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Jump Start # 3407

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3407

Matthew 10:32 “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in Heaven.”

I was listening to some Gordon Lightfoot songs the other day. He had a remarkable way of telling a story through a song. Ballads, those are often called. There was one song that I hadn’t heard in a very long time, “Did she mention my name?” He tells the story of running into an old friend and they got talking about the old home town. He asked about the ball team, ice on the river, leaky roofs, the folks and then he said, “Did she happen to mention my name?” What a great song and thought that is.

Everyone wants to think and believe that others care about them. We’d like to think that others think about us once in a while. One of the leading reasons for young men to join street gangs is because coming from a busted homes, they are looking for someone who will accept them and the gang fills that role.

Did she mention my name—really means, does she ever think about me? I was asked recently about one of the congregations I once preached at. “Do you ever hear from anyone there,” was the question.

There are some great thoughts that come from, “did she mention my name?”

First, our fellowship is important, powerful and needful, but we must make sure that no one falls through the cracks. We cannot allow anyone to feel like they could drop out and no one would miss them.

Connecting outside the church building is essential. There are a variety of ways to help people connect, from smaller group meetings to organized ways of getting people together. Shepherds must be mindful of this.

Sometimes it’s the new person, the single person, or the weak person that is likely to feel left out and left behind. Attention must be given to these folks. Learning how to connect with others is important. Some do this easily and some never seem to get this.

Second, names are important and getting them right is important. Some are so good at names. Others have a hard time. Work at this. Did she mention my name? Does she even know my name? Some names are easy to pronounce. Some you have to work at. Putting a smile behind saying someone’s name sure melts the ice of a cold and indifferent world that we live in.

Third, from our passage today, God knows our name. He’ll never mispronounce it, nor forget it. Confess Me, Jesus said, and I’ll confess you. The judgment scene found in Revelation 20, has the books opened and names in the book of life. Will those names be read aloud? Will everyone hear those names? When the angels rejoiced when we obeyed the Gospel, was our name mentioned in Heaven? How many times has someone taken our name to the Lord in a prayer?

We can walk through a store and see many people and no one knows us. We can sit in a crowed restaurant and no one knows us. We can go to a ballgame or a concert and no one knows us. But God does.  And a time is coming when Jesus will confess our name before His Father. Our names are special to us. We make sure that it is spelled correctly. Our names identify us. Our names carry a connection to our families and our heritage.

Did she mention my name? Great song by Lightfoot. But a better thought is, “Did God ever mention my name?” Now, that’s a thought.

Roger

14

Jump Start # 3406

Posted on September 14, 2023 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3406

2 Corinthians 7:10 “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

One of our Jump Start readers wants to know “What is the difference between being actually sorry because of a sin committed, from being sorry because of the consequences of that sin?” That’s a great question and I think our passage shows us the difference.

You’ll notice that there are two sorrows. One is according to the will of God and one that is based upon the world. And those sorrows lead to two different conclusions. One leads to salvation and the other leads to death. How do I know which one I have? Can a person know?

First, Godly sorrow is based upon God. One realizes that he has sinned against God. Now, it may be that no one else knows about this sin. It may be that he has never faced any consequences because of this sin. It may be that he could go on with his life and no one would ever know. But God knows. And, he realizes that God knows. He is sorry because he has let God down. He has broken God’s law. He has disappointed God. God made him for better things. He ignored God and did what he wanted to do.

This sorrow comes from a good and honest heart intersecting with the word of God. The word that Peter preached pricked the hearts of the audience. It cut them to the core. When Stephen preached, those words cut the audience to the quick. That will happen when someone has an honest heart and a good heart.

Jesus began His powerful sermon on the mount with, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” That has nothing to do with bank accounts, homelessness or physical poverty. It has EVERYTHING to do with spiritual bankruptcy. It’s realizing you are destitute spiritually. You are hopeless. You have sinned and you are in trouble with God.

Immediately, Jesus moves to, “Blessed are those who mourn.” Again, this has nothing to do with funeral homes, cemeteries, and physical death. It is about a person realizing their spiritual condition. Here is where sorrow begins. Godly sorrow, our passage says, produces a repentance. That godly sorrow leads to change. That’s what repentance is. It’s changing based upon God. And, that changed life leads to salvation.

Second, the sorrow of the world is not God based. A person may have gotten caught doing wrong. As I was driving in to the office today, I saw a man along side the road being handcuffed by the police. You can just be sure that he is sorry that he got caught. His day has changed. It will begin in jail, courtrooms and not the way he had planned. One might be expelled from school. A person may lose their job. They may be arrested. They may be facing a divorce. They may be disciplined by the church. The consequences of getting caught doing wrong brings sorrow. It’s not based upon God. Those are the consequences wrong being found out. A person may be sorry but he is sorry that he got caught. He is not sorry that he did wrong. He is only sorry that he has gotten into trouble. It’s the punishment that he is sorry for and that he is now receiving.

Likewise, a person may be told by their doctor that unless he changes his lifestyle, such as drinking, smoking pot, abusing drugs, that he will likely be dead within a year. So, this person stops the wrong. It’s not based upon God, but a fear of dying.

Or, a person could be told that unless he stops his behavior, the marriage is over. So, a person might straighten up. He hasn’t repented because of God. He doesn’t want to be tossed out.

Worldly sorrow can be filled with guilt and shame. But it doesn’t bring a person any closer to God. Judas had worldly sorrow. He realized that Jesus was innocent. He returned the money given to him. He then committed suicide. His sorrow led to his death.

So, back to our initial question, how can one know if I am sorry because of God or because of the consequences? The pricking of the heart, the conscience bothered, the longing to be right with the Lord (hungering and thirsting for righteousness) are going to compel you to do what is right. Your motive, your drive is wanting to stand right with the Lord. You want to please the Lord. You’ll take whatever punishment comes your way. You won’t be pleading not guilty when you know you are guilty. You want to stand pure and right before the Lord.

This person will apologize to the people he has hurt. This person will let others know that his behavior has changed. This person will not hide behind excuses, blame others, or play the victim card. He is wrong and he is honest about that. His prayers are to the Lord for mercy and salvation. His desire is to do what the Lord wants.

When a person is only sorry because of the consequences, once the consequences are gone, so is this person’s sorrow. He has not changed from the inside and he is likely to repeat what he has done wrong, but with a greater desire to avoid the consequences this time.

Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow there is a difference. When a person says, “I am sorry,” it is fair to ask him, “Why?” Just why are you sorry? Is it because you are in trouble? Is it because you hurt someone’s feelings? Or, is it because you sinned against the Lord?

Two sorrows…two outcomes. It helps us to understand the difference.

Roger

13

Jump Start # 3405

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3405

2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”

It was a beautiful Sunday morning. It was early. The sun was just coming up and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The air was cool. I was driving to the church building. I love those early Sunday morning drives. There are not many cars on the road. Things are quiet and peaceful and my mind was already thinking about the wonderful Lord that I was going to worship.

As I was driving, my mind was working through my sermon that I’d preach that morning. I was thinking about the points, the passages and how I wanted to end it. The thought occurred to me about so many of my dear friends, all across the country, who were likely doing the same thing. Friends in Texas, who are preachers. Friends in Alabama who are preachers. Friends in Tennessee who are preachers. Friends here in Indiana who are preachers. Friends in Florida who are preachers. All across the country this morning, pulpits would be filled with men who love the Lord and want to see all draw closer to the Lord.

Each of these preachers would be preaching different things. Some would be working through a text, carefully looking at the context and explaining words. Others would be trying to help someone who has a broken heart from the pain of the world. Some would be preaching about Jesus. Some would be explaining a principal or doctrine that is necessary in our walk with the Lord. Each would have an open Bible. Each would be speaking from the heart.

All across the country God’s word would be echoed out, strong and clear. Some would preach the best sermons of their lives. Some would see a person asking to be baptized. Some may hear the words of complaints and wonder if they did something wrong. Each of them would think throughout the day if what they did helped anyone. Some would be complimented. Some would be ignored. Some would receive criticism. And as the day ended, they would be thinking what am I to preach next week. Some would already know. Some wouldn’t have a clue.

My friends, the preachers. I love them. I need them. They have made a huge difference in my life. I am honored to be named among them. It is incredible that God takes His perfect word about His perfect Son and allows imperfect people like me to proclaim it.

A beautiful Sunday morning. As folks arrive at the church house, the preacher has been up for some time. He has been going over what he wants to say that day. He is grateful that people trust him with the incredible job of preaching God’s word to them.

Sometimes the sermon is longer than some want. Sometimes the sermon hits very close to home, closer than some want. Sometimes the message brings joy to hearts. Sometimes there is a tear that comes to our eyes. Sometimes the sermon makes us feel uncomfortable, realizing that we need to do something to be closer to the Lord. Sometimes the sermon challenges us. Sometimes there is a bit of guilt that we feel. But all of that, is to help us know Jesus and walk closer with Him.

A beautiful Sunday morning. The birds were singing. The sun was rising. And, the preachers were ready to proclaim God’s word. What a wonderful thing that takes place on a Sunday morning.

I just love Sundays—it’s the best day of the week!

Roger

12

Jump Start # 3404

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3404

1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you.”

It is a most interesting thing that takes place all the time in our worship services. Prayers are offered. Specific names and specific needs are lifted Heavenward. But recently it really hit me how great our God is. There was a newborn that had an issue and needed surgery. Prayers were lifted for that little child. Someone having to go through cancer treatments was prayed for. Another time, it was for someone in the hospital. Another time it was for a family that had a loved one pass away. So many serious concerns. So many different prayers. Comfort. Healing. Help. Answers. Hearts were poured out to Heaven.

And, when one considers just the avenue of prayer, he realizes how big, powerful and great our God is. Take just the above list I mentioned. Run those through the admissions of any hospital. The newborn needing surgery would be in a children’s hospital with surgeons at hand. The cancer patient would be in a cancer center with a team of oncologists. The person in the hospital would be on a med-surg floor, likely having tests being run to find out what was wrong. The family of the person who died would be meeting with a funeral director at a funeral home. Different needs go to different places in our world. You wouldn’t have the cancer patient and the newborn on the same floor, not in our hospitals.

Even in our phone calls to businesses and corporations, we are directed to different departments. If you call your cell phone company, you will hear a recording of several options. There is billing. There is customer service. There is sales. There is technical help. Each department is trained to take care of that one specific area. Don’t talk to the billing department if you have trouble keeping a charge on your battery. They won’t be able to help you.

Now, consider all of this and our prayers. God doesn’t have different departments. He doesn’t send us to the department that takes care of health care. There isn’t a special number to call for forgiveness. Thankfulness and praise isn’t sent somewhere else. All of our prayers, all of them, go to God. Cancer. Surgery. Death. Forgiveness. Guidance. Encouragement. Family problems. Church problems. Health problems. Worry. Fear. Anxious. Prodigals. Divorce. Discouragement. Everything goes to God. He gets it all. He hears it all. And, He deals with it all.

I expect the surgeon taking care of that newborn would not know much about how to treat cancer. It’s not his field and he hasn’t kept up on that. Likewise a funeral director wouldn’t know much about surgery on a newborn. Not his field. Not his study. But it is with God. He knows.

Now, here are some amazing thoughts:

First, no problem is too big for God. There are many things too big for us, but not for God. He has proven that. Fiery furnaces, lion’s dens, prison doors, massive armies, giants are nothing to God. We get overwhelmed. Not God. We get worried. Not God. We run out of options. Not God. We think the problem has us beat. Not God.

God can handle all of our prayers, all of our problems and all of our sins. Nothing to too great for God. While we are racing about trying to figure out which doctor or which department is best for our needs, God can do it all.

Second, you don’t burden God with your problems. God can handle it. If it is too small to pray about then it is too small to worry about. If you are going to be bothered by something, take it to the Lord in prayer. Otherwise, don’t let it bother you. God doesn’t get tired. God doesn’t have to stay late to take care of us. That’s the way we are. It’s not the way He is.

Third, it is amazing that no one understands you better than God. No one knows your situation better than God. And, no one can help you more than God. God is so good. But more than that, God is so powerful. God can read your heart. He knows your attitude and your motives. He knows your weakness and He knows how to help you. And, to think, with such information about you, God doesn’t use it against you, but for you. He is your best help. He is one that can truly change you.

Prayers to God. What a simple, yet amazing thing. Our prayers reveal God’s compassion. Our prayers are built upon God’ power and ability to do something. Otherwise, why pray. Our prayers are uttered with the understanding that He can hear us. My friend in Italy prays in Italian. A friend in Norway prays in Norwegian. Brethren in India pray in various Indian languages. Africa. Europe. And, here, I pray in form of English that we call “Hoosier Hick”. God hears, understands and is moved by all of our prayers. God speaks all languages. God knows all circumstances.

One of the great evidences for God is prayer. It is simply amazing.

Roger

11

Jump Start # 3403

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3403

Luke 23:34 “But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots, diving up His garments among themselves.”

Our verse today comes from that tragic, yet triumphant cross scene. Jesus is dying. He has been tortured, humiliated, mocked and left alone. There seems to be no one to comfort Him. And, as He dies, the skies darken, the earth shakes, and Satan believes he has won.

While on the cross, Jesus utters seven statements. Most of them are prayers. We see:

  • A final prayer
  • A plea honored
  • A request of love
  • A question of suffering
  • A confession of humanity
  • A cry of completion
  • A call of deliverance

Running through these statements are the character of Jesus. He cares. He loves. He is concerned. And, one of the grand statements in this list is forgiving the death squad. Our passage reminds us of three great principles.

First, ignorance doesn’t excuse. “They know not what they do,” is said after the Lord asks the Father to forgive them. Ignorance isn’t a free ticket out of the punishment of God. If it were, the worst thing we could do would be to teach someone the gospel. Let them remain in darkness, if it didn’t matter. But it does matter.

This is true in most of life. If you got pulled over for driving too fast, and your plea was “I don’t know what the speed limit is,” that won’t get you very far with the police. Imagine pleading ignorance when it comes to filing our taxes. It never worked in school and it doesn’t work with God.

The executioners did not know what they were doing, yet they needed forgiveness. They knew they were killing someone. That was obvious. They didn’t know who they were putting to death.

Second, forgiveness is wrapped in the love and grace of God. Peter’s powerful Acts 2 sermon, opened the door to salvation by God. Forgiveness does not come without any responsibility or obligation on our part. Some see that as works. But it is not. If nothing was expected on our end of things, then everyone ought to be saved. But, that’s not the case. Salvation, as the Ephesians were told is by grace through faith. Grace is God’s part. Can’t be saved without God’s grace. Faith is our part. Unless you believe I am He, the Lord said, you will die in your sins. Grace and faith. Faith and grace.

Third, Jesus wants to forgive. He does this willingly and openly. This is why He came. When the crippled was lowered through the roof, Jesus forgave. When the one thankful leper returned in gratitude, Jesus forgave. The penitent thief, dying beside Jesus was given forgiveness. This is what God wants. Forgiveness is the bridge upon which we can approach God and our fellowship with Him be restored and renewed.

Now, there are some secondary lessons that ought to trickle down through us.

Like Jesus, we need to be willing to forgive. Holding grudges, refusing to forgive isn’t the nature of God. When it comes to unfaithfulness in marriage, the options are not forgive or divorce. It ought to be forgive and restore or forgive and divorce. Jesus was wiling to forgive. Are we?

Strained relationships in families and in congregations have splintered and hurt people for a long time. We wait for the other person to make the first move. They wait for us to make the first move. And, with that, we come to a standstill. Both parties realizing that forgiveness needs to be extended, but neither one wants to take the first step. Jesus was willing to forgive.

Forgiveness is built upon love and grace. And often, if not most times, it doesn’t seem right, fair or the natural thing to do. We’d love to pop a guy in his nose. That’d make us feel good for a second, but that’s not the way Jesus acted. The right thing to do is what Jesus would do.

It is said through history, that most dying executed criminals either pleaded for freedom by offering everything they owned, or they cursed until there was no longer any breath in them. Not Jesus. He stayed on that cross, knowing that He needed to be there. He had to be there. And, as Peter would later write, He uttered no threats. However, Jesus didn’t do the other extreme either. He didn’t ignore the soldiers. He could have focused upon His death and remained quiet. But He extended the branch of forgiveness to those who put Him to death.

Don’t get even. Don’t make threats. Don’t ignore. Say a prayer and act like Jesus. Easy words to write. Very tough words to live by when someone is hurting you.

That old rugged cross—the emblem of suffering and shame. And I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain…And I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it some day for a crown.

Roger