Monday, March 9, 2009

Indebtedness

Indebtedness! I do not like that word, nor do I like the idea such a word communicates. However, I admit that I am indebted to many people for many different reasons, you are too. I suppose this is on my mind this morning simply because I was writing checks and stuffing envelopes before I took my morning walk. This morning's trek to the Post Office, was not so much about checking the Box as it was buying stamps and posting bill payments. Mornings like this get to me. I despise watching our hard earned money flow through my finger-tips via ink from a ball-point pen put to a rectangular piece of perforated paper that will bear a dollar amount made out to a creditor, insurer, or utility company complete with my signature authorizing the release of funds from my bank account. Such an effort reminds me that I am indebted to these people for loans, protection, or conveniences that I enjoy. Am I the only one who feels this way?

There are other areas you and I carry debt. We are indebted to those who made us the successes we are. Your list probably includes, but is not limited too, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings, neighbors, friends, and of course your teachers. All of these people had and have influence on you, the decisions you make, and the life you now live. How are you taking time to repay this debt? I challenge you to take time to thank them in some way. Send them a short note, drop them an email, give them a call, let them know that you are thinking of them and appreciate their efforts on your behalf. These people receive so much negative feedback in their lives, a little "warm fuzzy" from you may go a long way.

There is still a greater debt you and I have to understand. This debt is bigger than your utility bill, your car loan, mortgage, credit card debt, and boat payment combined. This debt weighs heavier that the debt you owe those people who made you what you are. You and I have a debt that is greater than the national deficit. We have a debt of death!

Paul says in Romans 3:23, that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Falling short of God's glory is sin and Paul adds three chapters later that "the wages of sin is death." (Rom 6:23a). Think about this for a moment . . . you and I owe the debt of our life simply because we sin.

I know what some of you may be thinking, "Wait one minute, Scott, what do you mean by 'we sin?' I am a good person, I have not committed any major crime, the worst I have done is __________________."

OK, I understand. You are a relatively if not a highly moral person, but you are NOT perfect. I know you make mistakes, so you might as well admit it to yourself. Raise your hand if you have ever driven faster than the posted speed limit, cheated on a test or at work, lied to your parents (children or spouse), lied to a telemarketer about someone not being at home, not paid for a small item that the cashier forgot to scan, or kept the over amount of change she gave you. If you are guilty of any of these things (or things like them), you are guilty of falling short of God's glory; you are guilty of sin and you owe the wages (debt) of death. Everybody, not just you, is guilty.

The problem with this indebtedness is that if I were to pay my own debt I would have to die a physical death and die an eternal spiritual death in separation from the Creator in a hell meant for the devil and his angels (Matt 25:41). Your situation is the same. Because we are sinful we can NEVER pay this debt. But thanks be to God who offers to pay the debt for us and to freely give us eternal life (Rom 6:23b) through Jesus as Christ.

That is the essence of the Gospel (good news) of Christ. The good news is that since Jesus was sinless as a man, his death paid the penalty for my sin and your sin. Because God raised Him from the dead we have assurance of eternal life in Christ, when we are in Christ as we obey that good news. Romans 5:10 says, "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." Romans 6:1-6 and Galatians 3:26-4:1 explain how we by faith obey that Gospel and get into Christ becoming heirs of the promises of God.

Once I understood my indebtedness of sin unto death, and realized reconciliation to God through Christ, I became indebted to them for my life and chose to live for them daily. Paul put it eloquently and succinctly in Philippians 1:21 and I leave you with his words, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Day of Refuse

No refuse is not a typo in the title, I did not mean refuge, I meant refuse. In my little corner of the world, today is garbage day. On my morning walk I past quite a few garbage cans and plastic bags all waiting for the truck to come by and collect them. Garbage day is a day I look forward too -- I know that may make me seem odd. The fact still remains, I like garbage day. I do not like going around the house and collecting the garbage. I do not particularly care for opening the big can to put more in (especially in the hot Alabama summer). I like garbage day because my garbage becomes the problem of someone else. By the time I get home this afternoon my big can will be empty and there will be very little trash left in the house (only the paper towels and coffee grinds from breakfast this morning).

In the days of Nehemiah when they were rebuilding Jerusalem and her walls, Nehemiah mentions the "Refuse Gate (NKJV)" in Neh 2;13, 3:13-14, and 12:31. I find it interesting that the King James, ESV, ASV and RSV all refer to the gate as the "Dung Gate." Refuse or Dung either one communicates that the purpose of the gate was the way to get trash of all kinds outside of the city. Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias confirm this use of this gate. I am certain that every city had a garbage gate of some sort. The removal of garbage is an important part of municipalities and counties. Citizens in general do not want a trashed city, people want a clean community and a healthy environment.

The apostle Paul uses the idea of "refuse" or "dung" in Philippians 3:8, "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ." (the ESV and NKJV use "rubbish" where the KJV and RSV have "dung"). In context, Paul is saying all he had gained as a Judaism, all he could claim as a Hebrew was garbage when compared with the blessings he has in Christ.

Today is a Day of Refuse: I am taking a look at my life, my little corner, my belongings, accomplishments, plans, and activities. What are they compared to being in Christ?! In the words of Paul -- Rubbish, refuse, dung -- garbage. I challenge you to do the same.

Scott

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

If Ever You're in Trouble




Growing up atttending Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, as well as attending a small private Christian school songs about God, Jesus, Church, and daily Christian living were very commom. Maybe you remember this one.







It isn't any trouble just to S-M-I-L-E,



It isn't any trouble just to S-M-I-L-E.



If ever you're in trouble,



It will vanish like a bubble;



If you only take the trouble,



Just to S-M-I-L-E. :-)




A second verse went this way:




It isn't any trouble just to P-R-A-Y-pray . . .




Prayer is a wonderful priviledge that we have as Children of God. The Hebrew writer says, "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb 4:14-16 - ESV).




Because of our relationship with the Father through Jesus the Christ we can confindently draw near to God's throne in prayer when we are in trouble. We need no man to stand between us and God other than the man Jesus the Christ.




I do not recall where I first saw the following accrostic of pray; but I wanted to share it with you as I add a few thoughts of my own.




P= Prepare time with God - Do you remember Daniel? Even when he was fully aware of the king's ordinance regarding prayer, Daniel made a praying a regular part of his day. He pre-determined to set aside prepared time with God. Jesus, God in the flesh, was no differening. We read in Mark's account of the gospel, "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed." (Mar 1:35). Jesus seemed to make this a regular part of His ministry. Setting aside time to pray. What does that suggest to us? We should make preparations to pray every day.





R= Request of God with Faith - Paul says, " . . . do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Php 4:6). James echoes, ". . . You do not have because you do not ask." (Jas 4:2). Although God knows what we need before we ask, He also desires us to realize our need and to recognize our dependence upon Him. He is still able to do more than we can ask or imagine (Eph 3:21), we just do not ask enough. We must ask though in faith that He knows more about our true needs than we do. (I'll save this for another post, but realize that "yes" is not the only answer to prayer.)





A= Attribute goodness to God - James reminds us that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (Jas 1:17). Take time to count your blessings of life, or health, of family, of friends, of you name it. God is the giver of good. Especially the good that comes from being "in Christ." Take time to read Ephesians 1:3ff concerning our spiritual blessings that are only when we are in Christ.





Y= Yeild to God's sovreignty - Again I refer to James who says, "Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." (Jas 4:15). If the Lord wills . . . I do not hold the pure Calvanistic doctrine that all of life is predermined by God -- even the bad. What James is teaching is not to boast of our own accomplishments and plans. James is reminding us that God is sovreign over all creation. He rules and the world continues because of His steadfast, never ending, merciful love (cf. Lamentations 3:22). We can make plans, we can pray for success, but realize the world is on God's timetable not ours. This also implies that we trust God's answer to always be the right answer, even when He says no.






Take time right now to PRAY.

Lost and Found

What a difference 12 degrees makes. This morning the temp was 39F when I walked, I think I almost broke a sweat. This was much better walking weather than the 27 yesterday. On to the Blog . . .

Do you remember the Lost and Found room or closet at school? Maybe there is a table where you assemble for worship that has misplaced items on it. You may be like folks I know who always know where the lost and found area is, because that is where they seem to always find their belongings. Losing sunglasses, a book, a set of keys, or a pair of gloves can be momentarily tragic. Some things we lose we even shrug off as not that important or not that valuable. Every summer at Indian Creek Youth Camp (http://www.icycal.com/ ) campers and staff alike find clothes, coolers, bags, pillows, stuffed animals, and Bibles on a given lost and found table on the last day -- all given up as lost. Some never check the table and these items collect until someone has to make a decision concerning disposal or redistribution.

But what about when people are lost? When I was about 12 my family took a trip to Orlando and visited Disney and their "New" Epcot Center. My dad and I went one direction while my brothers and mom went on a different ride. We were supposed to meet at a certain place. Dad and I arrived first and I asked if I could go get a drink of water. Dad allowed me the freedom to go by myself. I made it to the fountain, but got turned around on the way back. I ended up on the other side of the park from my parents. PANIC set in. I finally realized my when I came back to the water fountain. I immediately went to our meeting place all to find mom with a worried look, an upset younger brother (upset not at my being lost, but that he could not ride again until I was found), and discovering that my dad and older brother were looking for me. This was long before cell phones so there was a lot of waiting that day.

This week there are stories in the news about people who are lost. Children like Brenna Woodside, who was taken by her father Miles Woodside to Mexico. What a tangled web people weave in custody battles. There is great relief in knowing Brenna is alright and that the FBI found her and returned her home. But not all missing persons stories turn out favorably. I have in mind the missing NFL players off the coast of Clearwater, Florida. Out of four people on board the Coast Guard was able to find and recover only one. Our hearts are with the families of those still missing.

There is a spiritual application. Luke 15 records the story of a son who ran away from home (declaring that he no longer wanted to me a son), a sheep that became separated from the flock, and a women who lost a valued coin. In each someone wept over the lost and rejoiced when reconciliation occurred. The simple application for us is threefold: 1) We can find ourselves spiritually lost - separated from God the Father, because of our sinful actions. 2) God desperately seeks us when we are lost because His heart breaks. And 3) There is great joy and celebration the the lost return home.

Friends, are you lost or have you found your way home?

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

DC Demonstration and Down Dow Down

Good morning. I added to my commute this morning. After a brisk walk - bbrrrr, what a wind chill -- I pick up the church mail and on to Jasper for a couple of errands. This is running me a little late this morning, but I had extra time to reflect on the morning news and my morning drive.

Opening the Daily Eagle this morning two things grabbed my attention. The first was a protest in DC, imagine that, and the second was a report on the Dow Jones average.

Some activist protested yesterday concerning green house gasses and climate change all while DC and the North Eastern US digs out from a late snow storm. Climate change is the new phrase for Global Warming. With the last two or three winters being colder than average, the Global Warming freaks (did I say freaks, I meant activists) are not missing a step. There is still reason to take away my fossil fuel powered automobile and to undermine the coal industry that sustains the economy where I live. Now don't misunderstand me. I believe we are to take care of this earth and be good stewards of her resources. I am not for waste. I am for keeping the air clean for our health and for the future of our children. I just think some are going a little too far and letting pseudo-science push the day. Looking at the little information I have had opportunity to read, I simply see that we are in a cycle. I believe God created our little planet to have such cycles. I do not think man is great enough to have such a global impact in so few short years. I was in grade school and early middle school when we were told over and over that our carbon emissions were creating an ice-age. Somewhere that switched to global warming. Now that polar ice levels are back to pre-1979 records we are experiencing "Climate Change" as a result of our pollutants. Can we make up our minds, please?

The second article was a recap of the Dow Jones drop on Monday. The index closed below 7,000. The lowest in about 12 years. 12 years ago, I was not paying attention. Twelve years ago, I had so little invested that I barely noticed. This time around, maybe because I am older and see a day when my investments are to provide my income, I am paying a little more attention. The reality of my situation is that I am responsible for my own retirement. I have no company plan, so I have to invest. Ouch! One year ago, I was looking at a good retirement. My nest egg was growing . . . then, well you know what happened. You are feeling it too. I am still a couple of decades away from retirement, so I pray that things improve and I keep investing for the long term.

With these two events weighing heavy on my mind this morning, I could net help but think of a few of passages of Scripture that help me make it through. I share them with you.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Php 4:11-13)


If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Col 3:1-2)


For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Mat 6:21)


As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. (1Ti 6:17)

I think these passages speak for themselves. I am glad to trust in God and to put my confident hope in Him. Will you do the same?

Monday, March 2, 2009

Who Influenced You?

Good morning. What a weekend in Central North West Alabama. Warm temperatures and severe thunderstorms on Friday into early Saturday morning ending with snow late Saturday night into early Sunday Morning. The rapidly changing weather may very well account for the condition of my sinuses this morning . . . but I share too much.

I spent my walk and my commute thinking about four men. Four men who, in my opinion, attained celebrity status. Four men who had an impact on my life from my earliest memories.

The first man let me know he appreciated me. He told me every time I saw him that he liked me just the way I was. He spent time with me every day we could get together. He taught me how to be a friend and how to care about other people as much as he cared about me. He invited me to sing with him, he was kind, forgiving, and I knew he liked being around me. He told me so . . . often. I wanted to grow up to be like him . . . I am over 40 now and I still try to be like him. His name is Fred Rogers, we all know him as Mr. Rogers and we all loved his Neighborhood.

The second man is one you know.
You like him too, I'm certain so.
He helped me learn to take a look
In side the cover of many a book.
Many of you will agree the same,
That his rhymes made your tongue lame.
Who is this man who did unlock
A love of reading, it's Seuss, the Doc.

The third man is one who shared a love of news and people of interest. He could tell me about people and places that others knew nothing of or may have cared little for. He would share tidbits about the lives of famous people as well as the struggles and triumphs of a next door neighbor. His narratives fill books, his voice carried far. He taught me to look under the surface, to see past what others saw. He taught me that everyone has something to say and there is after every event, "the rest of the story." I will miss Paul Harvey and his unique way of bringing news.

I did not personally know Dr. Seuss, Mr. Rogers, or Paul Harvey, but the Fourth man is one I do know personally. I spend time with this man daily. I talk with him, I tell him the cares and concerns of my life. He listens . . . patiently. I find comfort in having a friend like him. I watch how he handles the pressures of life. He has never had a lot of material things to call his own. He spent a few years of his life practically homeless. If it had not been for the kindness of friends I am certain he would have spent many, many nights on the street. This man took the lessons I learned from the other three and perfected them. He sees me for who I am and loves me just the same. He takes my love of reading in a new direction and shows me how to care for others as others, like him, have cared for me. He shows me how to have compassion on the individual especially those the world may overlook. Who is this man? That is not just the rest of the story . . . He is the story. He is Jesus the Christ. Maybe you know Him too. I pray that you do.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Sunday Snow!

Woke up this morning to a trace of snow in Alabama. Some areas are getting up to 3 inches with a report or two of 5 inches. Weather is fun around here. Tornado warnings and warm late last week (Friday) and then Snow on Sunday Morning.

God loves variety. A variety of weather, a variety in creation, a variety of people. Life is truly interesting in God's world.

I know now that my son is approaching his early teen years. I woke him up to see the snow. He looked out the window and said, "Yay, snow! I'm going back to bed." I was hoping he would get up and we could explore for a little while before we assemble with the church at Parrish at noon today. He is growing up so fast.

I pray every one has a great day today. If you are getting snow -- have fun.