Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Bulletin Article 12.17.06 -- What Have You Done Today?

For well over five years now, reality television shows have dominated the major networks’ primetime lineups. Granted, there are plenty of money-driven, over-hyped, and immoral reality shows that have aired over the recent years. However, there are several which champion “noble” causes: “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” seeks to improve the lives of those in dire circumstances; “The Biggest Loser” helps people help themselves as it relates to losing weight and becoming healthier individuals.

The latter of those shows features a very appropriate theme song, recorded by Heather Small. It asks the seemingly simple question (which is also its title), “What have you done today to make you feel proud?” The brilliance of the song lies in its scope of time: today. Want to be a better parent? What have you done today? Want to improve the lives of your family? What have you done today? Want to change your life? What have you done today? Want to please your Lord? What have you done today? Want to have the inner “peace that passes all understanding?” What have you done today?

Around 2000 years ago, Paul encouraged Christians along this same line of thinking. In his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul quotes from Isaiah 49:8 where the prophet says, “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Paul then adds, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). The time for Corinth to obey was then. Jesus hadn’t come when Isaiah penned those words, but he had when Paul wrote to Corinth. They needed to come to Him today.

In Ephesians 5:15-16, Paul emphasizes our Christian walk relative to time: “See then that you walk circumspectly (completely), not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Redeem the time, or “make the most of your time.” Paul emphasizes that our lives (“walk” in Ephesians) are filled with choices for good or bad; we must make good choices during the time we know we are granted (the present). We must “turn in” the time we are granted for something; let’s make sure it’s for good.

Let’s briefly ask ourselves if we’ve done anything today (or this year) to make our Lord proud:

What have we done to serve others? The service aspect of Christianity cannot be over-emphasized. Sadly, it’s often under-emphasized. God will treat us as we’ve treated others. The greatest command is to love the Lord with all of our lives; the next one is to love our fellow man as we love ourselves (Matt. 22:36-40). Have we done anything to show that we love others as much as we love ourselves?

What have we done to forgive others? Notice Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:32, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” We have the charge to forgive others if they wrong us. Do they deserve it? Maybe not. But neither did we. Yet God still forgave our sins through Christ. If we fail to forgive others, we fail to see the grace God grants in our forgiveness. Jesus’ even says that the forgiveness of our sins depends on how we’ve forgiven others (Matt. 6:12, 14-15).

What have we done to include others? One of the negatives (if there are any negatives) to a family-centered congregation like Midway is that it can be difficult for newer members or visitors to feel included. Granted, we all need to do as much as we can to be active. However, those who are active also need to be reaching out as much as they can to encourage those who might feel on the outside. Our Lord’s brother—James—warns against favoritism in James 2:1-10. May we be careful and conscious to always include one another, and therefore encourage one another, along our Christian walks.

May God help us to do something today to make Him proud and help others.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Look at How You've Grown!

It’s probably something we remember all too well: sore cheeks, embarrassing attempts to hide behind our parents, and so on. It probably occurred most often at the holidays, family reunions, weddings, or funerals (although a chance occurrence in Wal-Mart isn’t out of the question). It’s seeing that distant relative or long-lost friend of the family who hasn’t seen you as a kid in a long period of time. They remember you when you were “this little.” And now they’re astonished at how much you’ve grown. Growth is a natural part of our human lives.

Likewise, spiritual growth should be a continual part of our lives as well. Our faith, devotion, and efforts for the Lord need to increase year by year, month by month, and day by day. Jesus tells a familiar parable in Luke 8. We recognize it from Matthew 13 more often, but its recording in Luke is insightful just as well. Notice our Savior’s words:

“A sower when out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold” (Luke 8:5-8).

We often title this parable, “The Parable of the Sower.” More correctly, it probably should be known as “The Parable of the Soils.” The emphasis is on those who “hear the word.” In the verses that follow the parable, Jesus explains the meaning of this earthly story:

  • The seed is the word of God (8:11)
  • Along the path — those who hear, but the devil comes and takes the word away from their hearts (8:12)
  • On the rock — hear the word, receive it with joy, but have no root; they believe for a while, “and in the time of testing fall away” (8:13)
  • Among thorns — Those who hear, but as they grow, they are choked by the riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature (8:14)
  • Good soil — hear the word, hold on to it with an honest and good heart, and then bear fruit with endurance (8:15)

The logical question we must all ask ourselves is, “Which soil are we?” Have we allowed the word of God to grow within us during the past year? We’ve had wonderful growth from a congregational standpoint this past year. Has it included your spiritual growth? Have you produced fruit from months and years of faithfulness to God, His word, and His work? Or have you dried up because of difficult trials (like the seeds on the rock)? Or have you choked the word with the pursuit of riches and pleasure?

We need to continually reflect upon all the good things our Father has given us. Most of all, he’s given us His word that we might know Him and that we might obey Him unto salvation. A large part of obedience unto salvation is not only remaining faithful, but growing in His sight.

From Jesus’ description of the “good soil,” the seed grew because the soil held on with endurance. It also grew because of an honest and good heart. The result was long-term (not overnight) growth of the plant—and fruit was produced.

We can also see other keys to growth by looking at what didn’t work in the parable. The seed that fell on the rock withered away “because it had no moisture.” Are we trying to water other people’s lives like Apollos did (1 Cor. 3:6)? The seed that was choked died because of the influence of riches and pleasures. Have we set our priorities so that these things won’t hinder our spiritual growth?

As we begin the process of reflecting on the past year, may we look back and see growth in the eyes of God. And no matter our stature of growth in the past year, may we make steps to ensure spiritual growth in the new year and beyond! Have a great week.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Bulletin Article 12.03.06 -- Holiday Stuff

Now that December is here, we as families begin in full-force our usual holiday efforts. We’re all in the process of decorating our homes, purchasing gifts, listening to Christmas carols, and watching those classic holiday movies. As you go about your holiday business, here are two main things to remember.

Christmas Round-Up for Daybreak. As we announced last Sunday, we have the opportunity to help out 14 young people who are associated with Daybreak/DHR. They are from families affected by spousal abuse, and will receive mainly what we are able to gather up for them this holiday season. Before you leave this morning, be sure to check the list of wishes and clothes’ sizes in the foyer (red sheet). Sign or initial by the things you are willing to purchase for this good cause. The deadline for turning in these gifts is Saturday, December 16. Prior to departing for our Progressive Dinner that evening, we will gather all that we’ve collected and take a group picture.

We have the opportunity this holiday season to help those who are less fortunate; we also have the opportunity to emphasize to our young people the importance of helping others.

If you are unable to purchase any of the items on the list, please consider donating cash to this effort. You can give this money to me or my dad (Jeff). We will then carry our young people from Midway to town and buy any remaining items.

There is a decorated box in the foyer for you to drop off items as you purchase them. Thanks for your interest in this effort. We have been blessed tremendously by God and now have this opportunity to share those blessings with others.

A Wonderful Christmas Gift Idea. If you’re struggling with what to purchase someone on your Christmas list, let me make a suggestion: a Bible. I know that may seem like an obvious recommendation from a Youth Minister, but let me offer a more specific suggestion: an English Standard Version Bible.

The English Standard Version (ESV) is a relatively new translation (2001). Normally, as translations go, that’s not the best of signs. However, the committee of over 100 individuals who translated the ESV have produced a reliable, respectful, and readable modern translation.

The ESV utilizes the form equivalence method of translating. This idea essentially emphasizes the importance of a “word-for-word” translation. It holds that the very words of God are important enough to render them as they are found. The other method, dynamic equivalence, emphasizes “thought-for-thought” techniques (NIV, etc.). This obviously is suspect to translator-interpretations more than word-for-word.

As for readability, notice 1 Peter 1:13 in both NKJV and ESV.

NKJV: “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

ESV: “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

This obviously would make a great gift for your children if you’re still looking for some items. You can get entire ESV Bibles in all sorts of hip colors, textures, and styles for as little as $20-$30. They also have a hardback Children’s Bible for $25 that features maps and illustrations.

For adults, there are also many options to meet your study needs. Personally, I would love to have at some point the ESV on Audio CD’s and the Elastic Strap Journaling Bible. For a comprehensive list of ESV products, visit here. If you need me to help you find a suitable Bible for someone, let me know.

Best wishes as you enjoy this “most wonderful time of the year.” May God help us to help others and depend more on His word.