Old and New

How often have you heard the phrase “out with the old; in with the new”?  We so easily assume that the old is outdated and the new is much better.  For some things, that may be true.  For example, I would not want to bring back the old way of writing a letter – either by hand or with a typewriter.  The computer, with all its capabilities, will do just fine; thank you.  However, some old things are extremely valuable.  People expend time and energy and even lots of money to become the owner of a relic.

Regarding the new, Jesus reminds us, “No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old” (Luke 5:36).  The Scriptures tell us that when a person puts his or her faith in Christ he or she becomes new.  It says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (II Corinthians 5:17).  We are also reminded to “Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

The Scriptures in the Old and New Testaments are old but they are extremely valuable.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17).  About God’s Word, the psalmist said, “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.   By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:10-11).

As we come to the end of the old year and enter the new, let’s make sure we “put off” or do away with only the old that does harm.  But let’s also make sure that we “put on” that which edifies and builds us, and others up.

Thankfulness

“What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today?”  This is an interesting question, isn’t it?  It probably goes without saying that we so easily get into the rut of thinking that things will pretty much be the same today as they were yesterday.  However, if you are honest with yourself, you could most likely count on one hand what you thanked God for yesterday.  If it were not for the grace of God we would be woefully lacking in many of the necessities of life.

The Thanksgiving season is usually the time of year when people are encouraged to express thanks, at least in some manner.  In the Bible, the Apostle Paul gives this instruction: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).   And again, he says, “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything” (Ephesians 5:20).  These verses do not sound like the giving of thanks should be reserved for one season of the year.  Thanks to God ought to overflow from our hearts and spill out from our lips on a regular basis every day.  Let’s let the fruit of our lips be regularly expressed in thanksgiving to God.  Get ready; get set; give thanks.

Obsessed with Fast

People in our society are obsessed with speed.  We want fast food, fast internet hookup, fast response to questions, fast communication, and fast pain relief.  We want to lose weight fast, we want to get our news fast, we want wounds to heal fast, we want immediate solutions to problems, we want to make money fast, we want to learn how to play an instrument fast, and we want to get a loan fast.  We don’t’ like to wait in line at the grocery store or at the bank.  We go to a different gas station if there is a lineup at our favorite location.  If we have to wait a few seconds for our computer to boot up we head to the electronic store to get a newer faster one.

The problem is that fast is not always the solution to our difficulties. There are many things for which we have to wait such as time to get our driver’s license, for certain stores to open, for entering college, for the birth of a child, for the sun to come up, and for the seasons to change. None of these things come instantly, but require time and waiting.   Scripture suggests that we need to slow down.  The Bible says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Isaiah 46:10).  The Bible tells us to “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14).   The Biblical instruction is to “Let all the earth be silent before him” (Habakkuk 2:20).   There is a time for silence.  There is a time for waiting.  Fast isn’t always the best.

When the Children of Israel had come out of Egypt they were anxious to celebrate the Passover.  But Moses was not in a hurry.  He said, “Wait, and I will listen to what the LORD will command concerning you” (Numbers 9:8).  The prophet Elijah was seeking the Lord, but he didn’t find him in that which was loud (like an earthquake) or that which was fast (like a raging fire).  Instead He found God in “a still small voice” (I Kings 19:12).  The next time you are anxious and want things “fast”, ask yourself, “What might I gain by waiting?  Wisdom?  Maturity?  A clearer sense of direction?  Waiting is good for us.  Are you willing to wait?

Seasons and Life

Seasons of the year begin and they end.  You may enjoy one season more than other seasons because you like certain kinds of activities.  Your deepest desire is for your favorite season to stay around a little longer.  However, as much as you hope or wish for a longer season it will regularly merge into the next season.  The writer of Scripture indicates that there are seasons (or times) for various activities.  There is a season for plowing; a season for planting, a season for harvesting; there is a rainy season, a dry season, and a season for enjoying fruit.

Just as there are seasons in our world, there are seasons in our lives.  Some seasons are filled with joy, some with expectation and some contain times of difficulty and discouragement.  It is unrealistic for a person who is a Christian to think that things will always be happy and joyful.  Any one season will change and activities or things that take place in that season will change irrespective of whether someone has put their trust in Christ or not.  Amid the changing seasons, whether in our world or in our lives, one thing does not change.  God says, “For I am the Lord, I change not” (Malachi 3:6).  Scripture says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).  So, just as the seasons of our earth change and the seasons of  our lives change we can count on the fact that God does not change.  If you want confidence and assurance amid all the changes of life, put your trust in God.  He will not fail you.

Absolutely Clear

When I am away from my home or my work computer and something impresses me that I want to remember I quickly make a hand-written note to myself.  I keep the note in my pocket until I can get to my computer and then enter the note and other thoughts.  However, the notes I write to myself sometimes look like a scribbled mess and I can’t read the words that I hurriedly wrote, much less remember the thoughts behind them.

I am so glad that when God wrote to us He did so by making His words very clear and specific.  He never scribbles, but always speaks to the point and allows His intentions to be abundantly clear so we know exactly what He says.  In fact, God’s word is so clear that no one needs to have a higher education degree in order to understand.   The Psalmist said, “Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning” (Psalm 119:130 MSG).  In addition it says, “The revelation of GOD is whole and pulls our lives together.  The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road” (Psalm 19:7 MSG).

Do you want to have understandable and specific direction for your life that is always clear and to the point?  Open a Bible, check the table of contents, and go to the New Testament Gospel of Mark.  Read only a few verses, a paragraph or a chapter at a time.  As you read, ask God to make His words clear so you can understand what He wants you to know and do.  His words are abundantly clear. 

When Things Don't Work Out

Many hours, much energy, and lots of anticipation have gone into some of my recent plans.  The hours, energy and anticipation in putting together plans for a “big event” have been important.  Without plans there is no direction and it is easy to get off task.  However, what happens when plans don’t materialize and come to fruition, at least in the way that you thought they would?  One of several things could happen.  You could get mad.  You could get frustrated.  You could sulk and have a “why me” pity party.  You could give up and say, “Forget it.”  Or, you could look for the good that might come out of the changed circumstances.

The Bible tells us that we need to plan.  It says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18).  But when plans don’t materialize we may have received wrong advice (or no advice) or maybe God has something that He wants us to learn.  The writer of Proverbs tells us, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).   Those times when our plans fail we ought to examine why they failed and then eagerly, try to discipher what God is trying to teach us.

Things Change

For the last several years I have been writing a collection of stories about various incidents that have happened in my life.  I guess you could say, I’ve been writing my memoirs.  In doing so, I have been looking through old photographs to place in the final document.   What I have noticed is that things have changed.  When I look old pictures of myself my response is “Wow.  I’ve really changed.  I sure looked a lot younger in those pictures.”  Well, the fact is that I have changed, other people have changed, and circumstances have changed.  A short time ago I received an email message from a friend with an attachment telling about how things “used to be.”   It all made sense as I remember many of those things which “I used to do.”  Times have changed.

Amid all the change we observe, we long for something that does not change.  I am reminded that God does not change.  Micah 3:6 says, “For I am the LORD, I change not.”  James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  The Scripture also says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8).  When you need an anchor for your life amid all the change that is happening around you, turn to the Lord.  He stands ready to help you, provide a solid foundation, and give you a sure footing when everything else changes.  You can count on Him.  He does not change.

How Are You Dressed?

When we wake up in the morning, depending on the activity of the day, we put on stuff – usually makeup and clothes.  We want to look our best to people whom we may meet or for that in which we will be involved.  Clothes make a difference.  It is interesting that God tells to be dressed, or to “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Romans 13:14).   There are certain things that we need to “put on” continuously, or make a part of our daily lives.  Positively, we are to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.  In other words, we are to have Him in us – His very person.  But, we are also to let His mind be our mind.  We are to take on the attitudes that He has.  We are to carry out the actions He would carry out.  On the negative side we are to stay away from, or exterminate, that which pulls us and others down – namely, sin.  So, when you get up each morning and put on your cosmetics and your clothes, ask yourself, “Am I dressed correctly this morning?"

Directions

Years ago, when I wanted directions to a certain location I would pull out a map and use it to find my way.  Or, I would telephone the company or person and ask what roads and streets to use.  Now, I go to the internet, type in the address and get a map on my screen along with exact directions and a map.  In addition people can program their GPS (Global Positioning System) with their current location and the intended address.  The GPS satellite-based navigation system calculates the route, visually shows the direction and even gives audible directions as the route is transversed.  All one has to do is follow the directions.  Times have certainly changed!  In life, we need both physical and spiritual direction.  But, where do we turn for spiritual guidance?  Maybe we need to turn to God's Positioning System - the Bible.  For example, do you wonder how you should live your life and who will direct you?  The Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Do you want assurance that you will get to heaven?  Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).  Scripture further tells us, "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life" (I John 5:11-12).  The directions are specific and clear.  We just need to follow them.

On Your Mark

While driving home from work I saw words on a bank advertisement which were a little different from what I expected.  It read, “On your mark.  Get set.  Grow.”  As I began reading the first thee words, I immediately thought of being in the starting blocks to begin a race.  To do that would take preparation, determination, and action.  However, as I came to the last word (grow) my thinking quickly changed.  Of course, the bank wanted me to think of growing my financial investment.  But, when I thought of "growing" my mind quickly turned to the concept of spiritual growth.  The Bible says, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18).  The Psalmist talks about a blessed man whose, “delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2).  If we are to grow spiritually we need to be prepared, determined and then take action.  A copy of God’s Word would help in the preparation process.  To open God’s Word  would suggest our determination.  To read, study, meditate and then respond to what God says would indicate action.  We are all physical, emotional mental and spiritual beings and we need to grow in all areas.  Are you growing spiritually?  “On your mark.  Get set.  Grow.”

True Freedom

The people of our great country recently celebrated the Fourth of July, Independence Day.  Take a few minutes and think about what that day means.  For most the day is a time for picnics, parades, fireworks, and the celebration of a federal holiday concerning the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.  Independence refers to freedom from the control, influence, support, or aid of others.  For the Christian, freedom is more than all of the things mentioned above.  It is freedom from the penalty and the power of sin.  Jesus said that true freedom comes from Him when He said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.  Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34-36).  Real spiritual freedom comes from the Son of God who sets us free from sin’s penalty and power and individuals gain that freedom by becoming a member of God’s family through faith – “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26).  Enjoy your freedom, and look to God for real freedom.

Loyalty That Does not Fail

A certain airline advertises a loyalty program where the miles do not expire and can be redeemed anytime in the future.  They use the statement "Loyalty has no expiration date."  Loyalty speaks of trustworthiness, faithfulness, reliability and dependability.  It is great to know that you can depend on certain things or people.  However, from time to time that which is supposed to be trustworthy breaks down or a person who promises to help you neglects to follow through.  Many things in this world will fail you, including some people.  However, I have discovered there is someone who is completely loyal and reliable at all times and will never fail you.  That person is God.  The Bible says, "The Lord is faithful to all his promises" (Psalm 145:13).  Since God is completely loyal and will not fail in all that He promises, why not put your trust in His loyalty program?

What You Say...

Have you ever had one of those moments when you think, “Wow!  I didn’t realize that what I said made that much difference”?  It happened to me a short time ago.  I received a telephone call from a man whom I had only talked with briefly one time in the past.  He works with the elderly, as I do, lives in another state, and is not part the organization for which I work.  Near the end of our recent telephone conversation he said, “Before we hang up I just want you to know what an impact you have had on my ministry.”  I began to listen wondering what I had said or done that had made a difference. He went on to remind me that in previous conversation I mentioned a friend in a similar ministry who I felt may be of help to him.  After returning home he called my firend and talked for nearly an hour.  He went on to say, “If it wasn’t for your comment I would have never made the contact and been helped in my ministry. Thank you for that contact.”  After the call ended I reflected on what was said.  His comment reminded me of a truth I have known for a long time – what we say does make a difference.  The Bible says, “Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a  conversation, not put them down, not cut them out” (Colossians  4:6, Message Translation).  God can use us (even our speech) for His  glory.  Remember: What you say – does make a difference.