Take Your Time, But Give It Back, Too

The old saying, “Don’t lose sleep over it,” is sage advice for those who find themselves tossing and turning at night after experiencing an angst-ridden day. It’s best to let it go, if possible, and get a restful night’s sleep.

Sometimes, however, loss of sleep is unavoidable — like this weekend when we “spring forward” and set our clocks ahead by one hour, thus depriving us of 60 precious minutes of shuteye. 

So, let this serve as a not-so-subtle reminder to reset your clocks before you go to bed on Saturday night. After all, we wouldn’t want you to miss our worship service on Sunday morning. Besides, you’ll recoup that hour next fall when we turn the clocks back an hour. 

All of this made me wonder just how valuable one hour of our life — awake or asleep — really is. If it were possible to add an extra 60 minutes to your day, what would you do with that time? Would you read a book, grab a meal, take a nap, or attend to a project that you have been putting off for a while?

There is no limit to what we might do in terms of making use of that extra hour, but what if we were to consider how we could fill that time from a spiritual perspective? How about engaging in prayer, calling or texting someone who is homebound, visiting someone in the hospital or an assisted-living facility, or writing a quick note to someone who lives alone?

You might not accomplish all of this in a single hour, but it’s worth a try, even if you only complete one or two of these objectives. When you’re finished, you will take great comfort in the fact that you have answered the call of the Lord to love and serve your neighbor — and you will certainly sleep well that night.

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Doing ‘Our Best’ and Helping Others to do Likewise

In my early elementary-school years, I was a classic underachiever. My parents and my teachers told me repeatedly that I did not “apply myself” and that clearly I could do better.

Those admonitions went largely unheeded by me as I continued to languish in mediocrity. But one day, I’m not sure when it was or how it happened, I finally got the message. Maybe the Holy Spirit came upon me and woke me up. Since that time, I have become increasingly aware of the finite amount of time we have in this world, and the fleeting opportunities we have to make a difference. 

In the third chapter of Colossians there are several passages that speak to our potential as Disciples of Christ. For example, verses 23-24 provide this valuable advice, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

I find that passage to be both encouraging and inspiring, and that’s really an important part of what we are called on to do. Just as others tried to inspire and encourage me, we are urged to do likewise.

Think how much better our world would be if we would take the time to exhort others to reach their full potential, especially when it comes to serving the Lord.

Earlier in the chapter of Colossians, we are advised to “let the message of Christ dwell among [us] richly as [we] teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…singing to God with gratitude in [our] hearts. And whatever [we] do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

As we enter the second week of Lent, let us take the opportunity to actively engage with others, particularly those who are struggling to help them organize their life and find new direction in Christ our Lord. 

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Time to ‘Get Together’ and ‘Love One Another’

In 1967, when the Vietnam War was escalating at an alarming rate, peace rallies were springing up in cities and towns across the United States. Thousands of anti-war activists — young and old — were coming together to plead with our nation’s leaders to put an end to the conflict.

That same year, a musical group known as The Youngbloods released “Get Together.” The song would become an anthem for that generation, and many generations that followed. Unfortunately, we have failed to heed that call. In fact, violence in our world seems to know no limits or boundaries.

To think that we might somehow wave a magic wand and put an end to the madness would be naïve at best, but now that we have entered the Lenten season, we have an extended period of time to devote to reflection and prayer, and among our prayers, we would be wise to consider a plea for peace among our nations, in our cities, in our schools, and in our homes.

The lyrics from that iconic Youngbloods’s song are remarkably spiritual, yet they still resonate to this day. Here is a brief excerpt…

If you hear the song I sing
You will understand, listen
You hold the key to love and fear
All in your trembling hand
Just one key unlocks them both
It’s there at your command

Come on, people now
Smile on your brother
Everybody get together
Try to love one another right now

Who is it that “holds the key to love and fear?” Clearly, we could make a case that it is the God we serve, but we can also unlock them both if we follow His Word and love one another.

As we reflect on this Lenten season, I think we would all agree that it is time to “get together,” and “try to love one another right now.”

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Better to Lean on the Cross than ‘Knock on Wood’

We’re all familiar with colloquialisms — expressions used over and over again to describe, explain, or summarize a particular situation. 

One of the more common examples of these popular sayings is “Knock on Wood,” something we say in the hope that our good fortune will continue. For example, a person who recently changed jobs might say something like, “so far, this position is much better than my previous one, and I am hopeful that it will stay that way…knock on wood.”

When we make a statement like that, we often look for a wooden surface to tap on with our fist, just to be sure that our luck doesn’t run out. This, of course, is entirely based on superstition.

We do, however, have a much more secure, reliable, and assuring source of wood, and that is the cross on which Christ was crucified. We even have a hymn that celebrates that wood – “The Old Rugged Cross.”

The cross is, indeed, a source of hope, encouragement, and inspiration, but instead of knocking on it, we are much better off if we choose to lean on it. It is, after all, the most visible symbol of our salvation. 

As we recall from that iconic hymn, the “old, rugged cross is the emblem of suffering and shame,” so we “cling to the old rugged cross” with the hope and expectation that “we will exchange if one day for a crown” (of righteousness).

Our faith teaches us to stand strong and not get caught up in foolish folklore or silly superstitions. Instead, reflect on the old rugged cross and rely on the Savior who hung there as an atonement for our sins and a pathway to liberation from sin and death.

As we prepare to enter the Lenten season next week, let us give thanks for the cross that promises eternal life for those who accept and believe in Jesus as the Son of God.

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

After Further Review, Our Slate is Clean

Super Bowl LVII kicks off on Sunday evening, and once again the Browns will not be participating, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the game.

No one can predict the outcome (although many will try), but there are certain things we can count on, including an extensive pregame show, a lengthy halftime show, and at least a handful of times when the referee will say, “after further review.” This, of course, will come when one of the coaches challenges a call on the field, prompting the officials to consult with video replay.

Sometimes the replay is so clear that the call is overturned; other times, there is not sufficient grounds to overrule the call.

Unfortunately, we don’t have video replay in life. True, there are now cameras on just about every corner, not to mention the millions of Americans who can use their phone to record something as it takes place, but we really can’t “take back” what we have said or done. Once it’s out there, people seize on it, and often refuse to let go.

Fortunately in our spiritual journey, we don’t need to worry about God keeping a record of wrongs. If we are faithful and confess our sins, then our slate is wiped clean. No need to worry about a spiritual video that goes viral. When we confess, he wipes away our iniquities and cleanses our soul. [Isaiah 43:25]

When our journey in this world comes to an end, we don’t need to worry about some massive camera in the sky. True, we are called into account for our words and actions, but when we confess and he forgives, we become holy and pleasing in his sight.

All that’s left at that point is to “go and sin no more” [John 8:11] or at least ensure that sin does not reign in our heart [Romans 6:12], and to remember to forgive others as God has forgiven us. [Matthew 6:14-15]

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Never Abandoned or Forgotten 

You probably noticed the abandoned vehicle in our parking lot a couple of weeks ago. Clearly, it was in a state of disrepair with deflated tires, crumbled fenders, and wide-open windows. Fortunately, whoever left the car behind was courteous enough to leave a note, stating that arrangements had been made to tow the car away. By midweek, the car was gone.

Every year thousands of stolen or disabled cars are deserted, but they are not the only items left behind. Many times, people are overlooked and even abandoned. It’s almost as if they have no place in society and no value in life. 

Clearly, as Disciples of Christ, we know better. No one, regardless of their circumstances, should ever be abandoned. In our faith journey, we know that even if we are deserted, “the Lord will keep us close” (Psalm 27:10). We also know that “the Lord himself goes before [us] and will be with [us]; he will never leave [us] or forsake [us].” (Deuteronomy 31:8).  

So, if God always looks after his people, why should we worry about them? The answer to that question is quite clear in various Scripture passages, including the parable of the lost sheep whose shepherd keeps watch over his flock and goes to great lengths to rescue the one who wanders off.

It’s not our fault when people fall through the cracks, but it is our responsibility to see to it that they don’t perish. When we see that someone is lost or abandoned, we should not look the other way, even if that person contributed to his or her own demise. We could argue that the plight of others is really not our problem, but when we are convicted by the Holy Spirit, we are driven to reach out and help in some way, and by answering God’s call, we know that we are doing His will.

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Adversity Brings Perspective

My recent bout with COVID reminded me once again that there is so much beyond our control. Because we have so many freedoms, we sometimes think that there is nothing we can’t do, but then reality sets in, and we realize how much of life is out of our grasp.

The Book of James captures this sentiment eloquently with this passage from Chapter 4 (13-15): “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

Wow! Talk about perspective. Despite our best-laid plans, we are, indeed, a mist. We have no idea what tomorrow might bring — a major storm, a sudden illness, even a dead battery — and suddenly our plans change dramatically. 

The older we get, the more aware we become of our own mortality. There are times when I think about the ambitious plans I have and wish that I could live to 100, but there are other times when I am ready to go the moment the Lord calls.

Fortunately, we can trust in the Lord, thanks to this encouragement from the Gospel of Matthew (6:25-27): “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?“

Instead, let us give thanks for every day, make the most of every moment, and worry not about tomorrow.

Until we meet again, Be Blessed!

Make Every Day One of Acceptance and Inclusion

You’ve probably never heard of Marlo Anderson, but you are likely familiar with his famous innovation. He was the first to officially develop the idea that each day should have some sort of special designation attached to it, so he established National Day Calendar 10 years ago this week (January 19, 2013).

Since then hundreds of designations have been established, seemingly arbitrarily to the point that there are not enough days in the year to celebrate each designation, so now there are now multiple celebrations for every day of the year.

One could argue that many of the designations (e.g. National Popcorn Day or National Sweatpants Day) are trivial and even silly, but it reminds us that we have so much to celebrate in life, particularly the simple things that we so often take for granted. For example, this Friday happens to be “National Day of Acceptance,” in which everyone is encouraged to embrace those who have a particularly difficult lot in life.

We tend to overlook or intentionally look away from those who live on the margins of society – those who are homeless, poverty stricken, or imprisoned, as well as those who face mental, physical, or emotional obstacles.

Scripture reminds us that we are to “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters” to “not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:1-3).

It can be difficult and even awkward to offer help when we’re not really sure what to do, but we can pray that the next time an opportunity arises, the Spirit will encourage, empower, and embolden us to respond in a way that would bring honor and glory to God.

Until we meet again, Be Blessed!

Building Spiritual Strength in the Battle Against Temptation

There are so many distractions in today’s world that it is easy for us to veer off course. Fortunately, God knows our strengths and our weaknesses, and He knows that even the most devout among us are vulnerable to temptation. 

In the Book of James (1:14-15), we read that “each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death.”

This frightening passage paints an almost fatalistic view of temptation, seemingly indicating that there is no hope and no escape, but we know better. We have an advocate in the battle against evil — one who is supremely equipped to support us in this spiritual conflict.

As we see in I Corinthians 10:13, “no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it.”

God will not allow temptation to consume us, and He will always provide an escape route when things reach a boiling point, but the final decision is still ours. We can resist and flee the temptation, or we can allow ourselves to be engulfed by it. 

The best way to avoid such situations is to practice sound spiritual discipline, and for that, we turn to Galatians 5:16-17, which states, “I say then, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”

Stay strong, stay safe, and the Spirit will walk with us, guiding and protecting us every step of the way.

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Run, Jog, Walk, or Crawl: Setting the Pace for 2023

How do you plan to move forward during this first week of the new year? Will you charge ahead in an all-out sprint? Will you jog, taking time to observe that which is in front of you as well as that which is to your left or right? Will you really take your time and walk? Or, will you start 2023 like a newborn and just crawl?

Chances are we will do all of these at one time or another in the coming year because, as we know, the pace of life changes day-by-day, hour-by-hour, minute-by-minute. None of us can or should keep the same pace throughout the entire year. As we know from the Book of Ecclesiastes, there is a time for everything under heaven. While that famous passage does not mention running, jogging, walking, or crawling, we can infer that such instructions might just as well have been included.

The point of all of this is that we need to be prepared and to respond accordingly to whatever life throws our way. Sometimes, we have to sprint. Other times we can simply jog. Often, we can take our time and walk. And occasionally, either because of our situation or the situation we encounter, we have to crawl.

Regardless of the pace we set (or the one that life sets for us), we can take comfort in the fact that the Lord is always with us. There are several Scripture passages that affirm this, including Deuteronomy 31:6-8, which advises us to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Even when we feel alone or deserted, He is always with us, and that should provide comfort, assurance, encouragement, hope, and peace.

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John