Time for Sowing the Seed

In this spring planting season the parable of the sower and the soils in Mark 4 resonates in my mind and heart. Jesus basically told the disciples that seed sowing (sharing God's Word) is the business of His followers and there will be all sorts of people who hear and respond. We are not responsible for the responses jut the seed sowing. Sow the seed of God's Word and by God's grace it will fall on hearts that "hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundred fold" (Mk.4:20b).

A Time for Everything.

I was reflecting on the tremendous diversity of emotions that have come about in the past ten days and how transient this life on earth is. Solomon was correct to say, "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. A time to give birth and a time to die..."(Eccl.3:1-2a). Last week a dear elderly saint passed away. Irma was 98 years old and she had attended the congregation I serve until the past 16 years when she moved to be near family after her husband passed away. She and her husband were one of the first people to take my wife and me along with our children (only two at the time) out for Sunday dinner shortly after we moved to our current place of ministry. That was almost 17 years ago. She was a fun loving wonderful woman who supported her pastor and family graciously. Indeed, her passing was actually a promotion as she joins her beloved Morris in heaven. But her death reminds us of the frailty of life, the brevity of life--even though she lived to be 98. A time to die. One week ago today the newest addition to our church family came into the world as a young couple in the church gave birth to their fourth child--a healthy bouncing baby boy. We are all overjoyed and realize that "Children are a gift from the Lord" (Ps.127). What a blessing to see new life and what a contrast with the death of Irma. One elderly person entering glory and a young new life starting out here on earth. Indeed, a time to give birth. While both death of a saint and birth of a child are celebrations they illicit slightly different emotions. While death of a believer is truly a celebration, especially when they have lived a long healthy life and do not suffer in death. But there is also sadness. The birth of a healthy child is nothing but joy. But each teach us of the brevity of life and of God's sovereignty. As the Psalmist says, "Lord make me to know my end, and what is the extent of my days, Let me know how transient I am" (Ps.39:4). The emotional roller coaster continued. Saturday April 27th our son Tyler graduated from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. It is all so very surreal. I went from the hospital room where a baby boy had been born on Monday to My own son's college graduation on Saturday and asked myself, "Where did all the time go between Tyler's birth and today?" Oh, I am thrilled to see our son doing so well, to have him finish his undergraduate degree in four years with a double major and to graduate with honors. What parent's wouldn't be pleased and praise God. We are excited that he is planning to continue his education by attending Law School and that he will be married this summer. What a joy to see your children growing up. But I am also sad. I was doing some exercises in the basement this morning on a sleeping mat with the name "Tyler Smith" written on it. This is the very same mat that our now 22 year old took to kindergarten to use for "rest time." Oh, I am so pleased to see him maturing, but there is a place in my heart that longs for the days when he dressed up like dad, we wrestled on the floor, played catch in the back yard, and read Bible stories together before bed. There is a time for everything, yet these times are not to be wasted but to be enjoyed, embraced, and reflected on so we can understand, "how transient I am." As I drove home from the college graduation my wife and my youngest daughter were sleeping in the van (loaded with my son and oldest daughter's college stuff) I shed some tears of sadness because I realized that what is gone is forever gone except in my memories. I cannot turn back the clock--nor do I really want to, but I do truly miss the simplicity, the amount of time spent, the joy of those days. I don't really have any regrets from days gone by, but I do miss them. I also have such joy in my heart over the blessings of God's provision, protection, guidance, and goodness over these years. I am coming to grips with "what is the extent of my days" and realizing the value of counting my blessings, enjoying the moments that come, reminiscing with fondness days gone by, and living now for the eternal things that really matter. There is time for everything under the sun. So when those things come let us live to the fullest. Warmly, Steve

Seeing the Father through the Son

"God...in these last days has spoken to us in His Son...He (Jesus) is the exact representation of His (God's) nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power..." Hebrews 1:1-3. In the past God spoke through the prophets and He added to that revelation by giving us Jesus who is the "exact representation of His nature." We can know God the Father through the Son. Look to Jesus to understand the will and ways of the Father.

Congratulations Tyler

Want to say Congratulations to our son Tyler who finishes his last day of classes at Simpson College today and Graduates on Saturday. I am thankful for God's grace and Tyler's hard work. No deep theology to muse on today, but I am just so grateful for what God has done and is doing in our lives. We are very blessed.

Saved by Grace for Good Works.

"He saved us NOT on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to HIS mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ, our Savior" Titus 3:5-6. How freeing to know that we cannot be made right with God by virtue of our own Good works, but by God's Mercy--only through the renewing work of God's Spirit who comes to us through Jesus. We are truly saved by grace through faith. Not saved by good works. Yet three times in Titus 3 we are told to "be ready for/engage in good works" (1,8,14). So we are saved by grace for good works. Lord help me see what good works you have for me to do today.

Comfort when we are Confused

In the past week I have been made aware of a number of situations in which solid Christian people are simply devastated, tormented, troubled, disappointed, hurting, confused, and/or simply seeking direction. In fact, there are some situations that I am currently dealing with that leave me "scratching my head" wondering how the Lord is going to work things out. In the craziness, pain, and confusion in life the truth that the Psalmist shares in the following verse provides great comfort. "The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry" (Ps.34:15). What a gracious and grand promise to every believer who is hurting, confused, despairing or simply seeking direction or wisdom for life. God is looking and He is listening with eagerness to assist. So I don't know what your dealing with personally, but if you know the Lord personally there is a wonderful promise that the Lord "sees" "hears" and cares. That He sees and hears are to be taken together to communicate His active interest in and willingness to be involved in assisting us. So it is not simply that God is passively aware, but He is actively interested.

God Honors a Clean Heart

In pointing out the adverse consequences of Israel's sin in Leviticus 26 the Lord stressed the seriousness of disobedience, and His gracious willingness to forgive... "If their uncircumcised (arrogantly rebellious/sinful) hearts become humbled so that they then make amends for their iniquity (i.e. repent), then I will remember My covenant with Jacob..." (Lev.26:41-42a). I see a Holy God who cannot and will not let unrelenting sin go unpunished AND I see the compassionate heart of our Heavenly Father ready to forgive the repentant and fulfill His promises to the obedient. "Search me O God, and know me, try me and know my anxious thoughts and see if there be any hurtful way in me..." so that I may turn from my wicked ways "and lead me in the everlasting way" Ps.139:23-24.

Hope in the One Who Does NOT Change.

"Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord" (Ps.31:24). The Psalmist ends where he began in verse one with a declaration of confidence in the Lord. In these days of turmoil, confusion, chaos, devastation, uncertainty, and disappointment many voices are speaking out to offer solace, but the only true source of confidence and courage is in the Lord. While we cannot always trace His hand we can always trust His heart.

The Lord is King

"The Lord was king at the flood; Yes, the Lord sits as King forever" (Ps.29:10). Sadly too many people don't recognize him as King now. I just need to pray that the Lord reigns in my life and that many more will humbly acknowledge His place of superiority and their place of submission.

Prayer as Dialogue

Prayer is not a monologue, but a dialogue between us and God. Solomon wisely admonishes-- " Guard your steps as you go to the house of God, and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2). God speaks to us through His word, but how often in our day do we stop to listen. How often in our prayers do we pause to let what God's word says impact us or to sit silently waiting for the Lord to bring people, circumstances situations to mind that need prayer. All too often I find myself "hasty" and "impulsive" and then I realize that I'm treating God as some sort of a "genie" rather than recognizing His majesty.

Training for Godliness

I went to my first track meet of the season last night. A "balmy 40 degrees" with a Northwest Wind about 25 mph made it feel like it was 15 degrees. It is obvious that some athletes have natural ability and some have less, but the one constant in track is that with training everyone can "improve their game." I'm pretty sure that everyone competing last night (runners and field event people) had been practicing. It is just not a good idea to show up without any training to "try hard" to run 400 meters. It's not an accident that Paul took the imagery of athletic competition to describe the Christian life. He told Timothy, "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." Many of us are frustrated because we "try hard" to live the Christian life, but we need to see that the Christian life is like competing in track--"discipline/training" is the key to progressing. To become more Christlike (godly) we need to stay faithful in training--renewing our minds with God's word, serving others instead of ourselves, quieting ourselves before the Lord to listen and to pray, and sharing with others the resources He has provided us. These and many other "spiritual disciplines" when practiced consistently with the right heart can move us along spiritually. Let's face it, we don't always feel like spending time reading the Bible, or praying, or serving others, but this sort of training is essential to our growth. Nobody said it would be easy, but we must do our part and God will do His part to transform us (Phil.2:12-13). Lord, help me to stay faithful in training myself for the purpose of godliness.

Which Way Lord?

"Make me know your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me..." Ps.25:4-5a. It is so easy to make my own way, to make plans that seem to make sense to me. I am challenged and encouraged by this prayer of surrender. Lord forgive me for so quickly making plans, heading in my own path and give me a heart for consistently heading in the direction you want me to go. Teach me your way...your path.

God's Marvelous Mercy

In 1Timothy1:12-16 Paul marvels at God's mercy. In spite of Paul's horrible life he declares, "And yet I was shown mercy...and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant...that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost." The better I understand the extent of my own sin the more marvelous will be my grasp of God's mercy in delivering me from it. I am so very thankful that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."

What to Pray?

In 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Paul asks for prayer, "that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified." Something every believer would want others to be praying for them. Then in verse 5 he offers a beautiful prayer that serves as a model for us to be praying for others- "And may the Lord direct your hearts into the Love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ." What greater gifts could we be asking for on behalf of others?

Making Sense of Leviticus

I don't think I'm the only person in the world who reads the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament and struggles at times to understand what God is trying to say to me. Yes, the grand theme of God's Holiness looms large and is pervasive in the book and is, in itself, a grand truth to contemplate. On a micro scale the nuances can be a challenge. For example, in Leviticus 14 there is a detailed discussion on "cleansing for the leper." It can be easy to get lost in all of the intricate procedure outlined, but one repeated purpose of the numerous sacrifices that were discussed penetrates to the personal. The numerous offerings brought were offered by the Priest "to make atonement for the one being cleansed." God was not indifferent to the ailment but the repeated emphasis on "atonement" communicated to me that God is even more interested in curing alienation. Atonement means to satisfy God's wrath for sin. The blood of the animals would pay any debt of sin the leper owed. This all has relevance in that it teaches us that God is primarily concerned with our alienation from Himself. The blood of animals shed to temporarily atone for the sins of humans points ultimately to the blood of Christ shed that would provide permanent atonement. In Leviticus I'm reminded of the rottenness of my sin that needs paid for and the remedy provided through Christ.

Lord Be Glorified in Me.

Paul and his companions sought to encourage the believers at Thessalonica who were suffering for their faith holding out to them the hope of the Lord's return when the wrong would be made right. The prayers they offered for the dear believers had as their goal, "that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you" (2Thess.1:12a). What marvelous target-- "that the name of our Lord Jesus would be glorified in His followers." Great thing to pray for others and for ourselves.

Satisfaction in Christ.

Proverbs 27:7 oozes with insight accurately diagnosing the human soul. "A satisfied man loathes honey, but to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet." Physically this makes perfect sense to us. After the Easter feast at our home complete with a piece of my sister's homemade carrot cake and creme cheese frosting, the thought of eating something sweet would have been repulsive. But a starving person would consider any "bitter" (normally unpalatable) thing delectable. The spiritual application is more important. Those who find the satisfaction that our souls long for in a relationship with God through Christ (Col. 2:9-10) turn away from what the world holds out as "tasty." There is no appetite for hedonism, narcissism, pantheism, humanism, or relativism. Unfortunately, all who reject Christ (who is the true "bread of life"--Jn.6:35) still hunger in their souls, they are famished and to them any "bitter thing" (counterfeit to true satisfaction) tastes sweet. The "famished" run after pleasure, fame, fortune, popularity, power, and possessions and we are called to help them see that they are settling for bitter when Christ is best.

Perspective is Powerful

I woke up on Friday morning and listened to the news. The monthly employment figures were out and it wasn't pretty. Regardless of how some will try to "spin" the employment figures they are abysmal. What most news agencies refuse to inform people of is that the unemployment rate does NOT take into account those who have given up looking for work. What this does is skews the rate downward. If all of the people in the country who have given up looking for work were figured into the unemployment rate it would be closer to 11%. Consequently the Dow Jones industrial average had dropped 160 points from the previous day. Then I learned of a Federal Judge's ruling that makes abortion inducing contraceptives (the morning after pill) available to ANY AGE WOMAN WITHOUT PARENTAL KNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT. The ruling basically declares that any young girl who has engaged in sexual activity is free to go to any drug store and purchase a drug that can induce an abortion without the knowledge or consent of her parents. In addition to that North Korea is ordering diplomats to leave the country, Japan is printing money rapidly, and the European economy hangs perilously close to melt-down. I found myself getting cynical, grumpy, and gloomy in my outlook. I had my eyes fixed on the storm swirling around me. I was not setting my mind on things above, but on things on the earth (Col3:1-5). So when I came to my office to continue working on the message for tomorrow the text of Matthew 14:22-36 convicted and comforted me. The story of Jesus walking on the water and then inviting Peter to join him reminded me that perspective is powerful. Peter was fine in getting out of the boat during the storm as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. When he started to focus on the wind and the waves doubts rose up and he began to sink. The challenge God gave me was to realize how wimpy my faith was, to see that my focus was on circumstances and not on Christ. "O you of little faith, why do you doubt?" This same Jesus who came walking on the water aware of the disciples struggle against the wind in the storm is the one who is aware of everything going on in my life and in the world--He is not caught off guard by anything. He is not scrambling to work out contingencies for situations that catch Him off guard. He is absolutely, sovereignly aware and in control. We can trust Him, but that means keeping our eyes on Him and not "wind and waves" around us. I am comforted by the Lord's patience with those who lose perspective. Notice that before the rebuke was the rescue--"He stretched out His hand and took hold of him (Peter)..." (Mt.14:31). God forgives for our faltering faith and challenges us to deeper faith and comes to our aid when our faith falters. We need not despair, for the Lord is with us wherever we go--Mt.28:20.

Laboring Earnestly in Prayer.

Challenged this morning by the example of Epaphras in Colossians 4:12 because he was "always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God." Now there are a bunch of people whom I long to see "standing perfect/mature and fully assured in all the will of God." Question is, "Am I laboring earnestly in prayer for them to that end?" Do I realize that it is a work of God that is needed in my life and in the lives of those I care about to bring about spiritual maturity? Epaphras wasn't wimpy in his effort, but labored earnestly--with great consistency and effort. I spend a great deal of effort on far less noble causes. Lord remind me and stir me to labor earnestly for those I care about that they might grow to spiritual maturity.

His Gruesome Sacrifice, My Gain.

Leviticus is a difficult read for many/most people. In the early chapters I'm struck by the fact that an offending party (someone who has offended God) is instructed to take an animal without defect, place their hand on it's head, and kill the animal. A symbolic transfer of guilt from the person to the animal whose shed blood "covers" the sin of the real guilty party. Was it gruesome? Yes. Was it gory? Yes. Was it graphic? Yes. There was an intentional and powerful illustration of the price paid for personal pardon. Each person graphically realized that the animal received what they deserved. All of this foreshadowed what took place at Calvary. The O.T. sacrificial system was a shadow of which Christ's death is the substance. I have a better grasp of the blessedness of my salvation when I realize more fully that Christ took my place to seal my pardon.

Do Our Words Give Life?

"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life...the tongue of the righteous is as choice silver...the lips of the righteous feed many" (Prov.10:11, 20, 21). There is life giving, valuable, sustaining power in the words of those who are walking with God. As I read these words in Scripture I had to ask myself if my words communicate life or death to others? Are my words precious or pernicious? Do the things I say to others nourish them or drain them? All too often selfish demands, unhealthy comparisons, and/or unrealistic expectations give rise to words that do not give life, are not precious, and do not nourish. What a powerful force is in our words. I know I desire for my lips to speak words that are a "fountain of life" to others. Oh Lord, forgive me for failing to trust you fully and for not speaking what is life-giving.