Family Life
Over the last year I have shared a bit about the progress being made in the construction of our new building at Shellman Bluff Baptist. We broke ground on January 8, 2023, and we dedicated our new Family Life Center on January 7, 2024. The new building contains a large room for eating and meeting, a beautifully appointed kitchen, restrooms, storage, and even an outdoor kitchen. We named it the Family Life Center because that is where we, as a church family, “do life together.”
Already we have enjoyed several meals together in our new facility. We have had a membership class as well, and earlier this month, in one weekend, we had a dinner where we invited our community, and then had a joint worship service with other churches from McIntosh County. It has already been a blessing to us.
I’ve had a couple of folks question the expense for such a building. After all, this is the place where we worship. One Sunday School class does meet in the big room, but we had another place they could meet. Is it wise, is it valid, to build a building where the main purpose is to gather for food? Could we not simply eat at home?
May I remind you that the Bible speaks often of feasting and festivals. I know most of those are in the Old Testament, but Jesus and His disciples attended such festivals. They went to at least one wedding. They often shared meals together, and in fact it would seem that the early church may have eaten together every week.
Not only that, but the Bible speaks of a great banquet to come. We will one day sit down with Jesus to the greatest banquet of all. You see, there is something special about sharing a meal together. There is something special about gathering at the table with family and friends.
I am so grateful for our church family’s faithfulness to give to this new project. I believe that it will be a great blessing for us and for our community for years to come.
Who Can I Blame?
More than once since I started writing this column I have received an email from Kathleen saying, “I don’t have an article for you yet.” I’ve had to drop everything and go to writing. I don’t want to disappoint the five or six folks who read me every week.
Why have I forgotten? Who can I blame? After all, that is our first option, right? Blame someone else. “The reporter took my comments out of context.” “My predecessor left me a mess.” And of course, Geraldine from the old Flip Wilson Show used to say, “The devil made me do it.”
Of course, that’s nothing new. I mean, blaming someone else. After all, when caught after the first sin ever Adam said, “The woman you gave me,” blaming Eve, and implicating God Himself. In other words, it has always been our first tendency to put the blame on others.
I have a much better option for you when you find yourself in trouble. In 1 John we are reminded that we are all sinners. 1 John 1:8 says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” And then the solution follows in the very next verse. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Those verses remind me of something that is truly good news. God knows that we are sinners. He knows that we will mess up. But He has a plan to forgive us and set things right. Paul wrote to the Romans, “God commended his love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” What good news that is!
“When you mess up, ‘fess up.” That’s what my dad told me. And that’s the teaching of the Bible. It is the only way to be at peace with God. I pray you will do just that.
"Did You Enjoy Winter?"
Did you enjoy winter? It happened a couple of weeks ago. It lasted about three days. I’m sure you’ve heard the jokes. Here we only have two seasons. Summer and February. For several years my family lived in the upper Midwest, and we talked about our two seasons, Winter and July.
Of course it is all hyperbole. We do have four seasons here. It’s just that one of them is extremely long, and a second one is quite short-lived. And I’m okay with that. When I moved back to the south I made a promise to God. “I will not complain about hot weather.” That was in 2005, and to date I have kept my promise. I will take August in south Georgia over February in Michigan six days a week, and twice on Sunday.
Here’s the thing about the weather. You’ve heard it before. We talk about it all the time, but never do anything about it. The reason for that is simple. We really can’t do anything about it. I can plan a day for golf or fishing, but if it’s raining sideways when I wake up on that day, I’m going to stay in doors. What hurts more than that is when the weather is beautiful, and I’m stuck with a list of things that keep me inside all day.
The truth is that God is Lord of the universe, and that certainly includes the weather. And we need both the sunshine and the rain. We may not like it when it rains, but we do so need the water. Thank God for the rains that fill our rivers and lakes and cause our crops to grow. And thank God for the sun that warms us and causes those seeds to germinate.
Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, declared that God, “sends the rain on the just and the unjust.” That is one more indication that He is good to us all, and He provides what we need. I pray that you will learn to trust the Lord, no matter the circumstances. He is worthy of your faith and your love.
LOVE
Today is Valentine’s Day. It is a day to give roses and candy and jewelry, along with dinner out, to your loved one. It is a day for love. Guys, if you are reading this after supper tonight, you may have already messed up!
Seriously, where did Valentine’s Day originate? What is its meaning? Why do we celebrate? There are cynics who simply say it is another of the so-called, “Hallmark Holidays,” a day made up by the card company and florists to boost their businesses. That is not really the case, though not everyone is a fan of the day.
St. Valentine was a Roman priest who was martyred, some say on February 14. One story says that he would secretly perform weddings for soldiers, because some believed that soldiers needed to remain unmarried in order to be fully devoted to their jobs. Valentine so believed in love that he would marry these young people so that they could share their love.
Today we celebrate Valentine’s Day in a number of ways. Even elementary school children may exchange cards and candy. People in love, both married and unmarried, will give the different gifts listed above to express their feelings. And good luck walking into a nice restaurant at 6 p.m. on Valentine’s Day without a reservation. As one who has done just that, let me tell you it is not a good idea.
The truth is that we need to practice love all year round. The Bible tells us that God is love, that is it is His very nature to love. And the Bible tells us that the most important commandment ever given is to love God, and then to love each other. Those were Jesus’ words. So, love truly matters to the Lord.
I would remind you of this. Love is more than a sappy emotion. Love is a commitment of the will. It is the keeping of vows, even when it is not easy to do so. Love does not quit at the first opportunity. It stays strong and stable.
We are grateful for God’s love for us. And as the Bible says in 1 John 4:19, “We love because He first loved us.”
Do You Know Your Purpose in Life?
I enjoy writing. I hope you enjoy my writing. Even more, I hope you learn something from my writing. I hope my writing accomplishes something
I have a friend who is a writer. While I like to write, I am not a writer in the sense that Mark is. He has to write…something…every day. He tells me writing is as important to him as breathing. He has published several books. In at least two he was the “ghostwriter” for a much more famous person.
I have to admit this. If I actually publish a book, I want my name to be on the cover. I don’t want it buried in the fourth paragraph on page three of the preface. That distinguishes me from a true writer. Mark says it does not matter to him if it is published, if he receives credit, or if he is paid. He simply has to write…something…every day. That is his purpose in life.
Do you know your purpose in life? One old confession of faith says, “It is the purpose of man to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” That is a reminder that you and I were created to bring honor to God, to love Him, and to serve Him. God made us for Himself, and we become who we were meant to be when we follow Him.
But beyond that general purpose, I believe that we have a more specific purpose in life. At least part of my purpose is to teach the Bible, whether in sermon or through a newspaper article. I am to teach biblical principles, even when I do not choose a specific text to expound. Teaching the Bible is a major purpose for my living.
It took me a while to discover my purpose in life. But I know this today. I am never more excited about life than when I am doing what God created me to do.
So, again I ask, “Do you know your purpose in life?” More than anything you need to discover that purpose. Why did God make you the way He did? Why do you have the gifts and talents you have? When you discover that, and when you live accordingly, you will experience joy and peace that will overwhelm you.
Belle
Belle is a beagle who stole my heart seven years ago when I first saw her picture online. She has one blue eye and one brown one. I found her at a rescue center, and she became a very important part of the Butler family. As I’m typing these words she is asleep in her crate just behind my chair.
Americans love our pets. It is estimated that we spent $63 billion annually on our pets, of which $23 billion was spent on food. Notice that billion with a “b” is not a mistake. I actually did a double take myself when I read that
I want you to know that I’m not trying to put a guilt trip on anyone. I intend to continue to feed and care for Belle, as well as Cookie, the Pomeranian we inherited from my dad. Their companionship is worth it to me. But I am reminded of something that is very important. I want you to consider it with me.
In God’s eyes, people are of greater importance than animals. I do believe that human beings are the pinnacle of God’s creation, and that we alone are made in His image. Genesis makes that clear. Because of that is imperative that we care for other people.
There are so many ways to do that. We should give to charities that truly help others. We should participate in mission projects where we can use our gifts and talents to benefit others. And we should treat others with the respect that they deserve simply because they are God’s creation.
May I admit something to you? I don’t always want to do that. When someone cuts me off in traffic and then salutes me I do not want to express God’s love to them. I’m sure you feel the same way. But then I remember this. Jesus died for each person I meet. He gave His life so that they might know Him. People matter to the Lord. He loves us. And because He loves us, we ought also to love each other.
Words
“Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” These words come from the lips of a sailor surrounded by salt water, unfit to drink, in a poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The same sentiment is described by country singer, Kathy Mattea, “Standing knee deep in a river, dying of thirst.”
These thoughts could apply to many areas of life. But I want you to consider this one. We are surrounded by words. Whether they are words on the page of a book, words on the computer screen, or words on our phones and other hand-held devices, the fact is that words are everywhere.
And yet, there is so little true communication taking place. Someone types 140 characters and tweets it for everyone to read. But there are no facial expressions, no tonal differences. We leave ourselves open to miscommunication.
And then there are those times someone sits at the table surrounded by family and friends, but their full attention is on the screen in their hands. We’re not listening to each other. And that’s even true when we carry on face-to-face conversations. Often we speak at each other rather than with each other.
Words really are important. The very thought is so important that in the book of John, Jesus Himself is called, “the Word.”
God has chosen to communicate with us. He has chosen to reveal Himself to us. The entire story of the Bible is that of God making Himself known to us.
There is a good reason we have two ears and one mouth. We need to work at listening to others. But even more we need to listen for the Lord to speak. He is not silent. We’re not listening. I pray that you will hear the Lord’s voice as He speaks to you this year.
Patience = Understanding
Today is a special day for our church family. We will eat dinner in our new fellowship hall building for the first time tonight. Have I ever told you what good cooks we have at Shellman Bluff Baptist? Let me tell you, I could weigh 300 pounds in a heartbeat if I did not have some discipline!
Seriously though, this has been a long time coming. In early 2021 we elected a church campus master planning committee that met with an advisor who helped us draw up a master plan for our future. Then in August of that same year we elected a building committee specifically to bring a recommendation to the church concerning the new building. They met for more than a year before making that proposal which the church readily approved. Finally, on January 8, 2023 we broke ground. And on January 7, 2024 we dedicated our new building.
May I say that my patience has been tested over the last year. We fully expected to occupy the building earlier, but there were several delays in receiving materials. One necessary item was ordered the first week of April, but was not delivered until November. And so, we waited, and we hoped, and we dreamed, and we waited.
I’m not very good at waiting. How about you? And yet the Bible teaches us that patience is a necessary part of the Christian life. Paul lists it as one of the nine character traits of the fruit of the Spirit. And Proverb 14:29-30 tells us, “Patience leads to abundant understanding, but impatience leads to stupid mistakes.” Ouch!
I’m learning to be more patient. I wish I had been as patient with my sons as I am with my granddaughters. I pray that I will continue to learn and practice patience. And I am so very grateful that God has been patient with me. He knows I need it.
Finish the Race
My mother was notorious for this. When Christmas Day was over, it was time to move on. Undecorate the house and get it back in order. By December 26 all of the boxes were back up in the attic or on shelves in the garage. I’ve actually seen her start taking down the tree after dinner on Christmas Day. Mind you, this is the same women who once called me on my birthday in July, and in the conversation told me that she had finished her Christmas shopping. I loved my Mama, but that’s just different, shall we say.
Still, it is true that we are now focusing on different things. The radio stations are no longer playing Christmas music. The plays and shows are done. And we now turn our attention to 2024. Just saying that out loud is strange. 2024. Did you ever think you would make it that far?
Mickey Mantle, the great Yankee baseball player, was once quoted to say, “If I’d known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself.” I think he was onto something. I’m sure my knees and back and hips would all feel better had I not subjected myself to the basketball court for all of those years. But I have to tell you this. I would do it again. I enjoyed the competition and the training and the camaraderie of playing team sports. I’ve rolled ankles and blown out knees, taken elbows to the face, and I’ve experienced the pain of losing. But it was worth it.
Paul, in several of his letters, likened the Christian faith to running a race. He talked about the training and preparation necessary to enter the competition. And he spoke about the crown, or the trophy that one could expect to receive at the end of the race. In his final letter, 2 Timothy, he declared that he had, “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” And he looked forward to the reward that awaited him in the future.
We are still in the midst of the race. It is not a sprint, but a marathon. And it is long and hard. Still, we are to persevere. Keep at it. Don’t quit. It will be worth it. God’s promises are true. You can trust Him. Keep going.
Happy New Year!
Commitment
Forty-four years ago this Friday Tina and I stood before family and friends at the First Baptist Church of Chamblee, Georgia and said, “I do.” Can I just be blunt with you? A pastor getting married three days before Christmas might not have been the wisest decision we ever made. Of course, I was not a pastor at the time, but we both knew that God had called me.
There were those who will remain nameless who wondered if it would last. At this point I think we will make it. I told her recently that if she left me I was going with her. I know it’s an old joke, but I meant it.
With the death of Rosalyn Carter last month there has been a lot of conversation about long marriages. She and Jimmy were married 77 years. That’s difficult to fathom. How do you do that? Well, the obvious first thing is that you have to live a long time, and that’s not something you control.
But there are things that you can do. There has to be an absolute commitment to one other person. You have to determine not to use the D word. Tina has quoted Ruth Graham on many occasions. “I don’t believe in divorce, but murder has crossed my mind.” She’s joking…I think. But the premise is the same. You must be committed to each other, because living with another person can simply be hard.
Compromise is necessary. There are simply times when you must realize that some hills aren’t worth dying on. Selfishness is natural to us all. We all want what we want, and we usually want it right now. But you have to be willing to sacrifice and give.
I am convinced that the greatest secret to a long marriage is a strong commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. Putting Him first in our lives has helped us learn to love and serve each other. Celebrating His birth while also celebrating our anniversary has actually been a lot of fun through the years.
I pray that we will continue to be faithful to our vows. We’ve been blessed to have more good times than bad, and more health than sickness. But the goal is to be faithful no matter what. Thank God for His faithfulness to us. Happy anniversary, Sweetheart. I’d do it all over again.
Christmas Gifts
Only twelve more shopping days, gentlemen! You’d better get on it. I’m glad to say that my shopping is done. It’s not as easy as it used to be. When my two sons were growing up I had a blast shopping for Christmas. I just bought them things that I had enjoyed, or that I always wanted. Tabletop hockey and Foosball were two of my favorites.
Today I have three granddaughters between the ages of 1 and 15. I’m sorry, but I’ve had enough trouble buying for their grandma through the years. I learned early that jewelry was always the right size. But a few years ago she told me that she had all that she needed. I’ve actually been guilty of buying kitchen equipment since that time. I don’t buy women’s clothing at all.
I learned that lesson early. We’d been married a year. I was going to buy her a nice business type suit. Skirt, jacket, blouse…the works. The sales lady asked me her size. At the time I wore a 40 long jacket and 32 waist pants. So, I estimated about a size 24. The dear sweet lady asked me if I had a picture of my wife with me. When I showed her one of us together she replied, “I think we are talking about a size 6 or 8, sir.” Really? Women’s clothing sizes just don’t make sense to me.
But I digress. This shopping thing. You can become quite stressed by it. Or you can enjoy it. I do understand better as a Papa what Jesus said. “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” It really is. The joy of watching those girls open their gifts is more valuable to me than anything I might receive. I know that God is pleased when we accept the free gift of His love in His Son. I’m so glad that God gave us such a wonderful gift. Be sure to enjoy Him during this time of year.
The Basics of Christmas
You can’t help but see it, hear it, and know it. Christmas is coming. Stores and streets are decorated. Holiday music fills the airways. And just try to watch ten minutes of television without seeing a commercial that reminds you that you simply cannot live without this particular product. It will change your life!
Christmas is a joyous time, and yet it can also be one of the hardest seasons of the year. If you have lost a special someone this year, and this is your first Christmas without that person it can be very difficult. And if you are going through some kind of economic hardship it can be a challenge.
I would simply remind you of this. You may need to get back to the basics of what Christmas truly is about. I recognize that it is not always easy. But the reason for the season remains the same. God entered our world, took on flesh, and became one of us. Jesus lived a perfect and sinless life, and then, “He set His face toward Jerusalem.”
The truth is very simple. Jesus was born for one reason. He came to die in our place. Everything else was prologue. Not everyone wants to hear that. After all, we all love a little baby. The manger scene and angels singing to shepherds are wonderful sights to see. We sympathize with the plight of Mary and Joseph. Let’s not talk about death during Christmas.
But God knew that we needed a Savior. That’s all of us. And so, Jesus came that we might have life. There are times when Christmas is, the most stressful time of the year. Let’s be careful to remember the meaning of the season. God became flesh and dwelt among us. He came that we might have life. Thanks be to God for this amazing gift!
The Meaning of Christmas
Get ready. Get set. GO! If you haven’t noticed, it’s only 26 days away. Are you ready? Are you set? You may have been going for a week now. And you keep wondering when the roller coaster (or it may be a merry-go-round) is going to stop so you can get off.
Well, I have good news and bad news for you. The bad news? It’s not going to stop. Life goes on. And sometimes it goes on and on and on. And in the midst of all that is happening around you, you have to keep going, too.
Christmas is probably the busiest season for a pastor and church. Even Vacation Bible School (the busiest week of my year every year), is confined to that one week. Christmas celebrations last most of the month. There are the parties and the family gatherings and the shopping, and….well, you get the picture.
Why do I allow myself to get so caught up in the rush of Christmas? I know that there are some who would like to forget this altogether, but the meaning and purpose of Christmas is really quite simple. God chose to break through and enter our world in a brand new way. He became one of us. Immanuel…God with us.
That is the true and only meaning of Christmas. When I choose to allow shopping, gifts, decorations, parties, and parades to crowd Jesus out of my Christmas celebration I have damaged my own relationship with God, and have diminished what should be one of the greatest times of the year.
Over the next four weeks you will hear phrases like, “Christmas is for children.” While true as far as it goes, it does not go nearly far enough. Yes, Christmas is for children. But it’s for you and me as well. God stepped into our world, and because of that we know Him and live in relationship to Him, both now and forever.
Do remember this, too. Jesus was placed in a manger soon after His birth, but He now occupies a throne. He had to go through the cross to arrive there, but He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I pray that you will celebrate the true meaning of the season this year, and for the rest of your life.
Thanksgiving
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. What traditions do you follow at your home? Do you sit and watch the parade together? Do you view football all day long? Do you eat at the same time each year? Are you prepping for the long day of shopping on Black Friday?
The biggest thing about Thanksgiving for me is family. Even more than Christmas, I long to be with family on Thanksgiving. This seems to be the one major holiday that has not been as highly commercialized as so many others. And so, it centers on the food and those gathered to eat it
Several years ago my family celebrated its first holiday without the one member of our family who was in many ways our glue. My Mom died in April of that year, and as we approached the holiday season we were facing a decision. Where would we spend the day? What would we do?
Due to the generosity of a gentleman in my church we were able to meet in a home that was large enough for all of us, and yet it was not Mom’s kitchen. Mr. Miles allowed his pastor and family to use his house in Hilton Head that week, and so we ate and laughed and cried on what might be called “neutral ground.” I know that it was a healing time for me, and my dad talked often about that special time. What a blessing! Thanksgiving filled our hearts that day.
Thanksgiving is simply characteristic of what it means to be a Christian. When we realize that we are unable to save ourselves, and that we are fully dependent upon God for every good gift that we have, then we give thanks. No matter your circumstances or situation, there is some reason for you to give thanks. Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, “In everything give thanks.” Such powerful and helpful advice. Give thanks today. Give thanks tomorrow. Remember that God is good, and give thanks at all times.
Happy Holidays!
“Happy Holidays!” I am more than certain that you will hear that soon, if not already. The very phrase is an irritant to some. They equate this greeting with a “war on Christmas,” and they are offended that folks don’t say the word Christmas.
I get it. The truth is, in some places there is a war on Christmas. Quite frankly, it is a war on Christianity itself. But the fact is that those of us who are Christians are probably not going to win this so-called culture war. Not at this point.
Still, I want to share a couple of things with you that I hope will be an encouragement to you as you celebrate the season. First of all, if someone says, “Happy Holidays” to you, please don’t snap at them. It is possible that they are under orders to do just that. It may be a person who is working a temporary job to provide food and presents for their family. The thing is, if you say something mean-spirited to that person, you are hurting your testimony for the Lord. So, please be patient.
Second, I want you to consider this. Do you know the meaning of the term, “holiday?” Think about it a minute. Holiday means holy day. So, when someone says to you, “Happy Holidays,” they have indeed said, “Happy Holy Days,” even if they do not realize it. Ironic, huh?
My wife has the best response I’ve heard yet. She amazes me with her patience and attitude. Anytime she hears the phrase, “Happy Holidays,” she courteously and joyfully responds, “Thank you. And Merry Christmas to you.” As Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” I’ve never yet seen anyone react angrily to her gentle and kind response.
So, I say it again. “Happy Holidays.” And God bless us every one!
Favorite Time of the Year
I think I’ve told you this, but I love the holiday season. From the week of Thanksgiving through Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Where we live it is prime time for golfing and fishing, two of my favorite pastimes. It is also a time when the leaves change their colors, and God paints the most beautiful picture across the landscape of the north Georgia mountains (my wife and I spent a couple of days cruising there this past weekend).
But it is also a bustling time of activity as we decorate, shop, attend special events, and plan for family and church gatherings. My wife and I do several things to celebrate the season. There are church dinners and special programs, specifically our choir cantata which will be on December 17. We have made it a tradition to attend the Christmas show at Savannah Theatre each year. And this year we will travel to Jacksonville to hear Mannheim Steamroller’s Christmas concert. And I haven’t talked about shopping for three granddaughters, quite an exercise for me given that I raised two sons. I haven’t the slightest of ideas what a teenage girl wants these days.
There is added stress at this time of year, and it can be exhausting. But in spite of it all, I love the holiday season. Why? Because, at least with these two holidays, they help me to worship the Lord. Obviously the Christmas season reminds us that God became one of us and dwelt among us. Jesus is God in the flesh. His birth changed everything. And don’t remind me that December 25 is an unlikely date for His actual birth. I know that. Doesn’t matter. We need to celebrate it some time.
But I must admit that Thanksgiving remains my favorite holiday. No gifts are exchanged. A great meal is enjoyed with family. And we give thanks. God is good. His love endures forever. He is faithful to us. And so, we give thanks.
Whatever else you do this season, remember to be thankful.
Feasting
Tonight I will enjoy my first holiday feast of the season. Our church will have its Thanksgiving Dinner. Have I mentioned that Baptists like to eat? There will be turkey and dressing, of course, and the ladies (and men) of our church will provide all manner of yummy sides and desserts for the occasion. I’ve been a Baptist pastor now for more than 41 years. It’s a wonder that I don’t weight 300 pounds.
We hope this will be our last big meal together in our old social hall. We are closing in on the completion of a new one directly across the road from our sanctuary. Even as I write these words electrical power is being connected to the building, and air conditioner units are being installed. This building is the result of a lot of prayer, hard work, and generosity on the parts of the folks at Shellman Bluff Baptist. It has been a dream for a long time, finally coming to fruition.
I know there are some who wonder why you would go to such expense and trouble for a kitchen and a place to eat. Why is a social hall so important? I don’t understand all of it, but I know that the Bible speaks of many times and places when the people of God gathered to eat. Feasts and festivals fill the Old Testament. And on at least two occasions Jesus fed large crowds, performing grand miracles to do so.
There is something about sitting at the table with others, eating a meal, and sharing good times that builds community. Families are stronger when they sit together for a meal. And a church builds fellowship in this way.
And by the way, from what I read in the New Testament, there is coming a great banquet to whom God has invited us when He sends His Son back to earth. One day we will sit with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and enjoy the ultimate feast with the saints of God. I look forward to that day. But in the meantime, I will enjoy dinner tonight with my church family as I anticipate that great day in the future.
Building Patience
As I write this morning I am watching a variety of workers come and go across the street as they work on the building we hope to occupy in the next few weeks. It will be a social hall, complete with both indoor and outdoor kitchens, a large pantry and another large storage closet. It is something our church has needed for some time.
I’ve been watching the construction for most of the year. The process of building fascinates me. Perhaps this is because I did construction work during the summers I was in college. I’ve pushed wheelbarrows filled with concrete blocks and mortar. I’ve nailed boards and carried shingles up ladders.
Many of the techniques have changed. I used a twenty-ounce Plumb hammer. Today they use power hammers. Much more efficient I am sure, and no smashed thumbs.
Many things are still the same. Construction is hard, hot work. And it takes time. And because of that time we must learn to be patient.
From the day our church voted to build I have been anxious to eat the first meal in the new social hall. As the foundation was poured I thought about frying fish in the screened outdoor facility, knowing we wouldn’t have to fight off as many bugs. And so, as Ioften say to my wife, “I’m patiently waiting patiently,” all the while not truly exhibiting that patience I claim.
The Bible speaks often of patience, and even declares that the Lord is patient with us. The word is sometimes translated, “longsuffering.” Isn’t that a great definition for patience? We actually do suffer long as we wait.
And yet, our patience helps us to grow. I want to learn to be more patient, but I’m too often frustrated as I wait. I pray that the Lord will enable me to trust Him enough to be patient as He continues to work in my life. After all, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ,” (Philippians 1:6). You can count on it.
The Lemon Tree Part 2
A couple of years ago I told you about my lemon tree. I called it my “Charlie Brown Lemon Tree.” It was a gift from some dear friends that we planted in the Spring of 2021. In the fall of that year it produced seven lemons. This, in spite of the fact that it was less than two-feet tall. Quite frankly, it had not grown in height or width since it was planted. Then, last year was the same. This time there were six lemons, but the tree was still less than two-feet tall.
Last winter we had a hard freeze. For several nights I covered the little tree with a blanket. Once the freeze ended, it looked bad. I was afraid I had lost it. But then there were blooms in the Spring. And the leaves were bright green. Still, it had not grown.
So, I did what several folks had advised me to do. I broke off every bloom. I did not leave any. Well, here we are in late October, and there are no lemons on the tree. But…the tree is almost four-feet tall. It has spread nearly that wide. It has new growth and looks extremely healthy. Still, no fruit this year.
My little tree reminds me of some truths in the Christian life. There are times that we must sacrifice in the short-term for long-term gain. We are not to live only for today. No, in fact we are not simply living for tomorrow. We are living with eternity in mind. And that will change your perspective on everything.
The truth is that I will not know for sure if I have done the right thing with my little tree until next year, or even further into the future than that. But I want the tree to be healthy, not simply to produce a few lemons now. I want it to be strong enough to bear the weight of a good harvest in the future. And I want that for my own life as well. I want to finish well. I pray that for you, too. Let us live our lives with eternity in mind.
The Gospel Truth
It’s funny the things people believe. I am often amazed, amused, and alarmed at what some people say the Bible teaches. For instance, “God helps those who help themselves.” Not found in the Bible. Not a biblical concept. In fact, the Bible teaches the exact opposite. God helps those who realize that they are helpless, and they need a Savior.
I’ve heard many other statements attributed to the Bible. “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” And then there is my all-time favorite. “Let your conscience be your guide.”
I know many people who quote Jiminy Cricket’s line to say that they will listen to their conscience, and follow their heart. Yes, that’s correct. That quote does not come from the Bible, but from the lips of Jiminy Cricket. A fun story, but not a source of true theology.
In fact, this line is far removed from what the Bible says. Consider the words from Jeremiah 17:9. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can It’s funny the things people believe. I am often amazed, amused, and alarmed at what some people say the Bible teaches. For instance, “God helps those who help themselves.” Not found in the Bible. Not a biblical concept. In fact, the Bible teaches the exact opposite. God helps those who realize that they are helpless, and they need a Savior.
I’ve heard many other statements attributed to the Bible. “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” And then there is my all-time favorite. “Let your conscience be your guide.”
I know many people who quote Jiminy Crickets’ line to say that they will listen to their conscience, and follow their heart. Yes, that’s correct. That quote does not come from the Bible, but from the lips of Jiminy Crickets. A fun story, but not a source of true theology.
In fact, this line is far removed from what the Bible says. Consider the words from Jeremiah 17:9. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Do you get that? The prophet says that we cannot trust our hearts. Our hearts will lead us astray. Our consciences can be seared to the point that we will justify all kinds of behavior.
We are living in a time when a philosophy known as “relativism” has taken center stage in so many lives. You confront that philosophy when you hear someone say, “Well, that may be true for you, but it’s not true for me.” No. The fact is if something is true, it is true.
We believe that in science. The law of gravity is always true. Other laws of physics always apply. But the fact is that God’s moral laws do not change either. Don’t let your conscience be your guide. It will lead you astray. Rather, let God’s Word guide you. It will always take you where you need to go.