What have your actions displayed today?

What have your actions displayed today?

This account happened several years ago but it reflects in my mind during election years and during the discussions on abortion.

I wanted to share it with you, not as a political statement, but as an example of the image you project.

Warning: This is a lengthy post, but well worth your time.

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It was a warm, fall Sunday.

It was one of those Sundays where leaving services you felt great. The preaching was good. (Amen?) The singing was great, the prayers touched the garments of God and the fellowship with God and each other was tremendous.

Everyone leaving the assembly seemed joyous until…

Have you ever had one of those moments where it made you sick as sick can feel?

The pit of your stomach turns with the force of ten roller coasters. You feel sick and angry.

Well, it happened to me! I tried to shrug it off with a laugh and a grin, but I had seen it before, and I am sure I would see it again.

The more I think about it the more my stomach turns. It has turned so much that it was one gigantic knot.

 The thoughts race through my mind, “Why would they do that?”, “Who were they serving?” and “Boy, they need to repent.”

I guess what hurt me most was other people saw it.

I did not see it myself, but I saw the ramifications of a Christian’s actions.

What happened did not happen in front of elderly Christians you had been a part of the church for decades. It happened in front of young couples with children.

As I walked past the young couples they stood in disgust. Several were laughing with the nervous, “unbelieving of what they just saw grin.” The others were torn between what to say and what to do. They wanted to laugh, but then they could not.

I do not know what the children saw. If they saw anything, they will remember. If they did not, they will hear about it later. I imagine it will be one of those stories that lives in the mind of those young couples for as long as their lungs can take a breath.

The story is an example how one should not act. The children, hearing that, will remember the individuals and wonder about the church.

I pray that I am wrong. But if you do not believe me, just wait and ask those young people years down the road. They will tell you.

I know the events will live in my mind and my heart. To be honest, they will live in my family’s as well. They are a great part of me. They will hear this example used in sermons and even in a book or two.

By now you are wondering what happened, I know you are. You are wondering of what could be so bad that it will affect generations.

The answer—the actions of a Christian.

Back to the event of the day…

The day was a gorgeous one.

The problem for some, not me, was election day was drawing near.

There are a couple things you never talk about, or at least I have been told you don’t: politics and religion. Countless numbers of people have informed me of the rules of conduct regarding speech seasoned with politics and religion.

Random Thought Moment: (Maybe that is why the church is not growing, no one talks about religion. I will save that for another article)

When I walked out of the church building, I noticed flyers on each car.

One member came to the door, saw them and ran out to see what they were. His disagreed with them but never complained. Several others asked me what they were, so I told them they were a flyer discussing abortion and the upcoming election.

I never watched who did what from that point on; I tried to greet most people as they flooded out the door. Just as in any other assembly of people, they always people want to talk. I had been waiting for certain new attendees to walkout when I got caught in a Biblical conversation. The conversation was deep, but I was watching.

I saw them sneak past me, so I caught them in the parking lot. I walked fast to catch up to them. As I was going across the parking lot, another member caught me. They wanted to talk for a minute, so I obliged. After a minute or two I made it to the couple I wanted to talk from the beginning.

After talking with them for a while, I began walking back down the parking lot to do the normal duty of locking up the building for the afternoon. I noticed several young couples were talking and giggling. As I got closer, I heard them talking about someone throwing one of the pro-life flyers on the ground and driving off.

“What?” I said.

Both couples began to explain to me that one member of the congregation walked to their car, grabbed the flyer, glanced at it, then threw it on the ground and drove away.

I laughed.

I could not believe that a member of the Lord’s church would act that way. Both couples saw this individual do it causing their shock and confusion.

“Why would anyone do such a thing? A member of the church?”

“What is the big deal with a small flyer?”

“I never thought I would see that.”

The young couples were confused and troubled that a member, and a long attending member, would do such a thing.

Maybe it is just me but to think a member of the church would throw a pro-life flyer on the ground is horrible! What a disgrace to those innocent lives taken away.

Abortion is rampant enough, now a member of the church throws a flyer on the ground. Absurd! Infuriating! Shocking! Not to mention Littering!

I grimaced and snickered a little but my heart broke.

Babies will die; millions each year.

The Bible says it is wrong, but a member throws pro-life to the ground in front of others.

The actions of a Christian are to show the glory of God, did the actions of this Christian show the glory of God?

Of course not!

Jesus said we are to let our lights so shine before men that they may see our good works and they will glorify God in Heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Besides littering, tossing to the ground a paper describing the murder of thousands of lives a year is not glorifying God!

The image of a flyer being tossed from a member’s car as they drove away was the mental picture in mind of that young couple.

How can we glorify God when something like abortion is supported?

The answer—We cannot!

I am not trying to get political; I am trying to get Biblical. The way we act in front of people is a light to them. They should see God working in us.

I used to collect lighthouses.

It all started with Carrie buying me a collectible lighthouse for Christmas the first year we were married. Since then we have collected different lighthouses and placed around our living room.

Why do I like lighthouses so much? For one simple reason, they provide safety. Most of my life I have liked the ocean. (I say the majority because I once floated too far from the beach and could not get back because I could not swim. But I am over that now.)

Lighthouses provide safety to the ships that sail past during the foggy nights or a raging storm. They are a strength and encouragement to the sailors.

As a Christian your life is to be a lighthouse to the world. You are the light shining during their troubling storms. When the fog raises so much that is confuses man’s heart, your actions will be a guiding light to lead them to the Savior.

Paul tells the Philippian Christians they should not grumble or complain (Philippians 2:14) The reason? It is stated in the next two verses,

“… that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” (Philippians 2.15-16; English Standard Version)

Paul does not want the Philippian Christians to grumble or complain so they can become:

  • Blameless
  • Harmless
  • Children of God
  • Children of God without fault
  • Shining lights
  • People holding fast the word of life

Have you ever known a Christian to grumble and complain about anything and everything?

I have known some Christians with a lack of joy in their life. I am sure you have too.

One time, at a congregation where I was speaking,  I mentioned living a happy Christian life. One visiting church member spoke up and said, “Some Christians have a face and attitude that they have been weaned on vinegar and baptized in pickle juice.”

When he said that I almost passed out from laughing! I can think of every pulpit I have stood in and there have been those who never look happy.

Before you think of someone else, think of yourself.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Have I been baptized in pickle juice?
  • Do I sing songs like “Sing and Be Happy” with a smile?
  • Do I always have my arms crossed and a frown when I look at the preacher?

Are you the one everyone looks at when the preacher makes a strong point about bad attitudes?

What have your actions displayed today?

Just some thoughts,

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A Reminder of Spiritual Freedom

A Reminder of Spiritual Freedom

Throughout our nation, people are celebrating their freedom.

As we celebrate our country’s freedom, it is a great time to be reminded of our spiritual freedom. This freedom that Christ provides has been discussed in thousands of pulpits across the country this week.

Without the freedom in Christ, not one of us is truly free.

Sin is a trap that ensnares us for a lifetime of physical punishment bearing the wrath of eternal consequences, but the blood of the Lamb of God (John 1.29) gives us the opportunity to achieve freedom. The opportunity present, but each individual mush clothed himself/herself with the Savior (Galatians 3.27).

Today the question for Christians may not be “do we have freedom” but a greater question of “what do we do with our freedom?”

Each person can recognize freedom, but the actions one takes because of freedom truly makes the freedom appreciated. Without actions as a result of freedom, we are still spinning our wheels searching for the answer that only resides in God’s words to mankind.

Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free” (John 8.32).

The truth of the Savior is the truth of the Father. The Son seeking to glorify the Father while on earth (and be glorified Himself) pray the powerful words of John 17. In the text of the beautiful prayer of John 17,  Jesus said, “Sanctify them in truth; your word is truth” (John 17.17)

The Savior asked His Father (God) to sanctify them or set them apart by the truth.

Freedom is found in the words of truth; that is, the words of God.

As a Christian, you have found freedom and truth, but what are you doing with that freedom and truth today?

Are you sharing the message of breaking free from the bondage of sin to glorify your Father?

Are you sharing the message with those still ensnared by sins dreadful hold?

While we recognize freedom, let us act on that freedom and share it with the world!

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2.16; ESV) 

Just some thoughts,

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Nine Promises to Keep You Motivated

Nine Promises to Keep You Motivated

Promises!

We all love them. We really loved kept promises.

Have you ever experienced a broken promise?

A broken promise hurts. A broken promise can cut very deep, wounding our soul, spirit and outlook.

However, a kept promise gets us motivated to continue forward. Even knowing that a promise made by a caring, honest and promise-keeping person pushes us in the direction we need to go. It is motivation. It is a fuel to continue.

Below are Nine Bible Promises to give you some motivation to keep going forward.

Enjoy.

Nine Promises to Keep You Motivated

  1. The Promise of a Gift— “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4.7; ESV)
  2. The Promise of the Son — “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2.29-32; ESV)
  3. The Promise of the Spirit — “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8.26; ESV)
  4. The Promise of God — “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13.5; ESV)
  5. The Promise of a Rainbow — “When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9.16; ESV)
  6. The Promise of a Crown — “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4.8; ESV)
  7. The Promise of Cleansing — “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1.7; ESV)
  8. The Promise of Forgiveness — “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…” (Matthew 6.14; ESV)
  9. The Promise of Heaven — “And this is the promise that he made to us–eternal life.” (1 John 2.25; ESV)

What other promises from the Bible can you remember?

What other promises from the Bible keep you motivated to press toward the prize each day?

Just some thoughts,

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Some Saturday Thoughts

Some Saturday Thoughts

What are you doing today?

Me? I am just sitting here watching an opossum.

It has been a rainy, thundery and windy day, but all is peaceful now and the opossum has come out of hiding to wonder through the backyard on an evening stroll.

I have never seen an opossum just gently strolling through the yard. In fact, neither has my family. We are amazed by the little guy (or girl).

For a while now I have been sitting here listening to the different crickets and other insects preform their evening orchestra. The sounds are only challenged by the cars buzzing down the road out front.

As I sit here, I am cleaning email, old files and sending a few messages to folks I have not talked to in a while. It has been a good evening.

These are the moments I ponder life and all of its happenings.

For instance, a few people I know recently lost one or their parents. Whether it be a father or a mother, they are hurting. Each one knew that their parents were getting older, but the time of their earthly departure came quicker, sometimes much quicker, than could be imagined.

Another man I know experienced his wife's earthly passing. Her passing was quicker than he imagined.

Life is short.

We all know it, but do we think about it.

Personally, I talk about the shortness of life often. I speak of the life to come and who each one should be ready because this life is short. The Biblical write James says, “Life is but a vapor that appears for a little while then vanishes away.”

In the quest for a good life, people forget to live.

People become involved in filling their calendars with events, but forget that life is worth living. We are not meant to just fill it with stuff, but with life.

For instance, tonight is my planning night for next week. So far, there are only four events on my calendar for next week. My tendency is to fill up each of those empty gaps with stuff instead of meaningful life.

Think about this, how busy are you?

Are you so busy that you forget to spend time with your family? If so, will it be worth it in a few years?

For me, my children are growing. Soon, they will all be out of the house and finding their own successes and achievements. What will my relationship with them be?

Have I spent too much time giving them stuff or have I been spending time helping them create a meaningful life?

Life is not in the things, but in the memories.

When we are intending to live, we might find ourselves in a quest for things instead of memories. While that newest piece of technology may be the rage, does it help you live a meaningful life?

Technology is a tool. It can be used for good or it can be used for bad. It is all in the hands of the holder.

Technology, rarely, creates memories. Instead it can record memories to be enjoyed from time to time. Technology can lead you to make a memory but it is still in your hands to take up the actions leading you to creation.

Remember, life is meant to be lived.

Life is not meant to be crowded full of things.

In fact, before I challenge others, I bring the challenge before myself.

My dreams are big. Sometimes too big. Sometimes the “shiny-object syndrome” can get the best of me and leave me wanting more stuff. I am sure you have been there before.

One time in my life I sat up late at night and watched pictures of my family move across my screen. The screen saver had kicked on and I just sat and watched. Do you know what I saw?

I saw my wife and children... but not me.

It is not what you are thinking. I was not the one holding the camera. I was not there.

I am not sure where I was during some of those times, but I know I was not there. Typically, I let “work” get in the way of making a memory.

That night those pictures were hard to watch. And that night, I made a choice. I canceled all travel for the upcoming year. As a result, I got away from traveling and speaking. I turned down opportunities to speak so I could be near my family.

We took a vacation and I did not offer to speak on vacation. For the first time in a long time, I got to sit with my family and just be there.

Life has a funny way of teaching you a variety of lessons- some good; some bad.

Question: When life teaches, do you learn?

We all learn at different times and in different ways. Some learn through their own experience; some learn through the experience of others. Some have to fail to learn; others will listen to those that have already failed.

No matter your style or experience, will you learn?

Life is like a vapor. It is here for a little while, then it vanishes away.

So, what are you doing today?

For me, I have made a few choices and strengthened a few others. This I know, tomorrow will be a great day to live.

See you on the sunny side of life.

For now, there is a cup of coffee waiting.

Just my thoughts,

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Four Things About Christianity Everyone Should Know

Four Things About Christianity Everyone Should Know

#1 - Spiritual retirement is not an option

Retirement is defined as “the action or fact of leaving one’s job and ceasing to work.” (Oxford Dictionary) Our country has an emphasis on retirement from physical work, but that should not roll over into spiritual work.

Remember, Moses led the people of Israel at 80 years of age. Caleb was still vigorous at 85 (Joshua 14.10). Also, remember Paul’s words to Titus in Titus 2.1-10. 2.

#2 - One does not need a sophisticated education to follow Jesus

Some believe one must know everything in the Bible to follow Jesus. However, the closest followers to Jesus were ordinary men.

Remember the words regarding Peter and John in Acts 4.13? Their example was not in their education, but in their influence.

#3 - Hell is optional

One of the best parts about life is the choices we can make.

Did you know that you can make a choice not to go to Hell? You can make the choice but will you follow up on your choice? Jesus is the only way to Heaven (John 14.6). One must be in Jesus and the way to get into Jesus is through baptism (Galatians 3.27).

#5 - Everyone can do something

Following Christ is not a time to sit back and relax, but it is a time to work. Paul says we are created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2.10). At other times, Paul speaks of the abilities given to each Christian (Romans 12.3-8; Ephesians 4.11-16).

Just some thoughts,