Dec 2011
Animal Crackers
Friday, December 30 2011
I sat in church watching a small child eat a box of Animal Crackers. I must confess I wish he had offered me one. I remember being his size and wishing I could have had Animal Crackers. I wasn’t allowed to eat in church. It would have been possible to have had them. They have been around that long. Actually, my parents could have had them when they were small. They have been around since 1902. I wonder how many billions of those little crackers (actually more like a cookie) have been consumed by grateful little kids. I remember trying to make a case for church consumption because they were made in the image of creatures God made on the sixth day of creation. My logic never prevailed. Maybe it was the circus pictured box.
I’m sure it never occurred to that little guy to offer me one. To him I must look like his vision of Methuselah. Surely old people couldn’t like Animal Crackers. They do. There are certain things for everyone. In I Corinthians 13 Paul speaks of putting away childish things. But he was speaking of ideas like being good enough to be saved and thinking we are His special children as opposed to everyone else. Those are childish ideas that need to be shed by mature minds that honestly look in the mirror and know they cannot be so, except for our dishonest conceit. Paul wasn’t speaking of some special childhood things. Dare I confess that I still have my teddy bear?
One evening I entered a hospital room to visit an old friend who wasn’t going to come home again. His wife was feeding him from a half-gallon container of Breyers vanilla ice cream. How grand!
I’m sure it never occurred to that little guy to offer me one. To him I must look like his vision of Methuselah. Surely old people couldn’t like Animal Crackers. They do. There are certain things for everyone. In I Corinthians 13 Paul speaks of putting away childish things. But he was speaking of ideas like being good enough to be saved and thinking we are His special children as opposed to everyone else. Those are childish ideas that need to be shed by mature minds that honestly look in the mirror and know they cannot be so, except for our dishonest conceit. Paul wasn’t speaking of some special childhood things. Dare I confess that I still have my teddy bear?
One evening I entered a hospital room to visit an old friend who wasn’t going to come home again. His wife was feeding him from a half-gallon container of Breyers vanilla ice cream. How grand!
The Game
Thursday, December 29 2011
My wife keeps a running Scrabble game with our older son. They do it electronically on their cell phones. It is a nice way to stay in close contact and it keeps him from forgetting he has parents who love him very much. The old adage that absence makes the heart grow fonder isn’t always true. Sometimes out of sight is out of mind.
It’s a good idea to keep one’s children aware of how much they are loved no matter how old they are. Being loved is essential to our health and vitality. Our heavenly Father is very aware of this and continually sends us gifts to remind us of how much He cares for us. Those gifts come in many ways. We only have to be aware of the things around us. When we are paying attention we receive all kinds of serendipities.
The onus is also on us to check in with Him. Even if it is a short “Good Morning, Lord” when we wake up or a “Good Night, Father” as we hit the pillow. Granted more contact than that would be most advantageous to the relationship but it’s something. It keeps us in contact and available for the bigger, longer experiences He wants to share with us. Reading His mail to us really helps – you know – those letters called Matthew, Luke, and John. They are filled with news straight from His heart to ours.
Maybe just as my wife keeps a game going with our son, we could keep a game going with our Father. It could be called, “Count the Serendipities.” See if we can find more than yesterday. I promise you, they are there.
It’s a good idea to keep one’s children aware of how much they are loved no matter how old they are. Being loved is essential to our health and vitality. Our heavenly Father is very aware of this and continually sends us gifts to remind us of how much He cares for us. Those gifts come in many ways. We only have to be aware of the things around us. When we are paying attention we receive all kinds of serendipities.
The onus is also on us to check in with Him. Even if it is a short “Good Morning, Lord” when we wake up or a “Good Night, Father” as we hit the pillow. Granted more contact than that would be most advantageous to the relationship but it’s something. It keeps us in contact and available for the bigger, longer experiences He wants to share with us. Reading His mail to us really helps – you know – those letters called Matthew, Luke, and John. They are filled with news straight from His heart to ours.
Maybe just as my wife keeps a game going with our son, we could keep a game going with our Father. It could be called, “Count the Serendipities.” See if we can find more than yesterday. I promise you, they are there.
The Needle
Wednesday, December 28 2011
The burn is less than two seconds as the shiny slim steel needle skillfully stealthfully slips though my skin into a vein. A burst of red rushes into the clear tube then turns pink and then clear as the life-saving fluid flows into my hungry body. The bottle hangs over my head as its contents became part of me. Antibodies, battling antibodies will seek and destroy any foreign life they find. Only my cells will they ignore. Antibodies from over twenty thousand other people will course through my veins battling to keep me alive.
Tonight I am alive. Tomorrow night I will be alive. For the next thirty days I will be alive until once again that shiny slim steel needle will once again tear through my skin in search of a vein. For five years now this has been my ritual. For five years now I live because of the wonders of modern medicine. For five years now I am in debt to the thousands of people who share their antibodies that I can continue to celebrate life with my incredible wife, sons and grandchildren and write to you about the love of our Creator God who gives us knowledge of that wonderful thing He made that Friday in His very image.
Someday I will no longer need that shiny slim steel needle. In I Corinthians Paul promises that this corruption will put on incorruption, this mortal shall put on immortality and I along with you and millions others will exchange this form for an eternal tribute to His love. But until that day I shall write to you about the grandest God who ever could be – for He is the one who made Himself poor by giving us His only Son so shiny slim steel needles will only be a memory.
Tonight I am alive. Tomorrow night I will be alive. For the next thirty days I will be alive until once again that shiny slim steel needle will once again tear through my skin in search of a vein. For five years now this has been my ritual. For five years now I live because of the wonders of modern medicine. For five years now I am in debt to the thousands of people who share their antibodies that I can continue to celebrate life with my incredible wife, sons and grandchildren and write to you about the love of our Creator God who gives us knowledge of that wonderful thing He made that Friday in His very image.
Someday I will no longer need that shiny slim steel needle. In I Corinthians Paul promises that this corruption will put on incorruption, this mortal shall put on immortality and I along with you and millions others will exchange this form for an eternal tribute to His love. But until that day I shall write to you about the grandest God who ever could be – for He is the one who made Himself poor by giving us His only Son so shiny slim steel needles will only be a memory.
The Dark Time of the Year
Tuesday, December 27 2011
Here in central Massachusetts the length of day between sunrise and sunset was 9 hours and 1 minute on the 19th through the 26th of this month. It wasn’t just the darkest day of the year it was the darkest week. It is grand to celebrate the birth of the Light of the World during this darkest of times. The European pagans celebrated Saturnalia during this same dark time recognizing the birthday of the unconquerable sun on the 25th.
Many of my friends grow just a tad uncomfortable when this topic comes up. Somehow it seems that we are participating in paganism because of these facts. But true meaning is what happens inside our minds. God gave us incredible minds with which to choose and create. The power is ours to make something mean what we choose for it to mean. We do not have to allow others to dictate to us what meaning we bring to something. It is part of the freedom of which Paul speaks so eloquently in Galatians 5.
Since we do not know when Jesus was born it is our prerogative to usurp this dark time of the year from the pagans and claim it for our Lord, who proclaimed Himself to be the Light of the World. He is the one who created the sun the pagans worshiped. The pagans lost this battle. Jesus won. The time is His. As the days now grow longer so we should also be more and more enlightened everyday with the light of Jesus’ presence in our walk. Solomon said, “The light shines more and more on our path.” That light is Jesus. He is the King of Kings. Just as He won the victory over death He wins the victory over all the meaningless pagan Gods of the past.
Many of my friends grow just a tad uncomfortable when this topic comes up. Somehow it seems that we are participating in paganism because of these facts. But true meaning is what happens inside our minds. God gave us incredible minds with which to choose and create. The power is ours to make something mean what we choose for it to mean. We do not have to allow others to dictate to us what meaning we bring to something. It is part of the freedom of which Paul speaks so eloquently in Galatians 5.
Since we do not know when Jesus was born it is our prerogative to usurp this dark time of the year from the pagans and claim it for our Lord, who proclaimed Himself to be the Light of the World. He is the one who created the sun the pagans worshiped. The pagans lost this battle. Jesus won. The time is His. As the days now grow longer so we should also be more and more enlightened everyday with the light of Jesus’ presence in our walk. Solomon said, “The light shines more and more on our path.” That light is Jesus. He is the King of Kings. Just as He won the victory over death He wins the victory over all the meaningless pagan Gods of the past.
Seatbelt
Friday, December 23 2011
My dog loves to go in the car. She is so happy when I tell her she can go along. Normally she rides in the back. But today my wife wasn’t with me so she happily moved up to the passenger front seat. The problem with that is I couldn’t get her to buckle up her seat belt. Not only is that a safety issue for her it is an amazing annoyance for me. She weighs 80 pounds and triggers the seatbelt reminder. Over and over and over the car goes ding, ding, ding and more dings. If I told her once I told her a dozen times to buckle up but she refused.
She is just like people who won’t listen to God. He tells us what lifestyle is good for us. We pay little attention. He tells us we will be richly blessed if we tithe. Most people don’t. He tells us not to lie. Most people do. He tells us to remember His Sabbath day. Few people do. The list can go on and on. We just don’t pay attention; just like the seatbelt is a safety issue for my dog so all His commands are safety issues. Each command has beneficial fruit. One big difference is we don’t hear a ding, ding, ding when we don’t listen to Him. Maybe that would help. Maybe we would do better if He dinged us. But that’s not His way. We do get dinged (more like the dings in the car door – or worse) but He doesn’t do it to us. They are the fruit of not paying attention to Him.
The Psalmist says it so well. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” 119:105
She is just like people who won’t listen to God. He tells us what lifestyle is good for us. We pay little attention. He tells us we will be richly blessed if we tithe. Most people don’t. He tells us not to lie. Most people do. He tells us to remember His Sabbath day. Few people do. The list can go on and on. We just don’t pay attention; just like the seatbelt is a safety issue for my dog so all His commands are safety issues. Each command has beneficial fruit. One big difference is we don’t hear a ding, ding, ding when we don’t listen to Him. Maybe that would help. Maybe we would do better if He dinged us. But that’s not His way. We do get dinged (more like the dings in the car door – or worse) but He doesn’t do it to us. They are the fruit of not paying attention to Him.
The Psalmist says it so well. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” 119:105
It's This Way
Wednesday, December 21 2011
While I was waiting in the parking lot of a big box store a car pulled in near me. The driver wasn’t in the store very long before he came out and started looking for his car. Thinking to help him I called to him while pointing to his car. “No,” he responded, “it’s over here.” I understood his problem. He had referenced his parking spot to the entry door of the store. The exit door was farther away. So, again I called out. “It’s over here.” Again he rebuffed my effort to help so I just sat and watched. Finally he pressed the alarm button on his key and sure enough the car I was pointing to started beeping. As he came over and drove away he never looked my way. I guess it’s not manly to be wrong.
In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way.” For two thousand years now people have rebuffed His directions. “No,” they call back to Him, “I know a better way.” Again and again He calls out directions until finally they can’t hear Him anymore. He’s still calling but their ears have grown deaf to Him. Maybe that’s why Jesus said so many times, “Let Him who has ears, hear.”
Perhaps part of the problem is that those of us on “The Way” have not made “The Way” a very nice place. I hope not. The early Christian church referred to themselves as “The Way.” It is frustrating to really know something and to not be able to communicate it. I have often wondered about the frustration level of the Holy Spirit. He is continually wooing people and is continually ignored. That’s tough.
In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way.” For two thousand years now people have rebuffed His directions. “No,” they call back to Him, “I know a better way.” Again and again He calls out directions until finally they can’t hear Him anymore. He’s still calling but their ears have grown deaf to Him. Maybe that’s why Jesus said so many times, “Let Him who has ears, hear.”
Perhaps part of the problem is that those of us on “The Way” have not made “The Way” a very nice place. I hope not. The early Christian church referred to themselves as “The Way.” It is frustrating to really know something and to not be able to communicate it. I have often wondered about the frustration level of the Holy Spirit. He is continually wooing people and is continually ignored. That’s tough.
Christmas Letters
Tuesday, December 20 2011
It is such a grand time for catching up on friends. Each day the postman leaves us a handful of Christmas letters and photos. Contrary to some people’s complaints about reading about people’s cruises and brilliant grandchildren, I enjoy it. Life is about people and it is a joy to read about people who had ordinary children produce extraordinary grandchildren. Isn’t it nice to know that once upon a time we had grandparents that thought we were terrific?
One of the challenges of the season is recognizing just who sent the Christmas letter. Even though there are pictures in the envelopes I still look at them and have NO idea who they are. Men have gone bald. Woman have gone blond. Where there were two nice trim people there are now – humm – I don’t know how to describe what I see. I don’t recognize the names of the grandchildren since they are new to this world. Most of the time the return address on the envelope helps but sometimes it’s missing. I have one here in my hand that has me totally stumped. Anybody out there know a couple named Alfonso and Rebecca with grandchildren named Jose and Isabella?
What a relief it is to know that God never has this problem. No matter how much we change or how long it has been since we have bothered to contact Him, He still knows everything about us and our grandchildren. He even thinks our grandchildren are extraordinary; maybe not brilliant but very loveable. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus assures us God notes every sparrow. Now that is amazing since they all look alike. He’s just that way. That’s why Jesus told us to call Him, Father.
One of the challenges of the season is recognizing just who sent the Christmas letter. Even though there are pictures in the envelopes I still look at them and have NO idea who they are. Men have gone bald. Woman have gone blond. Where there were two nice trim people there are now – humm – I don’t know how to describe what I see. I don’t recognize the names of the grandchildren since they are new to this world. Most of the time the return address on the envelope helps but sometimes it’s missing. I have one here in my hand that has me totally stumped. Anybody out there know a couple named Alfonso and Rebecca with grandchildren named Jose and Isabella?
What a relief it is to know that God never has this problem. No matter how much we change or how long it has been since we have bothered to contact Him, He still knows everything about us and our grandchildren. He even thinks our grandchildren are extraordinary; maybe not brilliant but very loveable. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus assures us God notes every sparrow. Now that is amazing since they all look alike. He’s just that way. That’s why Jesus told us to call Him, Father.
We Have No Idea
Monday, December 19 2011
While visiting a second grade classroom my wife was asked to read the Bible story of the children of Israel crossing the Jordan. Afterwards a little girl came over to her and said, “You’re becoming a very good reader.” Considering the fact that my wife’s doctorate from U C Berkeley is in reading I figured that was about the best compliment she has ever received. That was a very discerning and sweet seven-year-old.
I wonder if our praise and compliments to our Father God cause Him to smile. He knows all the secrets of biology and physics. Chemistry and mathematics are some of His specialties. The intricacies of psychology are as open to Him as are the ABC’s to us. When we pray we tell Him how great He is. We have no idea how great He really is! Our perspective is so narrow and limited. The day we walk into the throne room of the Almighty our mouths will drop open and we will gasp at the glories and intricacies before our eyes. We will be overwhelmed to think that Jesus left all that to share with us the reality and horror of this sinful world. The Gift in Bethlehem was God making Himself poor that we could become rich. The problem for us is we have no idea what rich really is. We think in terms of things and bank balances. I doubt if those things are even in the equation of heavenly wealth, which is love and relationships and eternal life without the rotten fruit of sin.
Now that I have said all this I think I will make God smile and ignorantly say, “Thank you Father for being so majestic.”
I wonder if our praise and compliments to our Father God cause Him to smile. He knows all the secrets of biology and physics. Chemistry and mathematics are some of His specialties. The intricacies of psychology are as open to Him as are the ABC’s to us. When we pray we tell Him how great He is. We have no idea how great He really is! Our perspective is so narrow and limited. The day we walk into the throne room of the Almighty our mouths will drop open and we will gasp at the glories and intricacies before our eyes. We will be overwhelmed to think that Jesus left all that to share with us the reality and horror of this sinful world. The Gift in Bethlehem was God making Himself poor that we could become rich. The problem for us is we have no idea what rich really is. We think in terms of things and bank balances. I doubt if those things are even in the equation of heavenly wealth, which is love and relationships and eternal life without the rotten fruit of sin.
Now that I have said all this I think I will make God smile and ignorantly say, “Thank you Father for being so majestic.”
The World's Greatest Preacher
Friday, December 16 2011
I recently heard someone referred to as the World’s Greatest Preacher. As crass as this may sound that is as relative as pronouncing a flavor of ice cream or a particular brand of pizza as the world’s greatest. Different people like different foods. I chose food for the analogy because preaching really is a matter of taste – mental taste. Preaching is a very stylized form of communication laden with theological and cultural biases. A few years ago I preached to a large group of mostly Caucasians. It was well received; therefore, a few weeks later when I was invited to speak to a large group of African-Americans, I decided to use the same sermon. It was an awesome mistake. I began looking for the backdoor as I came to realize very few were listening to me. If I ever had their attention I certainly had not kept it; thus the importance of the blessing of Pentecost and the gift of tongues.
The gift of tongues can be speaking in a foreign language, but most likely it happens more often then we think when we preach to a group filled with children, teens, young adults and seniors. Each has a different need and each is listening for something meaningful and relevant to them. One of the best compliments a preacher can have is when a small child meets you after church and says, “That was really good.” You can take that one to the bank. Older people will tell you it was good because they don’t know what else to say and be polite.
The most challenging command Jesus ever gave comes at the end of Matthew. It is the Gospel commission. It needs not one preacher but a host because there isn’t one world’s greatest preacher.
The gift of tongues can be speaking in a foreign language, but most likely it happens more often then we think when we preach to a group filled with children, teens, young adults and seniors. Each has a different need and each is listening for something meaningful and relevant to them. One of the best compliments a preacher can have is when a small child meets you after church and says, “That was really good.” You can take that one to the bank. Older people will tell you it was good because they don’t know what else to say and be polite.
The most challenging command Jesus ever gave comes at the end of Matthew. It is the Gospel commission. It needs not one preacher but a host because there isn’t one world’s greatest preacher.
Carpe diem
Thursday, December 15 2011
I’m loving being a senior citizen. I checked a videotape out of our city library and was told it was due on Friday. However, I happen to know that senior citizens don’t have to pay library fines. They don’t think we can remember to bring stuff back. So I’ll take it back whenever. I get my drink free at Taco Bell. That’s a real bargain. Last night while stacking chairs our conference president came over and offered to help me pick up a chair. Hey, he’s no spring chicken either. Then yesterday when I entered a barber shop the barber said to me, “What can I do for you?” “What?” I thought, “This is a barbershop. Why would I come in here? Do I need a lobotomy?” Last week, a teen passed me on the sidewalk and said, “Hi, Pops.” Yeah, I like this stage of life. I think I will revert to my childhood and start stating my age in fractions. “I am 69 and three quarters.” I told someone today I was 70 just for the fun of seeing their expression. They were shocked because I really look 80.
Even though I totally believe heaven is waiting for me I am in no hurry to check out of here. There is too much fun going on. I don’t want to miss what’s coming next. Just look at all the electronic gadgets we get to play with. Next year I’m getting a robot to be my valet.
Jesus wants us to experience the abundant life. He told us that is why He came. He is interested in our future but He is also interested in our todays. See John 10:10
Even though I totally believe heaven is waiting for me I am in no hurry to check out of here. There is too much fun going on. I don’t want to miss what’s coming next. Just look at all the electronic gadgets we get to play with. Next year I’m getting a robot to be my valet.
Jesus wants us to experience the abundant life. He told us that is why He came. He is interested in our future but He is also interested in our todays. See John 10:10
Accidental Phone Calls
Wednesday, December 14 2011
I have this teacher friend who kept calling me today. When I answered he didn’t. Instead of hearing his “Hello” I heard him teaching algebra. I would hang up and a few minutes later he would call again. This happened several times. It seems he had his cell phone in his pocket and unconsciously he kept tapping it. I was the receiver. This must have been payback because a year or so ago when I was in with my doctor I unawares called him. He wasn’t home and his answering machine then recorded my conversation with my doctor. It gives us pause to think of the possible consequences of such an event. However, if we only say nice things about others there is nothing to be concerned about. Record away.
Recently I heard someone say we should pretend Jesus is in the room and then our conversation would always be nurturing and kind. But wait a moment. Jesus via the Holy Spirit is always with us. We don’t have to pretend. See John 14. I am uncomfortable with the idea that we always have to be monitoring ourselves. That gets to be old very fast and we just give up. Wouldn’t it be so much better if we were the kind of person who naturally said and did the kind thing? No pretending. No monitoring. Just be natural and know we will say the right thing because we really care about others. Actually that might be asking a bit much. Even Jesus got angry at times and said some very harsh things. See Matthew 23. Wouldn’t we love to have a recording of that! I guess Solomon was right when he said there is a time for everything.
Recently I heard someone say we should pretend Jesus is in the room and then our conversation would always be nurturing and kind. But wait a moment. Jesus via the Holy Spirit is always with us. We don’t have to pretend. See John 14. I am uncomfortable with the idea that we always have to be monitoring ourselves. That gets to be old very fast and we just give up. Wouldn’t it be so much better if we were the kind of person who naturally said and did the kind thing? No pretending. No monitoring. Just be natural and know we will say the right thing because we really care about others. Actually that might be asking a bit much. Even Jesus got angry at times and said some very harsh things. See Matthew 23. Wouldn’t we love to have a recording of that! I guess Solomon was right when he said there is a time for everything.
The Nutcracker
Tuesday, December 13 2011
When Peter Tchaikovsky died in 1893 he never could have imagined he would someday sell everything from expensive horseless carriages to inexpensive toiletries at Kmart. Perhaps it’s because the music of his Nutcracker Ballet has become so associated with Christmas, or because it receives no copyright royalties, or just because it is so beautiful that merchants use it so often as background in their commercials. If Tchaikovsky could have received a nickel for every product he has sold he would be wealthier than Bill Gates. Then again we must not forget whose birthday is being used to stimulate the economy by getting us to shop.
Believing that Jesus voluntarily surrendered his omniscience when He became a man, then neither could He have known how many toys, autos, clothes and computers He would someday sell via His made-up birthday. There is so much irony in all this thing we call Christmas. It is a delightful time. The music is great. (Pretty much. I’m not so sure of the Chipmunks singing “Jingle Bells.”) Most people are a bit nicer. (Worried about that “list.”) And perhaps, just maybe, some people give a bit more thought to the real reason. I am of the opinion that anything that draws people’s thoughts to the gift at Bethlehem has some merit.
Therefore, during the day as I drive about I will enjoy hearing about partridges in pear trees and drummer boys. But my real thoughts, my solemn thoughts will be about the vulnerability of Jesus as one of us and His victory over sin. As happy as pretty lights and decorated trees make me, the real joy that brings tears to my eyes will always be about what happened in a filthy animal stall in Bethlehem.
Believing that Jesus voluntarily surrendered his omniscience when He became a man, then neither could He have known how many toys, autos, clothes and computers He would someday sell via His made-up birthday. There is so much irony in all this thing we call Christmas. It is a delightful time. The music is great. (Pretty much. I’m not so sure of the Chipmunks singing “Jingle Bells.”) Most people are a bit nicer. (Worried about that “list.”) And perhaps, just maybe, some people give a bit more thought to the real reason. I am of the opinion that anything that draws people’s thoughts to the gift at Bethlehem has some merit.
Therefore, during the day as I drive about I will enjoy hearing about partridges in pear trees and drummer boys. But my real thoughts, my solemn thoughts will be about the vulnerability of Jesus as one of us and His victory over sin. As happy as pretty lights and decorated trees make me, the real joy that brings tears to my eyes will always be about what happened in a filthy animal stall in Bethlehem.
Winter Moon
Monday, December 12 2011
There is a silence settling over our New England nights. There are no frogs, crickets or other night sounds. Winter is creeping in on us. The leaves have layered the forest floor giving a blanket’s warmth to the salamanders that will not appear again until spring when the sun will again warm our fertile earth. As we approach the longest night of the year owls patiently watch for mice that have not yet filled their pantries for the coming famine. Squirrel’s inner GPSs have logged a map of buried acorns as they await the howling winds of January.
Tonight’s December moon drifts slowly across the sky in its appointed path. Silhouetted birch and maple branches web across my sky like the work of a drunken spider. In the morning there will be a glassy pane of ice across puddles. Until then our neighborhood coyote will roam through our yards enabled by the glow of that winter moon.
My dog sits close beside me staring into the darkness of our woods. This morning she saw a pair of deer. I think she is looking to see if they will again sleep near our house. I hear her soft breathing. I feel the hardness of her body press against my leg as if to let me know as long as we are together we are safe. All is well as winter settles in. The woodpile is high and ready for those wonderful days when schools are closed and one can sit all day by the fire with a good book and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Winter is a good time. It heralds the coming of spring. Spring always follows winter. But for now I will enjoy the slowly drifting winter moon.
Eternal Friendships
Friday, December 09 2011
We went to dinner this evening with two of the most wonderful people in the world. Honest, caring people. We have known them for eighteen years and the only thing wrong with the relationship is we don’t share enough time with them. They are the parents of four sons. One of those sons gave me the opportunity to solemnize his wedding. It was a grand occasion. Smart fellow - he married a teacher. What more can I say about that? One of the saddest days of my life was when I spoke at one of their son’s funeral. I still feel the pain as I write. There is nothing more meaningful than to have friends and be with them at the high moments of life and during the lowest. Friends are for laughing and crying; thankfully more laughing.
Isn’t it grand to have friends? However, there is a sweet sorrow as the years pass. We watch each other wrinkle and gray. We know if it wasn’t for Jesus those friends will be gone someday. But, we can be so thankful in knowing that in Jesus friendships will never end. We will have dinner again and again as the millenniums roll by and how sweet it will be. There will be no graying or wrinkling. If anything we will keep looking better and better.
Jesus is our Friend. He said so and He never lies. He wants to have dinner with us. In eternity there is time for everything and that means each of us can have Jesus Himself home for dinner. Oh the stories we will tell. He will get to fill in details of things we did; details we had no clue about. Eternal friendships – that is what eternity is all about.
Isn’t it grand to have friends? However, there is a sweet sorrow as the years pass. We watch each other wrinkle and gray. We know if it wasn’t for Jesus those friends will be gone someday. But, we can be so thankful in knowing that in Jesus friendships will never end. We will have dinner again and again as the millenniums roll by and how sweet it will be. There will be no graying or wrinkling. If anything we will keep looking better and better.
Jesus is our Friend. He said so and He never lies. He wants to have dinner with us. In eternity there is time for everything and that means each of us can have Jesus Himself home for dinner. Oh the stories we will tell. He will get to fill in details of things we did; details we had no clue about. Eternal friendships – that is what eternity is all about.
The Now Gift
Thursday, December 08 2011
We received a Christmas box from some very special friends. Now I have a dilemma. Do I or do I not have the self-discipline to wait until Christmas before opening it? There it sits on the kitchen counter taunting me. Each time I pass by it whispers, “Hey, I’m here. I have goodies inside. Come on. You don’t have to tell your friends you opened it. They live in Florida. They won’t know.” My wife doesn’t help. She opines that there might be something perishable in that box and to delay wouldn’t be a good idea. However, there is something to be said for waiting. This could be an exercise in character development. But then again at my age do I really need to build any more character? Perhaps I could excuse myself by asserting at my age the end could come at any moment and if I wait I might never know the contents. Then there is the issue of thanks. If I open it now I can express my thanks to my friends prior to the time when they will be inundated with thanks from others. I don’t want my thanks to be lost in the volume.
One of the wonders Jesus wanted us to understand is that His gift to us does not have to wait until some future time. He wants us to experience the joy and benefits now. Note John 5:24. “He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” Eternity begins the moment we accept His gracious offer made possible by His sacrifice. The gift is now. The fruit of the gift is forever.
One of the wonders Jesus wanted us to understand is that His gift to us does not have to wait until some future time. He wants us to experience the joy and benefits now. Note John 5:24. “He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” Eternity begins the moment we accept His gracious offer made possible by His sacrifice. The gift is now. The fruit of the gift is forever.
Many Mansions
Wednesday, December 07 2011
When I was small the people in my church used to ask each other, “How long have you been in the Truth.” It was understood that to be a member meant you knew what the Bible taught, what life was about, what God expected of us and what we had to do to please God. One day two young men knocked on our door and as I sat and listened to their fervency it was as if I was looking in a mirror. Members from another group knocked on my door and once again as I took their pamphlet I was looking in a mirror. While we were living in Uganda a pope visited for the purpose of solemnizing a place where both Anglican and Catholic Ugandans were burned alive in lieu of renouncing their faith. Each group, including mine, has a worldview they (we) believe is consistent with Scripture. And yet each group is distinctively unique.
There is a certain kind of spiritual and intellectual arrogance in thinking our worldview is “The Truth.” One of the great lessons of Balaam is that God has His people in many places. The Children of Israel did not have a monopoly on God’s concern and revelation. Jesus once said, “Herein will men know you are my disciples that you love one another.” Strange that not one hint of doctrine appears in that command. (Or was it an observation?) Perhaps the important issue is not one’s worldview as much as one’s loyalty, faithfulness and commitment to their worldview. Jesus also told us to put our hand to the plow and not look back. Is not His appeal to us to commit with all our hearts and all of our talents? Surely in His house there are many mansions. John 14.
There is a certain kind of spiritual and intellectual arrogance in thinking our worldview is “The Truth.” One of the great lessons of Balaam is that God has His people in many places. The Children of Israel did not have a monopoly on God’s concern and revelation. Jesus once said, “Herein will men know you are my disciples that you love one another.” Strange that not one hint of doctrine appears in that command. (Or was it an observation?) Perhaps the important issue is not one’s worldview as much as one’s loyalty, faithfulness and commitment to their worldview. Jesus also told us to put our hand to the plow and not look back. Is not His appeal to us to commit with all our hearts and all of our talents? Surely in His house there are many mansions. John 14.
"He's Not Mine."
Tuesday, December 06 2011
Rowdy children are great fun when they belong to someone else. Such it was this weekend. We were walking behind a couple with a preadolescent boy who was giving them a bad time. I have to admit I was enjoying the show. Finally the man turned to us and said, “He’s not mine!” Maybe that was one of the reasons the boy was acting up. He wasn’t loved enough for the man to take responsibility for him.
That is one of the most wonderful parts of the Gospel. No matter how bad we are God never quits caring about us. When Adam and Eve shattered God’s plan for Earth it would have been so easy for God to just wash His hands of them and say, “They aren’t mine.” But they were His. Never once did He contemplate proclaiming them to be on their own.
This is no license for bad behavior on our part that is unless we are preadolescent. We can’t just walk around abusing His grace and care. In Galatians 5 Paul talks about walking in freedom and warns us not to use that freedom to abuse ourselves and others. So much of being a Christian is being a grownup. When we are no longer preadolescent we should understand responsibility and respect. We respect others and we respect ourselves. We don’t do harmful things. We want to be like our Jesus and since He does not harm neither will we. It’s not about obeying a set of laws. It’s all about understanding the principles of the laws and being a respectful grownup with the confidence that our heavenly Father will never turn to the universe and say, “They aren’t mine.”
That is one of the most wonderful parts of the Gospel. No matter how bad we are God never quits caring about us. When Adam and Eve shattered God’s plan for Earth it would have been so easy for God to just wash His hands of them and say, “They aren’t mine.” But they were His. Never once did He contemplate proclaiming them to be on their own.
This is no license for bad behavior on our part that is unless we are preadolescent. We can’t just walk around abusing His grace and care. In Galatians 5 Paul talks about walking in freedom and warns us not to use that freedom to abuse ourselves and others. So much of being a Christian is being a grownup. When we are no longer preadolescent we should understand responsibility and respect. We respect others and we respect ourselves. We don’t do harmful things. We want to be like our Jesus and since He does not harm neither will we. It’s not about obeying a set of laws. It’s all about understanding the principles of the laws and being a respectful grownup with the confidence that our heavenly Father will never turn to the universe and say, “They aren’t mine.”
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Monday, December 05 2011
As you begin to read this the thought will most likely cross your mind, “Is he asking for money again.” I know this seems impossible but a whole year has passed since the last time I asked. I promise you that I will only do this once a year. Even though it seems like yesterday I can’t slow down the passage of time. It just races along. It is that most wonderful time of the year when every ministry asks you for money. It’s my turn. My reason for doing it now is the same as for all other ministries. People are getting their financial affairs in order before the end of the year. They want to be sure their contributions are in before December 31 so they can get their receipts for tax purposes.
For over twenty years now we have written 6,527 devotionals. About 66% of them are available in the archives on the Internet at this website.
Many of you are aware that the small college my wife and I teach at here in New England did not open this fall because of financial reasons. People are working very hard so we can reopen again next fall. When we do our student body will surely be as always. Almost 50% of our students come from families below the United States poverty level. Therefore, my wife and I are continually watching for worthy students who need assistance. We purchase textbooks and sometimes clothes, and help students go on mission trips, which does so much for them. We also send children to summer camp and help with medical expenses. All in all we try to do what Jesus would do. So we ask for your help.
At first I was tempted to ask people to contribute an amount equal to what they feel the value of the devotions are worth. But that is frightening because someone might send me a penny. My ego couldn’t take that. So I will ask you to contribute what you hope they are worth to others.
Thanks so much. We really do appreciate your care. And if you can’t give I want you to know I am grateful that you read the devotionals. It makes the almost daily effort very worthwhile.
Our address is:
Spring of Life
151 Old Farm Rd.
Leominster, MA 01453
For over twenty years now we have written 6,527 devotionals. About 66% of them are available in the archives on the Internet at this website.
Many of you are aware that the small college my wife and I teach at here in New England did not open this fall because of financial reasons. People are working very hard so we can reopen again next fall. When we do our student body will surely be as always. Almost 50% of our students come from families below the United States poverty level. Therefore, my wife and I are continually watching for worthy students who need assistance. We purchase textbooks and sometimes clothes, and help students go on mission trips, which does so much for them. We also send children to summer camp and help with medical expenses. All in all we try to do what Jesus would do. So we ask for your help.
At first I was tempted to ask people to contribute an amount equal to what they feel the value of the devotions are worth. But that is frightening because someone might send me a penny. My ego couldn’t take that. So I will ask you to contribute what you hope they are worth to others.
Thanks so much. We really do appreciate your care. And if you can’t give I want you to know I am grateful that you read the devotionals. It makes the almost daily effort very worthwhile.
Our address is:
Spring of Life
151 Old Farm Rd.
Leominster, MA 01453
Letters of Recommendation
Friday, December 02 2011
Part of being a teacher is writing many letters of recommendation for my students. There are letters for employment opportunities, letters to get into grad school and letters for practicums. Sometimes because of the details that need to be just right, I ask the student to write the letter and send it to me for my approval and signature.
This evening I wondered what it would be like if we needed a letter of recommendation to get into heaven. Who would we ask? Mark Twain once said we should have our enemies write our letters of recommendation because they are the only ones who would tell the truth about us. Our friends put icing on the cake.
There is no question that our greatest foe, Satan, would only have to tell the truth. It would be one occasion when he need not tell a lie. The truth is damming enough. I grew up singing the song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” I cannot imagine that if Jesus would write a letter for us that He would ice the cake. He will tell the truth. We are not worthy. But then comes the good part. He is worthy to recommend us because He is worthy to give us eternal life. We get to live because He, our very best friend, who always tells the truth, vouches for us. The word “vouch” means to provide supporting evidence for the quality of somebody or something. He has kept careful record so He can show evidence that we trust Him. He has the data. He has the evidence. That’s what those books are for.
If we need a letter He will write it and He will sign it.
This evening I wondered what it would be like if we needed a letter of recommendation to get into heaven. Who would we ask? Mark Twain once said we should have our enemies write our letters of recommendation because they are the only ones who would tell the truth about us. Our friends put icing on the cake.
There is no question that our greatest foe, Satan, would only have to tell the truth. It would be one occasion when he need not tell a lie. The truth is damming enough. I grew up singing the song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” I cannot imagine that if Jesus would write a letter for us that He would ice the cake. He will tell the truth. We are not worthy. But then comes the good part. He is worthy to recommend us because He is worthy to give us eternal life. We get to live because He, our very best friend, who always tells the truth, vouches for us. The word “vouch” means to provide supporting evidence for the quality of somebody or something. He has kept careful record so He can show evidence that we trust Him. He has the data. He has the evidence. That’s what those books are for.
If we need a letter He will write it and He will sign it.
The New You
Thursday, December 01 2011
Over and over I hear people telling others to just be themselves. I’m not sure that is good advice. Maybe I am misinterpreting what that means but it seems like we are telling people to be content with who they are and not to strive to be someone better. Frankly I don’t want to be me. There is no challenge in being me. I’m already me. I want to be better. I want to be a better teacher, a better father, a better husband, a better grandfather. It is too easy to be me.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus challenges us to reach beyond what we are. He said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48. Talk about reaching for the stars! That verse used to discourage me because I confused it with a requirement for salvation. I wanted to give up right then and there. But I was confused. This text is not about salvation. Salvation is a gift. This challenge is all about personal growth. This is about goal setting and being all that we can be. This is Jesus saying, “I will save you. Now, with your hand on the plow, don’t look back. Set your eyes on being the best ever you.”
If you are a carpenter, be the best carpenter ever. If you are a mechanic, a farmer, a secretary or a sales clerk, whatever you are, be the best ever. If you are, I promise you there will be some people who will hate you for it. Some people want everyone to be mediocre. Ignore those people because the rest of the world and heaven will rejoice in the new you.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus challenges us to reach beyond what we are. He said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48. Talk about reaching for the stars! That verse used to discourage me because I confused it with a requirement for salvation. I wanted to give up right then and there. But I was confused. This text is not about salvation. Salvation is a gift. This challenge is all about personal growth. This is about goal setting and being all that we can be. This is Jesus saying, “I will save you. Now, with your hand on the plow, don’t look back. Set your eyes on being the best ever you.”
If you are a carpenter, be the best carpenter ever. If you are a mechanic, a farmer, a secretary or a sales clerk, whatever you are, be the best ever. If you are, I promise you there will be some people who will hate you for it. Some people want everyone to be mediocre. Ignore those people because the rest of the world and heaven will rejoice in the new you.