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June 5

Monday, June 5th, 2023

I’m no expert that’s for sure. I constantly tell the folks at the church I pastor that I am not a professional counselor. What I am is a pastor who has a heart for His (and my) people. Since the first of May (excluding Mother’s Day), I have been preaching a series called Faith Over Fear. It has been a real test for me in preparing it and I have done a ton of reading to do that. With the exception of Father’s Day, I have two Sundays left in the series.

During my prep I have been using a 31-day devotional called Anxiety…Knowing God’s Peace by Paul Tautges. I highly recommend it. My thoughts today come from that book-Day 28. The devotion today are my thoughts with credit given when I use his. 

First, please read Psalm 27. Read it slowly. Digest it. Now, go back and reread verses 1, 4-6, and 13-14.

Anxiety comes from all angles. Some of it is external. David talks about evildoers, adversaries, enemies, people who say lies about him, and armies at war. (vv.2,3,6,12)

But notice where he goes for help! Not his inner Self. Not his guru. Not his self-help books. Not his weapons of war. No, take a moment to read verses 1,4,6,11, and 13-14.

What can we learn from David in Psalm 27 (and here is where I copy from Mr. Tautges’ book):

  • Faith cripples the power of fear by reminding us of the right-now presence of the Lord. (v.1)
  • Faith cripples the power of our fear when our focus and affection become singular in the Lord. (v.4)

Mr. Tautges is correct in those statements. I’m not so naive to think that it as is as easy as “acknowledge and stop worrying.” But it is a place to start! The chorus from an old song comes to mind: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

Setting our sights on Jesus recalibrates us; refocuses our heart where it belongs and in turn, alleviates our fears.

What or WHO will you focus on today?

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May 30

Tuesday, May 30th, 2023

With yesterday being Memorial Day, we should have stopped to remember and be thankful for the men and women who served our country to preserve our freedoms. I hope you did.

I recently read a story that is all about remembering. I’ve been reading No Reason to Hide by Erwin Lutzer and he tells the following story:

Millions of mothers can be called heroes. One such is Sonya, who entered into an abusive marriage at 13, and later separated from her husband. She never did learn to read, but she was passionate that her children learn to do so.

She had two son, Curtis and Benjamin. Ben was 8, his brother, Curtis, was 10 when their parents divorced. Sonya worked 2-3 jobs at a time, leaving their small apartment at 5:00 a.m. to go to work, and not coming home until midnight.

When the brothers came home with poor grades, she instituted a strict change. She limited her sons’ TV time and they couldn’t go outside until their schoolwork was done.

Sonya could not have predicted her son Ben would become a famous pediatric surgeon. He performed the first reported separation of twins who were joined at the back of the head. He was an esteemed professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Ben Carson always paid tribute to his mother and credits her fervent dedication to him and his brother for their success.{Pages 230-231- Edited for space}

I wonder what Sonya Carson would think of today’s philosophy of allowing the schools to determine what a child is taught. The battle raging today over who should have the say over children-school or parents-is not one Sonya would have tolerated. I firmly believe it is the parent’s responsibility to teach our children, not the schools. The ungodly philosophy taught in our schools, and hiding it from the parents, or even in direct opposition to them, makes my blood boil. Okay…down from the soapbox.

I leave you with this today: we may never know the influence we have now, or down the road. But let’s make sure it is a good one.

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May 10

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

“Game Night!” There is a lady and family in the church I pastor who love to play games. They will get together on a pretty regular basis just to play games. Exotic games. Me? I’m more into Backgammon, but I also know people who are into long games of Monopoly or Risk, or other games. They will play for hours!

There is actually a common game we all play. I wish it was new. I wish I had thought it up and marketed it. Every time it is used I would get a “piece” of the action. I would have made millions. We all play it and often without giving it a second thought.

THE BLAME GAME.

I read of a city employee in Lodi, CA who sued the city to the tune of $3600 because he backed a dump truck into his personal vehicle. This 51 year old man argued “the city’s vehicle damaged my private vehicle.”  I’d say he not only has a screw or two loose, but I’d even go out on a limb and say he was looking for a new job!

Whatever happened to taking responsibility? I had three brothers and when something would happen mom would get us all together and ask which one of us did it. “Not me” was all she got. Then she had this uncanny ability to discern which one of my brothers did it and say, “Okay Rob/Garry/Curt (notice who’s name is missing?) 🙂 , why did you do it? We were good at blaming; not good at lying and taking responsibility.

The Blame Game is not new. It started in the Garden with Adam and Eve. After their sin and God confronted them, they blamed another. “It was the woman you gave me.” “The serpent deceived me.” From the very moment sin entered the world, blame came with it.

We are good at it. Let’s be honest. It is so much easier blaming someone else for our mess up, than to take responsibility. Here is a challenge: take note of how often in a day you hear or use the Blame Game.

Let’s stop playing this game. Let’s start playing the “I Did It” game or the “Point my Finger at Myself and Take the Blame” game.

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May 9

Tuesday, May 9th, 2023

I think one of the most common questions asked by both those who believe and those who don’t is, “Why me?” It is likely most, if not all of us, have asked that at one time or another in our life.

“Taking it on the chin” is not easy. Suffering is never easy. It gets worse as the suffering lingers. It gets worse when we see suffering as a punishment or as “God is getting even with me for something bad I have done.” The bottom drops out of our lives and we begin to wallow in self-pity, or worse, languish in despair. We begin to see no end to our pain, no end to the dead end road we are on, no end to the endless circle our life seems to be taking.

Do you mind if I take us in a different direction for a moment? Perhaps instead of asking, “Why me?” we should start asking, “What now?” I heard Joni, a quad since her teen years, express it that way. Instead of languishing in pity, maybe a more productive question would be, “Now that this has happened to me, how should I react?” Maybe a better response would be to ask ourselves how we should react to this trial, this suffering, this test I am going through?

Here’s an example I recently read: In 1953, a fledgling business called Rocket Chemical Company and its staff of three set out to create a line of rust-prevention solvents and de-greasers for use in the aerospace industry. The original secret for WD-40-which stands for Water Displacement 40th attempt-is still in use today. Its most recent net worth was 1.3 billion.

Let’s ask an obvious question: what if they had stopped at #39 and gave up in defeat? What is Joshua and the children of Israel had stopped at Day 6 or even Day 7 walk-around #6? They would have missed #7 and the opportunity to watch the walls of Jericho fall.

We are told in Isaiah 40 that those who wait/hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Don’t give up. Don’t quit. Don’t wallow in pity. Use this as an opportunity to grow.

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May 8

Monday, May 8th, 2023

Common in many news cycles is the passing along of what are called conspiracy theories. The past several elections (and I’m sure future ones) have been filled with them. They are on both sides of the aisle-R or D; conservative or liberal; cultish or mainstream; religious or non-religious.

Conspiracy theories are nothing new though. In the days of Jesus, one that was passed along by those who wanted to downplay or deny the resurrection was that the disciples had stolen the body (Check out Matthew 28:11-15). The religious leaders bribed the Roman guards to spread the rumor, i.e. conspiracy theory, the disciples has stolen the body. They even said they would straighten it out with the authorities.

Theories about the resurrection abound. The wrong tomb theory (the ladies went to the wrong tomb). The swoon theory (Jesus didn’t really die on the cross; He just passed out.  He then revived in the cold, dark tomb, mustered enough strength to roll the stone away, overpower the guards and walk away).  Wrong person theory (someone took His place on the cross and was mistaken for Jesus). Tell me: how ridiculous do those all sound? The conspiracies go on and on-ad infinitum, ad nauseum.

Unfounded “truths.” Gossip. Slander. Lies. Mean-spirited words. All are part of a subversive element that should not be, but is, in the church. Relationships and friendships cannot survive with that kind of garbage being present in individual lives, and especially in a church.

Let’s stick to the facts, the truth. Let’s not pay one bit of attention to political conspiracy theories. And certainly not give any credence to conspiracy theories that make their way into the church. THEY AIN’T WORTH IT!  Let’s leave the conspiracy theories where they belong…in the trash.

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April 26

Wednesday, April 26th, 2023

Pete the Cat…Play Ball.

I suppose you might be wondering, “What in the world? Has Bill lost it?”  While some may have suspected that a time or two over the 70 years of my life, I have not. Least I don’t think so. 🙂   One thing I have learned is that lessons can be learned from a variety of places, people and events.  This past year I have had the A.B.S.O.L.U.T.E.L.Y.  most fun reading to the Kindergarten classes in our school district.  Five classes. Once/month. A different book each month. (The church’s youth pastor, Ryan, reads to two other classes).

This month was a read barn-burner-to the kids-but to me? Not so, but it wasn’t supposed to be. I mean, how excited can an adult get over a book read to Kindergarten kids about a cat? But the kids? They absolutely l-o-o-o-v-e Pete the Cat. They especially enjoyed Pete the Cat…Play Ball.

After I read I always try to draw out some lessons which come from the book. So…what did Pete teach them this time through?

  • Pete the Cat always tried his best. So should they. If their teacher has them working at their desk; if they are playing outside; if they are playing a game, they should always do their best.
  • Pete the Cat cheered his teammates on. The first batter got a hit and Pete yelled, “Way to go!” The batter after him (he struck out but tried his best) hit a home run. Pete yelled with a big cheer.
  • Pete’s team won. He high-fived the opposing team. The K-kids were quick to remind me they line up after the game and do that. They slap hands and say, “Good game” to their opponents.

I had fun reading and teaching the lessons, but their importance to me as an adult cannot be dismissed.

Do I always try my best or am I content with a lackluster effort? Do I look for shortcuts? Whether it is something I like doing or not, do I give my best effort?

Do I cheer others on with genuine support or am filled with envy and jealousy over another’s success? Do I see another’s efforts promoting the team or organization as good and not a threat to me? In my line of work (a pastor), am I happy to see Jesus promoted…no matter who does it?

Am I quick to high-five another’s success and not care who gets the credit? Competition in sports is good, but when someone becomes combative or cut-throat and resorts to cheating or gossip or back-biting, it spells the death of whatever good can be accomplished. I believe Ronald Reagan is credited with saying, “There is no telling how far an organization can go, and how it can succeed, if no one cares who gets the credit.”

Jesus once said, “If I be lifted up I will draw all men to me.” I realize He was speaking of His crucifixion, but it begs an action from me.  My motive should never be to promote myself, but to promote Him. Not doing my best; putting others down; taking the glory for myself, is not promoting Him or His work.

Let’s take it from Pete the Cat. Let’s leave the bad stuff behind and let’s promote each other, but most importantly, Jesus.

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April 5

Wednesday, April 5th, 2023

If there is one character trait that is sadly and sorely missed today it is integrity. Plain, old-fashioned honesty. Disagree? I double-dog-dare you to prove I’m wrong. Sorry. You lose! 🙂

I wish it weren’t so. It used to be a man’s word was his bond. A handshake was enough to seal a deal. A verbal “Yes” was enough to put a deal to rest. We didn’t need 200 sheets of paper filled with legalese that only lawyers can understand. Maybe…

There is a story of a pastor who boarded the bus, and after he took his seat, realized the driver had given him too much change. While some would consider that their good fortune, this pastor came to his stop and told the driver that he made a mistake and gave him too much change. The driver responded: “I didn’t make a mistake. I was in church last night and heard you speak on honesty and wanted to see if you practiced what you preached.”  (Side note: I would be in trouble because I tend to pocket my change immediately, often not even counting it. I trust the cashiers to give me the right change. Hmmm. Guess I’ll have to rethink that approach). 🙂

Living with integrity these days is a challenge. It is not the norm. Sure we have our leadership gurus who talk about it and stress its importance, but it often hits deaf ears. It is a known and much-needed quality. But just because we know it doesn’t mean we do it.

I once read a quote by humorist Will Rogers: “So live that you wouldn’t mind selling your pet parrot to the town gossip.” That made me chuckle and think at the same time.

Mr. Businessman or Ms. Businesswoman. Pastor. Nurse. Doctor. Teacher. Student. Whatever you do, do it with honesty and integrity. It is sometimes hard to do so, and sometimes tempting not to, but so worth it in the end.

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March 22

Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023

We often talk about being different. Diverse is the word that is used. And we are. God has made us different in personality, looks, reactions, intelligence, etc. But there are some ways we are all alike. One way in particular. Let me put it this way:

Taking things for granted is bad. Taking people for granted is worse.

That’s right. All of us are guilty of taking things and people for granted.

We walk out of the house in the morning and we expect our vehicle to start. When I hit the remote start for my truck, I don’t first stop and ask, “Well, will it or will it not start this morning?” No. Unless you have been having trouble with your truck/car starting, you just assume it will.

When I go to the office shortly, I’m not going to look at my X-chair and ponder the probability of it collapsing when I sit in it.

I just assume, I just take for grated my truck will start and my chair will hold me up.

Worse is taking people for granted:

  • Jo and I celebrate 50 years of marriage on June 16 (Lord willing). The way to destroy a marriage is to take each other for granted.  As the old song says, “I love her more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow.”
  • A child/teen takes his/her parents for granted failing to appreciate their love or expressing love to them.
  • I take the folks in the church I pastor for granted if I fail to shepherd them and show them love.

Like many things, you don’t seem to appreciate people or what they do or how they added to your life until they are gone.

Taking things for granted is bad. Taking people for granted is worse. Taking God for granted is the “worsest.” (Sorry for the poor English).  🙂  In Revelation 2 the church at Ephesus is told “You have left your first love.” A lot can be said, a lot of questions can be asked about that and its meaning, but let’s just suffice it to say the church found someone or something else to draw their affection and attention. They found another “first place.”

That begs the question: have I left my first love? If so, what am I going to do about it?

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March 21

Tuesday, March 21st, 2023

You may have heard the saying-and I know I have used it numerous times:

God is seldom early but He’s never late.

That speaks to one of the hardest things we have to do, whether we are a Christ-follower or just a traveler on the earth:

W.A.I.T.

We are not a patient lot. Just look at our eating habits. Microwave ovens. Get food done faster (although some foods don’t heat up well. Pizza tends to get rubbery). Microwave meals. Insta-pots (Jo uses hers a lot). Instant oatmeal.  Instant coffee (I don’t drink any coffee at all. Can’t stand the taste of it). Self-checkout at the stores (usually faster than standing in one of the few lines open at WM or some grocery store). Instant potatoes (talk about fake!). E-filing our taxes and direct deposit the refund (guilty as charged). The list goes on and on. We are accustomed to getting things now…not later. We are not kin to waiting.

“Hurry up and wait” seems to be the order of the day.

The saying I mentioned earlier-“God is seldom early but never late”-is often used when someone wonders why it is taking so long to get an answer from God. It’s like, “C’mon God! I prayed yesterday and I’m still waiting!” 🙂 And so we continue to wait.

Patience is not our strong suit. We want an answer and we want it N.O.W. We need to keep in mind that God’s timetable is not always ours. As much as it pains me to say it, from time to time God’s best answer for us to W.A.I.T. “Slow down,” He says. “Don’t be in such a hurry. I have your best interest in mind.”

There is a great Scripture in Galatians 4. In verse 4 it says, “But when the right time came, God sent His Son…” (NLT)  That phrase “But when the right time came” is so important. (There are several historical events that show why this is true, but this is not the time to state them. Maybe another time). Jesus came at just the right time. 

God always shows up at the right time. Not early. Not late. Trust Him. Don’t rush Him.

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March 20

Monday, March 20th, 2023

Counselor and teacher, the late David Powlison, wrote about what he called “ladders to nowhere.” It goes something like this: if you’re on the sixth rung and I’m on the fourth, you’re better than me. But if I’m on the sixth and you’re on the fourth, I’m better than you.

It’s sad that we see life through those eyes. While he would call it “ladders to nowhere” (and I have no quarrel with that), I would call it “the comparison game.” We find our lack of self-worth or our height of self-worth in how we measure up to another. I read years ago where someone said, “Comparisons are odious.”

We all do it. “I make so-and-so.” Our importance is wrapped up in how much we make. “I do this-and-this in my company.” Our importance is wrapped up in a title or a job description. I know for a fact pastors do it. Get a group of them in a room on a Monday morning and their demeanor will often depend on how Sunday went. Ask them how their church is doing and you will hear the latest stats-giving, attendance, converts, and visitors. Sad. Then ask them how they are doing and one will often hear that they are doing in direct proportion to how their church is doing. Even sadder. Men who should be finding their worth in their relationship with Jesus are no different than their secular counterparts.

My worth, your worth, is not found in having a letter or letters after our name. An “R” or “D” or “I” or “L” should not be our identity. A title of “Pastor” or “Dr.” or “PH.D” or something of that nature should not define our worth. Nor should our worth be tied up in our job, how much we make, how much territory we cover, our title, our family name, or any other temporary means. To quote Powlison: “Before the living God, however, all of us are poor. We are all strangers, not insiders. We are all weak. We are all disabled. We are all dying. We’re all slaves. We’re all children. We need a deliverer.” *

That deliverer is Jesus. He is the One who sets us free from the endless pursuit of nothingness. He is the One who sets us free from worth determined by trivial pursuit.

*Powlison quote from Take Heart-Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith– (March 19-p.79)

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