We Have Hope
Earlier this month we buried a dear sweet lady. Ninety-three years old, she was a member of our church for seventy years. She was well-known in the community, a pillar of the Shellman Bluff family. And on the day of her funeral, we celebrated.
Now, I am not saying that there were no tears shed. Of course there were. Her absence has left a hole in the lives of children, grandchildren, other relatives, and friends. Death has a way of doing that. Those of us who have lost loved ones know the pain. We do mourn, for it hurts to lose someone we love.
When Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonian church, he was writing to Christians who were confused and concerned. Paul had told them that Jesus was coming back, and they believed him. And they were expecting this return to be soon. When Jesus did not come back immediately, and then some of their members died, they were not sure what to do. They did not fully understand the concept of the resurrection of all believers, and were wondering if their deceased friends and family were missing out.
Paul wrote with these words. “Do not grieve as those without hope.” Notice that he did not say, “Do not grieve, period.” We grieve at the death of someone we love. But not without hope, if that person is a believer. Paul elaborated on the fact that all of God’s children, both those alive at the coming of Christ, and those who have already passed on, will be with the Lord in heaven. There will be a resurrection, and that gives us hope, both for now and the future.
The final words Paul wrote in chapter 4 of that letter simply says, “Therefore, encourage one another with those words.”
Do you get that? There is encouragement in the hope of the gospel! There is encouragement in the hope of the resurrection. We may grieve for a season, but joy comes in the morning. We have hope that is real, knowing that the Lord has not forgotten us. We will be raised with Him. And we will live forever with Him.
So, “Encourage one another with these words.”
Autumn = Thankful
I must admit to you that the fall of the year is my favorite season. I know, we do not have the same type of fall here in southeast coastal Georgia that I experienced in my growing up days in northeast Georgia, and especially not so much as in Indiana and Michigan, other places I have called home.
Still, there is something about cooler mornings and evenings, and the fact that I do not burst into a perspiration machine just walking to the mailbox. The “thickness” of the air during July and August can be suffocating.
Two of my favorite activities in the fall are to walk a golf course, and to sit in a boat hoping to introduce myself to some fish I have never met. Of course, I will do either of these things during any season of the year, but there is something extra special about October and November golf and fishing.
The psalmist wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” And Paul said about the Lord, “His invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made…” In other words, nature reveals the reality and the goodness of God.
Late in the fall season we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. We gather at the table with family and friends. We watch parades and football. Some head to the malls. I simply want us to remember to give thanks, even before that special day. The Lord has been good, and will continue to be good to His children. Let us trust Him, and let us thank Him for all He has done.
Repay
"What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?” Thus writes the psalmist in Psalm 116:12. He is basically asking, “How can I repay the Lord for all that He has done for me?” What a question.
A few years ago, one of my sons said to me, “Dad, I can never pay you back for all that you have bought for me. I don’t like that. I don’t like feeling like I’m in debt. How can I pay you back?”
My response was simple. “Son, I can never pay my Dad back either.” And that was before he left me a small inheritance, making my indebtedness even greater. But then I said to him, “I have paid my Dad back, by taking care of you. And you will pay me back by taking care of the next generation. That’s just how it is done.”
But that still doesn’t fully answer the question, “How can I repay the Lord?” In fact, the answer is that we never can. God’s care and goodness and graciousness for us have been boundless. Simply the fact that we are living and breathing is a precious gift from the Lord. He has been so good to us. His salvation is free, and it can never be bought.
Still, we want to do something. So, where do we start?
The psalmist wrote, “I will lift up the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.”
In other words, He will worship and serve the Lord. When we worship. When we serve. When we act in gratitude and thankfulness. It is in these moments that we “repay” the Lord. As I’ve already said, we can never actually repay Him for His grace. But He desires worship and gratitude for His goodness to us.
You can do that. So can I. Let us be faithful to give worship and thanks and love and service to the One who gave us His all.
"Think Spiritually"
My wife and I returned from our trip to Guatemala last Friday. It was quite an experience. I’ve been to the former Soviet Union (Ukraine), Nigeria, and Haiti on mission trips before, as well as some here in the states. In addition, my wife and I lived and served churches in Louisiana, Indiana and Michigan, as well as here in Georgia.
It is fascinating to me to see the differences and similarities between people in different places. In some ways we are all the same. We are God’s special creation, made in His image, and yet marred by our own sinfulness. That is true, no matter where you live, or what language you speak.
But we are also different. We speak different languages, we eat different foods, we have different customs, and the list goes on.
When I have visited different countries, I have tried to learn a few basic phrases in the native language. I want to be able to communicate, at least in some manner. I studied Spanish in both high school and college, and so I was better prepared for Guatemala than any other country I have visited. As I read, and listened, I could translate certain phrases and words for my wife.
But I could not listen “fast” enough to understand everything. The truth is that I “think” in English. That is my native tongue, and it is most natural to me.
That gets me to thinking. Do I “think spiritually”, or do I “think” according to the ways of the world? To “think spiritually,” in my mind, means that I naturally think of ways that I can obey the Lord and follow His direction.
I know this much is true. When I am reading my Bible, praying, and worshiping regularly, I “think spiritually,” more often. I must maintain my relationship with the Lord in order to walk with Him. I imagine that is true for you as well. I pray that we will learn to, “thing spiritually,” that this will become our normal way of living.
Guatemala
As you read this I am in Guatemala on a mission trip. Along with three others I am meeting new friends and seeking ways for the churches in our local Baptist association to return and serve the people in this part of the world.
I’ve never been to Guatemala. I’m not sure what to expect in many ways. But I am looking forward to this time. I’ve had the privilege of traveling to Russia, Ukraine, Nigeria, and Haiti on previous mission trips. I’ve been to Haiti five times, and have built friendships that I treasure. The hope is that this will be the first of many times in Guatemala as well.
Why would I go to a place I have never been, to serve people I’ve never seen, when there are people here at home who have needs? Would it be better to stay here and serve? Am I wasting time and resources that could be better used close to home?
I know people who believe that to be the case. They are in favor of sending resources to places like Guatemala, but only for the use of those who already live there. The belief is that short-term mission projects cause more headaches than help for the people we say that we serve.
Let me simply respond in this way. I believe that relationships can be made that will help people on both sides of the mission trip. I believe that we can share Christ and share resources in a way that God is glorified, and people are pointed in His direction. I want to be a part of that.
I’m sure that I will have stories to share when I get back home. But I hope that my own heart will be touched and molded so that I will be more faithful to serve the Lord where I live. If you think about it, pray for us as we travel back home on Friday. God bless.
Gardening
I recently planted a few items in my garden. This is a new adventure for me. For several years (actually decades) I have planted a garden in the Spring. I do so enjoy tomatoes, squash, peppers and cucumbers fresh from the garden. But now I have planted broccoli, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and snow peas.
I am very interested to see how this goes. I really enjoy watching things grow. I’ve taken the required biology classes in high school and college, and I have a basic understanding of the processes of germination and pollination.
Still, that can’t explain it all. I put a seed in the ground. Soon a small plant pops up through the surface. Then blooms form, and finally there is a vegetable on the vine. If you do not see the hand of God in all of it, I feel sorry for you. There’s not a chance that this is simply by chance.
Earlier this year, when we first moved into our home, we planted grass and trees and shrubs. Two of those again have me fascinated. A small lemon tree, no more than two feet tall, has seven lemons hanging on its limbs. I’ve had to place a tomato cage around it in order to prop up the fruit.
And then there is the sod I planted in the backyard. In an attempt to save money and labor (mine) I planted grass in a checkerboard fashion. I simply left gaps between each piece of sod so that the grass and dirt formed a green and brown checkerboard of sorts. That was the last week of April. Now, in September, you can hardly tell. The grass has grown and filled in the gaps.
Again, science explains the process. But I am confident that the hand of God is involved at every step. Psalm 19 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” I would add to David’s thought, “And the fruit of the ground makes known his power as well.”
Look around you. Do you see the hand of God? He’s at work. I pray that we will see what He is doing.
Finish Well #2
When in seminary one of my professors said something that surprised and disappointed me. He indicated, that if statistics held true, less than half of us in that classroom would serve in the ministry until retirement. He was right. Fewer than half of my seminary classmates remain active in their calling today.
Here’s the deal. I understand why it happens. Many of you do as well. Serving in the church, whether as pastor, deacon, Sunday school teacher, or any other capacity, can be downright difficult. The work is hard, and often people are not grateful for the efforts you make. Sometimes they ignore the advice offered. Sometimes being in ministry hurts.
I’m not throwing a pity party. This is not exclusive to pastors. There are times when we hurt each other, even in the church. And there is that ever-present temptation to do that which we think will bring peace. Just quit.
Can I encourage you to keep going? My professor used a phrase that I have remembered ever since to describe his desire for his life. He simply said, “I want to finish well.” I was 23-years old at the time, just getting started. I was excited about the journey, and had no idea what that meant. Almost forty years later I get it.
The fact is that I probably have ten or fewer years left in active service as a pastor. God has blessed in so many ways in my ministry. There have been buildings built and programs started. But the greatest part of the journey has been to see the lives of people changed and challenged along the way.
Still, there have been days when I wanted to quit. One too many critic, one too long committee meeting, one too many deaths. The temptation to quit always lingers. Still that thought that remains in my mind. “I want to finish well.”
The apostle Paul put it this way in the last letter he wrote to Timothy. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” He went on to say that a reward was awaiting him.
That same reward awaits you and me. Keep going. Don’t give up. Don’t quit. Fight the fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. God is with you. He will keep you. Count on it.
Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks
Earlier this year I preached through the book of 1 Thessalonians. As Paul brought that letter to its conclusion, he offered several pieces of advice we would do well to follow. Actually, in chapter 5, verses 14-22 he gave us fourteen commands. They are not holy suggestions. They are commands.
“Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient… do not repay evil for evil… seek to do good, rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances…do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophecies, test everything, hold fast what is good, and abstain from every form of evil.” Some of these commands are negative, while others are positive. But all of them apply to every believer. That means you and me.
Let’s consider just three of them from verses 16-18. “Rejoice always.” That means when things aren’t going well. Remember that Paul wrote this after he had been thrown out of Thessalonica for preaching the gospel. He said similar things to the Philippians while in jail. Paul followed his own advice. So I ask. Are you rejoicing?
“Pray without ceasing.” That means to be in a spirit of prayer in every waking moment. You have work to do. This does not mean to stay on your knees and pray out loud 24/7. But still pray. Listen to God. Speak to God (yes, in that order). Pray every chance you get.
“Give thanks in all circumstances.” Not for everything, but in everything. God has been good, so we should give thanks. God has blessed, so we can give thanks.
Notice this. When you don’t feel like rejoicing, rejoice anyway. When you don’t feel like praying, pray anyway. And when you don’t feel like giving thanks, give thanks anyway. I truly believe doing these three things can transform your life.
Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. Why? “This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” May God help you to rejoice, pray, and give thanks. May He help me do the same.
"I Know Who Holds Tomorrow"
The last two years have been strange, to say the least. I mean, I have actually (on more than one occasion) gotten out of my car, put on a mask, and walked into a bank. Just think about it. I’ve watched enough episodes of Roy Rogers to know that simply isn’t done.
What have you done in this time that you would never have imagined in a million years? Truth is truly stranger than fiction. I mean, I’m not smart enough to have made some of these things up.
We have been caught off guard, have we not? Surprised, shocked even. The fact is that none of us expected this, and we have literally been flying by the seat of our pants, as the saying goes.
But here is something important to remember. This pandemic has not caught God by surprise. If He is truly omniscient (that is, He knows all) then He knew this was coming. That means He was fully prepared for it. And because of that, we can trust Him.
The old gospel song says, “Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand.” But in the chorus we are reminded, “But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know He holds my hand.” What a relief to realize that God has this under control! He will not let us down. We can trust Him.
Are there times I wish that I understood better? Of course. At the same time, I’m glad that I do not have a crystal ball that would tell me the future. It would frighten me to death. So, let me offer you this advice. Trust the Lord. Don’t worry, and don’t try to go it alone. The Lord has promised never to forsake us. We can take Him at His word.
Dad
I want to be careful that this column not turn into a treatise about my life, and yet it is entitled, “Intercessions of Faith and Life.” So I often share with you how God is at work in my life.
Two Mondays ago my Dad passed away. He had been ill for almost three years, and under hospice care for more than two. I was fortunate to be able to spend time with him from Friday until Monday. Of course, parts of that time were much more difficult than others.
For a little more than a day dad experienced what they called, “Terminal Agitation.” He was restless and frustrated, and kept trying to get out of bed. On one occasion I was sitting on the edge of the bed, and reached across to put his foot back in the bed. At that point he put his other foot in my chest and pinned me against the footboard of the bed. There I was, trapped and unable to move, and there was no one else in the room. It didn’t help that I got tickled and started giggling at what must have been a comical sight.
You know, soon after I turned 14, I reached my full height, about ¼ inch taller than Dad. I made a point to slide up beside him and ask Mom, “Who’s taller now?” He put his arm around me and declared, “I can still take you.” And 48 years later he proved it true. You just have to laugh.
I am truly sad that he is gone. He was my mentor, my ball coach, and even the Best Man at my wedding. We talked every day after Mom passed in 2005. I already miss him. And yet!
I trust that I will see him again. Paul reminded us that Jesus was raised from the dead, and because of that we, too, will be raised from the dead. If the resurrection is not true, then all of Christianity is invalidated. But it is true! He is alive! And because of that, we have hope!
Finish Well
Well, another birthday has come and gone. I remember talking to my mother on my 40th birthday. She asked, “What does it feel like to be 40?” My cruel response was to ask, “Well, what does it feel like to have a son who is 40?” She wasn’t offended. She replied, “Yeah, you got me,” and we laughed together.
Well, 40 is far back in the rearview mirror today. I was still playing basketball two days a week at 40. I know better than to walk into a gym today. I might be tempted to test my game, and I know that I will pay for it.
It is interesting, the perspective one gets as the birthdays pass. I can’t do some things that I once did without thinking. But I also have wisdom I did not have back in the day. I have more knowledge than ever. There are disadvantages to growing older, but it’s not all negative.
The prophet Isaiah spoke about our walk with God at the end of chapter 40 in his book. The final verse speaks of those who trust in the Lord. He writes, “They will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
At first glance some might think those verbs are in reverse order, but that is not the case. In our youth we soar with the eagles. As young and middle age adults we run without growing weary. And as we age, we have to slow to a walk, but still we have the promise that we will not faint as we trust in the Lord.
Many years ago an older pastor challenged me with words I cannot forget. He said it is important that you finish well. The fact is that I’m not as fast as I once was. I can’t jump as high. But I can still move, both physically and spiritually. And I want to meet the challenge to finish well.
I think I still have many years before I finish. But if I am to finish well, I need to continue to walk in the way that God has called. I challenge you, no matter your age, to commit to finish well. God has promised to be with you each step of the way. You can finish well as you trust in Him.
"I Will Trust in You"
I love music. Any style. But I listen to a variety of Christian music. There is a song that strikes me every time I hear it. No matter what I am doing, I stop, turn up the volume, and sing along when Lauren Daigle sings, “Trust in You.”
I am overwhelmed at the words of the chorus to this song. I read she wrote this song soon after her grandfather died. The words are powerful and chilling at the same time. They remind me of Job when he said of the Lord, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”
The chorus goes, “When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move, when you don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through, when You don’t give me answers as I cry out to you…I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You.”
Note the message. The singer says she will trust in the Lord, even when things are not going her way. Even when God does not answer her prayers as she would wish, she will maintain her trust. That is what I heard one older preacher call, “An anyway kind of faith.” I will trust you anyway, even when I don’t feel like it.
We have many today who will tell you that faith in God will lead to health and wealth every time. You will get exactly what you want when you want it, as long as you trust in the Lord. The Bible does not teach that.
The Bible promises that God will never leave us or forsake us. He will always be with us, and He will give us that which is best for us in the long haul. But it may not be what we would have preferred.
Do you trust in the Lord, even when the mountains don’t move…even when the water is not parted…even when the answers are not given? I find it instructive that Ms. Daigle repeats, “I will trust in You,” three times. It’s as if she is seeking to build her faith and make it stronger. It’s not easy to trust in such times.
And yet it is worth it. God is good, even when we don’t get the answers we desire. He can be trusted. He is faithful and good.
Me VS The Machine
A while back my younger sister posted that she felt like Wilma Flintstone in a Jane Jetson world. She had been locked out of her washing machine. Can you even imagine that? How is it that a washing machine can lock out its owner?
I get frustrated with copier machines and computers. They are convinced that they are smarter than I am. When I attempt to make a copy, and the machine refuses because I need to choose a different size paper, even though I want regular paper…well, let’s just say that I walk away muttering to myself like Smedley, the dog of cartoons gone by. Perhaps I was born too late. Maybe I belong to an earlier generation.
Don’t get me wrong. I love air conditioning and cruise control. And GPS on the golf course? That’s very helpful when I’m trying to work my out back out of the woods to the fairway and civilization.
But what right does the machine have to tell me I’m wrong? Isn’t it supposed to serve me? I paid for it.
And then I ponder this thought. God created me. He knows everything about me. According to the Bible, He knows the number of the hairs on my head. He knows my thoughts even before they lead to action. And He knows what is best for me. And yet…I find myself arguing with God. I find myself disobeying God. I find myself going in my own direction.
And I wonder…Does God look at me in the same way I look at the GPS in my car when it tells me to turn directly into a field of corn because I have arrived at my destination? If I am frustrated with the machines in my life, how much more is God exasperated with my bad choices?
How I need to see that God is good, and that He always wants the best for me. I can trust Him in every situation. I pray that I will learn that, and that I will become more faithful in my service to Him.
Expectations
I’ve always loved the month of July. The celebration of independence gets us started, and my birthday comes near the end. When I was younger it meant no school, and lots of baseball. I still appreciate summer. I enjoy picnics and fireworks, and golf and fishing have replaced baseball on my to-do list.
As a pastor I have to admit that summer can be a challenge. We have Vacation Bible School, church camps, and then what many have called, “the summer slump.” That received its name from the fact that so many people take vacations during the summer that attendance and offerings are often below the usual.
It’s interesting. My first summer in Shellman Bluff was far from normal. Pandemics have a way of changing things. But this summer has opened my eyes. Our area is where people come for vacation. One of our highest attended Sundays so far this year was the day before Memorial Day. I wrote this column before Sunday, so I’m not sure how we fared on July 4.
Isn’t it interesting how our expectations can be so mistaken? The truth is that we do not know what the future holds. We think certain things will happen, but life has a way of throwing curveballs at us. Not one of us can perfectly predict tomorrow.
That would bother me more except for this fact. God is in control. I don’t have to be. I can trust Him to take care of me, no matter what comes my way. I must admit that I would prefer not to be surprised in most cases. And yet God’s surprises have been such a blessing through the years.
I encourage you to trust the Lord. Even when your expectations are unmet, you can trust Him. Even when you are disappointed, He is faithful. As the country song says, “Sometimes God’s greatest blessings are unanswered prayers.”
A Cheerleader
I once heard a story about a church that was looking for a pastor. When asked what they were looking for, the chairman of the search committee said that they only had two criteria. They did not want a pastor who had studied Greek, and they did not want a pastor who had ever been to the Holy Land.
They had heard way too many explanations about the Greek in the New Testament, and way too many stories about the Holy Land. They were tired of it. But seriously, those two criteria would not be the best way to choose a pastor.
It is easy for any pastor (or any Sunday School teacher) to use too many stories or illustrations from an area they enjoy. I could talk about sports for hours, and sometimes I probably do. I could talk about my family longer than most people would want to listen. The fact is that we all have things that interest us more than they do others.
The differences we have can cause division. Perhaps you are not interested in hearing another story from me about something that deeply matters to me. And it may be that you think less of me because of what I deem important. But I think about this.
Do you suppose that God made us different, with different talents and interests, for a purpose? Do you think that might be what Paul had in mind when he spoke of the variety of spiritual gifts that he mentioned in 1 Corinthians? I do.
One thing I believe about the church is this. God brings different people with different gifts together so that working together they might accomplish more. We need people from every walk of life to cooperate, and to encourage one another in using those gifts and talents that God has given to us.
What would happen if we became each other’s biggest cheerleaders instead of being jealous or overly protective of our own turf? Do you think we could make a greater impact in our church…in our communities? I think so, too.
I don’t know what your gifts are. But I am confident of this. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ there is something you can do to strengthen your church, to help others, and to honor God. Discover your gift (or gifts). Use what God has given you to bless others and to worship Him.
Gifts
This column is not intended for true confessions, but I have one to make to you. I am artistically challenged. I can’t draw. I can’t paint. I don’t work well with clay. I’ve never considered the possibility of sculpting. To be honest, I don’t even take very good pictures.
I admit to you that there are times when the green-eyed monster rears its ugly head when I see the talents of others. I am amazed at the beauty of a painted portrait. When I see creative artwork I wonder why I can’t do something like that.
Perhaps you feel that same way when you hear someone sing or play an instrument. Maybe you are jealous of someone who can swim or run faster than you can. Or maybe you would simply like to be able to bake a delicious pie.
Whatever it may be, we all have something we wish we could do. Some are gifted cooks while others have a green thumb in the garden. Some sing like beautiful songbirds while others paint. And you may wonder if you have any gift to offer at all.
The Bible makes it clear that God gives gifts to all of His children. Paul describes this for us in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. There are many gifts, and I am of the opinion that the lists in the Bible are representative rather than exhaustive. Each believer has at least one of these gifts. Therefore you cannot honestly say that you have no gifts.
Some gifts are used more publicly than others. But make no mistake about it. Every gift matters.
I think if I could emphasize just one biblical truth to Christians and churches this might be it. You are gifted, and your gift is important. You can use it to bless others. You should not envy what others have and do, for yours is an essential part of the church, too.
When you and I use the gifts God has given to us, the church is blessed and built. And we make a powerful impact on the world around us. I encourage you to do two things. First, discover your gift, or gifts and practice using them. And then, rejoice as others do the same. As we turn away from jealousy, and cheer each other on, the church will grow and God will be glorified.
Father's Day
This Sunday is Father’s Day. As holidays go, it is a bit underrated. Much more money and effort is spent in celebrating Mother’s Day, and there is nothing wrong with that. Still, we need to see the importance of this day.
Billy Sunday, the baseball player turned evangelist once said, “Give a child a good mother, and any old stick will do for a father.” On the other hand, Billy Graham said, “I believe that fathers may be the most underrated and unappreciated persons living today.”
I know that I am grateful to have grown up in the home of a Christian man. My dad taught me all of the things a dad should teach his son. I have learned from him how to throw and hit a ball, how to tie a hook on a line, how to drive a stick shift, and even how to memorize long passages of writing.
But there are many other things he taught me that are even more valuable, and some came quite late in life. I was 46 when my mom got sick, and I watched my dad keep his wedding vows to her, caring for her to the very end. I’ve watched his interaction with grandchildren, and now great grandchildren, and I have a better plan for how to love my own.
He continues to teach me today. He is showing me how to grow old, and then to die gracefully. He has been on hospice care for longer than expected, and we know the day is coming, but until it does he continues to live. He recently told me that he was enjoying life, though it is filled with pain and a dependence on others that is difficult for him.
I have two fathers, one earthly, and one heavenly, who have given me more than I deserve, and for that I am grateful. I hope that, in some small ways, I can live up to the standards that have been placed before me.
The Original Message
Billy Graham was perhaps the most influential preacher in the 20th century. I’m not sure how many people heard him preach, but it was well into the millions. Dr. Graham’s pet phrase was, “The Bible says…” He understood that the authority for his message was the Word of God revealed in Scripture.
Billy Graham had his critics. There were the fundamentalists who disagreed with his willingness to work with all churches. They were dissatisfied with his failure to separate himself from those who did not believe everything he believed.
Those on the other end of the spectrum were dismayed that Dr. Graham believed the Bible. One liberal theologian said, “I fear that Billy Graham has set back Christianity some 100 years.”
Of course, the media went to Dr. Graham with this report. His response was classic. “I’m sorry to hear that. It was my intent to set it back some 2000 years.”
As Christians and churches we do want to follow the original teachings of Jesus. We want to live out first century Christianity. But how do we do that? Some argue for the “old hymns,” forgetting that many of the old hymns were written in the 1800’s. They are indeed old, but they do not go back to the days of Jesus. Some say that we should have only the traditional musical instruments like the organ and piano, again forgetting that neither Peter nor Paul ever saw either one.
The problem with all of these ideas is that we are not really at the heart of true Christianity. The methods and music we use change. They always have. The songs we sang in the 1970’s were not the songs they sang in the 1600’s.
But the message of Christ and His Gospel are still the same. God became flesh and dwelt in our midst. Jesus lived a perfect sinless life, and died in our place as a sacrifice for our sins. He was raised from the dead, and He will come again at the proper time to complete what He started. It is all quite simple, and yet it is all quite radical. Still we trust Him to do what He promised. That is our only hope.
The Troubles I've Seen
You may have noticed, but if not, I’m going to let you in on a secret. Life is hard. Oh, there are many good times. And I am convinced of this. Most of us have far more reasons to give thanks than to complain. Nevertheless, life is hard.
I’ve faced my share of hard times. When we first married, Tina and I were poor. And I don’t mean that we didn’t have the money to eat at fine restaurants in New Orleans when going to school there. No, I mean that we ate mac and cheese from a box, and pork and beans from the can as our main course more than once. Oh, and I did everything but stand on top of the clothes to get them in the washer because I only had two quarters; one for washing and one for drying.
Then we discovered that we could not conceive children. And then, far too early my mother died. And then, to top it off, we stood by his bedside in Charleston, South Carolina as our son fought for his life, and when he did live we had to inform him that he would never walk again.
And then last week my sister and I took our dad to an assisted living home where he will likely live out his days. He has lived with her for two years, having been told then that he had only six months to live. His care is more than she and her husband can do. It was Dad’s idea, but still it was not an easy thing to do.
I’ve been asked, “How and why do you keep trusting in God when He has let you go through so much?” My response? How could I go through those things without the Lord by my side?
No, God has been good to me. With Job I can say, “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” And also with Job I say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him.”
You see, our God has been through troubles and toils Himself .He has shown us how to face adversity. And He has promised to be by our sides all the way home.
I don’t relish trials. I wish life was easier. But I trust the Lord, for He has been good to me. I pray that you will trust Him, too.
How Can I Know God's Will?
I was 17 years old, nearing the end of my senior year in high school, when I came to believe God was calling me to become a pastor. Since then I have been asked often, “How did you know that God was calling you?” The funny thing is, prior to making this commitment, I asked the same question of several pastors.
It is a question that begs an answer. How can I know God’s will for my life?
There are some who say this question cannot be answered. They say God is not that interested in the lives of individuals, so we should not bother Him with such questions. Still others say that seeking a specific will of God for myself is rather narcissistic. God’s will for all of us is to obey Him, and then to do what we want to do. As long as we are seeking to obey Him, we cannot go wrong.
I think the truth of knowing God’s will is a bit more complicated than that. Still, there are parts that are simple. I am convinced that the first step is to obey what He has told us in Scripture. We live in a time when many seek to redefine what is right and wrong. The Lord has given us instruction in the Bible, and we do well to do what it says.
A second step is to seek good counsel. This can be from our parents, our spouses, a pastor, or a trusted friend. But it is true that wisdom is found in counsel. This is one role the church can play. A Sunday School teacher or small group leader can guide us in the right way. Certainly we should seek the advice of others.
Obviously we need to pray and read the Bible as we seek the Lord’s direction. He is not in the business of leading us astray. He wants us to follow Him.
Finally, we need to make a decision, based on the best information we can gather, and go with it. Jesus was a man of action, and we need never be paralyzed by fear when it comes to doing God’s will.
I am confident I heard correctly from the Lord 44 years ago this month. I have served as a pastor for almost 39 years now, and the Lord has been so good to me. I trust you can discover and do His will in your life. It is the best road for peace and happiness you can find.