Benefited, Not Polluted
The Lord is king!
….Let the nations tremble!
He sits on his throne between the cherubim.
….Let the whole earth quake!
The Lord sits in majesty in Jerusalem,
….exalted above all the nations.
Let them praise your great and awesome name.
….Your name is holy! Psalm 99:1-3 NLT
Acts 13:44-52 (<<click here to read the passage)
I drive a 2008 Toyota Tacoma with over 178,000 miles on it. (When I drove to Kohl’s 5 days a week, I’d put on about 300 miles a week!) Two winters ago, I discovered that mice had taken up residence in it. First of all, I saw visible evidence, in that their droppings were all over the place. Then I smelled their presence – if you’ve ever had hamsters or gerbils, you’d recognize that smell!
I found one of their nests in a storage compartment in my extended cab. I cleaned it out and wiped everything down with disinfectant. Regardless, the smell didn’t go away. It seemed to be stronger when I ran the heater and later the air conditioner. I suspected they may also have set up house in my ventilation system somewhere but didn’t know where to look. Shortly thereafter, the smell disappeared, so out of nose…out of mind.
Well, it started again this past winter, that is in my ventilation system. I had my truck in for something else and while it was in, I had them look into it. Sure enough, they found a substantial nest in my cabin filter. Yuck! They cleaned the nest out and replaced the filter – end of problem. (At least until next winter!)
The mice took something that was supposed to benefit the air in my truck by keeping it filtered and instead polluted it…disgustingly so.
In today’s passage, we see an example of something that was supposed to have benefited all of humanity by filtering out the sin that polluted it. Way back in Genesis 12, as God laid the foundations of what would become the nation of Israel, i.e., Abraham’s calling, God stated,
“All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” v3b NLT
God’s plan from the get-go was for Israel to be the instrument by which the entire world was blessed. …but they rejected the whole idea of Jesus being the Messiah. It didn’t fit their idea of what the Messiah was supposed to do and be.
Paul loved his people dearly, so he repeatedly (even after this instance) gave them opportunities to accept the truth, but time and time again they rejected the truth. Sadly, Paul proclaimed that they judged [them]selves unworthy of eternal life… v46b
Paul then said, “…we will offer it to the Gentiles. For the Lord gave us this command when he said…” And then he quoted what God through the prophet Isaiah had exclaimed,
‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
….to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’” v47 NLT
Despite His people’s utter lack of cooperation, God’s will would be accomplished. His word would go forth and Paul, God’s first missionary of the Gospel, fought the good fight until the very end, shining his light before a world lost in the darkness of sin. May we carry our lights high as well. Amen!
May 3rd, 2022, Tues, 6:28 pm
A Chain of Understanding
What a day! Father, bless those who love to show that they care for us. May they feel Your love and blessing on their lives in palpable ways! Amen.
Acts 13:13-43 (<<click here to read the passage)
I don’t think I’ve seen one in quite a while but growing up I remember making paper chains. They were simple to construct – strips of colorful paper and tape or a stapler were all the supplies you needed. How you put it all together was totally up to you. You could easily follow a color scheme or have just as much fun using all the colors.
When you were done, they could be hung on the walls or from the ceiling, or on a tree. Anywhere and anyhow, you chose. Children could easily help and in the end, you had some nice, colorful décor without a whole lot out of pocket!
When Paul and Barnabas stepped into the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia (a district in what is now the country of Turkey) they were sent this message: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.” v15b
So Paul stood…and started speaking. v16
Remember he was a very well-educated man, a Pharisee of Pharisees…he knew his stuff. He began with the origins of the nation of Israel from the time they lived in Egypt – 460 years in all. With great skill, he linked the chain of their history together – the conquest of Canaan, the judges, their first King Saul, then King David… about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’ v22b
His chain then linked David with Jesus, one of King David’s descendants…v23a
He then ably spelled out the Good News of the Gospel, clearly explaining the necessity of Jesus’ death and resurrection. He concluded his “sermon” by stating,
“Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.” vs38-39 NLT
Paul used what he knew of his people and his Lord to link together a chain of understanding…at least the possibility of it. Inevitably they – like we – had to choose. The chain was clearly laid out, but they had to embrace what they learned from it.
Paul’s technique is an excellent example to follow when we share the Good News and as my Life Application Study Bible says…begin where your audience is – then tell them about Christ.
Lord Jesus, use us to spread the word about Your Kingdom. May we not forget the focus of the Good News: Forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt are available through faith in Christ to all people…
It’s that simple.
May 2nd, 2022, Mon, 7:07 pm
Writing in the “Rain”
Thank You, Father, for a good day overall – good services this morning, a good and fulfilling time this afternoon in an annual church business meeting, and a quiet late afternoon with family. Thank You, Father, for the blessing of life.
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Today has been beautiful. We had some rain pass through this morning before we awoke but after that, it was a bit overcast then the sun was so bright that even with my shades and the car’s visors it was blinding. We really couldn’t ask for better weather.
I’ve been here for over an hour trying to write…to no avail. I usually play instrumental music as I sit here – it drowns out conversation or the TV as my family enjoys themselves. (I’m at the dining room table, and they’re in the living room.) It works quite well.
But nothing is coming to mind. I’ve gone down several rabbit holes…and nothing. Even the normal music I listened to seemed to be distracting me, so I looked up “white noise” on Spotify and ended up with a podcast from Relaxing White Noise – it’s almost 8 hours of Forest Rain Sounds.
So, here I sit “in the rain” and in it, I decided to just start writing.
In the Old Testament book of 1 Kings 19, a story is told about the prophet Elijah, a mighty man of God. Right before this passage, God used him to send a very clear message to the rebellious King Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel and his wicked wife Jezebel. Elijah literally prayed down fire from heaven that consumed a saturated offering – bull, wood, stones, water, and all! (Read 1 Kings 18 – it’s an exciting story!)
So, after this great victory over evil, Elijah crashed. He hid in fear that Jezebel would take him out. He’s in a cave far away (he trekked for 40 days and nights!), hoping to never be found…and he’s feeling sorry for himself.
But the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” vs9b-10
The Lord then directed him to stand before Him on the mountain. There was a great wind that tore rocks from the mountain itself. There was an earthquake then fire, but God was in none of those. Lastly, there was the sound of a gentle whisper.
When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” v12c-13
There is more to the story, but as I sit here “in the rain” I can’t help but wonder if God is asking the same of me… “What are you doing here, Thom?” and I’m not exactly sure what to say…it just seems easier to hide my face…
Now I haven’t had any huge “battles” recently but it’s often easy to wonder, what am I doing here? I have served faithfully and often it feels like it’s just not enough. I am still here and feel like I should have gotten somewhere by now. I truly feel that I am where God wants me to be, so why should I worry or fret. God uses me as He will. And I just have to trust Him, as I sit back and let the sounds of rain wash over me.
Lord may Your will be done in me. Amen.
May 1st, 2022, Sun, 7:28 pm
Problem Child? Know the Difference
Through it all, Father, I am grateful…for You. Through all the ups and downs, the laughter and tears, You rejoice with us in our victories and hold us when life lays us low. All love to You the Father of our hearts.
Acts 13:6-12 (<<click here to read the passage)
When you look at others, what do you see? If you were a fly on the wall of my bus…well, if the kids saw you, they’d scream, “Bee!” and panic and I’d have a situation on my hands!
But seriously, if you saw the kids on my bus and they were who they are, what would you see? I’d tell you right up front that many are a handful…if not two handfuls! But would you see them as problems? As disciplinary issues? As failed results of parental mishandling? Would you write them off? Would you just turn and run?
In the mornings I usually end up close to the first-grade hallway entrance which is where most kids enter the building. One thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of kids reach out to the current teacher on “bus” duty every day. Some gesture for high-fives, but many – no, most – of them wrap their arms around them and give them a big hug. They hug them back or pat them on the head, and they stroll off with a big ol’ smile on their face. And this happens over and over again.
This afternoon as one of my last drop-offs was getting ready to step into the stairwell to get off the bus, I said, “Have a good rest of your day, buddy” and he stopped, put his arm over my shoulder, and gave me a big hug. He happens to be a special needs child and I know his homelife…well let’s just say “dysfunctional” wouldn’t even begin to describe it.
I don’t know what you would see in these circumstances, but I see kids starving for love and acceptance. They, as we all do, crave it. At best many of them are ignored but many are neglected. Some are abused – verbally, emotionally, physically. It’s easy for them to respond to kind words and caring gestures eagerly.
In today’s passage, Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye. He saw Bar-Jesus [Elymas] – the sorcerer – for the person he was. He held nothing back when he said in verse 10,
“You [Elymas] who are full of every [kind of] deceit, and every [kind of] fraud, you son of the devil, enemy of everything that is right and good, will you never stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord? AMP
This was a time for confrontation and Paul did what needed done. But I want to make it clear that there is also a time for compassion and understanding.
As outsiders looking in it is so easy to be judgmental, to lump every “problem” child – or adult for that matter – into the same stereotype. The bad thing is many times we know nothing of what brought them to be where they are and who they are.
My Life Application Study Bible spells it out.
There is a time to be nice and a time to confront. Ask God to show you the difference and to give you the courage to do what is right.
Lord Jesus, help us to listen to You for truly only You know the difference and can show us what needs to be done. Amen.
Apr 28th, 2022, Thurs, 8:11 pm
Fight the Good Fight
It was the best day yet, Father! I’m feeling it a bit tonight, but I know Your touch has been upon me! All glory to You, O God!
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A friend of mine commented this morning about how defeated he feels. He had listened to some inspirational music on the way to work this morning, and it lifted him up. But he feels like he is constantly struggling and is often not living up to what God knows he can be and do.
Before he pulled out for his route, I stopped him and in essence said, “You know, we all strive to fight the good fight. We’re not called to stroll the pleasant path. Be encouraged! God is for us! He is wanting us to be victorious! He gave You those songs this morning to lift you up! Keep fighting!”
Part of our predicament is the fact that we are human through and through. We stumble, we fall. But the most important thing is that we don’t stay down. We get back up and go at it again. That’s what God wants of us.
We don’t get to the end of this journey of life by strolling a pleasant path. As we all are well aware, our lives are often a fight from beginning to end. And that’s what Paul was referring to in 2 Timothy 4:7-8,
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. NLT
It’s not a cakewalk serving Jesus, it’s a dedicated effort and though we may feel like failures – as I’ve said before – we are more than useless! God doesn’t tower above us and chuckle with glee when we fail. I believe He even sheds a tear on our behalf. He wants us to be victorious. But He also understands that we are frail.
As I write, lines of a hymn come to mind (surprise!) The fourth verse of O Worship the King, written by Robert Grant in 1833, fits perfectly.
Frail children of dust,
and feeble as frail,
In Thee do we trust,
nor find Thee to fail;
Thy mercies how tender,
how firm to the end,
Our Maker, Defender,
Redeemer, and Friend.
Lord Jesus, be with my friend, myself, and all of Your followers. To quote another old song,
No, no, it’s not an easy road.
No, no, it’s not an easy road.
But Jesus walks beside me and brightens the journey,
And lightens every heavy load.
Amen.
Apr 26th, 2022, Tues, 7:20 pm