God doesn't think that way. He loves all His children, including those who have done things we think are unforgiveable. If they repent, if they accept His gift and open their hearts to Him, they're in. Yes. That's right. They're heading to heaven. With you and me.

God wants redemption for everyone. He wants eternal life for all His children. He loves us always and forever. All of us. You know, none of us are worthy of His gift. It is just so awesome that He loves us enough to think we're worth the sacrifice.