What Sort of People Ought we to be, Humm? Peanut!

 "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives"2 Peter 3:11 

As revealed in 1 Peter, Christians are “holy,” meaning “set apart.” We should live accordingly. We have been set apart by God for His specific purposes. That’s why we must live holy lives, making different choices than the unbelievers in what we do with our bodies, our words, even our thoughts. It’s not about self-improvement or religious rule-keeping. It’s about living as God’s people on a fallen planet with limited time before God’s destruction arrives. (which is very difficult for me at times, how about you?) If I could only “fly” Lord, “I can with You!”

Do you remember as a child being reminded that we should be grateful for all the good things we have in our life? Many of my relatives often told me to grow in grace, say my prayers, to be thankful for plenty of food, spread the word of God, a warm bed, and all the other things that I took for granted. I even recall the times I was sent to bed early because I wouldn’t clean my platter of food (it seemed like a platter because I didn’t like especially, beets and chocolate). Years later I was able to place the attitude of gratitude into a whole different perspective. As I discovered more of how grace works and began to see what we have in our Lord Jesus Christ, it registered in my mind with the help of the Holy Spirit that all great things and achievements are united by one single principle, “Counting your blessings.”

It is imperative that we be thankful for what we have in every area of our earthly and spiritual lives and stay positive. We know it’s troubling to be told to change, it certainly can be difficult to accept some of the sorrowful twists and turns that life brings our way. And there are few things that can stir the human soul more than the news of a terminal illness diagnosis. First of all, know that Jesus cares. Our Savior wept when His beloved friend Lazarus died (John 11:35)and be constantly punched around with words that may sound negative but are meant to be encouraging. Look around brothers and sisters of Faith and see the goodness that God has offered us here and remember what the apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

As always when preparing a message of faith, I am motived with these questions:

1.     Who I am?

2.     Whom do I Belong to?

3.     What is my Purpose?

Plus, my thoughts and prayers currently have the images of a few people (Charlie, Harry and Keith) who I have known that have inspired me through their personal difficulties. Most battle cancer or Illness’s and eventually lost their fight or continue the battle but their example of faith, courage lives on. Which showed me their happiness as people. I’m sure it was not because the pain and suffering they went through, but because having learned to be content for the “Joy of the Crown”. Showing faithfulness to God and the church until eternally They had/have reason not to be happy, after all, people would understand.  Paul says in Philippians 4:13,” they used that strength to give us a wonderful example of faithfulness.”. 

 Horatio Spafford wrote a great and mighty song about contentment I would like to share part of that song with you:

When peace, like a rive, attendeth my way, 

When sorrows like sea billows roll, 

Whatever my lot, thou have taught me to say,

 It is well; it is well with my soul.

Just like the apostle Paul learned contentment and happiness we also need to learn this valuable lesson. Happiness does not mean we must never try to improve our situation in life or be challenged with a vision from God.  We are to be content with what we have but that does not stop us from diligently using the skills and abilities we have been given by the Lord. I hope we can learn the lesson of happiness and be part of Gods most happy people. Let’s focus on all the positive power, courageousness, perspectives and promises we have in Christ instead of allowing our fears (false-evidence-appearing-real) to hinder us from being the sort of people ought we to be in Christ, growing in faith and glorifying God. 

“I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Oh, Heavenly eternal Lord, Father of Jesus receive our heartfelt thanks for having Jesus bear your judgement for us. Because you promised to spare your people from terrible plagues that will accompany the final judgement.  We ask you to keep us in the true Faith To grow in grace and mature as Christian. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), and we mature and are sanctified by grace alone. Thanks for reminding us that grace is a blessing that we don’t deserve. It is God’s grace that justifies us, sanctifies us, and eventually glorifies us in heaven. Grant us the help of the Holy Spirit constantly reminding us of what Sort of People Ought we to Be in Jesus Name Amen!

God Bless You and This Ministry!

“Living nomadic in the Day “

“And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.

Jesus said to him, the foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." Matthew 8:19-20

The above verses mean that the idea that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head comes directly from a conversation recorded in the book of Matthew and again in the book of Luke. Jesus was talking to a scribe who wished to follow Jesus and become a disciple. In fact, the scribe boasted, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head “Matthew 8:19-20; Luke 9:57-58. 

Once when I was a Freshman footballer at Iowa State University, a fellow television interviewer startled me with his first question comment. I had been explaining what I hoped to do in the future, where I was hoping to do it, and with whom. I suppose I was describing it as a time when life would be very exciting. So, this fellow, whose name I can no longer remember, said "You are living so much in the future, that your life today is passing you by and you seem to be eluding your way." I felt insulted. But it got me thinking. He was right. And if he could have seen the coming years of my life, it would have been clear that I would repeat that unfortunate behavior many times. 

And today, in my 60's, I tend to look back a bit more often than I look forward. I roam through the years I spent so closely with some of my relatives and friends. The things we did together, moving from the projects to the suburbs. The new puppy that was bought for the family. The high school memories. But then came college, and then Iowa State University, marriage and I remember when I managed a large restaurant, and when my knees actually worked, and when, and when, and when... 

Finally, a career as a teacher/coach and now retirement. Hundreds of miles separated us. This great relationship continues, but can you understand if I say it is different. Don't we sometimes miss our relatives and childhood friends on this nomadic roam? 

So, I’m doing it again, just in a different direction. Still missing today by living in the future or the past. Oh, hopes or memories are good, as long as they are not consuming. But friends, this is the day that the Lord has made, so rejoice and be glad in it! It is not possible to live happily in the past or the future. Remember the past with joy and satisfaction, and face tomorrow with the hope only God can give butfind a way to live in todayto do this in His Word and how we are to live for Him.

But like any other relationship, it needs to be nurtured and strengthened. If it isn’t, it will wither and grow cold; God will seem distant to us, and we will no longer think of Him as our friend/relative. We might even drift into behaviors that don’t honor Him and instead lead us to destruction. The Bible warns, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. … The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:15,17). 

A prayer by Jesus I often think of, which was prior to His crucifixion sheds light on our purposefulness. Referring to believers, He prayed, “I have given them the glory you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:22

So how do we learn to do God’s will—to walk with Him—every single day? Think of a human friendship: How do we grow closer to someone on a human level? By spending time with that person—talking, listening, sharing concerns and lending a hand when he or she needs help. The same is true with God. When we read or hear His Word, the Bible, He speaks to us. When we pray, we speak to Him. And when we worship Him and obey Him, we are doing His will and participating in His work, “Right now Today”.

"O Joy, that sleekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee. I trace the rainbow through the rain.
And feel the promise is not vain, that morn shall tearless be" 

PRAYER: Loving Father, help me to look for joy in the day. The knees hurt, the youthful memories are stretched, and loneliness often creeps into my heart. I wait for the healing ointment of your presence in my life, my good friend and my redeemer. Thank you for my “nomadic” day. Amen 

God Bless You and This Ministry!

“Being Known by God as a Butterfly”

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24

My cousin Jean on my mother’s side of the family use to baby sit my sister Mary and I, often recounts a particular excursion to the park when we were young.  As always, she reminded me to not wonder off and try to catch butterfly’s, but as always, I said, “I can do it by myself.”  So, without looking, I just walked on out. Trying to catch one of those beautiful creatures She knew I would do it… so she kept her eyes glued on me.  And how did she know I’d do it?  Because like God, she knew me well.  She knew that I like to be free and do things my own way.  When I took that first step off the curb, she yanked me back onto the grass to avoid the piles of broken glass.  Needless to say, I had to hold her hand after that.  Have you tugged one of your children back before?  Have you ever been tugged? 

If so, you know that tug is not out of anger, but out of love. 

 Even though my cousin knew what wrong I was about to commit, she protected me.  She accepted my desire for independence and gave me the latitude to express it, but ultimately, she cared for me enough to hold my hand.  Likewise, God hems us in, in order to shelter and protect us.  Even though God knows all our weaknesses and sin, he accepts us and welcomes us into his family.  God knows all the things we hide and all the stuff we feel guilty about; even still, he loves us.  God’s knowledge is, therefore, not a threat—but a comfort.  (The Psalmist recognizes how magnificent God’s intimacy is.  He writes, “God’s knowledge is too wonderful for me.”)  God knows our secret fears, our struggles, and our needs.  He knows our greatest joys, our passions, and our laughter.  His knowledge is so expansive that we cannot understand it.  But let us rejoice in this knowledge rather than run from it.  Let us celebrate God’s intimacy.  After all, the King of the Universe has chosen to be in relationship with us! 

Butterfly Passage

A Christian Journey Continues….

A “butterfly “In the Holy Spirit.

Soaring higher than others;

We each flutters the best pathway that one can.

Put side by side, Why?

Each one is Atypical!

Each one is uniquely Loved!

Each, with the help of Him

is Exquisitely Blessed!

Tugged, toward newness, “seeing/seeking the kingdom of God”.

I write the above poem to reminds us of the majesty of the Holy Spirit that with it we rarely “happen”. We all appreciate majesty, but change can be difficult and we therefore tend to challenge it. Why? Because humans are people of inclination, and new circumstance alters the patterns in which we do things, we are secure in the predictable- newness tends to make life uncomfortable. However, without variation we cannot grow. Without it there can be no true repentance or sanctification. Some changes or independence in life however, can feel almost unbearable. Especially done by yourself! 

 Jesus promised the Spirit as a permanent guide, teacher, seal of salvation, and comforter for believers (John 14:16-18). He also promised that the Holy Spirit’s power would help His followers to spread the message of the gospel around the world: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The salvation of souls is a supernatural work only made possible by the Holy Spirit’s power at work in the world.

Moreover, evidence of change within us is seen in the way we increasingly reflect the likeness and glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). For as the apostle Paul said, “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Romans 8:9). To be considered as children of God, we must be led by the Spirit of God. And it is through the power of God’s Spirit that Christ lives within us. The transformed or makeover life mirrors the attitude of the apostle Paul: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

God is always with us, wanting us to get to know him.  The song “Beautiful Mystery” by Caedmon’s Call reminds us of this.  One line reads, “You're like the water I can feel but not grasp.  Still You say, all I've got to do is seek and knock and ask.”  This is God’s desire for our lives: to spend time with him.

"I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew,

     He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me.

It was not I that found, O Savior True,

     No, I was found of Thee."

PRAYER: Father, we can hardly understand that you identify us so appropriately, and still love us as though we have not once sinned. We lay out all of our anxieties, struggles, and needs before you, trusting that will live with us even in the midst of them, in the name of Jesus, Amen 

God Bless You and This Ministry!

"A Plate of Food”

Are you hungry? Well, where would you like to eat? Most of us have a memory of a food that takes us back to childhood. It can be as simple as french-fries in a brown bag with hot sauce that we used to get as a treat during our youth, or more involved like a lemon bar recalling your first baking disaster. No matter the importance, memories involving food are vivid ― and they sometimes feel more evocative than other types of memories. As Vacation end my thoughts are eager to stoke a fire with the title based on the ‘word’ The Great Invitation: Come! Drink! Eat! Live! with some constant discussion of passage, like Isaiah 55:1-3, which is that God is a very inviting God. The following questions come to mind:

1.     
      Who are invited? “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters”

2.     What are they offered?God tells us what the reality is behind all this imagery (Worldly things can never satisfy the heart, not even the heart of the worldly.)
       What are they told to do in order to get it? Come, buy, eat, enjoy. And this is what the bible means by faith.

Vacations often mean eating out, and our options are plentiful! If you’ve driving to a vacation spot, there’s a good chance that you’ve made several stops at fast-food restaurants or places you remember as a child. IT is my fondness to eat with memories of Faith in mind. God is so good in making sure we have food to eat in our various circumstances. Sometimes it might not be a lot, but he still provides it for us. 

Heaps of transformative taste, whether it’s of a perfectly stacked five-way chili in Cincinnati, an elaborate Hickory- Park menu in Ames, Iowa full of Ribs and deserts; a visit with friends at Gateway hotel in Ames at a great Breakfast Buffet as we share social issues; sharing a cookie and cocktail moment with a dear friend on her quiet deck as we watch the birds, in Indianapolis. An intellectual discussion with my brother-in-law about life and faith awaiting the birth of a grandniece or a visit to old school ways at Gates Barbeque in Kansas City, can linger far longer in the mind than it does on the tongue. As anyone who remembers a sacred sandwich ( Maid-Rite )or a stack of pancakes made by my grandmother from childhood can attest, food memories rarely exist in a vacuum; they are intimately tied to where you were when you had that unforgettable bite with the help of the Holy Spirit!

“and all ate the same spiritual food”1 Corinthians 10:3

As my wife and I traveled to visit family in different states every time we got out of the car to refuel and stretch, the question lingers in mind, “Are you hungry for everyday discipleship?” which gives me images of family, friends and strangers gatherings with festive foods with a catalyst for lasting imprints of joy, love and sharing the gospel truth “Breaking bread with my entire neighborhood of family, eating that I had clutched as a remembrance of thought, with tons of laughter all around— those meals made a huge impression on myself.” This was our God’s Neighborhood, especially as the theme song of Mr. Roger’s runs/rings through my head:

It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood,

 A beautiful day for a neighbor, 

Would you be mine? 

Could you be mine?

“Always reminding me who I belong to, whom I am and What my Purpose is”.

Remembrance is one of the strongest messages in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. God wanted his people to remember what he did for them in the past. He wanted them to remember that he had saved them from difficult situations, that he had been faithful to them since the beginning of time, and that he had given them special blessings even while they traveled from place to place. As they recalled his goodness, God’s people would know that they could go into every day with confidence, knowing their Lord would be with them. “I will remember the deeds of the Lord.” -Psalm 77:11

As a Christian, my deepest aspiration is to praise God. Even as the bags are packed for vacation. The car has been serviced…you’re taking a family fun visit to some of your relative’s home. Before considering this travel there, is a query that comes to mind, have you considered a plan for worship or how to praise God with your eating while you are away from home? As a Christian living in this world, that desire is often buried under my everyday life. I am not sure what it is for you, but for me, I often forget to remember to seek to glorify God in every area of my life. It’s not that I don’t want to but… you get it, I’m sure. (boy that five-way tasted so good!)

But, what does it mean to praise God with our eating? Does it mean we should eat kale every day, fast once a week or commit to eating “clean”? Rather than make conjectures, let’s see what the Word of God has to say about it! 

“One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet”.

Proverbs 27:7

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing”? Matthew 6:25

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity- all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. 

Acts 2:46-47

Here’s the point, my immediate next-door memory environment started with food travel but the bigger questions are, how do we get to know the people with whom God has put us in proximity with? My voluminous suggestions begin with easy going time, plus immediacy, plus activity or pastime (food), over time which is on a par with a family/friend relationship between acquaintance of love. Meaning Jesus helps us do more with neighbors who are friends than he can with neighbors who are strangers. Begin planning your Plate of Food Event today. As you pray for them and have opportunities to meet and talk with them think about this, “What will your Vacation Food Story Be?  That juxtaposition(connection) based on:

 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another” Hebrews 10:24-25

Glorifying God with our eating may look different than we expected. It’s not “eat this”, “don’t eat that”. No, glorifying God with our food choices is all about the heart. This may surprise us as our inner workings don’t seem visible to others but let me assure you- they are! There is something different about a man or woman who eats in a way to magnify the Lord. A big piece of this is because obedience brings true joy. A joy that becomes a light to those around us.

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father”. Matthew 5:16 Finally, if you have eaten these memories, delight yourself in the Lord. And say with the psalmist, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

God Bless You and This Ministry!

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