17

Jump Start # 713

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 713

 

Psalms 77:2 “In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; In the night my hand was stretched out without weariness; my soul refused to be comforted.”

Asaph wrote the words of our passage today. It is a powerful reminder to not give up on the Lord, even when trouble is all around. In the day of trouble I sought the Lord. The chapter continues with a reminder of what God has done in the past.

 

Troublesome times are here is the beginning words of one of our hymns. Job said that man born of woman is short lived and full of trouble (14:1). Trouble comes in many forms. There is national trouble such as wars, famines and the things that affect a large amount of people. There are personal troubles such as health issues, family trials, loss of jobs, struggles with temptations and consequences of sin.

Trouble has a way of changing how we look at things. Trouble reshapes our day and forces us to adjust our plans.

 

Asaph turned to God in the days of trouble. With God, in His word, around His people is where we need to be when trouble comes. God can do things no one else can. Trouble will cause a righteous person to pray. Trouble will find relief in the comfort of God’s word.

Some choose to run from God when trouble comes. They like God in the sunshine but doubt him in the night. They want  all trouble to be removed and when it is not, they start blaming God and running from Him. Asaph didn’t do that. Neither should we.

Trouble is never pleasant. Trouble often lasts longer than the good times. It’s hard to forget the troubled times. Older folks talk about wars, depression and how tough it was growing up. Trouble is hard to get out of our minds. Trouble can shape us and define us. Troubled times can turn a person sour and mean. Troubled times can make a person suspicious of others.

 

Asaph’s turning to God keeps priorities in order and helps us to keep a level head and a strong resolve during those difficult days. Another hymn we sing, “I need Thee every hour,” is especially true during troublesome times. Studies have shown that religious interests peak during national tragedies. After 9-11, there was a surge in interest in God. Things quiet down, life returns to normal, and the interest in God wanes.

 

Is it easier to turn to God in times of trouble or times of ease? Good question. Both situations present unique challenges. The lack of present trouble can lead us to park our faith and not be so dependent upon God.

 

What God wants is for us to seek Him and His kingdom all the time, in trouble and in sunshine. Sitting in the emergency waiting room calls for different prayers than a person sitting at an outside café on vacation. Both need God. Both can’t get far without God. The needs are different. The urgency is different.

 

The challenge before us is to remember and recognize that we need God—all the time. In the hospital as well as on vacation, on Sunday as well as on Saturday, at work as well as at home, in the morning as well as in the night.

Jesus said, “Each day has enough trouble of it’s own” (Mt 6:34). We don’t need to tap into tomorrow’s trouble. Just deal with today. There is enough going on today.

Asaph  sought the Lord in the day of trouble. Good for us to remember and do the same.

Roger

 

 

16

Jump Start # 712

Posted on October 16, 2012 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 712

Jeremiah 2:13 “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, The fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

The opening chapters of Jeremiah are hard to read. It is a candid look at a people who took God for granted and let their faith wither away. The nation of Judah became arrogant, stubborn and indifferent to their wayward ways. They turned their back on God and pursued a course of idolatry, similar to her sister nation, Israel, years before. The early chapters of Jeremiah reveal the sins and heart of the nation that was no longer committed to God.

 

Our verse today is typical of what a person finds in those first chapters. Here two evils are identified: forsaking God and following idols (broken cisterns). Cisterns once were common to nearly every home, especially in rural communities. They often looked like a well, lined with brick or rocks, they collected water, especially rain water. The collected water could then be used. Cisterns were very essential in areas which were dry and water was hard to come by. Broken cisterns, like anything else that is broken, do not do what they are supposed to. Instead of holding water, the water seeps out and the cistern is empty except for a small muddy mess at the bottom. The point Jeremiah is making is that the nation left God, a living foundation, for idols, that are broken and cannot help them.

A person rarely leaves God for nothing. As with most things in life, we replace one thing for another. If we don’t like one dentist, we generally do not quit going, we find another. If we don’t like one place to eat, we find another. The nation in Jeremiah’s day, replaced God with the false idols that could not help at all. Those idols were not real. They had not given any law, promises or proof of their existence. The gods behind those broken cisterns had answered no prayers, they had not given any blessings. It was all fake. It was all hype and no substance. It was all in the minds of the people.

 

It is hard for me to understand how a group of people can leave a real God for something that is fake. What is the attraction? What would convince them? Yet, doesn’t the same happen today? People leave the teachings of the Bible for ideas, dreams and hopes that do not have any substance, proof or validity. Someone writes a book, using their experiences as alleged proof, and everyone gets excited about such things, to the point that they leave what the Bible teaches for those speculations.

I see this in two specific areas:

 

First, in believing that God speaks to people today. Tons of people believe that. Maybe you do. Hebrews tells us that God speaks through Jesus. Peter wrote that everything pertaining to life and godliness has been given. There is nothing new. There is no new insights, revelations, ideas. Yet people will leave plain Bible teachings for these divine “urges” and “nudges” that they think come from God. A weird feeling about something is thought to be God’s direction. Instead of considering moods, hormones, bad indigestion, the weather, sleeplessness—they attribute these things to God. Folks will leave a job, a mate, a church because of these “divine” influences. How can a person leave plain Bible teachings for feelings? How could ancient Judah leave God for idols? How could anyone leave a true fountain for broken cisterns? God speaks through His word. That is certain, absolute and unchanging. Feelings are not trustworthy. Have you ever felt you were in love and found “the one,” only to later discover that wasn’t “the one?” How about driving and you think you know where you are, but actually you are lost? Feelings and hunches can be misleading. God doesn’t speak that way.

 

The other area is about Heaven. God’s word is clear about Heaven. The only insight we have is the revealed word. There are no personal testimonies about what goes on in Heaven. Paul was given a vision of Heaven but he didn’t repeat what he saw. When Lazarus was resurrected, he did not tell us what he saw or heard. There are no personal testimonies in the revealed word of God. However, a truck driver who claimed he was killed has written a book about what going to Heaven. He reveals what songs he heard and what he saw. It’s amazing he could do that when no one in the Bible could or did. It’s amazing that people get more excited over that than what the Bible actually says. Is this nothing more than leaving the living fountain for a broken cistern?

There will always be people who claim a new way, a better insight, a new thought that in reality is nothing more than a broken cistern that can not hold water. Our hope is in the word of God. Broken cisterns never work.

Roger

 

15

Jump Start # 711

Posted on October 15, 2012 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump  Start # 711

Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

 

The steps of a good man—what a great expression that is! One of the oft used words in the Bible to describe our relationship with God is “walk.” Walk worthy (Eph 4:1); walk in love (Eph 5:1); be careful how you walk (Eph 5:15); walk in the newness of life (Rom 6:4); walking in the light (1 JN 1:7). Walking is all about taking steps. The more steps you take the farther you go.

Steps are a big part of our life. A baby’s first steps thrills young parents. The walk across the stage to receive a diploma is a milestone in life. The bride walking down the aisle to get married is a precious scene. Neil Armstrong is remembered for being the first human to step upon the moon. In baseball, the difference from a running being safe or out is often just a step. In football, a great play is often called back because the receiver stepped on the out of bound line. A person going back to school to get their masters degree is considered a big step.

Steps—our verse is talking about the steps of a good man. Those steps are ordered or defined by God. He is a good man because he walks in the Lord. His steps follows the Lord.

The steps of a good man will take him to Heaven. This happens not because he is good as we use the word, meaning nice, easy to talk to, helpful, but as the Bible uses the word, meaning he follows God. There are very few people called “good” in the Bible. It wasn’t a compliment that God tossed out often. To be good, was to be faithful and true to God. His steps re thought out. They are not careless, nor reckless. His steps will lead him to Heaven because he follows the footprints of Jesus.

 

The steps of a good man will leave a trail that others can follow. That is one of the thoughts in this passage. Not only did the good man please the Lord, but those who follow in those same steps, will do the same. His footprints will help others. They will not have to make the same mistakes that he did. If they look carefully for the footprints they will recognize which direction they ought to go. These steps are on a well traveled path. The righteous of a many generations have gone this same way. In some places, the trail of buffalos, or wagon trains, can still be seen in the ground. Many traveled that way. The same is true of God’s people spiritually. They travel the same path. The steps are the steps of others such as, Abraham, Daniel, Paul, and especially our Lord.

The steps of a good man involve more than just one step. Anyone can stick a bit toe in the water, that’s not the same as swimming. Taking one step is not difficult. Taking many steps, staying on the path, completing the course, finishing the race—that’s what this is all about. Sunday is the easiest day to be a Christian. Worship services…other Christians…hymns…prayers…smiles…reading of God’s word…hugs. What’s hard is when you are alone. What’s hard is when the path leads up a hill. What’s hard is when the path takes you through the valley of the shadow of death. It’s more than one step. It’s stepping every day. It’s staying with it when it is hot. It’s staying with it when you’re tired. One step, in anything is pretty easy. One step cooking is not too bad. Multiple steps—a journey, that determines what we are made of.

The steps of a good man…do you know some strong Christians? Spiritual giants? Leaders in God’s kingdom? Notice their steps. You’ll see some things. They start the day with prayer. They open the book every day—even those busy days they have. They are at worship all the time. Their minds and eyes are on the things spiritual. Their words and choices reflect that. Those steps are what made them strong. They have connected with God and stayed that way. Notice their path and try to follow that. You’ll see after a while, that as you are following the steps of a good man, someone will be a few steps behind you, following your steps. That’s how the journey works.

 

The steps of a good man…he’s walking right now. Do you notice?

Roger

 

12

Jump Start # 710

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 710

James 5:13-14 “Is anyone suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyone among sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”

 

I have heard these verses discussed many times in Bible studies. A lot of attention is given to identify what the oil was and what application that has in our world today. There is an overall thought in these two verses that I want us to look at.

James describes the state of just about everyone. Suffering, cheerful, sick—there are not many other options. Today, you are most likely one of the three, if not a combination of the three. Suffering, cheerful or sick—inside or outside, that’s how most of us are.

 

What James does, is shows us how we are to be totally spiritual in all that we do. We cannot leave our relationship with the Lord at the church house or park it because things are not going well. We are to be constantly connected to the Lord. That is a great reminder. We not only forget that, but because of how things are going, they tend to affect that.

  • The suffering MUST pray. I like the word “must.” It’s something you just have to do. Suffering from problems. Suffering from the world. Suffering is often external and from some other source. Suffering from the hands of the enemy. Suffering from a hostile government. When things are dark, it is easy to hide in a bunker until all has past. It is easy to use suffering as a reason not to worship, not to be spiritual. Many of the Hebrews hung up their faith and quit because suffering was getting to the best of them. Some suffering from pressures at work. Others, it’s family tensions. In all of these, James’ words are loud and clear: THEN HE MUST PRAY. Pray for strength. Pray for things to get better. Pray for patience. Pray that you will not give up. You must pray. Don’t blame God. Don’t wish that you weren’t a Christian.
  • James then moves to those who are cheerful. The cheerful are to sing praises. Suffering and cheerfulness are opposites. It’s hard to be cheerful when one is suffering. Quite often it is possible to have some in the congregation who are suffering while others are cheerful. That can be an odd arrangement. The cheerful may have a hard time understanding the suffering and those suffering are not pleased with the cheerful. The cheerful are to sing praises. They, too, are to remain connected to the Lord. They have reason to be thankful. Praise to God adorns Him and acknowledges His goodness. When things are going well it is easy to put God on the back burner. Don’t do that! It’s easy to be joyful and happy and forget about God. Don’t need Him, we may think—things are great! Sing praises! How about, “God is so good…” Or, “Jesus is all the world to me…” Or, “I love to tell the story…” Or, one of my favorite songs, “Thank you.”
  • The sick are to call for help. They are sending for the elders so they can pray. There is a spiritual connection there. They may be sick spiritually. There is a strong argument for that in the following verses. They are not to pull the blinds down and complain, why doesn’t anyone visit me. They are to call. They are to call for the spiritual leaders of the congregation. They are to call for the men who have been entrusted to watch their souls. They are to call for the elders. The elders will pray for them. Being sick is not a reason to pull the plug on your relationship with the Lord.

James is showing that we are to be a spiritual person in every circumstance. Never is there a time when we don’t need God. Never is there a circumstance in which we fly solo.

Praying, singing, inviting others over to pray—these are necessary things to keep us connected and going with God.

 

Suffering…cheerful…sick– praying…singing…having others pray. Connected all the time. Have you tried turning the radio off and just singing hymns in the car or as you take a walk or go about housework? It makes a difference.

 

More praying…more singing…more fellowship with others—helps us to stay on course and keeps our faith and heart moving with God.

 

Roger

 

11

Jump Start # 709

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 709

Acts 4:36 “And Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means, Son of Encouragement).”

Nicknames are special. Often our dads or grandpas give them to us. There are some who carry their nickname all through their lives, to such a point that the rest of us do not even know their given name. Growing up I was always “Roger the dodger.” That could be one reason why the Dodgers have always been my favorite team. I had a grandfather who called me “sky pilot” after he learned I was preaching. I’m not sure about that one.

Our passage tells us that Joseph was called Barnabas by the apostles. It didn’t say that his parents called him that. It didn’t say that school kids called him that. Rather, the apostles did. Barnabas had left a positive impact upon the apostles. They saw him as an encourager. Barnabas was the one who sold some land and gave the money to the apostles. Later, he would defend and support Paul when he wanted to connect with the Jerusalem brethren. He traveled with Paul and preached often. He stood with his cousin, Mark, when Paul would have nothing to do with him. Barnabas, the one who encourages.

Our word “encouragement” means to “build up.” It’s like putting air into a balloon. We all need encouragement. One writer described encouragement as “oxygen to the soul.” I like that. I’ve come to understand that one of the greatest works in a church is that of the encourager. He may never stand in the pulpit. He may not be a teacher. But he’s always in the audience. He’s the one with kind words after the sermon fell flat. He’s the one that makes you believe in yourself and lifts you up when you feel like a failure. The encourager.

Later in the N.T. we read of Titus coming to visit Paul. The apostle was discouraged and concerned about the brethren in Corinth. Titus brought good news from them. Titus “refreshed” the spirit of Paul. That’s exactly what encouragers do. They refresh the spirit. They make a person feel good on the inside. They are like a warm fuzzy blanket on a cool fall evening. Just enough to take away the chill but not so much that it smoothers. Encouragers are like that. It’s not cheap flattery, nor fake words, but genuine love delivered straight from the heart. Encouragement is real and honest.

It’s easy to complain. It doesn’t take any talent nor brains to do that. Just about anyone can complain, and they usually do. It’s the complainers that kill the spirit of the church. It’s the complainers that so discourage young preachers that they quit. Complainers feel a need to set the record straight. They feel compelled to point out every mistake, every typo, every incorrect word. They weary the heart of those who are trying. Some will never teach a class because they fear the complainers in the audience. Complainers pick and pick and are never satisfied. The temperature in the church building is never right to the complainer. The sermon is never right to the complainer. The announcements are never right to the complainer. Nothing is ever right to the complainer.

Oh, but the encourager, what a difference they make. Their words are timed just right. Their presence is joy to the soul. They lift the wounded heart and are the first to compliment. They often deflect the complainers. They are sweet in heart, kind in nature and Biblical to the core. They love good preaching. They love the young preacher. They love God.

I wish more folks understood how valuable the encourager is. Yesterday, one of our Jump Start readers passed away. He was one of my favorite encouragers. I did not know him long, but his heart and my heart were cut from the same pattern. I saw him interact with my preaching son, and what a beautiful and touching manner he had with him. He was one who shared the gospel with others. Whenever we saw each other, our conversations quickly turned to our favorite subject, the kingdom of God. He cared. He wanted churches to do well. He knew the value of good preaching and he was one who put the preacher up on his shoulders, much more than they deserved, especially me.

 

His name was Earl. He read our Jump Starts every day. He often sent me emails about what I had written. He listened to my sermons late at night. He had so many more good things that he was going to do. Encouragers are like that. They run out of time before they run out of ideas. He was a spiritual giant with the tender heart that noticed the little guy. My grown children loved him. Everyone loved him. Encouragers are like that. He was generous and thankful. Those are the foundation blocks of encouragers.

His end came suddenly and much sooner than I was ready for him to go. I am happy for him. He finished. He completed. He kept. He was what God wants from all of us. I miss him already. I can see his big smile and I can feel his giant bear hug.

 

His passing reminds me that life is short. Am I spinning my wheels being a complainer or am I encouraging other? Good question! Have I lifted the spirits of others? Am I making an impact in the lives of others? Have I helped the weary to pick up the sword and continue on? Have I been there to stand in the young preacher’s corner and be there for him? Do others recognize me as an encourager?

Complainer or encourager…which will it be? Oh, to just be a Barnabas. What a great thing that would be.

Thank you, Earl. You are where I want to be. I know what you would tell me, “there’s more to be done.” Someday, we’ll be together. That will be awesome!

A little boy once told me before I got up to preach, “I wish I was you.” Earl, I wish I was you! Thanks!

Roger