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Although it is not quite summer yet, America’s pastime, Baseball is fully underway. Did you know, that the beloved comedic duo Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are remembered forever in the baseball hall of fame? Their induction had nothing to do with any on field accomplishments, in fact in 1957 they became first non-baseball playing celebrities to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. This honor was bestowed upon them for their wildly successful and quite humorous routine “Who’s on First.”
The general premise behind the exchange has Costello, a peanut vendor, talking to Abbott, the manager of the St. Louis Wolves. Costello wants to know the name of each person playing. However the names and nicknames of the players are quit odd, and leave Costello very confused.
For example, the name of the first baseman is "Who"; thus, the statement "Who's on first" carries a double meaning. It serves as a question (what is the name of the first baseman?) as well as the answer (Who, is the name of the first baseman.) The banter & confusion continues throughout the 5 minute sketch as Abbott tries, with little success, to tell Costello the names of all the baseball players.
This timeless and humorous sketch reminds me of another question that begs each one to answer. “Who’s in the Center?” No I’m not talking about center field, or even the center of the universe. Rather, “Who is at the center of your life?”
I believe if most people would answer honestly, it would be themselves. We live in a very self-centered world: one where self-concern, self-priority, and self-promotion are not only common-place, but expected and encouraged. Is this how it should be? Should each of us live our lives as if we are at the center, and rest of the world revolves around us? “Is Life really all about me?”
Until 1543, everyone was certain that the earth was at the center of the universe, and everything revolved around it. But then came Nicolaus Copernicus who simply asked the question, “if the earth stands still, what causes the season and stars to change?”
This questions led him to the obvious conclusion that the earth was not the center, but instead the Sun was! People were outraged and denied this truth for years! Today what we take for granted as fact, was for decades treated as foolishness and heresy.
In the thoughts of Max Lucado (as expressed in his Book “It’s Not About Me”) our current culture needs a “Copernican Shift.” Max writes, “When God looks at the center of the universe, He doesn’t look at you. When heavens' stagehands direct the spotlight toward the star of the show, I need no sunglasses, no light falls on me”
Paul agrees. Ephesians 1:21-22 states “Now he (Christ) is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.” Eugene Peterson in The Message said it this way “For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.”
Christ is at the center of everything. This includes our lives and everything we do. As a result, all we have, from our job to our families, our money to our bodies belong to God. Even our success and struggles are about Him. There’s a great need to move from a self-centered life to a God centered life; accepting our place in God’s Plan, understanding that all, even our lives, revolve around God’s Son.
It is my prayer that Christ is at the center of everything you do.
Have you ever known someone who has the ability to make things out to be more difficult then they really are, or have to be?
Maybe it was a parent, a former employer, or possibly a college professor. Whenever this person spoke, they seemed to over explain, over analyze, or just plan confuse whatever they were talking about. Some people simply have a knack for taking the simple tasks or processes of life and making them into a complicated mess.
Sadly, I believe at times, the Church has been guilty of this very thing. Too many times well-intended Christians and Christian ministries have made Christ’s love and charge to the church more complex than it really is.
For over 2000 years, man has been guilty of adding language, tasks, traditions, and expectations to many of Christ’s Words. Rather than seeing and treating people like Jesus did, we have often made requirements where He did not, and left out some where He did.
According to Mark 1:17, Jesus’ call to people is much simpler then most of us really realize. Here along the shores of the Sea of Galilee Jesus said simply “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” In fact in John 1:39 Jesus Gave a similar command as He said “come and you will see.”
Christ’s desire for His people was made very plain and very simple; Come and Follow and See. Could it really be that clear? Could it really be that simple? Is that all Jesus requires of His people? Simply following Him?
I imagine many of Christ’s early disciples asked similar questions; and His answer was the same then as it is now. “Yes, follow Me.” Christ’s sole desire for us, His people, is that we would “take up our cross and follow Him” with every breath and step we take throughout our life. That we would follow Christ in the good and the bad. That we would follow Christ when it’s easy and when its hard. That throughout every moment of our life we would not lead ourselves, but follow Jesus and His example and desire for our life.
I hope each will accept this invitation, to come and follow Jesus. Come without your biases or preconceived ideas of who this man was, is, or what He requires. To come and meet Jesus through the pages of the Gospels. To spend time with Christ in through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. To read for yourself who Jesus says He is. To see what He has done for you, wants to do in you, and hear what He would have you do with your life; continuing to follow Him through the pages of scripture each day and even day.
A few months ago, a friend of mine asked me to read Psalm Seven and share some of my thoughts and reactions concerning it with him. I gladly accepted.
Over the course of the week I read and meditated on the Psalm. We learn from the prescript to the chapter that King David was under much distress and persecution caused from a man named Cush. Throughout the rest of the Psalm, David wrestles with and pleads for God to help.
Each time I read or thought about this passage I was bothered by Cush. Who was he? How did he know David? What did he do to cause David such great anguish? Why did he attack him? Where did Cush end up? When was the conflict resolved? These and questions like them have nagged at me each time I have read or thought about Psalm 7.
My friend, Jason, rightly stated in his blog post “First Impressions of Psalm 7” we know nothing about this man or the distress he caused David outside of the heading of this psalm. Yet, I must confess I’m still curious…. It was at this point that my inquisitive mind took a turn from attempting to figure out why we know nothing about Cush, to how come God doesn’t tell us more about him?”
At first, I was tempted to think that Cush and his attacks against David are not mentioned because they weren’t that important compared to the many other hardships David faced. However, that didn’t sit very well with me, for these attacks were very significant to David. He described the situation in verse 2 as “tearing at his soul.” Moreover, our Heavenly Father is concerned with all things in our life regardless of their size or perceived significance to others. Remember, He even counts the hairs on our heads. So then, what could it be?
Then, it hit me. God doesn’t tell us who Cush is, or the kind of trouble (big or small) he brought to David, because these details are not the focus of the Psalm; but rather David’s response is.
When faced with soul-tearing adversity: David first runs to the Lord in verses 1-2 telling Him about his problems and seeking His help. When he is safely in the arms of His Sovereign, David reflects on his own guilt in verses 3-5, asking the Lord to reveal any wrongdoing in his life that may have caused this to happen.
After some soul searching, He remembers the Lord’s sovereignty in verses 6-16, that the Lord is in control and justice falls from His hand. Comforted by God’s presence and character, David rejoices in verse 17 in the Lord’s care. Knowing and finding hope in the promise that God will deliver, avenge, and care for him.
We all have “Cushs” in our life, people or situations that tear at our soul. Instead of focusing on the cause, size, or whys of them, we should heed David’s example and run to the Lord, reflect on and examine our lives with God’s Word, and to remember and rejoice His sovereign care. This may not change our circumstances or ease our affliction, but it changes our attitude and outlook.
Remember, God cares for you and all the details of life.
Many of you who know me, are aware that I am a proud parent of two beautiful girls, whom I cherish and love deeply. There isn’t much that I would not do for them. In fact, like many parents, I receive great joy in giving them gifts. Things that are nice, things of value, things I have spent time and thought over and are certain they will enjoy. However, one of the most frustrating things I, and many parents experience, is watching our offspring misuse, abuse, and often times destroy these gifts.
Feelings of anger, hurt, rejection and frustration, often boil to the surface as we struggle to understand why our kids can’t appreciate and take proper care of the gifts we have given them. At times, we take the way our children treat the gifts we give them, as a personal insult and attack against us. However, this is usually not true. Instead, our children fail to fully appreciate the complete extent of the gift, sentiment, and value of it.
However, each one of us has been guilty of doing this very same thing. We have received many gifts of great value and worth. Yet at times have not treated them with the respect and care they deserve. Not only have we done this with gifts from our parents, but from our Heavenly Father as well.
Yesterday was “Earth Day.” Some may not have been aware of that, and others could care less. For many earth day conjures up images of longhaired hippies driving around in VW bugs worshiping the trees, rivers, and animals.
In fact, many of us are tired of the color Green, don't care about a carbon foot print, wonder what “eco-friendly” really means, and question the science behind global warming or “Global Climate Change.” While it is true that Earth Day has become a vehicle for many to promote evolutionary and new age concepts and political agendas, this is a perfect time for Christians to evaluate what our role is in maintaing the environment.
In Genesis chapters one and two we are reminded that God established the earth. He created everything, birds, trees, land, water, sky, even light itself came from God. In Colossians 1:16-17, we are told that God also sustains all creation, by carefully watching over it and holding it together! Again in Psalm 24:1 and I Corinthians 10:26 we reminded that all creation is still His; in fact He rules over it. All creation belongs to the Lord.
Yet, Genesis further teaches that God entrusted His creation to the care of man. Verses 15 states “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” It was always part of God’s plan for man to care for, watch over (or protect), and keep up all that He has created. God placed man as a watchman, steward, and a guardian over His creation. He was to watch and care for it, defending and keeping it in the best condition.
This command still rings true today. People are to be good stewards of all that God has created. This is not done to save the planet, for we know that this world will too someday pass away, nor is it done in honor of “mother earth.” Caring for creation is an act of obedience and worship to the almighty God. He cares for His creation, and we should too.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to enter into spiritual conversations; for people of all shapes, sizes, creeds and backgrounds care about the environment. Sadly, many are focused in the wrong direction. Yet, Romans 1:20 tell us that all creation shows the glory and nature of God. Lets the seize the moment, and direct their interest away from the creation towards the Creator.
If you haven’t done so already, only a few more days remain until your taxes must be filed. At this moment, people are scrambling to gather all their receipts, 1099, and other miscellaneous forms, hoping that this one certainty in life (taxes) will not lead to the other (death). But before you grab your ledger and adding machine let’s consider for a moment what Christ has to say about this topic.
In Matthew 22 we see the Pharisees trying to trap Jesus in saying something cross about the Roman Government, in hopes to have Him arrested and killed. As a result they sent some of their own to go “ask Christ’s advice” on the highly explosive topic of Roman Taxation. In Verse 17 they said “Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
Christ knew their hearts and intent and asked them to bring Him a coin. Then in Verse 20 He asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” They left speechless, impressed by what He had said.
Christ’s words stand as a testimony for us today. What is your heart and intent when filling out your taxes? Are you tempted to cheat, not report some income, or to fudge a little on your deductions? Are you filled with anger and bitterness for the amount of money you’re paying, while your neighbor seems to be getting a much better deal? Maybe your stomach is in knots as you worry about how you will make your tax and house payment in the same month.
Well, take Christ's advice. Go grab some coins or a paper dollar. Whose portrait is there? Christ’s? No. A leader in the Christian faith? Most likely not. Instead a headshot of an important man who played a vital role in shaping the history of America. What’s the inscription? “The United Sates of America.”
As a citizen of this country we are bound to its the laws and regulations, even if we don’t agree with them. As a citizen of God’s Nation we are called to respectfully obey our leaders and the laws they pass. We are called to live a life of integrity and honesty in all matters of life and faith; even those we disagree with.
Consider Christ’s words in Matthew 17. He was accused of not paying the temple tax, and although, being the Son of God, He was exempt; in verse 27 He said this to Peter, “But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
Look at your coin again. There is another inscription found on all US currency, “In God We Trust.” Do you trust God with your money? Do you trust Him enough to be completely honest in all your financial dealings? Regardless of how grim the situation looks?
Just as Jesus provided the coin in the mouth of the fish to pay Peter’s Temple tax; He will provide for all your financial needs as you trust and obey His Word. May you seek to live a life of honesty and integrity in all of your financial dealings.
Labels: Caesar, Cheat, Christ, Coin, Devotions, Dollar, Financial Needs, God, God’s kingdom, Government, In God We Trust, Integrity, IRS, Matthew 22, Pharisees, Roman, Tax, Temple, United States of America
A few weeks ago my oldest daughter turned six years old. I can hardly believe it; for it seems just like yesterday that I was rushing my wife to the hospital as her contractions increased. But alas, my girl is growing up.
As my daughter ages, the more responsibility she desires. Often, I can see it on her face, wishing she was old enough to make her own decisions; old enough to no longer take direction or obey her parents.
I remember having similar thoughts as well. Thinking how great it must be for adults not having someone constantly telling them what to do, where to go, how to act. How easy they had it: for they didn’t have to obey anyone.
I recall longing for those days as a teenager. Counting down until I turned 18 and was finally an adult, no longer answering to anyone; especially my parents. I waited with anticipation for the time when I could decide for myself what to do, when to go to bed, and where to eat. I imagined a life free from authority, free from accountability, and free from any correction. A time where the only one I had to obey was myself.
However, I soon learned my thinking was wrong. Accountability never ceases, for “each of us will give an account of himself to God” Romans 14:12. Obedience (especially to God) transcends age, and much to my disappointment, never gets easier. Abraham learned this lesson as well. In Genesis 17 God entered into a special covenant with Abraham and his decedents. According to Genesis 17:9-14 the sign of this covenant was circumcision, and any uncircumcised male would be cut off from God’s blessing. Abraham wasted no time. Later that day he, his son Ishmael, and every male in his household was circumcised.
Abraham was no spring chicken. Genesis 17:24 says “Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised.” Yep that’s right ninety-nine years old!
God didn’t give Abraham a pass because of his age. No, he still required Abraham to obey his command and walk according to His covenant. This couldn’t have been easy or desirable! No one would have blamed a man who had lived nearly a century to attempt to escape such a request. Yet, Abraham didn’t, nor did he even raise a slight objection or complaint. Instead, out of respect, love, devotion, and gratefulness for God, Abraham obeyed and insisted his household do the same!
As we age, it can easy to let compromise creep in. To allow things in our home and our life that we would have never before. Yet, that isn’t right. God doesn't change his requirements, or have different expectations because we are older. No. His Law remains the same. Regardless of our age, His Word still demands our attention and obedience. His grace and mercy continue to require a response. Age is never an excuse for disobedience or dishonor.
While no longer accountable to our parents, or possibly no longer have impressionable children at home, we are still accountable to God. Our lives should still be a living sacrifice to Him. May we walk in His ways by His grace each day of our life.
Labels: Abraham, Accountability, Adults, Bible, Circumcision, Compromise, Covenant, Devotions, Freedom, Genesis 17, God, Growing Up, Ishmael, Law, Obedience, Obedience Transcends Age, Obey, Parents, Romans 14:12, Teenager
With the mercury rising and the snow pack falling, many are suffering from the same condition as my wife - Spring Fever. She’s itching to get out into the yard and begin to clean up the grit and grime left by the long winter. Yet it’s not only our yard that needs to be freshened up, our entire house could use a good “Spring Cleaning.”
Before we wash our windows, shampoo our carpets, or rake our yards; there is another cleaning that many of us need to do. We are fully immersed in the season Lent. Although many people grew up with this custom, and celebrate it today; for plenty of Christians, Lent is a mystery.
For some, it is simply a period of going on a diet; for others Lent is a time when their Catholic friends wear ashes on their foreheads and eat fish on Fridays. Although many are attracted to it, few know much about the Lenten season.
Although, the word “Lent” is not found in the Bible, nor are we commanded to observe this season, it has been a custom which Christians have practiced for nearly two thousand years. I believe this season is still an important time in the life of the Christian and the Church.
Lent comes from the Germanic word for springtime, and can be viewed as a time for “spiritual spring cleaning.” It is designed to be a season of fasting, self-denial, Christian growth, penitence, conversion, and simplicity. A time for taking a spiritual inventory and cleaning out those things which hinder our relationships with and service to Christ.
Just as dirt, grit, and grime cover our homes and yards during the winter season; bad habits, compromise and unconfessed sin stack up and dirty our lives as well. Lent is a wonderful time to stop, reflect, repent, and freshen up our relationship with Christ. The great news is, we don’t need to do the cleaning - God does it for us!
2 Corinthians 7:9–10 states “Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
Lent should not be a time where we look at our sin and punish ourselves (or attempt to pay for our actions) though outward acts, but instead a time where we conduct a “spiritual inventory.” We invite God to search our hearts, and see if there is any wicked way in us.
When He does search, we should not respond in worldly sorrow and despair, but Godly sorrow; confessing our sins, looking to the cross, and asking God to forgive for Christ’s sake, while at the same time being strengthened, renewed, and refreshed by His Word and Spirit each day.
Would you take time to consider your need for Christ; and invite God do some “Spiritual Spring Cleaning” today?
May your “Spiritual House” be cleaner than your “Temporal one.”
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