16

Jump Start # 3637

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

Jump Start # 3637

Hebrews 11:7 “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”

Noah prepared the ark. He did all that God commanded. God had told him what was going to happen.  In Genesis six, Noah is told by God that “The end of all flesh has come…I am about to destroy them with the earth” (13). Again, the Lord tells Noah, “I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life” (17). In the next chapter, God states, “I will blot out from the face of the land every living thing that I have made” (7:4).

Noah knew. There was no surprise or secret. There was going to be a massive flood. All living things were going to die. The salvation of the world rested in the hands of the Lord and what was in that boat. I think it is easy to imagine that the preparing of the ark meant the construction and supplying of the ark before the rains fell. But, as I thought about this, I think there was more to the “preparing” than simply sawing boards and building the ark. And, when we put some thought to this, it helps us as well.

First, there was an emotional preparation that Noah had to struggle with and deal with. A day was coming when every human he interacted with outside his family was going to die. Did Noah have relatives still alive? It would be hard to see the innocent and young facing this outcome. Did Noah tell them that they were going to die?

Emotionally, it’s hard to prepare for death. I’ve been walking through this with a dear family in our congregation. A loved one is soon to pass through the doorway of death. A wonderful believer in our Lord, we know the angels will be coming. We’ve talked about that. We’ve talked about funerals. We’ve talked about the good times. There are physical steps one can take such as making arrangements, buying burial plots, having a will and talking about these things with the family, but that emotional component is hard to prepare.

I wonder, as God closed that door on the ark, if Noah stood there with tears in his eyes.

Second, there was a spiritual or faith preparation for Noah. What God was asking was HUGE. Would there be enough food? Would the ark leak? How would they know where they were going if no one was steering the ark? There wasn’t a helm. And, unlike you and I, Noah didn’t have pages and pages in his Bible to lean upon. Daniel saved from lions hadn’t happened yet. No parting of the Red Sea. No prison doors opened. No dead raised. No Psalms to comfort. No church to encourage. Noah trusted God. The Lord said and Noah knew it would be ok. It would be ok, because the Lord said so.

And, what a contrast to us. We have the Messiah, Jesus. We have pages and pages of Bible history that shows fortified walls coming down, demons fleeing and blind eyes being opened. We know the compassion of Jesus. We stand upon the promises and hope in God. We have so much and I wonder if our faith is so little compared to that of Noah.

Third, there was the commitment preparation. Busy day after day, building the ark, gathering animals and supplies. Preaching as he worked, the days were filled with so much to do. But, then came THE DAY—the time to enter the ark and not to leave it. Emotionally, mentally, spiritually, this was it. There were no more days to do things. There were no more days to walk among the trees of God. No more days to have a conversation with a neighbor. This was it. No going back.

We have moments of preparation as well. A surgery is scheduled. Papers have been filled out. Blood work has been done. Prep has taken place. Now, sitting on the hospital bed, you are rolled down the hallway heading to surgery. This is it.

A bride has a moment like this. Plans and plans and dreams of her wedding have been filling her days. So much to do and then it becomes “the day.” Family and friends show up. Everything is set. And, there is a final moment before she walks down the isle. Excited. Scared. Hopeful. This is it.

A believer has a moment like this. He has been reading and reading his Bible and talking to others. Questions have been answered. He needs to be baptized. He knows now is the time. Excited. Scared. He’s ready to cross the line and become a disciple of Jesus.

Noah prepared the ark. As he was preparing, a world around him was having a blast in selfish sin. Noah was ready. The world was not ready. And, from this, we need to see the lesson for us. Jesus is coming. Am I ready? There is an appointment we have with death. Are we ready? The world is laughing all the way to destruction.

Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Noah prepared. Have you?

Roger

15

Jump Start # 3636

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

Jump Start # 3636

Luke 9:17 Ands they all ate and were satisfied; and that which was left over to them of the broken pieces was picked up, twelve baskets full.”

Our verse today comes from the miraculous feeding of the 5,000. It is the only miracle, aside from the events at Calvary and resurrection of Jesus, that is found in all four Gospels. That’s fascinating. It was a miracle that involved the most people. Many miracles were upon one person and everyone else watched. In this miracle, everyone participated. They all ate the multiplied food. Matthew tells us that the men numbered 5,000. Count women and kids, and easily could have been 10,000-20,000 people there. The multiplied food, as Mark states it, was distributed by the apostles. That would take some time to feed that many people. Back and forth, the apostles must have ran to get more food and then hand it out to the crowds.

I used this story recently in a class on grace and forgiveness.

  • Many of Jesus’ miracles involved emergencies that were life and death situation. A violent storm. A twelve-year-old girl that was dying. But this miracle wasn’t like that.
  • This miracle did not fall into the realm of the impossibility. Sure, multiplying food is, but taking care of hunger is not. Cripples walking, demons fleeing, lepers cleansed were all impossibles. No one else could deal with those things. The crowd could have gone home hungry and then eaten.
  • This miracle did not involve life changing events. The blind seeing was life changing. Lepers cleansed was life changing. This crowd of hungry people would be hungry again the next day.

From this, there are a handful of take-a-ways about grace (favor) that we learn:

First, grace doesn’t always involve spiritual things. It didn’t here. Jesus had compassion and favor upon the people and provided physical food. Favors are like that.

Second, Grace doesn’t always involve big things. It can be common things, even little things. Providing something to eat is not on the scale of raising the dead or walking on water. Opening the door for someone. Allowing someone to go first. Being kind and thankful. Everyday little drops of blessings can make a big impression upon a world that is selfish and always in a hurry. Put a smile on your face. Compliment. Be the reason others smile. Go out of your way and do the unexpected.

Third, Grace can be for just a moment in time. It’s favor for now, but it doesn’t have to endure to be worthwhile. Jesus fed them. They ate. Their bellies were full for the moment. Jesus didn’t take away hunger. He fed them one meal. The next day, they all would be hungry again. Grace doesn’t have to endure to be helpful and useful. In the moment, kindness extended. In the moment, you helped out.

Fourth, Grace can involve doing what others could do. Now, no one could multiple the food, but they could go to a store or go home and find something to eat. The request of the disciples at this event was to send the people home. That was possible. No one was going to die of starvation. How many times do the kids in the back seat of the car, cry and scream as if they are on their last breath, but somehow they can make it home and be given something to eat.

A person doesn’t have to be in dire circumstances in order for grace to be given to them. They do not have to be out of all options before you can step in. Jesus fed the people. That helped for the moment. What they didn’t realize was that Jesus was willing to give them eternal grace that would save their souls. He didn’t come down to earth to fill bellies or obliterate starvation from the planet. He came to save souls. The crowd was interested in their bellies. Shallow and superficial are how many are. Even with that, Jesus cared and helped.

John six reminds us that the next day the people showed up again looking for more food. The only food Jesus would give was Himself. They didn’t want that. They left. They went in search for something that would satisfy their bellies while their souls remained empty.

And, through this simple lesson left in our Bibles, we learn that we can extend grace and favor to others.

Roger

14

Jump Start # 3635

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3635

2 Corinthians 10:10 “For they say, ‘His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.”

The Corinthian critics spoke. What they said about Paul wasn’t kind, true or encouraging. Kick a guy when he’s down, is what they were doing. Notice how others word this:

  • CEB: his speech is worth nothing
  • Phillips: his actual presence is feeble
  • Peterson: he’s a weakling and mumbles when he talks

These are not the words we’d think fitting for a leader in God’s kingdom. Dynamic. Charismatic. Energizing. That’s what we’d expect. Even the ole’ prophet Ezekiel had better things said about him. The people said of Ezekiel, “you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not practice them” (33:32). Even Paul’s contemporary, Apollos is said to have been “an eloquent man” and “mighty in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24).

But, for Paul, many viewed him as a dud. And, that made me think of something I read the other day. It was titled, “I’m not everyone’s cup of tea.” It read:

  As a preacher, my delivery is far from “polished” and I often speak from the heart. God willing, it’ll be a heart full of His word, but it’s from the heart nonetheless. I love preaching and it motivates me to be a little “animated” in the pulpit. As a person, I’m somewhat introverted and my humor can sometimes be misconstrued. Like I said, I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. Further, my appearance isn’t very appealing. I can put on a suit but I’ll still be a short, chubby, balding guy whose excitement can sometimes make me talk a little too fast. I suspect there are others like me who feel wholly inadequate to preach such glorious news. There will always be those who can find something wrong with me as a preacher; I’ll be the first to admit I’ve got many faults, but I hope they find something right, too.

 

We preachers sometimes get tongue-tied. Our illustrations can fall flat, and the clock can seem to move ever so slowly when the sermon seems dry, dull and boring. We preachers do not have a team of writers who pick out just the best words to say. We don’t use telleprompters so that every sentence is perfectly perfect. No, we can fumble and drop the ball, use the wrong word, misspell things and get our references backwards. But we are preaching from our hearts. We are not trying to be professional speakers, but rather show you Jesus.

Here are some things to remember:

First, no critic is harder on the preacher than himself. He’ll pick up on mistakes that you never did. Remember that. Remember the golden rule. Be kind as you point out things. Try to help and not destroy.

Second, as soon as Sunday ends, the process fires up again for another sermon. There isn’t much time between Sundays, especially when you toss in a few classes to teach, blogs to write, podcasts to record and visit so many people. When a person gives a Wednesday night invitation about once every five months, it’s easy to think that he has this preaching stuff down. He doesn’t. And, if all the preacher had to do was write one sermon a week, he’d be more polished. But he is racing through things because there are so many things to be done.

Third, the preacher knows that he is not everyone’s favorite. You don’t need to tell him that. How’d you like for the preacher to tell you, ‘You’re not my favorite member’? He would never do that, so you shouldn’t. Learn to learn from your preacher. Bring a Bible. Bring a pen. He’s teaching you the word of God. Become your preacher’s cheerleader. Support him. Encourage him. Spend time with him. Discouragement will cause him to move sooner than he should or quit faster than he ought to. I don’t think I’d want to stand before the Lord and have Him ask me why I discouraged one of His servants. I don’t think that would go well.

And, when others start complaining and nit picking about the preacher, don’t participate. In fact, stop it. He’s trying. He’s trying hard. His best may not be what you think it ought to be, if he is speaking the truth and putting the Lord before your eyes, bless him and don’t discourage him.

A young preacher asked me years ago, “Do you ever think about quitting?” I told him, “Every Monday.” But Tuesdays come along and I have things that need to get done, so I get back to doing things.

I wonder if Paul was around today and we announced that he was preaching Sunday, how many would groan because they don’t like him. We’ve put more emphasis upon the package, the preacher, than we have the message, the Word of God. Maybe it’s time we reversed that and put a greater emphasis upon what is said rather than how it sounds.

I’m not everyone’s cup of tea—yep, I get that. Wish I was, but I’m not. All I can try to do is be the best that I can be.

Roger

 

13

Jump Start # 3634

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3634

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing  one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing  with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Our verse today reminds us that we teach though singing. And, this passage puts to rest two common thoughts about the role of women in the church. Not understanding a statement, nor the context in Corinthians, some declare, “Women are to be silent in the church.” If that be true, then only men can sing. And, close to that, “women do not teach men.” Again, if that be true, then women shouldn’t sing because a man might be taught. More careful understanding of those passages keeps one from extreme and inconsistent positions.

There are a few ways that we teach through singing. One is to state and remind us of Biblical principles, such as “Jesus is coming soon.” Many of our songs will do that. As we sing those songs, they remind us of what the Bible teaches.

Another way that our songs teach are to remind us of the godly practices that we embrace. Love one another is such a reminder. O to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer, is another.

And, still another way our songs teach is by asking questions. Thought provoking questions. Questions that move us to actions. Questions such as, “Are you washed in the blood?” Or, “What will your answer be?”

One of the questions that we sing is, “Does Jesus care?” It’s a song about a heart broken by sorrow and pain. Does the Lord notice? Does the Lord even care? The chorus of that song loudly answers the question, “Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares.”

I wonder why someone would ask the question, “Does Jesus care?” It seems that a person wasn’t sure. Maybe the Lord doesn’t care. And, here are some thoughts we need to remember:

First, the quality of my life is not a measure of God’s care and love for me. I think we have it in our minds, especially we Americans, in this time, that if God loves me then things ought to be easy in my life. Struggles, hardships, sufferings are an indication of something not right and very possibly, that God has looked away from us.

Yet, such thoughts are not the conclusion one gets from a careful study of Biblical history. Israel in Egypt, and they cried because of the oppression. Judah taken in Babylonian captivity. The suffering Jeremiah. The beheading of John. The murder of Stephen. The abuse of the apostles. The death of James and Antipas. Had God turned His back upon these people? Were they doing wrong?

Righteous suffering is a result and consequence of righteous living.

Second, when we think that things are not right because of hardships, we fail to realize that suffering is God’s classroom. We see more and learn more in the storms of life than we do in the sunshine of life. Blessings are wonderful, but it’s the pain that takes us to our knees in prayer. And, our culture doesn’t do well with hardships. We avoid them at all costs. We want a pill to take away all pain and all sadness. Give us counselors, therapists, funny videos and put all suffering out of our minds and ways. And, because of that we live on happy street and are none the better. No lessons learned. No character developed. None the better.

Third, if the storm clouds that roll in make me question my faith, then my faith wasn’t very strong to begin with. Our Lord went to the cross. He was the suffering Savior. Fair weather Christians don’t last when a loved one is in the hospital or death circles a family member. Panic, fear and doubt fill hearts where faith never had deep roots.

One of our hymns reminds us, “This world is not my home, I’m just passing through.” Think maybe we ought to let that thought sink in more deeply. This world is not my home. My home is with the Lord. My home is His home. The passing of a Christian, though sad, especially for the family, ought not to move our foundation. They are the blessed ones. They are the ones we wish we could be. They are finished with this place. They have completed the course. They have a home with the Lord. We grieve with hope, the Thessalonians were reminded. The hopeless despair belongs to those who have no faith. That’s not us.

Does Jesus care? Yes. He has always cared. He has never stopped caring. His life is a demonstration of His care. A greater question we ought to ask is, “Do I care?” Do I care as much as He cares? Do I care about my soul as much as He cares about my soul? Or, is it that I care more about my money, my things and my fun than I do my soul?

Our songs teach us. There are many lessons that take place on a Sunday morning.

Roger

12

Jump Start # 3633

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

Jump Start # 3633

Proverbs 1:5 “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.”

I was in a local ice cream shop the other day. Hard to stay out of those places on hot summer afternoons. As I was sitting at the counter eating my treat, a couple of the workers were chit-chatting to each other nearby. The young female was complaining to the young man that he drove his car like her grandma. Since I’m in the grandparent league, I perked up and thought this will be good. I was surprised the young man had a license, he looked so young. He told his co-worker that he had been pulled over three times last week for speeding. That is why he was driving like a grandma. Three times—in ONE WEEK! Since I wasn’t invited in that conversation, and they had their backs to me, I kept quiet, but I wanted to scream “THREE TIMES IN ONE WEEK!!! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING????” I’m surprised he was still driving. I expect his insurance rates will go through the roof. He acted as if it was no big deal and that the police were always looking for him. The thought occurred, he learned nothing through all of this.

And, that takes us to our verse today. A person of wisdom learns. He learns from the Lord. He learns from others. He learns from his mistakes. And, as sad and ridiculous as this young man’s driving story was, it only becomes worse when we think about us.

Consider:

First, some never learn from the mistakes they have made in their marriage. Marriage is a growing process. Two young people learn. They learn about each other. They learn about life. They learn to compromise. They learn to communicate. But sadly, some never learn. They bring the baggage of selfishness into a marriage and after a few long and sad years, the marriage falls apart. They divorce. They go their separate ways. They each find someone else. And, with no lessons learned, it’s the same song once again.

Second, some never learn from their experiences with a congregation. A family moves into town and places membership with a congregation in the area. It doesn’t take long for them to realize that this congregation is different from the one they were used to in their home town. They notice that people don’t cater to their every whims. They are not the center of attention and because of that they complain that the congregation is not friendly. The leadership doesn’t allow them to do everything that they want. And, as hard as they try to change this congregation into the congregation back home, it fails. Frustrated this family leaves. They leave with no lessons learned. They leave not understanding how fellowship works and how brethren are to be united. They leave upset because they are not the center of the picture. They find another congregation and with no lessons learned, the same sad story is repeated again.

Third, some never learn from their own sins and mistakes. A weak faith allowed them to make superficial choices based upon feelings and not faith. They succumbed to the lies of the devil and seeking pleasure over the glory of the Lord they messed up. Their sin led them to seek the forgiveness of the Lord, yet, they learned no real lesson. They confessed, but they really didn’t repent. Down the same path again, the same mistakes and sins occur. Like being stuck on a merry-go-round, the same sins keep coming back, over and over and over. Now, there are ways to break that sin cycle. Change your choices. Change the environment. Change your friends. Change your habits. Get stronger spiritually. But, many never do that. So, around and around, up and down, in and out they go. Never feeling confident for very long. And, never learning anything and never none the better.

The wise man listens, learns and will do better. Maybe it’s time for us to do the same.

Pulled over by the police, three times in one week. Any lessons learned?

Roger