Forgetting Your Father?

 

In America, where many families live at a distance, loneliness among the aged is an epidemic. Some adult children ‘outgrow’ their parents, move away, and in spite of the many ways to stay connected, become so taken up with their own lives that Dad and Mom are forgotten ‘back home’ except for the occasional call.  Oh yes, sometimes parents of adult children create the chasm by their criticism or their unsolicited ‘advice.’  My children are well into their adulthood, my youngest near 40 and living 4 times zones from me. They do not ‘need’ their Dad like they did 30 years ago, but they still love me and I love them.  Though independent, we remain ‘family.’  We may only get to see each other in person once or twice a year, but they have not ‘outgrown’ their love for their Dad. This makes me so grateful. 

It distresses me as a shepherd of the people of God to see some come to a stage of life when, to all appearance, they outgrow their need for and love of God. Opportunities and responsibilities multiply.  Prosperity comes. For some, too many I believe, it causes God, their Father, to become secondary, perhaps even forgotten.  They may pray but their prayers are like the obligatory phone call that a son makes to his distant parent, not a warm loving conversation. They no longer serve Him in any ministry, letting the younger people do the work of His Church. At a stage in life when they could be a tremendous blessing to the life of Christ’s body, they choose to be absent from worship and service preferring the boat on the lake, or the house at the beach, or the ski slope to the sanctuary. 

This is a common human condition!
The temptations of prosperity are different from those we experience in desperate times.

Reading Moses’ words to the Israelites that are ancient, I find them timely and still relevant. The father of Israel knew that settling in Canaan and living in prosperity had a possibly dangerous consequence. He told the people "Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers. Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.”  Moses reminds them of God’s faithfulness, that He has cared for them right down to their basic needs.

Now, they are going to experience a new kind of temptation. “The LORD your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.”  He would provide for them, give them the resources they needed to become a settled people, able to care for their daily needs. That’s a good thing, right?

Yes, but … he warns -  “Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." (Deuteronomy 8:1-14, NIV)

“Do not forget the LORD.” In contrast to those who seem to outgrow God, there are many who mature in their faith, who become beautiful, stable, fruitful saints. John, in the Revelation, hears God describe those who are faithful in a unique way. "All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write my God’s name on them, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And they will have my new name inscribed upon them." (Revelation 3:12, NLT)  They become part of the strong supporting structure in God’s work, known primarily as belonging to HIM, inscribed with honor by the Lord Himself. They are welcomed into eternity, home forever with their Father! What a glorious destiny, one that is incomparably richer than any earthly achievement or pleasure.

Here is a word from the Word. It is a prayer of the mature.  Psalm 90 is a reflection on life, a reminder that we never really outgrow God.  As you read these words today, may they keep your love for your Father vital. “A prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." (Psalm 90:1, NIV)  "The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away." (Psalm 90:10, NIV)  So, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, NIV) Along the way, "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble." (Psalm 90:14-15, NIV)  Amen

__________________

Good, Good Father
(what a song, let it bless you today)

I've heard a thousand stories
Of what they think You’re like
But I've heard the tender whisper
Of love in the dead of night
You tell me that You’re pleased
And that I'm never alone

You're a Good Good Father
It's who You are, It's who You are
It's who You are
And I'm loved by You
It's who I am, It's who I am
It's who I am

I've seen many searching for answers
Far and wide
But I know we're all searching for answers
Only You provide
Because You know just what we need
Before we say a word 

You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

Love so undeniable I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable I can hardly think
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
Into love love love

 

Anthony Brown | Pat Barrett © 2014 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

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Random reflections the day after my birthday

My 66^th trip around the sun started yesterday.  A pandemic and all the accompanying restrictions was part of the last one, making it memorable mostly in an awful way. This year promises more change as I will step away from pastoral ministry and discover whatever work and service God brings for the next season of life.  Yesterday started with a 100 children at our Vacation Bible School singing “Happy Birthday” to me in a dozen different keys. I took calls from friends and family,  read through Facebook posts, enjoyed dinner with friends, and went to bed with a heart full of gratitude for the life with which I am blessed. Recently someone asked me if I’d like to be young again. Honestly, no! Each season has its own rewards savored in that moment.  Some valleys I would never want to see again!  And, today is rich with opportunity.

The Psalm of Moses is more meaningful now than it was when I was a younger man.  The fact that will not go on forever becomes more obvious with time’s passing so I pray - "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, NIV)  That is not a grim thought because I also pray - "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90:14, NIV)  It is not grim to have an awareness of mortality that is offset by knowing the eternal God now, the hope I know in Him bridging the chasm that I will cross at the inevitable end of earthly life.

Yes, there are some regrets, a few missed expectations, and some as yet unfulfilled dreams.  I choose not to live looking back. Instead, I celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of God, anticipating ‘immeasurably more’ in His plans.  I do not forget that when I stumbled, He was there! When the way turned dark, He was my Light. I give thanks for blessings that are many, the richest of them, knowing Jesus and finding in Him a life that is purposeful.  But, I am future-focused, joining Paul in this desire - "to know Christ and to experience His mighty power.” (Phil. 3)  Each day, each season of living, brings new opportunities.

I have found a treasure in the friends who have walked with Way with me.  Some I knew personally, others only in their writing. Laughter and tears are part of those memories.  I cannot fail to remember my parents who instilled faith, the teachers who shaped my thoughts, the people with whom I work as ‘brothers and sisters’ in the family of God.  Some of those were for a month, some for a lifetime, but all sweet in my memory.  Surely the Proverb is worthy of remembering -  "Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel." (Proverbs 27:9, NIV)  

The best life is formed when we are connected deeply to good friends and with solid spiritual leadership.  If you desire to live your best life, to enjoy each day to the full, take this counsel -   "Join the company of good men and women, keep your feet on the tried-and-true paths." … Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you; take to heart my commands. They’ll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well. Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people." … You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom, when you make friends with Madame Insight. She’s worth far more than money in the bank; her friendship is better than a big salary." (Proverbs 2:20, 3:1-4, 13-14, The Message)

Peter offers me the practical wisdom of God. This passage is quoted from The Message. "Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, here’s what you do:
Say nothing evil or hurtful;
Snub evil and cultivate good; Run after peace for all you’re worth.
God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what He’s asked;
But he turns his back on those who do evil things. " (1 Peter 3:8-12, The Message)

I close today’s thought with a heart-felt “Thank you” to you, friend, for walking with me, for letting me spend a few moments with you in these thoughts. Let’s finish well together, OK?

Paul knew his own life was about to end. He wrote to Timothy, leaving us with these wonderful words which I hope are true for you and for me when the clock runs out for us.  The word from the Word- "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:6-8, NKJV)

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Great Is Thy Faithfulness

(Carrie Underwood will bless you with this presentation of a wonderful hymn)

 

Great is Thy faithfulness

O God my Father

There is no shadow

Of turning with Thee

Thou changest not

Thy compassions they fail not

As Thou hast been

Thou forever wilt be

 

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning

New mercies I see

All I have needed

Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness

Lord unto me

 

Summer and winter

And springtime and harvest

Sun moon and stars

In their courses above

Join with all nature

In manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness

Mercy and love

 

Pardon for sin

And a peace that endureth

Thy own dear presence

To cheer and to guide

Strength for today

And bright hope for tomorrow

Blessings all mine

With ten thousand beside

 

Thomas Obediah Chisholm | William Marion Runyan

© Words: Public Domain

Generous Love

 

Several years ago I attended a seminar for pastors led by an ‘expert’ in stewardship who said that his methods would increase giving at the church by at least 30%. Some of the principles were sound. He told us to make sure to communicate a clear vision (what are we planning to do and why) so that people know what they are supporting. Good idea, right? He also instructed us to make the church’s financial reports transparent so people will be confident that funds are not being wasted. That, too, was a good point. 

Then the presentation soured for me.  When a large project comes along, special requiring a lot of resources, he told us to find ‘key’ (meaning people with money) donors who would publicly announce their support and the amount of their donation to the congregation which would challenge others to match their ‘generosity.’ “Pastor, make sure you announce how much you are giving, too. You set the tone.”  Mr. Money Guy and I went separate ways on that point. Would his method work to raise money? I am sure it would, but with the wrong motive, a misplaced reason.

In giving, as all of our Christian living, we know how important it is to be authentic, to live what we believe.  If I taught others to tithe (which I do)  but did not do it myself, I’d be a hypocrite inviting God’s judgment.  I have always given the first 10% of my income to the work of the Lord, and I am glad that I have been privileged to do so. There is great joy in being a financial partner with my church, with charities like World Vision, in benevolent efforts, and with those who are doing missionary work in other parts of the world.  I believe that tithing provides a minimal guideline for giving, creating a discipline which I personally know has helped me to keep the idolatry of things from taking over my heart. But, I don’t announce my gifts or seek recognition for this, nor do I want to.  

Jesus says that our charitable giving, like all ‘acts of righteousness,’ is not to be done for the admiration of others, but because we love God! In the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus explains the principles of God’s world, He says - “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:1-4, NIV)

God sees, God rewards! I am glad for that. He is not concerned about the amount of our giving, but that it is generous and proportional to our resources. In another story in the Gospel’s Jesus surprised His disciples by telling them that the 2 cent gift of a poor widow was greater than the gold of a rich man! "Jesus went over to the collection box in the Temple and sat and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies. He called his disciples to him and said, “I assure you, this poor widow has given more than all the others have given. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” (Mark 12:41-44, NLT)

Are you generous, Christian?  Think your 2 cents does not matter, or that your $2000 should matter more? Reconsider that in light of God’s wisdom. God is not interested in how much we give but that our giving reflects the true love of our heart and that it is in line with our income.

Don’t be guilted into giving!  Give with delight. Learning to give, to practice generosity, is part of being a disciple of Christ Jesus. Discover the joy of making the life of another better by giving of your time, your resources, your love.

The word from the Word - "Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will never be forgotten.”" (2 Corinthians 9:6-9, NLT)

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Build My Life

(The real foundation for life, Jesus!)

 

Worthy of ev’ry song we could ever sing

Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring

Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe

We live for You

 

Jesus the name above ev’ry other name

Jesus the only one who could ever save

Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe

We live for You

We live for You

 

Holy there is no one like You

There is none besides You

Open up my eyes in wonder and show me who You are

And fill me with Your heart

And lead me in Your love to those around me

 

I will build my life upon Your love

It is a firm foundation

I will put my trust in You alone

And I will not be shaken

 

Brett Younker | Karl Martin | Kirby Elizabeth Kaple | Matt Redman | Pat Barrett

© 2016 Martin, Karl Andrew (Admin. by Arkyard Music Services Limited)

Kaple Music (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing)

Bethel Music Publishing

CCLI License # 810055

Selfless

 

I like me and I’m quite sure you like you! The natural human way is to “Watch out for #1.”  Somebody gave me a paper that bears the heading “Dying to Self.”  A magnet holds it in place on the front of my refrigerator where the words on it challenge me.  Among other things it says:

• “When your advice is disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, and take it all in loving silence – that is dying to Self.”
• “When you never itch for praise after an accomplishment, when you can truly love to be unknown … that is dying to Self.”  

Tough words, aren’t they?

Here is one way that Jesus expresses a selfless life.  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matthew 5:38-43, NIV)   As I read those words there is a part of me that responds by saying, “How sweetly impractical. Nobody can live that way.”  And, in saying that I sin because I am rejecting the wisdom of God!

So, how can we become selfless?

The key is to know Christ, not just as Teacher or Guide, but as Life!

Inspired by the Spirit, Paul reminds us (Christians!) that we cannot allow ourselves to keep living as those who do not know God "in the futility of their thinking.” (Ephesians 4:17-18, NIV)  So much of ‘conventional wisdom’ is formed by minds that leave God out of the picture.  Attempting to understand life and meaning without knowing that we are made to know, love, and serve God will lead us into chaos and confusion, spending our time and resources on trying to build a life that has no lasting foundation, feeling ever more hopeless. The cry of the person without hope in Christ is an echo of Solomon’s moan – “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!”  If we believe we are alone in the universe, left to care for ourselves, we will find Jesus’ words naïve, a path to misery.

When we are converted and the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us, we begin to understand that we are invited to be a part of God’s plan for the world.  He creates a desire in us to be used by God. When we pray “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done,” we mean it.  Our daily choices, our use of our money, our career, the way we interact with family and friend, grows out of the knowledge that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Eph 2:10).  The person who knows his purpose understands selflessness. 

When a young person goes to see the recruiter for the military, he may have many reasons. Perhaps he’s looking for a job, or likes the idea of wearing the uniform, or thinks that he will find admiration of others. In boot camp he finds out that soldiering means being part of a unit, developing skills, and learning to take orders. The more elite the unit he joins the less of himself is allowed to exist. He learns to ‘die to self’ to that he can function effectively in the unit – learning to march, wearing a uniform.

The life of Selflessness that Jesus described allows His Light to shine through us.
“I” no longer hides “Him.” 

We cannot live as He asks purely by discipline or will. We must be changed from the inside out, loving Him so much that our devotion eclipses the impulse to protect self-interest. Jesus described the “dying to self”  in another place this way – “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)  It not all pain, certainly not all loss. Selflessness lets us find a whole new kind of joy - “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it!” (Matthew 16:25)  Selflessness makes us fruitful, but with a cost.  Again, Jesus’ words - “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24)

What is your vision, the reason you live? Is it to carve out a niche of comfort for yourself? Is it to gain security, to achieve admiration?  Or, do you live to love God? Jesus’ words that ask us to lower our self-defenses and to let Him shine are costly, but the reward is rich.

Here is a word from the Word. Spend a few moments prayerfully thinking about this passage, with the prayer that the Spirit will make this ‘living truth.’
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live,
but Christ lives in me.
The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, NIV)

_________________

Take My Life

(Chris Tomlin redoes the hymn and makes a beautiful prayer)

Take my life and let it be consecrated
Lord to Thee
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise

Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee 

Take my voice and let me sing
Always only for my King
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee

Take my silver and my gold
Not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect and use
Ev'ry power as You choose

Here am I all of me
Take my life it's all for Thee 

Take my will and make it Thine
It shall be no longer mine
Take my heart it is Thine own
It shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love my Lord I pour
At Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be
Ever only all for Thee

Chris Tomlin | Frances Ridley Havergal | Henri Abraham Cesar Malan | Louie Giglio

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