Lessons from Flowers

During the summertime, most of us have seen many different kinds of flowers and heard comments expressing how beautiful the flowers look.  The color of flowers is exquisite and in most cases the fragrance is delightful.  Seeing gorgeous flowers may evoke positive memories of beautiful people, a fragrant perfume, reflections of perfection and goodness, or thoughts of a perfect God who has so generously made things for us to enjoy.

When we look at the beauty of flowers, let’s not just see pretty flowers, but let’s take time to learn lessons for Christian living.

1)    Beauty.  Flowers are beautifully dressed.  “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” (Luke 12:27).  They do not work or expend energy to look nice.  They are simply beautiful, because that is the way God made them.

2)    Faithfulness.  Flowers are compared to faithfulness.  “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field” (Isaiah 40:6). 

3)    Joy.  Flowers bring joy.  “Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land” (Song of Songs 2:12).

4)    Contrast.  Flowers are contrasted with God’s Word.  “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

5)    Reminder.  Flowers are a reminder that life is short.  “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall” (1 Peter 1:24).

We ought to remember that God created the beauty that we see in the flowers, and He takes care of everything that He has created.  We should also remember that God created us and He takes care of us, too.  Listen to these words: “And why do you worry about clothes?  See how the lilies of the field grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown in the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28-30).

When you see a beautiful flower, take time to give thanks to God for His creative power.  However, do not forget to thank God for creating you and taking care of you.

 

Friendship

The first Sunday in August is designated as national Friendship Day.  The emphasis of that day encourages us to do several things.  First, thank God for the friends that you have and which you enjoy.  Second, determine that you are going to be a good friend to another person.  Third, plan some special activities that you will share with a friend.  As we expand our thinking about friendship, it might be helpful to examine some of the interesting ideas that the Bible points out about friendship.

1)    Focus.  Friendships that take our focus away from Christ should not be made. “You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4).  It seems fairly easy to make a distinction between “the world” and those who are “not of the world.”  If people are not living according to the Biblical principles and exhortations, they are “of the world.”  Those who live a godly life following the Bible are “not of the world.”

2)    Separation.  Friendships should be made cautiously, lest others pull us away from God. “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26).  Those people who live in ungodly ways and contrary to Biblical principles are individuals with whom one should not associate in a social manner.

3)    Change.  Sometimes a so-called friend may turn against us. “In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.  They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship” (Psalms 109:4-5). Are there people who are accusatory when it comes to their relationship with you and other people?  Do you find them doing evil things to you and to others?  Do not begin a friendship with such a person or break off a former friendship relationship you have had with them so you can focus on that which is positive and godly.

4)    Personal.  A personal friendship with God is possible. “Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house” (Job 29:4).  Where have you found God blessing your life?  Can you identify several things that God has done for you showing his mercy and grace?  Take time to develop your relationship with God to give you the strength you need to live in godly ways.

What do these verses tell us?  Do they mean that we cannot be friends with those who do not believe like we do?  Of course, the answer is “no.”  “God loved the world (each individual) so much that he gave His one and only Son (Jesus) to die for them that they might heave eternal life” (John 3:16).  Scripture also reminds us that we are to “Love one another” (I John 4:11-12).

People who name the name of Christ and have put their faith and trust in Christ as their Savior, ought to live in such a way that their life points others to the Savior.  Jesus gave this command, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:6). Should we love the world?  “Yes”.  Should we show ourselves friendly?  “Yes.”  However, let’s make sure our friendships are those which will lead us and others to the Savior instead of away from Him.

The Wordless Book

The wordless book is a booklet with colored pages, each representing an aspect of the Christian gospel.  In London in 1866 Rev. Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon entitled, “The Wordless Book.”  He told about an elderly minister who put three colored pages together and often looked at them to remind himself of three things: (1) His sinfulness (black), (2) Christ’s blood poured out for him (red), and (3) The cleansing provided for him (white).  Nine years later, Lay Evangelist, D. L. Moody, added a page to the booklet and shared with 12,000 children “A Book with Four Leaves.”  Since then, Bible verses were added along with a gold page and a green page (added in 1875 and 1939).  The pages explained are:

1)    Gold – represents Heaven.  God loves us and wants us to be with him in his heavenly home.  Jesus said, “My Father’s house (heaven) has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3).

2)    Black – represents Sin.  Sin prevents us from being with God.  The punishment for our sins is that we cannot be with God in heaven because our hearts are not clean.  The Bible reminds us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

3)    Red – represents the Blood of Jesus.  God loves us so much that he sent his Son, Jesus to provide a way for our hearts to be made clean.  Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and make it possible for us to be forgiven.  The Apostle John says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (I John 1:7).

4)    White – represents Clean Hearts.  When we sincerely admit that we have sinned, ask God to forgive us, believe that Jesus died to take the punishment we deserved, and invite Jesus into our lives, God makes our hearts clean.  John says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

5)    Green – represents Growth.  Once we invite Jesus to come into our lives, it is important that we grow in our relationship with Jesus. We can do this by talking to God (praying), reading God’s word (the Bible), and obeying him (doing what he asks us to do).  The Bible says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (II Peter 3:18)

Through the death and resurrection of Christ, and our hope and trust when we by faith personally receive Jesus into our lives, we can enjoy the spiritual freedom that God offers.  Let’s take time to allow the wordless book – gold, black, red, white, green – to speak to us as we respond to the message of the gospel.

Footprints Make a Difference

Every time my wife and I go to the East Coast and walk on a beach I am impressed with the footprints that we make.  We, along with many other people, have traversed seashores and left footprints in the sand.  However, the footprints that we make do not last.  A wave from the sea rushes in and erases the prints, or the rising tide soon deletes the footprints.

What is a footprint?  A footprint is an impression that is made by the feet of individuals or animals.  Human footprints do disappear, but do they ever remain?  Of course, this depends on what is meant by the word “footprints”.  You may have heard someone say that they are following in the footprints of someone they admire.  The reference is that they are following the example of someone who’s life has impacted them or somehow made a difference in their life.  Following in the footprints of someone means that they are following the attitude someone has or the action they have taken.  Throughout history, the person whose footprints have probably made the most significant difference in the lives of people are the footprints of Jesus.  What Jesus did, how He acted, and how He thought are examples which we are encouraged to follow.  In one of St. John's epistles, he says, “Whoever says he abides in him [Jesus] ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (I John 2:6, ESV).  The Apostle Peter says much the same: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (I Peter 2:21, NIV).  Notice that according to these two verses we need to live our lives by following the example of Jesus.

You and I leave footprints for people who come after us.  Those footprints are not ones that are found in the sand or dirt on which we walk.  They are found in the great work that God has done and continues to do which we emulate.  When we follow the instruction, commands, and example of Jesus, our footprints become strategic messages that are valuable for others to implement.  When we talk about how Jesus has listened to us, how He answered our prayers, how He has healed us, or how He has helped us, and given strength or encouragement – these footprints are indelible prints that have made a significant difference in our lives.  Think about these questions.  (1) How has Jesus left a footprint in your life?  (2) What individuals have made footprints which you would like to follow?  (3) What footprints are you leaving for others?

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).