15

Jump Start # 2984

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2984

Joshua 4:6 “Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later saying ‘What do these stones mean to you?’”

Our verse comes from that wonderful time when Israel was finally going to cross the Jordan River and enter the promise land. As the river parted, twelve stones were to be picked up from the river bottom. These stones were to be carried on the shoulders and there was to be one stone for each of the tribes. This was a memorial, a reminder. Years later, as our verse implies, when your children ask about those rocks, they were to be told the story of God’s deliverance, providence, protection and power. The waters parted and we entered.

But something stands out about these words to me. The passage says, “When your children ask later…” Consider some thoughts:

First, why would children even ask about rocks? Implied is that these rocks were set aside in a special way. Some have thought that the rocks were put on top of one another like a pillar. These were not just rocks along the road or in a garden. I’ve been to that area. There are a lot of rocks. So, parents would have shown their children these rocks. This was something special. This was part of their history as a family, as a nation and spiritually. We may take our kids to national monuments or battlefields and when we do that we have a discussion. We put a context to why these things are important.

Here, it seems that the parents were deliberate in showing these rocks to their children. There was a spiritual lesson to be taught and understood. A legacy was being formed. This also implies that this was important to the parents. The parents wanted their children to know what happened. The rocks were not sacred. The rocks were not to be worshipped. The rocks were not God. However, the rocks were important. Our Lord’s Supper could be that way. A rock is a rock. Grape juice is grape juice. It’s where that rock came from that made it significant. It’s what that grape juice represents is what makes it significant.

A spiritual lesson came from a rock. A reminder. A connection.

Second, obviously, those rocks were saved. Later on, implies later on. Once the rocks were carried to the other side, they weren’t tossed aside, broken up into gravel, or thrown down a hill. They were saved. They were preserved. Being a history nut as I am, I like it when congregations hang on to a piece of their past. I was in one church building that had old wooden contribution plate hanging on the wall. There was a card with the history of that on the inside. In my office, I have one of the original pulpits from our congregation’s early history. The children would not ask about the rocks, unless they could see the rocks. In my dream world, I’ve love to see down some hall way of a church building the photos of former elders and preachers. Reminders. The children saw the rocks.

Third, as the big people were telling the little people about those rocks, it would help the big ones. We tend to forget. We tend to move on and move away from those earlier lessons. But having to tell someone else takes us back and it helps us to remember as well. This is why teaching the Bible is so valuable. It not only opens the eyes of the one being taught, but it reminds the one who is teaching. We can forget. And, whether we are teaching a Bible class at the church building, teaching a friend over the kitchen table, or are at home and teaching our kids, going over those verses and putting them in a format to teach is valuable. I was asked this recently by a parent. Their question to me was, “How do you tell a five-year-old the difference between a king and a judge.” Well, I know that answer, but I had to think. I had to put it in a way that I would teach a five year old. Teaching about those rocks helped the big ones as well as the little ones who learned.

Fourth, we are not told what happened to those rocks. I suppose they could be still there somewhere. Rocks don’t seem to go away. But as those first children heard those lessons, it was important for them to teach their children. But, we know what happened in Biblical history. As the nation crossed the Jordan, it moved in and spread throughout the territory. The book of Judges begins by telling us that Joshua’s generation was faithful to the Lord. Then arose, another generation that did not know the Lord. Could that be these children? Could it be that they never returned to look at these rocks again. The wheels fall off. Idols are introduced. The nation drifts from God. Foreign armies come to punish God’s people. Judges arose who delivered the nation from the oppressors. But a cycle is repeated over and over for four hundred years. Why was there a generation that did not know the Lord? Would a visit to some rocks have changed that? Had they outgrown rocks? Were they too smart for rocks? They forgot how it all began and as a result, they left the Lord. Maybe it’s good for us to return to some rocks for us. Maybe we need our children to teach these same lessons to their children.

What do these stones mean? Great question. We can only hope that our children will be asking similar questions and that we can answer them.

Roger

14

Jump Start # 2983

Posted on December 14, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2983

1 Peter 3:7 “You husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow-heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

Yesterday in our Jump Start we pointed out that man is different from animals. His position, his creation, his role—totally defined by God and separate from the animal kingdom. Today, we go another step and talk about the differences between men and women. Society wants us to believe that anything a man can do, a woman can do, and vise versa. So engraved is this thought in our culture that a person can switch genders back and forth as he pleases. Men and women are not the same. We are not the same biologically. We are not wired the same. We do not have the same roles and functions. That is not saying one is greater, better, more superior or more intelligent than the other. They have different roles given to them by God.

Our verse today is directed to husbands. Treat your wife correctly and carefully. Honor her. The way you treat her impacts and affects your relationship with God. Your very prayers can be hindered because you did not live with your wife in an understanding way.

That little expression, ‘understanding way,’ says so much. One husband bemoaned, ‘the only thing I understand about my wife is that I don’t understand her.’ But on a much higher level, isn’t this what fellowship involves- Understanding each other. Isn’t this where true shepherding begins, understanding the flock. It’s a problem of the ages. Teens cry that their parents don’t understand them. The divorced cries that no one understands what they have been through. The person who lost a child, says, ‘no one understands what that is like.’ No one understands preachers, except fellow preachers. The list can go on and on. Does anyone understand?

Here are some thoughts:

First, we can make the mistake that everyone else sees and feels about things like I do. That’s a major mistake husbands make. The wife wants to watch a movie. She’s thinking, Hallmark Christmas movies. He’s thinking something with a lot of bullets, crashes and bad guys. Let’s grab a bite to eat, she says. She’s thinking a nice tea room, something with atmosphere and healthy food. He’s thinking burger and fries. A big mistake is thinking that everyone else sees things the way I do. Most don’t. You can pout about it. You can have an argument over it. Or, you can begin to understand each other.

Second, understanding comes from communication. We can’t read each other’s minds. “I know what you’re thinking,” is actually a guess, a shot in the dark. The more we talk, the more we understand each other. The more we are guarded and give safe answers, the less that other person will really know us. We’ve painted a picture for them to see, but it’s not true. Sometimes honest conversations hurt. One can be kind about it, but being truthful is just that, being truthful. If you say you like something when you don’t, then that leaves the wrong idea. Communication is the key. Now, the less we talk, the less we understand one another.

Third, what works for one often doesn’t work for the other. Long, hot baths just don’t fit in my timetable. Too much to do. Quick shower and hit the road is my way of thinking. I’m up early and go to bed late. If there was a way to bypass sleeping, I’d be for that. Now, my wife isn’t like that. She doesn’t go by the “five second rule” when something falls on the floor. I do, especially if it’s chocolate. Just blow on it and pop it in the mouth. She keeps her car cleaner than I do. What works for her is different than what works for me. The same goes spiritually for a couple. Some like long conversations about verses. Some like to read chapters and chapters of the Bible at the same time. Some like long prayers. Some like to get to worship early and stay late. Others are walking in as things are starting. What works for one is different than the other.

Fourth, trying to change one to the other is possible in some ways but not in all ways. I’ve learned to like classical music because of my wife. We’ve been to zillions of concerts. I can recognize who composed some pieces by the style of the music. In that way, she has changed me and introduced things to me. My wife will go to baseball games with me. Like me at a classical concert, she at a baseball game may ask me several questions about why this and why that. But couples butt heads when one doesn’t become completely like the other. A total makeover is really impossible and not the best. Individual tastes brings perspective and insight that only enriches one and but it helps one polish the rough edges. We need that. We don’t need every church member to be like me. We need other insights, experiences and observations that will help all of us to open our eyes to what is around us.

Now, these same points work in parenting. They also work in shepherding. Live in an understanding way. That’s the goal. That’s what needs to be done. That takes time and effort. It also takes the desire and heart to want to understand. When that is lacking, the problem is deeper than understanding. It’s now a matter of indifference and even neglect.

Live in such a way…that also implies do not live in the other way.

Roger

13

Jump Start # 2982

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2982

Genesis 1:26 “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

In the created world that God made, there was a difference between man and animals. Man was created in the image of God, animals were not. Man was formed out of the dirt, animals  were not. God communicated and directed His will towards man, not animals. And, from our verse today, man had a position that was above the animals. It was man who named the animals, not the other way around. It was man who had dominion, or rule, over the animals, not the other way around. Man was above the animals.

All of this reinforces the special positon that God put man in. He is a little lower than the angels but above the animals. Our culture seems  to be trying to elevate the role of animals on the level of humans. I was listening to a station on XM radio and they were promoting a new play list for “you and your dog.” I didn’t know that dogs listened to music. And, I wonder what kind of music makes it to the ‘dog list.’ How about Elvis’ “You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog.” Or maybe some Three Dog Night would fit the bill. And, there is always “Who let the dogs out.” Don’t forget Snoop Dogg. The Royal Guardsmen had a couple of songs about Snoopy and the Red Baron. Now just who is going to put together this list for dogs? It won’t be a fellow dog, it will be a human.

Now as much as we like our pets and they serve a role in our lives, they are not equal to us and they are very limited  in what they can do. Lately,  I have seen more dogs on airplanes than children. Support dogs might be useful to some  who have had a traumatic experience in their lives, but there is a limit to what a support dog can do. He can’t reason with you. He can’t discuss things with you. He can let you know when you are getting out of line with your thinking. That dog can’t lead you to Scriptures and he certainly can’t pray for you. Dogs are nice,  but they cannot do what faith in Christ can. They cannot do what a fellowship can.

Here are some random thoughts about animals:

First, it is hard to understand the purpose of some animals. I don’t know why God made skunks that stink and rabbits that love to eat all the blooms in my garden. They likely have a purpose but I don’t understand some.

Second, God must have a great sense of humor when you look at some animals. The neck of the giraffe, the laugh of a hyena, a flamingo standing on one leg, a wood pecker pounding his head in a tree, the stripes of a zebra, the color of a parrot all very unique. Animals are not boring. God has a wide way of showing Himself in the animal world.

Third, it is God who said that man could eat animals. This came about not in Eden, but after the flood. Genesis 9 states, “Every moving thing that is alive shall be food for you; I give all to you, as I gave the green plant.” Now there are some things in that “every moving thing” aspect that I wouldn’t want to eat, such as snakes, worms and bugs. But modern times frowns on eating meat and hunting. That may not be your cup of tea, but to tell others that they shouldn’t do it or to insult them because they do is not right. This is a decree from God.

Fourth, unfortunately animals can be kinder than some people. The purr of a kitten or the wagging of a dog’s tail can put a smile on our face. Some people would do good to learn from animals. God even used animals, such as ants, badgers, locusts, eagles and even lizards to illustrate lessons that we need to see. Our Lord entered Jerusalem riding a donkey. Jonah spent three nights inside a giant fish that God prepared. In teaching about worry, Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air.” God uses His creation to teach us. We do well to spend some time looking at what God has placed before us.

Our Lord is connected to two animals, a lamb and a lion. John called Jesus, the lamb of God. Like a lamb that is innocently led to slaughter, so was Jesus. But Jesus is also a lion, the king of the jungle. Strong, powerful, and confident, that’s both the lion and our Lord.

I’ve seen someone in our neighborhood pushing a baby stroller, but there was no baby in it. It was her dog. That seems odd to me, and I suppose she really loves her dog. It was wrapped up in a blanket, just like a baby.

A music play list for dogs. I can see my grandfather just shaking his head at such a thought.

Let us remember the place of animals in our lives and let us remember our place with the Lord. God expects things from us because we can. And, because we can, we must.

Roger

10

Jump Start # 2981

Posted on December 10, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2981

2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”

We are nearing the day of Christmas. The stores are filled with people shopping. The delivery trucks are busy going up and down the streets dropping off things ordered on-line. Trying to find that right gift is hard. Some people are easy to shop for. Others, it’s a real challenge.

With that in mind, here are some things to consider.

First, have you thought about all the things God gives you? The list is long. We’d begin with today, that is a gift. We expect it and go to bed at night assuming that the morning will come and there will be another day. One day will be the last day. Today is a gift.

The way God made you is a gift. He has sprinkled talent in you that is uniquely you. Some have an ear for music, that’s a gift. Some can draw, that’s a gift. Some are athletic, that’s a gift. Some are fixers, that’s a gift. All of us have been given talent by God. Sometimes we’d like to have someone else’s talent. I’d like to have an ounce of my wife’s musical ability. We are made uniquely by God. We all have talent. He made you just the way you are.

Second, God has put people in your life. Sometimes these people may annoy us, but they are there. It may be for our benefit that they are in our lives. There may be some lessons we need to learn from them. And, I expect there are times when God is using us to help them. People that enrich us, encourage us, help us and make us be a better us. The gift of fellowship and friendship.

Third, the greatest gift is salvation. Don’t take that for granted. God doesn’t owe us that. He doesn’t have to save us. It is His choice, His love that drives Him to do that. Our salvation came with an incredible cost—the blood of Jesus Christ. Without that, there would be no salvation. Our verse states that this gift is indescribable. It’s beyond words. There is nothing to compare it to. It’s the best. It’s the greatest. It is something that we could not do for ourselves. It is something that only God could provide. Realizing this gift, as our verse states, one becomes thankful. Thanks be to God for our salvation. Without this, we are lost. Without this all is doom.

Gifts that could not be purchased in any store. Gifts that we could not provide for ourselves. Gifts from Heaven.

Before we leave this idea of gifts, let us turn to ourselves. Sweaters, watches, cool socks are all nice gifts but in time those things wear out and are tossed away. How about gifts that can change someone’s heart, their way of life, their destiny. Here are a few ideas:

  • The gift of God’s word. Give a Bible. Bibles are expensive these days and there are so many different styles and versions and covers. Think about a Bible for your child. Inscribe the date on the inside. Teach him how to take care of that Bible. Sit down with him and show him things you have learned. Have him bring his Bible to services. Your first Bible is a big deal.
  • The gift of videos from the Bible lands. Appian media has several series that brings to life what the Bible lands look like. They have a series designed for children. Find time to sit down and watch these together. Talk about them and share insights. Going to the Bible lands is expensive and hard. Not everyone can do that. But through modern technology the Bible lands can be brought to us.
  • The gift of your time. Gifts don’t always have to be store bought. Carve out an afternoon for your grandchild—just the two of you. Have somethings in mind, such as teaching her how to cook or how to use tools or how to identify trees. Lots of opportunities to sprinkle life values in those moments. I expect decades from now, that child will remember that day much more than any toy you bought them.
  • The gift of legacy. Take an afternoon with your grown child and talk about your family history. Get out old photos and letters. Show the family tree. You might even take a trip to some old cemeteries, or drive by houses that you once lived in. Knowing where you came from and the history of the family is important. In this, tell the spiritual and religious history of the family. This can make a lasting impression.

Giving gifts is special. It’s an indication of our love for others. It’s a wonderful occasion to make a lasting difference.

Roger

09

Jump Start # 2980

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2980

Revelation 2:4 “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

A common question asked among us preachers is, “How are you doing since the pandemic?” The question is not about us personally, our health, our state of mind, but, rather, “How is the congregation doing?” Are the numbers back? Are you returning to things the way they used to be? Have you made any changes? I’ve been asked that several times.

And those thoughts take me to our passage today from Revelation. This verse centers around Ephesus. Things weren’t going all that well. “You have left your first love.” Those words in a marriage generally means that someone is stepping out and are replacing their mate with someone else. Those are the tell-tell signs of a marriage about to crash. But here, we are talking about faith. We are talking about a church. We are talking about Jesus being replaced.

There are three churches in this Revelation letter that had some serious problems:

  • Ephesus: loveless—left their first love
  • Sardis: lifeless– they were dead
  • Laodicea: careless– they were lukewarm

Loveless, lifeless and careless—not the words one wants to hear about a church. Which one of these three is better than the others? Is it better to be loveless than lifeless? Is lukewarm better than loveless? The choice is like asking someone, “would you rather have cancer or a heart attack?” I vote for a third option.

Now, here are some things to remember:

First, for many people, they don’t have a choice. There is one congregation in the area and that’s it. It might be loveless, lifeless or careless. For the brethren living in Ephesus, it was too far and impractical to worship in Philadelphia. There was no other place. The Lord does not recommend starting another congregation in Ephesus. Even in Sardis, the dead church, the Lord acknowledged that some walked with Him in white. There was no indication of separating, pulling out and starting a new congregation.

Second, God realizes that each of these three places not only could do better, but that must do better. Concrete had not been poured and settled. They were told to repent. Change was possible. You do not have to remain lifeless, loveless and careless. Start doing better. One by one, things can change. One by one, things can look brighter and better. Don’t wait for others to strike the match and get things going. Begin with you. Do what you can by setting an example in attitude, service and faithfulness. Invite folks to your home. Have a simple Bible study or a singing. Spruce up a classroom. Toss the junk. Add some color. Brighten the place up. You will likely find that others have been on the sidelines waiting for someone, anyone to start things in the right direction.

Third, be patient and realize that you’ll face opposition. Lifeless, loveless and careless are not the attributes of motivation nor accomplishing much. Just getting to the church house on Sunday morning is all some are interested in. Nothing more and nothing else. You’ll hear some say to your suggestions, “That’s too much work.” Others will proudly pronounce, “That was tried before and it didn’t work.” They are throwing water on your ideas and trying to get you to join the loveless, lifeless and careless society that they are charter members of. Don’t get discourage. Visit other places and get ideas. It will be a challenge to pump life into a lifeless church. It can be done, but it will come with effort, sacrifice and hard, hard work. Keep going in the right direction.

Fourth, when the only church in the area is lifeless, loveless and careless, you may have to make drastic measures to keep your faith alive. Remaining loveless, lifeless and careless will only ruin souls. The future isn’t well for them. The Lord is not pleased with them. Unless they change, they will be lost. They will be lost, not as a church, but individually. Because individually they are loveless, lifeless and careless. This is how a church becomes this way. The church is a reflection of what the members are. After you have tried everything you can think of and you are ready to give up and join them, it’s time to find another place to keep your faith alive. Becoming like them is not an option. Becoming loveless, lifeless and careless is to have no faith. That is never an option. You may have to drive an hour to find something better. You may have to have your own home Bible classes. In the words of Joshua, “As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

Loveless, lifeless, and careless—a church should never get this way. Poor teaching, closed hearts, little leadership is all it takes for a church to drift. And when we are afloat, we go with the current and hit every rock in our way.

We can do better…we must do better.

Roger