Routine

Most of us get tired of thinking about and doing things that need to be done routinely.  Every day we open our eyes, wash our face, comb our hair, brush our teeth, put on makeup or shave our face.  We may even go outside for some exercise, take the dog for a walk, call someone on the telephone or respond to email messages.  The list could go on and on.  Although we may tire of these routine activities, just think of what would happen if we were not able to open our eyes, take care of our personal needs, eat meals, go to work, or talk with someone.  We’d be in big trouble.

What about the things that happen routinely that we do not usually even think about like breathing, the pumping of our heart, and the blood pushed through every part of our body?  I’m so glad these things get taken care of routinely by God.  We would be in bad shape if any of these routine activities would stop functioning. Acts 17:24-25 says, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth … and he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.”

We should not be afraid of routine nor should we think of routine actions as something that is an inconvenience.  God is not only God of the unusual but God of the routine.  He made the earth that routinely rotates on its axis.  He made the day and the night that routinely alternate.  He made the seasons through which we routinely move.  He is the giver of life and we routinely breathe the air He created.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that it is “…God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (I Timothy 6:17).  The Apostle James affirms that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

As we continue into this fall season, we will once again be confronted with the beauty of the changing color of the leaves.  This is routine; it happened last year, and it will happen again this year.  But let’s rejoice in the wonderful provision that God has made for us—even with the routine “stuff.”

The Gift that Keeps Giving

After December 25th our focus on the Christmas season is over.  Christmas lights are turned off, decorations are put away, Christmas carols no longer fill the air waves, and Christmas cards become a memory of
the past.  However, the opposite is true of the Biblical story of Christmas because God’s gift is continually available to us.  The gift of eternal life that God offers us through His Son, Jesus Christ is just the beginning.  Listen to these verses that reveal that this gift is for us today.

• “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

• “Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14).
• “But when the kindness and love of God our savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, who he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7).

Have you personally received the gift that God so graciously offers?  It can be yours.  “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him” (John 3:36).  Why not continue into the New Year with God’s wonderful gift of Christmas in your heart?

Overflowing with Thankfulness

Probably the most important part of November is Thanksgiving.  During this holiday season we enjoy family and friends and want to be with them.  We are also happy for the food we have to eat and thoroughly enjoy the bountiful provision and nourishment we receive.  We appreciate the wonderful country in which we live and delight in the freedom we enjoy.  All of these things are good and wonderful, but when it comes to thanksgiving, Scripture tells us that the expression of thankfulness needs to be directed towards God and our thankfulness needs to be a continual and an ongoing process in our lives.

Focus of Thankfulness.  Notice the thankfulness that the Apostle Paul had when he says, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3).  He appreciated the people to whom he was writing; they were great friends of his and helped him during his time of need.  However, his thankfulness was expressed, not to these people, but to God.  When God is the focus of our thankful spirit, it is He who receives praise and honor for that which we enjoy.  By our act of thankfulness expressed to God we acknowledge our dependence on Him.  We acknowledge that we are needy people and that He is the only One who can meet the deepest needs of our hearts.

Extent of Thanks.  In another portion of Scripture, Paul shares these words - "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness“ (Colossians 2:6-7).  Thankfulness is to be more than just the expression of the word “thanks”.  Thanks is to be in excess; it is to overflow.  When I purchase a bag of popcorn or an order of French fries, I like the container in which this food comes to be more than full.  I want it to overflow with the delicious morsels.  The same idea is expressed in Paul’s challenge.  He wants people to be thankful, but he wants their thankfulness to overflow.  Our thankfulness ought always to be in excess.  It should abound in both quality and quantity.

As you enjoy Thanksgiving this year my prayer for you and your family is that you will concentrate on these two aspects of thankfulness – (1) Let your thanks be expressed to God and (2) Let your thankfulness be characterized by an abundant overflow.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

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.

Back to the Basics

If we want to do our best in any endeavor in life it is important to get “back to the basics.”  Basics are always crucial because they provide a foundation making it possible for us to encounter greater possibilities.  Many children and youth experienced getting back to the basics in the school classroom or on the sports field this fall.  I’d like to encourage all of us to get back to the basics, but do so in the area of spirituality.  Here are several action points you might take to help you build the spiritual foundation of your life:

First, spend time in God’s Word so you can begin to grow or continue to mature in Christ. The Bible tells us that “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).  Second, talk to God daily.  Prayer is communion with God and it is something that He desires from us.  Scripture encourages us to “Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:17-17).  Third, learn to praise and worship God.  God has done so much for us and He is supremely worthy of our praise.  The Psalmist challenges us to “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs…Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:2, 4).  Fourth, be obedient to what God’s Word teaches you.  Obedience to God’s Word is the best way to reveal to others that you believe what God says.  Obedience simply takes God’s Word and puts it into practice in life.  Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15).

Don’t forget that getting back to the basics is fundamental to help us construct a strong foundation for life.  The Bible reminds us to “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).  Maybe this fall would be a good time for all of us to get “back to the basics” spiritually.  Are you ready to join me?

Summertime and Vacation Time

Warm weather, bright sunshine, fragrant flowers, and green grass all point to summertime.  When we think of summer, most of us think of these things, as well as vacation – whether we travel away to some distant place or stay at home.  When we think of vacation we may also think of resting, relaxing, exploring, or participating in some adventuresome activity.

To be sure, summertime (and vacation time) is a time for all of us to rest and be refreshed.  This is important for our lives because each one of us needs rest and refreshment.  But sometimes our “vacation time” or “summer time” attitude keeps us away from God.  We find ourselves participating in lots of activities but forgetting about the usual disciplines of the Christian life that keep us in touch with God.  As a result we draw apart from God rather than coming closer to Him.

If this mind-set becomes a part of our life in the summer time, we will find that we may be refreshed physically, but we will also discover that our spirit begins to dry up.  That is why we need to rest in God.  The Psalmist said, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

That means that we can rest at the same time that we stay in close contact with God.  As you and I enjoy this special time of the year, let’s make sure that we don’t forget God.  During the month of July we have celebrate Independence Day.  So, as we rest in God, let’s also remember to praise God for the freedom that we enjoy in our great country.

Handling Showers in Life

You have often heard the statement, “April showers bring May flowers.”  The ultimate goal in this expression is the loveliness of spring flowers that enhance the beauty of God’s wonderful creation.  By the same token, the beauty of springtime flowers only appears after the showers have come.  “Showers” or “rain” implies the absence of the sun and suggests something dreary or dismal.  However, there are a lot of positive aspects about rain.  Rain brings refreshment.  It cleanses.  It purges.  It brings nourishment to the thirsty land.  As a result, lots of good comes out of something that has even the smallest hint of negativism.

You will remember that in the Bible the Apostle Paul had what he called a “thorn in the flesh.”  Whatever that was, to him it was negative and he wanted to rid himself of it.  He says,  “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me” (II Corinthians 12:7-8).  He didn’t want the “thorn” but God gave it to him anyway.  God’s response to him was that into each life some rain must fall.  Some negative is not all bad.  Paul went on to explain God’s response to his request.  “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (II Corinthians 12:9).

His negative situation – even though it contained “showers”, “rain” or “pain” – would become a positive experience because God would be exceedingly sufficient for him through it.  God’s power would be shown through Paul’s weakness.  Alice Hansche Mortenson penned a poem which helps us understand how some of the “showers”, “thorns” or “pain” that we go through can lead to things that are positive.  She writes,

Though prayers for healing seemed in vain, God helped me learn to live with pain;

To use the very thing I dread for closer walk with Him instead;
And how to lend a listening ear to those who hurt and shed a tear
Of sympathy, or press their hand—worth more because I understand.
Dear God, if that’s the only way You’d have me serve from day to day,
Please use this tiny cross of pain for others and for Heaven’s gain!

Maybe God wants to use the “showers”, “rain” or “pain” in your life in order to show His greatness and His glory.  Remember, God will be totally sufficient for you as you give yourself completely to Him. 

Time to "Smell" Christmas

Shopping, gifts, trees, decorations, sound of the season music, program practice, snow and silver bells.  All of these things remind me of Christmas.  I dearly love Christmas; it is my favorite time of the year.  However, when I think of all of these Christmas-related events, I get overwhelmed with two words – “busy-ness” and “activity.”  Now to be busy and active is not bad; it is part of life.  But I am afraid that sometimes in our busy-ness and the hurry and scurry of Holiday activities, we tend to forget the real meaning of Christmas.

 
In an attempt to get people to take time to see things as they really are and to appreciate what is around them, the phrase, “take time to smell the roses” has been penned.  Maybe that is good advice for us this Christmas.  We need to “take time to smell Christmas.”  In other words, amid all the activities in which we are involved we need to take time to think about Jesus Christ, who is the real meaning of Christmas.  Here are a couple of ideas for your meditation and contemplation concerning the greatest Christmas gift that was ever given – the Lord Jesus.  Think about it.

• The angel of the Lord told Joseph that Mary would give birth to a son, “And you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
• An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and said, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

This year, I encourage you to take time to "smell" Christmas -- the real Christmas!.

Impressed by Creation

As the Fall season has rolled around, I am once again impressed again by the beauty of creation.  In the northern hemisphere, fall is known as autumn and begins with the September equinox.  This year that date was on September 22.  On that day both day and night were each about 12 hours long.  The Sun crossed the celestial equator going southward and it rose exactly due east and set exactly due west.  The change of the season is determined by shifting sunlight according to how our planet orbits the Sun ans well as the tilt of its axis.  So, why does all this take place with each season in in such a precise way?  Scripture helps us get a grasp of what has been done, what continues to be done, and what our response should be.

 

The Bible reminds us: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).  God is Creator.  The Bible also says, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).  God is Sustainer.  Scripture additionally tells us “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies  proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).

So what can we say?  God created the beauty we see in the natural world around us.  He also sustains it or holds it up and keeps it going by the power of His hands.  His glory is revealed by the beauty we see in creation.  We, like the heavens themselves, should declare His glory.  All of the beauty we see and enjoy during the fall season (and the other seasons of the year) are directly related to God, our Creator and Sustainer.

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.