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A Giant Pile of Sand

Are you one of those people who may not admit it, but finds Bible study boring at best and irrelevant at worse? If so, I think you are missing something special. Andy Deane, author of Learn to Study the Bible (Olive Tree, 2014) shares this hypothetical situation. 

Imagine you have been assigned the job of shifting a mountain of sand with a teaspoon. Can you think of anything more boring? Day after day, hour after hour, you shovel sand with a spoon from one giant pile into another, but what if you were guaranteed to find a nugget of pure gold every hour? Would that make a difference? And what if you were told, the longer you dig, the more often you will discover treasure? You will be rich beyond your wildest imagination.

“The same analogy can be made of Bible study. With very little effort, great riches are ours to discover and keep, as we carefully sift through the Word of God each day,” Deane writes. “Exactly what kind of treasure can we expect to find in the Bible? I’ve heard Psalm 19:7- 10 rephrased by someone this way: ‘The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life- maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God’s reputation is twenty- four- carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree. God’s Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries.’”

Here are eight blessings of -Bible study:

  1. It assures us of salvation, 1 John 5:13.
  2. It cleanses us from sin ,John 15:3 /John 17:17.
  3. It gives peace, John 16:33.
  4. It brings joy.
  5. It guides our decisions, Psalm 119:105.
  6. It helps us in prayer, John 15:7.
  7. It strengthens, 1 John 2:14.
  8. It leads to success, Joshua 1:8 John 15.

Better Not Bitter

Things hadn’t worked out the way Naomi had planned. She, her husband, and three sons made a move they believed would provide them with a new life. Things had started well, but then one disaster after another befell her. Life had become so hard she wanted to change her name from “Naomi” (which means “pleasant”) to “Mara” (which means, “bitter.” See Ruth 1:20.)

Life is hard. The world is full of injustice. Bad things happen to good people, but is it inevitable that age sours us? How can we become better instead of bitter?

Cut bitterness off at the roots.

Some people feed their bitter roots, but the Bible teaches us to get rid of bitterness as soon as possible (Hebrews 12:15; Ephesians 4:31).

‘Fess up!

Of course, that’s not always possible. Circumstances often blindside us, but Helen G. Lescheid wrote, “Coming to terms with bitterness seems to be the first step toward getting rid of it.” That’s a two-part process: (1) admit your pain, and (2) stop making excuses for what happened. How many times have you heard someone you love say through clenched teeth, “I’m not angry!” Come on! Admit it before bitterness bites you.

Become a forgiver

Here is the Christian key: Don’t let anyone tie you to the past. Stephen forgave his killers even before they threw the first stone! (Acts chapter 7) Forgiveness is liberating! But if that’s true, why don’t we forgive people? A simple answer can be, “They hurt me. I want to hurt them” or “I forgave them once, and they didn’t change. Why should I let them continue to hurt me?” We forget that we have been forgiven!

So what’s included in forgiving? Forgetting for one. Let it go, but there is a time for confrontation. God doesn’t expect his children to be doormats. Sometimes we hurt the ones we love, and we don’t even realize it. Confrontation doesn’t have to be hostile. In fact, confrontation always has the goal of restoration. We value the relationship. Love can conquer.

Finally, forgiveness is empowering. Refuse to allow anyone to crush your spirit. Forgive and prove you are indeed a child of God!

Casting Stones

One of the most beloved stories from the life of Christ involves a scandalous sinner. She was caught “in the very act” of adultery and dragged before Jesus to test him:

They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now, what do you say?’ They were using this question as a trap, to have a basis for accusing him, (John 8:3-6).

Do you remember what Jesus did next? He didn’t argue with them. He didn’t give a long sermon. He just stooped down and started writing in the dirt with his finger. 

Have you ever wondered what he was writing? Some say he started writing scripture quotations. Others say Jesus looked at each one in the crowd and started writing down their sins like a spiritual accountant. I don’t know what he wrote, but I do know what he said after “they kept on questioning him.”

Jesus stood up and said, “If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” At that, the crowd melted away in shame.

The Apostle John was there that day and heard Jesus speak. Much later in his life, John wrote to Christians, “If we,” (John was speaking to us) “claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” (1 John 1:8, 9).

We’re not perfect — Just forgiven!

Making Memories

Once I officiated at a wedding for the daughter of a boating friend. The bride was beautiful (as all brides are) and the groom was a little nervous (as all grooms are). It was a large wedding and relatives had flown in from all over the country. The weather could have been better so, under the threat of rain, at the last minute we had to move the venue indoors, but it was still wonderful.

The service began well. Dad walked daughter down the aisle and properly repeated his line, “Her mother, and I do.” Everyone was seated, and I gave the lesson. At last, it was time to exchange the rings and “Repeat after me.” Unfortunately, her ring was tight and the poor groom could either put the ring on her finger or repeat after me, but he couldn’t do both at the same time. 

“… with my heart’s sincere –affection…” I said slowly and clearly.

“…with my heart’s infection…” he repeated.

I love weddings but think about it. We don’t remember when everything goes right. What we remember are the things that go wrong.

Many years ago, I was preparing to perform my first wedding ceremony. I was so nervous, I sought out the oldest minister I could find, Maurice Meredith, and I asked for his help. “Help me go over the ceremony again Maurice. I don’t want to make any mistakes.”

Maurice carefully walked me through everything as I took copious notes: groom’s family on this side; bride’s on that side; stand, sit, repeat after me. Then Maurice, with that characteristic twinkle in his eye said, “When you come to the part about exchanging the rings — if everything has gone smoothly — drop the rings.”

“What?” I looked up horrified.

“Drop the rings!” he repeated.

“Why?”

“Because otherwise, they won’t have anything to remember,” he laughed. And Maurice was right. We remember the groom who fainted, the flower girl who took her shoes off, the bridesmaid who set her dress on fire. 

So keep this lesson in mind this week when things go wrong. We’re not making mistakes — we’re making memories!

Novus Ordo Seclorum

“Charles Thomson (November 29, 1729 – August 16, 1824) was a Patriot leader in Philadelphia during the American Revolution and the secretary of the Continental Congress (1774–1789) throughout its existence.” 

— Wikipedia

Thomson had a tragic childhood. His mother died when he was just a boy, and his father took the family, five boys, and a girl, from Ireland to America to begin again. Within sight of shore, Thomson’s father died, and the sea captain embezzled all of their money. Thomson closed his father’s eyes after hearing his final prayer, “God take them up.” The children were left at the mercy of the New World. Charles rose above it all and became a true American patriot. He became the leader of the Philadelphia “Sons of Liberty” and a good friend of Benjamin Franklin.

When the Continental Congress was formed, Thomson became its secretary – a post most scholars equate with a Prime Minister. For fifteen years Thomson served until the Congress was finally adjourned. At its conclusion in July 1789, Thomson retired to work on a translation of the Bible and wrote a synopsis of the four gospels published in 1815. You see Thomson was a Greek and Latin tutor for the famous Philadelphia Academy and what he is best known for today is his work on the Great Seal of the United States. 

It’s on the back of a one-dollar bill. Do you see the Latin motto “Novus ordo seclorum”? It comes from the fourth Eclogue of Virgil:

Now comes the final era of the Sibyl’s song;

The great order of the ages is born afresh.
And now justice returns, honored rules return;
Now a new lineage is sent down from high heaven.

“Novus ordo seclorum” means “New Order for the Ages.” Medieval Christians believed Virgil’s poem was a prophecy of the coming of Christ and Thomson, a Latin tutor well acquainted with Virgil, thought the founding of the United States was also part of God’s plan. 

It is fashionable today to tout the separation of church and state, but for the founding fathers, there could be no separation of God and State. Think about that the next time you spend a dollar bill.

Holy Bug Zappers

My Grandmother used to say, “Where there’s light, there’s bugs.” By that, she reminded me that if you start a good work, there will always be someone to criticize what you’re doing. So don’t get discouraged if people are complaining.

Let me tell you a story about my grandfather, “Papa.” Papa and Meemaw lived in Oklahoma City. They had a giant backyard (long but skinny) with a couple of magnificent cherry trees to play in and lots of horned toads for grandsons to catch. We loved playing in the backyard, but one-day Papa’s neighbor brought home a dozen beehives. He thought it would be great to raise them in his backyard. The bees might have been great for the cherry trees, but they weren’t great for barbecues or little boys.

Papa went and talked nicely with his neighbor who could have cared less. He was a greasy-haired young man who always had a cigarette dangling from his mouth. He laughed and slammed his door in Papa’s face. My grandfather just shook his head sadly and checked with the city.

“You can’t keep cattle or goats, sir, but there is no regulation about bee hives. I’m sorry.” As strange as it sounds, Papa’s neighbor was entirely within his rights to keep the bees back there.

Time stretched on, and things only got worse. The gruff neighbor didn’t even share his honey! Then Papa had an idea. He went to the hardware store and bought several electric bug zappers and lined them up on the fence that divided their yards. I can still remember the little grin that use to cross Papa’s face every time we heard a “crack!” “Pop!” or “Sizzle.”

The church isn’t full of perfect people. In fact, we have a few that call for more grace than you might expect. There aren’t any “Holy Bug Zappers” so that tells me God expects us to act otherwise. Here are a few rules I’ve found helpful when I’m called on to show a little extra patience with people.

When dealing with problem people, don’t become a problem yourself. (See the Golden Rule for a further explanation.)

When you are being drawn into a conflict, draw closer to God!

Even though that person may annoyingly express himself, listen to what he has to say. He might be right!

The object is not to “squash the bug,” or run them away. The goal is always “transformation.” (See Romans 12:1, 2.)

God doesn’t call on us to only love the nice people. We are to love people – stingers and all!

Spiritually Fit

I am a great one for starting exercise programs. My basement is full of equipment: a treadmill and a Total Gym. Recently I read the fine print and discovered it is not enough to own these machines, to really benefit I actually have to use them! Imagine that. 

I gathered that equipment with the best of intentions. I needed to lose some weight. I needed to strengthen my heart, lower my blood pressure, lower my cholesterol, fight my diabetes and even look good at the beach. The real challenge was (is) getting up in the morning, putting on my sweats and getting to work. 

The same is true of our spiritual life. We all recognize the value of having a relationship with God and His family. We know the benefits and blessings of being a Christian. What we struggle with are motivation (what is driving me?) and maintenance (what keeps me going?). 

The fear of going to hell can be a powerful motivator, but the Apostle John wrote, “Perfect love casts out fear.” It is not the fear of hell that should motivate us, but the joy of being counted as God’s friend.

James, the brother of Jesus says, “‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’ — and he was called a friend of God,” (James 2:23). Are you God’s friend? 

If so, it’s time to dust off the spiritual exercise equipment:

  • Pray conversationally
  • Listen to God through -Bible Study and meditation
  • Simplicity
  • Solitude
  • Service
  • Confession
  • Celebration in Worship

It’s time to dust off the spiritual exercise equipment and get moving!

Walk, Run, Fly!

A powerful motivational preacher was addressing a congregation. This was a notoriously frugal church. It was packed with penny pinchers and tightwads. They weren’t going anywhere, and he was doing his best to get them motivated. He looked around the crowd and exclaimed, “The church is like the lame man Jesus healed. It’s got to get up and walk!”

The congregation agreed shouting, “That’s right! Let it walk!”

The preacher pulled out his handkerchief, mopped his brow and shouted, “This church, like -Elijah on Mt. Carmel has got to run!”

The people were with him and shouted in unison, “That’s right! Let it run preacher!”

Spurred by their enthusiasm, he lifted both hands high overhead and cried, “This church has got to mount up on eagle’s wings and FLY!”

Amens were mixed with chants of “Let it fly! Let it fly!” But when the preacher exclaimed, “If it flies, it takes money!” the congregation settled down and mumbled, “Let it walk!”

Bad Moms of the Bible

Every year on Mother’s Day, ministers typically choose one of the great moms of the Bible to talk about. This year I considered looking at the “Bad Moms of the Bible.” There are actually quite a few to choose from: Athaliah, the wife of King Jehoram, the daughter of King Ahab and the only queen of Judah, was certainly bad (2 Kings 11). After the death of her son, she killed all the members of the royal family and took the throne, but I guess we can’t count her since technically, she was the worst grandmother of all time. If only she had remembered the names of all of her grandchildren, she would have realized she missed one (who was crowned king a few years later, 2 Kings 11).

My nomination for the worst mom in the Bible is Herodias, Herod Antipas’ wife. She was responsible for the death of John the Baptist after her daughter’s famous dance (Mark 14:8). I don’t think we give Herodias credit though, for taking Salome to all those dance lessons and recitals. Why she may have even worn her fingers to the bone making those cute little costumes, although I doubt it. Apparently there wasn’t much to them.

On the other hand, I had a great mom and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t give to just have fifteen more minutes with her to tell her so. She died suddenly during a “routine procedure.” I took her to the hospital for the test and we told stories, laughed together and shared a hug I will always treasure. Then they wheeled her into the operating room.

Mom’s death was sad, but it wasn’t a tragedy. Dad died a few years before and I always had the feeling she couldn’t bear to be apart from him. In fact, when we buried dad, mom had her name written on the grave marker with her birthday and they left a place to fill in the date of her passing. It gives me great joy to know they are together again, and it fills me with great anticipation to look forward to the day when I will see them both once more.

Happy Mother’s Day!