The Gun on the Bible on the Desk

In the beginning God created…

Genesis 1:1

Nicole walked into the pastor’s office to tell him two reporters from the New York Times were here to see him. That’s when she noticed the handgun lying on his Bible. Bemused, she asked, “Is that for our two guests?”    

Following her line of sight, he smiled. “It’s a thought,” he teased, in light of the reason the reporters were here. They’d come to interview Pastor Ron and one of his parishioners.       

Jack Newbrook, a science teacher at the local Middle School, had been embroiled in employment-termination hearings for more than a year following the school board’s demanded that Jack remove all religious symbols, including his Bible, from his classroom. Jack had removed everything but his Bible, sighting his First Amendment right to leave it on his desk as long as he didn’t teach from it. Terminated without pay pending the final ruling, the hearings had just passed their first anniversary. It had been a long battle.        

As Pastor Ron locked the gun in his desk drawer, he explained to Nicole how the gun had come to be there. “I bought it from my brother-in-law. He was in town so he dropped it off to save me a trip.” Then on a mischievous note, he added, “But the Bible stays where it is. And if they mention it, I might just unlock this drawer.”   

†

Though somewhat humorous, today’s scenario is disturbing. Regrettably, events like this take place daily in public schools across America because the immoral-minority hates the sight of the Bible. To impose their ideology they must discredit it, part and whole, and are currently working toward that end by attacking “In the beginning…” with Evolution.  

Satan is patient. He’s been around for millennia. A few short generations mean nothing if he can attain his objective. He’s fine with baby steps as long as the silent-majority passively play spectator, unwilling to engage in the controversy. Because given time without opposition, he’ll get what he’s after.     

What will we do—or perhaps it will be our grandchildren—when they come to our homes and demand that we remove all religious symbols, including our Bibles?

 

Prayer

“LORD, may I not be ashamed of my life’s purpose as a Christian, to influence the world for Jesus Christ. Amen.” 

Childlike

When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, "Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God. Mark 10:14

“Mom?” little Jackie asked. “Did Mrs. Burson eat somethin’ sour?”

Janet, smiled as Jackie added, “’Cause she looks like she ate one o my sour apple candies!”

While formulating the proper response for a six-year-old, Janet watched in horror as little Jack skipped right over to Mrs. Burson, reached up and took her hand, “Did you eat some of your kid’s sour candy, Mrs. Burson?”

Janet hurried to head off Mrs. Burson’s response. To her surprise, Mrs. Burson smiled at young Jack. She looked him straight in the eye, and asked, “Do I look that bad, Jackie?!”

Before he could respond, Janet interrupted, “What Jackie meant to say was…”

With upheld hand, Mrs. Burson cut her off, “Oh, Janet, I’m quite sure he said what he meant. But thank you for attempting to ease the sting.”

Unconscious of his faux pas, Jackie innocently added, “Sometimes them sour apple candies give me a bellyache. Do you have a bellyache, Mrs. Burson?”

Totally at a loss for words, Janet waited for Mrs. Burson’s response.

“You know something, Jackie. I believe I do,” she said with a laugh. “Thank you for helping me ascertain the source of my displeasure!”

Jackie asked quizzically, “What’s an ascertain of displeasure?”

Mrs. Burson and Janet both broke into laughter!

†

Only a child can get away with such boldness. Their innocence disarms the normal offensive response we would certainly give to any adult who dared question the noticeable displeasure of our stern countenance. Why is that?   

Mainly, it’s because we know children are not malicious. They are unsullied by cynicism and cruel intent, we wouldn’t think of demeaning them for reaching out to us.

Jesus points out that those who possess such childlike innocence display an important characteristic of Kingdom citizenship….a very important characteristic, that if lost, we should hope to re-discover (ascertain).

Prayer

“Lord, my grown-up countenance is lacking in innocence. Please restore the childlike wonder and faith of my youth so I look like a citizen of Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Stocking the Shelves

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.
Malachi 3:10

Grace didn't understand this “tithing thing,” as she put it. Yesterday’s sermon had been titled, “Stocking God’s Shelves.” The pastor had spoken about giving God the first fruits of our labor as an act of love and obedience. He spoke of God’s instruction to the Israelites on this matter, referencing Old and New Testament Scripture. He said, “In reality, everything we have is God’s. But because He loves us so much, He doesn't force us to tithe.” He spoke about reciprocity and how we can’t outgive God, reading from Malachi where God says, “Test me in this.”
Grace and her husband, Reggie, were new Christians. All this stuff was foreign to them, but they wanted to do the right thing. So, out of obedience, Reggie and Grace began giving fifteen percent of their income—ten percent for tithe, five percent of offering—to help stock God’s shelves. It was difficult at first, sitting down each payday and writing that first check to God. But they did it. And within the first two months, things began to happen. Reggie received a pre-evaluation raise, and Grace received an insurance settlement she knew nothing about. God was responding to their obedience to keep His storehouses full.

†

The subject of tithing makes many people uncomfortable, and many get offended every time the collection plate is passed.
Taking into consideration that there are those in ministry who pollute what God has ordained, Scripture is clear on our financial responsibility to God’s church. Building the kingdom requires finances. Whether we make a contribution or not is up to us.
When Jesus said, “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil,” He was saying that we either trust in Him for what we need or we trust in ourselves.
When we hoard our money, we are stealing our own blessings because God cannot and will not bless those who do not sow into His kingdom. “Bring” is a command with both a choice and a promise attached.

Prayer

“Lord, teach me to trust You and believe. Help money to become a tool for the kingdom and not a vice that seduces my heart. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Nature’s Example

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Phil’s ten year old son, Kyle, fidgeted in the blind as they watched the first glimmer of light tint the eastern sky. “When’s somethin’ gonna happen, Daddy?”   

“Be patient Buddy,” Phil whispered, patting Kyle’s shoulder.

As light began transforming the morning from nondescript shapes into recognizable landmarks, he heard the sound of geese honking overhead. Flocks of migratory birds were flying south to their wintering grounds.

Phil wanted Kyle to witness one of nature’s most amazing events…and hopefully teach him a valuable lesson. As flock after flock flew overhead, Phil pointed and said, “Do you see how they all fly in a V formation, Kyle?”

“Yah,” replied Kyle, questioningly.  

Just then a lead goose left his position at the point of the V. This was the moment Phil had been waiting for, “Do you see how that goose dropped out of formation and is moving to a place at the end of one of the legs of the V?”

“Uh Huh,” Kyle grunted.

“Watch how the second goose in line moves up to take his place.”

 “Why’d he do that, Daddy?” Kyle asked in wonder.

“The flock has a long way to fly before winter, Buddy,” Phil explained. “They instinctively switch leaders every so often. By taking turns they conserve energy, Kyle. It’s how God made them.” 

†

Nature is not shackled by the belief it was meant to be self-sufficient or make it on its own. Only man instills that mindset in their offspring.  

Through the simple act of watching geese, Phil was teaching Kyle that although the world may tell him otherwise, it is not a sign of weakness to accept help. Wise people share their burdens; it’s one of God’s provisions for helping us overcome the sin that so desperately seeks to destroy us.   

We can learn a lot from Nature’s example. By sharing the responsibility of getting to where God is leading us we can avoid many of the pitfalls and barriers of life. And in so doing fulfill Jesus’ command to ‘carry each other’s burdens’.       

Prayer

“Help me to not refuse assistance in overcoming the world, Lord. Give me a humble spirit that understands the wisdom of accepting help. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Blind Spots

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…

Joel 2:25

Despite growing up in a secular home, Lee and Lynn managed to find the love of Jesus Christ. Time passed and each married and had children. As siblings do, each adopted their own unique style of parenting traits and characteristics; among them were a few that would have been better left to past generations.   

One lived a blue collar lifestyle while the other owned and worked a small business. Both grew in the knowledge and wisdom of God. In both were seeds; seeds of love, and seeds of familial apathy; the latter a hand-me-down from the prior generation. A generation that had fostered sibling apathy and indifference for reasons they couldn’t recall, nor cared to discover. And from this fertile soil grew a root that was unsatisfied with stealing just one generation of love and relationship. Lee and Lynn’s pride became a tool in the hands of an enemy so cunning and shrewd that they never saw it coming.

One moment in time, no one really remembered, became the wedge that was now planted firmly between them. Both were sure they had gone the extra mile to reconcile. Neither saw their blind spot. For the walls that had been erected stood tall, strong, and impenetrable; neither realized that what they despised in the other was a barrier of their own making.   

†

Satan began his attack on God’s family in the Garden…he will not relent unless both destroyed every relationship he can. And no healing will be promoted unless both parties seek resolution. When that fails to happen the locusts continue their feast.  

Stubbornness and pride have ended more relationships than we can imagine. The enemy knows how to manipulate us without our conscious knowledge or permission. He sows seeds of animosity and resentment against those we love. We become blinded by a need for vindication, and all reason goes out the door.  As far as we’re concerned we were the one who was wounded. It’s up to them to make the first move!

Is there anything so valuable that would justify continuing to fight while losing everything meaningful in the process? When we consider the loving forgiveness that God extended to us through Christ, can we do any less? 

Prayer

“Healer of relationships and families, show me if there are any blind spots in my life. Restore what the locusts have eaten. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Power of the Anointing

How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me.
Job 29:1

The crowd pressed in, as if leaning forward in their seats would get them closer to heaven. They were hungry for every word! This no-name evangelist was bringing a message full of indictment, yet it was so true that it could not be denied, and no one attempted to do so. He was calling them to repentance through a message about God’s anointing.
He was speaking about Job, and how in the midst of his greatest trials Job was remembering how blessed his life had been during the fullness of God’s anointing.
The words carried power and truth, conviction and challenge. People began to weep and fall to their knees in repentance. God’s Word was alive with His glory, and people were responding to the Holy Spirit's presence.
The pastor could sense a supernatural shift in the atmosphere; it was as if a portal from heaven had opened and God, Himself, was pouring out a fresh anointing on those who were bold enough to believe what the Scriptures proclaimed.

†

These people had come hungry for God. Not just for His healing or deliverance, but for God Himself. And in response to such hunger, God had shown up in power! He wanted them to know the truth embedded in the message in today's text: Job had been blessed with God’s anointing because he had rescued the poor and the fatherless; he had assisted the dying at the time of their death; he had lifted the spirit of the widow and was righteous and just.
Such a clear message: “My anointing is on those who work in the trenches. They will experience power to complete this work.”
God still anoints those who are hungry to love the lost, and help the less fortunate.

Prayer

“Lord, bring forth rivers of oil from Your Rock, and pour them upon me so I can go forth and minister in Your power. I want to work in power for You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Love of a Father

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

1John 3:1

Sixty-five year old, Dick Hoyt crossed the finish line a fraction of a second behind his son. The satisfaction in his eyes was due to the smile on Rick’s face.

Father and son have competed in more than twenty-four Boston Marathons, two hundred twelve Triathlons, fifteen of them being the ‘Iron Man Triathlon’ in Hawaii, have skied in cross-country events, and gone mountain climbing.

When you add all the miles jogged, swum, biked, and skied, this accomplishment is noteworthy. But what makes it extraordinary is that every mile is completed with Dick pushing Rick in a wheelchair, towing him in a dingy, and carrying him on the handlebars of his bike. You see, Rick is a quadriplegic.

This amazing love story began when one of Rick’s classmates was paralyzed in an accident, and the school organized a charity run for him. As Rick watched the race he pecked out on his computer, “Dad, I want to do that!”

Dick, a self-proclaimed porker, couldn’t run a mile, let alone five! But the smile on his son’s face was a great motivator. After their first race, Rick typed, “Dad, when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!”

So each weekend the duo is engaged in some form of competition; a father loving on his son with all his heart, a son reveling in his father’s great love.

†

As a father I can say I have loved my children with a special love, spending precious time with them, building strong bonds of love.

Today’s story is a lesson in lavishing. Dick exemplified the Father, loving extravagantly, giving generously of himself, holding nothing in reserve so his son could experience life to its fullest.

It is this same love that compels our Heavenly Father to call us sons and daughters, heirs to the Kingdom of Christ. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son”, so all His other children have the right to call Him Father.

Prayer

“Thank You, Father, for a love I don’t quite comprehend, but so desperately need. Thank You for sending Jesus to make a way for me to be called Your child. Amen.”