Growing In Faith

 

Some parades are planned; others are spontaneous. For example, the Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena are planned parades. A ton of preparation goes into these parades. Yet, other parades, by comparison, are spontaneous. Take, for example, the parade that is put together when a football team wins a state or national championship. Within days, plans for a parade materialize. This team may not be a winner again for many years. In both types of parades, however, crowds line the streets. Perhaps you’ve been in such a crowd. Sometimes, confetti drizzles down like rain from the windows of skyscrapers, like those on Broadway in New York. The cheering might be so loud, it makes any chance of a conversation impossible. On Palm Sunday, we remember that Jesus was in a parade — a spontaneous one. It wasn’t planned, and in fact, for transportation, all they had for Jesus was a little donkey! People waved palm branches and cheered. For one day, Jesus was a real celebrity. Yet how quickly the mood changed! Within days, Jesus was taken from his admirers, betrayed and seized by his enemies. Today, I am dismayed that Jesus had to endure a phony trial. I wonder where all his supporters went. And I wonder: Would I, too, have abandoned Jesus in the hour of his death? Would I be brave enough today to stand up for Jesus? Do I willingly act as a peacemaker? Am I the first to identify with someone who is different and lonely? Do I do what is right, even if it is not the popular viewpoint? —Melanie Silva

[Romans 19:17] “…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Christians, in some ways, are like anyone else. We all tend to become lax about matters that should be basic and indispensable. It is like eating well. Anyone can learn how proper nutrition works and can even begin to do what it requires. But there is always the human characteristic to revert back to old behavior, even when we know it is not good for us.

Daily Bible reading is like this. Within the heart of every Christian, we know that the life-stream of our faith is the Word of God. If we did not know that we would not even be a Christian. Somewhere in our history we had to have read or heard the Word, or we would not have come to believe in Jesus and His gospel. Like so many other healthy behaviors, however, over time, we become careless and abandon our healthy regiment.

Do we remember how important faith is? Can we recall that it is “…the victory that has overcome the world…” (1 John 5:4)? Do we still know that it is the very foundation of all Christian virtues (2 Peter 1:5-8)? Do we still live by the rules “…without faith it is impossible to please Him…” (Hebrews 11:6) and “…The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17)? From the opening of the Bible to its closing, faith is at the core of everything we are to do as Christians. All would have to agree on that. But faith does not happen solely by prayer. Faith is not supernaturally poured out upon us nor does it come by simply force of will. We have to “learn” faith. It comes only by a continuous flow of the Word into our mind – no other way.

Those reading this article might think that a preacher like me would always be strong in faith. Not so! To build faith I have to read and listen to the Word as a powerful effort toward self-growth and not just to prepare a lesson or sermon. A preacher has to build on his faith just like any other Christian to keep it strong, healthy, and growing. He too must spend time in the Bible, especially when his faith waivers. There are many Bible reading schedules available to assist anyone in a daily feeding on God’s Word. Spend 30 minutes each day and see how strong and healthy your faith can become. (Colossians 2:6-7)

Precious Time

 

Four high school boys afflicted with spring fever skipped their morning classes. After lunch they reported to the teacher that their tardiness was due to a flat tire. Much to their relief she smiled and said, “Well, you missed a test today so take seats apart from one another and take out a piece of paper.” Still smiling, she waited for them to sit down. Then she said, “First question: Which tire was flat?”

It was statesman Benjamin Franklin who said, “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” What is time? Einstein said it is what the clock read. There is solar time, atomic time, daytime, nighttime, local time, good times, and old times. The Bible says that Felix waited for a “more convenient time” (Acts 24:25). Paul wrote that “now is the accepted time” (2 Corinthians 6:2), and that “time is short” (1 Corinthians 7:29). James wrote “life is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Every birthday is a milestone of the relentless march of time and a reminder that we are quickly passing through the sands of this world.

[Psalm 103:15-18] “As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting, On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.”

We have learned that we can never go back, only forward in time. Time comes from God, though God Himself lives outside the boundaries of time. “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). Time began when God created the universe – “God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:5). God created the stars in their courses that determines our hours, days, months, and years (Genesis 1:14-18). As the One who has control over time, God gives it out to us a moment at a time. Someday, we shall stand before God and turn in, as it were, a timecard accounting for how we have used our God-given gifts to His glory (1 Corinthians 4:2; Luke 16:2). Are we good stewards of the “time” we have been given by God? We should say with Moses, “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

We are to look to Jesus for our example (1 Peter 2:2). Jesus was never too busy, and He did not waste time. He always took time to pray and meditate (Luke 9:18), to go to worship services (Luke 4:16), to give attention to the sick (Galatians 6:9), to rest ((Luke 8:22-25), to give attention to the children (Matthew 19:13-14), and even found time to attend social events, such as the wedding feast at Cana (John 2:1-10). Jesus is certainly the example we should imitate. Jesus was master over His time, and we should ever strive to be the same. “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5: 15-16). We should learn to prioritize the things in our life, so that, our ultimate goal is fulfilled – to bring glory and honor to God through our service and daily offering (Romans 12:1-2). “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Life is like a clock: The hands of time go only forward, never backward. Life is unlike a film: It can never be rerun for a second showing. Life is unlike an automobile: It has no reverse gear. Life is unlike a pencil: You cannot erase your mistakes. (Proverbs 19:23).

A Forgiving Glow

 

Did anyone ever tell you that you were “positively glowing”? It’s a common expression. When you see someone extremely happy, or perhaps at peace, you might say that they are glowing or simply “beaming” with delight. When actors or athletes win an important award, they appear to be glowing with understandable pride. Parents are glowing with pride as they watch their children perform in a schoolhouse play. Other people are known for a “sunny disposition.” So, what’s going on with these references to light when talking about someone’s happy face? People can’t actually glow, can they? While “glowing” is perhaps a figurative way to express the joy on one’s face, could it be literally true? Yes! According to one source, “the human body literally glows, emitting a visible light in extremely small quantities at levels that rise and fall with the day. … Past research has shown that the body emits visible light, 1,000 times less intense than the levels to which our naked eyes are sensitive.” I think that when we spend quality time with someone, even if that Someone is God, we feel happy, and that happiness causes our inner light, our “happy light,” to glow even brighter. You can’t spend too much time in the presence of God without getting a little glow. Moses certainly got his glow! And Jesus on the mountain of the Transfiguration did, too. You don’t need a mountain to start glowing. All you need is a little time with Jesus! —Timothy Merrill

Scientific findings have also confirmed what we Christians have known all along. An unforgiving, grudge-holding spirit is not in our best interest. According to a report heralded by Newsweek, more than 1,200 published studies have now been conducted on   the subject and the results are both consistent and conclusive: “…increased blood pressure and hormonal changes – linked to cardiovascular disease, immune suppression and possibly impaired neurological function and memory” are the “specific physiologic consequences” of unforgiveness.

One researcher, Everett Worthington, uses language even I can understand. “It happens down the line, but every time you feel unforgiveness, you are more likely to develop a health problem.” Dr. Dean Ornish goes even further. “In a way,” he says, “the most selfish thing you can do for yourself is to forgive other people.”

[Matthew 5:7] It seems the Bible has been right all along: “Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.” “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). “…putting on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:12-14). “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).

I once heard of an epitaph upon a headstone of an unkempt, long-forgotten grave which read, “Died of Grudgitus.” No doubt many death certificates could accurately list “Grudgitus” as a contributing cause of death. Have you ever heard someone snarl, through clinched teeth, “I’ll get even with them if it’s the last thing I ever do?” “If it possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord (Romans 12:17-19). Don’t make yourself sick. Forgive, and glow with God’s love.

Present Yourself, Holy

 

I heard a story recently about a congregation that hired a contractor to repaint their building steeple. When the painting began, it became apparent that the contractor had underestimated the amount of paint it would take to do the job. Whereupon he instructed his workers to thin the paint so there would be enough to finish the work. When the workers began using the thinned down paint there was a noticeable difference in the color. Even though it was a clear day, without a single cloud to be seen in the sky, there came a loud clap of thunder along with a voice from heaven saying, “Repaint! And thin no more!”

While we enjoy humorous stories such as this, there is a moral lesson here as well. God desires us to be honest, to do our very best, take no short-cuts, and be true to the commitments we have made. By doing these things and striving to be like Jesus, the world will be able to see Him in our lives and hopefully be receptive to the good news about our Savior. (Isaiah 33:15-16) “He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, He who despises the gain of oppressions, Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, And shuts his eyes from seeing evil; He will dwell on high; His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; Bread will be given him, His water will be sure.” (Proverbs 12:22) “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) “…but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’” (Philippians 4:8) “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” (Colossians 3:23) “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men…” (Ecclesiastes 9:10) “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.”

[Romans 12:1-2] “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Paul begins this very familiar passage by pleading with Christians to live daily for God upon the grounds of the immeasurable grace and mercy that has been shown to us. One great proof of God’s love is that He sent His only Son to die for us, paying our sin debt of death, then giving us a choice whether or not to follow Him, our Redeemer, Savior, knowing that most people would not obey. The plea is for followers of Christ to enter their living body into selfless service to the Lord. Every command from God requires our body, so those bodies must be “holy” – set apart for devotion to Him. We often stress, and rightly so, the need to offer authorized acts of worship to God. But it is equally important in God’s eyes that we offer our bodies and our lives as a kind of daily sacrifice for which He has asked. Christians should be set apart like “a city that is set on a hill” (Matthew 5:14), obvious to those who see you, so that they might “glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). This kind of life only comes through the renewing of the mind to the will of God. Thinking right is an essential beginning to doing right. Let your light shine the love of God.

Servants of Kindness

 

Can you remember the fad of having a “fitness tracker”? It looked like a watch, yet sleeker. I believe most of them did keep time, but their main purpose was to keep track of the steps one took each day and some even monitored one’s sleep patterns. When worn regularly, the “fitness tracker” was intended to be an encouragement to help one toward a more proper way of physical fitness and better health. Now the same thing is on my phone.

I once contemplated the idea of a “kindness tracker”. Not that a mechanical one could be made, but the very thought that I could somehow, each day, keep track of acts of kindness that I do would be great. It would not be for me to share with anyone, or compare myself with anyone, or to compete with anyone. No, it would be just to keep myself motivated to do cordial things for others. I could keep a running total in my mind throughout the day and then think back over the list at the end of the day. This would supply a certain amount of satisfaction at the end of a trying day, or maybe, if the total were quite low, it could supply motivation for the next day.

There’s an old story that used to make the rounds of church bulletin articles and sermons. It told of a man who wanted his son to have something to do that would make him feel good about himself. The son was lazing around one snowy afternoon, and the father told his son to get off the couch and go to the neighbor’s house and shovel the snow off their sidewalk and driveway before they got home from work …and without the neighbor knowing who did it. Ah, there’s the rub! There is an element of self-esteem and satisfaction that should not be fed by someone else acknowledging or rewarding an act of kindness. We should do it just because it is the kind thing to do. We can enrich our lives and the lives of others by being more aware of our acts of kindness, as well as those done by others.

[Galatians 6:10] “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” A story is told of a high government official coming into President Lincoln’s office and was startled to find the chief executive shining his shoes! “Sir!” the man cried out in astonishment, “Surely you don’t polish your own shoes!” “Of course,” replied the humble President. “Whose do you polish?” The greatness of a man is demonstrated by his humility. Truly, no life has exhibited humility as supremely as the life of Jesus. As deity in the flesh, Jesus “made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant…” (Philippians 2:7). The meaning here is that Jesus laid aside His rank and dignity and became in respect to that as nothing; He assumed a humbler rank and station. Did not Jesus himself affirm, “…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

Our God has given us a name above all other names, that worthy name “Christian” (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16; James 2:7). Did you know that the name Christian is found only three times in the Bible? But the word ‘servant’ is used to refer to God’s people some thirty-two times in the New Testament. Certainly, we cannot give our life as a ransom for others as did our Savior, but we can certainly ‘die to self’ that we may be servants of others. Even in prophecy, Jesus was called “My servant…”, but in that same prophecy, God called him “My Elect One, in whom My soul delights!” (Isaiah 42:1-4; Matthew 12:18-21). God is not well pleased with us when we seek to stand above our fellow believers, but only when we are willing to humble ourselves in service to them. In the eyes of God, the greatest among man is first the servant of men. “He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:33-35).