$7. 43 -- Challenged Again

Recently, I republished a column written years ago describing a missed opportunity to help a mother attempting to buy $7.43 worth of baby food in a grocery store. There are no acceptable excuses. I messed up. The column serves as an ongoing reminder to be more vigilant for the opportunities God gives to help someone in need. I vowed to do better.

Then, God handed me another opportunity. The phone rang in my office and the voice on the other end asked: "Do you have church tonight?" Being somewhat of a salesman, I immediately began describing all the exciting services and activities occurring but he interrupted me. "My wife and I would like to come. What time?"

After giving more information, he then asked: "Can you pick us up?"

I hesitated. Not being a question I anticipated, my eagerness switched to concern. "I'm not sure.” I replied. “Where are you?"

The location described was another city, miles away. He and his wife were standing in a phone booth just outside a hotel. They had no car and were obviously looking for more than the location of a worship service. We had no transportation available and I was hesitant to commit the life of one of our drivers to a mystery voice on the phone who was sounding increasingly suspicious.

So, I said: "I would love to help you but we have no one available to pick you up. I'm sorry." After a few more minutes of conversation, he thanked me and hung up." At first, I was relieved but that reaction was soon replaced with guilt. Bible verses singed my conscience.

"Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"-but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all-it is dead and useless." (James 2:14-17)

Strong and clear language:

·         Faith doesn't mean much if not backed up by action.

·         When someone needs food or clothing you don't just say, "God bless you!"

·         Faith without good deeds is dead and useless.

Had I refused to pick up a couple who genuinely needed help simply because of inconvenience? Could this be another opportunity from God to help someone in need? Was I guilty once again of displaying faith with no action? Yet, there was a very real chance the voice on the other end of the phone was a con. There was also the risk of picking up strangers who could be dangerous.

There wouldn't be much time to dwell on the situation because later that same evening while teaching a Bible study in walked a couple who claimed to have called hours before. Once the class was over and everyone but the couple left, we talked. After the earlier phone call, they found someone who gave them a ride to our church. Although originally from our area they recently moved back after he lost his job: Now they were here with no car, not even a license to drive, virtually no possessions and no where to go.

Once again, I faced a dilemma. Was this a God given opportunity to help a couple in need or a slick con with me as the mark? “Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing and you say, “Well good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well' but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?” Now, it was my turn to respond.

Next week: There are more surprises in this true story so don't miss the exciting conclusion.

How would you respond to this situation? How do you feel God would lead you to action? Please respond to the blog or email me at LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com with your answers.

$7.43

The checkout at the local grocery store was long and I was in a hurry. Seeing another line nearly empty, I walked over and stood behind the only customer still to make a purchase. A young twenty-something woman was holding a small basket with ten to fifteen jars of baby food. There was nothing else in the basket: just baby food.

“This is great,” I thought. “She’ll only be a minute and I can be on my way.”

The clerk took the woman’s check for seven dollars and forty-three cents, typed in the information and slid the check into the proper slot on the register. At this point the cash drawer was supposed to open while a receipt was printed, but not this time. A light began to blink: “See Manager.” The clerk called on the intercom for the supervisor while running the check through again on her register. The same sign kept flashing: “See Manager.” 

“Oh no!” I thought. “Not another delay. I’m in a hurry and don’t need for the cash register to break down.” 

When the supervisor arrived, however, he didn’t look at the cash register but instead picked up the check and began to talk quietly to the customer while gently moving her toward the exit. I could feel the muscles in my stomach tighten as the reality of what was happening struck me.        

The check she wrote for seven dollars and forty-three cents was no good and the manager was professionally doing his job. The clerk quickly set the groceries aside, closed out the account and began to ring up my purchase.

“She should manage her money better!” I tried to convince myself while leaving the store. “She’s probably an alcoholic or a drug addict.” But the flimsy excuses would not erase the picture in my mind of a grocery basket filled with jars of baby food – baby food.

God offered me a chance to minister to someone in need and I missed it.

Jesus teaches: “You are the light of the world -- we don’t light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead we put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine so they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Mat. 5:14-16)

Every day, you and I receive opportunities from God to help someone. Our light shines when we seize the opportunity to witness our faith by reaching out and getting involved. There is nothing dramatic about these day-to-day encounters but collectively they emphatically tell the world what kind of Christians we really are.

At this point, I want to finish the story by writing how I approached the manager and offered to pay for the baby food. It was the right thing to do. I don’t have much money, but I can afford seven dollars and forty-three cents. But I was in a hurry. So, I missed a God-given opportunity for ministry and basically hid my light under a bowl. There are no acceptable excuses. I messed up.

Over the years, this story has inspired me to do better. God taught a valuable lesson. What we believe as Christians only works if we turn our faith into action. How about you? How many opportunities has God given you to let your light shine by helping someone in need and instead you hid it under a bowl?

The next time you are in a check-out line at your local grocery store. Instead of worrying about your schedule, look around you. Maybe God will give you the opportunity to help someone who needs seven dollars and forty-three cents to buy some baby food. Please, in the name of God, let your light shine and give them a helping hand.

Next: An update to $7.43.

Miracles from a Lighthouse

Drayton Hawthorn, wrote describing tense moments he experienced while waiting for his wife’s surgery. “It was ten o'clock at night and she was outside looking at the stars! I thought it was settled and done. Robin’s surgery was a few short days away and although the doctors assured her this was a routine procedure, she was still looking as if they were going to amputate something!”

“As her husband, I assumed my duty was to hide concern while showing a strong front. Like most men, I substituted statistics and reason for assurance and thought it was enough. Now she was worrying again. I walked toward her ready to offer more of my male logic.”

That’s when the miracle happened.

“Everything I planned to say vanished. Unknown words came from my lips, as I silently wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed her cheek. ‘God loves you. Everything will be all right. You will see a shooting star as my promise that you will be ok.’” 

“In an instant the most spectacular shooting star we ever saw blazed across the sky from horizon to horizon. A surprised and delighted, ‘Ooh!’ came from Robin! For a long moment neither of us spoke. What could we say?”

“Moments before, I was an insensitive, scolding husband walking towards a fearful, anxious wife. Somehow, God miraculously intervened and changed us both into vessels of His gracious love.”

Usually, our influence as a lighthouse is seen through a steady, consistent beam of light. People know and remember us by our day-to-day actions among our family and friends: We could be a family member continuously offering love and acceptance or a boss supplying encouragement when needed most or we could be the friend who telephones when others are at a low point.

But, occasionally, there are life-changing moments when God’s extraordinary light suddenly shines into our darkest need and the only word that adequately describes what happens next is -- miracle.

Drayton and Robin witnessed a miracle. Here is another:

What started, as a normal day at a local high school became a tragedy for a young sixteen year old boy full of enthusiasm and friendly mischief. During tennis practice he suddenly dropped to the ground clutching his chest. Within minutes this vivacious young man was gone.

Lighthouses quickly appeared from all over the county. School officials opened up the high school auditorium and encouraged the students to gather. A minister’s wife got word to fellow pastors. The students themselves began to gather in small groups sharing condolences, memories and tears.

But, just as we were starting to leave, Russell, a father of one of the students stood and said: “Before we go, I think we should pray. Let’s form a circle and hold hands. I’ll start and the rest of you join with me.”

This was out of character for Russell but miracles often come from unexpected sources.

Hundreds of crying parents, students, pastors and school officials formed a giant circle, bowed their heads and earnestly began to pray. For a few moments, we could all feel the Holy Spirit of God in our circle of mourners:

Russell became a lighthouse of God amidst the grief.    

As a lighthouse you and I are occasionally given the opportunity to be a ray of hope in the midst of darkness.

Drayton Hawthorne went on to write: “Being an instrument of God’s will, at times may not be voluntary or even expected. I always believed God would use me as a prophet only if I asked and was spiritually clean.”

“Sometimes, this is undeniably true but not in my case. God abruptly interrupted my mission and lovingly substituted His own. I wanted to comfort Robin with common sense and almost interrupted a miraculous moment of faith. No matter the reason for why it happens, when God, uses you for whatever purpose, you will feel blessed because of it.”

Drayton said: “Thinking of the wonderful moment Robin and I shared with God is very emotional for me. Several times in telling our shooting star story Robin would need to finish because I became too ‘choked up’ so once more I will let her finish.”

Robin smiled and then said: “After we stood there a few moments just soaking in what happened. I turned to Drayton and whispered, ‘Do it again!’”

Why Aren't They Coming to Church? Part 4

Shortly after finishing college, I began selling automobiles. A friend talked me into visiting church. He said, “It would be good for business.”

While this is not usually a good reason to attend church, I was at least willing to go. So, one Sunday morning, I showed up at a nearby church and took a seat in the back of the sanctuary. Just then, two men I immediately recognized walked in.

I knew this was trouble. Both men purchased used cars from me. Both had problems and left the dealership dissatisfied. I remember wishing the floor would open up and swallow me whole? I tried to scrunch my body behind the pew so they wouldn’t see me, but to no avail. They recognized me immediately and walked my way.

“Larry Davies, you’ve got a lot of nerve showing your face here.” No! That’s not what they said, but it is what I expected and probably deserved.

Instead they both said: “Larry Davies, what a wonderful surprise.”

• They offered no judgment of what happened.
• They sat beside me and talked as if we had been friends for years.
• They enthusiastically told me about their church and promised to pray for me.
• They began to introduce me to others in the congregation as their friend.
• They helped me become involved in a small group with people my age.

I soon felt at home in my new church. All because two people who should have been angry with me, reached out the hand of friendship and offered the forgiving love of Jesus Christ. Looking back, I realize this was a key moment in my life and will always be grateful for their encouragement.

The author of Hebrews spoke of encouragement to a church full of people who were hurt and seriously thinking of leaving their faith: “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Three ways to be the church.

1. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm.
2. Let us motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
3. Let us not neglect our meeting together but encourage one another.

The key word is encouragement. An encouraging church brought me back to God’s arms. Encouragement in the midst of a discouraging world is the reason that despite our many problems, the church is still God’s answer for a hurting world.

Remember what Mike said at the beginning of this article? "We (the church) need to go back to the basics. Give me people who "know" God and desire to see others come to this knowledge.  Let us then go and "live" the word through our actions daily, integrated into a lost world, loving it."

• We need to go back to the basics of being the church.
• We need to "know" God and desire to see others come to this knowledge.
• We need to go and "live" the word through our actions daily, integrated into a lost world, loving it.

The key lesson is in understanding and utilizing the power of one word: encouragement.   

Becoming an encourager doesn’t simply mean speaking in flowery platitudes but rather looking to motivate others to acts of love and good works. With God’s guidance we can all be encouragers.

One Sunday after I began attending church, the choir director walked up to me: “I heard you singing during worship today and really liked the sound of your voice. Would you be interested in joining our choir?” Thanks to her continuing encouragement, I did join the choir and rediscovered that I could really sing after all – well, sort of. Encouragement really works.   

God lovingly gives us the freedom to choose how we interact with others. My prayer is that we will all strive to be encouragers in order to inspire others to outbursts of love and good deeds. Maybe that is what being the church is all about.

We could certainly do worse! Hey, maybe I should sing a solo? Not!!

Why Aren't They Coming to Church? Part 3

For years, I was one of the unchurched. I had excuses to justify staying away but at the heart of my decision was something more personal. When I needed the church, the church was simply not there. Looking back, I know part of the reason was my fault but I didn’t think the church cared.

Our family moved to a new area just as I entered the seventh grade. During the first week of school, I decided to try out for the chorus. I grew up singing in church, so singing at school seemed like a great way to make friends. After class, I went to the music room. You could hear lots of singing and laughter, as I timidly opened the door but immediately, the room grew quiet as everyone stopped what they were doing to check out the new kid who dared to join them -- me.

When I told the teacher of my desire to sing in the chorus, she frowned, reached into her file and handed me a piece of music. “Sing this,” she said and immediately started playing the prelude. Reading unfamiliar music while trying to sing is difficult at best but I gamely tried. Based on the looks and snickers of the other children, I was not doing well. Half way through the song, the teacher stopped playing and said: “I’m sorry. You are not qualified to sing in our school chorus.”

I remember timidly walking out of the room, going home and crying but I recovered from the initial hurt quickly enough and went on to other interests. I still made my share of friends and enjoyed a normal childhood. “So Larry, why are you making such a big deal about singing now?

Looking back, I’m amazed the effect those words had on me. The teacher was someone who understood music. If she said I can’t sing. I can’t sing. Therefore I won’t sing. I quit the church choir and when singing during worship, began to lower my voice so no one would actually hear me. Eventually, I asked: “why attend church at all?” I volunteered to work more on Sundays. Then, I simply wasn’t attending church at all.

Looking back, I realize there were many poor choices made on my part. But -- at any time someone could have stepped in and offered encouragement. Someone at church could have and should have asked: “Why wasn’t I singing with the choir or attending youth? Why was I working on Sundays?” They could have checked up on me but most didn’t, so I quietly slipped away.

Does this sound familiar?

There seem to be two groups who do not attend church. One group never really attended. But another group like me chose to stop going to church. Somewhere, somehow, something happened. While reading this were you reminded of a time when someone said something that hurt you deeply? Maybe there was a time when you needed God and/or your church and for some reason, you were deeply disappointed and hurt.

If you are in the group that left the church or if you’ve ever been disappointed or hurt by your church or if you just simply want to help your church do better – keep reading.

Remember what Mike said at the beginning of this article? "We (the church) need to go back to the basics. Give me people who "know" God and desire to see others come to this knowledge.  Let us then go and "live" the word through our actions daily, integrated into a lost world, loving it."

1. We need to go back to the basics of being the church.
2. We need to "know" God and desire to see others come to this knowledge.
3. We need to go and "live" the word through our actions daily, integrated into a lost world, loving it.

Next: How and why I came back to the church.

Why Aren't They Coming to Church? Part 2

Why don't people go to church?

I asked the question on Facebook and received many responses but highlighted two especially meaningful answers from Mike and Susan. I found it helpful to hear from a large block of people who believe in God but are no longer satisfied with church as usual.

Most of the comments were in these general categories:

• We’re hypocritical; say one thing and do another.
• We’re too focused on getting converts for our church rather than genuinely caring about the needs of others: “Do you really care about me or am I just a target?”
• We’re too sheltered -- out of touch with reality.
• We are quick to judge others and slow to be honest about our own shortcomings.

Did you know Jesus said much the same thing to religious leaders in Matthew 23? Here are a few examples but I encourage you to read the entire chapter: “Everything you do is for show – Hypocrites! For you are so careful to tithe even the tiniest income but you ignore the more important aspects of the law: justice, mercy and faith. – You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish but inside you are filthy.” So, even Jesus said we are hypocrites.

Janice: “I have been in similar situations at different points during my life. Right now, I am coming to terms with my relationship with God, and my relationship with the church and its imperfections. I attend church because I enjoy the fellowship of friends and the company of like-minds but I am still seeking that deep relationship that I see in others.”

After reading all the accusations -- I confess that at times, I am guilty. I am hypocritical. We are too focused on getting converts for selfish reasons. I am often out of touch with the real world. We are too quick to judge others. I declare myself guilty, guilty and guilty.

Being guilty is why I need God and why we need the church. We are guilty and our message should be to anyone outside the church walls: Come join us “guilty folks” as we look to God for answers.

I heard one preacher describe church as much like a museum. “Enjoy the exhibits but don’t touch anything.”

Wouldn’t it be exciting if our churches were more like hospitals, busy saving lives throughout the community.

Unnamed writer: "Until we adults learn the lessons we preach and we all learn the Holy Spirit remains with us each and everyday, we will continue to struggle with hypocrisy, rudeness, and all of the other human frailities."

"Ultimately, we must understand it is like Mike said, it is about relationships -- our personal relationship with God and our individual relationships with the God in each of us. Improve those and the Church succeeds in its mission."

Leigh wrote: “Until we learn the lessons we preach and we all learn that the Holy Spirit remains with us each and every day, we will continue to struggle with hypocrisy, rudeness and all of the other human frailties. Ultimately, we must understand it is like Mike said, it is about relationships. Improve those and the Church succeeds in its mission.”

Mike: "We (the church) need to go back to the basics. Give me people who "know" God and desire to see others come to this knowledge.  Let us then go and "live" the word through our actions daily, integrated into a lost world, loving it."

• We need to go back to the basics of being the church.
• We need to "know" God and desire to see others come to this knowledge.
• We need to go and "live" the word through our actions daily, integrated into a lost world, loving it.

But how do we do that?

Going back to the basics is not a new program or sermon series. No! The key words are relationship and encouragement: Our relationship with God and the encouragement we receive and how that relationship ultimately leads to our being encouragers of others. 

Next: Encouragement: Why I left the church and why I came back.

Why Aren't They Coming to Church?

I have a lot of friends – 3500 so far. Isn’t that great?! Not really. I don’t even know many of them. Maybe, I should explain. I am now on Facebook. After signing up, I decided to accept most every offer of friendship I received.


My children think I’ve finally gone off the deep end. My daughter laughed when I mentioned Facebook and then she asked me why I signed up to become a fan of a local grocery store? Answer: I have no idea.

However, my new friends came in handy. Recently, I asked for feedback on why so many people, especially young people seem to be walking away from the church and/or God. I asked for those who do not attend church regularly to respond to the question: Why? Why don’t they attend church? I received a lot of answers.

Here are two people that could easily represent most of the responses I received.

Mike - I either was always saved or got saved every week, until I learned how to fake it! It wasn't until I was in my 30's I realized church was about relationship and I was a faulty product, incapable of being perfect.

I believe today’s youth have a much more realistic view of what the church has become; a country club. It's where people go to gather and build large beautiful buildings that outshine other large buildings. Where they feed the hungry 2-3 times a year and themselves each week. Where people who claim to be Christians on Sunday, rarely live it on Monday.

Here are the words that stood out for me: “Fake it. Church is a country club. Build large beautiful buildings. Feed the hungry 2-3 times per year and themselves each week. Claim to be Christians on Sunday but rarely live it on Monday.” Ouch! But as I talk to people who are not involved with a local church, I hear these statements. Here is another example.

Susan – As a high school guidance counselor, I have a lot of thoughts on this, especially since I no longer attend church. I was a youth director for two different churches over the years. I raised both older ones in the church, even after their father left. We were not always treated kindly. My two year old has been once in his life, at 2 months old for baptism but I found it was hollow and I couldn’t pretend that I wanted these people to help me “raise” him.

I am FAR, FAR from perfect but I crave authenticity, I rarely find it and almost never in all the churches I have attended. Our youth don’t attend for some of the same reasons. They KNOW and SEE when we are lying, they see FEW adults that are truly HAPPY in their lives, they are NOT inspired by us! I have sat with SO many kids and had the most spiritual conversations WITHOUT invoking the word GOD in a public school.

THEY CRAVE it, our Creator, they CRAVE direction and they CRAVE our HONEST attention. NO ONE talks very openly or honestly about anything.

• Susan was very involved at one time, even raised two children in the church.
• She went through a crisis and the church did not “treat her kindly.”
• Brought her youngest to church for Baptism and found the whole experience “hollow.”
• She knows she is not perfect but craves authenticity within the church and can’t find it.
• The youth she works with, see our lies, see that we are not happy and are not inspired by us.
• Our youth crave spiritual conversations, crave direction and crave honest attention from us.
• But they don’t receive it. “No one talks very openly or honestly about anything.

These are tough accusations to digest but after sharing these comments with others inside and outside the church; I believe they represent a huge block of people no longer satisfied with church as usual.

After Mike shared what was wrong with the church, he offered this advice: “We (the church) need to go back to the basics. Give me people who "know" God and desire to see others come to this knowledge. Let us then go and "live" the word through our actions daily, integrated into a lost world, loving it.”

• We need to go back to the basics of being the church.
• We need to “know” God and desire to see others come to this knowledge.
• We need to go and “live” the word through our actions daily, integrated into a lost world, loving it.

Good advice but what does it mean? Next: Answers!

Storms, Lighthouses and God

A few years ago, I wrote and delivered a children’s story called, “Christ and the Lighthouse.” The kids were asked to imagine themselves on a ship, lost offshore in a fierce squall. To make the story more realistic, someone in the back of the sanctuary added special effects. In my best storyteller voice, I said:

“It is a dark and stormy night.” (The room becomes dark.) “Lightning flashes across the sky.” (Various lights begin blinking.) “The wind is howling.” (Sounds of a storm fill the room.) “The ship is tossed about.” (Everyone starts swaying from side to side.)

Here is the best part: “Huge waves crash overhead.” (I squirt the children with a spray bottle.)

Can you picture what’s happening? Children are squealing and laughing. There’s total chaos in the room as the storm continues to rage and the children shout with me:  “We’re drowning! Help! Who will save us?”

Then, God gives us a miracle.

Sill in my best storyteller voice, I shout: “Look! Up ahead! What’s that?” (In the far corner of the room a light begins to shine.) “It’s a light -- from a lighthouse! We’re saved! We were lost and now we are found!”         

Wow! What a great lesson. After all, could anything offer more hope and direction to a ship caught in the grip of a fierce storm than the bright, steady beam of light from a lighthouse? What could possibly provide more comfort than that reassuring glow: a light to guide you safely home?

Ships are not the only ones needing a lighthouse as recent newspaper headlines attest:   

It is a dark and stormy night --    (Violence continues around the world.)

            Lightning flashes --                    (Poverty reaches all time high.)

            The wind is howling --                (Teenagers face terrorist charges.)

            The ship is tossed about --        (Divorce rates alarming.)

            Huge waves crash overhead --   (Flood devastation in Pakistan.)

Can you picture what’s happening? People are crying and dying. There’s total chaos in the world as storms continue to rage. People shout: “We’re drowning! Help! Who will save us?”

Then, God gives us a miracle.

Sill in my best storyteller voice, I shout: “Look! Up ahead! What’s that?” (In the far corner of the world a light begins to shine.) “It’s a light -- from a lighthouse! We’re saved! We were lost and now we are found!”

Wow! What a great promise! After all, what could possibly provide more comfort than the reassuring glow of a lighthouse – God’s lighthouse?”       

“Lord, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness.” (Psalm 18:28) Like a lighthouse, God offers the light of direction to lead me out of darkness.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1) Like a lighthouse, God offers the light of salvation to rescue us from the storms of life.

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12) Like a lighthouse, God offers all of us a strong steady light to follow that leads to life.

Have you been experiencing a few dark and stormy nights complete with lightning flashes and howling winds?

Do you often feel like a helpless ship tossed about with huge waves crashing overhead?

Maybe now is the time to turn toward the eternal light:

“Look! Up ahead! What’s that?” (In the quiet corner of your soul a light begins to shine.)

“It’s a light, from The Lighthouse!”

“We’re saved! We were lost and now we are found!”

If you are going through storms –

If you are searching for purpose –

If you are seeking a new ministry –

If you want to deepen your relationship with God –

What could possibly provide more comfort than the reassuring glow of a lighthouse promising to be, “A light to guide you safely home?”

Worship: Why Aren't They Coming?

I have a lot of friends – 3500 so far. Isn’t that great?! Not really. I don’t even know many of them. Maybe, I should explain. I am now on Facebook. After signing up, I decided to accept most every offer of friendship I received.


My children think I’ve finally gone off the deep end. My daughter laughed when I mentioned Facebook and then she asked me why I signed up to become a fan of a local grocery store? Answer: I have no idea.

However, my new friends came in handy. Recently, I asked for feedback on why so many people, especially young people seem to be walking away from the church and/or God. I asked for those who do not attend church regularly to respond to the question: Why? Why don’t they attend church? I received a lot of answers.

 

Here are two people that could easily represent most of the responses I received.

 

Mike - I either was always saved or got saved every week, until I learned how to fake it! It wasn't until I was in my 30's I realized church was about relationship and I was a faulty product, incapable of being perfect.

I believe today’s youth have a much more realistic view of what the church has become; a country club. It's where people go to gather and build large beautiful buildings that outshine other large buildings. Where they feed the hungry 2-3 times a year and themselves each week. Where people who claim to be Christians on Sunday, rarely live it on Monday.

 

Here are the words that stood out for me: “Fake it. Church is a country club. Build large beautiful buildings. Feed the hungry 2-3 times per year and themselves each week. Claim to be Christians on Sunday but rarely live it on Monday.” Ouch! But as I talk to people who are not involved with a local church, I hear these statements. Here is another example.

 

Susan – As a high school guidance counselor, I have a lot of thoughts on this, especially since I no longer attend church. I was a youth director for two different churches over the years. I raised both older ones in the church, even after their father left. We were not always treated kindly. My two year old has been once in his life, at 2 months old for baptism but I found it was hollow and I couldn’t pretend that I wanted these people to help me “raise” him.

I am FAR, FAR from perfect but I crave authenticity, I rarely find it and almost never in all the churches I have attended. Our youth don’t attend for some of the same reasons. They KNOW and SEE when we are lying, they see FEW adults that are truly HAPPY in their lives, they are NOT inspired by us! I have sat with SO many kids and had the most spiritual conversations WITHOUT invoking the word GOD in a public school.

THEY CRAVE it, our Creator, they CRAVE direction and they CRAVE our HONEST attention. NO ONE talks very openly or honestly about anything.

 

• Susan was very involved at one time, even raised two children in the church.
• She went through a crisis and the church did not “treat her kindly.”
• Brought her youngest to church for Baptism and found the whole experience “hollow.”
• She knows she is not perfect but craves authenticity within the church and can’t find it.
• The youth she works with, see our lies, see that we are not happy and are not inspired by us.
• Our youth crave spiritual conversations, crave direction and crave honest attention from us.
• But they don’t receive it. “No one talks very openly or honestly about anything.

 

These are tough accusations to digest but after sharing these comments with others inside and outside the church; I believe they represent a huge block of people no longer satisfied with church as usual.

 

After Mike shared what was wrong with the church, he offered this advice: “We (the church) need to go back to the basics. Give me people who "know" God and desire to see others come to this knowledge. Let us then go and "live" the word through our actions daily, integrated into a lost world, loving it.”

 

• We need to go back to the basics of being the church.
• We need to “know” God and desire to see others come to this knowledge.
• We need to go and “live” the word through our actions daily, integrated into a lost world, loving it.

Good advice but what does it mean? Next: Answers!

 

Worship: Why? Part 3

When the subject of worship comes up, preachers and musicians often want to debate the merits of traditional versus contemporary, casual versus formal. Wrong debate! I think we miss the point. Worship is meant to be an opportunity to come before God. Worship leaders should not be there to show off their talents as much as to help us find a connection with God. Worship is a uniquely human response to God’s amazing gift of grace. Sometimes, things don’t always work out as planned.


Rev. Ronna L. Swartz from Kenbridge, Virginia was preparing to lead a communion service for the leadership team of an upcoming Emmaus Walk. Holy Communion is always an important part of Emmaus and she wanted to do her part as a minister to make the service meaningful and inspiring. Several people on the team experienced some particularly difficult situations so Rev. Swartz wanted to offer God’s hope in the midst of their hardship.

Her Scripture reading came from Psalm 56: You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. (Verse 8)

Ronna said, “For me, this verse is a comforting reminder of God’s love during the tears. God feels my pain - knows your struggles - understands our sorrows.”

Ronna then picked up the chalice holding the grape juice, symbolizing the atoning blood of Christ and served each person on the team. After setting it back on the table, she turned to face the group and brushed her hand against the chalice just enough to knock the full cup to the carpeted floor where it shattered, splattering grape juice everywhere. “Every preacher’s worst nightmare!” said Ronna. The worship service was momentarily forgotten. “I felt as though I could cry my own bottle of tears!”

The team members were stunned. For several long seconds, nobody moved; nobody spoke.

Despite our best efforts, worship is still an all too human response to God’s impact on our lives. Musicians make mistakes. Preachers babble on and on. Babies cry at inopportune times. We could stay at home and watch a better performance on television. Why should we commit ourselves to worship at a local church? What difference does it make?

For the answer as the late Paul Harvey would say, we turn to the rest of the story.

The team members were stunned. For several long seconds, nobody moved; nobody spoke. Then everyone sprang into action. Three or four people cleaned the carpet while another collected the broken chalice pieces. Someone else went for the container of grape juice while another cleaned the white-lace tablecloth. Soon the rug and the tablecloth were spot free and the embarrassing moment forgotten -- or was it?

The point of worship has never been about polished entertainment but rather to enable you to respond to God’s desire to be in an intimate relationship. At anytime, God can reach out and touch someone within a worship service maybe during a quiet time of prayer, through a song or a sermon. Even a flawed worship service can be used by God to teach a life-changing lesson.

When the Emmaus team met again, there was clearly no stain on the carpet or the tablecloth but rather than forget Rev. Swartz’s embarrassing moment, the group decided to honor the memory of how everyone pulled together to help their minister and friend. On the table beside the new chalice were the broken pieces of the old. A group that once struggled now gloried in their newfound confidence of knowing God loved them and would see them through any struggle, any tragedy.

One member of the group collected the broken pieces of the old chalice and had them made into jewelry. One broken piece of the chalice was given to each member of the group as a distinctive reminder of what God can do with the broken pieces of our lives.

Ronna Swartz concluded by saying, “I am wearing that chalice fragment today. I learned that the very brokenness our group shared actually turned out to be the glue, which spiritually bonded us together. Is it not the brokenness of Jesus Christ on a cross that not only brings us to our knees but also enables us to feel loved, forgiven and whole?”

Sometimes, in worship as in life, things don’t always work out as planned. Sometimes God makes them better!

Next: Why so many no longer attend worship?

Worship: Why? Part 2

In part one, we learned that worship is our vital communication with God. Without worship, the spiritual part of us begins to draw inward, deteriorate and die. Now -- how should we worship? What is good worship? Should worship be contemporary with modern music and drama or should we focus on preserving the traditions of our past? With so many churches declining; it’s critical that we discover new answers.


Several years ago I attended a conference where the main topic was worship. Most were debating worship styles but at one point the pastor leading one of our worship services read the following passage from the Gospel of Mark.

"Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, 'What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?' But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be silent, and come out of him!' And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, 'What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.'” (Parts of Mark 1:23-27)

After reading this passage, the pastor said, “The presence of Christ always stirs up unclean spirits. Worship centered in Christ will bother the unclean spirit. Worship will condemn the unclean spirit.”

In other words, worship encompasses so much more than the words contemporary or traditional can adequately describe. Worship is about stirring up unclean spirits.

Ok. Now, what does that mean? In order to stir up unclean spirits, worship should strive to emphasize:

 

• Teaching: Worship should always revolve around and teach God’s Word.
• Commitment: Worship should ask for a renewed commitment of our faith.
• Leadership: Worship should offer us direction and a plan of action.
• Variety: Worship should respect the needs and cultural distinctness of everyone, young and old.
• Consistency: Worship should at the same time remember and build on our traditions.
• Passion: Worship should express the passion that comes from a healthy relationship with God.
• Creativity: Worship should make the best possible use of our God-given talents.
• Judgment: Worship should warn of God’s impending judgment.
• Grace: Worship should always offer the forgiving gift of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the conference leaders admitted that the debate over worship is not as much about contemporary versus traditional styles as it is about leadership and passion. All too often churches settle for what is easy and predictable and lose their opportunity to stir up the unclean spirits.

 

The preacher went on to tell a story about an all-white church he served in Memphis, Tennessee from 1964 to 1968, a time of heightened racial tension. One Sunday a group of black students came to attend worship services. The ushers didn’t deny entrance but in silence brought the students down to the front pew of the church. Later that night the room was full for the monthly board meeting… people anticipating trouble. Nothing was said at first but the anxiety mounted. It was just a matter of time.

 

Finally, the chairman of the board, a very influential member of the church stood up. Many who came to cause trouble assumed he would be on their side. The chairman paused for a moment, cleared his throat and said, “What a great worship service today. Isn’t it wonderful that we can worship together as God’s church? May it happen over and over. Is there any other business?”

 

No one responded… Such is the passion and power of Godly worship. Even unclean spirits are afraid.

Worship: Why?

Tap-tap, tap-tap-tap, tap-tap-tap-tap: annoying sounds? Maybe but it depends on the circumstances.

 

Captain Eugene ‘Red’ McDaniel tapped on the walls of his cell in the Vietnamese Prisoner of War camp commonly known as the Hanoi Hilton. The taping was a secret code prisoners used to communicate with each other. The number one rule at the Hilton was: "No communication with other prisoners at anytime." Anyone caught in the attempt would be tortured or executed.

 

Isolation was the prime weapon of the communist captors. As the hours slowly turned into days and weeks, Captain McDaniel came to fear the loneliness and the silence far more than any threats of physical harm. The highlight of each day was being taken to the washroom where he occasionally managed to whisper briefly with two other Americans brought in at the same time. They told him about the camp code, a series of taps (or other signals) to spell out letters. McDaniel in his book, Scars and Stripes came to recognize the code as his lifeline and only link with sanity.

 

If a new prisoner couldn't learn the code and communicate with fellow prisoners within thirty days of arrival, he would gradually begin to draw inward and deteriorate. Captain McDaniel saw nearly fifty of America’s best trained enter isolation never to be heard from again. As the days dragged on, a prisoner would slowly lose any will to live. "Little by little," McDaniel wrote, "he would deteriorate as that strange predator… isolation, would suck the very life out of him."

 

Worship -- Tap-tap, tap-tap-tap, tap-tap-tap-tap: annoying sounds or vital communication?

 

How do secret codes and POW’s help us understand worship? One word: communication. Worship represents one of our best opportunities to communicate with God. Without it, the spiritual part of our being will begin to draw inward, deteriorate and die. More than just a hymn, a sermon and a prayer, worship is the camp code that becomes our lifeline and can at times be our only link with sanity.

 

Come let us sing to the Lord! Let us give a joyous shout to the rock or our salvation!
Let us come before Him with thanksgiving. Let us sing Him psalms of praise.
For the Lord is a great God, the great King above all gods.
He owns the depths of the earth, and even the mightiest mountains are His.
The sea belongs to Him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too.
Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
For He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the sheep under His care.
Oh, that you would listen to His Voice today! (Psalm 95:1-7)

 

I found at least seven vital lessons in Psalm 95 that teach the value and meaning of worship.

 

1. Sing and Shout – Worship is active. Don’t just sit there; join in.
2. Give Thanks and Praise – Worship is our way of saying, “Thank you, God!”
3. God is Great – Worship is recognizing the awesome nature of God.
4. God Made It All -- Worship is remembering creation and our unique role.
5. Let us Bow Down – Worship is the humility of accepting God’s authority.
6. For He is our God – Worship is hearing the promise that God tenderly shepherds us.
7. Listen to His Voice – Worship is the bold call to follow God’s voice wherever it leads.

 

Worship -- Tap-tap, tap-tap-tap, tap-tap-tap-tap: annoying sounds or vital communication?

 

Worship is a human response to a divine revelation. God speaks and we respond. Tap-tap: through the quietness of a prayer. Tap-tap-tap: through singing a hymn. Tap-tap-tap-tap: through the prophetic words of a sermon. Worship is the camp code for vital communication with God. Without it there is only spiritual isolation and death.

 

Next: “Should Worship be Contemporary or Traditional? Wrong Question!”

 

Chicken Fear? Let's Roll!

When I was a young boy, I lived in Camden, a small town in Arkansas. Any boy who lived in Camden played baseball. That was the tradition. One day, while walking home from baseball practice, I took a shortcut through a neighbor's back yard. There was a chicken coop nearby but I didn't think anything of it. Everyone knew chickens didn't hurt people, right? They just ran around the yard clucking or sat in the hen house laying eggs. I knew these things because at the ripe old age of eight, boys are cocky and fearless -- and dumb.


Everything was fine at first. As I approached, the chickens scattered in every direction. That is, except for one colorful rooster. He stood his ground as if daring me to enter his territory. Our paths crossed, I stopped and we both stared at each other. At first, nothing happened.

Suddenly, the bird flew at my face. There was no time to think about the proper way to fend off a chicken attack so I placed my baseball bat between the angry bird and me. The rooster hit the bat, dropped back to the ground and angrily stared at me again. (At least I think he was angry. Do roosters get mad?) Now I was afraid. What would this crazy bird do next?

The answer came soon enough. Once again, the crazed bird flew at my face and again I shoved him back with my baseball bat. The staring contest resumed between us for at least another three hours. (Well, it seemed like three hours.) For a third time, the rooster flew at my face and again, I pushed him away. He then stared at me a moment, seemed to shrug and just walked away.

I cautiously and slowly moved away and then broke into a mad dash home crying and sobbing all the way – Mommy! Suddenly older and hopefully wiser, I vowed to God and my mother that I would forever avoid backyard chicken coups.

We all face scary situations occasionally. Some fears are rational. Some as with my chickens are laughable. But we must learn to cope with fear -- whether it's losing a job, a trusted friend, facing sickness or even coping with death. The question is not whether we are afraid? The question is “how will we cope with our fears?”

In Psalm 27, David, the Biblical poet king, found himself surrounded by the enemy. Yet, he was still able to write: "The LORD is my light and my salvation- so why should I be afraid? The LORD protects me from danger- so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear." (Psalm 27:1-3)

What was David's secret for facing fear?

1. Declare your reliance on God: "The one thing I ask of the LORD- the thing I seek most- is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD'S perfections and meditating in his Temple." (Psalm 27:4) David put his faith and trust in God.
2. Ask for help, boldly: "Listen to my pleading, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me… Do not hide yourself from me. Do not reject your servant. Don't leave me now; don't abandon me." (27:7-9) You can almost hear David's anguish as he cries out for God.
3. Trust the Source and timing of the answer: "Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD." (27:14) The Hebrew word we define as 'wait' describes the twisting of strands for strength as a rope. Chuck Swindoll writes: "Wait, twist yourself around the strands of God's strength -- wait."

 

Lisa Beamer lost her husband, Todd, in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Following the tragedy, Lisa wrote in her book: Let's Roll: Finding Hope in the Midst of Crisis: "In that dark moment, my soul cried out to God and He began to give me a sense of peace and a confidence that the children and I were going to be okay. But even that comfort didn't take away the wrenching pain or the awful sense of loss I felt."

 

Lisa’s husband, Todd also turned to God in the midst of his fiery trial. With a telephone operator, he prayed the Lord's Prayer and recited the Twenty-third psalm. He finally whispered, "Help me Jesus," several times before calling his fellow passengers to action with the words we now honor: "Let's roll!"

 

Whatever your fears: chickens or terrorists, imagined or real – Learn from David in Psalm 27:

 

Declare your reliance on God.

 

Ask for help, boldly.

 

Trust the Source and timing of the answer.

 

Then move forward confidently in the midst of your fear: “Let's roll!”

 

Think of Me -- A Tragic Death

I pray this column serves as a warning. “Have fun but be careful.” The consequences of irresponsible behavior can be tragic. What you are about to read is a true story. The poem was written by Rev. Richard Barclay for a funeral service in honor of a young man named David.


When you hear the crack of bat and ball,
or hear the umpire bellow out his call of "safe" or "out"
When you see a ball in lofted flight, or players tangled in the night
as runner slides and baseman tags -- think of me.

It was supposed to be a great day. Four baseball players returning from church camp to play in an all-star game. One of them, sixteen-year-old David was sitting in the back seat listening to the radio and laughing with friends. David's mother was waiting at the ball field with his uniform.

From out of nowhere, a car ran a stop sign and rammed into the side of the players' car. The driver was charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving. Three of the boys sustained injuries but David died on the way to the hospital.

When class bells ring and hallways crowd with endless chatter
soft and loud of ordered chaos --
When wanton mischief calls and laughter causes sides to split
and tears to fall as mirthful mouths grow wide in glee -- think of me.

 

David was the son of our church organist and often played with my daughter during choir practice. He was active in our youth group and often was the one asking tough questions about God. He was inquisitive but never offended. David had a knack for making friends.

When music rocks and speakers boom compelling all within the room
to echo lyrics that rap the soul -- think of me.


David was a typical teenager who played his music too loud and spent too much time hanging out with friends. In other words, David was normal. That’s what makes his death so tragic. David should not have died. Of course, we all know life isn't fair and tragedies happen. But why David?

 

When hands are held and friends embrace with words of comfort,
love and grace to shoulder sorrow and share in joys -- think of me.

 

“When hands are held and friends embrace with words of comfort, love and grace to shoulder sorrow and share in joys – think of me.” Is this the answer we need?

 

• Holding hands – is our way of pulling together and being a community.
• Embrace with words of comfort – the constant reassurance of knowing you are loved.
• Love and grace to shoulder sorrow and share in joys – others to share your burdens.
• Think of me. We don’t seek to forget but honor the memories and learn from mistakes.

When prayer is short and words too mute to speak the pain

that's taken root deep within the spirit's womb, then -- think of me.

 

Paul speaks of a God who comforts in the midst of tragedy: “He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

 

• God provided comfort when the community surrounded David's family.
• There was comfort when two churches opened their doors to accommodate the large crowd of mourners. One organized and hosted the funeral. Another prepared food.
• There was comfort when fellow teachers stood by David's mother and helped her handle the necessary tasks of grieving.
• There was comfort when David’s teammates came in uniform to pay their respect and carry his coffin to a final resting-place.

We offer comfort during times of tragedy. We learn from our mistakes and grow stronger in our faith. I can think of no better way to honor David than the final words of the poem:

 

Think of me for I am there in every place and face and

heart that beats and every breath that's drawn in life, not death;

my strength, my love, my joy to give, for as you go on,

so shall I live in you, as I also live in God.

 

Words that Hurt. Words that Heal.

Words can hurt! Our family moved to a new area as I entered the seventh grade. During the first week of school, I decided to try out for the chorus. Since I already participated in our church choir singing sounded like a great way to make friends and have fun. But as I timidly opened the door to the music room, the singing and the laughter stopped as everyone stared at the new kid… me.


I was summoned to the piano and the teacher handed me a piece of music. She then started playing with the expectation that I would sing. Reading unfamiliar music while also trying to sing was nearly impossible and it was obvious by the knowing looks and snickers of the other children that I was not doing well. The next words out of the teacher’s mouth devastated what little self-esteem I still possessed. “I’m sorry… you are not qualified to sing in our school chorus.”

I remember being upset and crying but I got over the initial hurt quickly enough and went on to other interests. I still made a few friends and enjoyed a normal childhood. I’m happy to confess that I didn’t grow up to be a mass murderer, drink orange juice out of a baby bottle or have a torrid affair with the church secretary. “So Larry, why are you making such a big deal about it now?

Words can hurt! Looking back on it, I’m amazed how much effect those words had on my life. To me, the teacher was an authority figure who understood music. If she said I can’t sing then… I can’t sing therefore I won’t sing. Over the next few months, I quit the church choir and when singing with others, began to lower my voice so no one would actually hear me.

Words can hurt! While reading this were you reminded of a time when someone said something that hurt you deeply? Very likely! We’ve all been victimized by words just as we have damaged others with hurtful criticism and inappropriate comments. Yet, occasionally we must offer criticism and if we are to experience growth we must also accept disapproval.

So, what are we to do?

The lesson is in understanding and utilizing the power of one word: encouragement.

The author of Hebrews wrote to a struggling church: “Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.” (10:23-24) To encourage means to inspire another with courage. We hold on to our hope by trusting God and inspiring others with courage.

Words can heal! Becoming an encourager doesn’t simply mean speaking in flowery platitudes but analysis should be offered respectfully and prayerfully for the purpose of inspiring another with courage. As an encourager, I learn to be confident of God’s love and understand that unsuitable and even hurtful comments should be lovingly but firmly ignored. With God’s encouragement we can all do that.

Yes, the music teacher was cruel in the way that she dealt with my musical abilities but I now understand that it is a choice to accept the criticism as valid and have the courage to adjust or reject the comments as inappropriate and have the courage to reject them. The choice is mine.

Encouragement means that words can also heal! Nearly twenty years later, another music teacher, a choir director walked up and said: “I heard you singing during worship today and really liked the sound of your voice. Would you be interested in joining our choir?” Thanks to her continuing encouragement, I did join the choir and rediscovered that I could really sing after all… sort of. Words can heal!

Words can hurt or words can heal! God lovingly gives us the freedom to choose how we use words and how we receive them. My prayer is that we will all strive to be encouragers and use our words wisely to inspire others to outbursts of love and good deeds. Maybe that is what being the church is all about. We could certainly do worse!

Hey, maybe I should sing a solo? Not!!

A Fresh Look at Grandma

Several years ago while on a visit to my Mother’s, I joined her at the local health spa. This sixty-something grandma’s favorite exercise did not include sitting in a rocking chair. My mother worked out on a stair-climber. She hopped onto the machine and began pumping her legs up and down vigorously while at the same time maintaining an animated conversation with her son. For ten minutes, I tried to keep up but finally gave up stair climbing to work on simply recapturing my breath. Meanwhile, my dear old mother continued for another ten minutes before easily stepping down with an enthusiastic, ”that felt good!”


What image comes to your mind when you hear the word -- grandma? Do you think of home baked cookies and hair buns? “Not so fast!”

Growing older is a continual adjustment in our way of thinking and living, but it never means dwelling on the past or sitting in your rocking chair while the world goes by! Barbara Johnson says in her book, Living Somewhere Between Estrogen and Death: “Growing old is only a state of mind, brought on by gray hairs, false teeth, wrinkles, a big belly, shortness of breath and being constantly and totally pooped.”

How about this letter, written by an unknown third grader? “Grandmother’s don’t have to do anything except be there. They’re so old they shouldn’t play hard or run. It is enough if they drive us to the market where the pretend horse is and have lots of dimes ready. Or if they take us for walks, they should slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars. They should never say “hurry up.” Usually, grandmothers are fat, but not too fat to tie your shoes. They wear glasses and funny underwear. They can take their teeth and gums off. Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if they don’t have a television, because they are the only grownups who have time.”

Old age, like anything has benefits to enjoy and obstacles to endure or overcome but what makes each of us unique is our attitude. As a pastor, I meet grandmothers and grandfathers who refuse to “act their age.” Here are a few of my favorites from past churches:

• When she isn’t busy with church activities she’s out performing with her local dance troupe. By the way she doesn’t do the minuet: this eighty-something grandmother clogs. Her biggest complaint is that all the men who want to date her act too old!
• At Seventy-something, she can be seen most any day in a jogging outfit walking around town at a pace that would make younger people gasp for breath. When she’s not walking or out on the golf course, she is taking a leadership role within our church or involved in community affairs.
• This couple is in their eighties and active in church for years, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. If you need something organized, they are the ones to call. But you would think they just got married the way they do everything together. The new addition on their house is to make room for a new Jacuzzi: those lovebirds!

 Several years ago, these unique individuals recently spent nine months in an intensive Bible Study, meeting for two and half hours each week reading the entire Bible. Why? I thought you would never ask.

 

• All of them share a passion to learn and grow stronger in their faith.
• Their eyes are firmly fixed on the future and the continuing role God has for them.
• They possess a wonderful sense of humor and an ability to laugh at themselves.
• They are all firmly resolved to never give-in to the obstacles of old age.

 

 Paul writes in Ephesians: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (4:22-24)

 

This verse serves as a vivid reminder to let God continually renew us regardless of our circumstances or our age. What a great promise! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m getting back on that stair-climber: “Mom, give me another chance, I think I can keep up with you now!”