17

Jump Start # 2654

Posted on August 17, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2654

2 Timothy 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,

Recently my wife and I spent several days out West visiting some incredible National Parks. While there, several ideas came to my mind about articles that I want to share in our Jump Starts. So, this week will be “Articles from the West.”

While in a gift shop in Yellowstone, the friendly sales clerk told us to “enjoy the day in your park.” Your Park. I never thought of a National Park as being “my park.” It belongs to the nation. I guess since I am part of the nation, in a sense it is “my park.” The way she expressed it was wonderful. Our park. This is ours. Those words carried over to how one would care for the place. It’s our park—let’s take care of it. Later in the day, while on a hike, I saw my wife picking up a gum wrapper. Later she put that gum wrapper in a trash can. That’s just the way she is, but I saw a connection. It’s “our park.” Let’s keep it clean.

And, that takes us to our verse today. As Paul describes the resurrected Christ and connects Him to the royal linage of David, he says that it is according to “My Gospel.” My gospel. Paul used those same words in Romans. “My Gospel.” Technically, it wasn’t Paul’s Gospel, but the Lord’s. Paul received revelation from the Lord. Paul was inspired by the Lord. Paul was commissioned by the Lord. Paul was doing the Lord’s work. It was the Lord’s kingdom that Paul was building, defending and supporting. Yet, there is a sense in which it really was “his gospel.” The words came from his mouth. He so believed in this gospel that it was a part of him. He took ownership of it in the sense of carefully using the Gospel in a way that God approved of.

Now, transfer these thoughts to the church. Imagine the spirit and the attitude that comes from an opening announcement, “Enjoy today’s worship in YOUR CHURCH.” Yes, immediately some would jump up and shout, “It’s not YOUR church. The church belongs to God.” Yes. Got that. Understand that. He purchased the church. The church is His body. He is the head of the church. Verse after verse can be used to support that. The church belongs to God. We’d never allow someone to place a sign up that said, “The church of Roger.” I cannot save. I cannot be the sacrifice. I cannot do what the Lord did.

Yet, Paul could say the Gospel was his. “My gospel.” And, in some way, the church is “ours.” The church is saved people and that’s what we are. We are a part of that church. Just as I am a part of the nation and the National Park is “my park,” so, you are I are part of the church. It is our church. It is “my church.” You and I make the church what it is. Yes, it belongs to the Lord. And, no, we cannot do what we want. Just like, I cannot make claim to “my section” of Yellowstone and decide that I’m going to sell it or build a McDonald’s there. It’s mine and I can do what I want—not really. The church is mine, but I cannot do what I want.

Sometimes I feel there is a disconnect between the individual member and the congregation he belongs to. He “goes to church,” but he doesn’t feel that it is a part of him. He doesn’t take ownership of it. Ephesus lost their first love. Sardis was dead. Laodicea was lukewarm. Different problems. Different conditions. All were the Lord’s church. Why were they different? Because the members there made it that way. Laodicea was lukewarm because the members of that church were that way.

Now, just think what could happen if everyone viewed the congregation as “My church.” This is “my church.”

First, there might be a upturn in the spirit and the way we talk about the congregation. It’s like your family. When you love your family and things are going well, you speak well about them. You cannot spend enough time with each other. You enjoy each other. My church—my people– my spiritual family, that has a way of pulling us together and being there for each other.

Second, there might be a closer connection in fellowship and support when I view the congregation as “my church.” My wife picked up a gum wrapper in a park that is over 2 million acres large. Why? It’s one way you take care of things. So, I’ll drop a text to one of the members, just letting them know that I was thinking about them. Or, I’ll go over on a Saturday and help someone clean up their yard. Or, I’ll mail a gift card to one of the college kids. Or, I’ll send a get well card to someone who has had surgery. Or, I’ll ask if I can stick around and help clean and sanitize the building for the next service. Or, I’ll call someone that seems discouraged and disconnected. Now, why would someone do these things. Effort is involved. Time is involved. And, there is one simple reason, “It’s my church.”

Third, there might be more prayers going upward if I viewed the congregation as “my church.” I want my church to be strong. I want my church to please the Lord. I want my church to do well. I want my church to succeed spiritually. I’ll pray for the shepherds. I’ll pray for the preachers. I’ll pray for the deacons. I’ll pray for the old ones and the young ones. I’ll pray for growth. I’ll pray for opportunities. I’ll pray for unity, peace and harmony. Why? It’s my place. It’s my church.

Finally, when I view the church as a part of me, I’ll go out of my way. I’ll get there a bit early and stick around. I’ll try to get to know as many as I can. I’ll go the extra mile. I’ll give someone a second chance. I’ll be patient and more understanding. I’ll demand less. This is my place. This is my people. I want it to do well.

Enjoy the day in your park—what a wonderful way to express a concept that helps take care of the place. And, “enjoy worship in your church” carries a similar thought.

My park…my gospel…my church.

Roger

14

Jump Start # 2653

Posted on August 14, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2653

Daniel 5:30 “That same night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was slain.”

I’ve been teaching Daniel on Sunday videos. Our verse today concludes the Babylonian empire. While the Medes and Persians were surrounding the city and preparing an attack, Belshazzar was throwing a drunken, blasphemous party on the inside. He invited a thousand people. The vessels of God, that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple were brought in and used to toast the gods of Babylon. Disrespectful, godless, blasphemous, mocking, this Babylonian king never learned a thing from recent Babylonian history and their great king Nebuchadnezzar. A hand suddenly appeared. Words were written on the wall. Everyone could see it and no one knew what it meant. Nearly passing out in fear, the king offered riches and a position of third highest in the kingdom if an explanation could be given. The wise men of Babylon couldn’t. Daniel is brought in. He understood that this was a divine message from God. Before he interprets, he preaches. Daniel’s tone is serious, stern and to the point. This foolish king has learned nothing from the past.

The kingdom was coming to an end. The fulfillment of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the statue was beginning to take place. Another kingdom was going to rule. The Babylonians had served the purpose God had for them. God is moving kings and kingdoms as He wills. And, now it was time for Babylon to be removed from the game board and be put away in a box.

And, as our verse indicates, it doesn’t take God long to do things. “That same night,” it all happened. That same night that the hand appeared. That same night that Daniel told the meaning. That same night that reality hit the arrogant king. That same night he was slain and Babylon fell. As the king was partying, the Medes and Persians were nearly inside the city.

God didn’t give Belshazzar time to think things over. There was no time to repent. The curtain fell. That very night he was slain. That very night it all changed. The Lord would use a similar thought in His parable about the rich foolish farmer. He had plans to tear down barns and build larger barns. It was all planned out. His future looked good. He failed to include God, thank God, or follow God. That very night his soul was required of him. That very night he died. Belshazzar and the rich farmer both died “that very night.”

From this we ought to see some lessons:

First, not everyone lives happily ever after. Belshazzar didn’t. The rich farmer didn’t. Their time was up. They didn’t have another day. That night—immediately, their souls were required. Life is made up of choices and if one spends a lifetime making the wrong choices, the outcome will not be pleasant in eternity.

Second, God’s time table is set to Heaven’s clock and not ours. When God is ready, things happen. They happen quickly. They happen without notice. They happen whether we are ready or not. That same night. Immediately, we might say.

Third, some run out of opportunities to change. Belshazzar did. The rich farmer did. There was no invitation song for them. There was no going home and thinking things out for them. God called their souls and they died. They died unprepared. They died in disobedience. They died and they were not ready to meet God.

Fourth, not everyone is going to Heaven. The Bible specifically shows that the way to destruction is broad and crowded with people. Yet, the way so many think, you’d get the impression that just about everyone is going to make it. God is too good and too loving some preachers present it, to allow anyone to be lost. Belshazzar’s story didn’t end well for him. The rich farmer’s story didn’t end well for him. And, ignoring God will not end well for us.

Fifth, we often do not know when our last day will be. In the movies, death is so dramatic. The music plays, there are final words and it’s very moving. That’s the movies. I’ve seen far too many take that final breath. It’s not like that. They simply stop and that’s it. Had Belshazzar known that he was going to die in an invasion that night, he likely would have skipped the banquet. He would have done things differently. Had the farmer, in the Lord’s story, known that he was to die that night, he would have done things differently. Neither knew. Death came. Ready or not, it comes. It comes when we are busy. It comes when we are needed by others. It comes at a time that is not convenient. It comes.

What if today was your last day? According to the stats, 7,000 people will die today. For a few, their families knew it would be soon. Sickness and disease made them realize that death was soon. But for others, today will be their last day and they, like Belshazzar and the rich farmer, had no clue. They expect to be here tomorrow, but they won’t. They were busy making plans and filling schedules for the rest of the week, month and year. But those things won’t happen. Funerals will be planned. Everything has stopped. Their souls were required. They passed through that door of death and ready or not, they will stand before God.

Now all of this leads to a couple of concluding thoughts:

First, one can become paranoid and scared and fail to live. Knowing that one day will be our last day, we can live in a perpetual state of mourning and fear and not make any plans and not do anything and just sit and wait for death to come. That’s a terrible way to exist. That’s not healthy, productive, nor what God wants.

Second, we can walk by faith and live with the hope that God has before us. Rather than being fixated upon death, we fill each day with the glory of God knowing that when our day comes, we are ready. Build a foundation upon Christ. Make a difference in the lives around you. Make worship meaningful and significant. Put the kingdom first in your life. Make plans but keep your eyes on Heaven. This isn’t our home, but Heaven is. Know that some day Heaven will send angels to carry you to your Lord. Believe. Trust. Obey. Walk. Drive out fear and worry. Make it your ambition to please the Lord. And, when it is our last day here, whether it’s today, tomorrow or down the road, we’ll be ready because we’ve longed to see the Lord all of our life.

That very night—live well. Live godly. Live righteously. The Lord will take good care of you.

Roger

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Jump Start # 2652

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2652

Luke 23:43 “And He said, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

Our verse today is one of the final sentences of Jesus while He was dying upon the cross. He was in a conversation with someone who also was dying. Jesus was dying for something He didn’t do. The one He was talking to was dying for something that he had done. One deserved to die, and One didn’t deserve to die.

The thief, who Jesus was talking to, had a change of heart. He saw Jesus differently. He stopped ridiculing and mocking Jesus, as he had done before. He asked Jesus to remember him. A dying man asking another dying man to remember implies that death doesn’t end things. Death doesn’t erase our memory. Death isn’t the end of the story. This thief believed that Jesus’ kingdom was real. He wanted Jesus to remember him when He came in His kingdom. I tend to doubt that this thief had followed Jesus. His choices, and the company that he ran with would not put him around moral goodness, kindness, generosity, and obedience to God. Nope. This thief spent his time violating and breaking the laws of God. The long arm of the law finally caught up with him and he was being executed as a rebel and criminal to the Roman empire. Stuff about the golden rule, turning your cheek, going the second mile, would not have caught the attention of this thief. But now, in his final hours, he sees something in Jesus. It wasn’t halos, angels, but the manner in which Jesus, even in death, conducted Himself. Forgiving His crucifiers, praying to God, no shouting back to the crowd. No cussing. No threats being uttered. An earthquake. Darkness at noon. It was enough for his thief to understand that Jesus was the Messiah. He had a kingdom. Death wasn’t going to stop Him. He wanted Jesus to remember him. He wanted to be with Jesus. He wanted to be on the right side.

Our verse is what Jesus said to this believing thief. Look at the powerful words spoken by our dying Lord:

Today: not someday…not maybe

You: nothing more personal than that

Will be with Me: Where Jesus is, he will be.

In Paradise: Abraham’s bosom. Comfort. The place for the saved and the righteous.

It wasn’t too late. He didn’t miss it. He wasn’t too far gone. He hadn’t missed the boat. He would be with Jesus. He may not have understood what Paradise meant. He may have never thought about life after death. But Jesus was going to be there and he was going to be with Jesus. That’s all that is necessary to know.

And, here, in these simple statements we find a profound thought for us:

Jesus knew where He was going. He knew that He was dying. He knew that He was going to Paradise. Jesus was certain about this. This wasn’t a wish. This wasn’t something on the Lord’s bucket list. This wasn’t a lifelong dream. Jesus knew this. Jesus knew what was next. Jesus knew where He was headed.

And, I just wonder if one of the greatest problems even among the Lord’s disciples today, is the fact that we simply do not know where we are going. Some don’t know where they are going now. You see that by the choices that they are making. Certainly, they will tell you that they want to go to Heaven, but their choices, their attitudes and their words sure make you question that. And, this could be one of the reasons why, even among believers, there is such a fear of death. We sing about Heaven. We preach about Heaven. We talk about Heaven. But when one among us passes, we carry one as if it is one of the worst things in the world. We ought to be rejoicing with tears. Certainly death hurts, but how blessed and how fortunate they are to be with the Lord. Out of this crazy world. No more troubles. No masks to wear. No bad news. Nothing to discourage, defeat or depress ever again. With the Lord, what a wonderful, wonderful place that would be.

The Lord knew where He was going. Could it be that we don’t? And, here’s why:

First, we recognize that we haven’t been good enough. And, we haven’t. We never will be. If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need Jesus. We’ve thought things that we shouldn’t have. We’ve had the wrong attitudes. We’ve said the wrong things. We’ve allowed our minds to wander in worship. There were times when we ought to have prayed, but we didn’t. There have been times when our choice has been to watch TV over opening our Bibles. Temptation has knocked on our door and we invited it in. We realize that we haven’t been what we should be. How can I expect to go to Heaven like this? You know the answer. It’s by God’s grace and our faith. The only hope that imperfect people have is in the perfect Jesus. Paul recognized that there was a crown awaiting him. Not because he preached. Not because he was an apostle. It was because of God’s wonderful grace. The same that will save you. Jesus knew where He was going. We ought to know as well.

Second, we fail to believe that God forgives us and worse, we refuse to forgive ourselves. This is a faith issue. One must believe in the promises of God. Forgiveness is not a feeling but a relationship. We have hurt others. We have disappointed others. We have let others down. But God forgives. We must believe that. And, we must forgive ourselves. “I don’t deserve to go to Heaven,” is a true statement. But, why do you continue to punish yourself for something that God has released and forgiven? Why won’t you trust God? Yes, you have a past, but it has been forgiven. Yes, you have issues and baggage, but God is working you through those things. Yes, you could do more. God wants you in Heaven. Jesus knew where He was going. Do you?

Third, we feel like there ought to be some punishment for the wrongs we have done. Our Catholic friends believe in a system like that. It’s called purgatory. That is not the paradise that Jesus was offering to the thief. The doctrine of purgatory means one has to go through some Hell before they can have Heaven. Even though one is forgiven, they must still suffer for a while because they have sinned. Everyone, except martyrs, suffer for a while in purgatory. No one knows how long one must suffer. It may be centuries. This thinking waters down the concept of forgiveness. It believes, even though you are forgiven, you must still suffer some consequences. Jesus never taught that. The woman caught in adultery was forgiven. Jesus didn’t throw a little rock at her, just to teach her a lesson. To be forgiven, is to be released from what one owes. Nothing more is required.

Without admitting that we bought into the purgatory concept, some act that way. Forgiven, but I don’t know if I’ll be in Heaven. Forgiven, but I won’t be with Jesus. Why?

Today, this day, you will be with Me. Those were the words of Jesus. Forgiving to the very end. Do you know where you are going? Do you know where you are headed? Jesus did. Maybe it’s time we put more confidence in what the Scriptures teach and less in our feelings about ourselves.

With Me—what wonderful, wonderful words.

Roger

12

Jump Start # 2651

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2651

Daniel 5:22 “Yet you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this”

Our passage today takes us to the final days of the Babylonian empire. That once powerful, beautiful and enormous kingdom was coming to an end. This was not new news. Isaiah had prophesied this. The great Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, had a dream in which this was revealed. And, now, all these years later, it happens.

By this time, Nebuchadnezzar has died. A quick turn-around of several kings revealed the unsteady and turbulent times that the nation was going through. Belshazzar was the last. He wasn’t truly the king. His father was. His father was out fighting battles and had a palace in another location. Belshazzar was left to run the city, or more accurately, to ruin the city. As the Persians and Medes marched closer and closer to the city, the foolish Belshazzar throws a drunken feast for a thousand of his nobles. Either clueless to how close the enemy was or so arrogant that he thought Babylon was untouchable, he drank the night away. He called for the vessels of God taken from the Jerusalem temple by Nebuchadnezzar. They drink and toast the gods of Babylon from those stolen cups. A hand appears out of no where. Words are written where everyone can see. The king falls apart in fear. His wise men are brought in but they are unable to make sense of the words. Daniel, for the third time in this book, comes and interprets.

It is from this event that we get those great expressions, “handwriting on the wall,” “weighed in the balances,” and “days are numbered.” But Daniel does something this time that he didn’t do when interpreting for Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel preaches. He thumps Belshazzar for being a fool and not glorifying the God that gave him the breath in his body. Daniel tells the story of Nebuchadnezzar, arrogant and proud, but God brought him low. He lost his mind. He ate grass like cattle. His hair and nails grew long. When he learned his lesson, God restored him to the throne. It was God who put Nebuchadnezzar there. It was God who is the supreme ruler of the universe. And, it is here where Daniel say, “You knew this.” You knew that story. It was not locked up in the achieves. Nebuchadnezzar had published this and sent it throughout the empire. Belshazzar knew. He knew but it didn’t change him. He knew but it didn’t impact him. He knew but he lived and acted as if he didn’t know.

And, what a great lesson for us.

First, God has kept the stories of failures in the Bible so we don’t have to walk down those same dead end streets and make the same mistakes ourselves. Judas betraying. Peter denying. Ananias lying. Nadab worshipping differently. Eve talking to serpents. Demas returning to the world. All of these wrecks upon the highway of life are lessons for us. You know these things, yet do we follow in these same steps?

Second, people have this underlining belief that they are different than others. What happen to them won’t happen to me. Nebuchadnezzar’s pride brought him low. Did Belshazzar think his pride would be overlooked? Did he think it was different now? Paul told Timothy that elders who continued to remain in sin were to be rebuked publically. This would cause others to be fearful of sinning. Others would take it to heart. Others would learn. Belshazzar knew, but it didn’t do him any good.

Third, this is how one generation helps the next. This is how parents help their children. This is how older Christians help younger Christians. When we hide our mistakes and paint the picture of perfection, those younger feel that they can never live up to that standard. Some quit trying. The truth is, we all have struggled, fought temptation, had bad days and have made the wrong choices. Being honest, open and clear can help others. They will find us easier to talk to. They will find us being real. They will find us as being success stories. Only Jesus is perfect. We need to stop trying to out do the Lord because we never can.

Fourth, knowing and doing are two different actions in our lives. Belshazzar knew. But he never acted upon what he knew. He might as well had not known. What he knew didn’t help him. The reason is, knowledge is only good if it becomes action. Knowing something doesn’t help you if you ignore what you learned. The same is for us. We can know the Bible. We sit through Bible classes and hear dozens of sermons. We take notes. We write things in our Bibles. Our heads are full of knowledge. But does that knowledge translate into better behavior and actions. Has that knowledge calmed our anger? Has that knowledge made us purer? Has that knowledge opened our hearts and our hands in compassion? I know and I do are not the same.

The judgment scene of Matthew 25 is about what one has done. I was hungry and you fed. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was in prison and you visited. It was about action. The story of the good Samaritan ends with the Lord saying, “Go and do thou likewise.” He didn’t say, “go home and think about this.” No. Go repeat this. Go do this. Paul told the Galatians, as we have opportunity let us do good to all, especially those of the household of faith. Do good. Titus was told to encourage others to engage in good deeds. Over and over and over the N.T. teaches the lessons about doing what we know.

Belshazzar knew. It didn’t change him. He wasn’t any better for knowing. He died that very night. The night the hand appeared was his last night. It wasn’t a call to repent. It was too late for that. He should have known.

Could the same be said of us? We ought to put into action the things that we know.

Roger

11

Jump Start # 2650

Posted on August 11, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2650

Jeremiah 6:15 “Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; they did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be cast down,’ says the Lord.”

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend in our current culture. I wish it would go away, but I don’t think it will. It’s the use of obscene words. Rioters spray paint these words on the side of buildings. Politicians tweet these words. Sport and Hollywood stars drop these words in interviews. The movies are filled with these words. It’s creeping closer and closer to becoming mainstream. It won’t be much longer when the censors will give up and allow these words to be said on primetime TV.

Words do not pop out of our mouths. They are choices. We may talk so fast that we don’t realize it, but words don’t form themselves in our mouths. Our minds and hearts are what drive those words. People once tried to hide behind the excuse, “That was a slip of the tongue.” Funny, those slips were always bad words, gossip and negative. No one said a compliment and then said, “That was a slip of the tongue.”

Why are so many talking so filthy anymore? Why is it that saying these words doesn’t make them blush?

Our verse today, from the prophet Jeremiah, lists a series of wrong steps that Judah was taking. Dishonesty, greed, misinformation, indifference and arrogance led them to turning their backs on God. They walked away from a standard of right and wrong. Along the way, their conscience stopped working.

It takes a conscience to blush. A conscience that is saturated in the word of God will do a lot of blushing. Words, thoughts, attitudes and even clothing are all brought to check when a heart is set to please the Lord. But when that heart isn’t thinking about the Lord and when that heart is flying freely without any thought or concern, then words will fly, clothing will come off, attitudes will crash and no one can right the course that they are set upon.

There was a time when one in the spotlight, where in the field of sports, music, theatre, film or even politics understood that they had an influence to share with others. Their role was much larger than themselves. They especially wanted to leave a wholesome and good impression upon little ones. But those days are gone. It’s everyone for themselves now. If you don’t like what I do or say, it’s your problem, not mine. That’s the culture of today.

So, how do we get that blush radar working again?

First, we must recognize what is right and what is wrong. Because society repeats certain words over and over does not mean that they are acceptable, good and worthy of saying. Right and wrong is determined by God’s word. The more of the Bible that is in us, the more that we are bothered by wrong behavior. Our conscience must be built upon God’s word and not how things affect us.

Second, our kids hear things from others. They need to know that not everyone chooses the right actions and not everything needs to be repeated. You be the censor at home. Shows with inappropriate language and dress needs to be stopped and changed. When you hear your child saying something wrong, don’t go past Jerusalem in overreacting. Talk to him about those choice of words. Most times little ones do not even know what the words are, other than they are bad words. Anger has a lot to do with this. Teaching your child how to vent constructively and godly is important. Jesus turned over the tables in the Temple but He didn’t get into a fist fight. He didn’t cuss. He didn’t do things which caused Him to apologize later.

Third, surround yourself with those who act and talk the way that God wants them to. Find quality people to fill your life and time with. Often co-workers are like brothers and sisters, we don’t get a vote in picking who they will be. At times, they may be a blessing. But it’s the other times, when they can drag your spirit down. You don’t have to attend every argument you are invited to and you do not have to express your opinion to every thought that people share. Silence can be golden.

Fourth, don’t be ashamed to blush. Don’t apologize for being embarrassed. It’s a sign that your conscience is working. It shows that things bother you and are not right. The bigger problem is when someone is beyond blushing. It is a problem when someone can have a potty mouth and that doesn’t bother them. Or, they can chew someone out and then sleep like a baby. Heartless must be a quality that makes people unable to blush. The Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz was a galvanized strong person. He held that axe up for a long time. But what was missing was a heart. He was empty on the inside. And when a person gets that way, they are unmoved and indifferent to the suffering around them. They simply do not care. But we are different. We have a heart, a different outlook and a different One that we are following.

Learn to be sensitive. Having a godly conscience is the key. It’s ok to blush, and out society certainly gives us plenty of reasons for that.

Roger