Looking Ahead

visionThe Bible continually points out the need to consider the future and see the possibilities that lie ahead. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (KJV).

Churches with no vision for the future die a slow but sure death. I heard about a church that used its baptistery to store old books and supplies. They couldn’t see the possibility that they might actually baptize somebody in the near future!

Imagine a church that gets rid of its rocking chairs in the nursery because “Nobody has brought a baby to church for over a year!” You can’t envision that a young couple with a baby might actually come to worship with you someday!?

A church in southern Kentucky was nearly completely surrounded by a cemetery, leaving the congregation no room to expand. When their church building burned down, they had enough insurance coverage to rebuild. They could have built their new building in a number of possible locations. Do you know where they chose to rebuild? On the exact same spot where the old building stood!

We could go on and on about individuals and congregations that have exhibited little or no vision in times of opportunity. Jesus says that we shouldn’t be like them. He says, “…I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35).

We should have great expectations for what God wants to do through us. Every church needs people who have a vision of a better tomorrow. Maybe that person is you!

 

Posted in Christian Living, Church, Leadership | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Loyal Support

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan

Few athletes have had as many fans as Michael Jordan. However, even Jordan has shown the need for emotional support. When columnist Bob Greene asked Michael why he wanted his father to be in the stands to watch him play, he responded, “When he’s there, I know I have at least one fan.”

Even such a great basketball player as Michael Jordan needs encouragement from a loyal supporter. How much more do the rest of us need to be reminded on a regular basis that we have someone who is rooting for us no matter what!

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”—Hebrews 10:24.

 

Posted in Christian Living, Church, Leadership, Sports | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Important Reminder

hot_car_10minEvery summer we are reminded of the danger of leaving a child unattended in a parked car. The temperature inside a parked car on a 90 degree day can reach 119 degrees in 20 minutes and 133 degrees after an hour. It is heart-breaking to hear of accounts where adults have forgotten that there was a child in the back seat, and the child died because of the extreme heat.

Some say that parents should get in the habit of opening their rear doors every time they leave the vehicle. Others suggest keeping a stuffed animal in the front seat, or your purse or cell phone in the back seat—anything to remind you that there is a small child in the car. Parents should also inform their daycare workers to call them any time their child doesn’t show up on time.

These important reminders are necessary because even the best parents and babysitters can become distracted and forget that they have a child in the car with them.

Another important thing that we need to be reminded of is that Jesus died to save us. The communion that Christians take on Sunday is a much-needed reminder of this all-important truth.

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”–Luke 22:19-20.

 

Posted in Christian Living, Communion Meditations | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dangerous Jump

Luke Aikins

Luke Aikins

Skydiver and stuntman Luke Aikins has made over 18,000 parachute jumps, but the jump he is planning to make today is one that will be most memorable. Aikins is scheduled to jump out of a plane from 25,000 feet without a parachute or a wingsuit. He is attempting to be the first person to jump out of a plane and land safely in a net. The net is 20 stories high and is about one-third the size of a football field. The Fox network will broadcast the jump live at 8:00pm EDT.

To state the obvious, this seems like a risky venture. I agree with those who have long asked the question, “Why in the world would anyone ever jump out of a perfectly good airplane?!”

As dangerous as this jump is, it pales in comparison to the danger of going into eternity without Jesus. He plainly says that he is the only way to be saved and to be with God in eternity. To leave this life without him is certain death.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”—John 14:6.

Posted in Christian Living, Communion Meditations, Current Events | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why So Hateful?

Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow

Some people love to hate Tim Tebow. For some reason, the Heisman trophy winner and former NFL quarterback incurs the wrath of many. The venom they spew is vicious, and it comes for no apparent reason.

Tebow was even harshly criticized recently for praying with the wife of a man who had a medical emergency on a plane! The woman seemed to appreciate Tebow’s prayer, but the haters condemned him for intruding at such a sensitive time.

Why do so many people show such ridiculous hatred for Tim Tebow? It is simply because he is a follower of Jesus Christ—there is no other reason.

We shouldn’t be surprised at this. If you were a popular figure, they would hate you too. It is because they don’t understand why we don’t join them in their lives of rebellion against God. 1 Peter 4:4 says, “They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.”

It doesn’t make sense. But then why would we expect that people who reject Jesus would make any sense at all?

 

Posted in Christian Living, Culture, Leadership | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Leadership of Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan

Basketball great Tim Duncan just announced his retirement, ending a 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs. Long-time Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said that Duncan was “Irreplaceable.” Scott Layden, who spent four seasons as the Spurs assistant General Manager, said—“Leadership can come from many different areas, but when your best player is the best leader, it’s amazing how everybody else falls in line…Both on and off the court, he set the tone day-in and day-out.”

What made Tim Duncan such a great leader for his team?

First, he did everything with excellence. He played the game the right way, and was known for having mastered the fundamentals of basketball. Duncan led his team to five NBA championships, won two MVP awards and was an All-Star fifteen times.

Second, he was a team player. Most of the players who ever played with Duncan say that he was the best teammate you could ever ask for. He wasn’t selfish at all. He knew that in order for the team to excel, they had to play as a team.

Third he was consistent. Year in and year out, you could count on Tim Duncan to give the same kind of performance. He wasn’t up and down. He was reliably productive on both ends of the court.

Finally, Duncan was humble. In a sport where many flamboyant stars constantly find all kinds of ways to call attention to themselves, Tim quietly did his job, never promoting himself or calling undue attention to himself in any way. Even his retirement was announced quietly, in a statement released by the Spurs.

All of these are qualities that make a good leader. And these are all qualities that we should strive for if we hope to be good leaders in the church.

“…If your gift is…to lead, do it diligently…”—Romans 12:6-8.

 

Posted in Christian Living, Church, Leadership, Sports | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Where Is Their Statue?

There was once a young musician whose concert received very harsh reviews from the music critics. The great composer Jean Sibelius patted him on the back and consoled him by saying,”Remember, son, there is no city in the world where they have erected a statue to a critic.”

Great men and women have always been criticized. In the Bible, people criticized the prophets, priests, judges, kings, apostles and yes, even Jesus.  

So don’t let the critics get you down. And for goodness sake, don’t let them prevent you from doing what God has called you to do. Dr. David Jeremiah said, “Far better to be criticized by God’s opponents  than to disappoint God by not heeding His call.”

“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain, and most fools do.”–Benjamin Franklin.  

Nehemiah faced opposition as he led God’s people in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Here is how he answered his critics “…I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” (Neh.6:3)  

The work of the Lord should never stop because of critics. 

Posted in Christian Living, Leadership | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Part of the Church

bloopersI am solely responsible for a classic blooper in our church newsletter that just came out last week. I typed it. I proofread it. I thought I had it perfect, but I didn’t. I made a big mistake. One section listed the names of new members, people who have officially joined our congregation this year. One new member’s name is Christy. However, her name appeared without the “y”. That’s right. I informed everyone that Christ had just joined our church!

We had hoped that he was already a big part of who we are!

“…Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.”—Ephesians 5:23.

Posted in Christian Living, Church, Humor | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dangerous Nest

nestWhile picking berries, I noticed a bird’s nest that had been built about knee-high in some weeds and bushes. I thought that it was odd that the nest had been built so low. Usually they are much higher than that.

I also noticed that the nest had some baby birds in it. They were completely helpless, having no defense whatsoever against any predator that might come along looking for an easy meal.

A couple of days later, I asked my wife if she wanted to come and see the baby birds. She said, “Sure”, so we made the short walk to the nest. Sadly, the nest was empty. Since they were much too young to have safely left the nest, the baby birds had obviously met their doom. The low nest made them an easy target for the predator that no doubt had come along and devoured them.

1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Parents, don’t build your nest too low! Lift your children up in prayer! Raise them in church and Sunday School! Teach them the ways of the Lord! The stakes are much too high to do it any other way!

 

Posted in Christian Living, Church | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Lives Matter (Part 2)

unborn-lives-matterOur nation is once again (still?) in mourning because of yet another senseless shooting. It seems like each day brings another such tragedy. One wonders if our flags will perpetually fly at half staff.

I have a theory about how human lives have come to be de-valued in our society. I think the blame can be traced, at least in part, to the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in our nation. The horrible decision to allow for innocent babies in the womb to be killed for little or no reason has led to a wholesale devaluing of life. From the womb to the tomb, human life is not considered as sacred as it once was.

However, nothing has changed in God’s eyes. Every single human being is created in God’s image, and he loves each one dearly. It must cause a loving God untold grief to see his precious creatures—whether a baby in the womb or a person killed by gunfire—to be callously destroyed.

All lives matter to God. They always have, and they always will.

“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.”—Psalm 8:4-5.

 

Posted in Christian Living, Culture, Current Events | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment