23

Jump Start # 923

Posted on August 23, 2013 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 923

Ephesians 6:5-7 “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men.”

 

Slavery was part of the Roman economy in the first century. Some have estimated as high as 6 million slaves were part of the Roman empire. When Christ was introduced into those cities and villages, instructions were given about the slave-master relationships. It would be natural to think that Christianity would outlaw slavery, but it didn’t. God set forth regulations about how slaves and masters were to conduct themselves toward each other. In many cases, slaves were Christians and their masters were not. In a few cases, such as Philemon, the master was a Christian and the slave wasn’t, until he ran into Paul and that changed things. Many N.T. books deal with the slave-master concept. It is interesting that in every area that Christianity got a foothold, slavery eventually was eliminated. It’s hard to practice the golden rule when you own someone.

Since the majority of the world today does not condone nor participate in slavery, what happens to these verses? Are they useless? Many see parallel principles between slaves and masters and employees and employers. It’s definitely not apple to apple comparisons, but there are some things to be learned.

 

The slaves were told to serve with sincerity as they would Christ. Twice the expression, “as to Christ,” or, “as to the Lord,” is used. Paul wanted them to serve doing the will of God from the heart. He expected them to serve as if they were serving Christ. From the heart…obedient…sincerity…as pleasing the Lord—those are the thoughts I want to stress today.

That’s missing in today’s workforce. Far too many show up but they don’t work. They spend the day doing as little as possible. They play with their phones, they talk and talk and do the very least possible. Often they cut corners, do not go out of their way for customers or patients, and get annoyed if they have to actually work. But when it comes to the paycheck, they are the first to complain about how little they get paid. It’s amazing that they even get a paycheck because they didn’t earn it.

The work ethic in America has gotten sloppy, lazy and unethical. Company policies are broken on a regular basis and it is known by those who work there. Double standards exist. The atmosphere is unfair and broken. Bosses favor their favorites. They let them get away with things that are illegal, wrong and unhealthy. Nothing is done. Eyes look the other way. The morale stinks. Bitterness between those who are trying and those who are playing the system intensifies. Many of our readers know that this is true. It’s not just the high school clerk we are talking about. It’s those heading up the companies. It’s the professionals who are flat out wrong and taking advantage of customers.

What is a Christian to do?

 

First, do your job. Don’t fall into the broken system by participating in lazy, do nothing work habits. You signed on to do a job—then do it. Give it your best. Work hard. Feel good about what you are doing. There is no excuse for a child of God getting paid for not working. That includes my fellow preachers. Laziness in the pulpit, or the plant is unacceptable behavior for one who follows the King. Stay away from office gossip. Don’t get caught up in goofing off. Don’t participate in “non-working.”

Second, encourage others to work. Most won’t. Managers ought to fire those who won’t work. They don’t. They usually hire more who are just like them. Covering for someone who consistently won’t do their job only enables them. No one would dare give a drunk more booze. That fuels his problems. Covering for a lazy person is the same. They signed on to work, they need to work. A simple, kind, but stern reminder that we need this done NOW is appropriate. Making excuses for a person who spends the day playing games is not helping that person. The work ethic needs to be taught in our homes. It’s not. Some have grown up watching mom and dad spend the day on the couch watching TV and waiting for the mailman to bring their check from some agency that allows them to be lazy. WRONG. Don’t help someone with this. Work or get out is my philosophy.

Third, when the bridge has been crossed into things that are unethical, wrong, illegal, dangerous—it should be reported. Yes, this will probably get you in trouble. We are dealing with a principle here. Patient safety should not be compromised. A person should not go to the doctor and leave with a sickness because some staff member didn’t take the time to clean things the way they ought to be. That staff member needs to be told, reported all the way up the line. Our oath is to the Lord. Looking the other way on things that are wrong, is wrong itself. This is not being a tattle teller. This is doing the right thing. Those who are doing wrong are wrong. Those who are doing illegal and harmful things are hurting others. The education field, medical field, legal field and about every other “field” is plagued with this problem. People don’t care.

 

Standing up isn’t easy. Those that are engaged in wrong and don’t want to work will find all kinds of energy to turn against those who are trying to do what is right. It’s a matter of principle. How can a child of God look the other way to things that are wrong? There are life issues here far more important than a job. There comes a time when silence is being a coward and a part of things that are wrong.

 

Too many people have been hurt by those who simply do not care. Instead of doing what is right and what their job requires, they only care about getting a pay check on Friday.

 

You ought to shine at work because you WORK. You ought to stand out because you are honest. You ought to be one who is trusted, depended upon and is needed. God knows. This is the one you really work for.

Work hard– it’s God’s way! Work honestly—it’s God’s way!

Roger

 

22

Jump Start # 922

Posted on August 22, 2013 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 922

 

Jonah 1:4-5 The Lord hurled a great wind on the sea and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship was about to break up. Then the sailors became afraid and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down and fallen sound asleep.

 

Jonah and the whale—what a great lesson and a great story. What happened here really happened. This isn’t like Paul Bunyan—a make believe story. This isn’t allegory. This isn’t a parable. This isn’t a legend, myth or fairy tale. This really happened. Jesus placed his resurrection beside the truthfulness of Jonah being in the belly of the great fish for three days.

Many of us grew up hearing about this in Bible class. It was fascinating. How could anyone think the Bible is dull with Jonah being told? We must remember that the account of Jonah is not something just for the kids. This was given for adults. Jonah was the pouting prophet. He’s a preacher with an attitude. He was the most successful preacher who wanted to fail. His short sermon of repentance changed an entire city. They all responded, from the top down. He saved the city. The only problem is that Jonah wanted to fail. He wanted his words to fall upon deaf ears. He wanted no one to respond. His desire was for his audience to ignore him. I know no preacher that wants that.

 

The first chapter introduces us to a great wind and a great storm and a great fish. There is another great that is not named, but implied. There was a great problem. Jonah tried to run from God. He must have thought that if he got too far away that God couldn’t use him. It wouldn’t make sense to send someone that far away. Maybe God would have to find someone closer. Dumb idea. Didn’t work. You can’t fight God.

While on the sea, going away from God, the ship nearly sunk. The storm, the wind, the breaking up of the boat, scared these seasoned sailors. They threw cargo overboard and they threw prayers upward to their god.  Here is what is puzzling—Jonah the prophet of the one true God, is asleep in the bottom of the boat. The pagan sailors were praying.

Sometimes those who aren’t followers of God show up those who are. I’ve seen that happened before. The neighbors who never go to church bring more food and do more good to a family that has had a death, than the church members. I’ve seen people who never go to church give more money to a person who is down and out than church members. I’ve seen those who never to go church turn to prayer before the church members do.

 

The pagan sailors are praying as Jonah is sleeping. Something is really wrong with that picture. It ought to be Jonah who is leading the others in prayer. It ought to be Jonah who is first to turn to God. Instead he’s sleeping. Sleeping through a storm. Sleeping through a problem.

 

Jonah’s actions are the same that others take when storms are howling. They sleep or more accurately, deny and ignore that there are any problems. They won’t believe that their marriage is headed to the rapids. They deny that anything is wrong. They won’t admit that a child has a drug problem. They excuse things. They fault the schools for his failing grades. They claim he is picked on and harassed by the police. The truth is, they are asleep in the bottom of the boat.

The worst of all, is to be asleep while the storms are crashing our faith. It is interesting how many times the N.T. says to be alert or to wake up. After the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, Jesus said to be on the alert. When Peter described Satan as a roaring lion, he said be on the alert. The Thessalonians were told that they are of the day and not the night.

All around us assaults are made upon our faith. A little error…a little letting down the guard…a little closing the eyes…a little falling asleep at the post—and the next thing you know the city has been ransacked. Our faith has been assaulted and we didn’t even know it. We walked right into error and didn’t even recognize it. We find ourselves all tangled up spiritually, our faith twisted and turned inside out, and the storms making head wave upon our hearts.

Do you ever talk to the TV? I do. I do it so much it bothers my family. I especially talk during ballgames. The umps and refs need my help because they don’t see what I see. Do you ever talk to the Bible? I do that to. I read passages like this and I say, “Wake up, Jonah.”  What we need is for our own hearts to talk to us that way. Wake up, Roger. Get out of the bottom of the boat. It’s time to pray. It’s time to throw the cargo overboard. It’s time to save the ship.

We can learn from others, even those who are not Christians. There are things that they do right. There may be some things that they do better than we do. Are you in the bottom of the boat? It’s time to wake up and get topside. Things are happening all around you. Do you see them?

Roger

 

21

Jump Start # 921

Posted on August 21, 2013 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 921

2 Timothy 2:24-26 “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”

 

Paul’s words to Timothy remind us that our attitudes are as important in teaching others as is the what we teach them. A discussion can be killed because of attitudes. Quarreling, impatience, rudeness, roughness and arrogance smoother the truth and stifles any good that can come from a discussion.

Recently I had a discussion with a guy who claims to be an atheist. He went to church as a child. He doesn’t now. We met for a long while. He was pleasant. He had several serious questions.

  • He has problems fitting science in with the Bible.
  • He read a passage in Exodus 33 where God talked to Moses, face to face as to a friend. Later, in the same chapter the text says no one ever saw God’s face. How does that fit?

 

Good questions. Good discussion. We hope to meet again. It was pleasant. I left him with some things to think about. He left me with some homework that I have to do for some of his questions.

 

Before we left, he asked me what my life would be like if I was sitting in his chair. What would my life be like if I didn’t believe? I haven’t given that much thought, mostly because I believe. Once I crossed the bridge with Jesus, I have not had second thoughts. I never had “buyer’s remorse.” There has not been a tug on my heart to leave Jesus and return to the world. Intellectually, Biblically, and faith tells me that is foolish. That is a dead end road. That is a losers bet.

But he asked me. In a fair, honest and open discussion, I wanted to answer him. I have given that question more thought since then. What would my life be like if I was sitting in the chair of one who did not believe?

 

I think for most believers we have a hard time going there. It is such an impossibility with us that we can’t relate and as a result, we can’t relate. The nonbeliever can’t understand us because we can’t understand him. This question, this thought isn’t off the charts. John Lennon made a hit song singing that very concept, “Imagine.” Imagine there’s no Heaven, his song begins.

Many are so busy with the now, that they don’t think of the eternal. Many are busy with kids, schedules, vacations, taking care of the place, watching TV and dealing with life, that days pass…weeks pass…months pass…and eventually a lifetime passes with just existing here. One can get used to not thinking about God. Some feel that introducing God into their lives only adds more guilt and they already have enough of that.

It seems that there are more practical atheists than pronounced atheists. The practical branch lives for the here and now. They are busy, productive, happy and just not thinking about the spiritual. That’s where I would be if I didn’t believe. In some ways, Christians can walk step in step with the practical atheist. In theory we disagree with them. In reality, we do the same that they are doing. Too busy for prayers…too busy for reflection…too busy for worship…too busy for God. How is that any different than the guy who doesn’t believe? I don’t think I would be into drugs, running guns, laundering money, arrogant, cussing with every breath. There are those like that, but not many. Many folks who do not believe, are good people. They don’t see God. They don’t see the answers to their questions. They don’t see reasons to believe. They are not obnoxious or rude, they simply do not believe.

The image of atheism that too many believers have is a twisted soul that has drunk so heavily from the cistern of sin that he is dark through and through. They perceive him as evil, nasty and violent. They would never assume that the sweet grandma down the street doesn’t believe, or the hair dresser doesn’t believe, or the friendly co-worker doesn’t believe. They don’t fit in the image of atheism. It may be that our image is off. It may be that we need to give some thought to where I would be if I didn’t believe. It may be that no one has ever sat down with them and answered their questions, or taken time to listen, or taken time to see what life is like from their perspective.

What would life be like if we weren’t believers? You ought to see a huge hole in your heart. Something big is missing. Sure, you’d have cars and a house and careers and kids, and hobbies and vacations and family—but what was missing is something you can’t see. What’s missing is that anchor that holds you in storms. What’s missing is that rock that is Jesus Christ. What’s missing is that hope that drives you. What’s missing is that perfect example that you follow. What’s missing is that peace and joy that comes from walking with God. Sundays would be different without God. Choices would be different without God. Raising kids would be different without God. Viewing death would be different without God.

Be kind when you talk with others who are different than you. Listen. Consider. Help.

Roger

 

20

Jump Start # 920

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 920

Psalms 37:25 I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread.

 

Today is my birthday. Yeah! Birthdays take on different meanings and feelings as a person gets older. When you are a kid, birthdays are about presents. Love presents. As you get older, it’s about spending time with family and reflection. That reflection ought to cause us to make some adjustments in life.
So here are a few of Roger’s reflections:

  • My life is more than half over. In fact, if blessed, I may have only twenty or thirty years left on this place. That doesn’t make me sad. It makes me treasure time and be careful how I use it.
  • There are some things that are just not going to happen now. Age, place in life and so forth causes a person to adjust and change dreams. The dreams of a twenty year old do not seem as important as the dreams of someone in their fifties. Don’t get stuck with old bucket lists. Adjust. Change. Don’t feel like you missed out. Find new adventures and dreams.
  • God has been good to me, too good. There have been incredible doors opened and amazing spiritual giants that have come into my life and have made me a better person. God has kept me safe for a long, long time. Be thankful.
  • Age shifts what is important to a person. In youth, it’s about getting things and being somebody. Later that changes to trying to make a difference for others. Helping others, in whatever way you can, means more to you the older you get. Do what you can.
  • Walking with God has eliminated most regrets. Sure there are things that I would have done differently, but minor adjustments. The journey has been good. Life is sweet with God. Don’t fill your heart with junk. It only weighs you down.

 

  • Building character affects everything around you. Things look differently when you walk with Christ. Patience, hope, trust and righteousness sure had color to a bland world.

 

  • Incredible friends are mini vacations. I spent a few moments with some last evening. It wasn’t long, but it was rich. We need others. We need those who will shoot straight with us. We need those who will laugh, cry and just be there for us. God blesses us with friends. Cherish the good ones and honor your time together.
  • Nothing beats Sunday. I just love Sunday. I love being in church buildings. I love singing. I love preaching. I love showing the greatness of our Savior. Sunday does something to me. I always know just how close we are to the next Sunday.
  • There are too many things to do in life. A person can’t do them all. There are too many books to read. Too many places to visit. Too many “too manys.” So a person has to be selective. I give great thought to which books, shows, hobbies I pursue. A person can’t do it all. Be selective and pick out the things that will help you and make you a better person.
  • A positive outlook sure lightens the load in life. Some are positive by nature. Some have to really work at it. There are always things to complain about. There are things that need fixing, changing, and improving. That’s the way life is. There are people who are not doing right. There are people who disappoint. When we focus on the negative things, it makes us negative on the inside. It’s like a constant cloudy day. Sunshine from within is a choice. It’s a way of looking at things. It motivates you, lifts you, and helps you.
  • Having a purpose and a plan is essential. Not just the big plan, such as going to Heaven, but little everyday plans. That sets the direction you travel. The everyday “to do” lists keep you focused and gives you a sense of accomplishments. I can’t remember a day when I had nothing to do or nothing planned. I’m not wired that way. I get a lot done because of being organized. Wasting time is a curse not a blessing.
  • Be useful. We all have talents and gifts. Use them. Grow them. Explore new ones. Find what works best for you and give it your all. Don’t cry about what you can’t do, find the joy and good in what you can do. That puts fuel in your tank and gives you something to do.
  • Walk with God. Always. First. Last. Everything changes when you walk with God. When you see things from God’s point of view, things look differently. We need God. Trust Him. Love Him. Honor Him. Follow Him. This life is miserable and confusing without God.
  • The future sure looks appealing when you are holding God’s hand. Things will get better when you have Heaven in your sights.

 

Thanks, for letting me reflect. Now, it’s time for this old guy to get to work and get about things.
Roger

 

 

 

19

Jump Start # 919

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 919

Isaiah 50:1 “Where is the certificate of divorce by which I have sent your mother away?
Or to whom of My creditors did I sell you? Behold, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.”

God divorced? That’s how this passage begins. We would never think of God as divorced. Yet we’d never think of God having a child that left home and became a failure, as the story of the prodigal illustrates. God told the prophet Hosea to marry a harlot to parallel what the nation was doing to Him. God’s wife unfaithful to Him? God’s wife having children by other men? All of this doesn’t set well with us. If anyone had the perfect home, we’d think it would be God. If anyone had the perfect marriage, it ought to be God.

First, remember that these images are pictures of relationships. God doesn’t actually get married, not in the sense that we do.

Second, this shows the betrayal, hurt and shame that God has gone through with indifferent and rebellious people who are supposed to be followers of God. Divorce hurts. Even when one is ending a marriage broken by adultery and lies, divorce hurts. Divorce is the crashing of dreams that never came true. Divorce is the end of a trail of many things that should not have been. Divorce is common, but still very, very sad. No one on their wedding day longs for the day of divorce. God uses this human tragedy in relationships to define what the nation of His people were doing to Him. They had broken trust. They had lied. They had trashed His commandments. They had sought other gods. They had used Him and thought that they could continue on this way.

Third, the declaration of divorce shows that even God will only go so far with rebellious people. God has limits. Some tend to think that God will allow them to do whatever they want, getting deeper and deeper in sin, drifting further and further away from Him, and yet believe, that God will tolerate this and be ok with such rebellion. God will go so far with a heart that doesn’t care. God will not be the fool. There is a difference between someone who is trying and someone who is playing a game. There is a difference between someone who is weak and someone who is rebellious. There is a difference in someone who cares and someone who doesn’t. God sees through all the smoke. God knows. There comes a time, when God is finished with those who are not serious with Him. There comes a time when God says, “Enough.” There comes a time when God divorces Himself from a sinful people.

The mercy and justice of God demands that. There is a responsibility upon us toward God. This is not a one sided relationship, in which we get to what we want and God puts up with us. How shallow we must be to think God is like that.

 

God divorced. God divorced because the nation didn’t want God. God divorced because the nation was no longer interested in pleasing God.

God divorcing is nothing compared to God’s declaration of judgment and the sentence of Hell. That word doesn’t exist in many people’s concept of God. Far too many churches have given up on Hell. They have outgrown that idea. The ole’ hell, fire and brimstone preaching wouldn’t go well in most places these days. Too many want a smiling God that is so happy that He will let His children do whatever they want just to be happy. This thinking has distorted the true image of God and fed a culture that is stuck on itself.

 

If God could divorce a nation long ago, don’t you think He could divorce us if we continue to play this game of church and not being serious about His word or His ways? The happiness culture of today, fails to grasp what disobedience does to God. It hurts Him. It shames Him. It is like the husband at home, waiting for His wife who stays out all night. He knows what she is doing. He knows she no longer wants Him. Our sins does that to God.

The opposite of divorce is true for those who love, cherish and honor God by following Him. God enjoys a rich, rewarding and an amazing relationship with those who trust Him, obey Him and hold to Him. God is there. God blesses. God hears. God does things.

Don’t make your relationship with God one-sided. Don’t think that God will allow you to do anything you want, any way you want. Israel found out a long time ago, that God will remove Himself from a crooked, wicked and one sided relationship. Captivity and destruction followed the divorce from God. The nation suffered. Life without God is always ugly.

What an interesting concept this passage puts before us.

Roger