Sharing the story

The our young adults group in our church have asked each of
the elders and their wives to come and share the story of their Journey to
faith. So we have been taking turns and doing that every few weeks.

Last night was my wife and my night to do this….I didn’t
feel that I had much to share, but they asked a lot of questions and drew out
more information that I had thought about sharing.

It was a good time to be together and they said they felt
that they got to know us on a more personal level now. Hopefully it will help
them in their walk of faith.

Often when we talk about “sharing our faith” we seem to
classify it as mainly “Witnessing to someone about what God has done to make
you follow him”. It doesn’t seem like very often we just share what changed our
lives does it?

If I asked you, “Tell me how you met your wife or husband.”
Most wouldn’t have a problem doing that. “If I asked you to share what drew you
to them to become their spouse you could probably do that too.

What if we approached sharing the Gospel like that? What if,
rather than trying to memorize a lot of scripture to try and teach someone we
just told them why Jesus was so important to us and how he changed our lives?

Could
you do that? Remember the woman at the well in John 4:29- 30, She simply said: “Come
and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could He possibly be the
Messiah?’  So the people came streaming
from the village to see Him.”

This
woman didn’t quote scripture, she hadn’t been to a class on evangelism… she
just told folk what Jesus had done for her. Could you do the same?

What
is your message? What is proclaimed through your life? Do people see that in
some way you have been changed and are curious enough to want to find out about
that change? You see, before trying to change anyone else, we need to change
ourselves and if it is a true change for the good, people will notice and
follow.

I Believe...

In our bible class last night we
reviewed my second most favorite (or meaningful to me) verse. It is contained
in a narrative in Mark 9:14-30 where Jesus casts a demon out of a
young boy. The father is challenged concerning his faith and his response in verse 24 was, “I believe, help thou
my unbelief”, or “I do believe, but help me to have a stronger
faith.”

One of the reasons this is one of
my most favorite passages is that I can identify with those words more than you
might suspect. You see, we tend to look at people and form an opinion about
them and their faith from a very limited knowledge of them. You consider what
you know of me, my ministries, our mission efforts and think, “Russ has it all
together, I bet he never worries about anything.” Well, if that's way you
think, you would be wrong. It may be true that my wife and I have faced some
challenges which you have not. It may be true that we have undertaken works
that you would rather not, but that doesn't mean that my faith is unshakable.
That may or may not surprise you, but I believe that God places us where he
wants us to be and perhaps those places are to challenge, test or strengthen
our faith.

You will never know how many
times I have prayed, “Lord, I believe, but help me have a stronger faith. Help
me have a faith that trusts you more and that let's me give more control of my
life to you”. “I believe, help thou my unbelief!”

What this passage lets me know is
that I'm no different from anyone else. That each of us face Faith Challenges from time to time. You may be
struggling with health issues, job issues, personal relationship issues or with
faith issues. You maybe looking at this things and thinking, “There is no way I
can deal with this by myself.” If you are, then you also identify with that
father of 2,000 years ago about who we read, “Straight away the father of
the child gave a cry, saying, I have faith; make my feeble faith stronger.”
(BBE) Is it time for you to consider your faith and perhaps give up some
control, or as they say, “Let go and let God.”

Change is inevitable, but not always good.

We live in a world where change is a constant. No matter what area of
life to which you look, you will see change, change is inevitable, you can't
stop it, but I would suggest that you can control how it affects your life to
some degree.

The
thing with change is that if it is going on around you, you often don't notice
it happening. Having lived in Africa for a number of years we were perhaps more
aware of changes in America. These changes were more evident to us when we
visited, than those who are living in the midst of them. For example: On one of
our furlough trips we stopped at a restaurant while traveling. I went to pay
our bill and in front of me were a family with teenage children. The daughter
had thong underwear pulled up on her hips and shorts that were worn far too
low. Somewhat embarrassed for them I thought, “This must be a poor family, they
can't afford clothes that fit their children.” Of course later I found that
this was a “fashion statement”.

I realize that I am somewhat “older” than some of you, and maybe I am
“behind the times” and an “old fogie,” but I don't see this as a good change.

Not long after returning to live in America we attended a funeral (the
first after returning). We dressed in a way we felt was appropriate, you know
what they used to call “church clothes.” I wore dress slacks, a tie and jacket
and my wife wore a dress. We walked in and were shocked because there were
young women there wearing halter tops, short shorts and flip flops. Apparently
the “dress with respect” aspect of our society had shifted even more. And
again, I don't see this change as a good thing.

Another change I noted is how folks dress in our bible studies and
worship assemblies. Now I realize that there are no “clothing guidelines” in
the bible, other than to behave decently and modestly and I certainly am not
suggesting that we try and mandate any. But I am suggesting that modesty be
considered regarding proper attire for those who claim to be in the presence of
God. I thought to myself the other day, I wonder how folks would dress if they
really thought that Jesus was going to be there when they arrived? Of course we
know he is, isn't he?

Now I realize that this is a very subjective and personal observation,
because what I feel is modest or decent may not be the same thing you think it
is. When we were in Africa I saw a man leading the song service wearing a
woman's, short, sheer negligee instead of a shirt. He didn't know what it was,
it came in a good will box from America and he thought it was better than the
one tee shirt he had with holes in it. I saw a man wearing a pair of ladies
maternity pants with the large elastic panel on the front, because again he
didn't know what they were and they were nice pants with no holes. I however
know better and wouldn't wear those things.

All
of this is to suggest that perhaps the changes as to what is acceptable in our
world may not always be good things. And, I would ask that you consider how
your attire is perceived by those around you. Paul puts it this way, “We
are free to do all things, but there are things which it is not wise to do. We
are free to do all things, but not all things are for the common good. Let a
man give attention not only to what is good for himself, but equally to his
neighbor’s good.” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24 - BBE)

JESUS KNOWS THE ANSWER

I was reading John 6 the other night where Jesus fed
the 5000 with a two fish and 5 loaves of flat 
bread. Although you can read about this in all four Gospel accounts,
John gives us some information you don't read in other places so I found it
especially interesting.

As I read this passage I stuck me that Jesus knows the
answer before we even know the question. In this passage Jesus asked Philip in verse
5 and, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” Then
in verse 6 we read, “Jesus said this to test him, because he
himself already knew what he was going to do.”

I don't know about you, but I really need to work on
remembering this idea. There is an old hymn with these words, “My Jesus knows
just what I need”. That's a difficult concept for us to grasp isn't it, yet
when we have been around someone for a long period of time we can often
anticipate what they need or want. We may realize that they need something even
before they ask. Why then, should it be so difficult to think that our God can
do the same thing?

The scripture tells us that he knew us even while we were in
our mother's womb (Jeremiah 1:5). In other words, he has known us for a
long time and he knows what we need, far better than do we.

As we consider John 6, I am sure that the disciples
were shocked and surprised at the solution Jesus offered for feeding 5,000 plus
people. Yet, Jesus already knew exactly what was going to happen and the end
result of collecting 12 baskets of left overs. An unbelievable answer for an
overwhelming question.

How often in our lives do we face difficulties that seem to
have no ready solution? Perhaps we face questions in our lives that have no
easily discerned answer? Could it be that Jesus knows the answer before we even
know how to frame the question? In John 6 we see that a solution to the
problem was reached, but only after the disciples first listened to what Jesus
told them to do and second, then did it.

Maybe you are not like me, 
maybe you don't struggle with as many questions as I; but from what I've
seen of this world, I believe you probably do. Perhaps it's time to spend more
time listening to Jesus speak to us through His Word. If we do, just perhaps he
will supply us with a much needed answer.

When Life gives you lemons… it has a Silver lining

OK, I know it is a mixed metaphor, but it gets your
attention and sets up the idea I want to convey.

The past couple of weeks have been difficult for me in some
ways. I injured my Sciatic nerve and have been in quite a bit of pain. I have
seen a doctor and am taking therapy, but the results are somewhat slow in
reliving the pain to say the least. Quite a surprise as I have never had this
type of problem before.

Next I had a filling come out of a tooth and went to the
dentist yesterday for a simple repair. A few hours later I left the office
after having two Wisdom Teeth pulled, a tooth prepared for a crown and three
small fillings. This was a surprise as it is the first of my teeth I have had
to have pulled in almost 68 years and seldom have problems with my teeth.

So, those are some of the lemons (the sour things that make
you scrunch up your mouth and shake your head and say I don't like that). OK, I
know you can make lemonade, but I don't much like that either. Now I can choose
to dwell on those things and say, "Oh, poor me! Why do all of these things
happen to me? I have to admit that I don't like the pain and am praying for
quick relief, however I tend to look for the Silver Lining when I can.

A few weeks ago the church where I had previously preached
in California sent us a house warming gift of a beautiful Boston fern. Now that
the weather has warmed here in Ohio my wife hung it on the back porch and
waters and cares for it regularly. Quite unexpectedly one day she found a
Robin's nest in the fern. Now, day by day we watch it and as of yesterday it
has 4 eggs in it. We also noticed one day, one the Robin's eggs lay broken on
the ground and in the place of the Robin's egg was a smaller brown speckled
egg. We suspect a sneaky Sparrow did this, taking advantage of the Robin's care
for the egg and baby soon to be born. We are looking forward to this with great
expectations.

OK, here's the point. You can choose to dwell on the Lemon's
in your life, or you can look for the Silver Linings around you. I choose to
try and look for the good, the beautiful, possibly the unexpected; for that
which will make me smile and think good thoughts in spite of the pain life
brings. 

Paul wrote these words to us on how to deal with life in Philippians 4:8 (I hope you find them
helpful): "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are
lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if
there be any praise, think on these things". (ASV) Another
paraphrase of this verse says, "fill your
minds with those things that are good".

So how are you dealing with you "Life Lemons"?
Stop and look around you for that Silver Lining," and think on these
things. 

Mother's Day Thoughts

This week my 8 year old grand
daughter said, "Grandpa, come here," and she pulled me into the
living room. She then whispered, "What are you going to do for grandma for
Mother's day?" To which I replied, "Nothing"…. She had a shocked
look on her face and I said, "Allyson, she's not my mother, she is your
dads mother. My mother was great grandma Lawson." She thought for a moment
and say, "Yes, but couldn't you fix her breakfast in bed or
something?" I assured her that I would be doing something special for her
grandmother.

Mother's day is not a religious
holiday or a government recognized holiday, but it is one of the most important
days we celebrate. We pause to recognize the one who is the center of most
homes. Yes fathers are important, but mother's many times do most of the
nurturing and spend the most time with the children. You may feel (but I hope
not), like one young man recently who said, “My mother never did anything for
me”. Our response was, “Yes she did,” “She cared enough to carry you for 9
months and give birth to you”. She cared for you, bathed you; fed you, changed
you when you need it and did it because she loves you”. I mean, really, without
your mother you wouldn't be here.

Many women choose abortion in our
world and the life God has given them as a gift is ended. If you are a woman in
that situation, I'm sorry if these words hurt or offend, but none the less I
believe them to be true.

Mother's we who are your children
are sometimes unappreciative, sometimes hurtful, sometimes difficult to deal
with, but underneath it all, we really do love you. Thank you for loving us
back! But mother's the most important thing you can give your children is an
understanding of and love for God and His Word.

In 2 Timothy 1:5 & 3:14 Paul encourages
Timothy by saying, "You, however, continue in the things you
have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them
[that is, your mother Eunice and through her from your grandmother Lois]; and
that from childhood you have known the holy scriptures [because your mother
taught them to you] which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to
salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Thank you mother's and Happy
Mother's Day.

THE PROBLEM

We had a man come into my place
of work the other day and he immediately said, “I want to talk with the store
manager”. The store manager wasn't available for awhile, so he told me his
problem. It seems he had bought a lawnmower a little over a year ago and it
just blew the engine. He wanted the store to give him a new one or credit
towards a more expensive mower. In other words, to redeem the broken one and
make it new in some way...that was a problem…

When the manager arrived he
explained that the store policy is that we will refund or replace up to 60 days
on mowers, but the manufacturer has a one year warranty (which was also past).
I thought the manager did a good job of explaining all of this very patiently,
but it was a problem with no cheap answer to make it right. I mean, that which
regulates the transaction and responsibilities was clearly spelled out in the
papers they were given…so what do you do?

This is similar to the problem
each of us have today isn't it? We as humans are broken and unfixable by human
standards. Each of us has the problem of sin in our lives. It may not be a BIG
easily recognizable sin, but to God, sin is sin. If you don't obey his rules,
then you can't be fixed. God's word tells us that all of us sin and fall short
of God's Glory, (Romans 3:23). While we are told in 1John 1:7-10 that anyone who says they don't sin is
calling God a liar and that His Word is really not part of their lives. That is
a problem isn't it, because sin separates us form the source of life (eternally)
God himself. When we sin, we are responsible for the cost for the damage to our
lives, which is impossible for us to pay.

Fortunately, when God wrote his
rules, he wrote in a redemption clause, an escape clause if you will. It's
spelled out clearly in his rule book (the Bible) in more than one place. Places
like Mark 16:15-16 and Romans
6:1-10. We are told that the redemption we can experience is not dependent
upon our own ability, but upon the willingness of Christ to pay what was
necessary for us. What was required was a payment in blood; a payment of
sacrifice; a payment of suffering to fix what you broke and for which you were
responsible. He paid the debt he did not own, because he loves you that much!
In return he asks the you obey him and commit to living by His rules to the
best of your ability.

Now the man who came into our
store was helped with his problem. We actually gave him a loner mower until he
could check with the manufacturer. Redeemed or fixed no; we were just kind of
able to put a bandage on the sore spot in hopes he can get it fixed properly
some place else.

I see a lot of people who are
putting band aids on their lives, they cover up the sore spot, but something is
missing, something is hurting, something is lacking in their lives. It is the
healing that comes from God when we finally decide to follow the rules in His
Book the Bible. To embrace the need to sacrifice some things in our own lives,
to gain eternal life.