17

Jump Start # 3615

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3615

Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 “Also, do not take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you. For you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed others.”

Our verse today is a great reminder. It is very helpful on two fronts. First, don’t take seriously what others say about you. If you do, it may crush what you feel about yourself and more so, what the Lord thinks about you. People have a way of saying mean things. It seems that no one uses a filter on their mouths these days. Even among brethren, the most cruel and hateful things can be said. It shouldn’t be, but it is. And, for those that serve and lead God’s people, this is all it takes for some to quit. One must have some thick skin to  lead. This is true of our country, corporations, public service, God’s kingdom and even in the family. Those that disagree will voice that. If there is a problem or something isn’t right, you’ll hear about it. Many times it’s delivered in the manner of a compliant topped with a threat. “Fix this, or I’ll leave,” is the ultimatum. No solutions are offered. No help is volunteered.

The second aspect our verse reminds us is that we too have cursed others. Don’t limit the idea of cursing to actually saying “curse words.” Trash talking. Complaining. Negative speech. Name calling. Finger pointing. They all fit in that description. YouTube is filled with videos of rude behavior in the public.

Do not take seriously all the words which are spoken to you. Here are some thoughts to consider:

First, some things said about us are not true. They are intended to hurt. They are said because people have run out of facts and the only defense they have left is to throw darts. They want to ruin your reputation. They come from a perspective that is tilted in the wrong direction. They lack a heart. Don’t take what they say seriously. You know the truth. You know what is right. You also know that if you were to tell them, they wouldn’t listen. Their minds are set and there is no changing them, even when faced with the facts. More than that, the Lord knows the truth.

Second, remember there were many cruel things said about the Lord. The skeptics claimed he had a demon. Others said he was a Samaritan. His own family thought he was out of his mind. Words hurt. But they only hurt if we allow them. Words have a way of staying with us for a long, long time. We forget about the minor bumps and scrapes we had growing up. But, we remember what some people said to us. Solomon tells us to not take serious all the words spoken about us. Jesus knew who He was. He didn’t allow those words to change who He was.

Third, it helps to remember how the words of others have hurt us, so we don’t treat others the same way. Our verse today could easily fit in with the golden rule of Matthew seven. Typically, what happens is that someone says something unkind and mean to someone. That person, in reply, says something unkind back. And, like a game of ping pong, back and forth the words fly. Each time, a deeper dig. Each time, more hurtful. And, in time, the damage is so severe that it is impossible to repair. Friendships end. Families become alienated. Fellowship breaks.

Kindness, gentleness and tenderness ought to govern how we speak to others. You do not have to express you opinion in every discussion. You do not have to attend every argument that you are invited to. Our judicial system was built upon the premise that a person is innocent until proven guilty. Somehow that has been flipped around so much that a person is guilty until proven innocent. Things can be said, accusations uttered, without any basis, proof, or, evidence, other than I don’t like what you are doing. It is expected that you have to stop what you are doing because I do not like it. That is the spirit of our times. But, my thought is, “Who made you the Lord?” You don’t have to change just because someone says so. You don’t have to cater to a loud and negative voice.

Remember, don’t take serious what someone says. But also, keep this in the context it was delivered in. Children need to take seriously the instructions of their parents. When someone shows us truths from God’s word, we need to take that seriously. But don’t get worked up over the “cursing” that someone lays on your plate.

Don’t take seriously…sure good reminders for the times we are in.

Roger

16

Jump Start # 3614

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3614

Luke 9:23 “And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’”

As our Lord defines discipleship in our verse today, we find it layered with major principles. First, there is the desire aspect. Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me.” That’s where it starts. A person wants to be with the Lord. Without that aspect, nothing else will happen.

From that comes denial of self, taking up one’s cross and following Jesus. All essential and all in a specific order. It’s that denying self that trips so many of us.

A.B. Simpson, a hymnwriter, penned in 1896, a hymn called, “Not I, but Christ.” There seems to be several variations of that hymn through the years. One in particular I like says, “Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord. Oh, to be lost in Thee. Oh, that it may be no more I, but Christ, that lives in me.” Taken from Paul’s words of Galatians 2, Simpson catches the essence of denying self. Save me from myself. That is our battle. Satan’s out there. Error persists. Temptation circles around us like an old buzzard. False brethren, evil companions,  and wicked people try to chip away at the faith that we hold dear.

But our greatest enemy is self. It is our choices, our attitudes, our weaknesses, our indifferences that keeps Christ at a distance from our hearts. Save me from myself. What a great expression of truth.

Here are some thoughts:

First, save me from the thoughts that I shouldn’t have. We may never say the words, but we often have thoughts about others that we shouldn’t. Sometimes it shows on our faces. The rolled eyes. The quick turn away and ignoring someone. The loud sighs. The fallen countenance of our faces. Thoughts that lack kindness and grace. Thoughts that are judgmental. Thoughts that are hateful and mean. Thoughts that divide and hurt. Negative. Complaining. Save me from myself. The world and culture of today swims in such thoughts. We don’t have to. The world loves to judge. You don’t have to. The world promotes aggressive behavior that bullies and intimidates others. You don’t have to be like that. Be the oasis of kindness and gentleness.

Second, the trouble and struggles we get ourselves into are the result of our choices. We can blame Hollywood, TV, bad influences, but at the end of the day, we were the ones who made those choices. No one made us do those things. Light years ago, comedian Flip Wilson, had a line from his show when he said, “The devil made me do it.” It was cute, but not accurate. The devil doesn’t make you do anything. He can put on a great sale job, but it is you who puts your name on the bottom line and make the choices. They may seem right at the moment, but they are not. They may seem fun, for a moment, but they bring sorrow, guilt, shame and sin. What the devil offers seems great, but his promises never come through. He is a liar, the Lord tells us. He’s always been that way.

If our eyes could only be open to see beyond the moment. The consequences can be devastating. Poor choices can lead to time in jail. They can lead to a divorce. They can cause you to get expelled from school. They can lead you to losing your job. You might lose fellowship with the people of God. And, worst of all, you can be eternally banned from the presence of God. Save me from myself.

Third, self can be your best help or your worst enemy. It is that conscience that God has given you that can remind you that something that looks right isn’t. That conscience can put passages before your eyes that changes the choice you are about to make. Guilt can be a good thing. Guilt can make us see that what we tried didn’t work. Guilt can bring us back home to God where we belong. Deep within us, we know what is right. We’ve read the passages. We’ve heard sermons. We’ve sat through Bible classes. Often, the trouble with doing right is self. Save me from myself. We talk ourselves out of apologizing. We convince ourselves not to forgive. We remain on the outside with the prodigal’s unforgiving brother, missing the celebration and the feast that is taking place on the inside of the house. Stubborn and full of pride, we refuse to admit we need help. People are there who will help us. But we keep them at a distance. We only people to get so close to us.

Save me from myself. That is likely the greatest salvation ever.

Roger

15

Jump Start # 3613

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3613

Proverbs 17:14 “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.”

I’ve been reading William Baxter’s book on Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove. It’s about Civil War battles that took place in Arkansas. Baxter was an eyewitness to those things. I’ve have been looking for this book for a long, long time. The interest was not so much in those Civil War battles, but what Baxter said about the Restoration Movement. Baxter was a Christian and a college president. His insights bring a spiritual dimension about many of the people during that time.

One of his chapters is titled, “Petting the Tiger.” What a great phrase! I’ve been to be petting zoos. I’ve petted lamas, camels, and even sting rays in special aquariums. But one doesn’t pet a tiger. Baxter used that expression to describe the position he took during the war. He was more interested in peace with Christ than political peace.

And, our verse today is a grand reminder of what happens when you pet the tiger. Quarreling seems to be the season we are in. We see this from the road ways to political debates. Protests feed more quarreling and quarreling brings more strife. It’s easy to argue. When we voice our opinions there will often be push back from those who see things differently.

Our verse, though long-a-go written, sounds like the turning on of a facet. More likely, it’s the breaking of a dam. Those who have had wet basements, water leaks and hot water heaters that went bad know well the trouble with water. Mop and mop, get the fans out, and hope mildew and mold won’t follow.

Before the water comes, abandon the quarrel. Stop the argument before it begins. It takes two to quarrel, and if you refuse to participate, strife won’t appear. Easy to read that passage. Easy to see it sitting in a Bible class. But how does one abandon the quarrel?

First, you do not have to express your opinion on every subject. The weather, the economy, politics, climate, prices, wars—we all have thoughts and opinions about those things. Most of those topics we can do little about other than pray. Getting into arguments about things beyond our control becomes useless and it only separates and divides.

Second, there are some things that one must draw a line in the sand and take a stand upon. Paul was set for the defense of the Gospel and so must we. There are some things that are just wrong. There are some things that having different opinions on does matter.

Third, even when disagreeing, one can do that in a kind and gentle manner without being disagreeable. Throughout the N.T. we find connected to correction, the expression, gentleness. Correct, not with the intention of destroying and defeating, but rather with the hope of saving and restoring. Often it’s not the differing opinion, but the tone and attitude that brings about the strife. Forceful, demanding, threatening will most times produce a negative reaction and a fight will soon follow. Remaining calm is hard when the other person is heated, shouting and talking irresponsibly and unreasonably. Some don’t listen. They load the weapons and fire without realizing that two people are basically saying the same things.

Could this be why James tells us to be swift to hear and slow to speak and slow to anger? Thoughtful, kind, considerate and evidence wins arguments, not volume.

Turn off the water, before it spills over the sink and ruins things. Abandon the quarrel before strife begins. God knows. He knows what is right. Being right doesn’t give one permission to act wrong. Get the mop. Water has spilled over. People are upset. Now some are leaving. Feelings have been hurt. Words have been spoken that never should have. And, now, there is a lot of damage that never had to be there. If only someone knew when to abandon the quarrel.

Sure is much to think about in these times we are in…

Roger

12

Jump Start # 3612

Posted on July 12, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3612

Hebrews 10:24-25 “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.”

Here in our passage, the Holy Spirit leads the thought with two positive actions: stimulate and encourage. Stimulate one another and encourage one another. Our assembling ought to be a haven of peace and rest from a world that makes us weary. We ought to leave worship feeling energized, lifted up and faithful. Something is terribly wrong when we leave worship feeling worse than when we came in.

There are two immediate implications built into these verses.

First, I got to be there. I can’t stimulate and encourage when I’m at home by myself. This is yet another reason why staying home and watching worship on livestream doesn’t work well. Sure you can hear a sermon, but there isn’t much stimulation and encouraging that you are doing for others. To both words, stimulate and encouraging, are attached, “one another. “ It’s the one another that makes fellowship. It’s the one another that makes this work. Without the “one another” stimulation fails and encouraging falls flat on its face. You got to be around one another to help one another.

Second, the emphasis is upon others. Much too often, people are only thinking about themselves. “I didn’t get anything out of church today,” some sad soul says. Really? How much encouraging did you do? Or, where you there just as a consumer? Serve me. Take care of me. It’s all about me. And, when me isn’t happy, me won’t be back. Such a spirit misses the thrust of these passages and the heart of the N.T. A servant doesn’t ask about self. A servant is about helping others.

Come with the intention of stimulating. Come with the purpose of encouraging. These actions are not based upon the size of the crowd, what hymns were sung or how well the preacher did. Those things do not matter. One can still encourage and that’s what we ought to do.

Now, how best can I do that? Here’s a few ideas:

First, get there early and stay late. Last in and first out and you won’t do much encouraging. There are times when that happens. But when that is your norm, and your pattern, you are missing what these verses teach. To do the one another you must be with the one another.

Second, move around. Don’t talk to the same people all the time, nor sit in the same place all the time. The larger the congregation, the more important this becomes. We are creatures of habit and like to sit in the same spot every time. And, because of that, we generally talk to the same people all the time. Look for a different generation—one up or one down from yours. Go talk to the teens. Better yet, ask if you can sit with them during worship. Invite some of them out to eat afterwards (and, pay for their meal).

Third, put a smile on your face. Some walk into the church building with a look as if they were headed off to war. Gloom and doom fill their expression. The world is a mess, but our God is not. Things are depressing, but I don’t have to be. Our culture is upside down and inside out, but God’s not. Hope smiles. God’s got promises awaiting us. God’s already in tomorrow. It’s hard to encourage when you have a painful look on your face. Don’t drill someone with a thousand questions. Don’t load guilt on them by saying, “I haven’t seen you here in a long time. Where have you been?” That person might be thinking, “And why haven’t you checked on me if you are so concerned?”

Another word for encouraging is to build up. It takes some know how to build and to build properly. It doesn’t take much to tear down. It’s a lot easier to tear down a wall than it is to build a wall. It’s a lot easier to tear a person down than it is to build them up. Your facial expression, your choice of words, your tone of voice—either are building up or tearing down.

Our passage opens with the idea, “consider how.” Give some thought to just how you are going to encourage. How are you going to stimulate? Consider. Put some thought behind it.

Sundays coming. Its more than just you and Jesus. It’s you, Jesus and “one another.” Give that some thought. Consider how…

What a blessing, a joy and a help our fellowship with each other is.

Roger

11

Jump Start # 3611

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3611

Matthew 25:13 “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.”

In Matthew 25, Jesus presents three word pictures of the coming judgment. It begins with the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. Our verse today ends that section with the warning to be alert. Be alert because you do not know when the Lord is coming. The foolish virgins thought they had time and they didn’t.

Immediately after that follows another parable of the three men who were given talents by their master. Accountability and a day of reckoning came. Again, one was foolish and he received the rebuke and punishment from his master.

Then follows the separating of the sheep and goats. The chapter ends with an accounting of what one has done. Not what one knows, but rather, what has your faith led you to do, is what matters.

Recently, I preached a lesson built around Will Thompson’s 1887 hymn, “There’s a great day coming.” The chorus of that song repeatedly asks, “Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready for the judgment day?”

Here are some thoughts from that lesson:

The Bible plainly teaches that Jesus is coming. That’s not a wish but a promise. He will come. So, what if Jesus came. What if Jesus came today? What would that look like:

  • Doctor appointments, medical treatments, up coming surgeries would not take place.
  • There are things that you have ordered, even paid for, that would not be delivered.
  • Up coming events would not take place

– athletes who have been training so hard for the Paris Olympics would not get to participate

– weddings that some are planning that would not take place

– some are eager to start college—that would not happen

– some have worked hard in college and looking forward to getting a degree—that would not happen

– some are thinking about retiring very soon—that would not take place if Jesus came today

– If Jesus came today, the presidential election in November would not take place

– there would be no World Series, no Super Bowl, no NCAA final four if Jesus came today

  • Some major projects would never be completed
  • Checks would not be deposited, bills not paid, insurance claims not received if Jesus came today
  • Some criminals would never see their day in court if Jesus came today
  • If Jesus came today, movies in production would never been shown, books in the process of being written would never be read
  • There would be some babies that were never born and some dead that never got buried
  • There would be some vacations purchased that never got taken
  • There would be some away from home who never make it back if Jesus came today
  • There would be no Christmas this year if Jesus came today
  • If Jesus came today, the 401 that you have been diligently saving would never be used
  • There would be some apologizes never offered and some forgiveness never extended. There would be some prodigals who never made it home.
  • If Jesus came today, everything you planned to do tomorrow, this week, this coming month—would never happen
  • If Jesus came today, whether you were ready or not, your life, your world, your dreams would all change. Many of them would no longer matter. Time would cease. You would be hurled into eternity and all that matters, all that matters is your relationship with Jesus.

We live expecting that there will be a tomorrow. There has always been a tomorrow. Ever since the first day of creation, there has always been a tomorrow. For thousands and thousands of years there has been a tomorrow. One day there won’t be a tomorrow. One day, will be the last day.

Are you ready…are you ready…are you ready for the judgment day

Roger