Polarized

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.

Matthew 6:24

Mrs. Alton brought out her display of magnets for her third grade class. She had several different magnets glued to a board with their respective names and types written underneath each one. But what excited the students were the shoebox full of magnets they were allowed to handle and experiment with.

The classroom bubbled with chatter as each child grabbed a magnet and searched for a metallic surface that would either attract or repel the small piece of metal in their hand.

“Wow! Lookatthis…lookatthis!” squealed one little girl, holding her three ring binder by one of the rivets. “Cool!” said one of the boys as he tried to force two magnets together, yet was unable to do so no matter how hard he tried.

And so began a lesson on magnets. Mrs. Alton explained how magnets had two opposite sides; one positive, one negative. “With magnets,” she said, “opposites attract and forces that are identical, repel. We call that polarization.”

“Sweeeet!” she heard one of the boys exclaim as he turned one of the two magnets he was trying to force together around to have them slap together with a metallic click!

†

There are magnets of varying strengths and sizes, yet each one displays the same characteristics of attraction and repulsion. This is a constant throughout the Universe.

It is also a constant in the spiritual realm. We are either attracted or repelled by these forces. In today’s text, Jesus makes it clear that we cannot serve both God and Satan. And although He mentions money, speaking to the pursuit of riches, this verse is all encompassing as it pertains to our relationship with God.

There is no stronger diametric opposition than the forces at work between God and Satan. We are attracted to one and repelled by the other. Our hearts are either being drawn to our Creator, or our adversary. We, unlike the magnet, can choose how we are polarized.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, give me a heart that is drawn to You and repelled by the subtle evil Satan wants me to engage in. Awaken Your Spirit within me to guide and encourage me as I walk with You through this life. Amen.”

 

Courageous!

Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

As Mr. Croskey related his harrowing story I was amazed at the calm in his voice, “Have you ever seen that TV show, Deadliest Catch,” he asked? I nodded that I had. “Some of the shows were shot in the North Atlantic,” he said. “It was 1940. Our Third Infantry was headed for France by way of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The wind was up and the seas were rolling at about ten feet. Then, all of a sudden, these forty footers came up outta nowhere.” His voice showed no sign that he’d experienced fear; he simply related the details of the event. “The Skipper turned that boat into the waves and said over the intercom, ‘Grab hold of something men…we’re in for a bit of a ride.’”

“Some of the men didn’t handle it so well,” he chuckled, and continued, “…especially when the stern popped outta the water! Why, that huge propeller spun so fast it shook the whole boat as if it was comin’ apart!” he laughed. “It was a wild ride, it was. Beat us up for the better part of a day before we made Halifax. Never forget somethin’ like that, you don’t,” he said.

I just had to ask the obvious, “Were you afraid?”

“You know,” he smiled, “I knew God was there with me, and that I had nothin’ to fear. Besides…” his smile widened, “times like that let you know you’re alive!”

†

God called Joshua to be strong and courageous. Not because Joshua wanted to be, but because circumstances demanded it.

Likewise, our courageous service men and women are called to face circumstances that demand they rise to the occasion. Hopefully, like Mr. Croskey, they enter the battle knowing that God is always with them, watching over them like He did Joshua.

Our freedom was not, nor will it ever be, free. A high price is always demanded. The next time you see a veteran, take a moment to say, “Thank you for my freedom.”

Prayer

“Father of courage, may I never forget that You are always with me. Thank You for the strength to face the trials of life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 

Good Neighbors

He answered, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart…and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Luke 10:27

Scott figured if his neighbor needed help with something, and it was within his power to do so, he helped. So when Mike and Jenna began building a new patio, Scott offered his assistance. “Is there anything I can do to help?” he asked, approaching his neighbors of twenty-eight years.

“We’ll…” Jenna said, pointing. “We’ve been deciding how to finish off that corner.”

“We want to run brick clear to the corner,” Mike clarified, “but aren’t sure how to keep the sand from pushing out from under it.

“A ramp for Nelson would be nice, too,” Jenna added, referring to their twenty-four year-old, wheelchair-bound nephew.

“You know…” Scott said, “I’ve got some treated lumber. We could drive some angle iron in along the edge there,” he motioned, showing them what he had in mind, “and fasten a couple boards to hold the sand in place. We could definitely add that ramp while we’re at it,” Scott said.

“That would be great!” Mike said. “Nelson is part of our family. I want him to feel included, too, ya know.”

Scott did know. He was aware that Nelson usually had to hang out at the edges of whatever function was going on due to the lack of access ramps.

Six hours later, patio complete, with friends and family enjoying a 4^th of July celebration, Scott was moved to tears as Nelson, sitting in the middle of the patio, said, “Thanks so much for building that ramp!”

†

You don’t have to love God to be a good neighbor…it should come natural. Being a good neighbor isn’t a Christian characteristic. It should, however, be one characteristic every Christian displays. If we love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, out of us should flow love for everyone else…including, and especially our neighbors.

We may never know what impact our words and actions have on those who live beside us. But we should always speak and act as though their view of God depends solely on what they see in us. Because it very well could.

Prayer

“Help me love like You love, Lord…indiscriminately, with every part of my being. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 

Reverence and the Flag*

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6

As the Color Guard marched in the parade, Chet, a retired Air Force pilot, was saddened by how many people remained seated, with hats on their heads as the American flag passed by. The men and women from his generation would never show such a lack of respect and blatant disregard for their country’s flag and the sacrifice it represented. These people seemed indifferent about the freedom they enjoyed and took for granted. Chet had lost friends and comrades in WWII, and how or why these succeeding generations failed to honor and respect such sacrifice was beyond his comprehension.

As they proceeded, Chet’s eye caught a small boy suddenly stand to attention, salute the men and the flag, and hold his salute! With a tear sliding down his cheek, Chet returned the prescribed military gesture, realizing, There is still hope that what we’ve done will not be forgotten or taken for granted.

†

The right for Americans to arbitrarily snub their nose at their Nation’s flag has been paid for with the blood and sacrifice of brave men and women, and their families, who've given of themselves, building upon the foundation which others have continued to build, knowing that freedom comes at a price.

This Nation was founded by fearless men and women who stood on godly principles which, when not adhered to, breed ignorance and disrespect. By failing to pass along a sense of duty, honor, and self-sacrifice, we have lost who we are and how we arrived at this moment in history.

It is, therefore, our responsibility to train and nurture each succeeding generation, teaching them to cherish the freedom they enjoy, and help them understand that it is a precious commodity. This applies to our spiritual heritage as well.

If Jesus were to walk by would our children remain seated on the curb, or would they stand in reverence and honor, recognizing the sacrifice He made to set them free?

Prayer

“Father of our freedom, we thank and give You honor. May we never lose sight of the sacrifice for our freedom, and may we never fail to pass on the importance of the price that was paid. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

*Dedicated to and in memory of Chester Miller, a good friend and good man

 

The Supreme Sacrifice

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13 KJV

As I listened to the 2011 Memorial Day address, I thought of how so many had given so much for our freedom. Many families in our small community had sons and daughters in harms way, in a hostile land. But one individual here knew the pain of supreme sacrifice. Charles and Judy Goare’s son, Shamus had been killed in Afghanistan, and Judy was in attendance to honor their son.

I was reminded of another difficult and bittersweet day for the Goares: “Mr. President,” Senator Mike DeWine announced in the December 8, 2006 Session. “This afternoon I would like to pay tribute to Army Staff Sergeant Shamus Goare from Danville, Ohio. He was killed on June 28, 2005, when his helicopter was shot down over Afghanistan.”

Midway through his tribute the Senator shared, “Mr. President, shortly before his death Shamus received a Medal of Valor for humanitarian work in Afghanistan. Shamus was working with children, which was something his father said he dearly loved…Life in the military was a good fit for Shamus. It led him to a series of selfless and compassionate acts of heroism, many of which he could not divulge to his family due to the nature of his work with the 160^th’s Night Stalkers. And true to their motto, Shamus never quit—even to the very end.”

Following the service I, as well as many others, hugged Judy and thanked her for Shamus, for his life and sacrifice, and for our freedom. In that tearful embrace Judy responded, “You are so welcome…thank you for remembering my son.”

†

There is no way we can repay the Shamus, Judy, and Charlie Goares of this Nation. Neither can we repay Jesus for the supreme sacrifice He made on our behalf.

Shamus died so that we might live in freedom from tyranny and oppression, able to enjoy the freedom to worship as we choose.

Jesus died to give us complete freedom, freedom from the penalty sin demands, and the freedom to spend eternity with Him.

Greater love hath no man than this.

Prayer

“Father of Comfort, be with those who have lost loved ones who have served to keep me free. And thank You for true eternal freedom through the death of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.”

 

The Seasons of Life

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:1

For the Bowman family, July 2, 2011, wasn’t what you could call a normal day. As Jeff related the day’s schedule, I found myself reflecting on how the cycle of life is repeated.

“We’re having a party for Dad and Mom’s sixty-fifth wedding anniversary today!” Jeff proudly announced.

“Wow! That’s awesome!” I said. “That’s a huge testament to their devotion and commitment!” I understood the kind of devotion and commitment it took for a marriage to last that long; my parents had just celebrated their sixty-third in June.

“My daughters, Brenda and Danielle, won’t be there for the party though,” he said, a little disappointed. “But that’s okay. They both have something equally as important going on.”

He continued, “Brenda, our oldest, is at her sister-in-law’s wedding. She made the cake!”

Well,” I said, “hopefully her sister-in-law will make it to sixty-five too!”

With sadness in his voice, Jeff shared, “Our youngest, Danielle, is at her father-in-law, Jim’s funeral.”

I had known Jim. He’d been diagnosed with liver cancer just eight months ago. He was only sixty-two. “Yeah, that was sad. He’ll really be missed. It sounds like a day of reflection.”

“Yep…makes a man think,” Jeff said.

†

In the time between our birth and physical death we will see and experience things that will bring us joy, sorrow, and every emotion in between. There will be challenges beyond what we think we are equal to, and only a strong faith in God will see us through the storms of hardship and loss we are sure to face.

Solomon, in today’s text, assures us that although we feel like it, we are not unique; we will all experience sorrow and death, weeping and mourning. But there will also be fulfillment and jubilation in the living.

In the end it’s all about family and relationships…love and sacrifice. God wants us to know that when we have a day like this, we can face it with confidence and hope for the future; a future in which we can walk hand in hand with Him…through any season.

Prayer

“Thank You, Father, for giving me life, for walking with me daily, and for giving me the promise of all my tomorrows being spent with You. Amen.”

 

Tirelessly Before God’s Throne

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people…

1Timothy 2:1

As he cast his bait toward the bank, Jimmy asked, “So, when did you become a Christian?”

“Nineteen Seventy-Six…” Hank said, his smile hinting that there was more to the story. “…at my Dad’s funeral.”

“Really?” Jimmy said, surprised.

“Yep.” There was a fondness in Hank’s voice. He smiled as he shared the story of his dad’s enduring hope for his son’s salvation. “Dad got saved six years before he died. He witnessed to me almost every day, Jimmy. But I didn’t listen.” The later statement held no guilt or shame; Hank was simply stating the truth.

“Right before he died, Dad asked his pastor to preach the Gospel message at his funeral instead of a traditional service.” Hank paused as he made a cast, then said, “My brother and I gave our lives to Jesus that day.”

“That’s awesome!” Jimmy said.

“Yea, it is,” Hank agreed. “That’s the day all Dad’s efforts were rewarded. I think he’d be pleased.”

As they made their next cast, Hank chuckled and added, “I’m not what I should be, Jimmy…but I’m a lot better than what I was!”

†

Many of us, in an effort to satisfy selfish desire, go our own way. And were it not for the tireless intercession of faithful parents, we might never find salvation in Jesus Christ.

Thankfully many, like Hank, have parents who understand the importance of interceding for their children. And they, like Hank’s dad, would never think of giving up on their children, constantly lifting them before God’s throne, asking that He bring about the changes necessary to realize their salvation.

Isaiah 55:10 and 11 says, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire…”

If you have a child or loved one who resists your witness of Jesus’ love and sacrifice, don’t give up. Continue living out God’s love and come tirelessly before His throne.

Prayer

“I bring before You those I love, Lord, resolved to never give up on them, knowing that You won’t either. Thank You for Your great love that pursues us. Amen.”