Crossreference

The Tale of Two Adams

2025-01-13T14:11:00.004-05:00

by Pastor David Lemming

In the vast and intricate tapestry of human history, few theological narratives resonate with such profound depth and transformative spiritual significance as the parallel stories of the "first" and "second" Adam. These two notable figures, each intricately woven into the very foundations of religious and philosophical thought, present an extraordinary lens through which humanity can contemplate and comprehend the complexity that exists between divine creation, human fallibility, and the ultimate promise of redemption. The "first" Adam, emerging at the pristine dawn of creation in perfect communion with the Divine, represents humanity's initial state of unblemished innocence and subsequent tragic descent into depravity. In compelling and profound contrast, the "second" Adam (Jesus Christ) emerges as the divine response to human frailty, embodying not only the perfect fulfillment of humanity's original purpose but also standing as the living promise of complete and transformative restoration to a right relationship with God.

The richly layered narrative of these two Adams transcends the boundaries of mere storytelling—it penetrates deeply into the very essence of human existence and divine purpose. This profound parallel fundamentally challenges and reshapes our deepest understanding of moral agency, divine sovereignty, and the intricate tapestry of purpose that weaves through the entirety of human history. As we carefully examine their interconnected narratives, we uncover the profound correspondence between humanity's initial fall and its promised redemption, between the overwhelming weight of sin and the transformative power of divine grace, and ultimately, between the sobering reality of death and the glorious promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

Genesis is where God's creative works begin and where we are introduced to the theological significance of these two Adams and their significance to all humanity. Through their contrasting roles and profound differences, we discover eternal truths about mankind’s relationship with God. It is in this first book of the Bible that we find the fundamental reason why we need the Good News found only in Christ, the second Adam.

The First Adam: Creation, Fall, and the Profound Impact of Original Sin

The narrative of the First Adam unfolds in the opening chapters of Genesis 1-3, where Scripture reveals the divine creation of humanity and the devastating origins of sin. Adam, whose Hebrew name carries the basic meaning of "man" or "humankind," stands as the first human being fashioned by God's own hand. Carefully formed from the earth's dust and divinely animated with the breath of life itself, Adam was uniquely created to bear God's image (Genesis 1:26-27). This extraordinary act of creation elevated him to the distinguished position of being God's appointed representative in the created order.

Adam's Role and Sacred Covenant Responsibility

In His divine wisdom, God established Adam in the Garden of Eden, entrusting him with the sacred responsibilities of tending to the garden and exercising careful dominion over all creation. Adam's role was fundamentally relational in nature—he was privileged to experience unimpeded communion with God, maintain peaceful harmony with the rest of creation, and exercise thoughtful stewardship as a reflection of divine authority. The covenant relationship established between Adam and God carried profound implications of responsibility and faithful obedience. The divine command was clear: abstain from eating the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:16-17). This command established a fundamental principle: faithful obedience would perpetuate life, while disobedience would inevitably result in death.

The Fall of the First Adam

The pivotal events of Genesis 3 reveal how Adam and Eve's deliberate act of disobedience fundamentally altered the course of human history. Through the serpent's cunning deception, Eve partook of the forbidden fruit and shared it with Adam, who also chose to eat. This momentous act of disobedience transcended mere error; it represented a fundamental rejection of divine authority and a presumptuous attempt to independently determine good and evil. The immediate and far-reaching consequences manifested themselves in profound alienation from God, deep-seated shame, and the introduction of both sin and death into the human experience.

The Apostle Paul captures the gravity of this pivotal moment in Romans 5:12.

"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned."

Adam, serving as the federal head and representative of all humanity, stood as the progenitor of all human descendants. His catastrophic failure plunged all humanity into a state of sin, resulting in universal guilt and deep-seated corruption. This foundational doctrine called "original sin" provides the theological framework for understanding both the pervasive brokenness of our world and humanity's inherent disposition toward sin.

The Legacy of the First Adam

The repercussions of Adam's fall prove devastatingly comprehensive in scope. These consequences encompass spiritual death (marked by separation from God), physical mortality, and the fundamental distortion of creation itself. Human relationships suffered profound fracturing, daily work became a burdensome toil, and all creation began to groan under the weight of sin's curse (Genesis 3:16-19; Romans 8:20-22). In essence, Adam's failure subjected all humanity to the far-reaching curse of sin and death.

Yet, even in the midst of divine judgment, God graciously extended a promise of hope. In Genesis 3:15, God pronounced this significant promise to the serpent:

"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."

This profound verse, traditionally known as the "protoevangelium" (first gospel), prophetically points to the future arrival of the Second Adam, Jesus Christ, who would ultimately overcome the curse and decisively defeat both sin and death.

The Second Adam: Jesus Christ and Divine Redemption

Within the New Testament, the Apostle Paul deliberately draws a significant connection between Adam and Jesus Christ, specifically identifying Jesus as the "Second Adam" or the "Last Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45). Where the First Adam experienced catastrophic failure, the Second Adam achieved perfect triumph. Jesus entered human history to reverse the devastating damage caused by Adam's sin and to restore humanity to an unbroken relationship with God.

Jesus as the Perfect Representative

In parallel to Adam's role as the representative head of humanity in Eden, Jesus serves as the representative head of redeemed humanity. This crucial parallel finds clear expression in Romans 5:18-19.

"Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous."

While Adam's act of disobedience ushered in sin and death, Jesus' perfect obedience secured righteousness and life. Jesus fulfilled every requirement of divine law and submitted completely to the Father's will, ultimately demonstrating this submission through His sacrificial death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). His obedience transcended individual significance, serving as a corporate act on behalf of all who would place their faith in Him.

Reversing the Curse

The redemptive work of the Second Adam represents a complete reversal of the curse introduced by the First Adam. Through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, Jesus accomplished the following:

Defeating Sin and Death:

Jesus willingly bore the full penalty of our sin on the cross, perfectly satisfying divine justice (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). Through His resurrection from the dead, He decisively conquered death and secured the promise of eternal life for all believers (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).

Restoring Relationship with God:

Through Jesus' mediatorial work, believers experience complete reconciliation with God. As Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” The profound estrangement caused by Adam's sin gives way to the intimate relationship of adopted children of God (Romans 8:15).

Renewing Creation:

Jesus' redemptive work extends its transformative influence to all creation. Paul explains in Romans 8:20-21 that creation itself will ultimately be liberated from its bondage to corruption. The Second Adam will usher in a new creation, culminating in the complete restoration of heaven and earth in a yet future day (Revelation 21:1-5).

Jesus as the Life-Giving Spirit

Paul further contrasts Adam and Jesus in 1 Corinthians 15:45-49:

“The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual.”

Adam was created as a natural, physical being, ultimately subject to mortality after the fall. Jesus, however, serves as the “life-giving spirit” who imparts eternal life and progressively transforms believers into His divine image. All those who remain “in [the first] Adam” continue to bear the image of the earthly man, while those united with Christ are [being] transformed to bear the image of the heavenly man.

Key Theological Themes To Remember

Imputed Sin and Imputed Righteousness

The theological concept of imputation proves central to understanding the relationship between the First and Second Adam. Adam's sin is divinely imputed, meaning credited, to all humanity, resulting in universal condemnation. In gracious contrast, Christ's perfect righteousness is imputed to believers through faith alone in Christ alone for eternal salvation, thus securing their justification. This remarkable exchange finds its clearest expression in 2 Corinthians 5:21:

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

The New Creation

The Second Adam inaugurates a glorious new creation. While the First Adam's failure led to the corruption of the original creation, Jesus' resurrection stands as the firstfruits of the new creation (1 Corinthians 15:20). Believers, through their spiritual union with Christ, are transformed into new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17) and eagerly await the complete realization of this renewal in the age to come.

Federal Headship

Both Adam and Christ function as federal heads, serving as divinely appointed representatives for humanity. Adam's catastrophic failure and Christ's perfect success highlight the corporate nature of God's redemptive plan. Those who remain “in Adam” continue to abide under the dominion of sin and death, while those who are “in Christ” experience the freedom of grace and life (Romans 5:20-21).

Practical Implications

The theological realities of the First and Second Adam extend far beyond abstract concepts; they carry profound implications for Christian faith and daily living:

Understanding Human Nature:

A proper recognition of the First Adam's sin helps believers grasp the profound depth of human brokenness and our desperate need for divine salvation. This understanding reinforces the reality of original sin and highlights the supreme importance of God's transforming grace.

Hope in Christ:

The Second Adam offers unshakeable and eternal hope to a fallen world. In a creation marred by sin, Jesus' decisive victory assures us that sin and death will not prevail. His resurrection securely guarantees the future resurrection of believers and the complete renewal of all things.

Living in Newness of Life:

Spiritual union with the Second Adam enables believers to experience the transforming power of His resurrection. The Christian community is called to deliberately put off the old self, which belongs to the First Adam, and intentionally put on the new self, created in Christ's perfect likeness (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Mission and Reconciliation:

Just as Christ came to accomplish reconciliation between humanity and God, believers are commissioned to participate in this ongoing ministry of reconciliation, faithfully sharing the gospel and living as appointed ambassadors of the Second Adam (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

Seeing the importance of These Two Adams

As we reflect deeply on the profound and far-reaching contrast between the first Adam and the second Adam, we are inexorably drawn to contemplate the intricate beauty, divine wisdom, and perfect orchestration of God's redemptive plan throughout human history. Through the first Adam, humanity inherited not merely brokenness but a reality that is fundamentally and irrevocably marred by sin, resulting in a humanly insurmountable separation from our Creator that echoed through generations. Yet through the second Adam, Christ Jesus, we receive an inheritance of complete and perfect redemption, restoration, unassailable righteousness, and intimate, eternal reconciliation with God Himself.

In Adam, we witness the inherent frailty and devastating limitations of human nature in its fallen state; in Christ, we behold the magnificent and transformative fullness of God's boundless grace. Where the first Adam succumbed to temptation's subtle whisper in the midst of paradise's perfection, the second Adam stood resolute and triumphant against the enemy's full assault in the harsh wilderness of testing. The first Adam's single act of willful disobedience brought death's impenetrable shadow over all humanity; the second Adam's perfect and complete obedience brings the brilliant light of eternal life to all who place their trust in Him.

This profound and eternal truth compels us to embrace fully and without reservation the magnificent victory achieved by the second Adam and to live daily in its transformative power. Let us deliberately and completely cast aside the burdensome weight of our old nature and fully embrace, with joy and gratitude, the new creation we have become in Christ. For in Him, we find not just superficial renewal but complete and radical transformation as the beautiful story of redemption continues to unfold in every heart that turns to Christ in faith. From the first Adam to the second, we see the magnificent truth illuminated with crystal clarity: where sin once cast its darkest and most formidable shadow, and grace now shines forth with even greater brilliance and power. This is the unshakeable hope we hold fast to with unwavering conviction, the eternal joy we proclaim with steadfast confidence, and the divine promise in which we find our ultimate rest, purpose, and eternal destiny.

The Blessing of Solitude

2024-07-22T11:43:00.001-04:00

Nestled in the icy embrace of two miles of glacial ice at the Earth's southernmost point, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is one of the most isolated locations on the globe. With over 800 miles separating it from the nearest human inhabitants, it stands as a testament to human resilience and curiosity.

This remote outpost is home to a small, dedicated community of 50 to 150 individuals who come together to support the vital scientific research undertaken by the United States Antarctic Program. Among them is Brett Baddorf, who has taken on the unique role of missionary to his fellow residents.

Prior to his arrival, Baddorf anticipated that the profound silence and solitude inherent in the South Pole might pose a significant challenge to his relationship with Christ. Instead, he found himself discovering what he now refers to as "the blessings of solitude":

“I should have known better. Christ frequently withdrew to desolate places [like the desert], often at night. So while our environment elicits plenty of side effects and moments of tension over time, Christians, especially here, have leaned into, instead of away from, the solitude.

“None of the Christians here feel called to spend the rest of their lives in the desert (Antarctica is technically a desert, with little precipitation). But it is impossible to deny the benefits of a season set apart. If anything, it would help to remove a few more of the amenities here, at least if a goal of coming to Antarctica was fostering spiritual growth.

“In the modern, non-Antarctic world, it can be difficult to find places to be alone. We are surrounded by real and virtual communities throughout good portions of our days. When we do need to set apart moments of meditation with our God, knowing how to handle stillness can be almost as challenging as finding it.”

As Baddorf notes, the modern, “non-Antarctic world” offers few opportunities for true solitude. We are constantly surrounded by a flurry of “real and virtual” interactions throughout most of our waking hours.

We frequently contemplate a particular type of solitude, one that involves a state of mind or heart and is deeply connected to the concept of inner peace. This unique form of solitude does not require physical isolation; instead, it can be experienced even in the midst of a bustling crowd. It serves as a calm, serene center amid the surrounding chaos, acting as a safe harbor that allows a person to maintain a sense of tranquility even when faced with tumultuous and challenging circumstances.

This solitude, distinguished by its ability to provide a soothing balm in difficult times, is a divine gift. It is a blessing that can envelop us in a comforting blanket of serenity in the face of adversity, providing a sense of peace and stability when everything else seems to be spiraling out of control. This is the very peace that Jesus promised His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion, a peace that was meant to comfort them in the face of His impending resurrection and eventual ascension. It is a peace that transcends the mortal world and offers a glimpse of the divine. He said...

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

This form of solitude, which involves a serene state of mind and soul, is cultivated as we open ourselves up to the divine workings of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide us in our spiritual journey. This solitude is not merely a state of being alone but a profound tranquility and inner peace that transcends human understanding. It is a supernatural “fruit” of the spirit that cannot be artificially produced or mechanically replicated. It is an ethereal gift that comes from surrendering oneself to the spiritual realm and embracing the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

We should all want to experience this inner solitude, this divine peace, as it is God's delight to work it in each of us every day.

However, the type of solitude I'm discussing here is a distinct one, a solitude that, even though it delivers the same inner tranquility, is quite unlike the conventional understanding of the term. The "solitude" I'm referring to involves a deliberate act of separating oneself from the myriad of distractions of daily life for a designated period. The prime purpose of this solitude is to be alone with God, to engage in quiet, uninterrupted contemplation and reflection, grounding ourselves in our spiritual journey.

In advocating for this, I am certainly not suggesting that we should all uproot our lives and relocate to the South Pole in the manner of Baddorf. Instead, the solitude I propose is more in line with the restful rhythm that God established in the world when He designated the Sabbath as a day of rest. It's a solitude akin to that, a pause in our busy schedules, a moment of respite where we can introspect, reflect, and connect with our God on a deeper level.

Several years ago, I received some interesting news from my son. He enthusiastically informed me that he, along with seven other leaders from his church, had decided to embark on a spiritual retreat. This was not just any retreat but one that would take them all the way from the bustling city of Dallas, Texas, to the serene and picturesque state of Colorado.

Their carefully laid-out plan involved spending a full three days sequestered away in separate cabins nestled amidst the natural beauty of Colorado. This was a deliberate choice to ensure they were removed from the distractions of everyday life, allowing them to focus solely on their spiritual journey.

The items they chose to bring were minimal, reflecting the simplicity of their mission. They were only permitted to bring their Bibles, which would serve as their spiritual guide during this period, journals to capture their thoughts and experiences, and writing materials as an extension of their introspective reflection. Additionally, they had to consider practical needs and thus packed clothing that would be suitable for the colder climate they would encounter in Colorado.

In the absence of cell phone service, televisions, radios, iPads, computers, or any other forms of media, they found themselves entirely detached from the rest of the world. The only times they would gather were for meals, but even in these moments, the conversation was kept to a bare minimum. They were specifically instructed not to share any personal experiences or insights gained during their solitary time with God. For an uninterrupted period of 72 hours, they were to completely immerse themselves in solitude, away from all distractions.

The impact of this three-day period on my son was nothing short of profound. At that moment in time, he was navigating through several significant changes in his life. He was transitioning into a new area of work, in the process of purchasing a house, and expecting the arrival of his first child. His life was filled with a multitude of things demanding his immediate attention, as he described it to me. However, he conveyed how this period of solitude, of uninterrupted silence and spiritual reflection, enabled him to tune into God's voice in a way he had never been able to do. It provided him with clarity and a tranquility of mind, that allowed him to truly listen, to hear God's guidance amid the busyness that was his life at that time.

The practice of solitude is something I deeply wish I had integrated into my spiritual journey at a much earlier stage in my life and with greater frequency. For as long as I can remember, I have always tried to maintain a daily routine of solitude, a sacred time that I set aside for the sole purpose of engaging in Scripture reading and prayer. This has always been a time when I try to let the noise of the world fade into the background as I turn my focus toward spiritual matters.

However, I now recognize that there were specific times, key moments in my spiritual journey when what I truly needed was to go a step further. I should have completely detached from the hurry of my world, temporarily foregoing my normal responsibilities and distractions, to find a quiet, peaceful place where I could be alone with God. This solitude wouldn't just be for a few brief moments but rather for an extended time, allowing for a deeper connection and more profound contemplation.

Perhaps it might be beneficial to perceive solitude as a form of spiritual reboot for your life, a concept that can potentially illuminate its critical significance. In our modern world, our minds can become cluttered with the spiritual equivalent of "software code" in the form of stress, anxieties, and daily distractions. The constant influx of information and stimuli can leave our minds in a state of chaos, which may lead to a spiritual disconnect. Just as a computer occasionally needs to be restarted to clear jumbled software code and restore its functionality, our spiritual lives also benefit from a similar reset.

In this respect, solitude, like the Jewish community found in their weekly Sabbath, is akin to hitting the reset button on our hearts. It offers us an invaluable opportunity to clear away the confusion and distractions that we accumulate in our daily lives. It allows us to quiet the noise of the outer world and open ourselves up to the voice of God.

By taking time out from the world and entering a state of solitude, we can reconnect and realign ourselves with our loving Heavenly Father. In this quiet and tranquil space, we open ourselves up to the possibility of hearing God's voice. This can provide a sense of direction, comfort, and inspiration that can be deeply healing and transformative.

So, embrace solitude and see it not as a state of loneliness but as a spiritual reboot and an opening to divine fellowship with the Almighty.

This unique form of solitude, which was an integral part of Jesus' ministry, highlights the deep spiritual significance of seeking a true “Sabbath” rest. Jesus, in His wisdom, comprehended the profound importance of disconnecting from the constant demands and numerous distractions of daily life. He knew the value of finding a quiet space, a sanctuary, where He could be alone with the Father. In these moments of solitude, He could reflect, pray, and prepare for His vital redemptive work ahead.

Following are some examples of when Jesus retreated from the crowds and constant demands on His time to be alone.

When He chose the twelve as His apostles, He spent the entire night alone with His Father. (cf. Luke 6:12)
When He received the news that John the Baptist had been martyred, He went to be alone. (cf. Matthew 14:13)
After miraculously feeding 5,000 with two fish and five loaves of bread, Jesus went away by Himself. (cf. Matthew 14:23)
Following a long night of helping those who were sick and infirmed, Jesus withdrew to a lonely place. (cf. Mark 1:35)
When His twelve disciples returned from a preaching mission, Jesus instructed them about the importance of “solitude.” (cf. Mark 6:31)
After healing a leper Jesus went to be alone from the many demands upon Him. (cf. Luke 5:16)
With three of His disciples, He sought a private place on a mountain for the transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1-9)
And just before He was arrested and taken away to His crucifixion, He sought a quiet place in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:36-46)

The commitment of Jesus to the practice of solitude is vividly demonstrated in numerous instances throughout the Scriptures. His dedication to taking time away for quiet reflection and prayer is an aspect of His life that is frequently highlighted. Yet, in our modern, fast-paced world, many of us seem to fall short of following His pattern. We often allow ourselves to get caught up in our harried everyday lives, leaving little to no space for solitude. This raises a significant question for all who aspire to walk in His footsteps: If we truly seek to emulate Jesus, should we not also strive to incorporate this practice of solitude or “Sabbath” rest into our own lives?

The answer, while seemingly self-evident, is not as straightforward as it might appear. The practice of solitude requires a conscious and deliberate effort to withdraw from our usual activities and distractions. It means setting aside specific periods of time when we can be alone in quiet reflection and prayer. This can be a daunting prospect in our increasingly busy and interconnected world. However, it is precisely this challenge that makes the practice of solitude even more valuable and necessary.

It must be remembered, in the pursuit of a “Sabbath” rest, that the practice of solitude is not an end in itself. Rather, it is a means to a greater end - that of developing a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. In the quietness and stillness of solitude, we create a space where we can listen to God's voice more attentively, discern His will more clearly, and respond to His promptings more faithfully. In other words, solitude is not just about being alone; it is about being alone WITH God!

In the final analysis, the practice of solitude is not just about emulating Jesus. It is about drawing closer to Him, deepening our spiritual lives, and growing in our faith. So, if we truly desire to follow Jesus, we should not just casually incorporate this practice into our lives; we should embrace it wholeheartedly, recognizing its immense spiritual value and potential.

One author wisely noted that Solitude is the one place where we can gain freedom from the forces of society that will otherwise relentlessly mold us.” (The Life You Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines For Ordinary People)

In today's world, we are constantly rushing through life, attempting to do more in less time, as if our self-worth is tied to our productivity. Yet, how often have we found that this approach leaves us feeling even more empty and unfulfilled at the end of the day? We are inundated with technology and gadgets designed to simplify our lives, but instead, they often add to our burdens, leaving us with less time to truly connect with God.

In our haste, we often fall into the trap of conforming to the world's expectations rather than allowing God to transform us through the renewal of our minds.

“I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Another writer noted that the early church fathers saw society as a shipwreck from which any sane person must swim for his life. Yet, many of us are caught up in the riptide of modern life, being pulled away to our own ruin.

The nineteenth-century theologian/philosopher Soren Kierkegaard pointed out that life's constant busyness is like a charm, constantly seeking to ensnare younger victims and depriving them of the quiet and solitude necessary for divine growth.

In our endless pursuit of activity, for ourselves and for our children, we often trade a robust faith for a distracted and mediocre version of the faith. We've come to believe that following Jesus can be mostly done on the go and that spiritual growth can be fast-tracked. However, it is only when we intentionally carve out time to step away from our routines and to be alone with God that we truly begin to understand what it means to follow Jesus.

Somehow we've often, and perhaps unconsciously so, traded the profound wisdom that comes from waiting on God for the sheer quantity of information that is available at our fingertips. We've replaced the depth of understanding that comes with careful contemplation and consideration with a breadth of surface-level knowledge. In our search for spiritual maturity, we've come to expect it to be delivered to us instantaneously, like a fast-food order, rather than understanding and appreciating it as a process that takes time, patience, and personal growth. This shift in our expectations has led to a sense of dissatisfaction as we fail to find the depth of fulfillment we crave in the instant gratification that modern life offers. It's worth noting that much of the stress and frustration that characterize modern life can be attributed to our constant hurry, our incessant rush to move from one thing to the next without taking the time to pause, reflect, and truly absorb what God is doing or spend time with the One that purchased us for Himself.

One unfortunate side effect of failing to have times of solitude and “Sabbath” rest is that we can experience a state of exhaustion, sometimes referred to as "sunset fatigue." This state is characterized by being overly fatigued, drained, or preoccupied to such an extent that we struggle to genuinely love and cherish the people to whom we have made the most profound and deep-seated promises.

It's interesting to note that the constant rush of daily life can sometimes make us feel important as if we are indispensable to the world around us. The rush keeps our adrenaline pumping, creating a constant state of high alert that effectively prevents us from looking too deeply into our own hearts and lives. Such a lifestyle can serve to mask our underlying sense of spiritual emptiness, a sense that results from our steady, albeit unintentional, drift away from God.

While we may think that this constant hustle boosts our self-esteem and makes us feel more valuable, it is much more likely to prevent us from accurately mirroring the image of Christ within us. It distracts us from our spiritual health and well-being, which is an integral part of our overall health.

To maintain and promote our spiritual lives, it is necessary for us to "ruthlessly eliminate hurry" from them. (I know, I struggle with it, too.) The first step towards achieving this is through the incorporation of planned periods of solitude and “Sabbath” rest into our personal routines. This is the very rhythm that God set in creation order. The relentless demands of our busy lives serve only to drain our bodies, deplete our emotions, sap our spirits, and put an undue amount of stress on our souls.

This is why it is crucial for us to take a step back from the hectic pace, unplug from our daily obligations, and spend some uninterrupted time alone with God. By doing so, we allow ourselves the opportunity to deepen our spirituality, replenish our emotional reserves, and restore our sense of inner peace and tranquility.

Here are several compelling reasons to incorporate this kind of solitude into your life:

It allows you to hear God's voice more clearly.
It provides time for more meaningful prayer.
It serves to recharge your spiritual and emotional batteries.
It helps you gain a better perspective on life and avoid hurried decisions.
It prevents the development of a self-inflated ego by highlighting our dependence on God.

You might think, “How will I ever find time for this kind of solitude with all the things I have to do?”

Well, in the grand scheme of things, is there anything more vital and profound than dedicating unbroken, quality time to our Creator, God? It's a startling reality that most of us are allowing ourselves to be sculpted and influenced more by our daily planners, calendars, and endless schedules rather than by our Savior and the life-changing truths of Scripture. This trend is rather intriguing and even disheartening, as it seems we have somehow managed to carve out time in our hectic lives for nearly every other conceivable thing under the sun...except for our God, the One who gave us life in the first place!

The Value of Family

2024-05-24T22:13:00.001-04:00

In a foundational command given to Adam and Eve, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" (Genesis 1:28), we see God's divine plan for mankind’s flourishing through the establishment of the family unit. The family, as God designed it, is to be the core unit of human existence, the cornerstone of societal structure.

The marriage relationship between a man and a woman is highlighted as the bedrock upon which these familial units are to be constructed (Genesis 2:24). However, the divine design of family goes beyond just procreation alone. The family is also about companionship, mutual love, and support for one another.

These fundamental "building blocks" of our society are crucial in fostering the essential virtues that shape the character and worldview of the next generation. Parents, especially, are charged with the sacred duty of raising their children "in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). This significant task extends beyond just meeting physical needs. It also encompasses teaching moral values and nurturing faith in God. Parents are expected to reflect His love through their responsible care, setting an example of selflessness, patience, and kindness. As such, the family acts as a microcosm of God's love for mankind, where His principles are practiced daily within the most intimate human relationships.

The Bible also highlights families as instruments of God's redemptive plan. He chose Abraham, establishing a covenant with him and his descendants, through whom the Messiah would come (Genesis 12:2-3). The Bible’s emphasis on lineage underscores the significance of families in carrying forward God's promises. From the lineage of David, the great king, to the earthly family of Jesus Christ, God uses families to accomplish His purposes.

Yet, the Bible acknowledges that families aren't perfect. Stories like Cain and Abel, or the dysfunction within Jacob's family, are just a few of the biblical stories that reveal the challenges families face. However, even in these instances, God's redemptive power is on display. Forgiveness, reconciliation, and the enduring strength of familial bonds are woven into the narrative.

The concept of “family” also extends beyond the immediate blood ties and shared households. The Bible refers to the “household of God” (cf. 1 Timothy 3:15), a metaphor for the Church, our spiritual family. United by faith in Christ, its bond is as strong as those formed by blood. It offers love, support, comfort, and guidance, similar to a physical family, showing that “family” extends beyond our immediate relatives.

In a world that frequently places a high value on individualism and self-reliance, the Bible's teaching about the importance of family offers a strikingly compelling counterpoint. It serves as a poignant reminder that, as humans, we were designed for connection, a sense of belonging, and the giving and receiving of mutual love. Loving families are to provide a safe haven for personal growth and spiritual development, a secure springboard from which we can launch ourselves into the wider world, and a consistent source of unwavering support throughout life's often unpredictable journey.

In our endeavor to follow God's will and His divine plan for our lives, strengthening our families and nurturing them within the Church is not just an optional aspect of our faith journey. It is an essential part of manifesting our faith tangibly. Giving attention to our families enables us to form strong bonds of love and respect that go beyond our personal experiences, ultimately linking us to the broader family of believers and promoting our collective spiritual growth.

The Power of the Tongue...for Good!

2024-04-01T21:43:00.002-04:00

On his first day as a new clerk in the green goods department of his local grocery store, a young man found himself face-to-face with a customer who had a rather unusual request: she wanted to buy half a head of lettuce. He gently tried to steer her away from this idea, but she was adamant about what she wanted.

Eventually, he sighed, "Alright, let me check with the manager."

He started to head towards the back of the store, oblivious to the fact that the customer was following him. As soon as he reached the manager, he blurted out, "We've got a bit of an oddball out there who wants to buy half a head of lettuce. What do I tell her?"

Catching the manager's shocked expression, he quickly turned around and noticed the woman. Swiftly, he added, "And this lovely lady here wants to buy the other half. Is that okay?"

Visibly relieved, the manager agreed, "Of course, that would be fine."

Later that day, the manager commended the young man for his quick thinking. Curious, he asked, "Where do you hail from, son?"

The boy replied with a grin, "I'm from Toronto, Canada, home to fabulous hockey players and, well, not-so-fabulous looking women."

Upon hearing this, the manager raised an eyebrow and said, "My wife's from Toronto."

Without missing a beat, the young man asked, "Oh really, which team did she play for?"

Because what we say can get us into so much trouble, I want you to take a spiritual journey with me into the heart of the book of James. We specifically want to spend our time in the third chapter, where we learn about an incredibly powerful element of our being: the human tongue.

James utilizes language in a purposefully vivid and striking manner to communicate the significance of the words we use. Although they may seem to be fleeting whispers that punctuate the air and then disappear, our words actually have the ability to leave a lasting impression, either positive or negative, on the world around us.

Take a moment to visualize a majestic stallion in all its splendor, roaming free across vast plains. This magnificent creature is the epitome of raw power and untamed spirit, a true force of nature that commands our admiration. As awe-inspiring as this beautiful animal might be, it still requires a rider, someone who can provide direction and channel the abundant energy of this creature in a meaningful and useful manner.

James uses a horse and its bridle as a metaphor for how we use our tongues (James 3:3). They are reservoirs of immense potential and power. They can construct bridges of love and mutual understanding, using heartfelt words of encouragement and praise. They can provide solace to a troubled soul with soothing whispers of consolation. They can even ignite a burning fire of passion within others through inspiring words.

However, just like the untamed stallion, our tongues are also prone to loss of control or careless comments. They can release venomous words in the form of harsh criticism and malicious gossip. They can trample upon relationships with reckless and thoughtless words of anger. They can set a path of destruction ablaze with negativity and deceit.

This is where we all encounter a profound challenge. Unlike the stallion, which can be tamed to a certain extent, James says that our tongues are restless entities, always on the verge of erupting. However, the fact that we can't completely tame them doesn't mean that we are helpless in controlling them.

Consider a horse’s bridle. It doesn't rob the stallion of its inherent strength, but rather, it gives the rider the ability to direct that power in a positive and beneficial manner. Similarly, all of us require a metaphorical "bridle" for our tongues.

So what does this bridle consist of? It is a collection of several elements:

Thoughtful reflection: Before we let our words loose into the world, it's crucial to take a moment to reflect on their potential ramifications. Are they building up or tearing down? Are they spreading love or fostering negativity?

Guarded hearts: The Scripture says, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." This means that if our hearts are filled with love, kindness, and forgiveness, our words will naturally reflect these attributes.

Seeking wisdom: The Bible enlightens us that wisdom is characterized by gentleness, peace, and mercy (James 3:17). By actively seeking wisdom, we learn to harness the power of our words for positive ends.

By effectively employing these tools, we can gain better control over our tongues, directing them toward a path of love, encouragement, and positive influence. Always remember, our words hold the power to either bless or curse. Let us make the conscious decision to use them for the glory of God and for the uplifting of our fellow human beings.

A More Vibrant Prayer Life

2024-02-15T11:31:00.002-05:00

Prayer is an incredibly powerful privilege that allows us to communicate with God, the Almighty Creator of our vast universe. It is a privilege that we should wholeheartedly embrace and take full advantage of as believers in Christ. Through prayer, we have the amazing opportunity to pour out our hearts, express our deepest desires, seek divine guidance, find solace and comfort, and tangibly experience the presence of God in every aspect of our lives.

However, I too often catch myself offering prayers that are more self-centered or focused mostly on temporary matters. I tend to spend more time asking for things that are important in the present moment rather than seeking the things that hold eternal significance. I believe many of us fall into this pattern, where our prayers revolve around our immediate needs and desires rather than eternal ones.

"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Eph. 3:14-19)

In this enlightening passage, the apostle Paul, known for his godly wisdom, beautifully writes about the unifying and reconciling work of Jesus Christ. It is through His boundless grace and love that Jews and Gentiles are brought together as one unified body, known as the Church, a testament to the remarkable power of His redemptive work. This noteworthy unity not only serves as a testament to God’s limitless grace but also as a reminder that our relationship with Him has the potential to bring us blessings that exceed our human understanding. Let take a few moments and immerse ourselves in the richness of this transformative relationship and continue to explore the profound power of prayer in our lives.

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers contains three key requests. Each request builds upon the previous one, creating a magnificent progression towards the ultimate goal. The fulfillment of Paul’s third request is closely tied to the fulfillment of his second request, and the fulfillment of his second request is dependent on the fulfillment of his first request. Therefore, the most profound and significant aspect that Paul desires for these believers, as stated in his first prayer request, is to be “strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.”

By referring to the “inner man,” Paul is alluding to the part of our being that is spiritually awakened and intimately connected to God. It represents our regenerated nature, which we receive as a glorious gift when we place our faith in Christ, thus experiencing the miracle of salvation. This inner man delights in God’s commandments and undergoes continuous renewal day by day. The strengthening that Paul fervently desires for the Ephesians is a direct result of the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit within us, and it is in complete harmony with the immeasurable richness of God’s glory.

When believers are fortified and empowered by the indwelling presence of God’s Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ Himself is resident in their hearts. This signifies the idea that Christ should be “at home” in our hearts, having unrestricted access to every area of our lives to scrutinize our motives, thoughts, and actions. It is a profound call for each of us to surrender ourselves entirely to Christ and allow Him to effect a radical transformation within us, starting from the very core of our being.

Paul’s second request is for believers to grasp the immeasurable love that God has lavished upon us—an incomprehensible love that surpasses all human understanding. Paul skillfully employs directional words to vividly illustrate God’s vast and boundless love. While each direction individually emphasizes a specific facet of God’s love, Paul’s intention is to skillfully weave these words into one resounding statement, showcasing the all-encompassing nature of God’s love.

God’s love is wide enough to embrace every human being, long enough to span from eternity to eternity, deep enough to reach the unfathomable depths of hell, and high enough to elevate us into the very presence of God. The ultimate demonstration of this extraordinary love is beautifully manifested in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross, where He willingly laid down His life to atone for our sins. Despite Paul’s repeated references to the Ephesian believers as being “in Christ,” he acknowledges that their comprehension of the depth of God’s love for them may be incomplete. Consequently, Paul ardently desires for them to fully grasp and comprehend the magnitude of the love that the Creator of the universe has lavished upon them.

Before concluding his majestic prayer with a resounding doxology of praise to God, Paul presents one final request. He fervently prays that these believers may be filled with the “fullness of God.” While only Jesus Himself is capable of being filled with the complete fullness of God, Paul’s prayer is an impassioned plea for these believers to walk in an increasingly spiritual maturity and experience a deeper intimacy with God. It is a profound call for us to relentlessly pursue a heightened understanding and encounter of God’s tangible presence in every facet of our lives.

As we deeply reflect on these three remarkable requests made by Paul, we come to the realization that he is asking for exceedingly incredible things on behalf of the Ephesian believers. But can God truly fulfill these requests? In a manner that is difficult for our finite minds to fully comprehend, Paul confidently and emphatically declares, “YES!”

Ephesians 1:20 can be paraphrased and resoundingly proclaimed as follows:

“Now to Him who is immeasurably capable.”
“Now to Him who is immeasurably capable of doing.”
“Now to Him who is immeasurably capable of doing exceedingly.”
“Now to Him who is immeasurably capable of doing exceedingly abundant.”
“Now to Him who is immeasurably capable of doing exceedingly abundant beyond measure.”
“Now to Him who is immeasurably capable of doing exceedingly abundant beyond measure, far surpassing anything we could ever ask or even imagine.”
“Now to Him who is immeasurably capable of doing exceedingly abundant beyond measure, far surpassing anything we could ever ask or even imagine, and surpassing the boundaries of human imagination.”

These awe-inspiring words powerfully convey the boundless power and limitless ability of God. There are absolutely no restrictions or limitations on what God can accomplish. He is immeasurably capable of bringing to fruition far more than we could ever begin to ask or even conceive within the confines of our finite minds.

Then, Paul concludes his prayer and resounding doxology by reminding us that praise and adoration are to be offered through Christ to God by the unified body of believers known as the Church.

It is vital to acknowledge two crucial aspects of this passage in relation to the Church.

First, recognizing and comprehending God’s love are magnified and deepened through our profound connection with other believers. Paul emphasizes that through our vibrant and authentic relationships with fellow believers in the Church, we gain a deeper understanding of the immensity of God’s love. By actively participating in the Church and bearing witness to the transformative impact of God’s love on other believers’ lives, we gradually recognize the vast magnitude of God’s love for us.

Second, praise, honor, and adoration to God are to be offered collectively and harmoniously as a unified body of believers rather than solely by individual members of the Church. While individual praise and worship are undoubtedly significant, Paul’s fervent request is for both Jews and Gentiles, who have been graciously adopted as God’s children and united in Christ, to join their voices together in corporate praise. By gathering as a vibrant community of believers, we deepen our understanding and experience of God’s boundless love and amplify our collective voices as we resoundingly offer our praises and worship to Him.

Therefore, let us wholeheartedly embrace the extraordinary privilege of prayer, diligently seeking to align our hearts with God’s perfect will and continually grow in understanding the immeasurable love that He lavishes upon us. May we consistently strive to be strengthened by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, grasp the limitless vastness of God’s love, and passionately pursue spiritual maturity. And as we do so, let us wholeheartedly and harmoniously offer our praises and worship to God, deeply acknowledging and gratefully embracing the immense blessings and love that He has so graciously bestowed upon us.

Imagine the possibilities that await us as we pray, seeking God’s will and guidance for our lives. Don't waste another minute, open your heart to God and let Him hear you pray!

School Shootings in Nashville

2023-03-29T14:33:00.009-04:00

The shootings outside of Nashville, TN, this week at the Covenant Presbyterian School by a young woman that identified as a male, have been heartbreaking for everyone who has seen the coverage. None of us can imagine what these six families are feeling or how they can cope with such a tragedy. Nor can we imagine what the surviving children and staff are experiencing in the aftermath. I have been unable to stay away from the news updates about these events as details continue to unfold a little at a time. Some of my interest is to see just what the news media will acknowledge and what they will cover up as the underlying cause for this horrific crime. I obviously don’t have all the details, but there is nothing here to suggest to me that this was anything less than a hate crime against Christians and the church.

Whether you recognize it or not, the enemy of our souls is after your children to destroy them whether with guns, indoctrination, perversion, drugs and many other things children should never have to sort through. The abandonment of biblical truth, moral absolutes, the breakdown of the family, and the compromise of many churches is at the center of much of what is happening in our society. The significance of gathering with believers on the Lord’s Day to worship God and learn His Word has been replaced with every other imaginable secular activity preventing children from fully knowing the truth that can set them free. Add to that the addiction problem that is rampant in our society and you see how the devil is working overtime to destroy the minds and lives of a generation that has so much promise. They talk about the exploding increase in mental illness among the young today, but is it any wonder when so much of what keeps a person’s life stable, anchors them in life’s storms, and gives them a foundation upon which to build their future has been undermined, ignored, mocked and dismissed.

Twenty children were killed at a school in Newtown, CT, in 2012. Nineteen were killed in 2022 at a school in Uvalde, TX. We can all recall other school shootings in recent years where children were killed or injured. I still remember that horrible day the children were killed in the Columbine shooting in 1999. Regardless of your position on gun control (and this post is not a platform for opinion on gun control), it is undeniable that the enemy is aiming for our children and coming after them full force.

In what sane world could it ever be thought acceptable to push the bizarre (evil) idea of exposing our children to drag queens, drag queen shows and drag queen story-hours in childcare centers, libraries, etc. To hear the present administration defending such ideas is evil in itself! If you’re unaware of what this is that they do, it’s where men dress up as scantily clad women and Vegas showgirls, put on make-up, and perform sexual dances for elementary children, including lap dances and even crawling across the floor all to “entertain” elementary aged children.

The Bible specifically told us that there would be a day when people would “give heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Ti. 4:1) and these are unmistakably present in our world today. Transgender ideology is demonic and is an attack against God’s design of male and female. It is evidence of a warped and deluded mind that needs counseling and mental health assistance. Those who suffer from it need therapy and the freedom the Gospel can bring, not the freedom to live out their false identities. Only harm is done when the rest of us are expected to bear “false witness” by referring to them with pronouns of the opposite gender. We certainly want to be loving, but it isn’t loving to let people go on believing a lie that will damn their souls eternally.

Our greatest weapons against this onslaught of evil that is destroying our children are prayer and the TRUTH. We should be doing everything humanly possible to safeguard our children when they are at school by using every means possible to protect them. Whatever it takes to keep killers out of these schools is what should be done and there is no more time to postpone making these changes. But, if you protect the physical lives of the children and then feed them the lies of our demonic enemy, we have still failed at protecting our children.

We are now living in a time when genders are confused, men are viewed as oppressors, women want to be men, men want to be women, and children are being murdered while attending school. Actually, these kinds of attacks on children go all the way back to Baal worship when babies were thrown into fires to appease the demons. The attack on TRUTH goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden when Satan challenged and twisted what God had clearly said. His Word is still being twisted by many today. We are being duped into thinking all of this is a political battle. It isn’t!!! It’s a spiritual battle and many are falling into the enemy’s hands.

All of us had better start bowing our heads, closing our eyes, as we cry out to the One, True, and Holy God. Christians should be gathering WEEKLY for worship at the local church where God’s word is taught without compromise. We are to bring up our children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” We are to stand for TRUTH in an ever compromising culture, even in the public school where our children attend. We are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, but that doesn’t mean we sacrifice our children on the altar of our culture or to killers that try to enter our schools.

Make no mistake about it, the enemy is coming for our children. This is the reason we at LMBC place great emphasis on our children’s and youth ministries. We want to teach them that there is a God who created them, loves them, and knows what is best for them. We also teach that there is evil in this world, but that Jesus Christ has overcome the enemy. We want them to trust Christ as their Savior and live for Him all their days. This is why we teach the Bible from the pulpit rather than give little homilies that placate the excessively time conscious Christians.

Because the enemy is coming after our children we have to put up a fight for them to protect them from his evil grasp. Violence is never the answer (though we will defend our children, if they are physically attacked), but prayer, church attendance, Bible reading, godly love, loving parents, stable families and other similar virtues will save them from the destruction of this present world.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Eph. 6:10-13)

A Long Obedience

2022-07-22T10:09:00.014-04:00

Eugene Peterson wrote a book in 1980 that is as relevant today as it was the year it was first published. Actually, it may be more relevant than it was 40 years ago. I think it would help all Christians to take the time to read it for themselves. But, I know that many people won’t or can’t do that, so let me quote a brief section from his introduction that he expounds throughout the book using the Psalms of Ascent (Ps. 120-134) as his text.

Dr. Peterson writes, “One aspect of our world that I have been able to identify as harmful to Christians is the assumption that anything worthwhile can be acquired at once. We assume that if something can be done at all, it can be done quickly and efficiently. Our attention spans have been conditioned by thirty-second commercials. Our sense of reality has been flattened by thirty-page abridgments. It is not difficult in such a world to get a person interested in the message of the gospel; it is terrifically difficult to sustain the interest. Millions of people in our culture make decisions for Christ, but there is a dreadful attrition rate. Many claim to have been born again, but the evidence for mature Christian discipleship is slim. In our kind of culture anything, even news about God, can be sold if it is packaged freshly; but when it loses its novelty, it goes on the garbage heap. There is a great market for religious experience in our world; there is little enthusiasm for the patient acquisition of virtue, little inclination to sign up for a long apprenticeship in what earlier generations of Christians called holiness.

“Religion in our time has been captured by the tourist mindset. Religion is understood as a visit to an attractive site to be made when we have adequate leisure. For some it is a weekly jaunt to church; for others, occasional visits to special services. Some, with a bent for religious entertainment and sacred diversion, plan their lives around special events like retreats, rallies and conferences. We go to see a new personality, to hear a new truth, to get a new experience and so somehow expand our otherwise humdrum lives. The religious life is defined as the latest and the newest: Zen, faith healing, human potential, parapsychology, successful living, choreography in the chancel, Armageddon. We’ll try anything—until something else comes along.

“I don’t know what it has been like for pastors in other cultures and previous centuries, but I am quite sure that for a pastor in Western culture at the dawn of the twenty-first century, the aspect of our world that makes the work of leading Christians in the way of faith most difficult is what Gore Vidal has analyzed as ‘today’s passion for the immediate and the casual.’ Everyone is in a hurry. The persons whom I lead in worship, among whom I counsel, visit, pray, preach and teach, want shortcuts. They want me to help them fill out the form that will get them instant credit (in eternity). They are impatient for results. They have adopted the lifestyle of a tourist and only want the high points. But a pastor is not a tour guide. [emphasis mine] I have no interest in telling apocryphal religious stories at and around dubiously identified sacred sites. The Christian life cannot mature under such conditions and in such ways.” —Peterson, Eugene H.; A Long Obedience in the Same Direction (The IVP Signature Collection) (pp. 9-11). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.

His title for the book comes from the proposition that following Christ is “a long obedience in the same direction.” (This quote has its roots in a 19th century statement from a German philosopher.) I don’t think I know of a better way to describe the Christian life than what this title proposes. We have to stop commercializing Christianity so that it fits in with the consumer mentality of the 21st Century. Following Jesus means more than finding a quick fix, a simple solution, an emotional high, instant spirituality, or gaining a few “brownie points” with God for eternity! It is about pressing on methodically, daily, patiently, thoughtfully, committedly, diligently, faithfully, unreservedly…taking time to get to know Christ in the ups and downs of our lives. It means obeying Him no matter what comes our way or how difficult it may be to do so. You can’t buy a seven day prescription of discipleship pills that will resolve all of your life problems. Neither can you pull through a spiritual drive-through and order “fast-food” spiritual maturity. I guess that’s why some professing Christians become disillusioned or distracted along this journey of spiritual growth. Following Christ as His child truly does require “a long obedience in the same direction.” It’s the reason we always encourage you to read your Bible consistently, gather with other believers at church weekly, share your faith with others faithfully, and keep praying earnestly! Let’s stop looking for a quick-fix spirituality that brings nothing but emotional highs. Let’s start living a faithful Christlike life that says, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him…” (Job 13:15)!

Church Is Essential

2020-12-10T15:03:00.005-05:00

What I'm about to say doesn't necessarily apply to everyone, but it needs to be said in a general fashion so everyone can think about it. Church ministry teams are hurting and missing opportunities to care for people and meet spiritual needs because people are "holed-up" in their "basements" and not willing to come out and help. Some people have conditions and/or are of an age that they should stay in awhile longer (though it's the aging folks that often show up in spite of the virus because they know the importance of the church). But, I'm pained by otherwise healthy people misusing the command to "love your neighbor," as if it means we can stay locked up in our "cocoons" until all the trouble passes over. (Of course, it's OK to go to work, school, grocery store, big box stores, restaurants, vacation, etc.) "Loving your neighbor" SHOULD mean we get out of our "basements" to help people and meet them in SAFE ways...like we do at our church. The command Jesus gave was an active one, not a passive one. The Good Samaritan was the example Jesus used about how to obey that specific command. The Samaritan got OUT OF (!!) his comfort zone, did something that was dangerous, sacrificed himself for someone else, offered his own resources to help...etc. etc. (It's a good thing Jesus didn't take the approach that some believe is the "spiritual" thing to do. Had He done so, we'd still be lost in our sin!) People should wear their masks, socially distance, wash their hands, but people are hurting and dying right now that don't have COVID-19! There are too many that have died from the virus and my heart is sad/broken for their families. We have had a dear lady die from our church with the virus and my heart aches every...single...day for that sweet, godly family! Having said that, there are more people dying from other things than the virus that are going into eternity without any hope...while we say we are protecting "them" from contracting the virus. It feels very much like we've become focused on saving our own lives rather than helping to save the "eternal lives" of others. God isn't going to make an exemption to Heaven for those that needed the Gospel or His loving care but didn't receive it because of a pandemic. I don't think He's going to say, "Well, you lived during 2020 and those circumstances will allow you special entry into Heaven." God's church can't wait till the pandemic fully ends to go back to active ministry. If the past 10 months have reminded me of anything, it is that the church is ESSENTIAL to people's lives. If it isn't "essential" to some Christians and they can be content staying home in their jammies, that speaks volumes about where churches are spiritually. Every Christian needs the gathering of believers, even in a pandemic! Besides, a lot of people aren't going to take the vaccine, so I guess they'll just stay home forever. We have people coming to services and struggle to fully care for them because we only have a skeleton crew showing up to serve. How about "loving your neighbor" by serving alongside others at church and lending them some help? Why do we use the command of scripture and just apply it to the spread of the virus. A lot of really good people are giving everything right now and are hurting because they don't have enough hands or hearts to love the people that are coming to be loved with the love of Jesus! It's time we take reasonable precautionary measures and then get to work. Lives are depending on it and their eternal destinies hang in the balance.

2020-11-26T07:00:00.016-05:00

There is much to be thankful for on this 2020 Thanksgiving Day. It seems that too often we're only thankful when life feels good and everything seems to be working perfectly. However, if we look deeply enough, we can find reasons to be grateful even if there are challenges we have to endure. Actually, behind almost every problem we face is an opportunity to see God's goodness, His provision and/or His plan being worked out for us.

So, on this holiday, instead of giving thanks for only the things we think are thank-worthy, let's look at everything in our lives and find reasons to give praise to God! Think differently about your life and see how God is blessing you, even if the blessings come with challenges. Let me show you what I mean...

Let's give thanks for the taxes we pay...because it means we are employed.
Let's give thanks for the clothes that fit a bit too snugly...because it means we have had plenty to eat.
Let's be thankful for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing...because it means we have a home.
Let's be thankful for the parking spot we find at the far end of the lot...because it means we're capable of walking.
Let's be thankful for our huge heating/cooling bill...because it means we are comfortable at home.
Let's be thankful for all the complaining we hear about our government...because it means we have freedom of speech.
Let's be thankful for the person behind us in church who sings off key...because it means that we can hear.
Let's be thankful for the piles of laundry...because it means our loved ones are nearby.
Let's be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours...because it means we have a job.
Let's be thankful for weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day...because it means we are alive.

And, the list could go on!! In all we do we can find reason to give thanks today and everyday for the goodness of God to us, if we only take the time to look beyond the surface struggles to see what most other people totally miss!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1)

Being Vulnerable During Covid-19

2020-10-18T22:22:00.009-04:00

These past 24 weeks have been filled with so many ups and downs that it’s hard for me to keep my equilibrium. After a wonderful beginning to 2020 in January and February we were met with the lockdowns due to the covid-19 virus. For ten long weeks, beginning March 22nd, we had one virtual service each Sunday morning with some additional virtual content we provided daily and weekly. Not until May 31st were we able to reopen our church buildings and then only with many precautions that were required and are still being required. After preaching online for those several weeks, it didn’t matter to me how many adjustments we had to make to be together again. All of the effort to gather as the church was well worth the hard work in order to be under one roof to worship God as a church family. The ensuing weeks since May 31st, through the summer and early fall, have also been filled with many emotional ups and downs. Those early weeks of the regathering started slowly, but we seemed to build a little each week, even if the numbers in attendance didn’t always reflect it. There was a feeling that we could gather as the church safely and we were becoming adjusted to our new “safe” routine. Of course, we had people taking vacations and getting away after being kept home except for essential activities and work. And, as the fall arrived, I had great hopes that we would begin to regain our momentum that was lost earlier in March and start seeing more people show up again to worship on the weekends. But, though our numbers grew some, we still didn’t see the return that I hoped we might see. We are averaging about half (or a little more) of the attendance we had prior to the pandemic, but I don’t think we are going to get back anywhere near 90% or 95% of what we had prior to the shutdown anytime soon. I have mixed emotions about what we are going through. On the one hand I understand that some people should definitely not come out until this virus is more under control. On the other hand, I am disappointed that others haven’t begun to re-join us weekly. Is it their concern for catching the virus that is keeping them away? Or, is it a whole lot of “convenience” wrapped in a little bit of “fear” that is preventing them from venturing out to the gatherings? I see people that aren’t quarantining from other places like stores, malls, restaurants, games, etc., but who won’t venture out to be a part of their local church. In some ways I think the last several months of pushing our online services has increased the desire in some people for the church to primarily meet online. However, that isn’t what a church does or how the Bible defines the role of the church. Meeting together is central to how a church functions in scripture and we are even commanded not to forsake the assembling of believers. When much of the church is not gathering together, it feels a little like having half your physical body not showing up for work on any given day. It cripples you or, at least, handicaps you for an extended period of time. We have been operating with a skeleton staff compared to the number that were helping prior to the pandemic. The pressure is on a few serving when we need to spread out the responsibility because “many hands make for light work.” Add to these things the fact that we are dealing with the wrangling over masks or no masks. Some won’t come because a few (very, very few) don’t wear a mask and others won’t come because we ask them to wear a mask. It all sounds so crazy to me and there is no way any pastor or church could have ever expected to be battling these kinds of issues a year ago. Christians disagreeing with one another over a piece of cloth or paper covering their nose and mouth? I fully understand why some are staying home, if they are sick or have underlying health issues. But, otherwise healthy individuals quarantining from the church when they aren’t doing so elsewhere is painful and hard to understand. I believe that as a pastor I should be eternally optimistic and filled with faith! I am both of these things. I believe that God’s purpose is being worked out even in difficult circumstances and I know that His church will survive (and thrive), no matter how long this pandemic lasts. But, my concern is what this is doing right now to Christians and their children as I watch some drifting away from the faith and excusing it (maybe not even recognizing it) while using the covid-19 virus as their cover. What is God showing us right now? What is He doing in His church during these days? Is He shaking the “boat” to loosen the grip of those just “hanging on” so that we can eventually sail powerfully into the days ahead? Is He growing us and teaching us that our confidence can’t be in people, but only in Him? These are just a few of the many questions that have been floating around in my head for weeks now. I pray every day for strength and wisdom to maneuver through this maze of challenges to lead His church into the future. I know He is hearing me and I pray we will soon see His answers. All I want is to see people saved and growing in devotion to Jesus Christ.

One Pastor's Perspective...

2020-07-07T08:55:00.002-04:00

Just one pastor’s perspective (mine): This lengthy process of dealing with Covid-19 has been the most challenging period I have had to maneuver in 42 years of ministry. Ministry always presents obstacles and opportunities you have to overcome and navigate. But, there has never been anything like this present challenge. Everything in you says that the work of the church must move forward, but daily the resistance to making progress in that direction becomes increasingly more difficult and hard to overcome. So little is known about this virus and the regularly changing mandates are frustrating, to say the least. And, that’s not to mention the differing viewpoints from equally qualified scientists that only lead to people’s differing viewpoints about the virus. There is no way to completely fulfill the mission of His church when we are unable to meet regularly. Add to that the understandable fact that so few feel confident to venture out to services and you find yourself challenged with how to stay connected with them, as well as how to do what the New Testament commands us to do as a church body. “Forsake not the assembling of ourselves together” isn’t a suggestion, it’s a command. Being together accomplishes things that can never be fully realized through online services. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be able to continue sharing Biblical teaching and encouragement online, but the accountability needed for developing deep spiritual life is missing. Discipleship best takes place in person, not online. A drift is already taking place as some people become adjusted to “worship” at home and it becomes increasingly more commonplace. It’s too easy to tune in the service and tune out what God is really saying (i.e., we become consumers of "spiritual goods"). Add to these things the way some Christians have turned on each other over masks, six feet distancing, dismissal from services by sections, separate entrance/exit patterns, and dozens of other similar matters, there is a growing disunity that can sometimes be palpably felt among segments of church communities everywhere. Too often we look at others as if they are unloving for not doing exactly what is requested by the church to protect those in attendance. Or, we feel disconcerted, thinking others are being duped by the government into surrendering their constitutional rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Add to all this the growing number of conspiracy theories about our current situation and you sometimes feel like you are sinking deeper into a quagmire of complete irrationality. None of these aforementioned matters take into account other types of things such as the difficulty of singing with a mask (singing is a mandate in worship), feeling close to people you can’t touch or get within six feet (fellowship/relationship), being able to baptize new believers (a church ordinance), etc., etc. Just so you know, preaching to a camera is one kind of difficult, but preaching to faces you can barely see is another kind of difficult altogether. And, when you are in a service where the pews are nearly full and when they are barely full, there is a totally different experience to the worship services (For you sports fans, it is the difference between a stadium full for the game and one that is almost empty. The game gets played, but there is a completely different experience in the two different settings.). My observation is that some people are already drifting spiritually as they are kept from worship services by the legitimate concerns about the virus. New patterns of life on Sunday are being developed that will affect a lot of Christians for more than just the time we have to deal with this virus. Some of these things may not be rectified even when a vaccine is developed. And, there will be a host of people that won’t take the vaccine for a variety of reasons...some legitimate and others not so much. If these challenges only lasted for a few weeks then the impact would be somewhat limited, but we are looking at the end of the year or longer before the vaccine or therapeutics are developed. This whole situation is having significant temporal impact on businesses, schooling and personal lives that will last for years to come. It is also having a significant impact on the spiritual lives of people that will have long term ETERNAL consequences. Just consider the children and the worship patterns they are developing during these difficult times. I could go on like this... My desire in writing is to say we need God’s help! Those of us in ministry need your prayers as we try to keep the mission of Christ in the forefront and keep people growing in grace. Unity among believers isn’t a suggestion, it’s a matter of obedience! Our churches need your support financially to maintain the work that has been done so that when the day comes that we are together again as the “whole” church we don’t have to dig out of a financial hole that further hinders us from getting up to ministry/mission speed quickly. Hang in there with me, church. We are doing all we can to reach you, love you and lead you. We are trying hard to get the Gospel out as best we can while we wait on the Lord for His help. Our culture is in decline as the darkness engulfs our communities. The church is to be the light in the darkness, even if we can’t meet together as freely as we’d like! Don’t lose faith! Don’t leave the straight and narrow path of following Jesus! Don’t neglect your church family! Don’t be divisive, but love one another. This will pass and we WILL REBUILD! God still has a plan for all of this we face right now!!

A Word From The Wise (i.e., Solomon)...

2020-06-05T06:00:00.064-04:00

“Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.” (Proverbs 26:17 NLT)

I've come to the last of my thirty-one thoughts for thirty-one days from the thirty-one chapters of Proverbs.There is so much more in this book to be discovered, so keep reading it and pondering it's wisdom from yourself. It is precisely the kind of proverb we are considering today that is the primary reason I love reading the book regularly.

I’ve never pulled a dog’s ears, but I assume it wouldn’t have a good outcome. Of course, the obvious response of the dog is the reason he uses this analogy. Dogs in the ancient world were not as domesticated as today. They were mostly wild, more like jackals. Consequently, you were making trouble for yourself when you aggravated a dog and it was your fault if you got bitten (like getting stung because you poked the hornet's nest). It could even be deadly, if the dog had rabies. This proverb basically says that we should stay out of other people’s arguments and you won’t get hurt. Interfere in other people’s fights and you might get "punched"! I’d go a step further and say, stay out of everybody’s “business” in general (whatever it is) unless they invite you in to help them. As an example of what I’m saying, I have a love/hate relationship with social media and this proverb expresses some of my reasoning. Why does everybody have to know everybody else’s business? It only invites people into things where they really don't need to be. Of course, there are times when it can be a positive influence, but I’ve seen so many negatives, as well. I love it when people post pictures of their families or travels online. Or, they use social media to encourage, edify and spread the truth of God's Word! Anyway, it’s usually best to “mind your own business” and pay attention to the things going on in your own world. (Please read Prov. 20:3!) Paul put it this way, “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, MINDING YOUR OWN BUSINESS and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) There is a world full of busybodies that think they have a right to "get all up in everybody's business." You’ve probably met him/her...always asking probing questions about private matters, sharing an opinion about something that's not even their concern, or telling you something “juicy” about another person. I can’t help but scratch my head sometimes wondering how they know the things they are passing along. As we know, what a lot of people pass along is usually something less than edifying and mostly gossip. People seem to love prying into other people’s business and occasionally I’ve had to ask someone to politely “butt out!” I have never thought it was a good idea to "yank" a "dog's ears" and Solomon agrees!

A Word From The Wise (i.e., Solomon)...

2020-06-04T06:00:00.013-04:00

“As the beating of cream yields butter and striking the nose causes bleeding, so stirring up anger causes quarrels.” (Proverbs 30:33 NLT)

This proverb actually advises people to strive for peace and harmony through humility and righteousness. I know it doesn’t say it that way, but that’s the essence of the proverb. It does this by reminding us that when you agitate people, you end up “stirring up [their] anger” and that only leads to “quarrels." The first two illustrations in this verse show how “beating” and “striking” both get specific responses. So, irritating and/or provoking someone is going to make that person mad and bring on the responses of "quarrels" and contentions. Again, it’s sort of back to a another proverb that says, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” (Prov. 15:1) Being able to avoid an argument or keep from making it worse is the mark of a mature believer. Sure, there are times when you have to confront problems and get unpleasant matters resolved. However, most of the time when you force the conversation or pursue it at the wrong times it only amplifies the problems that already exist. If someone is pushing (“stirring”) you and you feel your temper rising, the best thing you can do is to ask them to wait until a later, set time to discuss the matter. Then, get away and gain your composure and prepare to talk about the “problem” and not attack the person. Anger will almost always make us attack the person rather than the problem. Nothing constructive ever comes from doing so and it usually degenerates into something even worse than the original problem. Another way to say it is, “Don’t push the other person’s proverbial buttons.” I see this a lot in relationships where couples know that certain things they say or do are going to “get under the skin" of the other person. Sometimes it’s intentional and they want to “stir up anger.” At other times it’s accidental and completely unintended. Again, we have to be able to sit down and resolve issues in a mature fashion. For instance, in a relationship, one person can’t always have his/her way to the exclusion of the other person. A marriage relationship is a partnership that requires two adults being able to learn each others strengths and weaknesses so they can help the other person become better. Sometimes there are things that have to be resolved in a manner that accommodates all persons involved, but it will almost never happen when you are “stirring up anger” rather than maintaining a calm, cool composure. Things to remember:

You are responsible for how “YOU treat” others.
You are also responsible for how “YOU react” to others who mistreat you.

Responding in an appropriate fashion takes growing in Christ and with it, you get better with proper actions/responses over time. We all have to work at this because it doesn’t come naturally. It takes God’s help!

A Word From The Wise (Solomon)...

2020-06-03T06:00:00.008-04:00

“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.” (Proverbs 29:25 NLT)

Every time I read this verse the first thing I think of is peer pressure. Different people deal differently with peer pressure. And, it’s not just something kids and teenagers have to confront. At every level of life there is peer pressure and “fearing people” makes us all do some funny things at times. Maybe there's not a way to totally avoid peer pressure, but recognizing its power against you is a major step forward. Of course, I’m speaking of peer pressure when it’s toward the negatives rather than the positives in life. Peer pressure can have a good effect when it’s caused by people that are moving in the right direction. That’s one reason a church is so vitally important in every believer’s life. Among fellow believers you find godly peer pressure that helps you follow God. We can’t always help who is around us, but we can always help how they influence us...for good or bad. I think helping our children learn to recognize peer pressure and know how to respond to it is one of the really important things we teach our children. Helping them choose their friends wisely and showing them how to be leaders are also part of the process of childrearing. Most children are followers by nature rather than leaders and that’s OK. It’s just that we have to teach them what to do when they are pressured to do something they have been taught not to do...or vice versa. It’s in those moments that they are going to have to lead rather than follow. And, they are definitely going to feel peer pressure at times. We ALL feel it at times! I have been in circumstances where I had to make the decision whether I would do what I knew was right or whether I would cave to the pressure placed on me. When we find ourselves in those situations, we have to take refuge in the “safety” the Lord gives. Inevitably those that are pressuring us to do something we really don’t want to do or know we shouldn’t do...will only turn up the pressure. It may be for a time we'll be the butt of every joke they make, but God will be pleased when we do right for His glory. My experience is that whenever I made the right choice to push back against negative peer pressure that the end result was the feeling of peace rather than guilt from giving into it.

A Word From The Wise (i.e., Solomon)...

2020-06-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

“Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.” (Proverbs 28:14 NLT)

I’m not sure if there are very many people that “fear” to do wrong anymore. It seems like “anything goes” and most people aren’t ashamed to flaunt their evil. Actually, most of them don’t even consider it as evil! I'm concerned about the things our children and grandchildren will be exposed to in the years to come. Part of the problem is that people are shortsighted and don’t understand that even if you get away with something here, it doesn’t mean you won’t answer for it when you stand before God. Our society has thrown off all restraint in the pursuit of their sinful passions. This proverb says that the one who is “blessed” is the one that fears “to do wrong.” They have an understanding of eternal things and know the eternal God. They know the consequences are more than temporary, they may well be eternal. We can’t stop what society around us does, but we can personally live in light of what we know to be the truth about God. A healthy dose of “fear” is good in the believer's life. This is not the fear of losing your salvation, but fear of meeting Christ knowing that you have flaunted His ways, His will and His Word. While the believer is assured of being with Christ in Heaven, there is still the reality of the Judgment Seat of Christ. It’s there that our works will be examined as to whether they were worthy of our Savior and whether we followed His instructions. Some of them will be rewarded, but others will result in our “suffer[ing] loss.” (cf. I Corinthians 3:15) We need to ask God to make us sensitive to things that displease Him and to convict us when we are wrong. We simply don’t want to go on in our “stubbornness” and meet the consequences of doing life our way. Maybe our society doesn’t know right from wrong anymore, but those of us that know Jesus have no excuse. We have a Bible that explains what God requires of us and it’s our lifelong task to learn what it says so we can do right. We must filter everything we do through the truth of scripture. Ask yourself often, “What does God say about this?” Don’t trust your emotions to make decisions in areas where you don’t know if God has something to say about a matter. Christianity seems restrictive to some people, but God knows what is best for us...now and when we meet Him in Heaven. We might talk our way out of some things here, but that won’t happen in His presence!

A Word From The Wise (i.e., Solomon)...

2020-06-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17 NLT)

There’s nothing like a true friend that won’t just tell you what you want to hear, but will tell you what you “need” to hear. A lot of people will never make the effort to develop these kinds of godly friendships that have that level of trust. Our spouses are our first and most important friends! They should have the right to speak into our lives anything that we need to hear. It’s always difficult to hear constructive criticism from a family member, but they know us better than anyone else and see things no one else sees. They also love us more than anyone else will ever love us. But, there must be others to whom we give access to our lives and can speak the truth to us in love. I’m not suggesting we need a lot of these types of friends, but everybody that wants to live godly needs some. I suggest that some of these friendships be with older, godly people and not just those who are our peers. There is nothing like having someone in our lives that has the wisdom of experience, as well as biblical insight, that we can consult when needed. We might also be surprised how much we help that older friend, not just how much he/she helps us. The best place to build these friendships is in a local church setting! Friendships like these can’t be forced, but usually develop naturally out of spending time with other people seeking God. It’s not like we go to somebody and say, “Will you be my friend?” The friendships I’m talking about develop over time and happen naturally. As your friendship grows we give these individuals increasing privileges to say to us whatever needs to be said. We don’t have to accept everything they say or tell us to do, but it’s helpful to hear an outside perspective. It needs to be people that love us enough to encourage our walk with God and aren't afraid to tell us when you get “too close to the edge.” There’s also the larger body of friends like many of us have in a Life Group or Sunday School class that become invaluable to us along our faith journey. They share life together with us and encourage us to be faithful to the Lord in a less personal way. We just need people along the journey of life to help us stay true to our faith. We all have a tendency to drift spiritually and “a friend sharpens a friend” by helping us stay focused on the Lord and the right way to live.

A Word From The Wise (i.e., Solomon)...

2020-05-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.” (Proverbs 25:21-22 NLT)

These two verses are repeated in the New Testament in Romans 12:20. Solomon says that the right way to handle your “enemies” is exactly the opposite of the way you want to handle them. The natural response we feel when our enemies hurt is to let them suffer. I know the feeling well! Through the years I’ve often thought of what I’d really like to say or do to someone that mistreated me or hurt me deeply. I haven’t mastered this truth yet, but I’ve learned that you get better results when you don’t do what they are expecting you to do and God is more glorified through it, as well. What I’m talking about is sort of a “surprise attack,” though it’s not really an attack at all. When he says we will “heap burning coals of shame on their heads” by doing good to our enemies, he’s not talking about doing good so they really get “burned up.” It’s an illustration of something that was done in the Middle East when a person felt sorry for their actions. To show their contrition, they would carry on their head hot coals in a pan as a sign of their sorrow and repentance. So, when Solomon says to do good to our enemies (“give them food,” “give them water”) he’s telling us that by our good deeds toward the offending parties we have a greater chance of bringing them to the recognition of their wrong and leading them to true change. Does it always happen? No, but it is always right to do right because it is right. It also protects your testimony and puts them in a place that they will be without excuse when they stand before God. This was Peter’s advice, “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.” (1 Peter 2:12 NLT) The fact is...God is going to judge the world one day and He will settle the score with our “enemies” in a just and righteous way! It will be our “honorable behavior” that will be part of the witness against them. Let's ask God to help us leave vengeance and justice to Him and do the opposite of the way we feel when our enemy is suffering in some way!

A Word From The Wise (i.e., Solomon)...

2020-05-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

“The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.” (Proverbs 24:16 NLT)

This Proverb goes with the verse right before it (take a moment and read it) and indicates that even if the wicked set out to “take down” the godly, they can’t succeed because the godly just keep getting back up. The old adage I’ve heard many times says, “You can’t keep a good man down.” What it really should say is, “You can’t keep a GODLY man (or woman) down!” He’s talking here about some kind of devastating circumstance brought on the godly by the wicked. However, the principle is true even if you falter or stumble on your own. It’s the “godly” that possess an inner fortitude, enabled by the grace of God, that prompts them to “get up again” and keep going. It’s sort of like watching a prize fight when a boxer is hit with one great, well placed blow and he goes down. The referee begins the countdown and before he reaches “ten,” the fighter jumps back up and is ready to continue. The resilience of the “godly” is such that evil (whether brought on by others or himself) cannot win! He knows he belongs to the Lord! He knows the Lord is compassionate and forgiving! He will not quit! Something to remember...by the term “godly” we mean the one that is sincerely seeking God. There are people that are Christians that are contented to just escape hell and nothing more. But, the one who has a heart to follow God has a resilience that will not let them quit when they get knocked down. You have three great enemies fighting against you. The first is the “world,” which has to do with the ideals, philosophies, ambitions, deceptions of this evil age in which we live. The second is your own “flesh,” which includes all the broken, inner desires and propensities that are opposed to godly living. The third is the “Devil,” which is the tempter, accuser, liar, and destroyer that is always looking to take you down. If we fail to realize that we are on a battlefield rather than a playground, we open ourselves up to a “disaster” reeking havoc in our lives. The number one target of our "enemies" (world, flesh, Devil) is the “godly” who are seeking to honor God with their lives! If we weren't trying to do right, there would be no reason for Satan to pick on us or look for the weaknesses in our “flesh” or “worldly understanding” to use against you. His ultimate goal isn’t just to make you look bad. His ultimate goal is to make your God look bad! Having said all that, when you fall from the enemies blows or by self-inflicted wounds, it is the godly that will not remain there to waller in their squalor! They will not allow their lives to continue to bring shame on their Lord! His glory is their priority and it drives them to get up again and keep moving in the right direction! Let’s stay on our “spiritual” feet and keep moving forward. If we get knocked down, let’s get up again and not give up! We all need more resiliency in our spiritual journey!

A Word From The Wise (i.e., Solomon)...

2020-05-27T06:00:00.010-04:00

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.” (Proverbs 23:4 NLT)

The idea of the Proverb is that some people will work as long and as hard as necessary in order to gain wealth! Unfortunately, riches can "fly away like an eagle" (cf. 23:5). As quickly as you get it you can lose it. There is nothing wrong with ambition or even attaining wealth unless it drives you to materialism and keeps you from your most important priorities. Materialism is the general idea that your worth is measured by your wealth (things, money, properties, possessions, etc.), and it’s pervasive in our society. There's a lot that needs to be understood about the dangers of materialism, but what connects with me here is the issue of not "[knowing] when to quit." It's easy in our culture to become a workaholic...and you will almost always be praised for doing so by those around you! There's seemingly a never ending supply of things to do that can keep you from getting healthy periods of rest! Rest doesn't necessarily mean inactivity! Sometimes it's just a diversion from your normal routine to do something you find enjoyable. (It may also includes periods of inactivity other than when you are sleeping.) It's mostly a matter of disengaging from your “schedule” to find time away to do something different. The struggle that a lot of us have in a world that is alive with activity 24/7 is in making ourselves STOP for awhile to rest. I have stood by many people that were dying with only days or hours to live and I have never heard one of them say they wish they had worked more or longer hours. Nobody has ever said, "I wish I would have taken one more business trip or made one more sale." However, I've heard some say, "I wish I had more time to be with my family and friends.” Or, "I wish I had more time to enjoy life!” Death has a way of prioritizing things really quick. Total inactivity may not a person's idea of "rest" and if they have young children it may be almost impossible. "Rest" is more than just inactivity! It's about unplugging from work to spend time with your greater priorities! It's about a change of pace so that the ones that mean the most to you can have your presence with them! It's not easy, but it's important! To your family and true friends, love is spelled: TIME...not money or things!

A Word From The Wise (i.e., Solomon)...

2020-05-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NLT)

The highest responsibility of all parents is “directing [their] children onto the right path.” I can't think of any other task that is more important, takes more wisdom, involves more effort, or has more eternal rewards. Nothing crushes the heart or breaks the spirit of a parent more than knowing his/her child isn’t on the “right path” and is headed toward some kind of destruction (temporal or eternal). Children don’t have the wisdom or capacity to always make good choices without the loving, godly guidance of their parents. Sometimes that means saying “yes” to what they want to do. Sometimes that means saying “no” to their desires, even though it makes a parent unpopular with them for a time. Our job as parents is not to be our child’s best friend. It’s to be our child’s best overseer, advisor, guide and spiritual example. It's to love them unconditionally and make decisions that are in their best interest! Children are pulled in every conceivable direction to conform to society's norms. Without diligent and careful “thought out parenting” it is impossible to stay ahead of all the pressures placed on kids these days. The expectations and influence of schools, coaches, parents, peers, leagues, media, etc., etc., has turned some of our youth into “neurotics” (or worse) and stolen their childhoods. The formative years of a child’s life should primarily be about the basic skills that will go with them the rest of their lives. It should be about having fun, learning to get along with others, loving family, character development, spiritual development, solid education, etc. Too many parents push their children to be adults before they’ve ever been a child and the KIDS in adulthood are reaping the consequences. We’ve got to ask God to give us wisdom and search His Word for direction to nurture our children according to His will and His ways! Seeing your child grow up to follow God is THE (!!) single most rewarding outcome you will ever know in life. The Apostle John wrote, “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.” (3 John 1:4 NLT) This verse in Proverbs doesn’t promise that a child will never make a wrong decision that won’t disappoint his/her parents. What it says is that you stack the odds in your favor (God’s favor) when you “direct your children,” rather than letting them chose for themselves. The Psalmist likens children to “arrows” that have to be aimed at the right target. And, the right target is God living in them and through them first, foremost and forever! (cf. Ps. 127:4)

A Word From The Wise (i.e., Solomon)...

2020-05-25T06:00:00.002-04:00

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” (Proverbs 15:1 NLT)

This verse comes back to a common theme in Proverbs having to do with communication. When someone comes at you angry and slinging hurtful words, you'd be amazed at how often you can shut them down by lowering the tone of your voice and quietly speaking to them in a calm reply. Instead of answering in kind, you soften your response refusing to use inflammatory words like they've used with you. There can't be an argument if there aren't at least two people to argue. (Well, there might be some people that can argue with themselves, I suppose.) When you refuse to engage the argument in the same manner as the aggressor, you take charge of how the discussion proceeds. The problem is that when most of us feel backed into a corner we come out swinging. (I guess that's what you have to do if you are in a physical fight and being attacked.) But, when it's a verbal conflict you almost always come out better answering calmly instead of with "harsh words!" It seems to me that the whole world is angry anymore. Everybody seems to be carrying a "chip on their shoulder," but we have to remember that the wrath of man doesn't produce the righteousness God desires. (cf. James 1:19-20) The next time you feel attacked by someone verbally, do the opposite thing you normally feel like doing. More often than not you'll be amazed at how quickly you resolve problems rather than making them worse!

A Word From The Wise (i.e., Solomon)...

2020-05-22T06:00:00.006-04:00

“The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.” (Proverbs 21:8 NLT)

The meaning seems pretty clear...if you do right you have nothing to hide ("a straight path"). If you do wrong or things that can be considered questionable, you are walking a "crooked path." It's similar to saying you have to cover your tracks so you don't get caught. Guilt causes people to lie, to hide, to masquerade, to fear, and to act deceitfully (all indicating a "crooked path"). When we apply this truth to marriage it's clear that a relationship can't thrive when the road we're on is a "crooked path." We must never forget that trust is a basic building block of all good relationships...especially marriage! For instance, when you hide things from your spouse or have to cover your "path" so you don't get caught...you are headed toward the tragedy of broken trust. Trust can be rebuilt, but it always takes longer and is harder than the first time around. We want to live so that anyone can check any "path" we are walking and find it's the "straight road." There's no need to cover up anything because we've done exactly what we should have done. One of the best ways to protect trust in our marriages and prevent being approached by unsavory people trying to lure us into illicit conversations/actions ("a crooked path") is to talk openly about how much we love our spouses and children. It is so important that we guard our lives by avoiding even the "APPEARANCE of evil!" Any violation of trust in marriage is a sin against the covenant we made before God with one another! “Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.” (Hebrews 13:4 NLT)

A Word From The Wise (i.e., Solomon)...

2020-05-21T06:00:00.003-04:00

“The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.” (Proverbs 20:7 NLT)

“Integrity” is a matter of character where who we are privately AND publicly are absolutely consistent with biblical values. That means that all of us are a “work in progress” because none of us are “absolutely consistent” all the time and we won’t be until we reach Heaven. The more consistency we have, the higher the degree of “integrity” we possess. Of course, when there is significant inconsistency between our public and private lives...we call that hypocrisy. “Integrity” is what makes you do the right thing even when you know that no one else is watching or would ever know what you’ve done. “Integrity” is first about the inner man being sincere and genuine while seeking God. Reputation, on the other hand, is about the outer man and what others think of you. If you lack “integrity,” you might cover it up for awhile, but it will eventually affect your reputation negatively. Just remember: a good reputation is like owning some gold, but a person with “integrity” owns the gold mine. If we take care of our character and become a person of integrity, our reputation will take care of itself. “Integrity” deals with many facets like honesty, dependability, work ethic, commitment, responsibility, etc., but my focus in considering this verse relates to our biblical values and learning to live consistently in them. We have to be ruthless with ourselves in removing inconsistency from our lives. David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24) That’s the way we ought to live every...single...day! And, usually we'll need close friends to help us be accountable in becoming people of integrity. What is really important to remember from this verse is the promise that is included for walking in integrity: our children will be blessed by our lives and can follow us to become people of integrity themselves. This should matter to us more than about anything else in life...that our family sees our integrity!

A Word From The Wise (i.e., Solomon)...

2020-05-20T06:00:00.005-04:00

“People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:3 NLT)

Some days I think I’ve heard it all, but then there is the unexpected occurrence that reminds me that people sometimes do “stuff” that just can’t be explained. It's our own “foolishness” that most often gets us in trouble. It’s a word, an action, a thought, a reaction, a choice, a friendship, a place, a decision, a device, etc., when we’re not thinking about God’s will or the consequences of our actions that can cost us big time. The thing about this verse that stands out to me is that the “foolish” person blames someone or something else for the “ruin” they’ve experienced. They fail to take ownership for their sinful deeds and confront them in a scriptural fashion. Blaming God (or anyone else) for our “mess” is fruitless and fails to bring the healing we need from those experiences. Owning our failures and faults is the first step to overcoming them, as well as the way to forgiveness (cf. Prov. 28:13; 1 John 1:9). Confessing our sins means we agree with God that what we have done is wrong! We don’t make any excuses or look to assign blame to anyone else but ourselves. It includes turning from the sin with the intentions of avoiding the same trap again. Unfortunately, all of us have “besetting sins” (cf. Hebrews 12:1) that “trip us up” more easily than others. These areas reveal an especially difficult “sin pattern” in our lives for which we need to take special precautions to live in victory. The great thing about God’s forgiveness, though, is that it isn’t limited to only one failure in one area of our lives per day, per week, per month or per year. His forgiveness is limitless! Of course, we don’t want to presume upon His graciousness either.

A Word From The Wise (i.e., Solomon)...

2020-05-19T06:00:00.028-04:00

“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9 NLT)

I love this thought because it reminds me that relationships and "love" grow when people forgive others faults. We all sometimes struggle holding onto the pain from the past that comes from what people say or do that wounds us. It's so easy to let bitterness “set up shop” in our hearts and poison every relationship in our lives. You think you are only mad at one person, but it ultimately spills over to others, as well. Forgiveness is not primarily an emotion. It is first a decision that you make to not "dwell" on the offense caused or bring it up to the offending person again. (This presumes the offense isn't something that specifically needs to be confronted according to Matt. 18:15.) Instead, you release the offense to God and discipline yourself to think on other things instead. As you do, the wounds fade into your memory banks and it stops being what is always on your mind. It's "dwelling" on the "fault" that stirs up the emotions inside us that produces the bitterness that ultimately poisons everything. This is not easy with some things that happen in life and the closer a person is to you the greater the difficulty in not dwelling on the offense. That’s why we need God’s grace and help to forgive! It's also important to mention that forgiveness doesn't mean you put yourself back into a situation to be hurt again in the same fashion by the same person. Of course, that assumes we're not talking about a family member or a very close friend! Those closest to us are going to hurt us, just as we will hurt them, at times. It's just the reality of living in relationships with people you care about and love. That's why we need to learn to forgive...so that "love" can "prosper." Lots of angry people in this world are wounded people carrying around the bitterness of past hurts. Let's not be part of that group!