Peace on Earth?

The Christmas story begins with an Angelic pronouncement; “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).  I have wondered  about this over the years.  We talk and sing about peace, especially at Christmas.  The Bible is filled with references to Jesus as the Prince of Peace but there hasn’t been peace on earth or good will among men in my lifetime or before.  We see war among nations, violence against fellowman.  Road rage is one of the latest examples of our downward spiral.  Even churches are not always strongholds of peace.  All too often there is heated conflict is a place that should be the most peaceful place on earth. 

Our social life, homes, marriages & families are not always peaceful.  Before you finish reading this, if you don’t get bored and quit before the end, 15 people in our country alone will be sexually assaulted.  Somewhere in America a woman is battered every 15 seconds, usually by her boyfriend or spouse.  These alarming statistics do not mention emotional bullying that goes on in homes.  Not only is God’s peace aborted but there are lasting scars from such conflict

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”?  Has He forgotten us?  Has He intended to leave us to be at the mercy of this sin scarred world?  NO!  The door to sin in this world was opened by mankind.  We are all part of keeping that door open.  Romans 3:23 tells us that we are all prone to sin and conflict with our fellow man.  This is not something new.  Genesis tells us that Cain killed his own brother.  There were only four people on the planet at that time.  If he couldn’t get along with his brother he could have moved to France or Italy.     

Not only are we prone to conflict with our fellowman but we are engaged in conflict with ourselves; Paul gives a startling self-confession in Romans 7:15 stating; “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”  Raise your hand if you could have written that sentence.  My hand is already up so you might as well be honest also. 

But wait, don’t accuse me of ruining your Christmas mood yet, while we were sinners God loved us (Romans 5:8) and provided a solution, a savior.  This is why we sing “Glory to God in the highest”.  Christmas not really about presents, decorations, etc.  It is about the most spectacular event ever; God interrupted and invaded and human history!  It is this invasion/interruption that provides salvation, our hope for peace and good will.  Peace on earth is available but only by repenting and following this savior, Jesus by faith.  Jesus IS the Prince of Peace.  But, what kind of peace does he promise?

Jesus came at a time when there seemed to be peace…well sorta.  There was what was known as Pax Romania (Latin for "Roman peace").  Rome was such an overwhelming world power that no one dared to oppose them so this was a time of relative peace in the world…unless Caesar woke up in a foul mood.   

Many families practice such a peace today.  One person is so dominant that all others fall in line to keep peace thus creating family systems (dysfunction) to have ‘peace’.  “Don’t bother daddy when he is…tired, busy, drinking, etc.   “We don’t mess with momma cause when momma ain’t happy”…well you know the rest of the sentence.  Or there is the well-known, “Let the children do whatever keeps them from fussin’!”  Outside the family we create systems that isolate and blames others for problems.  “That school/church doesn’t understand my child.”  “They don’t know what they’re doing at work” (or church and especially in government).   Living in this type of ‘peace’ actually creates future conflict.

Real internal and eternal peace is not found by any human, family system that creates temporary quiet with latent unrest.  It is not found by any religious/church action that may ease conscience but does not deal with real problem.  We are all sinners who need grace/transformation/salvation.  Real internal and eternal peace is only comes from God through faith in Christ.

So if you find yourself still struggling to find that lasting peace in your life/world look again at the verse.  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  His peace comes to those “on whom his favor rests”.  There is much said that is often incorrect about God’s favor.  When in doubt always look to see what Bible says.  Genesis says that “the Lord looked with FAVOR on Abel and his offering”. A bit later on it declares that “Noah found FAVOR in the eyes of the Lord.” God said to Moses, “I know you by name and you have found favor with me.” One of the primary prayers of David was “May the FAVOR of the Lord our God rest upon us.”  The chief theme lifted up in the Bible concerning the childhood and youth of Jesus is that He “grew in wisdom and stature and in FAVOR with God and men.”  And Jesus inaugurated His public ministry by saying that He had come to proclaim the year of the Lord's…what? That’s right, “FAVOR.”  God proclaimed at the baptism of Jesus and the Transfiguration, “This is my Son upon whom my favor rests.”

The Bible makes clear that God seems to look with FAVOR upon those who are obedient to His commands and calling.   Peace on earth, peace in life begins with peace with God.  Peace with God comes to those on whom his favor rests.  So how and to whom does his favor rest?  His favor rests on those who have been reconciled (brought to peace with God in Christ) living a lifestyle of sustained obedience to God’s desires– not a momentary bowing when you need his help or a once a week attendance to a religious service, but a day-by-day humble commitment to discovering God’s desires and then doing those things. Check out the following verses; Matthew 6:10: “Thy will be done”,  Luke 22:42: “Not my will but thine be done!” and  Luke 9:23: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”  God’s Favor, and peace, comes only when we surrender our ego to him.  Those familiar with my preaching are familiar with my acrostic to better understand and define ego;

E dge

G od

O ut

When we follow our EGO we Edge God Out and the results are never as good as when we allow Him in.  When there is peace with God, there is inner peace.  When there is inner peace, there is peace with your fellowman.  Living and sharing this peace is contagious.  I hope you find and share this peace today, tomorrow and every day for the rest of your days. 

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mother’s 90^th birthday.  I won’t celebrate it with her because she has been in Heaven for the past 21 years.  An aneurysm ruptured in her brain causing a massive hemorrhage that took her from this life in the middle of a conversation with my Dad.  She had just given him his Fathers’ Day card and a gag gift when she said, “I have a sharp pain in my head.” and slumped in her recliner.  The EMS team resuscitated her enough to restore a pulse before transporting her to the ER but she never regained consciousness.  Our family was never the same.  She was the ‘hub’ that kept the ‘wheel’ of our family connected and running smoothly.  Oh, we stayed together and moved on but it was never the same. 

I share this with you today for a couple of reasons.  First, she is on my mind.  She is on my mind everyday but especially so today.  I have stood before many families conducting funeral services for their mother, father, spouse, sibling or grandparent over the years since my mother died and I tell them with confidence that they did not ‘lose’ their loved one.  You will carry them in your mind and heart for the rest of your days.  I know this to be true from my own experience.  I learned several other truths from the life and death of my mother.  I share them as I hope they will be helpful to you as well. 

First, each of us is a unique creation of God.  Psalm 139:14 reminds us that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made”.  There is no one like you.  There has never been anyone like you and there will never be anyone quite like you.  Since we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ we each have a unique purpose and place in this world.  That unique place begins with our family.  Mother was a middle child of ten children.  The middle child is often the ‘peacemaker’ of the family.  Mother carried that role into her later life.  I had the joy and privilege of growing up in a home filled with joy, harmony and happiness.  That is not to say we were perfect.  We had our unique personalities and opinions.  They didn’t know that I was always right in my opinions and ideas so it often took some passionate conversation as I would try to convince them to always trust my wisdom and judgment (if you Google ‘sarcasm’ that sentence may show up as a prime example).  But mother was always the one who showed us how to live in harmony, even with different opinions and personalities.  She was the main reason I have wonderful childhood memories of being loved and nurtured with a home life of joy and laughter. 

Every person is irreplaceable and should be treated as such.  Make the most of each relationship you have and each person you encounter.  We are God’s unique gift to one another.  The family, the workplace, school, etc. works better and more harmoniously when we all fulfill our unique purpose.  Embrace your uniqueness and realize that God created you with your distinctive personality and gifts to make a positive influence on those around you.  One does not have to be famous to have a great and lasting impact.  Mother was never the head of any company or organization.  She was not well-traveled.  She was born and raised on a farm in Millport, Alabama.  If you Google ‘things to do in Millport’ the response will be, “Are you serious?”  She once went as far west as Fort Worth, Texas…to see her son graduate from seminary.  She also went as far north as Wichita, Kansas…when our first child was born.  Although she never traveled much and never really cared about a position or title other than wife or mother, when she died we had over 500 people who came by our home or the funeral home to share our grief with her passing.  Although much time has passed since then, it is still not unusual, when I return to my home town, that someone will tell me how much they loved Mom and how much they enjoyed being around her because she brought such joy and laughter. 

Not only did she show me that each of us has our unique way to make a difference in the lives and world around us by the way she lived.  Her death taught me something significant as well.  As I stated at the beginning of this writing, mother died in mid-conversation with Dad.  Life is fragile, fleeting and uncertain.  Psalm 90 reminds us of the importance of numbering our days.  We each have a number of days that we will live.  We don’t know the number.  I often tell friends that I wish I knew when my number will be up because I could spend that last day eating nothing but cookies, ice cream and pie.  However the real message of numbering our days is that we should live with the knowledge that each day is special and unique.  Once a day or moment has passed it can never be reclaimed or done over.  Never take a day or even a moment of your life or the life of another for granted. 

Not only could this day be your last but we are not even guaranteed that we will complete the next sentence so make certain before you act or speak that this action or sentence would be a fitting or positive way to be remembered.  Mother died giving Dad a card that expressed her love for him and a gag gift that made him smile.  She did not know that would be her last action and gesture but it was typical of the way she lived, expressing love and sharing joy. 

We never know what our last action or word may be so it may be wise to act as if each encounter, action or word could be the last.  So as you act, speak or relate to others ask yourself, “Is this the way I want to be remembered?”  If this is your last time to see or talk to someone would you want it to end on this conversation or in this manner?  Subsequently it may be wise to always live, act and speak in a positive, encouraging, uplifting and loving manner. 

Recently, I was the guest speaker at a church that I had never preached in before.  I did not know if I would know anyone there or if anyone knew me.  However, I was pleasantly surprised before the service began when I was approached by a lady who looked familiar.  She taught my oldest daughter in middle school some 25 years ago.  When they needed male chaperones for field trips I would usually arrange my schedule so I could help.  The teacher came to know me through these encounters.  She told me she was excited when she heard that I was to be their guest speaker; “I told everyone, ‘You will love him.  He is a very nice man and he is always smiling.”  She didn’t know that not only was she paying me a compliment, but she was also thanking my mother. 

Thanks Mom, for continuing to show me how important it is to live each day making the most of who God created you to be and how use your uniqueness to make be a positive influence wherever and whenever you can. 

What I learned from Barry...and God

This is a true story.  The names have not been changed because there is no one innocent to protect (see Romans 3:23).  It had been quite an eventful year.  I had graduated from the largest accredited Protestant seminary in the world in May.  I was voted on (and approved) to serve as an Associate Pastor in Wichita, KS; my first full time (paid) ministry position.  I got married in August.  So here I am with my Masters Degree, a new job, a new wife… and no idea what in the Wide World of Sports to do.  I am in way over my head.  However, God was in control and sent me to a church that had their troubles, as it seems all do, but they were kind and patient with me.  The Senior Pastor liked me and was a wonderful mentor helping me learn the ropes. 

It was Single Adult Sunday.  We were trying to grow our ministry to single adults.  I had been looking forward to the day.  The single adults would lead in the morning worship service.  We would follow the service with a fellowship lunch (a typical Baptist tradition).  I taught the Single Adult Sunday School class.  We were having our morning coffee fellowship just before I would begin the lesson and there he was.

The doorway seemed to be filled with his presence as the entire class was drawn to his entrance.  He was tall with a white three piece suit.  He wore no necktie but he had a plethora of gold necklaces draped around his neck.  If this were not before his time, he would have reminded everyone of Mr. T except for two things.  Mr. T was bald.  This guy had a huge afro and black beard.  Secondly, Mr. T was black.  This guy was white.  I noticed one of the women in the class was visibly distressed with his appearance so I asked if she was OK.  She came to the church from a life of drug addiction and had a terrified look as she told me, “I recognize the jewelry, he is and angel of the Devil!”  I found out later that she snuck out and smoked a joint in the parking lot to calm her nerves.  That may have been the first medical marijuana usage in the US.  No matter, I was on staff and it was my class so, I walked up and introduced myself and invited him in to join us.  He smiled and told me his name was Barry.  He enjoyed the free coffee and pastries and seemed to enjoy the class. 

Since the singles were leading worship I had the opportunity to sit with my new bride.  We were on the back row, her preferred spot, as the service was about to begin.  She turned and noticed him standing at the rear entrance and was clearly startled and asked, “Who is that?”  At least she didn’t sneak out for a joint.  I had about the same level of maturity then as now so I answered, “He is an angel of the Devil but it’s OK, he was in my Sunday School class.”  Surprisingly enough she still loves me although after 38 years I still have not matured much beyond continuing with such remarks.

Barry stayed for the fellowship dinner and had a lively conversation with the senior pastor and me.  He told us that he couldn’t understand why people seemed to shy away from him.  Clyde, the senior pastor, was bold enough to tell him that his dress (the white suit and jewelry) and his huge afro were quite different from the way most people around there looked.  Barry smiled and said, “If my hair is a problem then I can change that.”  He took off the huge afro wig to expose a shiny bald head.  Needless to say Barry was quite a different character than most of the folks we ran across in Wichita, Kansas. 

However, I learned a great deal as God seemed to lead Barry to us.  We found out that Barry had family in Arizona.  He had received an injury that caused brain damage and received a monthly disability check.  Other than the brain injury that affected his personality, he had consumed quite a large number of drugs in his day and that seemed to also affect his personality and thinking process.  However his family assured that he was not a danger to anyone and he enjoyed a life of wandering over the country.  They were grateful for our update on his whereabouts.  We discovered that he was very childlike and as we reached out to him I believe that for the first time in his life he heard and understood (as much as was possible for him) the Gospel.  Barry professed his faith in Jesus and we baptized him as he became an active member of our church. 

Barry was admittedly not good with his monthly check so Clyde agreed to help him by keeping his money and give him a daily allowance.   Clyde kept strict records of these transactions and asked me to be a third party witness so there would be no question of impropriety.   He was truly an interesting addition to our church family.  Among other things, he was the first male member of our choir with ear rings to my knowledge.  Barry seemed quite at home until one day he came into the church office and told us that it was time for him to move on. 

He thanked us graciously for leading him to know Jesus and helping him with his money and other areas of his life.  Barry told Clyde that he wanted to give him some money to express his appreciation.  Clyde refused saying that the fact that we had helped him was reward enough.  However, Barry insisted and Clyde finally said, “If it is important that you do this that is fine.  Do what you think you need to do and I’ll donate it back to the church.”  Barry smiled and gave Clyde $50.  We shook hands and bid him a fond farewell as he drove out of the parking lot.  We had not been back in Clyde’s office very long when Barry returned and said, “You know, I got to thinking and I may need that $50.”  We all smiled as Clyde returned the money and we watched Barry drive off into the next adventure that God had for him…and to whomever God would lead him. 

I share this story because it taught me several things that I hope will be helpful to you.  First, God has all sorts of children in this world.  If we will be open to those who may be a little different we can truly be used of God to help one another along in this journey of life.  Second, “Never be afraid of anything from God.”  That was a phrase that Clyde taught me.  We may encounter things in life that we have not learned about in a book or class, I never learned about anyone like Barry in seminary, but if we will be open to what God brings us and respond in love and trust we may allow God to open some doors to wonderful experiences of faith and love in our lives and the lives of others that we could not imagine.  Finally, I am reminded that there is always hope when we place our faith in God.  If ‘an angel of the Devil’ could find a life changing relationship with the love of Jesus there may be hope for anyone. 

Press On!

Words Matter

Words have meaning.  I know that sounds simple but it seems to be a truth that we may have lost.  In my lifetime I have seen words redefined to create cultural change.  When I was younger homosexual behavior was usually described as ‘queer’.  That was not a compliment in those days.  Interestingly that word is now embraced and often used by those once slandered with that term.  Anyway, without getting into an argument or discussion about moral behavior, I am only using this example to show how the redefinition of words can have a powerful impact on culture.  I have often said, "If one desires to change the culture the best place to start is to change the language,"  So stay with me as I seek to show how changing the language made a difference in a behavior that was once not as openly tolerable in society but became more acceptable simply by changing the meaning of words.  'Queer' evolved into an ‘alternate lifestyle’ which was a more pleasing.  Then it became ‘Gay’ which once was only an adjective that referred to behavior that was ‘lighthearted and carefree or happily excited’.  Once it became the norm as a description of a lifestyle it made things more acceptable to society.  However, today's use of the word would put an entirely new meaning on the old Fred Astaire movie, 'The Gay Divorcee'.  Anyway, I hope you get my point about the impact of changing the meaning of words.   

A family once was defined by Webster as ‘the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children’ then it was redefined as ‘any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family’.  Again I am not seeking to make a comment on moral beliefs, rather on how one needs to be aware of the words we use and how the slightest change or redefinition can have major consequences. 

As a Christian minister I made my living studying and using words.  I had to study Greek and Hebrew to better understand and convey the true meaning of Bible verses.  As someone who traveled to different countries I tried to learn some of the language of countries I would visit to communicate better.  I learned that the words and the way you pronounce them can often make a huge difference.  We took a medical team to Cambodia with a Christian dentist who gave free dental work to poor people who had never seen a dentist.  The Cambodian missionaries tried to teach the tonal language to those who were going to assist Dr. Mason by teaching them the Cambodian way to say, “Please open your mouth”.  One of our volunteers wondered why they would always laugh when he asked them to open their mouth.  The missionaries asked him to repeat what he was saying, upon which they also laughed.  In a tonal language the slightest variation of a sound can mean an entirely different word.  With his Southern accent he was actually asking each person in line to, “Please open your chicken.” 

Some differences in word use are not as humorous and some small changes can be dangerous.  I remember reading a different religion's version of John 1:1.  Our Christian Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  This version only added one letter but it made a huge and dangerous difference.  Instead of “the Word was God” they added the singular letter ‘a’ between ‘was’ and ‘God’.  This reading; ‘and the Word was a God’ changed the entire theology of Christian belief.  That one letter demoted Jesus from being God in flesh to being 'a' god…like the many other gods that existed in that belief system.  You can see how it is important to realize that words have meaning and changing the meaning can become dangerous. 

Today we often hear of people who are encouraged to speak ‘their truth’.  We are encouraged to honor and believe their ‘personal truth’.  We may have our own memory or version of an event but when I share ‘my truth’ or anyone else shares ‘their truth’ it is not necessarily THE truth.   Truth is not something that is owned or shaped by any individual.  When truth is watered down to fit any individual’s personal experience, philosophy or opinion we are moving to dangerous territory. 

Today there is a gradual cultural shift to make humanism (attaching prime importance to human matters rather than divine) sound good and even like the Godly way to behave and believe.  Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems.  While many humanistic philosophies are not necessarily bad, it can be problematic when we think there is a human solution to all the world's  problems.  When we think of ourselves as solely in charge of the planet and our lives, we miss out on the resource that truly is the solution to each problem…Jesus.   Knowing that we are in the hands and control of Jesus can change everything.  I think this is well illustrated by the two poems below. 

Invictus is a well-known tribute that speaks of being in charge of one’s own life.  William Henley wrote it as a young man with strong atheistic beliefs.  When struggling with personal illness he had no other place to find strength than within himself and thus became angry.  He wrote Invictus as a way to shake his fist at the injustice of this world and whatever God others may believe in. 

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul.

Some years later a parallel poem was written by a less known poet, Dorothea Day, who was a believer and found strength and resources beyond her human understanding.  Notice the difference a relationship with Jesus, The Word, can make in one’s outlook. 

Out of the light that dazzles me,


Bright as the sun from pole to pole,


I thank the God I know to be,


For Christ - the Conqueror of my soul.

Since His the sway of circumstance,


I would not wince nor cry aloud.


Under the rule which men call chance,


My head, with joy, is humbly bowed.

Beyond this place of sin and tears,


That Life with Him and His the Aid,


That, spite the menace of the years,


Keeps, and will keep me unafraid.

I have no fear though straight the gate:


He cleared from punishment the scroll.


Christ is the Master of my fate!


Christ is the Captain of my soul!

Be careful with the words, philosophies and lifestyles you read, listen to, think or follow.  Words matter!  Words make a difference.  The WORD matters!  The WORD makes a difference!

I'm tired of people being ugly to each other.

It seems that the movie ‘The Green Mile’ is on some TV channel every night.  Well, at least once a week. As I flip channels looking for an Andy Griffith rerun I often see ‘The Green Mile’ is playing on some channel.  Don’t you love it?  I grew up with three channels, one was ETV so that didn’t really count, and now we can get 500 channels but there is rarely anything as good to watch as an Andy Griffith rerun that I enjoyed watching when I was Opie’s age. 

Anyway, back to ‘The Green Mile’.  If you are one of the 8 or 9 people in North America who have not seen it yet I will not spoil the movie but I need to give a little background to make my point.  The movie is about Death Row guards at a penitentiary, in the 1930's, who have a moral dilemma with their job when they discover one of their prisoners, a wrongly convicted murderer, appears to have supernatural gifts.  John Coffey seems to have an awareness of the evil in the world and the power to ‘take it back’, his way of describing his ability to reverse the evil and bring supernatural healing in some cases.  The guards begin to see his innocence and experience his special abilities and do not wish to place him in the electric chair.  In one of the most poignant scenes the head warden, Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), who sees the prisoner, John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), as a gift from God discusses his predicament as he will soon have to give the order to execute John Coffey in the electric chair.  He tells John he fears facing God in judgement “after killing one of His true miracles.”  John proceeds to comfort Paul telling him he is ready to leave this world with the following statement; “I'm tired, boss. Tired of being on the road, lonely as a sparrow in the rain. I'm tired of never having a buddy to be with, to tell me where we's going to, coming from or why. Mostly, I'm tired of people being ugly to each other. I'm tired of all the pain I feel and hear in the world every day. There's too much of it. It's like pieces of glass in my head, all the time. Can you understand?"

While I don’t pretend to have John Coffey’s constant awareness of all the evil in the world, I can identify with being “tired of people being ugly to each other.”  I was taught, at an early age not to act ugly to other people. One did not have to grow up in the South to be taught manners but our culture seems to have forgotten how to be civil with one another.  I remember growing up in a small town where we would eagerly throw up a hand and wave, even if we didn’t know who the other person was.  It was just a way to be nice and friendly to one another.  Now it seems that it is just as easy for some to throw up a hand at someone but the gesture is not a friendly wave…I don’t think I need to say more.  I think you know what I am talking about.  

I used to enjoy watching the news to stay informed on local and national events.  Now it seems that all they want to show is people who are fussing, and arguing to make certain their side wins over the other side forgetting they were elected to come together and do things jointly to help the nation as a whole.

As a pastor and Director of Missions I have had much experience over the years with church conflict  whether trying to bring people into unity in the church I served or as a moderator when churches were so divided they needed outside help.  I am continually amazed how people professing to follow the same Jesus can so quickly become angrily divided.  I had a conversation with a friend in a church that was struggling with such division who expressed “seeing some good points being made by both sides.”  I reminded them that once we develop sides, there are no good points.  God did not intend ANY of us to be divided…especially those who claim to be His children. 

Every human is a unique creation.  Psalm 139 tells us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made”.  We are meant to bring our uniqueness together to aid one another in a harmonious fashion to make life better for all.  An orchestra has many different instruments.  If each tries to make their own noise independently it becomes an awful racket however, when they come together following the same page of notes beautiful harmonious music is the result.  So it should be with us.  Each of our differences can help someone else if we will see one another as part of the same family working together in harmony. 

The longest recorded prayer of Jesus is found in John 17.  Jesus prayed this prayer just a few hours before he willingly gave his life as the supreme sacrifice of love for us.  He prayed first for Himself.  He had seen the horror of public crucifixion.  He then prayed for his disciples.  They had their previous life to follow him.  They had depended on him for guidance for these years and soon he would not be with them.  He knew they would have initial difficulty without his physical presence.  Then he prayed for us.  Yes that’s right he prayed for you and me 2000 years ago!  After praying for his disciples he prayed the following; “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20-21)  That’s us.  We came to believe through the message of the disciples.  He doesn’t pray for us to get our doctrine or music preferences together but to be “one”.  We are to be ‘one’ just as Jesus and the Father are one.  Wow! That means no matter what our differences may be we are to be united with one another in a supernatural spiritual harmony as was Jesus (who was God in flesh) and the Father in Heaven!

If this prayer of Jesus is to be answered, it is up to us to ‘stop being ugly with each other’.  We can be different in our race, gender, politics, sports loyalties, philosophy, economic status, etc. but we can never be divided or divisive if we want the world to know the love of God.  Only when people see different races, gender, political, religious, economic and philosophical backgrounds and beliefs living and interacting together in harmony and unity will they know that God sent His love to this world. 

So just as all the pain John Coffey feels and hears every day in the world like ‘pieces of glass in his head’, the lack of love and harmony among mankind breaks the heart of Jesus and destroys the prayerful desire of our Lord in his final few hours on this planet.  Therefore, starting today, make every effort to find unity with everyone you encounter.  Not only will that make your day better it will make the world better as, through such unity, “the world may believe that you have sent me.”

It's Just Not Fair!

It was of those calls you never want to get.  My dear friend for nearly 30 years was making me one of the first calls after the most recent visit with the doctor concerning his wife’s health.  I never really believed in love at first sight until I got to know them.  They were both barely out of their teen years when he first saw her across the room.  Upon first look he told his friend, “I’m going to marry that girl.”  Over 40 years later they were still in love.  She has been struggling with several health issues.  Tests were being done.  After calling his children he called to tell me, “We got some bad news.”  She was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor.  There were not many options.  It is a very aggressive cancer and cannot be totally removed by surgery.  Leave things alone and she might have 90 days to live.  Preform immediate surgery to remove as much as possible and you might buy more days.  They opted for the surgery.  In his words, “We are hoping for one more Christmas together.”

And I thought I was having a rough day.  I had a bad night’s sleep and felt sluggish.  My dear friend is hoping to see his wife survive for one more Christmas.  They are both a few years younger than me and were looking forward to retirement years together just around the corner.  What do you say when there are no words that seem sufficient?  Where do you go when there seem to be no easy answers? 

As a believer, I have always sought God’s word, especially in difficult times.  But there is no index or table of contents that guides you to a passage for ‘wife dying with a brain tumor’.  However, there is a book of the Bible I have used for comfort more than most others over the years; Philippians.  Paul, God’s servant, wrote this letter to the church at Philippi as he was imprisoned for sharing the Gospel in public; which stirred up problems for the religious leaders who wanted to keep things in the religious community as they liked and controlled for their own benefit.  Now this radical street preacher was sharing a message of forgiveness and grace that messed up their legalistic religious practices not to mention their community status and hold onto political power and prestige.

They used their political influence to have Paul arrested although he had committed no crime.  From his jail cell Paul then writes the most incredible letter.  Never does he complain about the injustice of his false arrest and imprisonment.  Not once does he grumble to God about the unfairness of his circumstances. Not only was he unjustly imprisoned for causing a public disturbance with his street preaching, but now there were people who were not followers of Jesus who were preaching the same Gospel Paul had been preaching not to spread the message but to keep Paul in jail by seeking to make him responsible for the continued ‘disturbing message’ that these false followers were spreading.  Surprisingly enough there is no bitterness but the letter is filled with praise and thanksgiving. 

In the beginning of his letter to the church in Philippi he makes the following remarkable statement; “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”  (Philippians 1:12-18)

I’ve done street preaching.  It is really tough.  In a church, most of the people will be polite enough to stay until you are finished.  However, it is a different matter when you are preaching on the street.  If you can’t keep their attention they just walk away.  Paul was now off the street and in a guarded jail cell. Rather than become discouraged and bitter at the injustice of his situation he realized that he was a child of God and that same God had promised never to leave or forsake him. (Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5)  So if God was with him and God knew where he was Paul assumed that God has a purpose for him in the current situation. 

He was a preacher.  His audience was no longer the crowd on the street who could come and go at will but the palace guard, who had to remain on post.  He began to preach to the guard who could not become disinterested and walk away.  He had to stay for the entire shift until relieved by the next guard.  Paul began to realize, as God’s child I am in an ideal situation.  I will preach to convert the one stationed to guard me and when his replacement comes I have a new ‘audience’ to preach the message of Christ until they bring me another one.  I am not the captive.  The guards are my ‘captive audience’. 

When we are reminded that we are God’s child and He is always with us and aware of the situation the question changes from, “Why Me?” to “How can I use this situation to do what God has called and gifted me to do?”  God wanted the palace guard to hear and have a chance to respond to the Gospel of Christ.  So, He allowed His best preacher to be placed in jail to begin a revival with the palace guards. 

It's Just 

In this sin-scarred world there are times when we will face situations that are unjust and unfair.  In those times, remember that God has not forgotten or abandoned you.  He may not be the cause of the injustice or unfair setting of your situation and you may not like the situation but becoming bitter and angry serves no one.  Instead follow the example of Paul, look for ways you can advance God’s love in the place where has allowed you to be.  It may be the only chance that those you would normally not come in contact with may have to hear and experience the love of Christ.  That change of focus will allow you to do what Paul did and turn your perspective and your situation around.  You may not be able to change the situation but you can find God’s peace as you fulfill His purpose sharing His love in every circumstance. 

A Record Breaking Day

Today I broke a personal record.  I woke up alive for the 24,122^nd consecutive day.  I know that one day the streak will be broken but for now I am trying to push the consecutive days of being alive for a new record each morning.   It may not be a world record but it is an important accomplishment for me.  I know that others have set greater records for consecutive days waking up alive.  My grandmother’s record was over 36,000.  That is a family record also as far as I can ascertain.  Of course the all-time record was 353,685.  That is probably a record that will not be broken.  You may remember the name of the record holder, Methuselah, the Old Testament patriarch whose life span as recorded in Genesis (5:27) was 969 years.  However there are no great achievements listed from this long life.  In fact, if you do the math, you will see that he died in the year of the great flood.  More than likely he drowned along with the rest of those who lived ‘according to their desires with their hearts set on evil’ unlike his grandson Noah; who was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. Noah did not live as long as his grandfather (346,750 days) but he accomplished much more as he is credited with the continued existence of life on this planet.  Compare that with Jesus who lived less than 13,000 consecutive days alive on this planet but He managed to be the greatest teacher, healer, miracle worker and provided eternal salvation for whoever believes in Him.  So it seems that the length of life is not as important as what one does with each day of life on this planet. 

But it is important to number our days.  We learn this from a man who accomplished a great deal in his 43,800 days; if you count freeing the Hebrew slaves from Egypt, leading them for 40 years to the promised land, climbing a mountain to speak directly with God, coming down the mountain with God’s commandments carved in stone and in addition to all that Moses wrote a Psalm saying, “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”(Psalm 90:12)  What does it mean to number our days? And how will numbering our days bring us wisdom?

Learning to number our days means recognizing the unnumbered days of God.   Moses begins the Psalm acknowledging that God is the Creator; we are created. God is eternal; our lives are passing. God’s days are without end; but our days are numbered!  This immediately puts us in position to be wise because it teaches us the true source of wisdom.  There is a being far greater than us, far greater than any other human, and certainly greater than any other idea or philosophy in all of creation. Therefore, this eternal being must be the source of all wisdom.  So a heart of wisdom comes from seeking Him more than anything or anyone else on earth…that also have numbered days. 

Learning to number our days means remembering that our lives are fleeting.  Verses 3-6 tell us that, “Our lives are like dust, like a watch in the night, like a sweeping flood, and like a passing dream. Our lives are like the grass, renewed in the morning, and withered by night.”  OK I get the point!  Life is fragile and it goes by quickly.  Grasping this truth is a giant step in gaining a heart of wisdom.  No matter the age, life for all of us is fleeting.  Even though today is a record breaking day of 24,123 consecutive days of being alive, I am continually amazed at how quickly these days have seemed to pass.  I don’t know how many days I have left but I am at the age where I know there are more in the rearview mirror than the windshield so I know I don’t need to waste a day.  No matter how old or young one may be when we realize that we need to make the most of each day we begin to develop a heart of wisdom.  I am amazed at how some people with spend so much time being angry, pouting, holding a grudge or just waste the day doing something stupid with no eternal significance (like watching hours of TV).  I want to say, “Don’t you realize that each day passes quickly and you don’t get them back, is this really what you want to do with your precious fleeting time here?” 

Moses follows the importance of realizing how fleeting and fragile life can be with a reminder that God is not pleased if/when we waste His precious gift of life (verse 12).  Another writer who was known as having more wisdom than any other man, Solomon, elaborated on Moses’ point at the conclusion of his book where he chronicled his search for purpose and meaning in life saying; “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

Learning to number our days and developing a heart of wisdom means we realize that everything we do matters to God.  Even if no one else sees what we do at a certain moment it matters to God.  Every moment we are granted life is not a moment to waste but a time to receive and share the joy of this fleeting moment God has given us.  So if my streak of waking alive for ends at 24,122 consecutive days or if I go for my grandmother’s record of over 36,000, a heart of wisdom teaches me that whatever I do with the next consecutive day I wake alive or that last day of my life, I need to live each day seeking to follow the prayer of Moses at the conclusion of his Psalm where he asks that God will grant His blessing and approval on what we do with our life.  Number your days, seek a heart of wisdom and make each day a record breaker!

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.

Don't Panic

I was ready to panic.  I don’t get that way very often.  Quite often, as a minister, I had to keep my cool as many looked to me to provide calm in the midst of life’s storms.  I am discovering that the older I get the more my emotions are on edge.  Perhaps I am feeling more like a man living in the wrong century as technology is replacing all the things that were once foundational in my life.  Nothing lasts forever…but this was my cell phone…and it was not taking a charge!  What’s more important in our lives today?  I have over 300 contacts; that means phone numbers, addresses, directions and important information on friends as well as important emergency medical information and contacts with doctors and hospitals.  I also have hours of music and pictures.  Why can’t I get it to charge?  I’ve had problems with the charger port previously and I cleaned it gently with an old toothbrush.  I never throw them away.  They are always handy.  I have a whole drawer full in the garage. Anyway, this cleaning didn’t work.   It still would not charge.  Oh, gosh!  If I can’t charge it I will lose all the previously mentioned valuable information and will be out of touch with everyone.  I will be the owner of a very expensive paperweight. 

I Googled “Can’t charge my IPhone”.  Man if Google ever crashed I really would panic!  I followed the instructions and still my phone would not charge.  The last resort, if it had become damaged, was to take it to an Apple store.  My mind raced back earlier in the day when I dropped it.  I didn’t think I did any damage but it is difficult to think straight when you are beginning to panic.  The nearest Apple store is in Charlotte and it is 7:12 pm.  The AT&T store where I purchased the phone was open until 9pm.  Thanks again to another Google search.  So off I went.  I had to get there ASAP!

I have a business degree and worked retail before going into the ministry.  I grew up with the idea that customer service means a person (qualified to help) would meet you at the door with a cheerful greeting and an anxious desire to serve you; the customer.  The world has changed.  Often when I go to a store I get the feeling that I have interrupted their day.  I may have to wait for them to finish their conversation/text before they look at me and wait for me to be the first to speak asking for help.  After spending several minutes seeking a person with the store nametag that identified them as an employee, I found a young man standing alone, except for whoever was on the other end of his phone.  I asked if he worked there and could help me.  He instructed me of the protocol of giving my name to the person with the tablet at the door and my name would appear on the screen when ‘it was my turn to be helped’.  I told him I was aware of the procedure but there was no one at the door.  He told me they were all busy and eventually someone would come to me.  I wanted to leave but I had an emergency.  My phone was dying in my hands and I would soon be cut off from the civilized world!

I stood at the front of the store and waited while thanking God for another opportunity to learn patience.  Yeah, right! He keeps sending me occasions to learn patience although I don’t think I will ever learn.  Finally, a young man came out from the back and asked if I was being helped.  I ‘patiently’ smiled (see God I’m trying) and said “No” and explained my problem.  He took my phone and tried to plug in the charger.  He told me it seemed that the charger port was not making a good connection.  Duhh!  I patiently smiled again (See God, I’m still trying).  He told me that often pocket lint can build up and block the port.  I explained that I was aware and tried to clean it with an old toothbrush.  He didn’t respond and took a small specialized tool, the end of a paper clip, and used his professional training to flip a ball of pocket lint from my phone’s charger port.  He plugged the phone into the charger and it immediately began charging.  The future was bright again!  I could charge my phone!  It would live on restoring my valuable information and keep me connected with the universe!  Life is good!

As I got to my car my mind returned to my old habit as a preacher.  Although I am 2 ½ years into retirement I still think, ‘What is God teaching or saying to me in this situation and how does He want me to convey this to His children?’  So, class what did we learn?

First, when your mind begins to panic tell it to STOP!  Don’t let fearful thoughts run away with your mind.  Rarely are those panicked thoughts going to come to fruition.  Most of the things we worry about never happen.  And on the rare occasion that they do we usually discover that it wasn’t as bad as we thought it would be.  There is a reason that the first words of an angel from God are always, “Fear Not!”

Second, as a child of God never forget that all the trouble in the world is not beyond His love and grace.  He will ALWAYS be there with and for you.  He told us, “I will never leave or forsake you.” (Hebrews13:5).  “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans: 8:31)

Third, there is often a simple solution for seemingly complex problems.  A simple paperclip was all that was needed to remedy the problem for one of the most advanced devices that has transformed our world, the smart phone.  Again; don’t fret, panic or be anxious.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:6-7)

So, get up each morning and trust your day (and life) to God realizing that nothing in this crazy, sin-scarred world is going to happen that will destroy your fellowship, your relationship, your standing with God or remove you from His grace and care!  By the way, my phone is charged so feel free to call or text. 😄

Man Plans, and God Laughs

Today is June 24.  Sixty six years ago at a small hospital in West Point, Mississippi Jack and Dot Drees welcomed their first child into the world.  They named him William Harold.  Most folks knew him as Billy when he was younger.  Mother started calling me Bill when I went to college.  She thought I looked younger than the other college kids and dropping the y made me seem less like a kid.  I grew up in Columbus, MS but the year I was born we lived in West Point because dad was the assistant manager of the Piggly Wiggly and I tell people I was born in West Point because I wanted to be near my mother at that time.  I know it’s a tired old joke but I like it and I don’t get many opportunities to use it.  Sorry!

As I reflect on the significance of this date I realize that 66 is not much of a milestone.  We often seem to think of the birthdays that have some significance, like 15 (I got my driver’s license) or 18 (I was eligible to be drafted into the military…not a great day in the late 60’s.  I also could vote.  By the way my first presidential vote was for Nixon.  Ending the draft was probably a big factor.  Then he quit…so much for my first presidential vote). At 65 I qualified for Medicare and at 66 I qualify for my full Social Security benefit.  Also birthdays ending in a zero are often distinct because we are entering into a new decade.  With that in mind entering the last half of my 70^th decade is not that thrilling.  Psalm 90:10 reminds me of the brevity of 70 years as “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”  After this there is no great consequence for another birthday number except marking the day one dies when people will say, “Wow, I didn’t realize he was that old” or “Man, I thought he was older than that.”  Seriously, I have learned to appreciate every day of life, especially since I should have died in 2001.  If interested, you can go back to the blog archive for February 2010 and read ‘Life is Good’…or you could take me to lunch and I will share more info.  After all, it is my birthday, and a late birthday lunch…with cake for dessert would be OK.

As I grow older I seem to lean to nostalgia more often than when I was younger and busier with ‘important things’ that seemed to matter.  Some of those things did matter quite a bit but it is interesting how ‘things that matter’ seem to change as life moves along.  We have plans and ambition but life has a way of changing our plans and teaching us how unpredictable the road of life can be.  “Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht” is an old Yiddish adage meaning, “Man Plans, and God Laughs.” 

Mother told me when I was too young to remember that people would ask me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  I would smile and say, “Nothing!”  That was cute when I was 4 but as I got older I realized I needed to develop something more concrete.  I never remember living a day without an awareness of God in my life.  I also seemed to have always have a sense that God had a plan for me.  However, my theology was not developed well enough to know how to discern His plan so I just enjoyed the ride until I got out of college and mother was probably worried that I was trying to achieve my childhood goal of being ‘nothing’.  My primary ambition was to enjoy life.  I had fun, good clean fun, but there comes a time when one realizes that such a vocation does not usually have great compensation. 

Although I was a believer, as I stated earlier, I was not mature enough in my faith to discern God’s will for my life.  As I look back I realize how strongly His hand was guiding me even when I was unaware, especially when I was unaware.  My home church was without a pastor and I visited another church in town with a couple of friends.  I did not know the pastor but somehow felt a connection that caused me to show up at his office to ask for his guidance as I “felt that God was calling me to preach.”  I was initially disappointed as I expected him to say, “Can you be ready Sunday?”  However, his advice was exactly what I needed.  I was able to reconnect years later, as a fellow pastor, and thank him for his wise words.  I have shared his words to many other young men seeking to follow God’s call over the years.

Among the things he shared was guidance to get more involved in God’s word.  “If God is going to speak to you that is where you will hear his voice most clearly.”  God spoke clearly to me as I read in Proverbs 16:3 for the first time; “Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.”  God seemed to be speaking personally and directly to me telling me that He had an established plan for my life and I needed commit all my actions to Him and he would take care of the rest.  Well it is not quite that simple, I am reminded of the preacher who said, “I asked God to give me a message but I had to study for this one as well.”  We have to do the required work as we follow His lead but if we commit ourselves to Him, no matter what the vocation or direction may be, He will guide us along His plan. 

Most of the folks who knew me as Billy growing up would have never predicted me to be a preacher.  Oh, they knew me to be a good kid but extremely shy.  In fact, when I told mom and dad that I believed God was calling me to be a preacher; I never knew until many years later that when I left the room mom looked at dad and said, “I don’t think the boy will make it.”  She loved me but also knew how timid I was. 

Committing my works to the Lord led me to the wonderful wife God had already established for me and two daughters who have grown to be women whom I am proud of beyond words.  His established plan also allowed the shy timid boy to grow to be a man who has been blessed to preach on five of the seven continents on this planet.  It has been quite a journey, far greater than anything I could have planned.  I have certainly learned over the years that life is fleeting and fragile, so I don’t know how long the journey may last but I live each day confidently that His plan, and my days, are established in His hand. 

Forgive the personal reflection, but I hope the message will come across to you that no matter what age or stage in life you may find yourself, Proverbs 16:3 still works.  It is never too late to give it a try.