Posted by David on June 8, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
This congregation brings me joy in many ways. I see the elders increasingly focus on shepherding human needs. I see Christians showing compassion with a sense of passion for God. I see quiet kindness and obvious kindness. I see incredible generosity, in depth caring, compassionate service, generous commitment, and selfless sacrifice. I see thoughtful things done for individuals, for families, and for groups.
Always, I am hesitant to note specifics for fear I will forget something truly noteworthy. Think of things you know happen–health clinics in third world countries using equipment CARE collected, loaded, unloaded, and shipped; school children receiving eye exams and glasses this fall because of equipment, supplies, and volunteers coming from your concern; 300 people from the inner city community receiving help here last Saturday; the inner city community outreach; the Hispanic conversions; 41 members returning from Mexico; a group leaving for Guyana; involvements in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Thailand, Laos, Romania, France, etc.; the blossoming college student work; local, active declarations that we care because God shows us how to love; the struggling encouraged; the hurting to whom we minister; the confused to whom we provide guidance.
Consider the quilting ladies, the VBS planners and workers, the quiet maintenance people, the teachers, the projectionists, the song leaders, etc. I am constantly amazed by the number of caring people involved in our weekly functions!
Is everything ideal? No! I am equally amazed at how discouraged some are in the same spiritual environment. Who is at fault when that occurs? No one! We all have different background experiences. We all have different needs. We all perceive differently, learn differently, understand differently, grasp differently, feel acceptance differently, feel rejection differently, and find purpose differently. That is not “good” or “bad.” It is just real. It may be just different, but it is absolutely real.
Reality demands God’s people in God’s kingdom be flexible, always learn, always grow toward God’s purposes, and always spiritually mature in understanding God’s priorities. People are different. That does not bother God, but it sure bothers us. God can forgive all who come to Jesus–even if they are different. God can give grace and mercy to anyone–even if he or she is different. God can make a son or daughter from anyone–even when he or she is different. Through Christ, God can place anyone in His kingdom and use him or her–even if he or she is different!
Should we rejoice when good is done in Jesus’ name? Absolutely! Should we pat ourselves on the back? Never! Why? For every good thing done in Jesus’ name, someone in need cries for help. Our challenge: be as flexible as God is in meeting needs and encouraging us who are different.
Posted by David on June 1, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
When I was a small boy, “good” things took forever to arrive-birthdays, breaks from school, vacations, Christmas, etc. The small boy saw time as an enemy. When I became a teen [thirteen] time still crawled. The “really good things” were terribly slow to arrive– sixteen, driver’s license, graduation from high school, etc. When high school graduation occurred, time moved faster, but it was still slow–four years in college were faster than the four years in high school, but they were still slow.
As I grew older, time gained momentum. Thirty came fast. Forty came faster. Fifty came too fast! Amazingly, sixty came even faster! In fact, in our 60’s we ask ourselves, “Did my forties really have ten years?” From listening to those in their seventies, eighties, and nineties, they ask about life what I ask about a decade: “Where did it go? How can time move so quickly?”
To the joyfully married, after a year of marriage, did it seem strange to think about ever being single? A happy marriage makes happiness as a single seem strange! May I ask all who transitioned from being a couple to being parents to remember. Remember how fast that tiny infant grew? How much time did it take to go from seven pounds to fifteen pounds? From fifteen pounds to a toddler? From a toddler to four years old? From four to kindergarten? From kindergarten to elementary school? From elementary school to junior high school? From junior high school to high school? From high school to an “empty nest”? During the “present,” it seems to be a long time. When it becomes the “past,” it seems incredibly short.
Use time thoughtfully, carefully. Treat time with respect. Regardless of how we use life, the truth is that death is only one breath away. Do not live life in fear. Let the Lord teach you how to live in faith. Please, do not “waste” time–when it is gone, it cannot be recalled, changed, or redirected. The only moment we can redirect is the “now” moment. Only the “now” moment is subject to our decision.
Ephesians 5:15-17, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Posted by David on May 25, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
Recently I heard a study followed by numerous interviews on the dangers of tanning our skin. The author of the study discussed findings [admittedly not new] documenting that tanning [by any method] was dangerous. Common consequences included wrinkling and skin cancer. College aged persons tanning routinely could anticipate both consequences. Of course, nothing is new in this verification. Such information has been common knowledge for years. For years warnings have been issued.
The emphasis on these findings was followed by filmed interviews with college aged men and women. “Are you familiar with the danger?” “Yes.” “This is not new information to you?” “No.” “Do these findings affect your tanning habits?” “No.” “How can you know what you know and continue an intensive regiment of tanning?”
The answers to the last question revealed two common attitudes that captured my attention. Attitude one: “Wrinkling or skin cancer are likely to occur twenty-five years from now. That is far off. I will deal with those problems then. Right now what is important is how I look today.” Attitude two: “If my tanning results in skin cancer later, I will have the cancer cut off — no big deal!”
This is not about sun tanning, artificial tanning, skin tones, skin firmness, physical exposure, “looking good,” or “feeling good” because others admire your body. It is about an attitude, an attitude rooted in modern idolatry.
We saturate ourselves with “immediate gratification” expectations. We focus life on “right now.” I must feel good about myself “right now.” I must eat “right now.” I want to get well “right now.” I want problems solved “right now.” I want troubles ended “right now.” I want possession of my purchase “right now.” I want my family to fulfill my expectations “right now.” Spiritual blessings and protection must come “right now.”
We laugh at the ignorance that prostrated itself before carved stones or wood hundreds of years ago. How foolish! How silly! How ignorant! How short sighted! As we ridicule their ridiculous short sightedness, we prostrate ourselves before our god of “right now.”
Twenty years is not a long time. Ask me. I thought it was when a young, foolish me too often bowed before the altar of “right now.” Now I know differently. Often eliminating cancer is not simple. Ask a family member of someone whose life was shortened by cancer. Surely, you will be different! Tell us about it–in twenty years when your body does not have the regenerative powers it had when you were twenty-two.
Next time you want your spiritual expectations met “right now,” ask yourself how you can serve the eternal God with an offering on your altar of “right now.” The god of “right now” specializes in robbing life. The God who is Father of Jesus Christ specializes in giving life. Does “right now” or God govern your life?
Posted by David on May 18, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
If you are to have the “ideal existence,” what changes must occur? In Christian thinking, the “ideal existence” focuses on different realities. Some would focus on relationships currently unavailable to them. Some would focus on acquiring things they do not possess. Some would focus on changing undesirable circumstances.
Generally speaking, most American Christians focus on one of two matters [or both]. First, many say the “ideal existence” would involve possessing “things” they do not have. Second, many others would say, “If a certain person changed, my life would be ?ideal.’
Infrequently will a Christian say, “If I changed, God would lead me toward the ?ideal life.'” In this society, achieving the “ideal existence” too easily focuses on (a) acquiring things or (b) changing someone else, not on (c) changing me.
Achieving the “ideal life” is rightfully a lengthy discussion. There is no desire for this thought to be an oversimplified view of complex realities. Nor does it want to ignore unhealthy situations that make abuse victims “door mats” for abusers. Basically your attention is directed to consider a view of life held in relatively healthy situations.
First, Christians must examine the accepted concept of an “ideal life”. It is much too easy for Christians to allow society and culture to define the “ideal life” concept rather than allowing God to define that concept. Society and culture’s definition focuses on things, or people perceived responsible for struggles, or lifestyle circumstances.
Second, Christians must realize the “ideal life” cannot be defined as freedom from struggles. Nothing removes physical existence from struggles. Aging, relationship trials, sickness, pain of all types, human shallowness, human arrogance, injustice, and deceit guarantee any form of physical existence shall endure struggles.
Consider one illustration. Jesus told his disciples to pray for those who abuse them (Matthew 5:44, 45). Peter said suffer in a manner that causes abusers to inquire about the hope that sustains you (1 Peter 2:12; 3:15). Consider a Christian behavioral principle: Christian godliness impacts others when the Christian’s focus is on changing who I am rather than on changing (or controlling) the ungodly.
The Christian’s focus is reflected by this prayer: “God, give me the wisdom to understand the kind of person You want me to be. Then help me find in You the strength to be that person.” Its focus is not reflected by this prayer, “God, he [she, they] make my life miserable! Give them what they deserve!”
If I focus on changing my heart, God changes the focus of others’ hearts.
Posted by David on May 11, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
Suppose you are featured in an interview. Your responses will be featured in a national news release. The basic question: “How does God make your life different?” How would you explain that your life is different because of your relationship with God?
Would you discuss worship? Would you talk about how often you attend church? Would you list involvements in church work? Would your explanation basically center on the TIME you devote to the church?
Would you share how much you give? Would you share the percent of your income you give to the general contribution? Would you discuss projects that hold special interest to you? Would you share the monetary sacrifices you make? Would your explanation basically center on the MONEY you devote to your religious interests?
Would you discuss your devotional life? Would you share how often you read and pray? Would you share the importance of devotionals to daily focus? Would your explanation basically center on the FOCUS you devote to the faith in God?
Would you share how faith in God determines who and what you are? Would you stress how faith in God changes you as a person? Would you stress that change is a maturing, growing, unending process? Would you stress the impossibility of understanding who you are without understanding your faith in God? Would your explanation basically center on BEING because faith in God is critical to who and what you are as a person?
Suppose the group authorizing the interview is not Christian. Suppose they carefully analyze your remarks. If your emphasis is on the time, would they conclude you would have more time if you did not believe in God? If your emphasis is on money, would they conclude you would have more discretionary funds if you were not Christian? If your emphasis is on focus, would they conclude you would be an excellent devotee to any cause? If your emphasis is on who you are because of faith in God, would they conclude you cannot be understood or explained unless the explainer considers your faith in God?
What would you want understood? Your accomplishments or identify? Would you want them to understand what you do in terms of who you are? Do you want the focus on your hope or your achievements? If faith in God were removed from your life, would the effects be measured in time and money, or in who you are as a person?
1 Peter 3:15 … sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.
Posted by David on May 4, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
Our world and our society are in a determined war to control people’s thinking. This war is visibly evident in the American-Arab struggle. America sees Arab fundamentalist religious perspectives as extremely dangerous. Arab nations see American values and lifestyles as extremely dangerous. America champions religious freedom as a right, but hates religious fanaticism. Arab peoples champion religious fervor, but hate influences that value things above people. Obviously, neither culture thinks like the other culture.
Many American influences think the key to winning Arab minds is establishing American democracy in that region. Many Arab influences think the key to winning American minds is demanding that Americans respect Arabs: “Let us take care of ourselves.” American influences have urgent reasons for establishing democracy. Arab influences have urgent reasons for regarding American influences to be evil.
The “now” war is not about territories or resources. It is about minds, thought processes, values, standards, world views, and the character of human interactions.
While the effects of that war are visibly displayed by emotional demonstrations, the same war quietly is waged in our own society. Advertising targets our desires and seeks to persuade us to adopt the advertisers’ perspective. Movies and television shows are consistent in the values and standards they portray. Political parties, movements, and specialized advocacies challenge us to “see things through their eyes.” Hundreds of times daily, we are asked subtly or blatantly to “look at life” as someone else sees it.
The war is for minds, thinking, and perspectives. It always has been and always will be. Change a person’s thinking, and you change the person. Change a people’s thinking, and you change the nation. Change the world’s thinking, and you change the world.
A Christian objective is to change thinking. This change first must occur among those who accept and follow Jesus because he is God’s Christ. Christians can change others’ thinking only when they first have changed their own.
Romans 12:1, 2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
He who controls your mind controls your body. He who controls both controls your life. Who controls your thinking?
Posted by David on April 27, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
Everyone involved in “hammer experiences” knows about “sore thumbs.” Hammers drive things–nails, tacks, loose objects. Often if it is loose, hammers tighten it.
Hammering often involves two problems. First, “things to be driven” usually must be held. The thumb helps hold. Second, hammers do not have “automatic guidance systems.” Hammers hit indiscriminately. When they hit a thumb, only the thumb experiences pain!
After the hit, sore thumbs are obvious. All they do is get hurt, yet they are always there. Thus, ages ago sore thumbs became symbols of the obvious.
Christians should be society’s “sore thumbs.” Because they suffer? No. Because they constantly reflect pain? No. Because they are forever “in the way”? No. Because they are powerful symbols of social negatives? No. Then why should Christians be society’s “sore thumbs”? Because they are incredibly obvious.
My point: people belonging to Jesus the Christ should be obvious in positive, hopeful ways in society. Their lives are obviously ruled by God through Christ. People must see God makes them who and what they are. People must see the benefits of godliness.
Telling society “the disaster” of failed homes is not working–and has not for a long time! Christians must demonstrate the blessings of a godly family. We need to show society the benefits of becoming godly wives, or godly husbands, or godly parents. Society must see the advantages Christ brings to homes. Those from ungodly homes need hope and encouragement, not rejection.
Telling society the problems of addiction and indulgence is not working–and has not for a long time! Our lives must reveal the benefits of godly freedom. Society needs to see something real but superior to indulgence’s pleasures.
Telling society, “Money is not god; greed is destructive; and hatred is disaster,” is not working–and has not for a long time! Society must see us living for something superior to money, serving something superior to greed, and confronting our hatreds.
We must show people. People must first see to develop a desire to listen. “Telling” is ineffective until first we demonstrate what we “tell” in our lives and relationships.
The finest “telling” cannot negate Christian daily lifestyles that produce horrible family members, or pleasure-seeking that opposes God, or unapologetic materialism. Correct doctrines endorsed by ungodly lives cause God to be rejected and Christ to be a farce. In Christianity, church membership must never be a substitute for daily discipleship.
Posted by David on April 20, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
Joyce’s dad, Allen, died Wednesday morning, April 9, around 9 a.m. We immediately prepared for the trip and left. As we left, Fort Smith had beautiful blue skies, lots of sunshine, and rising temperatures. In an hour we were under solid overcast with a cold wind.
About 2 p.m. we were traveling in an Interstate construction zone with one lane [per direction] restricted driving. A rear tire disintegrated. Traffic was heavy. The well graveled shoulder sloped downward significantly. Instantly I pondered how to change the tire in that circumstance. Immediately a man who worked on the local roadways appeared, turned on flashing lights, changed our tire, and told me where to buy and mount a new tire quickly. How blessed we were! In an hour we were again en route.
Allen was a collector. He loved yard sales. His passions were tools, the old and the unusual. He rarely discarded anything. Through the years he acquired massive collections of everything imaginable–and he could tell you what most things did.
After the funeral, our children and grandchildren [Allen’s only grandchildren and great-grandchildren] made a “supervised” inspection of grandpa’s collections. Each selected something that he or she associated with grandpa. Joyce, Jerry [Joyce’s brother], and I watched as curious eyes and hands explored grandpa’s “treasures.”
Allen loved to buy, sell, trade, and give away. He often gave things to others. Many, many times he said, “You never know when someone might need this.” Thus he bought the single crutch at a yard sell to go with the ten pair he had [or a hammer when he had a dozen, or one more of his countless screwdrivers, or a wrench to add to wrenches galore].
He was not greedy. He just loved “possibility” thinking. After he retired, two things occupied his time–tinkering with his collections and using them to help others.
As I watched grandchildren and great-grandchildren examine his collections, I witnessed the beginning of a progression. His collections became their memories. Soon his collections will become merely things to be “disposed of.”
Often our valued “treasures” in life become “things to be disposed of” when we die. Within less than six months of our death, someone will ask, “Why did he like that?” “Why did she buy that?” Our valued becomes meaningless. Our treasure becomes a thing.
The only enduring treasures we leave are relationships of love. All else become merely “things.” Thanks, Allen, for the relationships of love.
Posted by David on April 13, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
Directions: Read entire article. Ending hope overshadows opening pessimism.
Some days I shake my head in disbelief. Despair falls. My heart grieves. Everything seems to assault God’s patience, grace, love, and forgiveness. When I view God’s investment in human salvation [definitely including Jesus’ life and blood!], I wonder why God does not write humanity off as a bad debt. Thinking humanly, I wonder if God ever thinks, “Why did I make such an enormous effort to save people?”
What causes such days? Often they begin by listening to emphases on “God’s priorities” in this life. They continue as the human priorities assigned to God’s word reflect our concerns, not God’s. They proceed with vivid reminders that societies are devoted to materialistic ambitions, addictions to power, greed, indulging physical desires, exploiting the weak, deceit, manipulations, “just causes” perverted by private agendas, and the judging/condemning attitudes that target the “blindness” of others. They often conclude by human arrogance masquerading as “godly concern.”
Contrast my human perspective with God’s perspective. God sent His son into a world filled with idolatrous people who did not know Him. He sent Jesus to live among a small, poor people living in an occupied territory.
Jesus lived among a people who so misunderstood God they did not know He had/has a world mission. Their attitude: “if God has us, why should He want other nations?” Wow! His small people living in isolation misunderstood Him as they lived in a world that did not know Him!
So, what was God’s incredible plan to change the world? Start with one and let him train twelve. What optimism! [Or would you use another word?]
This one who trained twelve had a simple message for people who trusted his teachings enough to follow him: “You are the salt of the earth and light of the world. You are God’s influence to change the world. Let people see what God does in you!” (Matthew 5:13-16)
God’s power to change this city, this state, the United States, and the world is not found in incredible preachers, astounding church leaders, mind boggling congregational programs, unbelievable financial strength, or shocking positive statistics. You are God’s incredible power to produce positive change. You are God’s salt and light. When you have the courage and faith to be God’s influence by changing the way you live, God changes the world.
Please, let people see God’s influence in your life every day! Let people see God by observing the way you struggle, love, serve, and live!
Posted by David on April 6, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
At times it seems as if life is composed of a series of delicate moments. One such delicate moment in the New Testament occurred in Acts 10 when the Jewish Christian Peter was directed by God to teach the God-fearing Gentile, Cornelius. What Peter did was unheard of among Christians at that point. A Jewish Christian teaching a Gentile who was not even a Jewish convert? No way! That could not reflect God’s concern! Yet, it did. God unquestionably directed Peter to extend the kindness of God’s grace to Cornelius. It took a lot to convince Peter that he should do this unthinkable deed!
How did Peter handle this delicate moment? How did he introduce this Gentile to the Jewish Messiah? Basically Peter said two things. The first dealt as much with Peter’s realization as with Cornelius’ realization. “I now understand that God is equally concerned about everyone’s salvation.” The second dealt with Cornelius’ understanding. “You already know two things about Jesus from Nazareth. First, the Holy Spirit and his power verified God anointed him. Second, you know he went about doing good and healing people.”
“Doing good” and helping people are huge on God’s priority list for godly people. Few statements emphasized this as dramatically as did Jesus’ judgment scene in Matthew 25:31-46. The difference between the accepted and rejected was the way they responded to people who were in need. Jesus’ emphasis was not held by many of his own people. Because he was committed to doing good to people, many affirmed he was a “good man,” but many also declared he was a bad man because “he leads the people astray” (John 7:12). Doing good to those in need not always is welcomed–not even for Jesus!
This coming Sunday evening, immediately after our worship (about 7 p.m.) representatives from the Good Samaritan Clinic will inform those interested about the opening (in the near future) of a clinic for uninsured and underinsured in Fort Smith. A broad group of doctors, nurses, and interested individuals who are a part of those who believe Jesus is the Christ will provide quality, compassionate, affordable medical care which will include the elderly and the homeless. Those responding to our outreach called The Way directly will benefit from this new medical service.
Those interested in knowing more about the clinic or volunteering to work with the clinic are encouraged to stay next Sunday evening. The presentation will occur immediately after our worship assembly.
