13

Jump Start # 2718

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

Jump Start # 2718

2 Timothy 4:16  At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.

This last page of 2 Timothy is a tough one. Oh, we love the section where Paul declared that he kept the faith, finished the course and is awaiting the crown above. We use those words at funerals and to keep us keeping on. But all around those words are others. They are often overlooked. It’s a chapter of major let downs and disappointments. Alexander hurt Paul. Demas deserted Paul. A time was coming when the congregation would no longer want solid Biblical preaching. They would go on the hunt to find the kind of preaching that made them feel good. And, at Paul’s first trial, everyone abandoned him. Deserted. Abandoned. Left alone. Not a good section.

I don’t know if this was the feeling of Paul, but I get the impression that he was ready to just leave this place. He had poured his heart, soul and literal life into preaching the Gospel and when he needed others, they were not there. Paul had always been there for them, but rather than stepping up, they stepped aside.

One of the hardest things to deal with is when brethren let you down. There are times that they are simply disappointing. Shepherds who seem to busy to shepherd. Deacons who do not serve. And, yes, even we preachers, can seem to have the lazy bone. The stories I could tell. I have been literally up to my eyes with boxes that needed moving, chairs that needed to be put out and hundreds of other similar things. I’ve even had brethren drop by and see all of that, and just get back in their cars and drive home. Disappointed.

What disappointment does is lead to questioning others commitment, ability, role and it is a quick step to discouragement. Been there. I know the feeling. Someone has to do it and no one is, so it’s usually that faithful few. Weary, spending long, long hours, having things to do at home just like everyone else, yet they stay with it until the job is completed. Then, few notice, and even fewer ever say anything and it is pretty well known that the next time something like this comes up, it will be the same few who carry on the work.

There is a thing called the 80/20 principle. Eighty percent of the work is done by twenty percent of the people. That would be a great thing. Usually it’s about 95% of the work done by 5% of the people. Some get so tired of being in that 5% group that they no longer stick around, show up, nor are counted on. They join the others. They have gotten overworked, little appreciated and even felt like they were taken advantage of. I do think this is why some young preachers quit. We old preachers are just to old to do anything else, or we might join them ourselves.

Disappointments—how do we deal with them?

First, the work isn’t about you or me, but the kingdom. Get in there and do what you can do because it needs to be done. We’ve seen what happens when no one does anything—the place falls apart. It’s a mess. Here am I send me, was the words of the prophet. It doesn’t matter if there is a team or just you, first and foremost get done what needs to get done. And, when it is completed, do not tell others. Do not toot your own horn. The Lord knows. It’s that cup of cold water that you gave. Heaven sees and let it stay with that.

Second, recruit others to help. Now, just telling others that something needs to be done and you are not there yourself doesn’t go very far. The best way to lead is by example. Get some younger folks involved. Get some retired folks involved. Most would help, but most never have open eyes to see it themselves. So, just ask a couple to help you out. Be the first one there. Be the last one to leave. Thank them for helping out. That’s how you get things done.

Third, complaining usually doesn’t accomplish much. You can complain that our deacons don’t do a thing. That may be true, but that typically won’t get them moving any faster on things. And, the more we complain the more others get discouraged. Take it to the Lord in prayer, always works for me.

Fourth, in our Timothy context, Paul reminds us that the Lord stood with him and strengthened him. That’s important to understand. Paul could always count on the Lord and so can you.

Fifth, sometimes we make too much of things that do not need that. We can put so much attention on the external and go overboard with things and all of that takes a lot of energy and time. You can do it well and you can do it right, and you can do it professionally, but you don’t have to go to extremes. Our attention to details can haunt us. We see things that no one else does. We can want everything to be perfect when things won’t be perfect. Glorifying God, honoring Him in worship, encouraging one another and teaching all is what we are about. Do your best but understand others may not go to the extreme that you do. When it comes to publications, the layout of how things look when people walk into our building is high on my list. I’ll move sheets of paper around just to make them look nicer. That’s me. I don’t expect others to be like that. Being overly obsessed with perfection can be a curse. Don’t forget the big picture of things. Don’t forget what we are about.

Finally, don’t let your disappointment in others ruin your fellowship with them. Not everyone is in the same place on the journey of life. There may be many reasons why others don’t help out and you may just not know what those reasons are. Being disappointed in others can make you conclude that their faith is weak and that they can not be counted on for anything. Don’t go there. Not only are you not accurate about that, but it puts you so high up on the mountain that all you can do is look down at others.

Disappointments, they are a part of life. And, truth be known, I expect each of us have disappointed others, I know I have. And, what you do is learn. Try to do better the next time. Not everyone handles disappointments well. Not everyone excels with the Lord. Make sure you are not the cause of someone stumbling. And it you are, be the first to extend you hand to help them back up.

What to do with disappointments…something we do well to talk about.

Roger

12

Jump Start # 2717

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

Jump Start # 2717

Daniel 2:21 “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding.”

The latest Presidential election has many Christians trying to fit things into their theology and thinking. For the most part, Christians are conservative in their thinking. There is a reason for that. The direction that the Bible leads us is a conservative path. Following authority, submission, and evidence based thinking leads to a conservative mindset. Many believed that God put Trump into the Whitehouse. But, now in this latest election, Trump lost. The conservative platform changed to a progressive platform. And, all of this has folks scratching their heads and trying to make sense of it.

Our verse today has been used a ton since the election to bring peace to troubled hearts. “I guess it’s what God wanted,” is what some have said. But I feel this verse is being used in places it was never intended and it has not fully been thought out. Now, I admit as I write this, that I may stir up some unwelcome comments and you may toss out my thinking, and that’s ok. Just let some of this soak in and think about it for a while.

First, the passage in Daniel has direct and very specific application to God’s promises, plans and provisions for Judah. The nation was being led away into Babylonian captivity. Isaiah had prophesied this. Jeremiah warned about this. So, the removing of Judah’s king and the capturing by Babylon was part of God divine plan. Later, after God had prophesied a specific time table of seventy years, Babylon would be crushed by another kingdom. That kingdom, the Persians, would allow God’s people to return to Judah, again part of God’s plans. All of this was in keeping with God’s promises to Abraham, very specific and ordained.

Second, I feel that it is a stretch to think that every single ruler in the entire world is put in place by God. Not all other nations, even during Daniel’s time, were involved in God’s eternal plan. To say that Biden won the election because God wanted him to be president, would also imply, every senate seat, every house seat, every governor’s office, every mayor’s office is just what God wanted. How far down the ladder do we go? City Council seats? School board seats? And, this, all over the entire world? Every nation? Every city?

If this be true, why even vote? God will put in office who He wants. My vote really never matters, because God will fill every single political office as He desires. Does this include judges? Does this include local sheriffs? But so many of these offices have nothing to do with God’s eternal plans.

Now, historically, what do we do with a Hitler? Wicked to the core, he was a mass murderer. Are we to assume God wanted him in that position? Some might say, “Well, each person is responsible for the actions that they make.” Yet, with a deranged lunatic like Hitler, would we expect any good out of him?

Third, we remember from Corinthians that no one knows the mind of God except what has been revealed. We must be careful about attributing things to the Lord that we are just not sure about. Did God want Trump? Does God want Biden? Did God want either one? There is a famous quote from Lincoln in which someone asked him if he thought God was on the side of the Union during the Civil War. Lincoln replied, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” Did God appoint Trump and then Biden? Using our Daniel verse today may well be taking things out of context. Yes, God appoints and removes kings. But why? Because every four years their term is up? Or, because He has a divine plan that you and I cannot see, nor fully understand. No nation and no leader can alter the plans of God. If God’s plans involve the reshaping of leaders or nations, God is able to do that. Biblical history shows that. In an instant, the Pharaoh of Egypt was killed when the walls of the Red Sea collapsed upon him. The period of Kings and Chronicles in our Bibles are filled with wars in which leaders were killed or assassinated by those who wanted to rule. Most of these involved God’s people and God’s plans that led to Jesus, from the tribe of Judah and God’s promises to Abraham. Where America fits in this is not revealed to us in Scriptures.

Saying, “This is what God wants,” is dangerous when we have no revelation pointing to that.

Fourth, whether God intended for Biden to lead this country or not, what God expects of His people has not changed. We are to pray for our leaders, first written during the time of the Caesars. We are to be submissive to the leaders, even if we don’t like them. We are to render what is due to them. God expects us to walk in the light and be examples of righteousness, even when things are hard and difficult.

So, what are we to make of this latest election? I can’t say if it turned out the way God wanted it to or not. There may be some dark days ahead for those who hold Biblical values. The progressive agenda doesn’t have much tolerance for old fashioned, Biblical standards. God’s people have gone through many dark days before.  This won’t be any different. God remains upon the throne and Jesus is our King.

Those early disciples suffered during Rome’s heavy hand. But that empire is gone and the kingdom of Christ remains. It will always remain. Nothing will conquer it.

I hope these words have been helpful. There is a lot of anger, even from Christians. The country is very divided and may split even more. Our help has always come from Heaven, not the Whitehouse, or the courthouse. We must remember that no one can change what you believe. We must act as the Lord wants us to.

To God be the glory.

Roger

11

Jump Start # 2716

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

Jump Start # 2716

Revelation 1:17 “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last’”

  Here we are in November and the pandemic continues on. I expect most of us thought by now that this would only be a bad memory that we’d like to forget. But, here it is. Still wearing masks. Still dealing with social distancing. So many things have been cancelled. Many are just tired of all this stuff. We are ready for a massive mask burning party.

But in other times, people may have felt the same about wars. When will it end? When will our boys be coming home? Yet, the war lingered on. And, when we run thin on patience, we tend to get snappy and short with each other.

All of this brings us to our verse today. John saw the Lord in a vision. The Lord displayed His glory and majesty. Remember, John had been with Jesus for three years. He’d walked with Jesus. He had eaten with Jesus. He saw the miracles. He heard the words. He was standing at the Cross when Jesus died. He saw the Lord resurrected. He saw the Lord ascend into Heaven. But that was years ago. More than sixty years have passed. John is old. He hasn’t seen Jesus in a long, long time. Now, in this divine vision, he sees the Lord again. John falls as a dead man, the text states. Then Jesus does two things.

He speaks and assures John. He tells John not to be afraid. He reminds John of who the Lord is. But, a second thing He does is touch John. “He placed His right hand on me.” It is remarkable how many times Jesus did things like this. Jesus took the hand of Jairus’ daughter who had just died. Life came back to her. Jesus touched the eyes of the blind. He touched the lepers. Jesus touched the coffin of the dead man heading  to the cemetery to be buried. The touch of Jesus’ hand.

There comes with a touch, compassion, warmth, and reassurance. We like handshakes, hugs and pats on the back. But in this season of “touchless” social distancing, how do we reaffirm our affection, devotion and compassion to one another? Some are doing fist bumps. Some are bumping elbows. Some ignore all warnings and hug anyway.

Here are a few ways to “touch” without touching:

  • Send a personal note, email or text to someone.
  • Call someone and have a great conversation with that person.
  • Tell someone that you are saying their name to Heaven tonight.
  • A simple gift or gift card shows others that you are thinking of them and have gone out of your way for them
  • Engage in conversations and let others know that you are there to help them

It is important that within a congregation the expressions of love, joy and compassion continue to be demonstrated. One of the strengths of a congregation is the connections and love that people have for each other. And, when there are challenges, such as these touchless times, we have to put on our thinking caps and find ways to express, connect and share our love for each other.

Becoming disconnected from each other is an opportunity for us to float off and to float away. We are like a bunch of balloons are tied together. Our strings are wrapped around each other and it is nearly impossible to just pull one away from the others. That’s the way fellowship ought to be. Connect. Strong. United.

It is much easily to lose our focus upon the Lord when we are away from each other. When we see each other we are reminded. When we are with each other hope comes alive. But disconnected and apart, we become easy target for the lion who prowls about. Stay close to each other. Stay focused. Watch out for each other. That’s what these times calls for.

Touching in a touchless season—it’s tough, but it can be done.

Roger

10

Jump Start # 2715

Posted on November 10, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2715

Matthew 12:10 “And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. And they questioned Him saying, ‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” – in order that they might accuse Him.”

Our verse today reminds us that even among what appears to be good and religious people, their attitudes, motives and insides can be all twisted and messed up. Throughout this chapter, Jesus encounters test after test by those who did not believe in Him. He was truly a chief cornerstone that the builders rejected. Examined, questioned, and pushed to the limits, the Pharisaical spirit could not open their eyes to see Jesus. Our verse is yet another example of this.

A man has a withered hand. The previous verses tells us that this takes place on Saturday, the Sabbath and in the synagogue. The fact that the withered hand man is in the synagogue is remarkable. Some would have blamed God for a crippled hand. We are not told whether he was born this way, or, was it an injury from work, or, a victim of violence. His hand was withered and he was in the synagogue. The synagogue was a place to worship and that’s where we find the man with the withered hand. Injured on the outside, he remained whole on the inside.

Also present in that synagogue was another form of injury. It too was withered. Instead of a withered hand, it was withered hearts and souls. This belonged to these Pharisees. Their paralysis was much more serious. And, unlike the man with the bad hand, they never recognized how injured that they were. One can go to Heaven with a withered hand. You can’t go to Heaven with a withered heart, not spiritually.

The Pharisees ask a question. They ask if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath. They were more concerned with the calendar than the restoration of this man. They didn’t ask Jesus if He would heal the man. They didn’t ask Jesus if He could heal the man. They didn’t plead in behalf of this man. No, the fact that Jesus could heal was taken for granted. Will you heal on the Sabbath seemed to be their only concern. And, as Matthew adds, this was asked so that they might accuse Jesus. Violating the Sabbath was more of a concern to these Pharisees than the fact that Jesus could heal. They began taking healings for granted. No big deal. Seen Him do it before. Heal on a Friday. Heal on a Sunday. Nothing to write home about. But if He was to heal on a Saturday, now, that’s got to prove He’s not the Messiah. How, oh, how these Pharisees missed the obvious. The fact that Jesus healed anyone, just one, ought to be enough to make us believe. But He didn’t heal just one. He healed dozens and dozens of people. None of them could heal. None of them could heal on any day of the week. They lived among the crippled, blind and demon possessed and they couldn’t make things any better.

And, I wonder if sometimes you and I miss the obvious. It’s right before us, but like these Pharisees, we never see it. For instance:

  • Do we miss the joy of worship because we saw someone taking their mask off?
  • Do we fail to see the bright and encouraging faith in a young man who leads his first prayer. What we notice is that he didn’t stand behind the mic or he talked too long, if there is such a thing in prayer.
  • Do you not see the wonderful hearts of our shepherds who love us so much and are trying to lead us safely and spiritually through these troublesome times? All we notice are the unusual ways we must take the Lord’s Supper these days.
  • Do we notice the hard work of the preachers who continually are making quality videos for Bible classes. It’s not the best way to teach, but they are trying their best. Do we see that or instead do we notice that the preacher wore the same shirt in last week’s video?

Missing the obvious—it’s so easy to do. The Pharisees did it so they could trap Jesus. We may do it to keep ourselves comfortable and relaxed.

Will you heal on the Sabbath is not the same as could you please heal my friend?  One spoken in meanness and judgment, the other spoken out of love and concern. The one points fingers, the other opens up a heart. One is critical, the other is kind. One is looking for a fight, the other is seeking mercy.

And, sadly, much too often, both spirits are alive in a congregation. Two people witnessing the same event. One become critical and accusatory. The other is thankful and blessed. One misses the obvious and the other embraces the obvious. One leaves none the better. One leaves encouraged, lifted up and connected to the Lord and others.

One has to admire the patience, kindness and love of the Lord. Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath could have been answered with: “Is it lawful to be as narrow minded and dumb as you are?” Or, “Is it lawful to miss the obvious?” Jesus was kind to the core. He was doing all He could to save. You won’t find those words out of Jesus’ mouth.

The obvious—don’t miss it.

Roger

09

Jump Start # 2714

Posted on November 9, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2714

Psalms 84:10 “For a day in Your courtyards is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.”

Much of the wisdom literature is written as contrasts. In Proverbs, it’s the fool contrasted to the wise. In Ecclesiastes, it’s one thing that is better than another thing. And, here, our verse from Psalms, shows us another great contrast. Being with the Lord is contrasted to being apart from the Lord. One day compared to a thousand days. Threshold compared to tents. Standing contrasted to living. God contrasted to the wicked.

There are some lessons for us:

First, it’s one or the other. It’s not both. It’s not being in God’s courtyards and then going off elsewhere. It’s not standing in the house of God and then living in tents. It’s one or the other. And, that alone throws many people. They want both. They want to live in tents of wickedness yet spend a day in God’s house. And such a cavalier spirit reflects the emptiness of religion in America. Rather than pulling people closer to God through the preaching of His word, too many have opened the door to rock shows, skits, plays, and fun and games. It’s what people are interested in, they say. It’s the only way to attract a crowd these days, they believe.

Our verse doesn’t allow both. It’s either living in tents or standing in the threshold. All in with God or not in at all.

Second, the value of one day of worship surpasses long periods of superficial pleasure without God. One day compared to a thousand days. A thousand days is more than two and half years. The comparison isn’t close. It’s not a day compared to three days. It’s not one day compared to a week. It’s one day compared to two and half years. The Psalmist saw the true and lasting value of being with the Lord. The encouragement, the growth, the fellowship, the depth, the insights, the spiritual comfort—those are all life changing and character building. A thousand days of fun and games may make us feel better, but they do not make us any better. The feelings are soon forgotten and we remain the same. However, that day within God’s temple can alter one’s future and eternity. It can change the direction that his entire family is traveling. It can be life saving.

What does this tell us about missing services? Oh, it’s just one service we say. Yes, it’s just one, but what a difference that one can make.

Third, there are things we find in the presence of God and in worship that can not be found anywhere else. Given a thousand days and the Psalmist wouldn’t have what he found in that one day in the temple. The living in tents would be comfortable. Tents back then, were like mobile houses. They were large, had carpeted rugs and very spacious. It’s not the tents we take camping these days. One could live in tents. Israel’s first place of worship was in a tent—we call it the tabernacle. And as nice and comforting as those tents would be, they wouldn’t help the person on the inside. In the presence of God, holiness intersects with us. Goodness is placed before our eyes. Faithfulness, trust and love become living concepts. The tents of wickedness won’t give you such insights and hope.

Worship is good. It brings together those who believe. And, in this period of Zoom, and internet church, we must remember, that is not nearly as good, nor can it ever equal or replace our coming together. We need to be together. Those that remain isolated will not have the wonderful benefits as being with each other. Imagine having Thanksgiving dinner via Zoom. Just not the same. It’s like watching a ballgame on TV or actually being in the stands. Not the same.

One day in the courtyards—not even within the Temple structure itself, just the courtyards. That one day is better than a thousand days outside. This ought to make us realize why Sunday is the best day of the week. It ought to put a wonderful desire in our hearts to anticipate and long for Sunday worship. Powerful, beneficial and enjoyable is our worship to the Lord.

One day better than a thousand. Sure is something to think about.

Roger