Not Ready, but Prepared

Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.  (Job 14:5) 

Our church Moderator often reminds us of the need to be prepared for the coming of our Lord. She admits that she is not in a hurry to die, but that she remains prepared every day. As seniors we have a responsibility to help the next generations understand that aging and death is as much a part of life as birth. There is no need to be creepy about this, it just is so. But the most important part of this life transition is helping our children and grandchildren to understand what is necessary to be prepared. Talk about your walk with God. Help them understand that the road to salvation is not rocket science and just requires an humble acceptance of a gift freely given. Share scriptures about salvation when appropriate. Answer questions about your belief. Say “I don't know” when you don't, but try to find answers in the Word.

I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.  (1 Corinthians 15:50

It is my prayer that each of us, although perhaps not ready, are prepared.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Christian Leadership

Acts 6: 1-7 Contemporary English Version (CEV) Seven Leaders for the Church 6 A lot of people were now becoming followers of the Lord. But some of the ones who spoke Greek started complaining about the ones who spoke Aramaic. They complained that the Greek-speaking widows were not given their share when the food supplies were handed out each day. 2 The twelve apostles called the whole group of followers together and said, “We should not give up preaching God’s message in order to serve at tables. 3 My friends, choose seven men who are respected and wise and filled with God’s Spirit. We will put them in charge of these things. 4 We can spend our time praying and serving God by preaching.” 5 This suggestion pleased everyone, and they began by choosing Stephen. He had great faith and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they chose Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and also Nicolaus, who worshiped with the Jewish people in Antioch. 6 These men were brought to the apostles. Then the apostles prayed and placed their hands on the men to show that they had been chosen to do this work. 7 God’s message spread, and many more people in Jerusalem became followers. Even a large number of priests put their faith in the Lord.

The Apostles had the example of Moses about effective leadership (Exodus 18:15-23) and were more than willing to give up the day to day running of things and put these chores in the hands of capable men of God. So many dynamics were in place in the choosing of these men and trust was in the forefront. The Apostles had to trust that the men charged with choosing the new leaders would use sound judgment in their choices. They had to trust that the men chosen would be willing to do the work and withstand any criticism that was bound to come their way with such a delicate task. The men charged with this task had to trust that they would be supported by the Apostles and the people. They had to put aside any preferences or biases they had and trust the Holy Spirit to guide them at all times. They were helped in this when the Apostles prayed and placed their hands on them as a sign of blessing on them and their work. This decision was a win-win for everyone. The Apostles were freed to teach, the widows received fair treatment and a positive example was set which encouraged growth in the church! (even a large number of priests put their faith in the Lord!!!) We are told very little about these men and there is little in scripture about them after this event, with the exception of Stephen; but the response of the current followers and the fact that many felt safe to become new followers tells a lot about their leadership. This is another example of the importance of not only building the kingdom, but maintaining the kingdom. God's message spread, and many more people in Jerusalem became followers. Even a large number of priests put their faith in the Lord. May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

A Servant's Prayer Answered

Genesis 24:10-21 Contemporary English Version (CEV) 10 Soon after that, the servant loaded ten of Abraham’s camels with valuable gifts. Then he set out for the city in northern Syria, where Abraham’s brother Nahor lived. 11 When he got there, he let the camels rest near the well outside the city. It was late afternoon, the time when the women came out for water. ' 12 The servant prayed:You, Lord, are the God my master Abraham worships. Please keep your promise to him and let me find a wife for Isaac today.  13 The young women of the city will soon come to this well for water,  14 and I’ll ask one of them for a drink. If she gives me a drink and then offers to get some water for my camels, I’ll know she is the one you have chosen and that you have kept your promise to my master. 15-16 While he was still praying, a beautiful unmarried young woman came by with a water jar on her shoulder. She was Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor and his wife Milcah. Rebekah walked past Abraham’s servant, then went over to the well, and filled her water jar. When she started back,  17 Abraham’s servant ran to her and said, “Please let me have a drink of water.” 18 “I’ll be glad to,” she answered. Then she quickly took the jar from her shoulder and held it while he drank.  19-20 After he had finished, she said, “Now I’ll give your camels all the water they want.” She quickly poured out water for them, and she kept going back for more, until his camels had drunk all they wanted.  21 Abraham’s servant did not say a word, but he watched everything Rebekah did, because he wanted to know for certain if this was the woman the Lord had chosen.

Today's scripture is a lesson about trust, faith and wondrous expectation.

Psalm 105:4 The Message (MSG) 105 1-6 Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name!     Tell everyone you meet what he has done! Sing him songs, belt out hymns,     translate his wonders into music! Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs,     you who seek God. Live a happy life! Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works;     be alert for signs of his presence. Remember the world of wonders he has made,     his miracles, and the verdicts he’s rendered—         O seed of Abraham, his servant,         O child of Jacob, his chosen.

Our scripture begins “soon after that” It helps us to understand the importance of these verses when we study the nature of the man, Abraham, his special relationship with God and his relationship with this special servant. There was a lot of trust in today's scriptures. We should know that this was a trusted servant, a servant who knew about Abraham's God. This servant was witness to his master's devotion to God. This servant was trusted with all that Abraham had including the son through whom we all would be blessed. There is a lot of faith in today's scripture. Abraham had faith that God would provide a suitable wife for Isaac . He had faith that his servant would follow his instructions. The servant had faith that his prayers for guidance would be answered. There was wondrous expectation in today's scripture. When he had done as he was instructed, the servant waited patiently for God to manifest himself. As he waits at the well for the wife of Isaac to be revealed, he kept his eyes open for the Lord. He watched for His work; and he was alert for signs of His presence. Today we can rest in the assurance that God is ever present in our lives and that He answers prayers. With this confidence we can keep our eyes open for the Lord, watch for His work and be patiently alert for signs of His presence. May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

This same Peter...

Luke 5:1-11 King James Version (KJV) 5 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

This same Peter...

Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

Peter was a man with flashes of brilliant insight mixed with periods when he “just didn't get it”, yet, through it all he was and continues to be used by Jesus in mighty ways to spread the gospel. Peter's words told many stories. Peter's words acknowledged at his first meeting his recognition that there was something special about this man, Jesus. His words also conveyed his understanding of his own sinful nature. This same Peter, when asked in Matthew 16:15-16 “But whom say ye that I am?” was led by divine knowledge to respond, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Yet, it is this same Peter whom Jesus rebukes when he is not able to grasp the divine mission of sacrifice which Jesus willingly faced. (Matthew 16:23 (KJV) 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Peter walked on water with Our Lord, though, in a moment of doubt he began to sink. Yet this same Peter was volatile: John 18:10 (KJV) 10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Peter was afraid. He denied the Lord not once but three times out of fear for his own life (Matthew 26:31-36, 69-74 ; Mark 14:27-31, 66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:1-11). Yet, this same Peter, on the day of Pentecost, the fiftieth day, spoke with strength and conviction of the promises of the prophets which Jesus had fulfilled and opened the eyes and hearts of more than 3,000 (Acts 2). Peter is mentioned 154 times in the KJV of the bible. His life is inspiration to us because of the nature of his devotion as a servant of Jesus Christ. His life a beacon of hope to us because of our recognition that even this same Peter had his failings and had to depend on the same grace and mercy which enriches our lives. May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Transfiguration

Matthew 17 New King James Version (NKJV) Jesus Transfigured on the Mount 17 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus

In three short years Jesus prepared a small group of men to head up the awesome task of bringing the gospel, the good news, to a dying people. He clearly understood the trials they would be facing when he was no longer physically with them and gave them glimpses of His true nature to sustain them in the days to come. “ Now after six days”.... This is six days following the time when the Pharisees and Sadducees had demanded a sign from heaven to prove the truth of Jesus' teachings, a sign he chose not to waste on those whose eyes were closed to the truth. This was after Peter had been led by the Holy Spirit to recognize Jesus as “the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This was after Jesus spoke to them clearly about his coming suffering and death and of his coming resurrection.

(Matt 16: 21 From then on, Jesus began telling his disciples what would happen to him. He said, “I must go to Jerusalem. There the nation’s leaders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law of Moses will make me suffer terribly. I will be killed, but three days later I will rise to life.”).

We have glimpses of His true nature, the son of the Living God, to sustain us through every trial we face today. We can hold fast to the knowledge that he left the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, to be with us through every good or bad time. It's up to us to acknowledge his presence and to experience the peace he brings. My prayer is that we will all be “transfigured” by the Holy Spirit into vessels which shine as lights in our present world. May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Joy of Praise

Psalm 13 (NIV) For the director of music. A psalm of David. 1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? 3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him, ” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

Sepher Tehillim, "The Book of Praises" Opportunities to study the Book of Psalms is a source of great joy in my life. Every time our study is focused on some portion of the Psalms I am provided with an chance to find new and wonderful gems for my treasury of praises to my God. The gem for today was in finding the Jewish term for the Book of Psalms, Sepher Tehillim, “Book of Praises”. The Book of Psalms provides many themes and functions: Examples are Hymns, (Ps. 24, 48, 99, 136, 146; Community complaints (Ps 74,83); Individual complaints, (Ps 5, 13, 51); Individual songs of thanksgiving (Ps. 116); Royal psalms (Ps. 20, 45, 72, 101); Torah psalms (Ps. 1, 32, 49, 127); Oracle psalms (Ps 82, 87); Blessing psalms (Ps 128); Taunt songs (Ps. 52); Songs of trust (Ps. 110); (http://www.angelfire.com/sc3/we_dig_montana/Psalms.html); but they all provide opportunities to acknowledge the wonder and greatness of God and to praise His Holy Name. Our Psalm for today, Psalm 13, is listed here as a song of individual complaint and the Psalmist does cry out in the agony of seeming abandonment and defeat. Yet in all of this there is the absolute knowledge that God is a father to whom he can come for help. There is true trust in his unfailing love. Psalm 13 is a wonderful model of prayer and supplication in times of stress and doubt. Psalm 13 acknowledges that we sometimes feel lost despite our understanding that God is ever present. Above all, Psalm 13 is a song of praise to a good and loving God. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love;     my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,     for he has been good to me.- May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

The Not So Prodigal Son

Growing Old or Growing Up

Luke 15:11-32 New International Version (NIV) The Parable of the Lost Son 11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Sometimes we seniors get complacent in our service. We think it's time to retire and let the younger ones take over. Sometimes it's because the younger ones act as though we have nothing left to offer and we start to feel a little sorry for ourselves and just back down. Sometimes it's because we feel we have done our job and it's now time to rest. Sometimes it isn't anything we thought about, we just slide into inaction and wake up one morning to find ourselves without purpose and goals in His service. What a loss for everyone! It's a part of the wonder of the workings of the Holy Spirit that when I began to think of my role in the church as a senior I was led to scripture about the “Prodigal Son”. It's not the son who took off and got himself into deep trouble who comes to mind, it's the son who was faithful and did everything he felt was right in the sight of his father who reminds me of us seniors. When we remember that He has always been with us and that everything He has is ours, we waken to the need to share this knowledge with the sons and daughters who just got here or just got back. It is our job to help them see the workings of His fields and the glory of His protection and love. It is our job to help them as they strive to do all that God would have them to do. We may need to remind ourselves of the constant stream of feasts we have already enjoyed at His table and the many warm moments of comfort in His love. Then we can celebrate and be glad every day that we are able to be in His service.

Psalm 92:14-15 New International Version (NIV) 14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him. ”

Father God, please help me to stay “fresh and green” in Your service. Please help me to be about the business of proclaiming Your Name with my last breath. I thank You for every moment that I have basked in the warmth of Your love. Amen. May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!