Day of Remembrance

“Cinco de Mayo” is Spanish for the 5^th day of May.  On this day Mexicans celebrate the Mexican’s army victory over the French on May 5, 1862, in the Battle of Puebla.  The French had a much superior force which was considered one of the best in the world.  However, the Mexican forces, although outnumbered, outgunned, and not as well trained, were able to defeat the French army.  That made the day worth remembering.

We lttoo can make May 5^th – as well as every day of the year – a Day of Remembrance. The Apostle Paul shared a good pattern for continual remembrance when he said, “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3).  He further said, “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thessalonians 1:3).  Notice that the Apostle Paul remembers three things about these people having to do with their faith, love, and hope.

(1) “Work produced by faith.”  Paul knew the people in Thessalonica were taking Christian action based on their faith and that was producing some dramatic results.

(2) “Labor prompted by love.”  The Apostle Paul also noticed that these people were devoted and persistent in showing compassionate love to other people.

(3) “Endurance inspired by hope.” One additional thing Paul saw was the hope these people had in Jesus which helped them bear up even through difficult times.

We should remember that God can empower us to triumph even when we feel outnumbered and less powerful than the problems we are face in life.  Although Cinco de Mayo is not a religious holiday, we can remember to pray for those we know – our families, our friends, and perhaps ourselves – anyone who needs God’s power in the face of overwhelming odds.

Used of God

In a small eastern community, a man named MacDonald was a one-man taxi service.  People quickly learned that all they had to do was to call him and he would get them to their destination on time.  Despite traffic jams, he knew the back roads, and no matter how late your plane was to arrive, Mr. MacDonald was there waiting for you.  He boasted that he had never had an automobile accident.  McDonald noticed his vision and reflexes were getting bad, so he decided to give up driving.  “I don’t want to be a menace to anyone”, he said.  And then he dropped out of sight.  No one saw him for quite some time.

One day a lady from that community had an appointment.  She couldn’t find a place to park on the street, so she had to park in the community parking ramp.  She didn’t like the thought of the ramp because it was known for “fender benders.” but she had no choice.  When she entered the ramp, she noticed that things were different than they were the last time she was in town – they were orderly.  She soon discovered why.  Mr. MacDonald was there directing each driver into a suitable space. Leaders of the community recognized that MacDonald’s safe driving experience could help them, so they asked him to take care of the parking ramp.  He was happy to do so, and they were happy that he agreed to help.  No one minded waiting in line because they knew they would be well cared for.  Thanks to MacDonald, the lady learned a valuable lesson.  God can always find use for a person’s talents if they are open to new directions.

Some people think that because they are not perfect, they might as well step aside and let others who are more qualified handle tasks.  However, one of the great mysteries of Christianity is that God uses imperfect people to accomplish His will.  Notice the service factor from the following verses.

1)    Example.  Jesus set the example of service.  “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

2)    Age.  There is no age requirement on a person’s usability.  “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

3)    Use.  God wants us to serve.  “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (I Peter 4:10).

4)    Intensity.  Our service should be characterized by total commitment.  “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord
” (Romans 12:11).

What is it that you can do for the Lord?  It may be that God has an activity for you to do of which you had not previously thought.  Where are you when it comes to the service factor?  I trust that you will be open to being used of God – even as you grow older.

The Service Factor

Many people in America are involved in volunteering and about one-third of all volunteers are involved in service with religious organizations.  One of the keys to healthy relationships has to do with service.  Why is service to others important? 

Service is important because it has the potential to make your environment a better and more encouraging place. In addition, kindness to others can improve their confidence and optimism. Also, it can challenge others to use your action of service as a pattern for them to replicate. Listen to how the writer to the Hebrews explains service. “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the labor of love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10). There are four factors in this verse related to biblical service.

1)    Service is difficult.  The verse mentions “work” and “labor.”  Christian service takes time, energy, and lots of effort.

2)    Service should be motivated by love.  This “labor of love” is more than words or feelings—it is action that is based on God’s love for you, your love for God, and your love for others.

3)    Service should have its ultimate focus on God.  As we serve, we need to keep our eyes on God because it represents the “love [we] have shown him.”  To serve means we are not only showing love to those we serve, but to God himself.  Ephesians 6:7 identifies this service when it says, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you are serving the Lord, not men.”

4)    True service must be ongoing.  Authentic service means there is no letup to our activity, no “breaks in the action”, and no giving up.  This is suggested by the phrase, “continue to help them.”  Service is not a “once and done” deal.  It is something that should be unending.

John Wesley expresses the multi-faceted aspects of service when he said, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

Where are you when it comes to the Service Factor?  Is service a vital part of your lifestyle?  Are you anxious to serve others?  If people would describe you, would they say that your life is characterized by service?  Maybe you and I need to take action to serve others with a willing heart. Such a heart suggests that we serve simply because we want to help others.

God Knows You By Name

On Sunday morning, February 1, 2003, many people sat stunned in silence and unbelief as they heard reports and saw the video of the breakup of the Space Shuttle Columbia during its re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere.  With the loss of the shuttle and its crew the entire nation was plunged into a state of mourning and grief.  Shortly after the mishap, President George W. Bush said, “The same Creator who names the stars also knows the names of the seven souls we mourn today.”

It is interesting to note that the Bible tells us that God does know us personally.  In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (John 10:14).  The psalmist also shared the same thing when he said, “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name” (Psalm 91:14).

Amid national and personal grief – which even continues to this day – our only hope comes from the author of hope the Lord Jesus himself.  The Bible tells us, “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (II Thessalonians 2:16-17).  Norman Clayton expressed how important hope is when he wrote the Christian hymn, “My Hope is in the Lord.” Think about these words of this song:

1)   My hope is in the Lord / Who gave Himself for me / And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary.

2)    No merit of my own / His anger to suppress / My only hope is found in Jesus’ righteousness.

3)    And now for me He stands / Before the Father’s throne / He shows His wounded hands and names me as His own.

4)  His grace has planned it all / ’Tis mine but to believe / And recognize His work of love and Christ receive

Chorus:  For me He died / For me He lives / And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

Aren’t you glad that God knows you by name and He provides the hope that you and all of us need from day to day?  And aren’t you glad that Jesus has made it possible, through faith, for you and others to know Him personally and live with Him eternally?   “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God" (John 1:12-13).

Beginning Anew

New Year’s Day provides the opportunity to begin anew.  Some people make New Year’s resolutions.  These are good, but many people find that those resolutions soon fall by the wayside.  With unfulfilled resolutions there is usually a sense of defeat and maybe even a little sadness. In this New Year let’s make our lives count in an even more significant way.  So you may ask, “how can I make my life count in a significant way?”  Consider the following suggestions:

1)    Make sure your life points to God.  This is the challenge the Apostle Paul made when he said, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31). Sharing good words and actions that are pleasing to God will put us on track for being a difference maker.

2)    Aim for godliness.  When keeping God central in our mind, we will grow spiritually and be an encouragement to others. The Apostle Paul tells us, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). Speech most effectively expresses what is inside a person and when that speech mirrors God’s character, positive change can be effective.

3)    Live to draw people to God.  When we live as a reflection of God’s light and show concern by loving people, they will be able to see the glory of Christ in us and be drawn to Him.  The Bible tells us, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  The ultimate goal is not to accomplish good deeds, but to help people take one step closer to the Lord.

Use this New Year as an opportunity to begin anew.  Make it your goal to focus on thinking, speaking, and acting in accordance with God’s name, and constantly letting the indwelling Christ be reflected to those around you.  The Bible reminds us, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (II Corinthians 5:17, NLT).

Christmas Giving

At Christmas time you will probably experience love, joy, peace, music, excitement, anticipation, decorations, and greetings.  However, what is experienced, far more than anything else, is the act of giving.  We give gifts to those we love and appreciate, and of course, giving brings joy, excitement, and anticipation. Examining the Biblical Christmas Story reveals many elements of giving.

First, God gave.  The act of giving at Christmas began with the wonderful gift of God’s son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  This giving is explained in John’s gospel which says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  God gave his son.

Second, the Angel gave.  The angel that appeared to the shepherds on the Judean hillside gave the great news of the birth of Jesus Christ.  The gospel of Luke tells us, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:9-11).  The angel gave good news.

Third, the Shepherds gave.  After hearing the good news, we are told that the shepherds “Hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:16-18).  Then the shepherds gave by spreading the word about the birth of the Savior.  The shepherds gave words of inspiration.

Fourth, the Magi gave.  Not only did the Magi come from the east, but they came with a purpose – to worship the Savior and to present him gifts.  Scripture says, “They saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2;11).  The Magi gave gifts and worship.

As we give gifts to family and friends this year, let’s take time to think about Jesus, who should be the focus of our giving.  He is the reason that we celebrate Christmas.  He is the gift that was given.  Through Him we have been offered eternal life.  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).  And, this wonderful gift can be ours by believing in Christ and personally receiving him into our lives. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Thanks for God's Love

There are many things for which we can give thanks.  Take time to read this entire list and think about them as you read them.  The subject of thanks could be: family, health, freedom, life, strength, dexterity, joy, happiness, home, food, safety, worship, instruction, help, friends, air, sun, rain, mountains, trees, flowers, gardens, sky, stars, breath, life, laughter, sight, hearing, taste, feeling, the Bible, godly examples, grass, animals, birds, water, clouds, rainbows, lightening, thunder, fish, oceans, sand, light, atmosphere, temperature, doctors, hospitals, emergency personnel, moonlight, nighttime. Even though this is a long list, many things could be added to it. 

One psalm from the Bible identifies something that God provides for us.  In the 26 verses of Psalm 136 the phrase, “his love endures forever” is expressed 26 times – once in each verse.  This thought suggests four things that the psalmist wanted everyone to know about God.

1)      First, “His” – The Source.  At the beginning of this phrase the psalmist directly identified that God was the foundation of the love for which he was thankful.  The gospel of John identifies the person, character, and the work of the love of God when it says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  The psalmist publicly expressed thanks to God as the source of love, and the action of love that God had revealed to him.

2)     Next, “Love” – The Focus.  The love of God was expressed sacrificially when Jesus died on the cross, thereby paying the penalty of our sin.  In John’s epistle he says, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (I John 3:16).  So, the psalmist was grateful for the way God’s expressed his love through Jesus, His son.

3)    Then “Endures” – The Extent.  The love that God shares is a lasting love.  In the book of Lamentations, the writer explains God’s love this way: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).  Similarly, Jeremiah says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3).  These expressions reveal the magnitude of God’s love for mankind.

4)     Finally, “Forever” – The Duration.  The extent of God’s love goes on and on.  It has no interval of time when it discontinues. The psalmist said, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5).  This quality of God’s love never wears out. The psalmist was grateful for this kind of love, and we should be too.

Think about these questions: (1) Have you experienced God’s love?  (2) Are you glad God loves you?  (3) Have you taken time to thank God for his love?  (4) Are you grateful that God’s love endures forever?  As you think about God’s love take time today to give thanks to God for the love that he has shown to you.