No Excuse
A lot has filled this day, Father. I would ask that You keep my eyes open and my mind attentive as we come together. May Your word be heard. Amen.
Romans 3:9-20 (<<click here to read the passage)
I’m sure the habit that I continue to practice, I picked up somewhere in my childhood. When I have done something or said something wrong – not as in making mistakes – but when I have intentionally done or said something of which I am guilty, my mind rolls over and over again, all the reasons that I should not be pronounced guilty if I am found out.
My mind goes through all kinds of scenarios of excuses and rationalizations. It’s an odd habit, I guess, but it seems like I do it every time. I even go through the exercise if I am not guilty if I just thought I might be.
But even in my own mind, I quickly conclude that those arguments would fall apart and that I would have nothing to stand upon except the bare-naked truth regarding what I had done.
Humanity is replete with excuses and rationalizations. We are also very good at attempting to deflect our guilt to someone – almost anyone – else.
We may make excuses before each other, but there will come a day when we all will have nothing to stand upon except the bare-naked truth regarding what we have done. Like it or not, that is the way it will be when we stand before God at the end of all time.
In verses 10-18 of today’s passage, Paul groups together portions of several Psalms with the addition of Isaiah 59:7-8, to clearly communicate where we stand in the light of God’s holiness. It strikes me silent. I have no excuse. Thoughtfully read these verses through. As the Amplified Bible begins verse 10, “As it is written and forever remains written…” (emphasis mine)
“No one is righteous—
….not even one.
No one is truly wise;
….no one is seeking God.
All have turned away;
….all have become useless.
No one does good,
….not a single one.”
“Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
….Their tongues are filled with lies.”
“Snake venom drips from their lips.”
….“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
“They rush to commit murder.
….Destruction and misery always follow them.
They don’t know where to find peace.”
….“They have no fear of God at all.” Romans 3:10-18 NLT
Lord Jesus, every single one of us is guilty. May we readily admit our guilt and humbly stand before You, our only source of forgiveness and salvation. Amen.
Oct 26th, 2022, Wed, 7:53 pm
Avoiding the Collision
Another beautiful day, Father! Thank You for the opportunity and the ability to get outside and accomplish a few things. All are blessings from Your generous hand!
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One of the challenges with driving in our area is the very healthy population of white-tailed deer. They are usually more active at dawn and dusk. Of course, as I am pulling out of the bus compound for my elementary route, the sun is just beginning to color the horizon. I see a lot of deer in one general area specifically.
This morning, I saw deer cross in front of me two times, close enough that I could see them in my headlights but far enough away I didn’t have to slam my brakes – though I did apply them some because they are known to travel in twos and threes. I also saw a nice-sized buck standing on the side of the road. As I came upon him, he bounded off into the field from which he had come.
In my time bus driving, I’ve only hit one and the bus wasn’t damaged. The doe didn’t fare so well. But depending on how you hit them, it can damage the bus.
The thing is there is no way to prepare for it. You’re rolling right along and then “bam!” out pops a deer. Sometimes you can avoid the collision, but other times you’re just blindsided!
One of the challenges in life is that there is an overabundance of temptation. The bad thing is that it is active all the time – every waking moment there is a chance that we will be accosted by temptation. Deer are beautiful animals, but you don’t want one taking out the front quarter panel of your car. Temptation can be incredibly alluring, but we must be careful that we don’t allow ourselves to come to the point where we fall flat on our faces, covered head to toe in sticky, gooey, impossible-to-remove guilt and remorse. The damage is done…but thank the Lord, it is not irreparable if we come to Him!
You’re rolling right along, and temptation crosses your path. Sometimes we’re good at slamming on the brakes – throwing up a quick prayer for the Lord’s intervention. “Nope, nope, nope, I don’t want to think that, see that, do that! Lord, help me!” And oft times before we know it, another temptation and possibly another temptation follows close behind on the heels of the first one.
When the temptation just will not depart, I’ve gotten in the habit of throwing my mind in a totally different direction. I have to do something to take my mind off of whatever is attacking me. For me, a song usually helps! Words of a hymn or recently I even sang the words to “Jesus Loves Me”! The Holy Spirit is there to help us, and literally, He is a thought away! Breathe a simple prayer and He is at work. I’d say that He is the one that prompts me to sing!
We can only do so much to withstand the attack of temptation, but with the Holy Spirit at our side, we can conquer whatever comes our way! Amen – so be it!
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
Oct 25th, 2022, Tues, 5:07 pm
Finger on the Pulse of Humanity
What a glorious October day, Father! We are in the last week of the month, and it is a bright and sunny 70° day°! It’s not the norm for central Ohio, but we’ll accept the unexpected blessing with smiles on our faces!
Romans 3:5-8 (<<click here to read the passage)
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a bi-vocational pastor. Even a half-dozen years ago, it was still in my head that I would like to be a full-time pastor, working a single job, instead of being a part-time pastor along with a full-time job outside the church. At this point, I really feel that I am filling a much-needed niche. I unashamedly serve on both fronts. For sixteen years I worked in retail and for the last four, I’ve driven a school bus.
Full-time pastors are very important and accomplish a lot in churches around the world, being able to focus their all on what God wants them to achieve. Most do a phenomenal job.
I can’t focus all on my churches, but I can focus more intently on those with whom I work. One thing, my walk is going to speak much louder than my talk. They’ve seen me throughout the course of everyday life, all the in and outs, highs and lows. They’ve seen when that one customer (or manager!) has jumped up and down on the one nerve I have left and witnessed how I responded.
Then on the flip side, I see them as well as they see me. In living technicolor, our lives are played out – all the pain, all the joy, the losses, and the celebrations. It’s all out there for all to see. It’s real. There is no pretense. In those kinds of environments, there’s no hiding. There are no masks…at least none that can stay in place in every circumstance.
A phrase I’ve used repeatedly throughout the years is that my finger is on the pulse of humanity. I can feel their beating hearts. And truth be told, they can readily feel mine, as well.
Reading today’s passage from Romans 3, anyone who has experienced any life under these circumstances realizes that these words glaringly stand out…
“…our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” v5
“…how can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?” v7
“The more we sin, the better it is!” v8
Honestly, if people see us living no different than the rest of the world, will they think more highly of God? Do those types of actions on our part help people see how righteous God is? Will our dishonesty highlight His truthfulness, bringing Him more glory?
Paul’s retort? “Of course not!” v6a NLT
The reality of our relationship with Jesus will show through it all. We probably won’t be able to live a perfect life before others, but when we do stumble and we take responsibility for and admit our need for forgiveness, from whoever has witnessed our fall, and from God Himself – when we do all within our power to make things right, that is when they will see what kind of God we serve. May it be so.
Oct 24th, 2022, Mon, 1:11 pm
Remember
Father, as I come to you tonight, I like to think that I am sliding up beside You. Your arm pulls me close, and I sit in the comfort and warmth of Your presence. Peace and assurance I find here, and I am content.
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Yesterday I took our band to a competition that was a little over an hour away. These thoughts came to mind a few weeks ago, on my return trip from taking the band on a similar trip. Driving to the venues there’s plenty to see – the beauty of nature, homes, towns, and traffic of course. Coming home is another matter. Last night, we pulled into our high school just before midnight. So, our trip home both times was way after sunset. Driving at that point, I only see what lies within the reach of my headlights, including occasional streetlights and the headlights of oncoming traffic.
Along with concentrating on what lies before me, my mind cannot help but dwell on what lies behind me. There are at least 35 or 40 students who ride the “quiet” bus. I know a handful personally in that they’ve been on routes I’ve driven. But most, including the adults, I don’t know. So, as I am trucking down the road, all of those souls are in my hands. One vehicle crossing left of center, a tree falling suddenly across my path, one misjudgment on my part, a big buck crossing out of nowhere in front of me – any of those and a thousand things more, could lead to catastrophic consequences.
Some don’t think a whole lot about bus drivers, but that is a huge amount of responsibility!
I’m not looking for a pat on the back, but when my mind goes down that path, I cannot help but think back to when I was the student being transported, by a committed soul behind the wheel of a school bus. …and I can only remember the name of one bus driver throughout the entirety of my school years.
The kids on my trips have been super nice, and most express gratitude for me driving, and it’s nice to hear, even though they’ve been encouraged by the adult leadership to do so. It’s even more gratifying to hear my name from the handful who know me personally.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that we should be better about remembering those who’ve impacted us in some way over the years.
My wife, Karen, is in her twenty-first year of teaching – mostly in the 1st grade. One thing that touches her is when students remember her. There’s a handful who, while still in elementary, will stop by regularly, at the beginning and end of each day, to hug her. A few years ago, a graduating senior invited her to his graduation party. She had impacted him, and all those years later he had not forgotten.
It’s important to remember. I wish there was some way for me to go back and acknowledge people who impacted me along my life’s journey, for I’m sure that I did that far less than I should have. Unfortunately, for many, it is no longer possible.
Although Karen and I are followers of Christ, and the culture in which we live causes us to hold back on what we can say in that regard, nothing can stop us from living out our relationship with Him before their eyes.
Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. Hebrews 13:7 NLT
Oct 23rd, 2022, Sun, 8:01 pm
The Eyes Have It!
Father, You know that at times there are things beyond our control. It is much easier said than done but help us to give those things over to You and to trust You with them all. Amen.
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I had an eye appointment today. The picture you see above, those are retinal scans of my eyes – the inside of my eyes! As my optometrist was going over what it showed him, I was in awe! In awe over the picture itself (Isn’t it amazing? That is just one example of our Creator’s intricate awesomeness!) and in awe over all the things it communicates – that one picture – to someone who is well versed in interpreting such things.
I’m a diabetic, and there are minute red dots that tell my doctor things about that. We are keeping a “close eye” on those.
The veins and arteries coming out, potentially tell him about cholesterol issues. (I’m on cholesterol medication, prescribed by my primary physician. I don’t have high cholesterol but am taking a small dosage to help prevent other issues with my diabetes and mild high blood pressure.)
There are other things my optometrist could see in those pictures that would point to any number of issues with my heart or lungs or kidneys even! How could I not be in awe?
(A little side note: Please, get your eyes checked regularly! There’s a lot more involved than correcting your vision. Other health issues can be detected – it may save your life!)
My optometrist can see and understand a lot from eye scans. But from a spiritual perspective, Jesus spoke of what eyes show us. He said in Luke 11:34-36,
“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is unhealthy, your body is filled with darkness. Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.” NLT
Spiritually speaking all that we see impacts who and what we are spiritually. If we have healthy eyes, we see clearly (the Amplified Bible stresses that that means that we are spiritually perceptive and focused on God) and being filled with light allows us to benefit from God’s precepts.
But, if our eyes are unhealthy [spiritually blind], there is no light – only darkness [devoid of God’s word].
In John 8:12 Jesus proclaimed, “I am the Light of the world.”
Earlier, in John 3:19-21 He said,
“This is the judgment [that is, the cause for indictment, the test by which people are judged, the basis for the sentence]: the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned. But whoever practices truth [and does what is right – morally, ethically, spiritually] comes to the Light, so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are – accomplished in God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence on Him].”
What we see, “opens our eyes” to who and what we are. May we run to the light, not shrink from it!
Oct 20th, 2022, Thurs, 12:32 pm