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 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.

October 13, 2018

Step Up Or Stay Home

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40

She was done. Fed up. This normally even-tempered woman was going to have her say. I understood.

Her town received much damage in Hurricane Michael. She isn’t complaining about that. She’s still got a home and she’s grateful. Power will be restored eventually. All the limbs will be cut and hauled off. Life will resume. She knows it could have been much worse.

Her complaint stems from the looky-loos driving slowly down her street. They aren’t there to help. They’re there to get a good look at all the damage. They obviously don’t have a lot of damage at their own homes. If they did, they wouldn’t have time to be out driving around.

They need to go home, she said with uncharacteristic anger. If they aren’t here to help, they don’t need to be here at all. I know. She was tired. Stressed to the max. Trying to clean up what the winds tore up.

But she has a good point. We’ve been blessed by those who have shown up and put feet and hands to their faith. We’re so fortunate by those who are gathering supplies – water, generators, toiletries, food – and heading to those areas where people are in desperate need.

And then there are those who want to talk about it but never actually get around to doing anything. They are the looky-loos who would rather observe than actually get their hands dirty with work.

Of course, I can handle that better than those who make empty offers they never plan to follow up with. You know the ones. “Call me if I can do anything,” they’ll say. “Just let me know what you need,” they add.

But they are never available and never follow through. A sweet friend had some serious health issues a couple of years ago. She was so frustrated by those who offered to help but, when called on, could only make excuses. She wanted to know why people make offers when they have no intentions of doing anything.

I think it’s because they want to feel good about themselves. Somehow it makes them feel like they’ve done something simply because they’ve made an offer. They’ve somehow convinced themselves they’ll never get called, never be asked, never have to step up.

We’ve all seen it. Just make a call and they’re just too busy. Or the time isn’t convenient. Or they just can’t physically do it. Then why offer? Just don’t say anything. That was my friend’s frustration. No one asks you to offer so, unless you plan to step up, don’t say anything.

These are challenging days. Mexico Beach is gone. Panama City, Port St. Joe, Lynn Haven and so many other coastal communities have major damage that will take years to rebuild. And that’s just along the coast. It doesn’t consider all the communities inland who also suffered severe damage and destruction. These storm victims don’t need empty words or looky-loos. They need real help. They need people who are willing to sweat, sacrifice, give. They need hugs and hope.

So, if you aren’t willing to help, stay home. People are hurting and they don’t deserve to be your entertainment.

September 18, 2018

Follow God’s Calling

“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.” – Luke 12:47

What has God called you to do? Are you doing it? Are you waiting for a better day or when you have more time, more money, more energy?

We tend to procrastinate, especially when it’s something we don’t really want to do. Maybe especially when it’s something out of our comfort zone. God generally calls us to go out of our comfort zone, doesn’t He?

Why do we think we’ve got plenty of time? We live as though we have unlimited tomorrows stretched out before us. The truth is that none of us know how long we have.

Last Friday night a woman in a neighboring community attended a local high school football game. She was heading back to her car when she was struck and killed by another vehicle. It surely wasn’t what she had planned. She worked. She had a family. She had a life. And now she’s with Jesus.

Another woman talked about the sudden death of her sister. She was only 29. It was a car wreck. Instant death for her. A lifetime of grieving for her sister and their family.

We know all this. We know that bad things happen to absolutely wonderful people. We know that tomorrow might not come. We can quote all those clichés. But we ignore them when we are called to serve God.

We get so caught up in what we think is important that we miss what He wants us to do. We want our lives to be all about us but they aren’t. Our lives are meant to glorify God. Why do we miss that? Why do we ignore His call?

Let me give you another example. Lisa Harper is a wonderful Bible teacher with an adorable daughter she adopted from Haiti. Harper tells how she’d wanted to adopt years earlier but was discouraged by someone who didn’t think she’d be a suitable parent. The woman actually told her to go to the pound and adopt a dog.

Now, I’m all about adopting dogs, especially when it means saving their lives by removing them from a kill shelter. But I’ve watched Harper with her daughter. She’s an awesome mama. Harper herself has wondered if perhaps she missed other children by believing someone else’s lies.

Sometimes that’s what happens. We feel a nudge from God. We seek wise counsel but that counsel turns out to not be so wise. So, do we follow God or do we believe the lies, albeit well-meaning, and turn away from what God wants us to do?

God’s calling rarely makes sense to anyone else. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to us. But He’s got a different vantage point. He sees the big picture. He knows what’s coming and how what He’s called us to do will impact that.

So, don’t wait. If God calls you to do something, just do it. Let yourself be afraid. Let yourself feel insecure. But do it anyway. You’ll never be sorry for following His call.

September 8, 2018

Who Gets Hurt?

You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings? What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe – as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.

– 1 Corinthians 3:3-6

People like to squabble, don’t we? We don’t care if it’s college football, political ideology or the type of music played during worship services. We’ll have an argument, not because we particularly care about the issue, but because we’re determined to be right.

Being in control makes us feel confident. Our opinions are always right. We don’t want to compromise. We don’t want to share the glory. It’s all about us anyway.

Oops. No. It’s not all about us. It’s not about us at all. It’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s about giving glory to God. We lose sight of that when we’re pushing ahead to get our own way.

One thing that I have witnessed again and again in different churches is the political maneuvering that goes on behind the scenes. We lobby fellow church members to have the carpet changed to the color we’ve chosen. We “bless someone’s heart” even as we tell others they don’t have good sense when it comes to decorating the Fellowship Hall.

We get so focused on what we want that we miss loving others. We’re so intent on being right that we forget it’s much more important to include others than to have our own way.

The women knew exactly how they wanted it to be done. It was to be done the way it had always been done. They’d been decorating tables for funeral meals, bridal showers and church fellowship for years. They were tired but they soldiered on. No one could do it like them.

Until another woman joined the church. She had plenty of experience with arranging flowers and centerpieces. She carried a bright smile and she was always willing to help. It might have worked out if she’d stayed silent and just gone along with those in charge. When she dared to do something different, they let her know with harsh words and bruising assessments. She cried. They didn’t seem to care.

Is anyone surprised that she’s no longer a member of the church? Does anyone even care that those same ladies with the biting tongues are now too old and frail to do the things they valued so much? They retained control, they hurt someone who didn’t deserve their hateful words, and all to control a task that was always temporary.

Where was Jesus in all of that? He wasn’t there at all. He wasn’t invited. He wouldn’t have fit in anyway. Jesus was all about welcoming everyone to the table. Those ladies were all about exclusion.

Sometimes I see people fussing about things that just don’t matter. They get so upset about worldly things, about power and control and pride. We really cling to our pride. We place it high above kindness and mercy and inclusion.

We are all only servants here with one purpose: to bring glory to God. We are to care for His people and do good where we can. And we’re to get along with each other, refusing to let Satan divide us with pettiness.

The next time you get ready to tear someone down for disagreeing with you, think about it before you fling those words out. They can’t ever be taken back. They harm others and, in so doing, they hurt Jesus. Is that what you really intended?

August 10, 2018

Who Do You Serve?

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

– Mark 9:35

James and John wanted to be next to Jesus in places of honor and glory. They wanted to be held in high esteem by others.  They wanted to be above the pack.

They didn’t understand what was to come, of course. Do we ever? We’re so focused on ourselves that we can’t see the bigger picture. We can’t see Jesus. The only image before us is the image of ourselves.

A dear man heads up a committee. He’s proud of it. He’s been the chairman for several years. He’s even in charge of the same committee on a multi-church level.

This man loves to serve. He cooks food for an outreach ministry. He shares Jesus at other venues. He’s such a good, giving man – so long as you do everything exactly to his specifications and his timetable. He’s so controlling that he has almost single-handedly destroyed the very ministry he leads.

Two women devote hours to their church committee. Please note the use of the word “their” committee. They have worked hard to make sure the committee only includes people who agree with everything they “suggest.” They aren’t looking for other ideas. They simply want people who will step up and do their bidding however they choose things be done. I’m sure you can imagine the grumbling from others. They don’t care. They’re so busy being in charge that they don’t realize they’re on the cusp of standing alone.

Welcome to church politics. I have watched two or three people generate enough divisiveness to “run” off a good preacher. I have witnessed churches split apart over how to spend money. I have seen churches die because they refused to welcome any new members into their midst.

There’s something about power and prestige that makes us forget that we don’t always have the answers. There’s something about being in charge that makes us forget that other people sometimes have more wisdom than we do. And there’s something about control that makes us forget that God reigns, not us.

Satan knows just what buttons to push to turn otherwise good Christians against each other. He knows exactly who to target to create chaos rather than growth and renewal. We’re engaged in spiritual warfare, whether we acknowledge it or not.

The only way to battle Satan is through the armor of God. Jesus won the war but Satan is after anyone who desires to serve Christ. He knows that the very best way to accomplish his goals is to turn God’s people against one another. Don’t let him.

It’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s about bringing God glory and honoring Him in all we say and do. Check your egos at the door. Leave pride outside in the trash. Be the least so you can bring honor to God our Father and Creator.

Do you want to be first? Then live your life being last.

August 9, 2018

Why Do You Serve?

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

– Ephesians 2:10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 8, 2018

Cast Pride Aside

"How you plot and scheme to win your lovers. Even an experienced prostitute could learn from you!" – Jeremiah 2:33

I call it growing pains. Our ministry group has expanded to include more events and, thus, more people involved in the various projects and classes. The hiccups are driving me nuts.

I recognize it as Satan trying to derail our plans to draw more people toward Jesus. I understand that. Unfortunately, not everyone else does. The egos and claws have emerged and they’ve got nothing to do with bringing glory to God.

Have you experienced this? Anyone active in church probably has. I doubt there’s any place more focused on politics, power and squabbles than a church. Pride has destroyed so many churches, so many wonderful endeavors. It doesn’t need to be that way.

I love this passage from Jeremiah. God is telling His people how they have betrayed Him. His people are telling God they aren’t guilty. Of course, they were. So are we.

When we set out to organize an event at church, it’s not about the individuals organizing it. It’s not about bringing glory and accolades to the church. It’s about God. It’s about bringing Him glory. It’s about shining a light that draws others toward Him. When we lose sight of that, it becomes about us and our egos. Things quickly deteriorate from there.

I’m not into micro-managing people who are volunteering for a specific project. I’m not into trying to control everything and everyone. I also detest drama. We’ve built an incredible team of capable individuals. We work together, each doing her own job, communicating and sharing ideas with an easy comradery.

Others coming in aren’t doing so well with that. And I’m not doing so well with the backbiting power plays. It’s just not okay. It’s out of place in service to God. Actually, it’s out of place anywhere.

We are not a group where cliques will exist. I am not alone in that view. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is equally important. Everyone’s ideas are considered. Like I said earlier, we’re a team.

Maybe I’m just really sensitive on this issue. I’ve watched churches torn apart because a few individuals needed to control everything. It became about their pride. It was never about God. Jesus wasn’t invited to the table. And nobody listened to the Holy Spirit.

I spend a great many hours each week in service to God. I am not in service to the church, to any individuals or to a particular committee. Everything I do is to bring glory to Him. Do I fail Him sometimes? Absolutely. And I count on other team members to work with me to keep us all focused on the only One who matters.

I don’t know your situation. I hope you are volunteering and serving God wherever you are. And I hope you stand strong and refuse to allow yourself to be pulled in to unnecessary political drama. When Satan tries to tear people apart, refuse to be a part of it. Pray without ceasing and stand firm in His strength. Pride has no place in the kingdom of God.

July 25, 2018

Do You Reflect Your Faith?

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. – Titus 1:16

How do people know you are a Christian? Is it because you attend church most Sundays? Is it because you wear a cross around your neck? Is it because you quote a book you rarely read?

Maybe you’re someone who loudly proclaims your faith. You’re quick to tell others how to live, to pass judgement “based” on the Bible, and to hold others up to impossible standards.

Or maybe you just love people. Maybe you do all you can to help others without stopping to consider if they are worthy or not. Maybe you give sacrificially. Maybe you offer kind words or encouragement and quickly share all that Jesus has done for you. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a joy about you that makes others want what you have.

Here’s the thing: It doesn’t matter how often you are in church if people don’t see evidence of faith in your life. It doesn’t matter if you tithe if you never reach out beyond yourself to help someone in need. And it doesn’t matter how quick you are to quote the Bible if you don’t hold yourself up to its standards.

A deacon who hates people of other races is just as lost as the drug addict who thinks there’s no other way. A church elder who condemns anyone who disagrees with his politics is just as lost as a woman with loose morals. And a pastor who gropes women and tells lewd jokes is just as lost as the young man who thinks his wild ways are acceptable behavior.

We’re all pretty good at “making” the Bible say what we want it to say. We take what feels right and good and turn the words to our benefit. We ignore grace and mercy for anyone who isn’t like us. We define our neighbor as fellow Americans and forget that Jesus told us to include all nations.

We judge without ceasing, thinking that it is somehow our right to do so. We love those of our choosing, forgetting that we’re to love God first and others – all others – as ourselves. We help based on our standards of worthy, with those like us being those who are worthy.

We welcome everyone who wants to work. We suffer through service, unwilling to give up control of how we want things done. We look down on people who aren’t willing to perform tasks the way we think it should be done and we wonder why volunteers are so hard to find.

We grumble if someone kneels at the altar as we sing the last song on Sunday. We’re hungry and we’ve sat on that pew or in that chair long enough. We aren’t concerned with someone who is hurting. We’re only concerned with ourselves.

Should I go on? Do I need to go on? People should know we are Christians because we love others and carry a joy about us no matter our circumstances. Unfortunately, we’re too busy pointing fingers at others to see ourselves as we really are.

As the saying goes, we are the only Bible some people will ever read. Are they reading about Jesus as He truly is? Or are they seeing a Pharisee masquerading as a believer?

July 16, 2018

How Have You Changed?

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

Most of us don’t like change, do we? Oh, we say we like to try new things but mostly we simply want to stay in our own little worlds, with our family, friends and toys. We want an easy life without static or drama.

Except we do change when the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. We become a different person. Or we should. It’s one of the signs that we are truly saved.

God doesn’t want us to always be the same. He wants us to continually grow closer to Him. His goal is that we will become more like Christ and less like the world. He wants us to give up ourselves to become the people He created us to be.

And we resist. Again and again we resist. Because we want to control our own lives. We want to do what we want to do, when we want to do it. We want God when it comes to the hard stuff, the things we can’t control, things like cancer and wayward children and unexpected job loss. But the rest we want to control ourselves.

God doesn’t work that way. Sometimes He will break us in order to mold us into a new creation dedicated to serving Him. It doesn’t have to be like that, of course. God sends us signals, directions, guidelines. It’s when he’s trying to get our attention and we ignore Him that things can get bad quickly.

God doesn’t want us to be comfortable and content with where we are. We are all called to service. We are all called to spread His message of love and hope. We can’t do that when we’re sitting in our recliner letting television or games numb our minds.

What does God want from you? A willing spirit. A heart dedicated to Him. An open mind willing to step forward in faith. Even when the step is uncomfortable. Maybe, especially, when the step is uncomfortable.

How many blessings do we miss because we refused to trust the God who created us? How many people have suffered because we refused to open our minds and our hearts to share with them what God has placed on our hearts?

We all have to carry a load. It’s not about us. Simple words. Trite, even. Words we would rather ignore. We want it all to be about us. Or, at least, about our children, our job, our pleasure. We don’t want to serve people we’d rather ignore.

Ah, yes. We want to stay around people like us. We want to choose whom we serve. We want to give on our terms, not God’s terms. Because sometimes God calls us to step out of our comfort zone and actually get dirty, get our hearts broken, stir up something we’d rather leave alone.

We weren’t meant to come to Jesus, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and remain the same. We want all the benefits of salvation without expressing any of the gratitude. Because that’s what doing God’s will is: Expressing gratitude and love for all He has done for us.

Life isn’t about staying the same. It’s about walking in faith. It’s about doing the hard things because that’s the journey God called us to. It’s about loving the unlovable, giving without reserve, showing up when we’d rather not. It’s about sharing Him in all we say and do. Anything less is just an empty life.

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.

May 3, 2018

What Does Faith Like?

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. – 1 John 2:15-17

It’s possible to talk about loving God without actually loving God. That was the message from the guest pastor at our church. Who can argue with that truth? Surely, we all know someone who says all the right things and then lives his life in all the wrong ways?

And that person is never us. Ever. We love God. We love Jesus. We love the Holy Spirit. Just ask us. We’re good people doing the best we can. Just ask us.

Here’s a basic truth: God has not called us to the American dream. He has called us to do greater works than Jesus did on this earth. Jesus called us to go about the Father’s business. The Father’s business is not the great American dream.

Someone right now is throwing out the words of Jeremiah. Yes, God has good plans for us. Yes, God wants to give us hope and see us prosper. But what, exactly, does that look like?

For many Christians that looks like a big house and new cars. It looks like a nice vacation every year and dinners out at least once a week. It looks like dance lessons and Little League and all the things our children enjoy. It’s that new phone, that boat, that remodeled kitchen.

But does any of that look like our Father’s business? If we’re honest the answer is no. It’s not that God doesn’t want us to have all those things and many, many more. It’s just that those things should never be our priority. And those things, those activities, should never keep us from doing the things and investing in the things God has called us to do.

Ouch.

Satan tells us we deserve everything our hearts desire. He entices us to want more and more, better and better. When is enough really enough? We’re never satisfied because we are seeking to fill ourselves up with stuff rather than the purposes of God.

We think we know what service means. We count the seats that are filled in our sanctuaries rather than by the lives changed through discipleship. We measure our worth by our budgets rather that the lives touched through outreach. Are we fruitful people? Do we really know what that means?

Lives that are devoted to loving God and serving people as Jesus did look different than lives cruising through with barely a glance at His truth. We can say all the right things but do our lives really reflect the faith we claim? Are people changed for having known us, for watching how we live? Or are we just one more example of excess in a world full of hypocrites?

God knows your heart. He knows mine too. What does He see inside? Think about it.

May 2, 2018

How Are You Serving?

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him. -- Psalm 92:12-15

I was at an Education Committee meeting at church. The subject turned toward volunteers. Doesn’t it always? Grand ideas will never flourish without volunteers to turn them in to reality.

One of the many issues of getting enough volunteers are those who believe they’ve retired from service. It’s as though parents believe they can only volunteer for activities in their child’s age group. Others believe that when their kids are grown, they have retired from church service.

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard a person say, “Let someone younger do it. My kids are grown. I’m retired.” The Bible doesn’t say anything about retiring. It does speak of teaching the younger generation, of mentoring those younger than we are.

Certainly, our seasons change. One sweet lady volunteered to help prepare supplies and activities for the craft projects during Vacation Bible School. Her patience for young children was gone but her servant’s heart remained. She was able to serve behind the scenes and provide tremendous help to all of us.

Another woman recently declined a request to occasionally lead a Sunday school class. That is her right. I’m not here to do a guilt trip on her or anyone else. It was her excuse that made me pause. She said she’d already led an adult class and someone younger needed to do it. She’s barely passed 50. Seriously?!

Volunteer activities come in all shapes and sizes, just like the people who serve and are served. There something for everyone. Faith isn’t so much about taking as it is about giving back. When did we come to believe it was all about us, about what was convenient and only what we felt like doing when it suited us.

I’m so thankful that Jesus didn’t see it that way. I’ve no doubt that the very human side of Him grew weary as He preached and ministered, healed and served. Jesus never complained as He reached out to those who needed Him. He sought strength and guidance through prayer. And, yes, sometimes He rested.

We aren’t called to do every single thing someone asked us to do. That would be ridiculous. Each of us has special gifts and talents. We each have a unique way that we can serve. One man washes the silverware at church after every Wednesday night dinner. He willingly does it with no complaints. He has found a way to serve.

Another sweet lady, a woman who is no longer physically able to attend church, has become a prayer warrior. She routinely calls people who are sick or in crisis and prays for them and with them. She sends out the most beautiful cards. She has found a special ministry in the midst of her declining years.

How are you serving in your church? If you aren’t doing anything, maybe it’s time to look in the mirror. Everyone can give back in some way. Step up and serve.

February 1, 2018

End The Comparisons

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else. – Galatians 6:4

Why do we always want what someone else has? Why are we never content to be the person God created us to be? Why are we needlessly comparing ourselves to others, finding either ourselves or the other person to be lacking?

Life is not a competition. God created each of us to be unique and to offer our gifts up to His service and for His glory. It doesn’t matter what someone else is or isn’t doing. That really isn’t what it’s all about.

This constant comparison drives a wedge where friendship should be. It shifts our focus from Jesus and on to things of the world. We were meant to build each other up not tear each other down.

We want to be thin like our co-worker. We want to throw awesome birthday parties like the mom down the street. We want to have a house as large as our sibling. We want to teach others about Jesus like the man who sits on the pew in front of us.

It doesn’t matter that our body shape is different from our co-worker. It doesn’t matter that the other mom loves to craft while our gift is more about gardening. What difference does a house size matter when you have to work 80 hours each week just to pay the mortgage? And praise the man called to teach. Maybe your gift is working with the nursery or the elderly.

That’s the thing. We all have different gifts. What if everyone had the gift of teaching adult Sunday school? Who would rock the babies in the nursery? Who would teach the children? Who would guide the youth? Who would help the elderly get safely to where they needed to be?

It’s no different in other areas of our lives. Some people are athletic and can run for miles. Others get more done through walking. Some people are born to lead and direct the multitudes. Others are happier and more productive being worker bees. One is not greater than the other. All are necessary.

What’s worse is that we allow all these comparisons to draw a wedge between people we should love and support. We’re so busy comparing our lives to theirs – either for the good or the bad – that we forget to be the cheerleaders. We forget to do our part. We forget that it’s not about them. And it’s not about us. It’s about Jesus. It’s always been about Jesus.

So don’t worry if the person next to you in gym can do more sit-ups than you can. And don’t worry that your co-worker got a promotion. Just focus on being the very best you possible. Walk humbly with God on the path He set before you. Focus your eyes on Jesus and do your part when God has placed you.

January 22, 2018

What Motivates Your Service?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4

He wants to be helpful. He wants to be needed, necessary, valued. He means well. He does. But he pushes people away by giving “help” they don’t need or want.

You see, it’s not about the people he is attempting to help. It’s about his own needs, his own ego, his own issues. He doesn’t see it that way of course. He refuses to listen to anyone who tells him differently. He knows best. He isn’t going to change because he refuses to look past himself to really see the people he is “helping.”

One elderly woman gets so exasperated. Why does he think I can’t get my husband to the car without his help? Why does he think I can’t carry my own purse? He means well, I tell her, but I understand her frustration. She helps her husband every day. They are quite the team. Anyone who interferes with their way of doing things could easily cause something bad to happen – like a fall -- by not understanding what works best for them.

Don’t misunderstand where she is coming from. This isn’t pride on her part. When she needs help, she asks for it. When her husband slid down in the bathroom – he didn’t fall because she was there to ease him down – she called a neighbor to help get him up. When he had chest congestion and couldn’t leave the house, she asked a friend to sit with him while she ran errands.

I understand her frustration. I often have people trying to do things for me that I am capable of doing for myself. They mean well. I try to show grace to the neighbor who thinks he must explain to me how to look after cows. He doesn’t own cows. He really doesn’t know what he’s talking about. But in his own way, he is attempting to help me.

I swallow my words. I try to avoid him. I know way more than he would ever admit. But, most importantly, I am blessed with family and friends who own large cattle operations. I have only to make a phone call and they are offering advice or headed my way to help. I am so thankful to God for this gift of their presence in my life.

The Bible repeatedly tells us to serve others, to help where we can, to love our neighbors as ourselves. Somewhere along the way we forget that it isn’t about us. It’s about the people we are called to serve. It’s about bringing glory to God.

If you find yourself “serving” others in ways that upset them, maybe you should check your motives. Why are you helping? When you are doing something “for” someone that they neither want or need, you really aren’t doing it for them but rather for yourself.

January 21, 2018

Christians Don't Retire

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

– Psalm 73:26

I have reached the age where aches and pains are a daily part of life. Are you there yet? If not, know that it’s part of living long. It reminds us that we are alive. And blessed. Don’t forget the blessed part.

Most folks dream of retirement. They set it as their lifetime goal, preparing for that future every step of every day. Some are blessed to turn that into reality. Others prepare for a day they’ll never see.

The Bible doesn’t talk about retirement. As much as we like the idea of passing the torch, of letting someone else do the work, of sitting back and socializing with no responsibilities, well, that’s not what the Bible says.

We are to teach those who come after us. We are to lead by example. We are to love those around us. We are to pray without ceasing. We are to contribute to the world we are in until the day God calls us home.

We forget that sometimes, don’t we? We forget that this world is only temporary. We are only passing through. We place so much importance on today, on ourselves, on what we can see and touch and feel. We forget that there’s something way more important just ahead.

We don’t walk the journey alone. Christ never, ever, leaves our side. And, here’s the thing, if we’re still on this earth, He has something for us to do.

I know a sweet lady who is in her 90s. She rarely leaves home. She has outlived her husband and child. She has buried her sister that shared her home for so many years. She lives alone in the country, too feeble most days to even walk to the mailbox.

Do not feel sorry for her. She would absolutely admonish anyone for that. Conversations with her are filled with comments about how blessed she is and how grateful she is and how much she loves Jesus. She prays without ceasing. She sends cards to those who need encouragement. She makes phone calls and prays with those in need. She is God’s servant and such a blessing to all who know her.

There are many of us who know her. There is the couple who “adopted” her and sees to her basic needs. There are the neighbors who stop by almost daily to make sure she’s okay. There’s the senior center that delivers meals. Oh, and her church family that still remembers her though it has been quite some time since she could worship with them.

She “retired” years ago but that was just a job that paid the bills. She refuses to retire from God’s service. She’ll tell you quick that she’ll keep going so long as He has desire to keep her here.

Oh, and did I mention the aches and pains she deals with on a daily basis? She worked and cared for her mother for years. Her back never lets her forget that. She struggles sometimes with the hip she broke in a fall out in the yard several years ago. She chooses not to dwell on things she can’t change.

I want to be like her one day. If God chooses to have me live on this earth that long, I want to be someone who prays for and ministers to those around me every day. I want to remember that this earth is temporary, as are the aches and pains and hurts that come our way.

It’s easy to get caught up in this world, to forget what’s really important. Aches and pains remind us that we’re blessed to still be here serving Jesus in any way we can.

April 29, 2016

Age Doesn’t Determine Service

When Joshua had grown old, the Lord said to him, “You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over. -- Joshua 13:1

I recently went for my first bone density screening. It’s a right of passage I suppose. They assure me it’s more of a preventative measure, just making sure my bones are okay before I get old.

Except that they told me I am 1 ½ inches shorter than I used to be. What?! I am undeniably aging. There is proof. I can no longer deny it. But that doesn’t mean I’m done.

Joshua was between 85 and 100 years old (see Life Application Study Bible) when God told him there was still work to be done. I’m nowhere near that age and I know there’s still work to be done.

I’ve never really understood why some people think that if they reach a certain age, they no longer have to contribute to their church or community. I’m not talking about money. That’s a good thing, of course, but I’m not sure it’s even the most important thing.

Sometimes we need the experience of older people, coupled with the exuberance of the younger folks, to really make things work. Kids need older role models. There are many kids these days who live far from grandparents and extended family. Why not be there for them?

Stories abound of people who work hard and then finally reach retirement. Six months later they are dead. Why? They had no reason to get up in the morning. They had lost their purpose.

I once met a couple, both retired, who volunteered 40 hours per week. There wasn’t just one organization that benefited from their labor. They found a few groups they supported and divided their time. They were happy and busy and filled with purpose.

And, yes, they were forever trying to recruit others to their way of life. They had a point. Just think how much good could be done if retirees volunteered at least some of their time and expertise each week.

The Bible doesn’t say anything about retiring. I’m not sure why we think we should stop serving Him as we get older. I have no idea what the future holds or if I even have a future. God determines my time here on earth. But I sure hope that I will always find a way to contribute, to give back, for as long as I am here.

January 18, 2015

What does God Want?

 

And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

-- Deuteronomy 10:12

Let's start with a question: What does God value from you the most? Does He want your service above all else? Does He want you first and foremost to be His hands in feet in this world? Is that what God wants from you?

Or maybe He wants your money first? Be sure to tithe and then some. Is that what God wants first?

What about your heart, your life, your soul?  God wants it all. And especially, He wants your heart.

So, what's most important: Your service or time alone with God? He wants you to want to spend time with Him. It's what makes everything else worthwhile. It's the beginning, the middle and the end. Time alone with God. I've never understood how anyone can make it through a day without that but there's a great many people who try.

Don't get me wrong. Service is a wonderful thing. Certainly, we should be God's hands and feet in this world. We are the light in a world that seems to grow darker an darker with each passing day. But service should be a sprout that emerges from the tender love we receive from spending time alone with God. Then it is natural and we have renewed energy and abilities to do whatever it is He has called us to do.

Sometimes we use service to avoid facing God. We tell ourselves it's all good because we are serving God. He understands. Yeah, actually He does understand. God knows our hearts and He knows when we're avoiding Him.

Why do you think we do that? Maybe there's some sin we'd rather not confess. Maybe there's some hurt we'd rather not face. Maybe there's a direction we'd rather no take. Whatever the reason, sooner or later we will come face to face with God. Then what?

God wants all of us and He won't stop until He gets us. So spend time alone with Him. Remember that no one will ever love you the way God loves you. That's the most important gift you will ever receive. Don't ever take that for granted.

January 13, 2015

Service Without Limits

 

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. -- 1 Peter 4:10

There are different opinions on how many people are actually active in their church. I'm not talking about attending on the occasional Sunday or even tithing as you see fit. I'm talking about actually working in and for the church. Volunteering to participate in one of the many ministries every church has.

Yeah. This is one of those talks. Those who are active are already nodding their heads in agreement. Those that aren't are feeling a twinge of guilt and considering not reading any further. Please keep reading.

This verse was in my Scripture reading this morning. I guess it really hit me hard because today would have been my sweet cousin's 88th birthday. This dear woman went home on December 30th and our lives on this earth will always have a void because of it. She was a doer of God's Word. Right up until the end, she did what she could with where she was. That doesn't leave any excuses for any of the rest of us.

She was raised in church. I have to chuckle at how literal that statement is. Her Mama believed in having her five children in church every time the doors were open. When she married, she did the same with her husband's church. Later there became a need for a second church and they left to help start it. That meant meeting in living rooms and giving sacrificially for many years. It is a beautiful church now. It's members mourned her in large numbers and with much food.

She raised her boys in that church. She was involved in so many things. But here's what set her apart: she never stopped serving God. Never. Not through two bouts with cancer. Not through her husband's battle with Alzheimer's and his death. Not as one son fought lung cancer and lost. And not in these last years with her body tethered to an oxygen machine.

She was the one who always called to check on the sick, the hurting, the family. It was difficult for her to talk sometimes. But she called anyway, letting others know that she cared. She prayed and sought God daily. She never stopped learning and growing in Christ. I loved discussing different Bible passages with her. She had so much knowledge and when she didn't know or understand, she asked. It was good having a grandson who is a pastor.

I know I don't do enough. I don't. I get so caught up in my own life that I don't make the phone calls I should make. I don't send enough cards. I don't donate enough time. And surely I could spend more time with God. And there is no excuse. None. Because if this fine woman could serve God as she did, through it all, then so can I. What about you?