ACTION, Reflections from the gospel of Mark

My latest book is now available at Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Nobles and Nook.

THANKFUL FOR GRACE

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. (Philippians 1:2-7 ESV)

            When Thanksgiving Day is celebrated people often think of tangible things – food, home, career, family, friends, and health. Thanksgiving goes beyond circumstances and situations.

            The theme of Philippians is “rejoice.” Five verses contain the word “joy” – “prayer with joy” (1:4), “joy in the faith” (1:25); “joy complete” (2:2); “great joy” (2:29); “my joy and crown” (4:1). Where was the Apostle Paul located when he wrote this letter? In what surroundings was he feeling joy?

            “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.” (Philippians 1:12-13 ESV)

            Paul was expressing joy in a prison cell. This is only possible from a thankfulness resident in the inner sanctum of the soul, a thanksgiving of grace.

Grace is better than tangible blessings

            As a way of life, Paul had little reason to be grateful. He appears to be an unhealthy man, possibly why the physician Luke often traveled with him. Hardships, distresses, beatings, imprisonments, riots, sleeplessness (having tendencies to worry?), hunger, and slander was causing a physical toll. (2 Corinthians 6:4-10) Yet he writes, “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” (V.10)

            Paul thanked God for a grace equal to his difficulties. Every “thorn in the flesh” was equally matched with God’s grace. He refers to grace by writing, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

            When feeling problems are too great, God matches the problem with greater grace. When the soul cries out in pain, He balances the scales with grace.

            My brother died in 1993 at the age of 47, the day before Thanksgiving. Anyone losing a sibling in the prime of life knows the mind-boggling pain. By grace his death took on a different perspective. Instead of dwelling on the loss, I became grateful to God for having had a brother, and for sharing life together for 44 years.

            The best gift God gives is not gold but grace. The best promise God guarantees is not trouble-free living but an overcoming life.

Society has a few misplaced emphases

            There is a misplaced emphasis on happiness. Happiness is restricted to what happens. God’s concern for you goes beyond what is happening. Circumstances constantly change and are unpredictable, but God keeps life constant by His grace. Fully seek Him in preparation for eternity.

            There is a misplaced emphasis on possessions. Possessions do not make you but you make them. The Biblical character Job was stripped of all his belongings yet got back more. He made his possessions, they did not make him.

            I once read a story about a millionaire putting his wealth aside and attempting to become rich again. He left his estate with only the clothes on his back and ten dollars in his pocket. Finding a job as an auto mechanic, he slept in the back of the garage. Being older and having diminished physical strength, he invented an easier way to change a tire and sold his invention to a manufacturer for a large sum of money. What defines you is not the things you own but the person you are.

            There is a misplaced emphasis of life without tribulation. As we enter the Christmas season, there is no “Peace on Earth” until Jesus comes again. Even though laws attempt to hem in evil and contain wickedness, waywardness is a heart issue and only rooted-out by God. Society should always attempt to stop violence yet peace will only occur in the 1000-year reign of Christ. Until He comes and brings peace on earth, live by grace!

Greater grace comes through greater obstacles.

            Second Corinthians 12:9 states, “…power is made perfect in weakness.” The greatest cause for thanksgiving is the promise, “My grace is sufficient for you….” God showers His tender-mercies on those calling to Him, rejoicing in Him and depending on Him.

            In November of 1621, a full year after the arrival of the first pilgrims, a ship from home brought thirty-five more colonists. These newcomers did not bring one bit of equipment with them – no food, clothing, tools, bedding. The whole colony went on half-rations throughout the winter.

            A historian wrote, “Thus, they did enter … [a] starving time that winter of 1621-22 and were ultimately reduced to a daily ration of five kernels of corn a piece.” He went on to write, “They had no choice: Either give in to bitterness and despair, or go deeper into Christ. They chose Christ. Not one of them died of starvation.”

            You have a choice, either thankful for grace or brought low by circumstances.

Application

            Many have read or heard the story of Daniel in a lion’s den. He refused to compromise his loyalty to God and was sentenced to die by hungry lions. His friend, the king, worried about him the whole night. The next morning he hurriedly went to the den to discover his fate. Daniel was still alive by divine intervention. To demonstrate the lion’s unusual behavior, the accusers were cast into the same den and immediately devoured.

            Having lions struck dead and escaping a dark den in answer to your cry is great – it is greater going in among roaring beasts and coming out unharmed. Grace allows you to go into the worst of trouble and come out unscathed.

            On Thanksgiving Day express thanks for His grace.

THE GAME OF LIFE

            I was recently privileged to provide leadership to the Nixa High School Eagles Freshman Volleyball team. What does an athletic game have to do with life? Life is lived-out with others and volleyball teaches important relational skills. Here are a few:

1.                  Unconditional love. The mere fact you are on the team is reason enough to love one another. Love is not based on performance yet people perform better and produce more when involved with others they love rather than endure.

2.                  Everyone gets the credit, no one gets the blame. All team members contribute to success and setbacks. Achievement as well as failure is done as a team. Do your finest to win and trust your teammates to make up the difference.

3.                  Life is not fair. Be thankful for what you get to do and give it your best. Everyone has a role, so flourish in the task. You never know what other opportunity may come because you did your assignment with excellence.

4.                  Respect those in authority. Coaches and game officials do not always make correct calls, yet honor their efforts. Judgment errors usually correct themselves in time.

5.                  Live and act humbly. Communicate who you are, both individually and as a team, by diligence instead of talk.

6.                  Win with grace, treating others with respect, and lose with dignity, giving 100% to the very end.

7.                  Everyone is allowed a mental meltdown, no one is perfect. Make it a good one then get up and try again.

8.                  Life is sometimes painful – this should come as no surprise. Make the necessary adjustments and work through the pain.

9.                  Life is meant to be enjoyed – celebrate it. Take pleasure in the victories, learn from the disappointments and look forward to what is coming next.

10.              Live life to the very end – never give up. You never know what unusual turn of events will make the outcome triumphant.

            The team saw inspiring moments and experienced great accomplishments. Funny moments also occurred, as there should be in life. Players were given assigned court positions and worked hard to master their responsibility. They made necessary mental and athletic adjustments to contribute to the team. Their willingness during practices and games to “keep focus, effectively communicate, and give maximum energy” was greatly rewarded. They demonstrated a peak performance and endless pursuit attitude.

            The team rose to the challenge and became proficient Nixa High School Eagles volleyball players. I congratulate them! May they do the same in the game of life.

THE THANKFULNESS OF JESUS

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:15-17 ESV)

            Colossians instructs you to be guided by the peace of Christ, possess the word of Christ and do all in the name of Christ. Intertwined in this exhortation is the chief component making this possible: “Be thankful…with thankfulness in your hearts…giving thanks.” As the Prince of Peace and the Word Incarnate, He did the will of the Father and maintained a thankful attitude.

            When asked “Are you thankful?” some honestly respond, “For what?” People regularly make comments about stress, about pressure on the job and strained relationships in the home. Stress robs thankfulness yet thankfulness is a key ingredient to getting through stressful moments.

            There is always something to be thankful for; here are some unconventional things: “Be grateful…

            For automatic dishwashers! They make it possible to get out of the kitchen before someone comes back in for an after-dinner snack.

            For teenagers! They give parents an opportunity to learn a second language.

            For children who put away their things and clean up after themselves! They are such a joy and you hate to see them go home to their own parents.

            For smoke alarms! They let you know when the turkey’s done.

Jesus was thankful for common things

            And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. (Mark 6:41 ESV)

            Jesus blessed the food. The meal was simply bread and fish, not elaborate. The menu typifies all the common things of life, things needed in order to live – the air you breathe, the clothing protecting you from heat and cold, the lodging where you rest.

            When visiting an extremely elegant restaurant the atmosphere makes people say thanks to the attendants seating them, giving the menu, bringing the meal and opening the door as they leave. A night of fine dining makes people express thanks. How are you with common things, such as a home-cooked meal? A meal at home is usually not in seven courses, served on fine china. The meal is special because of who provides and prepares it.

            When at the hospital for our second daughter’s birth, her two-and-a-half-year-old sister stayed with my parents. My folks did not pray before eating. The first night at dinner the food was set on the table and my daughter sat waiting. Mom said to dad, “You know she is not going to start eating until you say grace.” Dad uncomfortably bowed his head and said, “Grace!” My daughter said, “Grandpa, that’s not how you pray.” He was compelled by his granddaughter to thank the Lord for providing the food.

            You should also thank the person preparing the meal. Our oldest son was high energy and loved being with friends. We often wondered how he behaved at their homes. On one of many occasions he was invited to a friend’s house for dinner. The mother approached my wife later and asked if I regularly thank her after eating. My wife responded, “Yes!” The mother said, “I thought so. After the meal your son ran off with my son but quickly returned and said thank you. This was the first time this has ever happened to me. I knew he must have learned this from his dad. My family never says thanks.”

            Practice thanksgiving for common things. Jesus did!

Jesus was thankful for ordinary people

            At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. (Matthew 11:25-26 ESV)

            The intelligentsia of life did not impress Jesus. He was impressed with those knowing the toil and struggle of life, with people who fill up everyday living. They have a better grasp of what is important.

            Do not misunderstand: Educators should be honored. The men and women involved in training youth have a great challenge. Teachers have become more than instructors and often deal with tragic situations. They are part social worker, psychologist, close friend and, in some cases, surrogate parent. Education or the admiration of educators should never be minimized.

            The people who often influence your life, however, are just ordinary. My father and my mother’s father were railroad workers, ordinary people. Neither of them had a college education. My dad left school after his father died to care for his mother and brother and later finished High School. His simple lifestyle brought clarity to my understanding of the meaning of life.

            These are the kinds of people Jesus associated with – people more receptive and better able to comprehend the Kingdom of God on account of ordinary events. Please do not take offense but you are probably just ordinary (not ornery, ordinary). Being ordinary can make you special.

Jesus was thankful God hears and answers prayer

            So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” (John 11:41-42 ESV)

            God listens when you come to Him in prayer. Prayers do not end up in some far away galaxy but enter the presence of God. He hears the whispers and the shouts, everything you say to Him. The Lord never tires hearing your voice.

            Early in ministry I drove a school bus to supplement my income. On the bus was a boy named Jamie. His mother must have fed him a bowl of sugar for breakfast every morning. He crazily ran around the bus stop while waiting for the bus and bounced all over the seats when on it. He was moved from the back of the bus, to the middle of the bus, to the front of the bus, to the seat right next to me. The drawback of sitting next to him was he talked the entire trip. I grew tired of his voice.

            In some ways I am like Jamie. I talk endlessly to God while going down the road of life. The difference is He never grows tired of my voice and never tires hearing yours either.

Jesus was thankful for your salvation

            Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29 ESV)

            Jesus was giving more than the ritualistic expression of thanks in the Passover feast. He was thanking God for the provision of your salvation.

            A valuable lesson contained in these verses is you can only be thankful when looking beyond yourself and seeking to accomplish His will. Pain may be involved and required done alone. Faith will be involved and require courage. Jesus was thankful He could provide a way for everyone to have a meaningful relationship with God.

            When in the midst of God’s will, a spirit of thanksgiving floods the soul. The least thankful people live outside His plan. Jesus knew God’s will and did it thankfully.

Application

            Be thankful for common things, ordinary people, prayers being heard and your salvation. When you line up your life with His will, giving thanks comes easy. 

BITTER TIMES WITHOUT BITTERNESS

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29-32 ESV)

            Growing up in Seattle I sometimes came in from playing and opened the refrigerator, wanting a cold drink. Milk was delivered from a diary farm and during the summer months the dairyman offered an orange drink in milk bottles. My brother and I called it “orange milk.”  The sweet beverage hit the spot and quenched my thirst.

            Occasionally, there was nothing in the refrigerator to drink. One time I noticed a plastic container shaped like a lemon full of lemon extract. Thinking it may taste like lemonade, I squeezed the contents straight into my mouth. The bitterness caused facial contortions.

            Life is similar to the contents in that old refrigerator. Out of it comes sweet and bitter times. Bitter experiences usually come without warning or explanation, yet they define you. How do you respond to bitter moments?

            “One dies in full vigor, completely secure and at ease, his body well nourished, his bones rich with marrow. Another man dies in bitterness of soul, never having enjoyed anything good. Side by side they lie in the dust….” (Job 21:23-26) How will you be remembered, as bitter or better?

            Esau experienced the bitter taste of losing his father’s blessing. He took a bitter moment and converted it into bitterness toward his brother.

            Israel experienced the bitter taste of slavery in Egypt yet entered a land of milk and honey. Bitter times shaped them for a sweet future.

            The story of Ruth is a story of love, dedication and devotion yet also tells about the gall of bitterness. Naomi and her family go to the land of Moab, a poor decision, and she suffers the loss of her husband and two sons. Naomi returns home and the townspeople begin to murmur, “Is this Naomi? Look how God repaid her for leaving.” She responds, “Don’t call me Naomi (meaning pleasant) but call me Mara, meaning (bitter) for God has dealt bitterly with me.” A bitter experience changed her identity to bitterness.

            You cannot prevent bitter times. They come to everyone. It is a willful choice, however, to convert bitter times into bitterness. How do you want your years spent, in joy or despair?

Reasons for bitterness

            Bitterness comes by looking wrongly at bitter times. Romans 3:14 indicates bitterness is an act of unrighteousness. Ephesians 4:31 suggests bitterness comes from deeds of the sinful nature. Hebrews 12:15 states bitterness is a willful act of coming short of God’s grace and is a major cause of trouble.

            Job paints a picture of someone bitter: “Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure, who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave?”

            The Bible records various causes of bitterness:

            Simon of Samaria shows jealousy leads to bitterness (Acts 8). He was influential and prominent, astounding people. A simple man comes to town with a simple message and later two fishermen come with Holy Spirit power. Having lost notoriety and consumed with jealousy, he offers the power of money in exchange for the power of God. The result was the bondage of sin prompting bitterness.

            “But, if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.” (James 3:14)

            Job reveals slander can lead to bitterness. The most prized possession is your name; without it you have no identity. He was accused unjustly by friends. The slander of enemies does not hurt as much as the accusations of friends. He bitterly states to his accusers, “You’re adding to my misery.”

            Job also reveals prolonged ailments or physical suffering can lead to bitterness. Physical pain causes feelings of unfairness. A difficult and lingering illness impacts attitudes.

            Mordecai, in the book of Esther, reveals being wronged can lead to bitterness. A letter was sent by the king of Persia to kill all the Jews, a terrible injustice causing Mordecai to wail loudly and bitterly.

            Esau reveals a broken promise can lead to bitterness. His father promised a blessing. Esau became desperate for something unable to be delivered due to circumstances beyond his dad’s control. Fathers sometimes fail to meet the expectations of a child and many disappointed children have grown bitter.

            The nation of Israel reveals internal conflict or suffering loss can lead to bitterness. The tribe of Dan was almost completely annihilated by fellow countrymen. A bitter conflict and the agony of loss led to bitterness.

            Bitter times happen but a person chooses a bitter heart.

Results of bitterness

            People filled with bitterness need help seeing themselves and the Bible graphically describes them.

            Job 3:20 reveals a bitter soul prefers death to life. The person is like a vulture waiting for a carcass to quit moving, ready to pounce and feed on it.

            Job 7:11 reveals a bitter soul leads to chronic complaining. People tune out a bitter voice because nothing wholesome is being said.

            I met many wonderful people in Minnesota but did not like living there. Taxes were unreasonable, winters too long, snow drifts too big, wood ticks too plentiful, mosquitoes too hungry and summers too muggy. On more than one occasion I complained. Someone eventually asked, “What do you like about the place?” I realized I had become a chronic complainer and needed to change.

            Job 10:1 reveals a bitter soul loathes their life; bitter people do not like what they have become. They see themselves as ugly, which is a fairly accurate description. Happiness is impossible in a bitter soul. Happiness and bitterness are incompatible.

            Isaiah 38:15 reveals a bitter soul wanders aimlessly. Vision is lost and initiative is lacking. There are no future goals when blinded by past failings.

            Isaiah 38:17 reveals a bitter soul lives in the pit of nothingness. A bitter person is of little importance, a nobody. They end up wallowing in a pit like a pig instead of soaring in the sky like an eagle.

            Ezekiel 27:31 reveals a bitter soul lives in a perpetual state of mourning. The person might as well as be wearing black. Everything about them is advertising deadly bitterness.

            Proverbs 14:10 reveals a bitter soul has no room for joy. God’s people experience seasons of refreshing but bitter people do not comprehend the moment, the blessing is there but they are blind to it.

            The Bible states bitterness is similar to a bitter herb. Becoming bitter is described as becoming bitter as wormwood. The imagery is of someone willfully placing themselves in a wasted and deserted place where wormwood grows. People consumed with bitterness place themselves on the shelf of life, living becomes suspended.

Release of bitterness

            If you are consumed with bitterness here are a few recovery steps.

            Get to the end of your rope quickly. “To the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.” (Proverbs 27:7) When Naomi could do nothing but go home, solutions began to come. When the prodigal hit bottom, he went back to the father. When a bitter person has no place to go and hungers to become different, God is able to restore. Get famished for God!

            Bring the complaint to God. When Mordecai felt wronged “he wailed loudly and bitterly.” Human nature cannot contain the venom of bitterness. Get it out! Emotions must become empty of the pain. Open the emotional wound and drain out the agonizing puss. Release the tension built up by bitterness, even if it requires being done loudly.

            Receive the tenderizing touch of the Holy Spirit. Replace bitterness with forgiveness. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31, 32) Job repented of bitterness but the cleansing was complete when he gave an offering of forgiveness for his accusers. “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10) Bitterness ends and goodness follows when you forgive those misrepresenting you.

            Myrrh was one of the gifts given at the birth of Jesus, having a bitter taste but a sweet fragrance. When you taste bitter experiences, in Christ you can give off a sweet aroma.

Application

            Bitter times come and go but linger through bitterness. An old hymn of the church invites anyone having a bitter moment, “Let me at the throne of mercy, find a sweet relief…heal my wounded, broken spirit, save me by thy grace…Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry, while on others Thou are calling, do not pass me by.” Call on Jesus to do a healing work in you. He is passing by right now.