16

Jump Start # 918

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 918

1 Corinthians 16:17-18 “I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.”

 

There are two common things about the end of most of Paul’s letters. First, he list names of brethren who have helped him. These grand servants of Christ risked their necks in service of the kingdom. Most have long names that are hard to pronounce and many are found just a few times here and there in the New Testament. They were worthy of the honor and thanks that Paul bestowed upon them. They brought financial support to Paul and were trusted messengers between Paul and the churches. They carried news, money and reports to Paul. These men played a valuable role in the interworking of the New Testament churches.

The other common aspect about these names at the end of Paul’s letters is that you and I often fly over them in our reading, thinking that the important part of the book is finished. We don’t connect to the value of these names, what they did, and how important they were.

 

Today, I want to notice the expression, “they have refreshed my spirit.” That is a great thing to do. This is vital to our keeping on with the Lord. The journey can seem long, and we can get weary and tired. Often, things happen that wears upon our spirits. Discouragement, disappointments can nearly break us. We need refreshing. We need encouragement.

A discouraged person walks through life with his feet dragging. He does things because he has to, not because he wants to. He often feels stuck—in a marriage, a job, or in a church. Leaving doesn’t bring him much hope, so he stays. You can tell when someone is discouraged. It shows in their eyes. They often are hoping and even looking for something better, when what they really need is some refreshing.

 

We do that at home. A fresh coat of paint…moving the furniture around can make the old place seem bright and new again. We need that on the insides, in our spirits. Too often, we miss it when it comes to us. It may not come in a big name like Paul, but rather in an unknown name like Stephanas.

 

Refreshed spirits have a new energy about them. Worship seems more alive, the singing better, the prayers richer and deeper when there is a fresh spirit about us. Refreshed spirits take on more, do more because they are motivated. They are again, “fresh.” In basketball, the coach will sit his best player on the bench for a few minutes to rest him. He then returns to the game, “refreshed,” strong and at the top of his game. A tired player will slow the team down.

 

We refresh each other by our presence. This is the valuable point of fellowship. It is the “fellows” that make it. It is being together. The smiles, the hugs, the handshakes, the conversations, the love, the energy that refreshes our spirit. We are loved at church. We are welcome at church. We are accepted at church. There is a goodness about that. Those that come in late and bail out as quick as they can, miss this aspect of church. They miss refreshing others and they miss being refreshed. It’s important. It’s needed. Your presence does that.

Thoughtful gifts refresh the spirits of others. That’s what these three did in our passage. They carried money to Paul so he could continue preaching. Things costs and when money is low, the discouragement grows. Without money, Paul would have to make and sell tents. He did that before. He was not too good to do that, but tent making takes away the time he could  use in teaching and preaching. Make tents or preach? Paul wanted to preach. These three made that possible by bringing a gift to Paul. That refreshed his spirit. I saw something like that recently where I preach. A dear older brother had some books that he wanted to give as a gift. He wasn’t sure who would appreciate them. He asked me. I gave him the name of someone who would be thrilled to have them. I watched as the books were given. Smiles were  abounding. The one who received the books was nearly in tears at such an unexpected offer. Spirits were refreshed. I was refreshed to witness all of this. You can do that. It doesn’t have to be anything huge. Sometimes it’s just a personal note that you mail someone. It lifts their spirits, makes their day and refreshes them.

I tend to think that God wants us in the refreshing business. The more refreshing we did and the less judging or complaining we did, the better things would be all the way around. When was the last time you thought about doing something for someone just because? You probably don’t need help with us, but let me list a few to think about:

 

  • The elders in the church. They deal with a lot of stuff and often it’s not the good stuff. They hear about problems, complaints and failures on a regular basis. They try this and that to get us all closer and stronger in the Lord. Some of us are just plain stubborn and won’t be moved. These men love us, care for us and want us to go to Heaven. Have you thought about refreshing them?

 

  • The college student away from home. He expects things from mom and dad, but from you? A gift card, a short note, a thinking of you idea can just make his day. It will refresh him and remind him of good spiritual people who love him and want to see him succeed.
  • How about the single parent or the widow? Don’t get hung up why the single parent is a single parent, they are trying. It’s hard. Kids take a ton of time, attention, and effort. Most single parents have to do it all—working a job, working at home. Exhausted and stressed are the common companions to most single parents. They could use some refreshing. Offer to take the kids for an afternoon. Offer to cook some food. Offer… The widow is alone. Sure she has kids, but they are busy. Knowing that someone wants to take them out for lunch, go shopping with them, is thinking of them, includes them—is amazing. It is refreshing.

You can do it. You can be a Stephanas to someone. What you do can help someone keep going. Refreshing. I have found something special about refreshing. When you try to refresh someone it tends to refresh you as well. It works both ways. That’s amazing.

I hope this Jump Start helped refresh you.

Roger

 

15

Jump Start # 917

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 917

Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.”

 

Pride—it’s a real problem that most of us have to fight. Pride sticks it’s head up in several ways.

 

Some just think and talk too much about self. Every story, every situation, somehow they inject self into it. Pride makes us believe that we are the center of the universe and everything revolves around us. Everything suggested or done is viewed in terms of self. Why should I? What do I benefit from this? If there is no personal gain, pride will cause a person to find excuses for not helping others. Pride stands in the way of the servant spirit that Jesus manifested.

 

For others, pride keeps them from admitting wrong. A radio station several years ago had listeners call in to describe what “forever” meant. One woman said, “forever was waiting for her husband to apologize.” That’s pride. Instead of apologizing, pride finds excuses. This form of pride pushes relationships and finds it hard to connect with the Lord. Repentance is hard for those who manifest this form of pride.

Still others have pride issue when it comes to knowledge. There are things not understood or learned. Instead of listening, learning, and growing, pride pretends to know. This usually becomes disastrous because the person gets in over his head and makes a mess because he doesn’t know what he is doing. This manifests it self with someone who doesn’t know home repairs, auto mechanics, directions, finance, medical care or even facts about the Bible. He thinks he knows, but he doesn’t. His advice is off, because he is wrong. He speaks with confidence but he is ignorant of things. His pride won’t let him be still. He feels compelled to thrust his opinions into conversations and forward his wrong ideas.

 

Our passage states a truth—a man’s pride will bring him low. His pride will mess him up. His pride will anger others. His pride will get in his way of a rich fellowship with others at church. The proud person turns others off. People do not like being around a proud person. A one sided conversation gets old very fast. Worst of all, his pride will trip him with God. He will not admit his sins, his weakness or his need for guidance. His faith is shallow, hollow, and superficial. It’s enough to calm his guilt but not enough to make any real changes. His pride gets in the way of that. His attitude, words, lifestyle reflects very little change after coming to Christ. He’s basically the same person, except he happens to go to church on Sunday. He is not the new man as the New Testament teaches over and over. Rather, he’s the same old person. Pride has kept him from really knowing the Lord.

So what do we do with our pride? We ought to toss it out the window, but that’s hard to do. Denying self is the first step in discipleship and it’s the hardest step. Our pride can be lessened and lessened with time and by drinking deeply from the life of Jesus. See Jesus. Listen to Jesus. Follow Jesus. Imitate Jesus. You do this by reading the gospels over and over. You see how He answered questions. You see Him allowing others to interrupt Him. You see Him being patient with others. You see compassion and kindness. You see Him listening to the cares of others.

Is there hope for the proud person? Yes. Can our pride be controlled and managed? Yes. Can we actually be humble? Yes. It’s possible though God’s way. That is about the only way.

 

Pride pushes self. Instead, we ought to promote God. Pride is about self. Humbleness is about others. The very thing pride wants, attention, it fails to achieve. Pride brings one low. The humble way is what gets honor, from God.

 

Pride is something that you and I can conquer. It is one of those things that if we do not conquer it, it will conquer us.

 

There is a hymn that goes, “O to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer, this is my constant longing and prayer…” To be like Thee…wouldn’t that be wonderful!

Roger

 

14

Jump Start # 916

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 916

Romans 2:21 “you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal?”

Our verse today comes from a section of arguments that Paul makes toward Jews. They boasted in the law, yet did not keep the law. The very law that they thought justified them, actually declared them guilty. They said one thing and did another.

From that, I want to look at one secondary thought.

 

First, consistency is important. Saying one thing, but doing another, especially when demanding that someone else has to do something, and we ourselves do not do that, kills whatever message you are trying to teach. People see that. Parents need to be consistent. Kids will quickly learn that mom has a lot of bark but no bite to what she says. They will ignore what parents say because they never follow through. Consistency.

 

The inconsistent one often judges others while making excuses for himself. He has little tolerance for the disobedience of others, but somehow always has a reason why he can’t do the same. One of our greatest teaching tools is our example. What we do often speaks louder than what we say. Follow the leader works much better than the leader telling but not doing. Jesus was the best at leading by example. He shows us how to pray. He shows us how to be a servant. He shows us compassion and how to use God’s word. Jesus did and Jesus said. We have so many hymns about following Jesus. It is the “Footprints of Jesus” that we follow. Consistency—making our speech and our actions match.

 

Consistency means simply that, being consistent. It’s easy to leave the church building on a Sunday, all pumped up and full of “let’s do this” type of thinking. But by mid-week all the air has leaked out of us and we are back to old ways. Consistent. We speak of that in wedding vows. One promises the other to love in sickness and in health, in riches or in poverty. Those are NOT options one chooses. The groom doesn’t say, “I’ll take the health and the riches part.” He loves. He loves no matter what. His love is constant and consistent. He loves in good times and hard times.

 

This is how our faith should be. “Fair weather” Christians is a term that describes those who have faith and obedience in good times, but can’t be found in hard times. It’s the suffering and valleys of life that show our dedication to the Lord. It’s the times when we are alone. It’s the times when we can get away with not being so “religious” that determine if we are really consistent or just full of talk. Consistently following God. Consistently devoted to the Word. Consistently praying.

 

Paul used the expression, “in season and out of season” to define how Timothy was to preach. Consistent. Hunters know what “out of season” means. Those who love fruits and vegetables understand what “out of season” means. I love watermelon. I love homegrown Indiana watermelon. You can’t find Indiana watermelon in January. It’s out of season. In reference to preaching, Paul wanted Timothy to be consistent. Don’t change your message because of the crowd. Don’t preach things that are safe and easy. Preach Christ. Some audiences will love it. Some won’t. Preach it. Consistent. That’s the key.

 

The hard thing about consistency is being consistent. Things happen and we use those things to be inconsistent. Company comes. The weather turns foul. There’s a lot of demands at work. You’re tired. You’re cranky. All of those things filter into our thinking and find a place so we don’t have to be consistent. Before long, we are standing right beside those Jews that Paul was writing about in our Roman passage. We say one thing and do something else.

I’m seeing that consistency is harder for younger couples. Not sure why. It seems the little things get to them and they are hit and miss with the Lord. Older couples, with all their aches and pains, seem more steady. Maybe it’s because the older generation is retired and has more time. Maybe it’s because the older generation has weathered so many storms and has benefited from the Lord helping them, that they know to keep on keeping on.

The work of far too many preachers has been ruined because they chose not to live what they were preaching. Their immoral sins usually catch up with them and a scandal and embarrassment fills the church. All their good is forgotten. They leave as a marked man and someone else has to come and try to get everyone else back on focus. This sad tale has been repeated over and over throughout this country. Consistency. Listening to your own sermons.

Consistency is where growth comes from—whether financial, intellectual or spiritual. There is not one sermon that will answer all questions and give you everything you need. But a steady diet of learning, growing, reading and one will have a powerful faith.

Consistency. Does that describe you? Do others know you for always being honest? Do others see you as a regular worshipper of God? Do others know that you will not talk nasty nor gossip. Steady. Consistent. Always. Faithful. Counted upon.

It all starts with today. Today I will…

Roger

 

 

 

13

Jump Start # 915

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 915

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

I went to a Styx concert recently. The guys can still play after all these years. There was a line in one of their songs that stuck with me. It’s from their song, “Pieces of eight.” The song begins,

 

“It’s six o’clock

Good morning sounds are everywhere.

The warmth of spring, a gentle breeze blows through my hair.

I hurry through my life never stopping to see,

How beautiful it was meant to be.”

I hurry through my life never stopping to see, how beautiful it was meant to be! Life is meant to be beautiful. The fast pace, the full schedules, the stress, the chaos can make us miss how beautiful life was meant to be. Does that hit you?

 

Jesus came not just so we could have an amazing life in eternity, but to bring the abundant life now. “I came that they may have life…” Many exist, a few live. Many go through the motions, a few actually live. The abundant life begins with forgiveness and a journey with God that is full of purpose, direction and destination. With Jesus, life is more than just getting things and being happy. It is seeing, using the phrase from Styx, ‘how beautiful it was meant to be.’

 

Lets focus on that beautiful life in Jesus. What’s there? What’s so appealing about it? Some don’t see it. They see rules and church and watching what you say and sitting through stuffy sermons and restrictions. Like a little boy wearing a dress shirt and tie at a wedding, he pulls and stretches the collar constantly, and is most miserable. This is the concept some have of Christianity. A beautiful life is not the words that they would use to describe it. I doubt the boys in Styx had a walk with Jesus in mind when they penned those words. For many, the beautiful life would consist of freedom, doing whatever you want, and especially, not having anyone else telling you what to do. That is not beauty and is a cover for reckless sin that leaves a trail of pain, addictions, and misery.

 

What is beautiful about the walk with Jesus?

 

It begins with realizing that the God of Heaven and Earth loves you. He really loves you. The governor of my state doesn’t even know that I exist. He doesn’t know my name and he never thinks of me, calls me, invites me. I do not exist to the governor. The same goes for the mayor. The same goes for the President. Yet, with God it’s different. As busy as God is, as many other people more important than me, with greater needs than me, God still thinks about me, loves me and invites me to walk daily with Him. How beautiful that is. I am never alone, God is with me. I have the greatest help with God. That tends to evaporate fears, troubles and worry. God is with me and wants to be there. Amazing. What a beautiful life.

 

I am surrounded by the greatest virtues of character, when I am walking with God. Grace, forgiveness, peace, joy, purpose. These attributes belong to God. They are blessings upon us. We tend to think of blessings in terms of sunshine, jobs and food in our belly. The best blessing cannot be seen with our eyes. These are the characteristics of God that He shares with us. To be forgiven is powerful. Gone are the wrongs, the mistakes, the sins that hurt others and angered God. Gone. Gone forever. Washed clean by the blood of Jesus. What a beautiful life to be loved and to be forgiven. A second chance. A chance to do things right this time.

 

In our hands is placed the greatest plan, words and hope this world has ever seen—the Bible. What a blessing that we do not have to try to “find or figure” God out. He reveals. He tells. He shows. With this powerful book, we know. We know where we came from. We know where we are going. We know what we are supposed to do. We know our place. We know His place. What a beautiful life to be guided in the right direction.

With us are the greatest people on the face of the earth, God’s people. They come from all walks of life. Some are just as simple and common as they come, but they shine because of God. They have a goodness and a real sense of concern about them. They are special, to God and to us. They are there when you need them. They care. They support. They defend. They love. God’s people all around us, reminding us that we are not alone. We are not the only ones who are trying to do right. The world is not completely gone. What a beautiful life to have God’s people in your life and counted upon as dear, dear friends.

What a beautiful life to worship God. How amazing it is that He listens to us. How wonderful it is that He likes our singing, especially those of us that can’t sing well. He wants us to remember His son’s death. He wants us to praise Him. Worship is good and right. It brings God back into our world and our life. Worship is much more than “going to church,” or, “do I have to go,” thinking. Worship is exciting and rich with joy and love as we get to spend time with God. What a blessing that is.

 

What a beautiful life…and I haven’t even said anything about Heaven. I wonder, like Styx sang, if I hurry through my life, never stopping to see, how beautiful it was meant to be. When you do stop and see it, it makes you thank God. It makes you realize things aren’t so bad. It makes you realize, I am blessed and I wouldn’t trade places with anyone.

How beautiful life was meant to be…

Roger

 

12

Jump Start # 914

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 914

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

This wonderful verse this morning is a grand reminder of how much God wants His people to do well. God wants us to want what He wants. He wants His will to become our will. God wants us busy doing kingdom work. That is what pleases Him.

 

I get the sense from many folks, that we often feel that God is in Heaven merely watching us. One guy described his life as on a playing field. Satan was on one side hoping he would fumble and mess up. God was on the other side, in the stands, cheering him on to victory. That idea leaves us alone on the field. That idea also leaves out what this verse says, that “God is at work in you…” God is not merely cheering you on. God is doing more than watching and hoping for a victory. God is at work in you.

Two quick thoughts:

 

First, God is in you. You don’t hear that much these days. We think of God as being in Heaven. That’s what Jesus told the disciples to pray, “Our Father, who art in Heaven…” This passage tells us that God is in you. Paul told the Galatians that Christ was in him. Remember, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ liveth in me…”? The indwelling of the Holy Spirit has always been an interesting subject of study and thought. But here, Paul is saying that God is in you.

 

 

That speaks of a relationship. The Philippians, by faith and obedience, were walking with God. They were forgiven, redeemed and now sons and daughters of God. That relationship with God is expressed by God in us and we in God. A unity of mind, purpose and intent.

 

Second, God is at work in you. God is not idle. God is not just watching from the stands. He is at work in you. The Corinthians were told that they were fellow workers with God. This is a fellowship or partnership with the divine. God doesn’t work alone, without us. Nor, do we work alone, independent from God. God works in us. God works with us.

 

 

This is not something magical, mystical, or miraculous. Not at all. As the Philippians, or anyone today, embraces the word of God, and through obedience follows God and engages in the good works of God, God is working through him and with him. When we follow God’s plan, we are doing God’s work. When we are about what God wants, God is working through us. When we use God’s word to teach and encourage others, God is working with us. Spiritual strength comes from God’s word. We may teach it, but it is God who is doing it. When we are motivated to go help others, this is God’s idea, and God’s ways. God is working through us.

God opens doors and puts opportunities before us. God paves the way so things get done and His will is accomplished. God is busy in us and through us. We are partnering with God.

Now understand, it is God’s will and God’s good pleasure that drive this. Not everything we do has God’s blessings. Many in the name of religion, are doing things that are not found in the Bible. How can they think that this is God’s will or God’s pleasure? Don’t think that God will participate nor work in things that are not a part of His will. The thrust of this passage is God’s pleasure and will. Things contrary to His will offend Him.

 

Have you ever prayed for opportunities? Maybe, an opportunity to share God’s word with someone? Maybe you have prayed for an opportunity to connect spiritually with someone in your family, or a co-worker. And soon after that prayer, something comes up. That person says something or a situation comes up where you see the door of opportunity opening. God is working. God wants you to get in there and influence and share His word. Opportunities to help others who are hurting…opportunities to talk about forgiveness…opportunities to strengthen faith. God is the one who opens doors. God is the one who can soften a hard heart and a stubborn mind. God is the one who can get things done when we cannot. God alone? No. We alone? No. Rather, God working in us and through us.

It is an honor beyond measure that God wants us working with Him. I’m surprised that He doesn’t say, step back and let Me do it alone. It wouldn’t shock me if God said, ‘You tend to mess things up. Just watch Me do it.” But He doesn’t. He works in us. God uses us to be His hands, feet, eyes, and voice. On our own, we do tend to mess things up. But with God working in us, following His word, doing things His way, wonderful things happen. Like an artist holding the brush of a young child, together painting, or a skilled musician, sitting at the piano with a young student, both playing together…a beautiful and wonderful result takes place.

 

Now all of this ought to set before us, that without God’s help, what we did, would most likely be messy. This takes away bragging rights on our part. This reminds us that we are not the big shot. Shepherding God’s people, preaching God’s word, encouraging others, sharing God’s word are all things partnered with God. We tend to get a bit uppity when we forget that it is God who is working in us. It is the God part that makes it right, good and beautiful. The glory goes to God. The credit goes to God. We are blessed to be used by Him and with Him.

God in you…what a thought. God working with you…what a better thought. That tends to lessen the load and stop the complaining. It makes one thankful when they understand that.

So, today, you and God have a lot to do. He’s ready to get at it, are you? He’s waiting on you. He won’t do it alone, He works through you. The first stop, is your heart. That’s where He wants to work first. He wants to work on you. He wants you to forgive. Will you do it? He wants you to be holy? Will you think that way? He wants you to obey Him? Will you do it? Your attitude, your thoughts, your dress, your words—He wants to work on all of those. Once the work is done there, He’s ready to go with you to work with others. Open your eyes and look upon the fields, is what Jesus said to the disciples. God’s work isn’t just about you, it’s about expanding the kingdom. Helping others who are stuck in the misery and muck of a world without Christ. Share with others. Teach others. Remind others. Be that good Samaritan to someone today. Be that Andrew that takes someone to the Lord today. Be that Paul who prays for others today.

 

Working in you…how amazing that is!

Roger