17

Jump Start # 3680

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

Jump Start # 3680

Joshua 7:1 “But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully in regard to the things under the ban, for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, took some of the things under the ban, therefore the anger of the Lord burned against the sons of Israel.”

It is an interesting way to begin a chapter. It is an interesting way to begin a sentence. In nearly all English translations, this verse begins with the word “but.” But, brings another side to the story. But is negative. For instance:

  • School is great, but, I don’t like the food
  • I love my job, but, I have to travel a lot
  • I have the best kids in the world, but, they are very picky eaters
  • I love my house, but, the neighbors are weird

The sixth chapter of Joshua ends with a great victory at Jericho. The fame of Joshua and Israel was spreading through the land. With God, they could not be stopped. Things couldn’t be better, BUT…

Most know the story. Instead of walls falling down, Israel fell down and ran. What happened next was a disaster. There was sin in the camp. God’s law had been violated. God became angry. Israel suffered. And, what follows is a clear example of leading through storms.

First, Joshua sought the Lord. He fell on his face. He tore his clothes. He put dust on his head. He and the elders of Israel prayed.

Second, Joshua moved into actin. He rose early in the morning. He was before the people. He spoke with a clear voice. He didn’t begin by softening the wrong that was done. He did not say, “We all do wrong from time to time.” Or, “who here hasn’t done something wrong before?” He didn’t say, “Wow, when I saw all that stuff, I thought about taking some of it too.” In a crisis, in a storm, in a disaster, people are looking for a leader who moves with action, who has directions, solutions and a clear voice.

Third, Joshua identified the problem. This was done not behind closed doors or in a small room, but before all the people. Everyone now knew. The defeat at AI was because one among them had disobeyed the Lord. The people knew that they could count on Joshua. They knew that he was leading them to the Lord.

Fourth, Joshua did what was right, not what was easy. Achan, his possessions, his children were all put to death. The bloodline ended. His sin had hurt his family. His sin had hurt the nation. Sin always comes with consequences. The problem was dealt with and peace returned to the nation.

What brilliant steps for leaders in God’s kingdom to remember and imitate. On sunny days, when everything is running smoothly, leading is easy. It’s when the storm clouds build. It’s when there is sin in the camp. It’s when someone is hiding the wrong that they have done. This is when the true worth of a leader is found. No favoritism. No bending the rules. No double standards. Grace and mercy needs to be applied and when someone does not want to repent and damage is taking place in the church, then action must follow. It must be Biblical. It must be thought out. It must be prayed out.

Further damage takes place when the leaders run and hide because they don’t want to get involved in something messy or hard. Such men are not good leaders. Patience and looking the other way are not the same things. There comes a time when one must either stop his wicked ways and repent or face the discipline that is necessary.

Leading through storms. Here are some thoughts:

First, leaders must be on the same page with each other and give one consistent answer. Covid made many congregations face things that was new for them. Storms will do the same. Should we cancel services or not? A congregation isn’t helped by opposite answers coming from the leaders. Phone calls, texts, emails must fly through the air as leaders land upon what decision will be made. They then must communicate that consistently. Unlike at home, when a child hears “no,” from dad, and then runs to mom with the same request, hoping for a “yes.” Mixed signals creates doubt and makes people wonder who is at the helm during this storm.

Second, leaders must do what is right with the Lord, not what everyone always wants. Joshua didn’t put the fate of Achan to a vote. The Lord was clear. Joshua was clear. There may be some who get upset at the decision of the leaders. Often, our displeasure comes from our perspective. We forget about others. Leaders can’t. While I may easily make it to the church building, some of the frail members may not. It may put them in harms way to travel out. Some have no room for wrath, discipline or punishment in their vocabulary. They would still be giving Achan a second chance. Then a third. Then a fourth. Some just cannot draw a line in the sand with the Lord. Leaders must. They must make the call that others may not agree with. They must make the call that is uncomfortable. They do this, because they are following the will of the Lord.

Third, leaders realize that in dealing with sin in the camp, it’s not all about the wrong brother. God’s dealing with Achan would send a reminder for Israel every time they conquered a city. This is serious. We need to take God at His word. And, when action must be taken against someone who refuses to walk with the Lord, it sends a message to the whole church. A little leaven can leaven the whole lump, the N.T. reminds us. That works both ways—positive and negative.

Leading through storms…valuable lessons for our leaders today.

Roger

16

Jump start # 3679

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

Jump Start # 3679

Jeremiah 46:17 “They cried there, ‘Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a big noise; he has let the appointed time pass by!’”

Our verse today is a great reminder for all of us to understand the moment and to make the most of it. The king of Egypt let the appointed time pass by. Others word this:

  • ESV: one who has let the hour go by
  • NIV: he has missed his opportunity
  • NEB: the man who missed his moment

Often the door of opportunity is only opened once. And, when it closes, it may remain closed for a long, long time. Opportunity sometimes comes dressed as work. And, opportunity doesn’t wait for you to clear your schedule and to do get other things done first. Opportunities are often not convenient.

And, when we have missed the opportunity, what generally follows is regret. If I had only done this first. The little word “if” can define our lives. If I had listen to my parents. If I had stayed in school. If I, and the sad song of regrets is played slowly through our hearts.

The word “if” is found over 1700 times in the Bible. Ten times it is found in Romans 8. The thought before us today, is how do we live with the “ifs” in life? Appointed time passes by. Missed moments. Lost opportunities. Closed doors. Ships sailed. Standing on the shores of regret, what could have been, what should have been, becomes moments of regret.

We all have them. Said things that we wished we could take back. People that we never talked to about the Lord and now those people are no longer in our lives. Turned down the invitation to serve as a shepherd of God’s people years ago, and now, age and health won’t allow it. Could have stayed in preaching but got out. Years later, one stands on that bank of memories and regrets and wonders what life might have been. How differently things could have been. Just how does one live with the “what ifs” in life?

First, don’t waste today thinking about yesterday. If ships have sailed and doors have closed, stay in the game of life. Look for another boat. Keep knocking on other doors. Maybe the plan A’s in life didn’t materialize. Sometimes Plan B is a better plan all around. So, you lost the opportunity to serve as a shepherd. You can be a knot on the log for the rest of your life or you can find ways to help the people of God. Paul wanted to go to Spain. That wasn’t in the plans of God. He could have sat down and quit. But he didn’t. The Macedonia call came after that. Other doors were opened.

Second, the road of regrets can lead to bitterness and a sour spirit. Be careful. What you lost in the past can ruin your present and destroy the future. One of the powerful ways to deal with missed opportunities and the regrets that follow is to seek the mercy and forgiveness of the Lord. Being sour is not the way to go. No one enjoys being around someone who is bitter, complaining and always talking about the past. God is good. God is gracious. Learn lessons and do better.

Third, keep your eyes open and be alert. Opportunities abound every day. Most miss them because they are not looking for them. Listen well to what others say, there are opportunities there. The announcements given in every church service are opportunities to pray, serve and help others. There are opportunities to invite others to services if we look for them. There are opportunities to have Biblical discussions if we only notice them.

The king of Egypt missed the moment. We do the same because we are waiting for the moment to ring our front doorbell and introduce itself to us. It won’t happen that way. Open eyes. Ready hearts. Serving hands. Those are the traits that will keep us from missing the moment.

Opportunities are before us…don’t miss them.

Roger

15

Jump Start # 3678

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

Jump Start # 3678

Jude 9 “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, ‘the Lord rebuke you.’”

This verse is filled with intrigue and even mystery. Placed in a series of historical reminders about those  who received the wrath and judgment of God, including unbelieving Egyptians, angels that did not keep their domain, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Michael’s dispute with the devil. Michael would not pronounce a railing word against the devil. In contrast, the twisted false teachers were reviling the things that they did not understand. An angel wouldn’t, but these false teachers would.

Jude states, “Woe to them!” The false teachers are destructive, fault finders, grumbling, arrogant and creating division. They are worldly minded and following after their own lust, is how Jude defines them.

Our verse reveals something from long ago that there is no other reference to. Michael and the devil going at it over the body of Moses, is something that you can’t find anywhere else. God has shown something that no one knew anything about. I wonder if ancient Israel knew this story.

The expression, “the body of Moses,” sounds as if they were talking about Moses after he died. Who would get him? We remember that God would not allow Moses to go to the promise land. He allowed Moses to see the land and after that the Lord killed Moses. The end of Deuteronomy says that the Lord buried Moses. Nothing is said about this dispute. Who gets his body seems to imply more than just the physical body of Moses.

Moses was killed by the Lord. Moses was in punishment for not doing what God said. In that sense, it would seem that Moses was lost. The devil would get his soul. Yet, Moses’ name is listed in Hebrews 11 as one who gained approval.

It is interesting also that the dispute is between the devil and an angel. It’s not the Lord and the devil, like in the book of Job. And, in this argument, between the devil and an angel, Michael did not dare pronounce a “railing judgment.” Others word this as:

  • A blasphemous judgment (ESV)
  • Did not charge him with slander (CEB)
  • Did not utter a slanderous condemnation (CSB)
  • Did not dare condemn him with mockery (Phillips)
  • Did not himself dare to condemn him (NIV)

It seems that Michael understood roles, positions and authority. Here are some thoughts:

First, it is the prerogative of God to save or condemn. Michael got that. Wish we did. It is not our place to declare someone is in Heaven or is in Hell. Michael would not rebuke the devil. He allowed the Lord to do that. It is the Lord that will deal with the devil. It is the Lord that has a place prepared for the devil.

Second, Michael did what we can also do, and that is to quote the Lord. Michael said, “The Lord rebuke you.” Using Scriptures, instead of our “think-so” puts the discussion on a different level. When one is cross ways with God’s word, they are now arguing with God. The discussion is not about what you think, the church says, or how I feel. What does the Lord say needs to be brought to the front of the conversation. The Gospel is called the power of God. It is God’s dynamite!

Third, this simple little passage reminds us that there are so many things that we do not understand or even know about. Where did this conversation between Michael and the devil take place? How soon after Moses’ death did it take place? Why were others not included in knowing this until Jude? What else do we not know about?

And, thoughts like this leads us to Deut 29:29, where the secret things belong to God and the things revealed are for our learning. God doesn’t have to tell us everything. Transparency is something for us and not for God. There are some things that we don’t need to know. There are some things that if we did know, such as the date of your death, would bother us. What God has revealed is what we need to please Him, walk closely with Him and follow Him to Heaven.

And, no, when you get to Heaven, you won’t be bringing a list of questions that you expect God to answer for you. Nope, I don’t think that will happen. One reason is because God doesn’t owe us an explanation. But, more than that, I think we will be so joyous to be in Heaven that the questions we have simply won’t matter any more.

If Michael, an angel, wouldn’t condemn the devil, the worst spirit in creation, you and I ought to be careful with what we say. Words matter. Some things should not be said, even to the devil. Michael got it. He understood.

Roger

14

Jump Start # 3677

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

Jump Start # 3677

Acts 24:25 “But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.”

It was a simple question that someone asked me the other day. It came from a man who visits our congregation a lot and attends some of the special classes I teach during the week. But, this question has been asked by others. “Just how do you find the time to do all that you do?” That’s the question. Most weeks are busy, but some are really packed full. When I think about all of it, I don’t know how to answer the question. A typical week involves recording three podcasts, writing five blogs, teaching two to four public classes, writing and preaching a sermon. There is writing class material, sermon notecards and building powerpoint slides for classes and sermons each week. That’s the stuff people see. Throw into that a visit or two to a hospital to see someone. Answering dozens of questions that come via email and texts. Finding material that someone needs. Zillion of phone calls. That’s what a typical week looks like. It gets busier when we have to record podcasts for future dates, preparing to preach for a few days at another congregation. I’m busy and I know that.

Felix, from our passage, bought into the delusion that somehow a person can find more time. “When I find time I will summon you,” was his words and thoughts. Does such a thing exist? Do you know anyone that found a way to get 26 hours in day? Is there such a thing as a “time bank,” where we can toss a few extra minutes here and there and then withdraw when we are really busy and need some more time? Paul would never be summoned, because Felix would never find the time. No one does. I don’t. I have the same amount of time as anyone else.

So, how do I get everything done each week? Here are a few insights into how Mr. Roger works:

First, be extremely organized and efficient. So much time is wasted looking for this or that, or chasing rabbits that do not matter. Before the day begins, I have in my mind an order of what needs to be done that day. Accomplishing those tasks fuels momentum and prepares you for the next day. My books are on the shelves that make sense to me. They don’t have to make sense to anyone else. My files, whether in file cabinets or on my computer screen, the apps on my tablet and phone, are just where I need them. At the end of each day, the waste basket is emptied, the desk is cleared off, and things are lined up for what needs to be done tomorrow. Now, not everyone is wired that way. But to get a ton done, one has to use time as a gift.

Second, I don’t try to do the whole week’s work in one day. What’s coming next? That needs to be done first. I write a Jump Start every day. Just one a day. I don’t try to write a whole week of these in a day. That’s too much. What class is next? Get done, what needs to be done.

Certain projects loom on the horizon. Those are running through the mind. Monday or Tuesday, I’m getting a good idea of what I want to preach the coming Sunday. I let those thoughts simmer, especially as I drive. I’ll take one morning and dive into deep research and writing of that sermon. It will be altered, polished and adjusted and in good shape by Thursday. Friday is typically, the finalizing of what needs to be done for Sunday. The powerpoints. The sermon notecards. The classes. By the time I leave my office on Friday, everything should be locked and loaded and ready for Sunday.

Third, use what you have to help you. I like the term, cross pollinating. Sermons become Jump Starts. Jump Starts become classes. Classes become Jump Starts. Find what works and find different avenues and ways to use those thoughts. This is not looking for short cuts. Rather, it’s reusing something that had a purpose and was helpful.

But, under the hood of all of this is the spirit of being driven. Paul told Timothy to do the work of an evangelist. It is a work and to the work we must go. And, we must give it our all. Paul was hungry, thirsty and homeless. I’m not. Our Lord gave His very life. I haven’t. A lazy preacher doesn’t fit the bill and he won’t go out of his way to do what he ought to.

There are days I’d like to just lock the door and spend hours deep diving into restoration history. Fascinating to me. But, more pressing and more important things need to be done first. I guess the answer to the question, “How do you get all this done,” is that I just do it. Do I have to do all these things? No. And, I have a wonderful team that helps me do what I cannot do. They do the big lifting of loading things on social media and pushing our material out. I couldn’t do it with these great servants.

And, at the end of the day, that’s all that I am, a servant of Christ. Each of us must find our gifts and talents and then excel in those areas. Get good at what you are good at.

And, that’s a little peak into my world. And, I’m not the only one. So many of you are doing amazing things in the kingdom. Busy people. Focused people. Dedicated people. Faithful people. That’s us and I’m happy to be a small part of that.

Roger

11

Jump Start # 3676

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

Jump Start # 3676

1 Thessalonians 5:14 “We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

  I write this on a Wednesday morning. It is a specular fall day in Indiana. The sky is a vibrant blue. There are no clouds in the sky. The leaves are beginning to turn color. The air is cool and very calm. It’s a wonderful day here in Hoosier land. But as I write this, a massive hurricane is nearing the Florida coast. It is already raining heavily in that state. By nightfall, the winds will howl and water will bring destruction upon the beaches and many homes in that state. I have many friends in Florida. It is amazing that things can be so nice here and so many are running for their lives there. Calm here. Destructive there. Wonderful here. Life threatening there. All of this at the same time.

And, that contrast in weather reminds us of a greater contrast that runs through our congregations. We walk into the church building, with a smile on our faces, feeling good and looking forward to praising the Lord we love so much. Calm and wonderful could describe our state of mind, emotions and heart. Someone else walks in, and they are not cheerful. Their heart is full of fear. A loved one lies in the hospital and the end is near. For someone else, it’s an intense and even angry look upon his face. He’s had it at work. He is so tried of being overlooked, mistreated and taken advantage of. In the morning, he will give his two week notice. How will he take care of his family, he contemplates. Numbers are racing through his mind and he is thinking about what options he has. A mother walks in on a Sunday morning, and she has the look of worry on her face. She doesn’t want to admit it, but deep inside she thinks her son is using drugs. There are too many signs and too many things that just don’t add up. How will she handle this, she wonders. Someone else walks in, and they are afraid of God. They have made terrible choices and they fear that they will not be welcomed. How could God forgive someone like me, this person thinks.

Calm and beautiful in Indiana and stormy and destructive in Florida. What an important lesson for us:

First, not everyone who steps into the church building on Sunday is in a good mood or even wants to be there. It’s easy to assume that everyone feels the way I feel. The weather in one part of the country is not the same in another part, at the same time. Later in the year, as we will be freezing our giblets here in Indiana, it will be short sleeve weather in Florida.

Some walk into the church building confused and uncertain about things. Some walk in with a chip on their shoulder. Some are scared. Some are happy. Some don’t feel well. Some hurt, in their joints and in their soul.

Bubbly, cheerful and over the top happy, can annoy and irritate those who are experiencing a storm in their lives. There can be some jealousy taking place. Be sensitive to the pains of others.

Second, be careful with what you say. Remember Job’s friends sat for a week and didn’t say anything. That’s one of the best things that we can do. Silence can be golden. Telling someone to “snap out of it,” is likely to get a snappy response in return. Just handing someone a verse doesn’t solve all the problems they are facing. For many of these situations, it is a journey and that journey can be long.

You can tell someone that you are glad that they are there. You can invite them to sit with you. You can ask them if they would like to go out to eat with you. Be ready to accept a decline in the offer and don’t pressure them to change their minds. Give them some space. If they accept, you pay their bill, because you invited them, and you don’t spend the meal talking about yourself or the problems you have had. Let them lead. If they want to talk about something else, follow that. If they want to talk about the issues in their life, listen, be kind, be helpful.

Third, remember the golden rule. The next time, it might be you who are the one who is not feeling so great. There may be storm clouds building in your life. What would you want others to do for you? Think about that. And, always pray.

Sunny in Indiana and stormy in Florida. I’ve never experienced a hurricane. We have tornados. They are destructive, but they move fast and most times, narrow in their paths. I’ve never had to evacuate. What to take, what to leave behind, what hard choices. I’ve never left, wondering if my house would be there when I returned. I don’t have hurricane experience to my repertoire. Likewise, I have never buried a child. I have never experienced a divorce. I have never been laid off. I may not understand the fear or the pain that someone else is going through. It may be hard for me to imagine. But I can and should care. I should listen. I should be there if they need me.

We may not experience the same weather, but we can sympathize, pray and be concerned for those who are enduring storms. This is true of our weather and it is true of life. Knowing that others are there is a comfort and a peace that helps. Knowing that the Lord is near, is the greatest peace.

Sunny and stormy…what lessons we can learn.

Roger