29

Jump Start # 2604

Posted on May 29, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2604

Romans 12:3 “For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”

Our verse today is a tough one. It’s not the understanding part, but the doing part. It’s about balance. It’s how we see ourselves and how we view others. Don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought to—that’s the principle, but that’s a lot easier to say than to do.

As parents, we think our kids are the best. As grandparents, we think those cute little darlings are the stars of the universe. Our kid is the best on the team. Every dad who has ever coached a team has had to deal with the upset parent because their child is sitting on the bench. The upset parent feels that their child will make all the difference. He’s all star material in their mind.

Balance in our thinking. That’s tough. It’s even hard among preachers. We try to be humble, but with every visiting preacher, the home preacher thinks it’s time to pack the bags and head out because he can’t equal the talent that the congregation loves in the guest preacher. “Wish we had preaching like that all the time,” I heard one guy gushing over a visiting preacher while I was standing next to him. Another said, “Boy, I wish you’d move here.”

Balance—how does one find it.

First, do not think too highly of yourself. The text says, “not more highly than he ought to.” You’re not the greatest, best or one of a kind. The world didn’t stop when you were born. The kingdom will not collapse when you leave this planet. Thinking too highly will lead to pride and trouble. It will put you in a place that you’ll likely make mistakes. You feel that certain passages are for others, but not for you. You’ve got it all under control. Everyone else needs this stuff, not you. Paul’s words were not directed to a conference of preachers, but to the members of the Roman church. All of us need this. Too proud to follow the lead of shepherds. I know so much that I don’t have to listen to the sermon. I am better than others.

Sometimes secular education will put a person there. An attorney, a doctor, and a mailman all sitting on the same pew. The lawyer and the doctor have spent years in college. The mailman didn’t. The “professionals” belong to professional organizations. They have special conferences that only their people can attend. Nothing at all wrong with any of this except, being more intelligent in one area does not make one a better person. All three of them need Jesus. All three of them need to be responsible to the congregation. Thinking I’m better than others will make one bossy, and too good to do things.

I knew an elder years ago who was a CEO of a large company. He was very wealthy and very influential in the community he lived in. We had a work day at the church building one day. Folks were cleaning the outside and the inside. We were giving the place a real polish. I went looking for this man and found him in the men’s bathroom, on his knees, scrubbing a toilet. He was whistling as he was working. What a lesson he taught. He wasn’t too good to do that. Someone had to do it and it might as well been him, he thought.

Don’t think too highly of yourself. You are not beyond sin. You are not the best to ever come along. You are not beyond learning, being corrected or even doing better. When someone pulls out the, “Do you know who I am,” statement, they are thinking too highly of themselves. One who thinks too highly, wants to run the place. He doesn’t view himself as an equal. He is not a team player. He’s the best. And, that pride stinks. Others see it. And, they don’t like it.

Second, that balance must keep us from going too far the other way. It’s one thing to think too highly and that must be dealt with. But, just as wrong is to think too lowly of self. It’s believing that one is not capable of doing anything right. It’s believing that God had to choose you because you were the last one standing in line. It’s seeing little good that you add to a congregation. It’s believing that if you dropped out no one would miss you. And, this spirit is no better than thinking too highly. This is not humility. This is low or no self esteem. God loves you. Jesus died for you. God has blessed you, forgiven you and gifted you with talents that you are special at. When our balance is out of whack, we compare ourselves to others and we always come out on the low end of the stick. I sure can’t preach like that guy. I can’t lead singing like that guy. I can’t do anything. Stop saying that, because it’s not true. If everyone could preach, the pulpit would be crowded and the pews would be empty. Too often in a congregation, those that serve publically, get all the attention. The backbone of the congregation is the love, support, connections that made throughout the week. The phone calls. The meals taken. The cards sent. The people invited. The encouragement given. Many do not see these things. Many do not even know about those things. But it is those things that make all the difference.

Too high…too low—it’s a balance. It’s a tough one to figure out. Sometimes, like that ole’ teeter-totter, we are up and then we are down and it takes a while to find that right balance. You need others. They need you. And, all of us need Jesus.

Hope this helps…

Roger

28

Jump Start # 2604

Posted on May 28, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2604

Romans 12:3 “For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”

Our verse today is a tough one. It’s not the understanding part, but the doing part. It’s about balance. It’s how we see ourselves and how we view others. Don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought to—that’s the principle, but that’s a lot easier to say than to do.

As parents, we think our kids are the best. As grandparents, we think those cute little darlings are the stars of the universe. Our kid is the best on the team. Every dad who has ever coached a team has had to deal with the upset parent because their child is sitting on the bench. The upset parent feels that their child will make all the difference. He’s all star material in their mind.

Balance in our thinking. That’s tough. It’s even hard among preachers. We try to be humble, but with every visiting preacher, the home preacher thinks it’s time to pack the bags and head out because he can’t equal the talent that the congregation loves in the guest preacher. “Wish we had preaching like that all the time,” I heard one guy gushing over a visiting preacher while I was standing next to him. Another said, “Boy, I wish you’d move here.”

Balance—how does one find it.

First, do not think too highly of yourself. The text says, “not more highly than he ought to.” You’re not the greatest, best or one of a kind. The world didn’t stop when you were born. The kingdom will not collapse when you leave this planet. Thinking too highly will lead to pride and trouble. It will put you in a place that you’ll likely make mistakes. You feel that certain passages are for others, but not for you. You’ve got it all under control. Everyone else needs this stuff, not you. Paul’s words were not directed to a conference of preachers, but to the members of the Roman church. All of us need this. Too proud to follow the lead of shepherds. I know so much that I don’t have to listen to the sermon. I am better than others.

Sometimes secular education will put a person there. An attorney, a doctor, and a mailman all sitting on the same pew. The lawyer and the doctor have spent years in college. The mailman didn’t. The “professionals” belong to professional organizations. They have special conferences that only their people can attend. Nothing at all wrong with any of this except, being more intelligent in one area does not make one a better person. All three of them need Jesus. All three of them need to be responsible to the congregation. Thinking I’m better than others will make one bossy, and too good to do things.

I knew an elder years ago who was a CEO of a large company. He was very wealthy and very influential in the community he lived in. We had a work day at the church building one day. Folks were cleaning the outside and the inside. We were giving the place a real polish. I went looking for this man and found him in the men’s bathroom, on his knees, scrubbing a toilet. He was whistling as he was working. What a lesson he taught. He wasn’t too good to do that. Someone had to do it and it might as well been him, he thought.

Don’t think too highly of yourself. You are not beyond sin. You are not the best to ever come along. You are not beyond learning, being corrected or even doing better. When someone pulls out the, “Do you know who I am,” statement, they are thinking too highly of themselves. One who thinks too highly, wants to run the place. He doesn’t view himself as an equal. He is not a team player. He’s the best. And, that pride stinks. Others see it. And, they don’t like it.

Second, that balance must keep us from going too far the other way. It’s one thing to think too highly and that must be dealt with. But, just as wrong is to think too lowly of self. It’s believing that one is not capable of doing anything right. It’s believing that God had to choose you because you were the last one standing in line. It’s seeing little good that you add to a congregation. It’s believing that if you dropped out no one would miss you. And, this spirit is no better than thinking too highly. This is not humility. This is low or no self esteem. God loves you. Jesus died for you. God has blessed you, forgiven you and gifted you with talents that you are special at. When our balance is out of whack, we compare ourselves to others and we always come out on the low end of the stick. I sure can’t preach like that guy. I can’t lead singing like that guy. I can’t do anything. Stop saying that, because it’s not true. If everyone could preach, the pulpit would be crowded and the pews would be empty. Too often in a congregation, those that serve publically, get all the attention. The backbone of the congregation is the love, support, connections that made throughout the week. The phone calls. The meals taken. The cards sent. The people invited. The encouragement given. Many do not see these things. Many do not even know about those things. But it is those things that make all the difference.

Too high…too low—it’s a balance. It’s a tough one to figure out. Sometimes, like that ole’ teeter-totter, we are up and then we are down and it takes a while to find that right balance. You need others. They need you. And, all of us need Jesus.

Hope this helps…

Roger

28

Jump Start # 2603

Posted on May 28, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2603

Romans 1:31 “without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful”

Our verse today comes from the midst of a descriptive look at the Gentile mind and world. It wasn’t a pretty picture. God was showing what was on their hearts, and it wasn’t much. The choices that they had made colored and ruined their character. Their relationship with God was non-existent. And, what stands out from this verse is the use of “un.” Four words, each beginning with that expression, “un.” Without understanding. Untrustworthy. Unloving. Unmerciful.

And, what those four “un” words reflect are their attitudes and behavior towards God, others and self. Let’s take a walk down these four words.

First, without understanding. They didn’t know. It was more than they didn’t know, they likely didn’t want to know. And, when one doesn’t understand, he will make wrong choices. How could he make the right choices, he doesn’t know. Paul is broad and generic here. Understanding what, we might wonder. Let’s begin with God. If they understood God they would have pitched their idols in the river. Had they understood God, they would have treated each other better. Everything begins with God. When one misses this, everything else will be off as well. But, they also didn’t understand God’s way or what God expected. This was more than knowing that there is a God. It is knowing God. It is understanding His nature. When we have been married to someone for years, we come to understand them. We know what would upset them. We know how to make them happy. All of this comes from understanding.

Second, untrustworthy. You can’t trust them. Now, when we say this about a person, it usually means they lie, steal or cheat. You have to be on your toes around them. You have to take what they say carefully. You have to keep an eye on them. They are likely to stab you in the back the same time they are praising you. You can’t trust them. How does someone get like this? Simple. Remove God from his life. The only rule he will go by is the rule that pleases him. He is likely to change the rules, say one thing and then say the opposite. He can look you in the eyes and tell you that he is speaking the truth, all the time he is actually lying. You can’t trust him.

Third, unloving. This of course leads to hatred, meanness and taking advantage of others. When love is missing, all relationships around that person suffers. The right thing is never done. Kindness and gentleness will not be found. Harsh. Rough. Selfish. Hurting others without any remorse. Again, Paul doesn’t say where unloving is pointed, but it must first be directed towards God. He doesn’t know God. He doesn’t care about God. He doesn’t love God. God loves him, but he doesn’t love God. From that, he is unloving toward others. He doesn’t care. He is not there to help the hurting. He isn’t there to dry a tear. He’s not there to stand with you, support you or have your back. Don’t count on him, because he doesn’t love. He doesn’t think about you. He never prays for you. He won’t be there for you. He doesn’t love. He won’t share. He won’t go out of his way. He won’t lift you up or encourage you. He only cares about self. He only does what will help self.

Fourth, unmerciful. This carries the idea of mercy, or forgiveness. He’s not patient. He’s not extending second chances. He’s not doing what God is willing to do for him. He will demand full payment. He will throw the book at you. He will cut you off and cut you out. He has no tolerance for your mistakes. There will be no apologies accepted. There will be no turning of the cheek. Expect wrath, anger and hatred. He’ll get even. He’ll try to crush you and destroy you. This is not a good person. This is not someone you want in your life.

Now, some lessons from these four “un” words:

First, we best not be like this. Sadly, I could put the names of some Christians to these “un” words. They hurt the church. They hurt their families. They hurt themselves. Paul is showing us life without Christ. It’s not pretty. It’s a wasted mess. God made us for better things than this. There is no excuse for a blood washed disciple of Jesus to act these ways. When one does, he is desperately needing to spend some time with the Lord. He has missed the essence of what Jesus is all about. Now, even when we are disagreeing with those who see things differently, there is no reason to be rude, mean or unkind. Never. Jesus wasn’t.

Second, the beautiful thing about this passage is that a person can change. The power of the Gospel is so strong that it can wash away and change all those “un” words. A person can understand the will of the Lord. A person can become honest and trustworthy. A person can love. A person can be compassionate and merciful. This is not a life sentence. A person doesn’t have to stay this way. A person can grow up in a home like this and still change. We can learn. We can become like Christ. God can take the most broken person and turn him around.

Third, we must be careful with the influences around us. It’s always easier to go downhill than it is to go uphill. If co-workers, family, friends are these ways, it is very likely that you can begin to learn their ways. You need quality people in your life. You need people who are going to point you to the Lord. You need people who are serious about God’s word and their journey to Heaven. You need people who will help you, encourage you, and bring out the best in you. This may mean cutting off some social ties. This may mean after work I just go home and I don’t hang out with those who are only going to pull me away from the Lord. It may mean that I put some distance between family members who are content to act ungodly.

Not having God in your life can certainly lead to some ugly places.

Roger

27

Jump Start # 2602

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2602

2 Samuel 16:21 “And Ahithophel said to Absalom, ‘Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.”

Within our verse today we find the word “Odious.” We don’t use that word very often. The other translations help us to get the idea here.

  • NIV: obnoxious
  • ESV: stench
  • KJV: abhorred
  • CEB: alienated

All those words spell trouble. Absalom lost respect for his father. The rape of his sister, Tamar, brought no action from David. To Absalom, David isn’t this great national war hero like everyone believed. He saw his father as weak, ineffective and a coward. It was a time for a change in leadership. Absalom was going to steal the throne. He was trying to make his father look bad.

In the chapter before, Absalom appears with great show and pomp. He takes a prominent spot to address the people and their concerns. He reaches out and sympathizes with them in order to win their support and favor. He stole the hearts of the people and he stole the allegiance of David’s chief counselor. He is now ready to lead an insurrection against the throne. Within the plans of Absalom is killing his own father. There is such hatred towards his father. David does not defend the city nor himself. He flees. It echoes decades before when David was running from King Saul, who was trying to take his life. Now, it’s his own son that he is running from.

The rebel prince, Absalom introduces many valuable lessons for us to consider:

First, we see the break down of the home. Unhappy homes produce unbalanced children. Can you imagine sitting around the dinner table in David’s palace? Amnon looking lustfully at Tamar. Absalom, absorbed in himself. Solomon, reading books. But running through the hearts of these sons were all kinds of spiritual issues that would cripple their relationship with God and David. A lack of parental discipline breeds insecurity and resentment. Rules do not mean anything if they are broken without any consequences. You don’t find David disciplining any of these children. The law of God and the law at home were ignored and flaunted. Portraying an image of perfection looses credibility with children. We are perfect parents and our kids know that. But being more concerned about image than truth, will teach them to superficially look good for others without having to apologize, change or do what is right. And, what we see in this broken home are wounds that never healed. This sad, sad story is repeated far too many times in homes today. Prodigals leave angry, uttering cruel threats and some never return. There are few things that hurt more than the brokenness of family.

Second, we see what not to do when we disagree. This is a needful lesson. This is something that needs to be preached. What am I to do when I disagree with the elders? This has never been more seen than through this coronavirus storm we are in. The elders say for safety concerns, the church is not going to assemble. Immediately, some became alarmed. They took to Facebook and Twitter and blasted their shepherds for such a decision. Some were just going to ignore what the elders said. Time passed. Now, some leaders are saying that it’s time to assemble safely as a congregation. Others are speaking out. It’s too soon. It’s not safe. I’m not going to do what they say.

What to do when I disagree with leaders? We see what Absalom tried. In religious settings, rather than killing the king, those that disagree, find others and they break away. They start their own congregation. That rebel, “you can’t tell me,” spirit is something that some of us must really keep a lid on. I know. I’m one of them. I suppose I listen to far too many songs of the ‘60s that were about freedom, protest and rights. I went to a store recently. A large sign on the door said, “NO MASK, NO ENTRY.” They would sell you a mask for one dollar. I walked up without a mask. That ole’ rebel spirit starting rising in me. I thought, “You can’t tell me what to do.” But then I realized, they really can. It’s their store. They have that right.

The book of Romans and Peter tells us to submit to governing authorities. Hebrews tells us to submit to our spiritual leaders. They are watching out for our soul, the passage says. Submission means to bend the will. It’s more than simply going along. Many are going along but not happily. Read their Facebook posts. They rant and rant about this and that. To submit means you have turned your spirit. You have bent your will. You are going along, not as a pouting child, but as a willing team player.

The shepherds are looking at more than just you. There are factors, people and things that you and I probably never thought of before. They have weighed these options heavily. They have talked and talked this over for days. They have prayed. They have gotten advice. They have listened. And, now, they have made the choices that they think will work best for that congregation. And, here you and I stand. Rebels. Ready to charge the castle. Ready to stir things up. Ready to turn the hearts of the people away from them. Ready to overthrow them and take the place over ourselves. Really? Shame on us. God, forgive us. Such thoughts, such wrong attitudes, such evil things shared on social media, is hurtful and shameful to God.

Remember, when David had the chance to kill Saul, he wouldn’t do. Yet, today, we are ready to verbally and emotionally kill those we disagree with and often over nothing.

So, what am I to do when I disagree?

First, calm down. A quiet conversation with one of the leaders is what you ought to do. They may share things that you never realized. That right then, may be all it takes. Don’t be stirring things up. Don’t make your first move social media or finding out who agrees with you. Bend that will. Turn that spirit around.

Second, if the area of disagreement is Biblical, then do your homework and present your reasoning. You may have to leave if you feel your conscience is being violated. But understand, your dislike of something does not make that thing sinful. Only God can declare what is sinful. So many of our disagreements are about judgment calls, not doctrinal or Biblical matters. Calm down. Breathe. Put some thought into this.

Third, put yourself in their shoes. What would you do? If you have ideas, share them. But do this kindly and not in a threatening manner. Be helpful, not hurtful. You’ll see that so much of what they do is difficult.

Finally, throw your support behind them. Even if you disagree with some decisions, you let them know that they can count on you. They are trying their best to keep the congregation moving towards Heaven. They have so many factors to consider. What they do not need are rebels who are ready to storm the palace and take over. Can they count on you? Have you told them that?

The story of Absalom doesn’t end well. He’s killed. David cries and cries over his death. I wonder if those tears included regret, guilt and remorse for a relationship that was broken.

Are you a team player who is in subjection or are you a rebel who is waiting to oust the current leaders? That spirit makes all the difference. And, that spirit, if not right, can keep you out of Heaven.

Roger

26

Jump Start # 2601

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2601

Acts 1:10 “And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.”

Our verse is about the ascension of Jesus to Heaven. The apostles were watching. Jesus was fading away out of their sight. John would later see Jesus in a vision, but most would never see Him again. What a whirlwind three years it had been for those disciples. Three years is not very long. High school is longer than that. We can look back and remember events three years ago. All the miracles. Calming the sea. Walking on water. Raising the dead. Casting out demons. The incredible lessons. The traps set by the Pharisees. Judas turning. The arrest. The crucifixion. The uncertainty about His body. The resurrection. And, now, He leaves.

There were moments when these disciples were very afraid. There were times when they just didn’t understand. There were words that stung them and rebuked them. Three years of incredible memories. They came to understand that He was God on earth. And, as He ascends, I wonder if they waved good-bye. I wonder if tears came down their cheeks. Things were going to be different in many ways. Very soon, they would start preaching. Then they would be scattered to different places. Some may not see each other ever again.

And, I wonder if late at night they ever wished that they could go to sleep and wake up and everything would be the way it used to be. They’d wake up and Jesus would be with them. They’d wake up and feel secure and hopeful. But this wasn’t a dream. Things were not going to return to the way they once were. Things would never be the same again.

Those thoughts came to me recently when I was telling a friend about the difficulty of preaching and teaching with no audience. Looking into the lens of a camera is not the same as looking into someone’s eyes. I said, “I’d like to wake up and everything be back to the way it once was.” But this is not a dream. And, in some areas, what some face will never be the same again.

I think about the widow who misses her beloved husband. There was a sickness. Doctor visits. Pills. Hospitals. And, he never got better. He passed. A funeral. The cemetery. And, now everything is different. Even sitting in a chair watching TV is different. It’s hard to eat alone. The house seems so quiet and so empty now. How she wishes she could wake up and everything be the way it used to be. But this isn’t a dream.

I think about some family members, or friends, even in the church. Something was said. Feelings were hurt. Things were said back. Now a riff has torn them apart. It’s hard to be in each other’s presence now. It is tense, awkward and very uncomfortable. Things have been patched up about as good as possible, but it’s not the same. How they wish they could wake up and things be the way it used to be. But this isn’t a dream.

I think about a congregation that had some internal problems. Mistrust. Accusations. Finger pointing. Poor leadership. Some had enough. They, with a few others, leave and start another congregation in the area. Both churches are struggling. The split, division has been costly. The people do not associate with each other. They avoid each other when in public. They both feel it was the other side’s fault. And, what has happened has crippled the work in that community. How they wish they could wake up and everything be the way it used to be. But this isn’t a dream.

I think about a couple whose marriage grew old and stale. Work, kids, parents and a number of other factors have turned them more into room mates who share the same house than husband and wife. He becomes attracted to someone else. A sexual affair takes place. He decides that he no longer loves his wife and wants out of the marriage. There is a divorce. Things are split up and divided. The kids are shuffled about visiting one and then the other. The house is sold. And, the wife wishes she could wake up and everything be the way it used to be. But this isn’t a dream.

Many have found themselves in the very things I have just described. Life isn’t the way it once was. Things are so different, and sometimes not in a good way. Here are a few things to remember:

First, life is always changing. Sometimes it’s for the better and many times it’s not. Sin, choices, and life itself creates changes that one must adjust to. God puts around us His word which will build our faith, His people which can encourage us, and His promises which we build hope upon. Prodigals do not always come home. People do not always apologize or forgive. And, death can take the most precious people from our sight. It helps being flexible. It helps to talk to godly ones who have gone through similar things before. It helps to have a close relationship with the Lord.

Second, life isn’t always fair. We want justice, happiness and Heaven right here and right now. For some, crime pays. For some, they get away with murder. For some, the innocent have suffered and been taken advantage of. We can cry about this. We can complain about this. We can get angry about this. Or, we can keep these things from ruining our hearts and our influence. We can’t stop what happens on the outside, but we can certainly keep the outside from coming inside. We can choose to be joyful, a blessing counter, and Heaven bound, or we can be a victim. It can be storming outside, but you can close the door and keep the storm from coming in. The same is true with our hearts.

Third, for those apostles, Jesus left them with things to do. He was out of their sight now. He would not be with them as they journeyed. They could go home and go to bed, or they could go into all the world as He wanted them to. You and I have a mission from God. When things change, that mission doesn’t. We can’t use the times that we are in as a reason not to worship, be righteous or be God’s hands and feet. God doesn’t give us a pass because things are difficult or things are different. We still have families to raise. We still have brethren to encourage. We still have a world that needs to know Jesus. Busy ourselves in the ways that we can to fulfill God’s plans for us.

Fourth, never lose sight of Heaven. In Heaven, there won’t be the changes that we find down here. In Heaven, we won’t be wishing that things could be the way they once were. The apostles knew that they would see the Lord again. It wouldn’t be here on earth, but it would be up in His home. Their faith, their hope is what carried them on.

Don’t stop because things have changed. Don’t spend your days wishing things could be as they once were. With what you have, do what God wants you to do.

Roger