Posts

Wednesday; May 20

When we open our mouths, what comes out? Interestingly, we often blame our mouths (or tongues) for what we say, but the truth of the matter is that what come out of our faces comes directly from our hearts – or more specifically, our minds. While it is often obvious the spirit that produces our words, it is interesting that there are times when there are inconsistencies in what we say. We may be nice to one person and, a short time later, we are nasty to someone else. One minute we publicly praying, then the next we are lambasting our neighbor. When this happens, it is tempting to blame it on being human, but the truth is that type of dichotomy creates a spiritual dilemma. Years ago a New Testament writer warned, “But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ough...
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Tuesday; May 19

The other day I came across a couple of things that seemed to diminish what I had been doing. I set out to go out of my way to do something special for people only to be critiqued (and maybe even criticized) for what I had done. When this happened a few things came to mind: the first was the saying, “No good deed goes unpunished” … and the second was the temptation to exact revenge on those who criticized me. Thankfully, I was working on a sermon that reminded me of Paul’s words, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” (Romans 12:19-20). Interestingly, one other reminder came from one of those pithy posters entitled, “Do Good Anyway” (or “The Paradoxical Commandments”). While the origin of the work has been attributed to various people, a co...
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Monday; May 18

I invested three days of my life driving in and around Washington D. C. last week. Folks, I do not like driving in and around the District. Every time I go up there I get irritated with the traffic, I get lost and I feel like I am coming home to a fistful of camera tickets. However, I did it because last week was National Police Week. I participated in the week’s events and got a chance to visit with a lot of interesting people. I was worn out by the end of the week, but I felt good about what I did. It made me feel special to sacrifice some of my time, gas and peace of mind to honor our nation’s heroes. Now, the reason I share this with you is not to seek your accolades or your appreciation; rather to ask us a question – what are we willing to endure to honor God’s greatest creation? Human beings are at the top of the created food chain because they are made in the image of God. So, with that in mind, what are we willing to put up with to honor God’s people? It is easy to get...
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Friday; May 15

What does it mean to sacrifice? I guess depending on the context, it can mean many things, but when I think of it one of the definitions is voluntarily giving up something that others take for granted. It is being willing to live without something so others can find a better life. Using this definition, there are several people who fit into this category inclFuding our Law Enforcement Officers. This is National Police Week, so my thoughts are on the men and women in blue. When I think about them, I am reminded that it is an honorable profession, but I also have to remember that it is a life of sacrifice – and not in just the most obvious way. We are all too aware of the dangers of the job and the number of officers who die in the line of duty; but sacrifice extends well beyond this. Officers sacrifice by working when most of us are sleeping. They sacrifice by being on duty when we are recreating. They sacrifice by missing holidays and special family events. Yet, when I think ...
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Thursday; May 14

When I was a youngster, I didn’t really have much of a fear of my parents. I loved them and I knew they loved me. Yet, there are times when I wasn’t too interested in being around them – those times when I was doing something I wasn’t supposed to be doing! As long as I was being good, I had nothing to fear; but when I was messing around (or messing up) I did my best to be invisible. You know, now that I think about it, I haven’t changed much throughout my life. For the most part, I don’t mind people looking over my shoulder or even watching the way I live; however, when I am doing something I feel I shouldn’t, I want to go unnoticed. Interestingly, I don’t think that I am alone in this. Centuries ago a wise man observed, “He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9). While this seems to be a direct observation about accountability, I also think that the truth produces the fear of being caught. Are we living in fear ...
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Wednesday; May 13

Do we know what we are supposed to be doing? For the most part, living good lives doesn’t surprise us – we know good from evil. However, that does not (necessarily) settle the issue for us. Maybe a more important question is “are we doing it”? Are we doing the right things? The other day, I came across an observation made by the New Testament writer, James, who challenged, “Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21). While this is pretty straightforward, I researched this verse in the King James Version and found this, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”. I don’t always appreciate the KJV, but I just love that translation – it sounds really neat! Interestingly, as I did a little deeper diving into the spirit of the older translation and found that ...
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Tuesday; May 12

When Jesus was creating His earliest disciples, He challenged them to find contentment by teaching, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6). When we consider what it takes to live a fulfilled life we have to remember that it is important to be filled with the spirit of Jesus. I am thankful that when we focus on the righteousness of the Lord incredible things can happen. Yet, the other day, I heard a song by Jerry Salley that put a bit of a different spin on this concept. In His song, “Just Drink The Water” he sings this statement, “I want to do more than just drink the water, I want to take somebody else to the well.”. Wow – what an awesome thought! Sure, it’s great to fill our lives with His righteousness, but imagine the joy of helping others find what they have been missing. If we are looking to help make a difference in the lives of others, we can do it in a couple ways. First, we need to be willing to talk abou...
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