Migratory Citizenship?

 

It’s that time of year when thousands of migratory birds are passing through on their way south to winter in Central and South America. Our small city has grown commercially since the late 90’s with fast food franchises, big box auto supplies, quick-mart fuel stops, restaurants, motels, retail stores, and food markets. And as brick and mortar go up the open spaces disappear, and a phenomenon has been experienced in a certain part of the city for the past two decades that can be scary the first time one sees it. An open grassy field before 2003 has now become a huge asphalt parking lot supporting a strip mall and grocery complex on one side and a fast food and gas station/quicky-mart on the other side with room for more buildings. Long story short, migrating birds have used this location, once an open field, as a rest stop for thousands of years and because of instinctive powers still do. The birds come in waves spending about two days each, then moving on. At its peak the parking lot will be black with birds, the few trees that were aesthetically left behind in the name of preserving nature, are filled with birds, the nearby powerlines are lined with birds, and one can hardly hear for all the chirping. Travel a single city block in any direction and one will notice the nearly total lack of birds. I guess the good thing about it all is the whole migratory thing is over within about six weeks but, of course, repeats in the spring.

One of the major controversies in our country is what to do about the many who are entering this country illegally. We do have laws in the books that tell how one can enter legally and become a citizen if one chooses. At the moment thousands are entering illegally with the help of the United Nations, the Red Cross, and treasonous politicians hell-bent on destroying the loyal, patriotic, freedom loving, law-abiding, capitalistic, middle-class that has made this country what it is today and is willing to defend their constitutional rights to be free. That statement will label me a domestic terrorist by the corrupt FBI. Our politicians seem to be totally perplexed by the invasion of people - they created! Some want to give them all amnesty and make them full citizens. Others want to “round ‘em up and head ‘em out” back to their own country. It seems most of the world hates where they live and the capitalistic U.S. but given the chance they flock here for the freebies. The problem is, they refuse to assimilate and want to change this free country into the dictatorship they just left. Stay home! But the invasion has a purpose – destroy our way of life! God save America!

[Matthew 23:13-35] This whole thing reminds me of those who want to go to heaven, but don’t want to follow the “rules” which Christ set down for becoming a “citizen” of His kingdom. Many prefer to make up their own “rules” for heavenly citizenship – thus they feel they can enjoy the benefits without fuss or bother. The scribes and Pharisees were like that, and Jesus called them hypocrites, serpents, blind guides, and murderers. One example of changing Jesus’ “rules” for heavenly citizenship is teaching that repeating the “sinners’ prayer” is all one needs to do to go to heaven. Neither Christ nor His apostles ever told anyone that that was what to do to be saved. Jesus stated that only those who do His Father’s will can enter the kingdom (Matthew 7:21). Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). If there are commandments (rules) for being a Christian, then we MUST follow those rules to be a true citizen. Those rules are found in the New Testament – not in some man’s notion or some decision made by a council or convention of delegates. Christ is King and has all authority (Matthew 28:18). He knows who a true citizen of His kingdom is. I would not count on amnesty on the day of Judgment! We don’t instinctively migrate to heaven; we work out our own salvation! (Philippians 2:12).

The Dangerous Far Country

 

Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra (May 12, 1925 – September 22, 2015) was a professional baseball catcher who later took on the roles of manager and coach. He played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) (1946–1963, 1965), all but the last for the New York Yankees; an 18-time All-Star and won 10 World Series championships as a player - more than any other player in MLB history. “Yogi” is also remembered for his quirky quotes and nonsensical sayings. Among them are: “You’ve got to be very careful if you don’t know where you are going, because you may not get there;” and “There are some people who, if they don’t already know, you can’t tell ‘em;” and “I’m not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did.”

Adults who care about young people begin to encourage them at a young age to be diligent in their schoolwork, and to stick with their education through high school and even college. Education can help young people grow up to be more productive in their communities, get better jobs, and become better providers for their families. But I remember some of my classmates who quickly became bored or dissatisfied with schooling and decided that life had more to offer than classrooms, teachers, and administrators. They one day walked out of the school doors never to return… dropouts. This is sad because of the missed opportunities that likely resulted, and the problems that may have been caused by their lack of education. But as I bring to mind those who quit their worldly education, I realize how much more severe and detrimental it is when people, young and old, “dropout” of the Lord’s church. Sometimes young people begin attending church services upon the wishes of their parents, and later be added by the Lord to His body (Acts 2:38, 41, 47). But soon they are drawn by the world and turn away from the Lord and His children toward sinful living.

Consider the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. The son was oblivious to the riches he had at his very fingertips, and he longed to explore the “far country,” where the sinful pleasures of the world awaited him. But his eyes were opened by the harsh realities of worldly living. Then, devoid of food, friends, and family, he cast his mind back to his home where his loving father had loved and cared for him his entire young life. Maybe you have been yearning for the far country, or perhaps you are residing there now. I beg you to cast your mind back to the rock-solid reality of Christ’s love, and the inevitability of eternity in either heaven or hell. Don’t do the Lord any “favors” by going through the motions of Christianity, while your heart is in the “far country” (Matthew 15:8). If you have dropped out of the life you once lived for God, the door is still wide open, and the Father stands watching, waiting for your return (Luke 15:20).

[Luke 15:1-7] Once there was a boy lost in the woods. The alarm was sounded. The whole community responded. Fishermen abandoned their nets and merchants closed their shops. Plows were left in the field as everyone turned out to search for the little one. They moved in a feverish pace for the night would soon be getting darker and harm might befall the lad. After several hours of searching, he was found and with what joy was felt because of the rescue. Today he is no longer a lad, but he is lost again! Yet, sadly, none seem to care. No alarm has been sounded on his behalf. Many “family members” don’t even seem to care. Yet, a worse fate awaits him now. He is lost in sin! Does anyone care enough to help? The world needs to return to the Bible, the Word of God, for relief from the evils of sinful living. Rescue the perishing, snatch them from the fire (Jude 23-17).

Time Is Precious

 

In the early 1970’s, William Jenny, a retired clock maker in his 60’s, was employed by the prestigious Savoy Hotel in London to keep 1,105 of their time pieces correctly set and wound. The winding of the clocks took four days before starting all over again. It is said that Mr. Jenny could tell the correct time (within half a minute), any time day or night, without using a watch. The British medical association put Jenny through some exhaustive tests to discover what they called “an acute psychical poise” but without success. Did he possess some sort of miraculous gift? No, I don’t think so. Many people can determine to wake up at a certain time and do; you may have done that yourself. While in business I could tell what time it was plus or minus ten minutes and I’m still pretty good at guessing the time today. I would suggest Mr. Jenny was so involved with clocks and time all his life that his brain (which God gave him) could subconsciously mark time, much like we do even when keeping time in a song. Be it of historical value, or legendary myth, or a preacher’s tale I know not, but we can apply it to a Biblical ideal.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly with all wisdom…” (Colossians 3:16). The human mind is able to absorb huge amounts of detail, store them and use them logically. Show me a person who knows more Bible and I will show a person who has studied more Bible. Keep filling and fueling your mind with God’s Word and you will recall Bible information in a more efficient, and logical way, with proper application.

[ 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11] What would you do to be at the birth of your child? Would you miss work? Skip an important meeting? Risk disappointing customers and co-workers? That’s the decision Daniel Hudson faced a few years back. Only Daniel isn’t in the corporate world; he’s a relief pitcher for the Washington Nationals (at the time of this story, 2019. He is now with the LA Dodgers). And, despite it being the 1st game of the National League Championship, Daniel’s decision was easy - go to the birth.

For Hudson, family is a top priority. He explained: “Baseball is what I do; it isn’t who I am.” He made the decision to be at the birth, no matter what the consequences. And that decision angered many people. Some posted derogatory comments on social media. In their minds, missing a championship game was inexcusable! But Hudson also received support. A fellow pitcher said: “We sacrifice so much, and we miss so much during our careers. We miss graduations and weddings. Lots of players might miss their kids’ first steps or first words. They’re gone six to eight months out of the year and can’t take their kids to school or help their wives with taking care of the kids. So, when he said, ‘Hey, I need a day to be with my family because my wife is about to give birth,’ it was a no-brainer for me, and we focused all our energy on picking him up.” Daniel’s example is a good reminder; “what you do,” for a living and “who you are” are not the same thing. We should all answer the question: “What won’t you miss?” And answer in advance so you won’t second-guess in the moment.

If you are a Christian, you are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), called (2 Peter 1:3), and chosen (Revelation 17:14). You are a minister and a witness (Acts 26:16), a saint (Romans 1:7), a soldier (2 Timothy 2:3), and a steward, (1 Peter 4:10). You are a citizen (Philippians 3:20) and an ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20). You are loved (John 3:16). That’s who you are. Your vocation is a choice. So, whether you make or miss events in this life, decide today to endure in the faith. Then you won’t miss the most important thing: eternity in heaven. Be like Paul; serve Christ well (Philippians 1:21-26).

After Thanksgiving Sale

 

Many phrases inspire quick responsive behavior on the part of others. “Fire!” “Run!” “Help!” “Dinner!” “Free Television!” “Incoming!” “Snake!” Right alongside these declarations “After Thanksgiving Sale” and “Black Friday” must reside. Each year, prior to Thanksgiving the advertisements come pouring out. Shopping men and women dutifully take note, writing down all the particulars or saving the printed ads and searching web sites for the best deals. Many literally write down a schedule of where they need to be minute by minute and what they specifically need to obtain in each location of every store. They know the prices, shapes, sizes, and colors of their objectives. Their priorities are established. It is not unusual to see long lines of people waiting early in the morning hours before stores open whether it is cold, dark, or rainy. Not only do these folks come early, but they also stay late! Busy with the priorities of the day, their life is driven like no other time throughout the year.

Let us consider another moment – “Sunday morning.” “The First Day of the Week.” “The Lord’s Day.” Sunday morning is a time when the Lord’s church gathers as was the example in the early days of the church (Acts 20:7). At that time, they sang hymns to God (Ephesians 5:19) and partook of communion as Jesus had commanded them to do in remembrance of Him (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The Christians encouraged one another by gathering at these assemblies (Hebrews 10-25) as they also gave cheerfully a collection to further the Word of God and aid needy saints (1 Corinthians 16:2). In the midst of this gathering, Christians also received the Word of God which was able to save their souls (James 1:21). Sunday morning truly offers great treasure! Praising God, glorifying God in obedience, remembering the Savior of mankind, aiding others, and enjoying their fellowship, and partaking of spiritual nourishment to make one complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). My daughter used to wake up as a little girl and declare “It’s day!” She woke prepared to get going with the day. How energized do you feel when you hear the phrase “It’s Sunday!”? Do you prioritize that day to the One who provides all things needed for life? (Acts 17: 28).

[Psalm 122:1] “I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the LORD’.” It’s Sunday!” or “After Thanksgiving Sale!” Which of these phrases brings more organization, excitement, and involvement to the Christian? Do they plan ahead their interaction on Sunday? Do they have their Bibles, notepads, and pens prepared? Are their lessons done ahead of time? Is their frame of mind prepared to glorify God or be a spectator? Do they engage in the singing with voices bright and reverence and cheer on their faces? When the congregation is viewed, does it appear everyone is at nap time, or at a funeral, or bored out of their mind, or disinterested? Does the Christian come early to fellowship with his spiritual brothers and sisters? Does he stay late or find opportunity throughout the day to engage in the work of God rain or shine? Where is your heart? Are you excited, day by day, as the coming of Jesus grows nearer (I Peter 1:13)? Is this what drives your behavior above all other aspects of your life? There are many phrases which may ignite your behavior such as “After Thanksgiving Sale,” “Free food and drinks,” and “75% off!” But may, “It’s Sunday! Let us pray, and study together the will of God for the fulfillment of our lives’” be among the phrases that ignite your heart, soul, strength, and mind being of priority above all things. “…taste and see that the Lord is good; …those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing (Psalm 34:8-10). “Salvation is FREE!”

Am I The Problem?

 “Psssst! I’ve got a secret! If I tell you, will you promise not to tell anyone else?” Have you ever put yourself into a situation like that before? Of course you have. Have you then ever gone on to share the “secret”? Yes, you have, haven’t you! But it’s what happens after you share the secret that makes you wish you’d kept your mouth shut. It’s hard to not feel superior when in possession of confidential information and it’s harder to control ourselves from wanting to be important. “Letting the cat out of the bag” can, and generally does, cause a lot of trouble, because as the “secret” gets told over and over, it tends to become a vicious rumor, which then has a nasty habit of changing lives. Sharing secrets can ruin friendships, split families, sink ships, lose battles, destroy credibility and, who knows, could ultimately change the world. There’s a great responsibility placed on you when “you’re the only one that knows” certain things, so keep it to yourself. The next time someone wants to share a secret, say, “No, thanks.”

The following inscription can be found on a tomb in Westminster Abbey, England. When I was young and free, and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If only I had changed myself first, then by example, I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

[Galatians 5: 13-15] “…love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus shared the same thought in His great sermon and today we teach it to our children as “The Golden Rule”: “Do to others as you would want done to you” (Matthew 7: 12 & Luke 6: 31) Our biggest problem here is we tend to use our knowledge and “secrets” in an attempt to change those around us to become like us and do things our way. If you’re “long in the tooth” at all you already know that attempting to change anyone results in rebellion. Think about how you’ve changed over the years. Did the changes in you come by force or more by training, or greater yet, by example? There is a fundamental truth in our relationship with God, no matter what happens around us, no matter what others may be doing, we can be responsible before God only for ourselves. We have obligations to one another, but in the end, the only true change we control is within ourselves. So, think about this. If I study and work to show myself approved before God, what better example could I present? What then will I control, but my own attitudes and actions, how I think and how I will treat other people. I will do right, no matter what those around me do. No matter what happens, I must do what is right – what God expects of me. I will act responsibly. It’s not responsible to always be observing others and not ourselves, expecting others to change but not seek to change ourselves. In the end others may be influenced by me, but it is only my own destiny that I control. Are you having problems with others? Maybe you’re the problem. It is no secret; With God all things are possible.

“Oh, what a happy soul am I! Although I cannot see, I am resolved that in this world contended I will be; How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t! To weep and sigh because I’m blind – I cannot, and I won’t.” Fanny Crosby (at 8 years old).