Category Archives: Family, Friends & Fellowship

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April 27, 2017

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, God's Grace & Love, Prayer, Temptation & Sin, Thanks & Praise

GLORY TO GOD

You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased. [Revelation 4:11 (NLT)]

peacockThe words Soli Deo gloria, meaning “glory to God alone,” were the words at the end of the actor’s bio in the show’s playbill. The addition of those three words in his brief resume was the actor’s way of acknowledging the source of his talent and dedicating his work to God’s glory. I thought of those words when someone flattered me recently. While I knew “Glory to God alone,” was not the right response, I wasn’t sure what was.

John Stott said, “Flattery is like cigarette smoke. It does you no harm if you don’t inhale.” While we all take pleasure in compliments and praise, we must be careful not to let them inflate our egos. When appropriate, we should publicly acknowledge God’s part in our success but I’m pretty sure responses like “I’ve been blessed by God,” or “All glory to God!” to favorable remarks about our appearance, attire, possessions or achievements might do little to further His kingdom. Yet, stopping at a polite “thank you” seems to leave the Giver of all Gifts out of things entirely. How do we keep from inhaling that flattery?

Perhaps, after accepting a compliment with thanks, we should hand the praise off to God in silent prayer much as we hope our waiter does to the chef after we’ve complimented a delicious meal. Like a waiter, we just dish up what’s been given to us by the Creator of All Good Things. If our waiter accepts the praise but doesn’t pass along our compliments to the kitchen, he’s done the chef a disservice and in danger of thinking he’s the one responsible for the gourmet meal. If we fail to hand off the praise we’ve received to the one who gave us our gifts, we do God a disservice. We’re at risk of allowing flattery to make us think we’re the ones who should get the glory. Keeping that praise to ourselves makes us bigger and God smaller when it definitely should be the other way around.

Heavenly Father, thank you for all the beautiful things you’ve cooked up for us in your heavenly kitchen. As we share them with the people around us, let us never forget that we are just the servers or channels for your many blessings; we neither made them nor are they ours to keep. Soli Deo gloria—glory to God alone!

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. [Psalm 115:1 (NLT)]

All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. [Jude 1:25 (NLT)]

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April 5, 2017

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Attitudes & Behavior, Challenges & Difficulty, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, Love & Works, Temptation & Sin, Wisdom & Guidance

CHITCHAT (GOSSIP – Part 1)

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. [Ephesians 4:29 (MSG)]

Black Skimmers - Clam Pass“I’ve never seen eye to eye with Mary since we were neighbors,” said the woman harshly. Her statement begged us to ask, “Why?” The woman beside her, however, refused the invitation with the comment, “Well, we can’t get along with everyone!” and promptly changed the subject. Gossip was avoided that time but it’s not always so easy; the line between conversation and gossip is a fuzzy one at best.

I asked a friend how to distinguish between gossip and conversation. She’d been doing a Bible study on Proverbs and that week’s topic had been gossip; surely she knew the difference. After telling me our words should be true, useful, respectful, necessary and kind, she added, “If we wouldn’t say it in front of the person, it shouldn’t be said!” Almost immediately, she went on to speak of someone in her study group with words that never would have been said had the woman been present! In a few short sentences, her lesson on gossip became an example of it!

Last month, we were together with four of my husband’s college friends. As expected, conversation turned to “Whatever happened to…?” and “Where’s so-and-so?” When you put the research capabilities of two lawyers and a journalist together with a few iPads, you’re bound to discover many of the answers. That friendly curiosity and reminiscing became intrusive prying when court records were found that included the juicy details of a fraternity brother’s hotly contested divorce. Yes, the records were public but we had no need to see them, less reason to discuss them and no right to gloat over them! I’m not sure when recalling their college days and catching up with one another deteriorated into gossip, but it did. Gossip has a way of sneaking its way into conversations without our even being aware of it. It was only later that afternoon that I recognized how wrong we all had been.

We can call it shooting the breeze, chewing the fat, catching up, dishing or chitchat but, when it’s about other people, most likely it’s gossip. I’m not sure why we do it. Maybe it’s herd mentality that makes us think of gossip as a way to bond with others when we speak of those not present. Perhaps we’re jealous, angry or unable to find anything interesting about which to talk. We all love a good story, especially when it reassures us that we’re not the most messed up person in the room. It seems human nature to savor bits of information about others and to want to offer a few tasty bits of our own when we can. Whatever our reasons, it isn’t right. Moreover, God doesn’t care whether the words spoken are true or false—if it’s gossip, it’s wrong! Just as we don’t have to attend every argument to which we’re asked, we don’t have to attend every gossip fest that sends an invitation. We must learn to recognize gossip’s arrival and refuse to attend its iniquitous party. We also might want to remember that old Spanish proverb: “Whoever gossips to you, will gossip about you.”

Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. [Proverbs 4:24 (MSG)]

Mean people spread mean gossip; their words smart and burn. [Proverbs 16:27 MSG)]

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March 22, 2017

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, God's Grace & Love, Joy, Love & Works, Money & Wealth, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith, Today: Make it Count

DOING FOR OTHERS

Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! [Luke 6:31 (MSG)]

Great Blue HeronYears ago I took a short class in genealogy research. One of the first things told to us was that we were obligated to share any information we discovered with the rest of the genealogy community. Genealogy research depends on the results of other people’s searches of sources like birth and death records, cemeteries, census results and newspapers. We simply owe it to those who led us to our findings to share our knowledge with those who follow in our footsteps. I thought of that class as I wrote yesterday’s devotion about offering thanks.

A few years ago I wouldn’t have been any use at all to those people we helped at the swamp. I knew next to nothing about any of the birds in southwest Florida or where to find them. I’m still a rookie birder and most of my avian knowledge is limited to the shore and wading birds. Nevertheless, thanks to the people who generously shared their knowledge with me—who so willingly pointed out birds, identified species, answered my questions, and explained their behavior—I can now help others who are even less knowledgeable than am I. As for that off-the beaten-track conservation area, the only reason we knew about it is that someone kindly shared his knowledge of it with us.

Both the genealogy information and bird lore I’ve received were given to me gratis. There was no quid pro quo—I gave nothing (but my thanks) in exchange for what was given me. It was shared out of kindness with no expectation of repayment—a little like God’s grace. We can never pay the deeper debt we owe to God for all of His goodness. Any attempt to repay Him is a contradiction of grace because grace wouldn’t be grace if it could be repaid. Just because it can’t be repaid, however, doesn’t mean it can’t be spread around. The Golden Rule tells us to do to others as we would have done to us and then I think of Jesus washing the disciple’s feet. He humbled himself to serve them and told the disciples that they must do for others what He had done for them. We must do for others that which has been freely done for us. Whether it is the giving of knowledge, service, skill, assistance, forgiveness or love, the good things that have been done for us are not ours to keep—they are ours to share. When doors are opened for us (both literally and figuratively), we are obligated to open doors for others.

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. … In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you. [Matthew 5:14,48 (MSG)]

Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do.”  [John 13:12-14 (MSG)]

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March 21, 2017

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, Joy, Love & Works, Nature, Sharing Our Faith, Thanks & Praise

SAYING “THANK YOU”

Give thanks in all circumstances [1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)]

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefit. [Psalm 103:2 (ESV)]

little blue heron (juv) - roseate spoonbill - black crowned night heronWe should thank God in all things and we’re blessed by God when we do. An attitude of gratitude invites His presence into our lives and focuses our attention on Him rather than our circumstances. It leaves no room for complaint, transforms anxiety into peace, strengthens our witness, and reminds us who is the giver of all gifts. An attitude of gratitude, however, does something more. It not only opens the door for continued blessings from God but from people as well. Good things happen to us when we have a thankful heart.

We were at our favorite swamp/bird sanctuary and perched just below us was a juvenile little blue heron. With his white feathers, he’s easily mistaken for just another egret. A man joined us on the platform and started to set up his tripod. We directed him to the little heron posing so perfectly and he thanked us for pointing it out. We chatted a bit and I spotted a beautiful roseate spoonbill. We tried to point out the pink and white bird and then he told us of his color blindness and that reds appear a brownish yellow. For him, the reddish bird so obvious to us blended right in with the foliage around it. We patiently guided his eye to the right spot and he thanked us for our patience. We helped him spot several other birds hiding in the trees and then found him another spoonie that was lurking in the shadows nearby. Each time we found him a bird, he expressed his appreciation.

Later that morning, we saw him in the parking lot as he stowed his equipment. When he thanked us again, I asked if he’d ever visited another (less well-known) conservation area that offers great photo ops. Unfamiliar with it, I started to give directions when my husband offered to guide him to the right road. Again thanking us, he asked if we’d wait while he made a return trip to the visitor center for a much needed rest stop. Five minutes later, we were leading him out of the parking lot. We paused at the turnoff and, as we waved him on, he called out one more thank you. When we drove off, my husband said he’d made the offer to become a guide for one simple reason—the man had thanked us earlier that morning!

The following day, a woman asked the species of a bird she saw. After identifying the limpkin, I guided her eyes to the dull brown juvenile night heron resting on a branch. After thanking me, she confided that she’d never seen an adult night heron and hoped to see one before departing. I continued down the boardwalk to the next lake where I spotted a beautiful night heron. Realizing how easily she might miss the sighting, I returned to her and offered to take her to the posing bird. It probably took about ten minutes of my time, but I did it because she’d been so appreciative earlier that morning.

According to 2014 study published in Emotion (a journal of the American Psychological Association), gratitude is far more than good manners. It makes you friendlier, more likeable, and opens the door to relationships. In fact, thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek an ongoing relationship. We didn’t exchange emails or phone numbers with those people, but we made temporary friends and brightened each other’s day. Friends are made by being friendly, encouraging, and by remembering to say “thanks.” Acknowledging other people’s contributions can, indeed, lead to new opportunities (even if they’re just great photo ops!)

Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. [Randy Pausch]

Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. [2 Samuel 2:6 (ESV)]

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March 15, 2017

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, Love & Works, Money & Wealth, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith, Today: Make it Count

SERVANTS

But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born as a man and became like a servant. [Philippians 2:7 (NCV)]

There are different kinds of gifts, but they are all from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve but the same Lord to serve. And there are different ways that God works through people but the same God. God works in all of us in everything we do. Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, for the common good. [1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NCV)]

Steamboat ski areaI emailed a friend to ask about her winter and got one of those bad news/good news answers! Her husband suffered a compression fracture in his back, had a heart attack, and underwent surgery. A blizzard then deposited ten-inches of snow in their driveway! The good news was that my friend was blessed by a young man who volunteered to shovel their snow all winter as his “outreach to the elderly.” While I was struck by the man’s kindness, what really disconcerted me was that my friends and I have apparently moved into what is considered the realm of the elderly!

As much as I hate to admit it, I have chores I can no longer do easily and that list grows a little longer every day. Nevertheless, regardless of our ages, we all are called to serve. Fortunately, servanthood doesn’t require exceptional skill, special talents, or even youth.

Today, I saw a large ad for a service that provides professional readers. For a fee, a person will come and read to your loved one. I’m not begrudging people an opportunity to earn a living but I thought it sad that anyone would have to hire someone to read to children, the visually impaired, retirement home residents, or hospital patients. Is there no one who would do it out of kindness? That’s something even the “elderly” can do! We seniors may no longer be able to shovel snow but we can read to people, provide casseroles to shut-ins, and volunteer in charity resale shops. We may not be able to do the heavy lifting or install sheetrock for Habitat but we can assist in their offices or help raise funds. We may not be able to set up chairs and tables at church but we can offer respite for caregivers, become a reading partner with a child, stock shelves in a food pantry, or drive people to chemo-therapy.

While servanthood has no age constraints, it does have a few other requirements. It’s a ministry rather than an obligation and requires the heart of a servant—a heart that helps out of love rather than duty. Servanthood requires observant eyes—eyes that focus on the needs of others and look for tasks that need to be done. As servants, we must think like stewards rather than owners and understand that our time, talent and wealth are not ours to keep but God’s to use. Finally, if we’re real servants, we’re not afraid to do the work of a servant or to be treated as one. Jesus washed the filthy feet of His disciples and, as his servants, we must be willing to get our hands dirty as well!

We may get too old to shovel the walk but we’re never too old to be servants and do God’s work!

 Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. [Dalai Lama]

My brothers and sisters, God called you to be free, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful self. Serve each other with love.  The whole law is made complete in this one command: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” [Galatians 5:13-14 (NCV)]

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March 10, 2017

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Attitudes & Behavior, Bible Stories, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Love & Works, Obedience, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith, Temptation & Sin, Today: Make it Count

CASTING YOUR NET (HYPROCRISY – Part 2)

white ibis
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! … And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. [Luke 5:4-6,11 (NLT)]

Jesus may have been a carpenter by trade but He knew a great deal about fishing. Simon, James and John were certainly impressed with his guidance. Jesus, however, didn’t just know how to catch fish—He knew how to catch men! Abandoning their fish and boat, the three fishermen followed Jesus. No longer casting nets for tilapia, biny fish and sardines, they joined our Lord as He fished for people.

A good fisherman knows with what to bait his hook, where to throw in the nets or line, and how to bring in his catch. Jesus didn’t have to beg or force anyone to follow him. His message, demeanor, compassion, wisdom, miracles, truth and love all netted followers. Although He practiced what he preached, I’m not so sure His followers do so today.

In yesterday’s message, I wrote that the truth of the gospel message depends on the truth of Jesus and not on the good behavior of His followers. Nevertheless, while the truth of Christianity doesn’t hinge on our behavior, the expansion of God’s Kingdom does. When our behavior doesn’t reflect our God, we don’t make very good fishermen. Whenever we profess to love but have no compassion, claim to forgive but hold a grudge, speak of generosity but won’t open our wallets, give lip service to helping others but never serve, or speak of peace when being vindictive, we’re driving away rather than catching followers. Jesus gave His disciples the command to fish for men and grow His Kingdom. It’s not easy to do that when our nets have the holes of hypocrisy or our bait is tainted and false.

The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable. [Brennan Manning]

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. [Matthew 4:19-20 (NLT)]

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? [James 2:14 NLT)]

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