A Horror I Never Had to Deal With

I did a very rough, guess-timate calculation and concluded that over 5,000 times I've been the guy-in-charge--as if any mere human is really in charge--of a service at a gathering of people who came together to worship the Lord of heaven and earth. For most of my career little if any attention was given to security. We didn't lock the doors while the congregation was meeting inside. I remember a period of a few months when we had volunteers keep watch over our parking lot. The motivation, though, was not to protect those inside the building, but to keep theives from stealing gas from the cars of the worshipers. It was a thing for a while.

Over the years, I've read with sadness and anger about horrible attacks on churches and other houses of worship. Some were motivated by racial prejudice, even hatred. Other incidents were perpetrated by individuals with "issues" that defy understanding. Comments often began with, "I don't know what . . .."

These attacks that destroyed property and in some cases took the lives of worshipers were something that happened in other places. Almost never did they happen here in small town USA. We mourned with the victims of persecution in other places. On those rare occasions when it happened near by we were shocked.

No one except fringe groups who were almost universally recognized as crazy if not purely evil, rejoiced when churches or synagogues, or mosques were burned or vandalized. On the few occasions when a worship service was interupted, the action was condemned. Even proponents of whatever cause motivated the demonstration condemned the tactic as going too far.

As I read the account of Pastor Jonathan Parnell, Lead Pastor of Cities Church in St. Paul Minnesota, I thought of all those times I had been where he was. What would I do if a group of well organized protestors interupted a service I was leading? I'm thankful I never had to find out. 

Perhaps it is because I--as the name of this blog implies--see the world through a keyhole, but I don't think so. It seems to me that the level of outrage concerning this invasion of a worship service has been outrageously low. Sure, the expected voices, Fox News, etc., have made a pretty big deal of this, but the voices of other culture watchers has been somewhat muted. In some cases you can barely hear the, "This shouldn't have happened" verdict, because the "Yeah, but" caveats are shouted so loudly. "Yeah, but, ICE operations in the Twin Cities have been horrible!" Or, "Yeah, but one of the pastors of this church works for ICE!" Or, you fill in the blank. 

Some commentators on the church invasion point out that Jesus cleansed the Temple in a highly disruptive manner. There are many differences between what happened in St. Paul and what happened in Jerusalem two millennia ago, cheif of which: Jesus is God incarnate, and none of those protesters, dispite their self-righteous claims, were invading a place of worship where they themselves were the leginimate object of worship. Other clear differences are obvious to those willing to look, but I'll leave it at that.

So, what is a small-town pastor supposed to do with this?

• It is obvious that a lot of people are very upset with the mass deportation operation going on in our country, right now. Is there reason to be upset?
  Without buying into the whole agenda that the protesters espouse, I'd say, Yes. In fact I recently wrote my Congressman about one aspect of the ICE crackdown that I think is wrong.
• I need to ask myself, as well, "Would I be upset if a group of Right-wingers had invaded a Mosque?" It's a hypothetical, but I think I would be. I know I should be. I encourage the reader to consider Romans 2:22. Notice the last question.
• Clearly there is a conflict of worldviews between those who gathered to worship at Cities Church and those who showed up for other reasons. What is the proper venue, tone, and limits for conversation between those who hold clashing worldviews.
• Surrounding this unfortunate incident is the question: "Knowing that all humans are creatures of God, bearing His image (James 3:9), how should I treat fellow human beings with whom I differ?"
• Finally, under the heading of "things I wish I didn't have to know," I, and other responsible Christian leaders, need to ask myself, "What should I do, if . . .?" I've already seen some helpful articles. 

Wasn't there someone who prayed, "Lord, deliver us from interesting times"? Knowing that these times have come to be under God's soveregnty, wouldn't it be better to pray, "Lord, may I be your voice in these tumutuous days"?

 https://wng.org/opinions/when-our-church-was-invaded-1771288602

Man Stealing

 "Man Stealing" is an old term for kidnapping. It's found in the King James Translation of the Bible. For instance Exodus 21:16 and Deuteronomy 24:7. It's a graphic term. I've thought about it a good bit over the last week.

The kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie seems to have captured the attention of America. 

• Police personnel and equipment, local, state, and national, have have been mobilized to a remarkable degree.
• This has dominated the news media.
• Billboards, requesting information have been erected all over the Southwest.
  
• Right now this eighty-four year old woman and her family are among the most famous people in the world.

This dispicable act has brought to light some basic realities that should not be ignorred. In a world where the value of human life is too often discouted, one can see from the near universal reaction to this kidnapping that there remains a resevoir of respect for human life that runs deeper than politics and culture. It is right that heroic effort is being undertaken to rescue Nancy and bring relief to her grieving family. It is what we should do. What if Nancy's daughter were the host of a local news station instead of a national celebrity? What if she did a podcast listened to by one-hundred family-members and friends? What if Nancy had no connection to fame at all, would her life be any less valuable?

I recoil at the questions. "Of course not!" rings in my head.

The evil that is resident in the heart(s) of the person, or persons, who did this, is not isolated to the crimanal(s) who stole this mother, grandmother, and friend. When we, one way or another, sin against one person, it almost always the case that that many are hurt. I pray that the pain does not get worse. The Bible is as honest about the wickedness in humanity as the news media has been about evil of the these, or this, man stealer(s). 
The difference is the Bible speaks of evil that is in all of us. I'm not saying we are all man stealers, or theives, or murders. Thank God we aren't. But the difference between me, in and of myself, the yet unnamed kidnapper of Ms. Guthrie is one of degree, not character. "All have sinned and come short of God's glory." Romans 3:23. “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

I don't want to leave you with that downer. The Bible also makes known Good News through Jesus Christ. You can read about it here.

The dedicated service of the hundreds of law-enforcement personnel who are working to solve this case and rescue this lady should remind each of us to push back against the evil around us wherever and whenever we can. Be kind. Love others. Tell the truth. Do what good moms tell their children to do. Play nice, share. Those of us who have trusted Jesus as our Lord have a book full of instruction. We are to be salt and light in this decaying and dark world (Matthew 5:13-16). Nancy's friends are examples of this doing of good deeds. Nancy was supposed to meet with friends to listen to God's word preached the morning after this abduction. When her friends didn't see her, they missed her, and took action.

Our world is full of people who have been stolen, some by kidnapping and human-trafficking. Others are trapped in addiction. Children killed in their mother's wombs are robbed of ever seeing the light of day, and others are robbed of the blessing they would bring. Those who believe the lies that dominate our culture are trapped and robbed in multitudes of ways. We can make a difference. Nancy Guthrie and her family, friends, and those who are working long hours to solve this case remind us we should as well.

Lord, be merciful to Nancy and those who love her.

A Book About Questions With Some Surprisingly Good Answers

 As I write this, I'm sitting in the corner of my living room. I have a view out the double windows on the front of my house. They are about sixteen feet from where I'm sitting. Because of the lovely curtains my wife put up, my view of the outside world is two triangles side by side, and one of those triangles is partly blocked by a potted plant.

Only a few days ago we had a major snow-event, so mostly I just see white. A few times a minute I see a vehicle pass, going north or south. My view of the world is very limited.

Some years ago when I set this blog up I chose the name, "The View Through My Keyhole," in recognition of the reality that my view of the world "out there" is quite limited. All kinds of realities--my one-placed-ness, my prejudices, my time-bounded-ness, and my intellectual and educational limitations are just a few of the curtains, walls, and flowers that keep me from seeing things more broadly and clearly.

About thirty minutes ago I heard noises outside that aroused my curiosity--motor sounds, tires crunching the crust of ice, a door closing. Was it my neighbor coming back from a trip, somebody looking for Kathy or me, or maybe someone thinking that my patch of snow-free pavement was a good place to park?

Though I'm tired from hacking and shoveling snow and ice, I couldn't help myself; I got up and looked out from a couple of windows and the back door.

That sound captured my mind. Maybe "hijacked" is a better word. J.R. Briggs in His book The Art of 

Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationship, Healthier Leadership, and Deeper Faith, Says a good question does that. It opens up new vistas for both the questioner and the one being interogated.

You, don't have to read very far in Briggs's book to find out that he has made the study of questions, especially the study of questions in Scripture a life-long pursuit. He talks about questions God asks, and suggests, in part based on the Psalms, the value of asking questions of God. Among other questionish observations, Briggs pointes out that Jesus almost never directly answered a question. He often asked a question in reply. He challenges his readers to work to ask better questions and be a better question asker. Without question, I am challenged by the book.

I heard about The Art of Asking Better Questions . . ., in a podcast by Carey Nieuwhof. It's well-worth the listen. Click here.

I plan to reread the book. It's actually a bit of a workbook. It's filled with ideas and exercises to expand ones appreciation of and ability to make use of better questions. I think that you, like me, will be surprised at how much there is to know about questions. I just didn't know to ask.

12 Days of the "Twelve Days of Christmas," #8

 (For those of you who haven't followed this series on Facebook, I'll probably post # 1-7 here in a day or so. I know you'll wait with baited breath.)

A significant number of the readers of this “12 Days” series (Surely, you wouldn’t say that the one person who commented is insignificant.) expressed interest in the idea that there is an unseen meaning behind the song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” and the gifts in the song.

Warning: It seems to me that the history of this song is wrapped in uncertainty. Of course, it is Christmasy uncertainty, probably with red ribbon.

I commented in a previous post about the song’s connection to Christmastide—the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany, the evening of December 24 – January 5. That seems pretty obvious. Beyond that, one can find a lot of disagreement, uncertainty, and ambivalence (I don’t care, and I don’t know, but we can argue about it if you want.) when one tries to answer, “What does it all really mean?”

I posted this video in a previous post. Ramirez, the commentator in the post, leans toward the conclusion that it's all in fun, a parlor game of a bygone era.

Here’s a video posted by a Roman Catholic group that appears to be doing a lot of good work, that points to the, “Yes, this song is really about some serious-stuff” view. It includes a outline of what the various gifts represent.

That well-respected journal for settling all religious disputes, “Good Housekeeping,” (for my friends who lack a sense of humor, THAT WAS A JOKE) weighs in on the subject: (The link is in the GH article.)

There's a theory floating around claiming that during a time when Christians were punished for worshiping openly, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" song was used to secretly pass on the ideology of Christianity. Per this theory, each gift on the list symbolizes a different aspect of the Christian faith:

The GH article goes on with essentially the same line up as the previous article.

However, the GH article goes on to refer to what Snopes says. Snopes can always be counted to ruin a good theory/conspiracy. Before we get to the Snopes article, though. You need to know another part of the story. Snopes mentions this, but I figured I should snope Snopes.

The religious wars in sixteenth century England made it dangerous to be a Catholic. Many people practiced their faith in secret. As the legend goes, Catholic families courageously developed unique ways to secretly pass the faith onto their children, like “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The well-known song was used to teach children about the Catholic Church. Although the lyrics may sound like nonsense, the song actually contains hidden references. (Quoted from this site)

Back to what Snopes says:

(I’ll warn you, the article contains a ghastly description of the execution those persecuted for being Catholic.)
In short, here is the conclusion the Snopes folks:

Two very large red flags indicate that the claim about the "secret" origins of the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is nothing more than a fanciful tale, similar to the many apocryphal "hidden meanings" of various nursery rhymes:

·        There is absolutely no documentation or supporting evidence for this claim whatsoever, other than mere repetition of the claim itself.

·        The claim appears to date only to the 1990s, marking it as likely an invention of modern day speculation rather than historical fact.

This conclusion is kinda, sorta admitted to by another Roman Catholic website, The National Catholic Register:

Was this song created to have a symbol reference point teaching on God’s interactions with man? Sadly, for now, there’s no evidence to support the claim. Pick a number and an object, and there’s probably some way to relate it to the Bible. In fact, early versions of the song contain completely different gifts in number: boats, bears, and others. (See here)

So, after all that, in my humble opinion, we land back where we started. “I don’t know.”

In the final analysis, I almost agree with Shaun McAfee’s, the author of the last article, conclusion, 

“If the Twelve Days of Christmas helps you and your children learn about Jesus and the Bible, then the merrier you will be if you judiciously use these “hidden meanings.” I say, “almost,” because I think it best to not perpetuate a possibly false history of the song. There is nothing wrong, and possibly a great deal right, however with taking something that’s fun and saying, “Let’s use this, to learn something good.”

There are many things about Christmas that give that opportunity, I remember the man who became my Father-in-law sharing some Christmas-time devotional thoughts with his family, based on the colors of the decorations on the tree. He didn’t say, this is what the red ornament means, rather he began with, “This reminds me . . ..” His mnemonic device must have been effective. I remember part of his lesson more than half-a-century later.

In case you aren’t tired of clicking on links, here’s version of the Twelve Days of Christmas, that’ll wake you up.
I had a bit of trouble getting the lyrics, so here is a summary:

Alright everybody, come on, let's celebrate Jesus!

On the first day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
He gave me the victory

On the second day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Two shoutin' shoes . . .

On the third day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Three prayin' preachers . . .

On the fourth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Four mighty missionaries . . .

On the fifth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Five songs to sing . . .

On the sixth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Six musicians playing . . .

On the seventh day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Seven days of praying . . .

On the eighth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Eight angels watching . . .

On the ninth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Nine wise deacons . . .

On the tenth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Ten voices harmonizing . . .

On the eleventh day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Eleven willing workers . . .

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Twelve months to lift Him, Eleven willing workers,Ten voices harmonizing, Nine wise deacons, Eight angels watching, Seven days of praying, Six musicians playing, Five songs to sing,
Four mighty missionaries, Three prayin' preachers, Two shoutin' shoes,
And He gave me the victory

A Repeat of Some Thoughts on Thanksgiving, Psalm 107

 About six months ago I wrote a series of blog posts about giving thanks. They are based on the beautiful Psalm of thanksgiving, Psalm 107, which is perhaps my favorite Psalm.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”
(Psalm 107:1, ESV)

It occurs to me, as we approach Thanksgiving, in these tumultuous times, that listening to the Psalmist’s thoughts about thanksgiving might not be a bad thing.

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #1

My plan, as far as this blog is concerned, is to take a couple of weeks and share some of what I find in this Psalm. If you are looking for technical insights, you'll be better off looking elsewhere. For example, I offer no opinion on who wrote this Psalm. I understand that there is a Jewish tradition that David did. He is certainly a likely suspect, but really, I don't know. The thoughts I'll share here are more homiletical (preaching-oriented). I'll be trying to answer the question, "What can we grab hold of from this Psalm that will help us to live better lives?" I hope I succeed.

(Read more)

 

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #2

There is an Evangelistic element that runs through this poem. I find it similar to the Great Commission passages of the New Testament. Notice the introductory words of v 2, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Also, take note of the refrain in the Psalm, "Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men!" (8, 15, 21, & 31) I see this sentiment repeated throughout Scripture.

(Read more)

 

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #3

“We meet four groups of people in Psalm 107. They are all part of the “redeemed,” spoken of in the psalm’s introduction.”

(Read more)

 

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #4

 I'm planning one more post on this marvelous psalm. Today's will be quite brief.

After the section on the four representative groups of the redeemed (4-32), the psalmist adds what I call a coda (33-41). I wrote about this section in my first post on this psalm.  This section is "full of what God does. "He changes . . .."makes . . .. blesses . . .. does not let . . .. pours . . .. [and] sets . . .."

(Read more)

 

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #5

 Psalm 107 begins with an exhortation/command to those of us who are redeemed--
"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting."
While not using the word "thanks," the writer in typical Hebrew fashion, comes back to the thought in the conclusion of the Psalm.
". . . give heed to these things, And consider the lovingkindnesses of the LORD."

(Read more)

 

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Is It OK for a Servant of the Lord to Have Fun?

(I wrote this post to encourage my missionary colleagues--a very dedicated, hard-working group.
It occurs to me, though that almost all of what is in this post applies to many other folks that I need. In the last few months I've met and heard about a number of Sunday School teachers, youth workers, deacons, pastors and other dedicated Christian servants who either are, or are close to being burnt out. Some of them didn't know how bad off they were until after they stepped back for a while. Their self-awareness was more accurate in hindsight.
Perhaps this applies to you, or someone you love.)

Over the years, I have frequently asked myself, and sometimes others, a question that always impresses me as being very unspiritual. After a Sunday’s activities, or even more likely after some big event, I’ll ask someone who was involved, “Did we have fun?” I ask this question knowing that there are many folks—sometimes I’m in that crowd—who live in order to have a good time. I know there are other metrics for judging whether something is good or bad, and I know that at least part of the time those criteria are more important than the presence or absence of a smile on my face. Still, I find my hedonistic question to be of some value, and I don’t think I’m alone.

I’ve been camped out for a while in Solomon’s “Life Under the Sun” resort. It rains a lot there, and all the tents leak. When the sun does shine, which it does from time to time, campers can make out the sign on the building that houses the recreation facilities, including the ice cream parlor. The sign reads:

“There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink

and see good for themselves in their toil”

(Ecc 2:24).

I’ll quit with camping resort illustration. Before Solomon gets to his big, serious conclusion at the end of his somewhat enigmatic book (12:13-14), as if he were riding on a merry-go-round, he keeps circling around to this eat-and-drink theme. It’s a theme that is repeated elsewhere in Scripture, and it doesn’t always get a good press.

• I ran into one instance, last week, as I was working on a sermon. In Luke 17, Jesus is speaking about being ready for judgment. He brings up two notable examples. In Noah’s day, the people were eating and drinking and doing other fun things (Luke 17:27). They were distracted and didn’t pay attention to the preaching of Noah. The end result was no fun at all, “[T]he flood came and destroyed them all.”
  Likewise with the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah in Lot’s day (Luke 17:28). In addition to eating and drinking, they did a lot of shopping. This time it was brimstone instead of a flood, but the three key words are the same, “destroyed them all.”
  
  
• The guy we often call the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) was really enjoying his agricultural success. He said to his soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”God called him a fool.

1 Miller, D. B. (2010). Ecclesiastes (p. 59). Herald Press.

• In 1 Corinthians 15:32, the Apostle Paul says this eating-and-drinking lifestyle is appropriate for those who don’t know about, or don’t believe in life after this life. Indeed, all of us who have spent some time looking around in this “under the sun” world have seen versions of the rich fool. A good time was being had, until it wasn’t, and then it really wasn’t. Tragic.

So far what I’ve said would lead one to believe that my question about fun is at best a faulty metric and

 at worst a downright sinful measurement. However, as I ride the carousel with Qoheleth I see some legitimacy to asking, “Are we having fun?”

Solomon gives a version of what many would call a “hedonistic” value system perhaps half-a-dozen times—2:24-26, 3:12-13, 5:18-20, 8:15, 9:7-9, & (perhaps) 10:19. You can read them for yourself. If it’s been a while since you read Ecclesiastes, I encourage you to read the whole book.

Perhaps we could explain (explain away) Solomon’s devotion to enjoying life as a result of his cynicism. The first couple chapters of Ecclesiastes certainly have a cynical ring. I’d probably be cynical too if I had to put up with what Solomon put himself through. A wise observer named, “Jim,” comments on just one aspect of Solomon’s troubles—his many wives and concubines. “. . . why would a wise man want to live in de mids' er sich a blim-blammin' all de time? No -- 'deed he wouldn't. A wise man 'ud take en buil' a biler-factry [boiler making was famous for making people deaf]; en den he could shet down de biler-factry when he want to res'." (Jim to Huckleberry Finn in Mark Twain’s classic)

The word, “jaded” was probably invented for Solomon. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that he had a jade encrusted robe. Jaded folks don’t see things right.

Then there is Solomon’s literary visor, the one he pulled down far enough so that he couldn’t see anything above the horizon. The phrase, “under the sun,” is used almost thirty times in Ecclesiastes. Solomon chose, for literary reasons, to write from the perspective that only included what a human, apart from Divine revelation, could experience down here under the sun. As you’ll see in a moment, however, there are times in the book that Solomon takes his visor off and let’s the light of God’s revealed truth shine in. But, I’m ahead of myself.

If not for one concept that comes through clearly in Solomon’s attempt to make sense of life down here, I’d just say, the Book of Ecclesiastes is an old man venting his spleen about how hard life is. I’d conclude that his repeated recommendation of good food and drink was just another version of Y.O.L.O (You Only Live Once) with the wise Kings commentary, “and it ain’t gonna be no walk in the park, so if you get a chance to have a little fun you better grab it before somebody else greedier and quicker than you snatches it away.”

The one thing that keeps me from labeling Ecclesiastes as the cynical musing of a jaded old man who is terribly disappointed with life is this:

Every time Solomon mentions his formula that, “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good” (2:24). He also says that this is from God.

• “This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God” (2:24).
• “It is the gift of God” (3:13).
• “This is the gift of God” (5:19). 
• “This will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun” (8:15). 
• “This is your reward in life” (9:9).

I add to the words of Solomon, the declaration of the Apostle Paul. “. . . God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).

So, what does all this have to do with hard working servants of Christ?

I’ll answer your question with the question I started with.

Are you having fun?

I’m not saying that fun is our chief end. Solomon pretty well clobbered that notion in Ecclesiastes 2:1-2. I haven’t converted to health-and-wealth-ism. I know that there are hard things, sometimes really hard things that need to be dealt with in God honoring ways. But, I maintain that in general we ought to have some fun. Certainly, we shouldn’t be afraid of or ashamed of a wholesome good time. 

Right now, I’m going to go ride my bike.

By His Grace,

HM

Some thoughts on news of the death of John MacArthur

I heard this morning that John MacArthur, Lead Pastor of Grace Community Church in Los Angeles died. I'm praying for his family and the church he pastored

Quite early in our ministry at Covington Bible Church, where we served for more than forty years, Kathy and I attended an early version of the Shepherd's Conference, held by the staff of Grace Community Church. The conference was held in Kansas City. 

John MacArthur's ministry at that conference, as well as that of several members of the staff of GCC, confirmed and shaped our ministry for the rest of our careers. I still remember the humility with which Pastor MacArthur addressed fellow pastors. The congregation of Grace Community Church already numbered in the thousands, yet MacArthur belittled that in comparison to a church where a friend of his pastored. His friend served in a community of a few hundred — a tiny fraction of L.A. —yet his flock numbered in the hundreds. MacArthur commented with genuine admiration, "How do you do that?" I don't think I was the only small-town pastor who was affirmed by that simple comment. MacArthur modeled faithfulness, leaving the results to the Lord.

Under MacArthur's ministry, a thriving women's ministry was growing. The director of that ministry was one of the presenters at this conference. I wish I rembered that woman's name. Kathy took great interest in what she had to say. I'm confident this lady is with the Lord now. Kathy was impressed with the Bible-based, real-life, relevant women's ministry that was presented. Coffeebreak, a ministry that has impacted scores of women in Covington VA was the result. In turn, other wiomen's ministries sprang up in various places, inspired by Kathy, who had been inspired by a dedicated member of MacArthur's staff.

That is one example of how MacArthur and the church he led served as a model for ministry around the world. Pastor MacArthur, in keeping with Ephesians 4:12, wanted to equip others to serve the Lord. It isn't that we mindlessly followed what we heard and saw emanating from L.A. I don't believe Pastor MacArthur would have been pleased if we did. His devotion was preemently to the expostional  preaching of the Scripture. The big question is, "What does the Word of God say?" I didn't always agree with what MacArthur said. I did always find him to be passionate about anchoring what he said to the Word of God.

I hope I'm remembered for the same passion.

I didn't know John MacArthur personally. I do know some people who worked closely with him. I'm praying for them. To my fellow pastors, especially those younger than me I issue a challenge. I encourage you to follow the core principle that drove John MacArthur's ministry: You may do it in bigger chunks than "one verse at a time," but be devoted to "unleashing God's truth." Rest in Peace Pastor John. For the rest of us, our rest is coming. Right now, Sunday's coming. Folks need to hear the Word. Preach it.

Keep going, if you are going in the right direction, Proverbs 10

 In my Bible reading for 2025 (I'm not reading through the Bible this year. I'm taking a deeper dive into particular books.) I've arrived at Proverbs 10. Proverbs 1-9 is a series of meditations/exhortations/warnings about wisdom and folly. Most are addressed to the young. Beginning with Proverbs 10, we have what appears to be a reach in the hat and pull out nuggets of wisdom, each of which can nearly fit on a bumper sticker.

As I read through chapter 10, I was struck by the impression that most, if not all, the proverbs in the chapter have a long-term perspective in mind. Here are a few examples. These examples are quoted from the New Living Translation:

A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother. (10:1)

People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. (10:17)

"When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation." (10:25)

You can find other examples, both in Proverbs and elsewhere in Scripture. "The fleeting pleasures of sin," in Hebrews 11:25, is another example.

Here's my conclusion for the day. It's in two steps.

1. Make sure you're going in the right direction.
2. Keep going.

The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing. The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked. (Proverbs 10:28–29, NLT)  

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #5: When should I, and for what should I, give thanks?

 Psalm 107 begins with an exhortation/command to those of us who are redeemed--"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting." While not using the word "thanks," the writer in typical Hebrew fashion, comes back to the thought in the conclusion of the Psalm. ". . . give heed to these things, And consider the lovingkindnesses of the LORD."

As we read through the Psalm we find obvious points for thanksgiving. They are what we can call the redemption statements. Each is introduced by the statement, "He delivered/saved/brought them out of their distresses." Each of these lines is followed by a further description of the Lord's deliverance to each distressed group.

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #4, God's sovereignty

 I'm planning one more post on this marvelous psalm. Today's will be quite brief.

After the section on the four representative groups of the redeemed (4-32), the psalmist adds what I call a coda (33-41). I wrote about this section in my first post on this psalm.  This section is "full of what God does. "He changes . . .."makes . . .. blesses . . .. does not let . . .. pours . . .. [and] sets . . .."

In brief, God is sovereign. Psalm 107 is addressed to the redeemed. As one of God's redeemed, it is good for me to look back and see God's hand in bringing me to Himself. It's not my fault that I am redeemed. It is God's doing. Read Romans 8 for more on this. 

Lord willing, I'll see you tomorrow.

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #3; Who are these folks?

 We meet four groups of people in Psalm 107. They are all part of the “redeemed,” spoken of in the psalm’s introduction. I wrote about the word redeemed and the concept of redemption in my first post on Psalm 107. I encourage you to read that, if you didn’t, or if you have forgotten. The way the word is used in Psalm 107 is:

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #2

 

There is an Evangelistic element that runs through this poem. I find it similar to the Great Commission passages of the New Testament. Notice the introductory words of v 2, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Also, take note of the refrain in the Psalm, "Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men!" (8, 15, 21, & 31) I see this sentiment repeated throughout Scripture. A couple of examples:

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #1

 A Beautiful Song of Thanksgiving, Psalm 107:

I've been taking a slow tour through the Psalms. As one ought to do on a leisurely road trip, I've given myself permission to stop, get out, and ask questions about what interests me along my journey. When I started the trip, I knew I'd take some time walking around and looking at this psalm. 

So, here I am.

Especially since over the past ten years I've had more of an itinerant ministry, it has been my privilege to preach from Psalm 107 on several occasions. It is a "go-to" message on gratitude. Still, though I've grown somewhat familiar with this masterpiece, I've enjoyed wandering around and looking at this monument to God's Hesed. I'll come back to that in a moment. 

A Chat with King David and the Apostle Paul About Life, Death, and God's Glory

 

As I approach my 75th Birthday, I can't avoid some thoughts about mortality. If I were a gallon of milk, the storekeeper would move me to the front of the dairy case--short shelf-life. I'm not whining, just being realistic.

In my devotions today, I read Psalm 6. I'm reading the Psalms from the New Living Translation. Verses 4 and 5 really piqued my interest.

   Return, O LORD, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love. 

   For the dead do not remember you. Who can praise you from the grave? 

At the risk of being jumped on by my Theological watchdog friends, I don't think all of David's prayers

are  good models for my prayer life. Yes, I believe the Psalms are part of God's inspired word and therefore are "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16). Holy Spirit led David to record a poem about a time of struggle in his life. He was faced with formidable enemies (7 & 10). It appears that David was sick. He describes himself as being sick, in agony, and having blurred vision. 

Apparently, there was some sin in David's life. He speaks of God's rebuke and discipline. As I look through David's prayer, though, I don't see a request to be forgiven. In other Psalms, David freely confesses his sin and begs God to forgive him. Psalm 51:1-4 is a notable example. I can't be sure, but I think David had sinned. His sin placed him in a vulnerable position before his enemies and some bodily affliction had invaded David's life. Perhaps it was an illness that was directly sent from God in chastisement, or maybe what David describes is the general malaise that guilt and regret wreck on the health of sinners. At any rate, in the scenario that I think may be behind this psalm, David does repent and seek God's forgiveness, yet, as often is the case, the consequences of David's sin hang on. Sin can be like a nagging cold: "I feel fine, except for this nagging cough."

Don't think me arrogant, but I know more about sin and forgiveness than David. I am more sure of my status with the Lord than he was. I live on the other side of the Cross. I have the benefit of the New Testament. I can stand on this reality: "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom 8:1).

So, I come back to Psalm 6:4-5. Some may think that David was trying to make a deal with God. "Save me from this deadly distress and I'll praise You for the rest of my life." Perhaps, but I don't think so. I see in David's prayer a quality that I see in the Apostle Paul's musing and praying about life and death.

   “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,” (Philippians 1:21–25, NASB95)  

Within the minor-key song of the shepherd/warrior/king/song-writer of the Old Testament and the autobiographical thoughts of the Apostle who wrote much of the New, there is a basic truth that I need to hold to, live by, and pray in the light of--my life is not my own. It is God's. It needs to be lived for His glory and it ought to come to its end for the same purpose. 

So Lord, as I approach the fourth quadrant of a century of life on this earth, I ask that you will help me live for your glory. Use me as you choose. When I do come to death's door, may I approach that final transition holding onto the grace that has led me to this point. 

Whether by life or by death, be glorified, Lord.

An article worth reading, especially for those who preach the word, or try to:

 I am on Trevin Wax's mailing list, not his publicity team. :)
I do, however, find his weekly articles stimulating.

This one came to me at a time when I'm involved in some issues of "What does the Bible say about . . .?"
At first, I thought Trevin's excerpts from Augustine (I'm not a scholar on him) were too far in the direction

of being mushy, uncertain, or non-commital in one's hermeneutics. Looking a little more carefully, I think the article punches at errors on both sides.
Clearly the first article that Trevin references in his list which follows his own thoughts strives for an "avoidance of both the right and left ditches that run alongside the road of orthodoxy. I find the reference to Lewis's "Christianity-and" very helpful.

Like me, several of you in this email will be teaching and/or preaching God's word this weekend. Our world needs that--we need that! Give it your best, but know that's not enough, so let's pray for power, wisdom, and skill that goes beyond us.

https://mailchi.mp/f60e8083f6cd/theological-debates-need-less-pride-more-augustine?e=cbe6cfd979

Trevin Wax on doubt and surety, Thanks, Trevin

 I remember a while back, probably a couple of decades ago, when the "emerging church" was a thing. I read Blue Like Jazz, and the other book by that author, about a long trip in an old VW. I read Brian McLaren's book, "A New Kind of Orthodoxy," or something like that. I thought Blue Like Jazz was a

marvelously beautiful, skillfully written book, that in the end was a waste of great talent. I got so mad at McLaren's book that I wanted to throw it across the room. (That was in my pre-digital-book time.) I think a friend of mine did give the volume a heave.

It seemed that the books and the movement in general gloried in doubt. The "seemed" in that last sentence is not an expression of doubt. It's an attempt at humility. The authors bragged about being less sure than anybody else. Reading Trevon Wax's article. Reminded me of those days. I could feel Trevin's hand patting me on the back. "You were right, Howard. Hang in there." I love it when people tell me I'm right--except when I'm not. :) Then, if they are a credible corrector, I listen and, if need be, make the necessary corrections. I hate it when someone with absolute surety tells me I'm wrong just for thinking I'm right, and they act as if they are totally sure about that.

Thanks, Trevin.

You are right.

The rest of you would be right to read what Trevin says.

Treven's article: https://mailchi.mp/e3afdd6f30a1/enough-with-the-valorization-of-doubt?e=cbe6cfd979 

On the Eve of the Inauguration:

 When I put my ear to the cultural-ground I hear a mix of sounds. As one who has the privilege of being a "Minister of the Gospel" (I think that's what my ordination certificate says) I need to make sure that I listen to what I hear and speak truth into this cultural moment with wisdom, compassion, and proper tolerance. Here are some things I'm trying to remember. Perhaps they'll jog your thinking as well.

1. Politics is always messy. By that, I mean that no candidate or government official is all good or all bad. From a Biblical perspective, some are in closer alignment with what is right, while others are seriously out of line. I need to resist the urge to "gush" over those with whom I agree and acknowledge that most of the time those with whom I disagree have some redeeming quality. I need to be cautious about joining the cheering crowd on the bandwagon and resistant to throwing people under the bus.
2. All people are God's special creation. They bear God's image and are therefore worthy of respect. While the saying, "Love the sinner but hate the sin," is often overused and wrongly applied, it's not a bad general guideline. 
3. Yes, a sovereign nation ought to control its borders, and laws need to be respected and enforced. There is growing agreement that sanctuary cities and states are a mistake. Mayor Adams of New York is at least a partial convert.
   But, I have to acknowledge that many immigrants who crossed our border illegally did so for reasons that resonate with me as a husband and father. There are those who were carried across the border as infants. Legally they have no right to be here. Ethically, do I have a right to demand their deportation to a country that is as strange to them as it is to me? I need to avoid overgeneralization on this matter. To quote Micah, I need to, "do justice . . .love kindness, [a]nd . . . walk humbly."
4. Going back to point 1, in politics, nobody is always right, and nobody is always wrong. Mussolini did make the trains run on time. I've had to repent of some of my criticism of the underdressed Senator from PA. Go figure.
5. As we try to teach our kids when they play sports, I need to win humbly and lose gracefully. The words of Republican President Gerald Ford shared at Democrat President Jimmy Carter's funeral are a great example. These men held political convictions that separated them. Ford's loss to Carter in the Presidential election could have made them lifelong enemies. Instead, they formed a friendship that extended past the grave. Lord, give me that kind of grace.
6. Chiefly, I need to, whenever I can, avoid doing or saying anything that will detract from my ability to minister the Gospel.

Lord, I need your wisdom,  compassion, and discernment, especially over the next few days. Amen.

Pondering: Thoughts on the Wonder of Christmas, #4

 Something amazing happened to me last night. 
I was just outside what I thought was my house, though it was very different than the house I have lived in for two-thirds of my life. A black bear was out in the yard. I don't know why I did this, but I let the bear into the house. Soon I found myself lying on the floor with the bear on top of me. Thankfully the bear seemed content to just lie there. I could feel it's weight and warmth. While lying on me the bear did what animals always do. It relieved itself, thankfully not on me. I heard the water hit the floor. Not long after that the lady of the house--it turns out it wasn't my house after all--approached. I recognized her. She is a woman from the other side of the world, where there are no bears. She simply grabbed the beast by the color--why does a wild bear have a collar?--called it "Queen," led it to the door, and sent it on its way.

Then I woke up.

If any of my readers are interpreters of dreams they should have a blast with this one. :)

Before I went to bed and met the bear, I was involved in another, this time, very real event. Our home church is presenting a public, outdoor event this weekend. It is centered around the marvelous story of Christ as told by the Gospel writer Luke. My part in the program is to portray a carpenter, Jaazaniah (Juh-az-an-i-uh), who now works in the carpenter shop in Nazareth, where Joseph and Jesus once built things that contributed to the lives of their neighbors.

You might make the case that this "Night to Remember" event is just another fantasy, a dream. Well, yes, there is no mention in the New Testament of a carpenter named Jaazaniah. But, it is also true that Luke investigated the story of Christ. He lived at a time when eye-witnesses of the words and acts of Christ were still alive. Reading the book of Acts--watch for the "we" sections--shows that Luke was in the areas where these eyewitnesses would have lived. Read Luke's plan here. If there was a carpenter who worked with Joseph and/or Jesus, Luke would have talked to him if he could.

Could it be that the reason Luke is the only one of the four Gospel writers who reports Jesus' words about the foolishness of starting a building project without counting the cost, goes back to a conversation Luke had with a builder who worked on a project that, to the chagrin of the patron, was never finished. Could it be that someone pointed out a half-finished tower, and told the story of a foolish real estate developer and that story led to Luke's further investigation, which led to an eyewitness who said, "Yeah, Jesus talked about that?

I don't know. I know it could be. I know that because, unlike my cuddly bear, Jesus really lived in the real world. If a real man investigated, he would find out real things that Jesus really did and said. The record is the Gospel of Luke, and the other gospels as well. Pure fantasy has a wonder to it. It can inspire, but how much more full-of-wonder is a story of a remarkable life, who did amazing things, and spoke words so profound that even unbelievers are forced to admit that he was a man of compassion, wisdom, and dedication to his mission--a person worthy of knowing better.

Such a man did live. His name is Jesus. If you read about Him, you will find that He is more than a man. He is God come in human flesh. You can join us for the Night to Remember event tonight or tomorrow. You can read the Book of Luke whenever you want to.

It's a wonder.

Pondering: Thoughts on the Wonder of Christmas #3

 Contemplating the wonder of the Christmas story, the indescribable gift of God's Son (John 3:16 & 2 Corinthians 9:15), is a wonderful exercise all by itself. However, considering a further reality takes the awe-inspiring narrative to a new level.

That reality is that all of us who follow Christ have a mandate to imitate what the Son of God did in His incarnation. Note the highlighted words below in this quotation from Philippians 2.

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. ³ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵ Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. ⁸ Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (Philippians 2:1–10)

Just a couple of brief comments:

• Verse 1 gives the basis of this mandate. It is based on these realities that all followers of Christ are privileged to enjoy.
• Verses 2-5 contain the Apostle Paul's command to the Christians in Philippi. There is nothing about the Philippian Christians that makes different than any other follower of Christ, wherever and whenever they life. It is legitimate to apply this command to all of us who follow Christ, today. Note the verbs that define this mandate. This series of commands flows from an attitude, or way of thinking. It is not merely outward, it is from the heart. One way--a big way--our attitudes are changed is through a consideration of the truth. Think of all that Christ has done for us (Romans 12:1-2). An old Gospel chorus sums it up well.
  
         After all He's done for me.
         After all He's done for me. 
        How can I do less,
        Than give Him my best,
        And live for Him completely?
        After all He's done for me.
  Not only does the reasoning make sense. It points to a wonderful privilege
•  The rest of the quotation is a summary of the work of Christ. Note that the first part of this is expressed as actions that Christ willingly took. Theologians call this the kenosis, Christ emptying Himself. The second part of this, Christ's exaltation, is expressed in actions that happened to Christ. These were done by His Father. Jesus' prayer in John 17, on the evening before His crucifixion, shows that Jesus depended on His Father to make this happen. He trusted.

The wonder of Christmas is not only that Christ came--God's gift to bring salvation to all who believe--but also that you and I, as followers of Christ, are privileged to participate in this marvelous, life and world-changing self-sacrifice and ultimate reward.

Have a WONDERFUL Christmas.

Pondering: Thoughts on the Wonder of Christmas, #2: "Gobsmacking" Truth

 If you didn't read the first part of my "pondering," I encourage you to do so, before you go on. Click here. More than two millennia after the birth of Christ, I fear that most of we Westerners--at least those of us who pay attention to the Christmas story, the real one--have succumbed to what I'll call the "Hallmark Syndrome." For us, the account of the coming of Christ in human form is all softly lit, airbrushed, and accompanied by a subdued version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem." That Christmas Card, Sunday school play version of the Nativity has its place, but there is so much more.

As I read through the first two chapters of The Gospel of Matthew and chapters 1-2 of Luke--those passages contain the record of Jesus' birth and the accompanying events--I found over twenty times that the key people in the story were disturbed by what was going on.. Sometimes they questioned, wondered, or pondered. They were amazed. Some were frightened, "sore afraid," to quote the venerable King James Bible. While the angels that appeared to the shepherds spoke of "peace on earth," There was an awful lot of disturbance going on.

Gobsmacked!

I found that very un-Christmasy word to applies to what was happening to people as the story of the Savior coming to earth unfolded. And why should I be surprised? 

In Theological terms, the Apostles, John, and Paul describe what was going on.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . .. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being . . ..  And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1)

[Christ] existed in the form of God, [but] did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6–8)

 

This baby in the manger was, and is, God come in the flesh. The Creator had entered His creation in the form of a human being. No wonder it took the Theologians of the early church a couple of hundred years to wrestle this Gobsmaking truth to the ground. In all the history of God's work, this "incarnation" happened once. Joseph, Mary, the shepherds and the others we see pictured on Christmas cards were key players in a once in eternity happening. The gobsmacking truth continues. John 3:16 tells us that this incredible story applies to you and me.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

I encourage you to do some pondering on your own. Read the four chapters from the Gospels that I mentioned, and then stay tuned for more. The pondering and Gobsnacking is about to get personal.