12

Jump Start # 752

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

Jump Start # 752

Joshua 10:14 “There was no day like that before it or after it, when the Lord listened to the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel.”

 

Today is a special day on our calendars. It’s not a holiday, memorial, or special event. It is a unique passage of time. Today is 12-12-12. The significance of this is the numbers. This generation has witnessed twelve of these events starting with 01-01-01. Today ends that cycle. We will not see that cycle again. Some will make more out of it than what it is. Some will predict the end of the world, or the doom of all mankind. It didn’t happen the eleven other times in this cycle. Some will get married on this day. Babies born on this day will have a special birth date. For most, it’s just another day at work or school. The numbers are interesting, but that’s about all. Most of us do not remember what we did on 03-03-03, or 07-07-07, or even last year at, 11-11-11. That thought can be rather depressing that we don’t remember those things, but that’s the way life tends to be.

Most of our days are uneventful and common. When you live long enough, they tend to blur together. We go to school, work, raise a family, worship God and live. There are a few moments that catch our attention and are stored in our memories. Weddings, births, funerals, national events, such as rare sports events, or tragedies are remembered but other than that most days are just about the same.

Our passage tells of a very special day in Joshua’s time. The nation was taking the promise land. The fighting was intense and difficult. The Lord was with Joshua and Israel. The Lord fought for them. The victory belonged to the Lord. On this specific occasion, a coalition of five nations attacked Gibeon. The leaders of Gibeon had tricked Joshua into a treaty to protect them. Joshua kept his word even though he was tricked. Israel goes to defend Gibeon. God sent large hail and killed more with the hailstones than were killed in battle. The day was getting long, the fighting was not finished. The Lord made the sun stand still. In Hezekiah’s day, God made the shadow to go back ten steps. Astronomy and physics tells us if the sun stood still or went backwards, everything would be messed up. Orbits, tides, and even all life would be affected by a sudden stoppage of the sun. Did it happen? Yes, the Bible says so. How? It’s beyond us. Why didn’t everything crash and fall apart? Because God was at the helm and didn’t allow it. Years ago a rumor floated around that NASA scientists had discovered a “missing day” in astronomical calculations. Folks used that to “prove” the Bible. It was presented as “Joshua’s missing day.” Turns out that was a fraudulent report. The scientists never found a “missing day.” They didn’t need to. The Bible proves itself.

Our verse reminds us that there was no day like that before it or after it. It was special. We some how seem to muster the courage and faith to get through the special days in our lives, such as, dad’s giving their daughters away in marriage, the burial of a parent, a close friend moving across the country, or, the last day of work before your retirement begins. Those big events pull all the strength and energy out of us. Somehow we tend to get through those days. They are hard but we make it. It’s the other times, the common, every day days that we often have more trouble with. Our guards are not up. We do not prepare for anything. We don’t see the urgency for prayer and a closeness with the Lord. “We’re just going to work,” we say. Nothing special. Yet it is. Each day is a gift of the Lord. Each day is unique in itself. Each had has opportunities, adventures, responsibilities and pleasures. Each day is important.

As great as 12-12-12 is, what happens on 12-13? It’s another time to walk with the Lord. It’s another time to shine my light. It’s another time to get about doing what God wants me to do.

 

Take a moment and reflect upon 12-12-12. The folks living in 1912 probably did, as well as those in 1812. It’s a special time. Years from now, saying I was alive on 12-12-12 may bring a “wow” from the grandkids but it won’t get you a free meal. It is greater to say that I walked with the Lord on 12-12-12, as I did on 12-11-12 and I hope to on 12-13-12.

 

Each day is a blessing, no matter what the calendar says it is. Each day is a gift of the Lord. Be thankful. Use it wisely. Give God the glory.

Roger

 

 

 

11

Jump Start # 751

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

 

Jump Start # 751

Psalms 102:7 “I lie awake, I have become like a lonely bird on a housetop.”

The holiday season is all about us. I am one who loves the Christmas season. I love the songs on the radio, and I have a stack of Christmas CD’s that I play over and over. I love the lights. I love the cookies. I love the decorated houses.  I even love shopping and wrapping presents (though I’m not very good at it). It is just a great time. Families gather. Food is eaten. Presents given. Pictures taken. We find a time to play Monopoly with the grown kids. Great fun. Some of the best times of the year.

 

This season is not that way for everyone. Family dynamics, drama and dysfunction make this season very stressful for many people. Many feel very alone at the holiday season. Statistics prove this. Alcohol abuse and suicide rates are the highest at the holiday season. This festive time is hard for many people.

Our passage today has nothing to do with Christmas, shopping nor holidays. It does speak to the emotion of loneliness. A person can feel alone in a crowd. A person can feel alone sitting in a church building full of people.

Our passage is a prayer. It is a cry for help, as verse one literally states. The writer has been afflicted by his enemies for a long time. There was no relief. This was taking a toll upon him both physically and emotionally. He reaches out to God. He knows God is there. He knows God will be gracious and good to him.

We can visualize our verse. A lonely bird sitting on a housetop. No other birds nearby. No other birds to call to. All by himself on a housetop. There are times in our life that we feel like that little bird on that rooftop. When our parents dropped us off to college, got our dorm rooms all set up, had their final words of advice and then drove off. A loneliness sat in. It happens as one visits the grave of their parents or spouse. A huge chapter in your book has been closed and often we are not ready for it to end. Life moves on, but it’s hard for some. There is a loneliness in the heart. For others, it’s been a divorce. The marriage has ended. The kids have to be shared between holidays and you may sit alone wishing things were different.

I share these thoughts not to make those who already feel bad, worse. Some of us do not grasp this. In our world we see everyone like us. Not everyone is like us. Even in our church services there sits the widow, the single person, the divorced, those whose families do not want them. They come in quietly and worship with the rest of us who are loud, smiling and having a great time. Their hearts are breaking because they are a bird on the housetop.

Wise shepherds are aware of this and will do all they can to encourage them. Those who love as Christ loves, will try to include and build up. But even with all those efforts, there is that dark and empty house one returns to each evening. The hope is in God. The prayer is to the Lord who understands and comforts. God understands. Look at Jesus at the cross. He died alone. No one in the audience offered to pray aloud for Him. No one held His hand during His final moments. Separated from God, abandoned by His followers, mocked by His accusers, Jesus died alone. He knows.

 

The thrust of Psalms 102 is not a “woe is me chapter.” It’s not a pity party. It’s not feel bad because of my circumstances. It’s not come and do something for me. It’s not written as a complaint and no fingers are pointed to anyone. Instead, the Psalmist looks to God. It is a chapter that praises God. He sings the beauty and glory of God. His eyes are upon the Lord.

That’s what we must remember. Instead of crying about not having anyone or complaining about people being too busy to remember you, look to the Lord. Sing His praises. Lift God up and magnify His holy name. In doing this, a person realizes that they have never been alone. God has always been there. God is still there. God is the best friend a person can have.

When my youngest child was small, I’d point out to him on many occasions, a whole bunch of birds sitting together on a telephone wire. We got to calling that, “Bird meetings.” It wasn’t uncommon to find one bird sitting alone on the wire a short distance for the rest of them. We’d try to imagine why he was by himself and came up with all kinds of funny and crazy ideas. But I’ve also noticed, birds don’t sing at the “bird meetings.” They just sit together. It’s often that lonely bird on a housetop or sitting in a tree that sings the loudest. I have an owl near my house. I go to sleep listening to him hoot. I thought of this passage. That lonely bird. Actually, he’s not lonely at all. He’s filling the night air with a soothing sound. He has become God’s orchestra.

In many ways, you can fill that role in the lives of others. Be that soothing comfort, that refreshing spirit, that encouraging heart that lifts those who are struggling, stressed and lost focus. Sing the praises of God for all to hear. You, in your loneliness, can be the voice that folks here in the night. And what they hear, is not complaining or gripping but a sweet sound that connects one to God.

 

I’ve gotten so accustomed to my night owl, that I listen for him. I look forward to hearing him. When the night is still and it’s very quiet, I hear him in a distance. You can be that for others as you walk with the Lord. They need you. You fill a void. You are a reminder. You help them connect to God.

A lonely bird on a housetop…don’t fight it, make the most of it with God.

Roger

 

10

Jump Start # 750

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 750

1 Timothy 1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Paul’s words to Timothy in this passage identifies the basis and motives behind teaching the Bible. The expression, “The bottom line,” is often used to define what something is all about. People have motives for many things they do. Some do things because they like helping others. For some, its money. For some, it’s fame. Others have a personal mission that they are after.

 

The goal of our instruction, Paul said, is love. The drive is not to fill church buildings. It’s not about numbers. It’s not about growth charts and statistics. It’s about changed lives. It is about love. The greatest commandment, Jesus said, is to love the Lord with all that you are. The second is to love your neighbor as yourself. Without love, Paul told the Corinthians, what we do is a waste of time.

 

The love for God will keep us pure and wanting to praise Him with others. Our love for the word will keep our nose in the book and will motivate us to tell the story of Jesus. Our love for  brethren, will connect us to them in fellowship and service.

 

The goal Paul was after was not simply smarter Christians. It wasn’t busy Christians. It was love. And not just any love but genuine love. Paul hooked three expressions to the word love.

 

Love—from a pure heart…love-from a good conscience…love from a sincere faith.

 

Pure, good, sincere—those words define being true and genuine. Nothing fake. Nothing artificial.

The other words Paul uses are: heart, conscience and faith. It is a pure heart. It is a good conscience. It is a sincere faith. The opposites help us to understand the concept. Instead of a pure heart, some may have an impure heart. Instead of a good conscience, they may have a bad conscience. Instead of a sincere faith, others may have a fake faith. Impure, bad, fake—those are the characteristics of someone who is all about appearance and not about substance.

 

Image is huge in our country. Looking good. Playing the part. The right labels. The right colors. The right style. Hollywood has been drunk on that idea for generations. Flashy cars, expensive clothing, and nothing in the soul. That false and fake lifestyle is all about show and pretense and nothing about being genuine and spiritual. The gospel of image is about self. It’s all about making others wish they were you. It’s about looking better than others. It’s about attention. That thinking is so far from Christ.

Paul was interested in the inner man more than the outer man. Look beyond the package, and the showroom. Is there anything in the warehouse? Is there anything in the heart?

These thoughts have a lot to do with us. The goal of our instruction is to be a true Christian everyday and everywhere. When the temptation comes at work to cross the ethical border, the  person of substance will stop. His faith, his heart, his love will keep him from doing wrong. When the opportunity comes to cheat on a test, be dishonest to a customer, fudge numbers to look good, to take credit for something you didn’t do, those who have been instructed by the word of God will not go that way. They are driven by more than the superficial praise of others. They are looking beyond what others say. They are instructed by God. Their desire is to do the right thing because God wants that and demands that. They strive to be pure and honest in all aspects of life.

Has God’s instructions changed you? Has it made you redefine what is important to you? Are you through with trying to impress others? Are you more interested in pleasing God?  It’s hard to spend much time with Jesus and still be selfish. Jesus is the example and the model. Being like Jesus is what it’s all about.

 

There is a goal to our instruction…have you reached that goal yet?

Roger

 

07

Jump Start # 749

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 749

Matthew 16:26 “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

This week we have been looking at questions found in the New Testament. One thing this study has shown is that there are dozens and dozens of questions. Some were asked of Jesus. Some, Jesus asked. It would be hard to rank them or list the “top 10 questions of the N.T.” Some have, but the list is their selection not God’s.

Our question today was asked by Jesus. It follows His invitation for all who are weary to come to Him and He will give them rest. Jesus asks, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” Then comes our question today, “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Jesus is stressing the value of the soul. Value is determined a number of ways. There are many shows on TV where folks will bring in old or odd things and an offer is made for them. Sometimes the offer seems off the charts. Other times, it seems that they are not getting a fair deal.

 

  • Value is often based upon how rare something is. This is why original artwork is so expensive.
  • Value is based upon how much something cost to make it. The manufacture or seller is going to charge more than the cost so they can have a profit.

 

  • Value is determined by sentimental meaning. Mothers would not sell those pictures that her children drew when they were in kindergartner. They are priceless to a mother. Try to take them to an art gallery and she’ll be shown the door out. Try to sell them on Ebay and she will get no bids. But in her heart, her precious children drew them out of love and there is nothing she’d take for them.

 

  • Value is determined by what someone else is willing to pay. The market drives the price. If things are too expensive, people will not buy them.

 

Our souls are the most valuable things we possess. It is more expensive than our homes, our net worth or our nest eggs. When we die, we leave everything and only our soul lives on. Our souls are more valuable than our eyes, our teeth, our health, our fulfillment, or, our happiness.

 

Some can struggle with poor health but be rich in their soul. Some can be surrounded with dysfunctional people that are demanding and troublesome, but their souls can be at peace. A poor man can go to Heaven. A man with a simple education can go to Heaven. A person who lived a long time ago and never experienced anything like we have today, could have a soul that pleased God and will spend forever in Heaven. The body can be killed, but not the soul.

 

Once a person starts getting all of that, Jesus’ question makes a lot of sense. What would a person give in exchange for the most valuable thing they have? Nothing you have will equal your soul. Nothing! Nothing compares to your soul! Nothing. Your soul is you. It is marked by your personality. It is stained with your sins. It can be washed by the blood of Jesus. It is the part of us that outlives our bodies. It is the part of us that lives on in eternity. Nothing is like our soul. Nothing we have can come close to our souls in value or importance.

Getting that thought makes a person realize that taking care of my soul is more important than taking care of my health. Eating right and exercising is great, but I’ll still die. My soul lives on. Taking care of my soul is more important the the upkeep of my house. It’s more important than my investments. Nothing trumps the value of the soul.

 

If those thoughts are true, then it seems we ought to pay attention to the wellbeing of our soul. What is the condition of our soul? Do we even know? Many go to a doctor for an annual checkup. How about a spiritual checkup?

Jesus seems to be trying to get the disciples to see how out of balance our thinking is. We pay so much attention to the exterior that we forget there is an interior. We want to look good, dress good, smell good, eat good, and have a good time. The pursuit of happiness has passed the pursuit of holiness. Legalizing pot, approving of homosexual relationships are examples of how our culture is not even aware that there is a soul. We as a nation have become so material, so physical, so external, that the thought of the soul never crosses the radar for most people. Like the days of the Judges, everyone does what is right in their own eyes.

 

The rich man in Luke 16 is an example of one who lived without giving much thought to his soul. He was rich. He ate well. He had a gated home. He also ignored the sickly Lazarus who was dumped by his gate. The rich man died and for the first time in a long time, or even ever, he realized that he had a soul. His wealth, position and power could not help his tormented soul after death. He ignored the most valuable thing he had. He would love to make one final exchange to help his soul. But he couldn’t. He had nothing that would equal the value of that soul. Thousands have found themselves beside that rich man, too late to do anything and unable to do anything about a soul that they ignored, starved and neglected all those years. A soul that was twisted with wickedness and fed selfishness. A soul that was filled with worry and stress. A soul that longed to know Jesus. A soul that needed to be forgiven by Jesus. A soul that was wasted.

 

What does all of this tell us? Our soul needs to be taken care of. It’s precious. Don’t feed it junk and hurtful things and sinful things. Your soul wants to soar with goodness and righteousness, that’s what it was made for. It longs to know the Lord. It wants to do right. Feed it daily by spending time with the Bible. Go every week to church services and praise God. Watch what you read, listen to or watch. Choose friends wisely. Surround yourself with godly people.

 

Take care of that soul, it’s the only one you have. You can’t wear it out and then get another one. You can’t abuse it and then exchange it for a new one. You have one and that’s all you get. Our soul is what makes us different from everything else. Without a soul we live like the animal. Our soul has God’s thumbprint upon it. Our soul is the image of God, sacred, special and a divine gift.

What will you give for it? Great question…great responsibility…great gift.

 

Thank you, Lord!

Roger

 

 

06

Jump Start # 748

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 748

Matthew 27:22 “Pilate said to them, ‘Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?’”

What shall I do with Jesus? What a great question! That is a question that comes before every person, whether they realize it or not. What shall I do with Jesus? This week we are looking at questions found in the New Testament. Our question today is one of the greatest ones found in the Bible.

Our passage comes from the trials of Jesus. He had been arrested and whisked through the Jewish court system and now stood before the Roman official, Pilate. Jesus was questioned by Pilate and found to be innocent of the charges and not subject to death by execution. The Jews persisted. They had gone this far and there was no turning back for them now. Their minds were made up. They wanted Jesus out of the picture and death was the only solution that would work.

Pilate tried to reason with the Jewish leaders but they would not listen. No compromise was acceptable to them. Death was the only option. They pushed and demanded that. If Pilate would not agree to that, then they were going to put Pilate in a corner and spread rumors that could get him in trouble with Rome.

What shall I do with Jesus? Pilate had to answer that. So do you and I. What shall we do with Jesus?

Some want to ignore that Jesus exists. Many do a good job with this. Their minds, plans, goals, and hopes are only material and secular. The Bible is never opened. Prayers are not said at the table. Their ambition is more money and stuff. They dream of vacations and having fun. When guilt crowds them a bit too much, they will give some to a charity to help the needy. This is their concept of being religious. Nothing demanding. Nothing personal. Nothing that calls for commitment. What shall I do with Jesus? Ignore Him and maybe He will go away.

 

Others, want Jesus only when they need Him. When times are tough, they wonder where is God? They need a prayer in the hospital. They want hope at the funeral. They need comfort in tough times. But when things turn around, they can place Jesus on a shelf until the next need arises. These folks like Jesus, but not too much. They don’t see the need for Jesus every day. They especially do not see the need for Jesus when things are going well.

Some want to disprove Jesus. Thoughts of Jesus and religion assault them. They are aggressive in trying to discredit the whole concept of religion. They feel that religion is for the mentally and emotionally weak. Their intellect has convinced them that they are too smart to need Jesus. More than that, they believe Jesus never existed. They are convinced that the Bible is a fraud and that the church is a movement to control people and milk money from them. These folks believe that science has proven the Bible to be false. Their god is self. Their standard of right and wrong changes often. They believe in tolerance of all things except religion. They are often loud and in your face about how they feel. They push agendas in government that move the country to be secular and void of all religious activity or thought.

There are others who love Jesus. They believe in Him with all their hearts. They have studied the evidence and know that Jesus is real. Their faith is in a resurrected savior. They have a close relationship with Jesus. The Bible has become so familiar to them that it is like visiting with a dear old friend. The words of the Bible lead, comfort and give hope. Jesus is a daily thought to these people. He is as much a part of their life on a Thursday morning as on a Sunday morning. Their life is defined and shaped by Jesus. They make choices based upon their faith in Jesus. They are engaged in helping the kingdom of God grow. They are dedicated, committed and excited about Jesus. He is real. He lives. And He is the Lord of their lives.

 

What shall I do with Jesus? What have you done with Jesus so far in your life? Have you watched from the sidelines, maybe sticking a toe in the water but that’s about all? Have you felt the need to go to church once in a while? Is what you have done in the past working? Is it making you live better? Are you still battered with worry, lust and fear? Are you getting anywhere? Are you making a difference? What kind of footprints are you leaving behind you?

 

Each of us must decide what shall we do with Jesus. Our parents have left their impressions. Our college professors have revealed where they stand. Friends, neighbors, co-workers all have their opinions. What about you? Just go with the flow? Just do what everyone else is doing? What shall I do with Jesus?

 

Have you ever thought what Jesus has done with you? He has loved you and still does. He died for you. He is in Heaven preparing a place for you. He has left a path for you to follow. The Lord wants you to want Him. The Lord has never stopped caring for you. He has had you in His heart and mind for a long, long time. He thinks about you more than you think about Him.

What shall I do with Jesus? Pilate was a coward. He caved in to the pressures of the Jewish mobs. Will you cave in to society? Will you cave in with what is easy and popular? Will you be religious from a distance but nothing too personal or too close? Or, will you decide to be different and follow Jesus?

 

There is a hymn that says, “I have decided to follow Jesus…” Follow Jesus in obedience. Follow Jesus in what He says. Follow Jesus in hope and faith. Follow Jesus in the direction He wants you to go. Follow Jesus all the way to Heaven.

 

What shall I do?

Roger