Thursday Thought

These days, there’s lots to dislike about American culture. Consider the absurd conversations happening in the gender wars. But that’s just the beginning.

In our culture, we long ago lost any sense of concern for what is appropriate or decent.

In our culture, we seem to embrace the proliferation of extreme violence and gore on streaming TV.

In our culture, it’s now taboo for news reporters to attach the word “Islam” to any act of violence, even when overwhelming evidence says otherwise.

Sneered At

In our culture, virtues like morality, humility, and purity are sneered at as “has- beens” that never were.

In our culture, we dismiss or deny peer-reviewed studies from organizations like the Peabody Journal of Education, which show home-educated students often score 15 to 25 percentile points higher on standardized achievement tests than public school peers.

In our culture, a weary TV trend dictates that every pastor or priest must be portrayed on screen as the sicko criminal.

Truly, there’s a lot to dislike about American culture.  And frankly, it’s okay to dislike parts of it. The Bible says, “Woe to those who call good evil and evil good” (Isaiah 5:20).

Open Arms vs. Clenched Fists

Again, it is okay to dislike the sinful elements of our culture, but it is not okay to dislike the sinful people of our culture. And that’s where many believers get it wrong. Increasingly, I fear we come across as hating the people of our culture, not just disliking their evil ideals. We’re known for clenched fists rather than open arms.

How in the world can we expect to draw them to the Christ who loves them—if we come across as hating them? We can and must have healthy debates about the issues. But it is never okay to dismiss, degrade, or decimate people with whom we disagree.

When the Bible says, love your enemies, surely—surely— it must mean that we treat them with kindness, courtesy, and respect.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”   -Jesus (Matthew 5:43,44)

Last week they were there. This week, they’re gone.

I refer to the floral arrangements in the planters on Chicago’s Wacker Drive. These are bigger than you’re probably thinking: 8 feet wide x 32 feet long! Which means there’s no shortage of flower magic. 

Whatever else you might think of Chicago’s city fathers, give them credit for this. Every summer, these planters burst with enchantment. Budding bushes, exotic leaves and outrageous blooms shout joy to commuters who tread an otherwise dreary concrete path.

Deaf to the Joy

Yet many appear deaf to the joy. Sadly, I suspect that all summer long, many folks walked by those planters and hardly noticed them. How many paused to grab a photo or simply wonder at the density of so much loveliness?

On my hike from the train station to the office, I pass a dozen of these massive displays. Merely glancing at them lifts your spirits. Their presence whispers there’s still something right in a world gone wrong.

All Gone

But this week, as I plodded down Wacker Drive, they were all gone. Those planters had been entirely cleaned out for the winter. Not so much as a faded bloom or torn leaf was left. Not even an imprint in the soil.

My first thought was, “Gee, I’m sure glad I took the time to enjoy those flowers while they were here.”  Then came a more sobering notion. I was staring at a metaphor for life.

Litttle Impression

We grow and bloom and are taken away—with very little impression left behind. While we can’t change the certainty of death’s arrival, we can learn to celebrate the beauty in the lives blooming around us.

The question is, do we? Do we even notice the presence of our families and the kindness of friends? Or do we take their presence, their beauty for granted?

The beauty of our spouse, our children, our grandchildren. The beauty of brothers and sisters in our church family. The beauty of siblings and seniors. The beauty of friends—some new, some old.

There’s an Emptiness

Scripture assures us that beauty is fleeting—in flowers and people. And inevitably, there’s an emptiness that comes with their passing. You’ve heard all this before. But consider. How many times have you heard someone react to the death of a loved one by saying, “Just last week, I saw her…talked to him…and now they’re gone.”

Today’s takeaway: Let’s love them. Notice them. Appreciate them. Now.  While they’re here!

LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is.  -Psalm 30:4

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

If a motel ever defined the word “seedy,” The Stumble Inn surely did. As the motel is attached to a bar, you can easily draw your own inferences. But our family was desperate. Plus, no other rooms were available for miles around.

Thus, we stumbled into the Stumble Inn. With every breath, you felt like you were sucking in mold itself. The dropped ceiling sagged with a weariness that suggested it might well drop—right onto our heads.  Surrounded by the soused, caution dictated we heave the ancient dresser in front of the door.

Rest is often elusive

Frankly, the thought of lying down on the bed did not induce a state of drowsiness. Nor was that impression aided by the wailing of guitars and the thud of drums from a local band inflicting local pain—well into the wee hours. Looking back, we’d have been far better off, gotten way more—and better—rest if we’d just reclined the seats in our minivan and slept there.

To be fair, rest is often elusive, even in a clean, comfortable room, even after you’ve taken your melatonin. But rest at the level of the soul—that’s a way bigger deal yet. Which makes the promise of Psalm 91 a true delight.

To be near Him

The familiar first verse reads, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Notice that the promise is made to “he who dwells.” Not he who visits. Not he who drops in on Sundays for an hour, but he who chooses to live in the shadow of the Most High. Which means we’re actively, constantly choosing to be near Him—no shadow otherwise.

The offer in this verse is rest. Because rest is what we really need. Rest from the get-more, buy-more, do-more marathon of modernity.

Loud, suffocating, and painful.

We lie down at night, but so often fail to rest. Have you noticed? I can’t speak for you, but a lot of the time, that lack of rest is because I’m dwelling on regrets from today, dwelling on concerns about tomorrow, dwelling on my (unfinished) to-do list, or dwelling on next week’s calendar. Then there’s self-condemnation and false guilt kicking us in the gut. It’s the soul’s version of the Stumble Inn: loud, suffocating, and painful.

A better choice

But the Almighty bids us leave all that behind. Come, dwell in His shelter, His presence, His promises. Loveliness itself.

If you listen to your own heart long enough, you’re sure to hear it. It’s a whisper, if not a whimper—for rest. And if that’s what you truly want, leave the Stumble Inn. Instead, head straight for the shelter of the Most High. But don’t just visit. Move on in! And enjoy the rest only He can give.

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These days, everything is acceptable except the acceptable.

At least, that’s the direction America appears to be heading. Confused? Here’s what I mean.

Trashing and/or rewriting American history…Acceptable.

Announcing you have decided to “transition” from the sex you were born with…Acceptable.

Labeling anyone who disagrees with you as a “hater”…Acceptable.

Insulting or belittling the name of Jesus and His followers…Acceptable.

Uncomfortable List

But equally shocking is the list of things now deemed unacceptable by our mainstream culture:

Any mention of the predominantly Christian heritage of America’s founding fathers…Unacceptable.

Any reference to biblical law in legal proceedings…Unacceptable.

Praying in Jesus’ name at a public function…Unacceptable.

Declaring the scientific fact that there are two genders…Unacceptable.

Sad Statement

Of course, there is no end to the debate about all of this. But in the end, the only opinion that matters—is God’s. And the Almighty has made His position on morality abundantly clear. The Bible says of Him, For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness. No evil can dwell with you. (Psalm 5:4).

Decent and moral ideas accepted by a strong plurality of Americans just 10 years ago are rendered by today’s culture as unacceptable. Which takes us back to that sad statement: “Everything is acceptable except the acceptable.”

No Mystery

God has made no mystery about what He considers wicked or evil. Or, for that matter, decent, moral—and acceptable.  It’s all in the Bible. Except for many, that’s now…unacceptable.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.  -Hebrews 12:28

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27 million. That’s how many Americans are influencers—paid online content creators. Of these, roughly 12 million are full-time. Nobody knows the precise number, of course, but surveys suggest 14% of 16-54-year-olds are influencers, and for 44% of those, it’s a full-time gig. SOURCE: https://www.complex.com/life/a/tracewilliamcowen/12-million-influencers-us

If you know anything about marketing in today’s digital spaces, you know it’s all about platform size, subscribers, followers and likes. Which spawned a global symphony of self-trumpeters, each seeking to out-blast his neighbor.

Self-First, Self-Focused

Giacomo Leopardi quipped, “It seems rare in our age to find a widely praised person whose own mouth is not the source of that praise.” In truth, we’ve become a nation of self-first, self-focused, self-indulgent marketers, screaming to influence others for our own benefit.

But this is not the Jesus way. Not even close. In fact, He once said, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). Charles Spurgeon put it this way: “You will never glory in God till first of all God has killed your glorying in yourself.”

Imaging Jesus

Bottom line: we need to love Jesus more than we love likes. Because whether you realize it or not, the moment you call yourself a Christian, you become an influencer, imaging Jesus to the world around you. And that’s why we must resign from the self-centered symphony.

I’ll never forget Wendell Loveless’ comment, “There’s only one man in the universe God the Father is determined to glorify—and that’s the Man, Jesus Christ.”

I dare you to say out loud, “I am a full-time influencer for the Lord Jesus Christ. When people see me, they are seeing my version of the Christ I claim to love.”  Note: Your version of Jesus is the only Jesus they will ever encounter. So, how much of the real Jesus are they seeing?

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors”—influencers—“as though God were making His appeal through us.” 2 Cor. 5:20

At seventeen, he was kidnapped by his brothers, thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, and hauled off to Egypt. Not only was there no light at the end of Joseph’s tunnel, there seemed to be nothing but tunnel.

Yet Genesis 39:2 records, “The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man,” working for one of Pharaoh’s officials. Not only that, the verse goes on to say, “His master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD caused all that he did to succeed in his hands.”

Far From Home

Sounds nice and tidy—unless you’re Joseph. He was still far from home. Still far away from familiar surroundings, familiar food, and—of course—his family. To Joseph, it probably didn’t feel like the Lord was with him. After all, things got worse!

When falsely accused of sexual advances toward his boss’s wife, Joseph was immediately thrown into prison. He must surely have felt he was far from the goodness of God.

Not so. Genesis 29:21 records, “The LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

Genesis 39:23 comments, “The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the LORD was with him.”

Ever True

Here again, on a purely human level, it might not have appeared that, detained far from home, accused of a crime he did not commit, the Lord was “with” Joseph. But God’s Word is ever true.

And as a good student of the Bible, you know that Joseph’s story, in fact, does have a pleasing turnabout. After Pharaoh dreamed two confounding dreams, Joseph interpreted the dreams and wound up second in command over all Egypt. And yes, Joseph is ultimately reconciled with his family.

Which brings us to your story. Maybe you’re facing unthinkable rejection, insurmountable obstacles, or unimaginable pain. Consider: God is with you. Even if it doesn’t feel that way.

Hebrews 13:5 assures us, “for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER ABANDON YOU.'”

Worth Hanging On To

You’ve heard Joseph’s story many times. You know the life lessons. Still, it’s a good idea to place a bookmark in a verse like Hebrews 13:5. Because unimaginable trouble may be on the way. And when it comes, we’ll need something to hang on to that’s worth hanging on to.

For He Himself has said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” -Hebrews13:5

QUESTION: How long should you pray for an unsaved loved one before giving up?

You’ve likely heard of George Müller, the man who ran orphanages in England. But George Müller also had a deep passion for his friends who were without Christ.

In November of 1844, Müller committed to praying daily for the conversion of five specific friends. Having begun to pray earnestly, he would not stop.  

Nothing Else Happened

Eighteen months passed before the first friend came to faith. But nothing else happened that second or third or fourth year. Ditto for years five through nine. Nothing! But George Müller prayed earnestly.

After 10 years, another friend was converted. At year 11, nothing happened. But George Müller prayed earnestly. In year 12, nothing happened. But George Müller prayed earnestly. Years 13…14…15….20…nothing. But George Müller prayed earnestly.

And Then…

Finally, after 25 years had passed, the next man came to Christ. Müller continued to pray earnestly for his remaining friends right up until his death in 1897. Soon after attending Müller’s funeral, both finally came to Christ. In all, George Müller prayed for 52 years.

I’m guessing you haven’t prayed that long for an unsaved friend or family member. But it’s likely that as you’ve prayed, you’ve felt like nothing’s happening—or ever will happen. And you’re tempted to quit—often.

No, not ever!

Don’t do it. Ignore the doubts, the voices telling you to move on. They are not of Christ!

Never stop praying—earnestly—for your unsaved loved ones. Never. Never. No, not ever.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Would you knowingly withhold from God something you knew that He really wanted? You say, Of course not! Then why do so many of us give God so little of the thanks He’s asked for?

Have you noticed that in our churches we have praise bands–but no thanks bands? And have you noticed no one ever goes to a “thanks practice” at church? Odd. Because we could really use the rehearsal! Ever been to a prayer meeting where all they did was give thanks? Me neither.

Our Praise is More About US!

I submit that we praise more because it feels good to us. Conversely, we thank less because it feels less good to us. Which (sadly) proves our praise is more about us than the One we’re supposed to be praising.

In our lopsided theology, many of us have come to know praise as a happy lyric set to a chirpy tune supported by a thwopping rhythm section. Perfect for waving our hands.

But what on earth are we supposed to do with giving thanks?  How do you tap your toe to that?

A Shift in Balance

Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t offer praise. God wants it, loves it, commands it! I’m just suggesting we need to shift our balance more toward thanks. Because the biblical emphasis on thanks is massive:

• I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalms. 9:1

• Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Psalms 100:4 (Notice that thanksgiving leads the list!)

• Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:20

• Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

• Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

First Lesson in Humility

It turns out that giving thanks is the first lesson in humility. And because there’s little fun in humility, there’s often little thanks in our living. Yet we Christians are not called to indulge ourselves, but to adore our Savior.

More thanksgiving—individually and corporately—is the course correction we must make now! But why wait? Join me in this simple prayer.

Thank you, Lord—for saving me.

Thank you, Lord—for forgiving my sins.

Thank you, Lord—for preserving me as I walk with you.

Thank you, Lord—that I am not defined by my past failures but by your present grace.

Thank you, Lord—that you are actively at work in my life and have a plan for every moment of this day.

Thank you, Lord—that you have promised, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”

Thank you, Lord—for your never-ending offer to cast all my cares upon you, because you care for me!

Thank you, Lord—that this earth is NOT our home. Heaven is!

Thank you, Lord—that you long for my unsaved relatives and friends and neighbors to come to Christ even more than I do!

Thank you, Lord—for giving me another chance to learn a thankful lifestyle.

I look forward to thanking you again—today—and every day!

Amen.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

How many steps do you walk in a lifetime?

Assuming an average of 7,500 steps per day and a lifespan of 79 years, your step count will total 216,262,500.  That’s about 110,000 miles—long enough to walk around the Earth roughly 5 times.*

You know what’s even more amazing? How few times we fall. Think of the tens of thousands of steps we take every week: at work, at home, at the grocery store. Now ask yourself, when was the last time I fell?

But let’s say your lifestyle is much more sedentary. Not much of a walker, you manage only half the average step count. But even then, you’ll rack up enough steps to circle the equator twice!

When Was the Last Time?

I’m not suggesting it doesn’t happen. But for most of us—all glory to God—the falls are few and far between.

This came to me the other day when I was bounding down the stairs to leave the office. Every week, I take dozens of trips up and down those stairs and—to date—all without a major incident. But the way I read the Bible, that’s no accident. That’s the kindness of God.

I’d never given any of this much thought before our first Israel trip with Charlie and Kathy Dyer, who share Psalm 121 over the bus’s loudspeakers. When you gaze out the window at the cliffs and crags that Bible folks routinely navigated every day, hearing Dr. Dyer read this Psalm is soul-riveting.

Verse three is particularly comforting: “He will not allow your foot to slip; He who watches over you will not slumber.”

Many Reasons!

Now here’s where I’m going with all this. It’s a question. When was the last time you thanked God that He kept you from falling on your bottom—or worse—your face?

I’m not ignoring the tumbles that we’ve taken in the past. But statistically speaking, they really are incredibly few and far between. Which means we have many reasons for many expressions of thanks to God.

I’ll stop, lest this becomes a guilt trip. But why not pause now and give God thanks for the tens of thousands (maybe hundreds of thousands?) of steps you’ve taken without falling. And as you do, hear the words to that lovely Psalm again!

He will not allow your foot to slip; He who watches over you will not slumber.  Psalm 121:3

*Source: https://www.awpnow.com/main/2019/09/27/fun-fact-friday-steps-over-a-lifetime/

At the Deer Crest Resort in Estes Park, you’ll find more elk than deer.

But there are more hummingbirds than deer and elk combined at this Colorado retreat.  Four well-stocked feeders on a balcony overhang guarantee a constant flutter of tiny wings.

Diminutive in size, hummingbirds are fiercely territorial. Should one bird attempt to sip from the same feeder as another, you’ll have a front row seat to a fight of lightweights.

To ensure access to the feeder they claim as their personal possession, these creatures dive angrily at each other, chatter loudly, and even jab with their oversized bills.

In their defense, hummingbirds need to feed constantly. Which makes each and every other hummingbird a competitor, if not an outright enemy.

If only those birds truly grasped how much their Heavenly Father adores them. If only they could rest in the certainty of their Heavenly Father’s endless and rich supply.

But isn’t that the very thing our Heavenly Father wishes for us as well? We who are gold medal champions at worrying over things we cannot control, why can’t we learn to relax in the certainty of our Heavenly Father’s endless and rich supply?

If only we could find our security in Christ, rather than fluttering about looking for fulfillment in lesser things.

If only we took Him at His word: “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

Lord…help us rest in you, assured that you really will supply all—not some—of our needs. Amen!