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.

Change in the Works

Innovation is a process that discovers new and better ways of doing things, or just doing things differently. Many innovations take place quite regularly.  For example: TV programs change; Logos of companies receive upgrades; Long-standing food menus are revised; Styles of worship vary. When personal things become mundane or feel like they do not meet needs, we may want to innovate.  Consider personal innovation from the spiritual realm.  Are you satisfied with the direction your spiritual life is heading? Are you pleased with your devotional life?  Are you happy with your prayer life?  What about your Bible reading or Bible study regimen?  We need to have a willingness to change the way we do things if the innovation will provide personal improvement.  However, as we innovate, we need to make sure that the message of love, grace, and hope in Jesus Christ remains constant.

Scripture reminds us that each of us should conduct our lives in an excellent way.  Why?  Because God is aware of everything we do.  The text says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for me, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24). Notice four aspects of these verses.

(1)   “Whatever you do” suggests Activity.  We ought to be concerned about any and every activity in which we are involved.

(2)   “Work at it with all your heart” implies Action.  The things that we do ought to be carried out with a willingness to be fully engaged with all the effort we can exert.

(3)   “As working for the Lord” entails Method.  We need to realize that there should be a spiritual dimension to the actions or activities that we undertake.

(4)   “An inheritance from the Lord as a reward” points to Motive.  As we work for the Lord, we should do so because of our love for Him.  However, when the work is rewarded, that becomes an additional blessing.

Nothing but the best is required for any activity in which we participate.  The degree to which we put forth effort to do our work should be no less than one hundred percent.  So, innovate and make changes which will help you be your best for the Lord.

Complete Transformation

Often a home or a facility can be refreshed and transformed on the inside without a change being seen on the outside.  For example, the addition of a fresh coat of paint can make a dramatic change.  The drab turns attractive; the dull becomes bright; the dreary turns out to be cheerful; and the uninteresting develops into something attention-grabbing.  I believe a dramatic change can happen not only in a facility, but in the lives of people.  Obviously, people do not need a coat of paint, but they need a transformation.  The Apostle Paul suggested a life-change for individuals when he wrote these words: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2). Here are three questions about human transformation.

1)      What does it mean to be transformed?  To transform means to renovate, refurbish, repair, restore, or mend.  In the verse above the word that was used for “transformed” has to do with a metamorphous – a complete change.  This change is similar to the way a butterfly emerges from a cocoon that was spun by a worm.

2)      How does transformation take place?  Transformation is made possible by a force that is outside of the individual.  The Bible tells us that force is “the Lord” who is “the Spirit.”  Scripture also says, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (II Corinthians 3:18). It is God the Holy Spirit who transforms individual lives.

3)      In what way does human transformation take place?  Change takes place through renewal.  To “renew” means to restore or to make new.  It is God who does the renewing as shown in the text – “comes from the Lord” – and the renewal begins with our minds – “renewing of your mind”.  “Renew” here means that the transformation is continuous, and the change is ongoing.  In another scripture the Apostle Paul reminds us that we are being “made new in the attitude of your minds” (Ephesians 4:23).  God makes the transformation in the minds, hearts, and lives of people.  And it is by faith that we need God’s help as we become more like Jesus daily.

Think about these questions: (1) Are you determined that you will not be conformed to the pattern of this world?  (2) Has your life been transformed by God?  (3) Has the attitude of your mind been made new by God’s renewing power?  You can enjoy a complete transformation and be part of God’s forever family when you put your trust in God.  Scripture tells us that, “He gave the right and the power to become children of God to those who received Him. He gave this to those who put their trust in His name” (John 1:12, NLV).  It also tells that that we can enjoy eternal life, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whoever puts his trust in God’s Son will not be lost but will have life that lasts forever” (John 3:16).  Let God completely transform you and make you a brand-new person.

Confidence Amid Change

Change is something that affects all of us and we often resist it.  In spite of resisting some change there is other change that we personally accept – like purchasing a different home, accepting a new job, moving to another city or state, or getting married.  We readily accept these changes because we have control over them.  Other changes are those that we gradually slide into.  For example, instead of phone calls from friends and family we receive a text which initiates a texting conversation.  Very seldom do we pick up a dictionary or encyclopedia for an answer to a question.  Instead, we pick up our phones and ask “Google.”

There is another kind of change that most people do not like – and that is change that makes things worse for them.  People resist this kind of change because they personally lose control or they face an unknown situation. Peter Senge has wisely said, “People don’t resist change. They resist being changed.”  Most change brings instability.  That is why many people like to know what the boundaries are and be reasonably sure of what will happen.  They want the kind of change on which they can rely and that which gives them confidence during a time of need.

There are two things that I know in which we can be completely confident, and which will never change.  These are – God and God’s Word.  Regarding God, the Bible tells us, “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6); and, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). These statements give us confidence because we discover that we can always count on God.  He is always there for us.  He will always act in the same way.  And He is the same now as He was years ago and how He will be in the future.  Regarding the Word of God Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” I Peter 1:25 continues by saying, “The word of the Lord endures forever”. These verses give us the confidence that we can completely rely on God’s Word because it will last when other things change and fade away.  As a result we can be assured of and can fully count on what God’s Word says.

Are you anxious about something that is happening to you or in your world today?  Do you desire stability that gives you confidence, assurance and hope during troubling times? Why not put your trust in that which will never change?  Why not turn to God in simple faith and rest in His promises?  Why not open the Bible and discover what God wants to tell you?  In both God and His Word, you will find strength and steadiness to help you during times of turbulence, uncertainty and doubt.

Getting Ready

It is interesting that “getting ready” is an action or an activity that all of us must do.  When we aren’t ready, we are sometimes taken by surprise or “thrown for a loop.”  Change is hard to accept—especially when we are not ready for it.  However, when we are ready, change is easier for us to handle.  Think with me for a few minutes about getting ready. 

1)    A Spirit of Readiness.  Summer is just about over as we swing into the fall season with the month of September.  School starts, regular programs and ministries gear up, and we are once again made aware of how important it is for us to “get ready.”  The cold weather will surely come upon us very rapidly.  Are you ready for that?  Sometimes we may not be as ready for change as we want to be.  As a result it becomes quite easy to complain, fret, grumble or gripe.  Since we know that change is inevitable, why not accept it with a ready spirit?

2)    A place to Get Ready.  It is good for us to “be ready” mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  Some people find it helpful to get away to a quiet place where they can meditate, praise God, and think about His presence.  Obviously, this can be done anywhere.  However, it is helpful to be able to go to a specific location that has been designated as a place of prayer, meditation and quiet reflection.  It seems to me that a church or chapel would be a good place to do that. 

3)    God’s Readiness.  God is getting ready for those who love him and put their trust in him.  According to the Bible, we can know for certain and be assured that we will go to heaven to be with Him some day.  Listen to these verses which explain how.  “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  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.  You know the way to the place where I am going.  Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’  Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:1-6). 

4)    Ready for the Lord’s Return.  God is getting ready for us and the Scripture reminds us that we need to get ready for the return of the Lord.  It says, “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Luke 12:40).

You can get ready to meet the Lord by receiving Him as your Savior and Lord.  “Look! I have been standing at the door, and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears me calling him and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with me. (Revelation 3:20, TLB).

Trees and You

Each fall those who live in Minnesota get to enjoy the beauty of the changing colors revealed in the trees.  Each time I see the vast array of orange, brown, red, and yellow I am reminded of the beauty and splendor of God.  The Bible has some interesting things to say about trees in which we can also find a parallel application to our lives.

1)    God created the trees.  The Bible says, “And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground” (Genesis 2:9). Trees didn’t just happen—they were created by a loving God.  You and I are creations of God.  The Bible reminds us that “God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).

2)    Trees reflect beauty.  In the creation story there is a phrase that speaks directly to the beauty of color in the trees—whether in summer, autumn or fall.  The Bible further notes: “And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.  In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9).  You and I are a reflection of the beauty of the Lord.  The Bible says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

3)    Trees are fruitful.  Trees have been gifted with fruit which they produce after their kind.  The Bible records, “Each tree is recognized by its own fruit...” (Luke 5:44).  People are blessed and strengthened by the fruit that a tree yields.  You and I are told to be fruitful.  A command from the Bible says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last..." (John 15:16).  In order to be fruitful we need the strength and power that God gives.  We are further reminded, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4).

4)    Trees are expressive.  The Bible says: “Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth” (I Chronicles 16:33).  In the Bible the psalmist expresses it this way,“Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.  Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy” (Psalm 96:12).  You and I were created to be expressive toward God.  Psalms further notes, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3).  Still another psalm says, “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1).

5)    Trees grow.  The Bible notes, “Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade” (Mark 4:32).  You and I need to grow in our relationship with God.  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).

As you observe the trees this fall, think about the spiritual application of trees to your life.

Madness? Or Unique Prize?

In Minnesota the month of March is considered one of the snowiest months of the year.  This kind of weather might be thought of as madness or maddening.  Some people like the snow but some people do not.  One redeeming quality of snow in March is that it will soon melt when the warmer temperatures of late winter/early spring emerge.

“March Madness” is an event that takes place in March when 64 collegiate basketball teams qualify or are invited to participate in the NCAA tournament.  In this single elimination tournament the teams begin play and one by one those who lose fall by the wayside.  The goal is to be the last team standing by winning every game and being declared the NCAA National Champion.  Of course, the winning team receives the coveted title and trophy that goes with it.  To be the last team standing takes skill, dedication, hard work, persistence and patience.

In a gospel account, the Apostle Paul compared his life to athletic competition when he said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).  He was not referring to “madness” but to a prize.  No one who follows after God loses, only those who do not pursue Him.  The prize he referred to was not just a trophy or a national title, but something much greater.  Notice:

1)      The prize is the goal – press on toward the goal.  Therefore, we need to go after it.

2)      The prize is obtainable – to win the prize.  The goal can be reached.

3)      The prize is something that God offers – God has called me.  it is a divine call.

4)      The prize centers in God’s Son – in Christ Jesus.  A personal relationship with the God is crucial.

5)      The prize will require intense endeavor – I press on.  We need to pursue it.

As we launch into the spring season, what intrigues you the most – March Madness or the heavenly prize?  One might be fun to watch, but one is very beneficial for your life.  What do you need to do to keep your eye on the prize and strive for that which God has called you?  What might you need to do to turn some of the madness which you experience into the challenge to live a godly life?  Trust God and press on toward the goal.

Change and Changelessness

An annual event that my wife and I like to attend is the Minnesota State Fair.  At the Fair we enjoy viewing the exhibits, looking at the animals, watching people, and of course, tasting the delicious food.  I’m not sure why the State Fair has been such an attraction for us through the years.  Maybe it is because we like to be with people.  Or,  maybe it is because we enjoy visiting the “CrossRoads” Chapel and realize that wherever there are people, there is opportunity to share the Gospel.  Or, maybe it is because the State Fair seems to be the last “big event” of the summer.  And of course, September means the end of summer time, kids going back to school, and preparation for the Autumn, Fall and Winter months.  As I thought about the changing seasons, I was reminded about the changelessness of God.  The Scripture says, “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6) and, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

Isn’t it interesting that our God, who never changes in His personality or being, sustains our world in such a way that you and I can enjoy the changing seasons?  And in addition, the God who loves us so very much makes it possible for you and me to change from our sinful condition to a way of righteousness through Christ.  The Apostle Paul reminds us of the fact that: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” (II Corinthians 5:17).  “In Christ” is a phrase that the Apostle Paul uses again and again to note a person’s spiritual relationship to Christ.  If refers to one who not only believes the message about Christ but also is identified by faith in Christ.  To be a “new creation” is God’s creative work done in each individual who believes in Christ.  The end result is that the “old” life of slavery to sin and self is gone, and the “new” life of devotion to Christ exhibits itself in new attitudes and actions.

 As we see the change to the Autumn and Fall seasons, let’s rejoice together that our changeless Father (who is always there when we need Him and on whom we can count on to be faithful and true) makes it possible for change to be a part of our lives.