THANKSGIVING REFERENCE POINTS

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’” (Luke 15:8-9 ESV)

            After graduating from college I received an invitation to become the Assistant Pastor at a small church in a Montana railroad town just north of Yellowstone National Park. They provided a very nice little house next door to the church building. Our second child Nannette was only 10 months old when we came and just starting to crawl. We loved the house, church and town.

            By springtime Nan had learned to walk. Like most children she loved to explore and get into things. She especially liked sparkly items. One Sunday morning I went to the church building to finish preparing for Sunday School while my wife got the girls and herself ready. Between Sunday School and Worship service Brenda approached me in a state of panic. She could not find her diamond wedding rings. While getting ready Nannette searched her jewelry box. My wife found our daughter playing on the little patio just outside the back door. She was afraid Nan took the rings outside and lost them somewhere in the yard. The Worship Service was starting in ten minutes but this terror-stricken wife needed immediate attention.

            I literally ran back to the house and went straight to the patio. I stood by the edge of the cement slab and did a very quick search, the sun directly overhead. Looking straight down I saw something sparkle between a couple blades of grass. I carefully reached down and pulled out my wife’s rings. When I arrived at the church with rings in hand there was much rejoicing and Nan’s life was rescued. J

Look at all the coincidences making this hunt successful: Home at the exact time the sun was positioned overhead at the perfect angle, starting my quest at the patio and being positioned right over the ring, able to see a sparkle caused by sun rays through blades of grass.

            My experience reminds me of the woman in Jesus story. Already having nine coins she became excited finding just one and wanted others to rejoice with her.

            A great secret to gaining thankfulness is valuing something by how much it is appreciated, not by its price. My wife has received much more costly jewelry since then yet those rings are considered irreplaceable.

            When people see the same blessings everyday they eventually stop noticing their value. When they stop noticing they quit appreciating. When they quit appreciating they stop thanking. When they stop thanking they start complaining. By this point they forget the Lord, the only One providing benefits full of wonder.

             Remember the counsel of Paul: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17 ESV)

            You will not forget your blessings if you thank the Lord for all things. How well have you cultivated a thankful attitude?  One way to remain grateful is by having reference points.

            I recently had a conversation with one of my grandchildren and asked a generic question about how he was doing in school. He responded, “Good!” To gain a better understanding of his classroom performance required more specific questions. A point of reference helps measure what good means and places value on the treasure of good experiences.

            Five reference points will help you appreciate finding the riches that normally go unnoticed.

Hypothetically trading places

            Years ago a popular television show was on the air called “Trading Places.” Close friends would remodel each other’s house within a 48 hour period. The completed work was well received most of the time. Occasionally the changes were clearly not appreciated. Friends were hoping and wanting to help, yet some thought the appearance of their home ended up ugly.

            Although the United States may appear ruined and increasingly ugly, over 90 percent of the world’s population would be thrilled to trade places with an American right now. Starving people would love to sit at a finely set table filled with tasty foods and delicious desserts to eat a turkey meal, instead of rummaging through garbage dumps.

            Visit a third world country with mud huts and diseased infested streets. They make the poorest neighborhoods in America look like luxury condominiums.

            Do you find yourself complaining about your aging vehicle? Millions of people in foreign countries walk or ride animals to their destination, mostly walk.

            Are you willing to change your clean water from a kitchen faucet for water from a source filled with parasites? Multitudes would love clean water. Some people have no choice but to drink water wherever they can find it.

            God does not want you feeling guilty having pleasant surroundings. He just wants you to be grateful. And He wants you to help the less fortunate.

Remembering lean years

            Occasionally I incorporate the early years of marriage into my writings, a time when we hardly had even the bare necessities. My intention is never to gain pity. We benefited greatly from the lessons in the days of small beginnings, but I never want to forget how fortunate we have it today.

            My dad’s father died when he was only sixteen. He dropped out of high school to support his mother and brother. The Great Depression hit America. He lost his job, went back to school and got his diploma. His lunch during high school consisted of whatever he could buy for ten cents. World War II followed the Depression and he went to war. By the time my sister, brother and I were born things began looking up for the family, a nice house in a pleasant neighborhood, with delicious food, warm clothing and reliable transportation. Throughout my upbringing he spoke of his lean years and was grateful they had not continued.

            Stirring up memories of less fortunate times creates a reference point to thank God.

Losing and recovering blessings

            Sometimes people do not realize the value of their blessings until they lose them. Many say they hate their job until out of work. Some complain about spouses and kids until the marriage fails or kids runaway.  People at fitness centers occasionally bellyache about exercise until injured and unable to do their workout.

            When situations turn around attitudes are transformed. A job becomes priceless. A restored marriage and a runaway child back home feels heavenly. A leg or arm fully mobile once again brings deep-seated satisfaction.

            These become reference points of thanksgiving, making people know what it is like going without.

Comparing a worse situation

            Clarence was a very poor man with a large family. It took every penny to take care of his six kids. Three had worn out their shoes but the family needed a washing machine. He started looking for a used appliance.

            An ad was posted in a newspaper and he went to the home. The couple offered to sell it at a very low price. Being able to buy both a washing machine and three pairs of shoes made Clarence very appreciative.

            Expressing his gratitude to the sellers he casually added, “I bet you’ve never had to worry about buying shoes.” The woman started to cry and left the room. Her husband explained, “We only have one child and she has never walked a step in her life, she’s never worn out a pair of shoes.” Clarence went home with a used washing machine and a new reference point.

            People would do well to remember circumstances could be worse.

Experiences not happening to you

            Dale Carnegie went through a prolonged period of depression. To pull out of despair he wrote a list of everything important to him. He then imagined life without these things. He included a number of hypothetical tragedies – his children in jail, his wife leaving him, being flat broke, his health ruined.

            After completing his list, Carnegie drew a line through each misfortune that was not true, which ended up being the whole list. His reference point for thankfulness was the bad things that never came to pass. His depression lifted. Thank God for the numerous tragic experiences not happening to you.

Thanksgiving

            By using reference points you gain the ability to appreciate the wonderful blessings you have and the unpleasant moments you have escaped. Have a blessed Thanksgiving day.

GOD, who are You?

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"Personal reflections on the nature of God by exploring His titles and names in Scripture."

BREAKING THE CIRCLE OF FAILURE

But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 ESV)

            Biblical truths can sometimes become abused. Heresy is usually not a blatant lie. An element of believability must be present for people to be deceived. Heresy disguises itself as a truth stretched to the realm of untrue. Sometimes well-meaning people mistakenly promote distortions but, nevertheless, somewhere along the way God leaves, cravings take over and heresy is created.

            Has this happened to the topic of success? Should people of faith expect material riches? Not long ago church leaders could not use the word “success” without believers assuming they should be wealthy, prevented only by lacking faith. Is success just a doorway to worldly prestige, possessions and power?

            Success is not evil, even though ambitions and reasons for wanting achievement can be impure. When motives are unwholesome God always knows true conditions. Everyone is judged under the light of divine truth.

            To abuse the concept of success is wrong and to be thoroughly opposed to success is equally wrong. If success is evil a person will only be righteous by failing. The Bible, however, consistently encourages believers to have great dreams, to possess thoughts of such magnitude that only God can receive glory when the imagining becomes reality.

            Scripture also challenges believers to strive, do their best and excel in every endeavor. Results are out of their hands but motivations should be to give maximum effort and performance.
            Unfortunately, many fail before they ever start. Some make provisions to fail more than succeed. What causes failure? Three things: Sin, wasting time and the circle of failure.

Sin

            Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1 ESV)

            Sin can entangle those attempting to live everyday for Jesus. Sin wraps itself around the legs like a cord and trips believers before they reach the goal line of glory.

            People of faith, recorded in Scripture, became failures by sin. Samson was brought to ruin by debauchery, orgies, yielding to temptation and contemptuous treatment of divine ability.

            David tarnished the remaining years of his kingship by adultery and murder. He genuinely repented and received forgiveness but the consequences of his actions led to moments of failure and national tragedy.

            Solomon worshiped the gods of numerous wives, ruining his reign as king.

            The devil does not care how high anyone soars as long as he can trip them up in the end.

            How does sin bring failure?

            It divides. Sin causes separation from God, failing eternally. Sin separates husband and wife, failure in marriage – parent and child, failure in the home – employer and employee, failure in career.

            It drives. Sin drives you away from good habits that lend themselves to success. Sin takes you to places you should not go, to do things you should not do. Sin drives your life and often dictates actions.

            One thing clearly driving Americans today is appetite. The land of plenty has become the home of obesity. The stomach drives people more then the Holy Spirit, the appetite becoming a god.

            It dulls. Sin dulls a sense of opportunity. You lose a sense of alertness to the Holy Spirit who attempts to lead you on successful pathways. Sin dulls your relationship with Jesus, the Leader of your life and the Light of your way.

            Ultimately, it defeats. When someone is divided, driven and dulled by sin, they easily throw in the towel of despair. Sin, by its very nature, overwhelms and makes people failures.

Wasting time

            Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV)

            Are you failing to maximize opportunities? The average person is able to do more than they think possible.

            I led construction teams to El Salvador on a few occasions. Each work day was backbreaking. I ended the days doing a 30 minute run around a soccer field, sometimes adding a jog up a steep hill. One year a couple of workers decided to participate in my routine.

            One guy, an inexperienced long-distance runner, began with a burst of energy but quickly slowed down. I caught up to him and became a pacesetter. A lap around the track took about 30 seconds. At the 28 minute mark I heard him saying repeatedly “four more laps,” doing a countdown with each lap.

            Near the end of the last lap I challenged him to a half-lap race. He picked up speed and zoomed ahead. He won and was thrilled with his success. I revealed my motivation. I said “Never stop simply because of circumstances. There is plenty of will after the mind wants to quit.”

            Doing a job is more than just going to a work place. Measure productivity! What did you accomplish? Advancement comes by demonstrating trustworthiness, competence and reliability. When you curb the unnecessary, you will be more productive. This translates into measurable success.

            Busyness does not mean blessedness and the urgent is not always the important. There is a place for saying, “No!” Do you find yourself often motivated by “if I don’t do it, it won’t get done!” Maybe you should ask yourself, “If I don’t do it, should it be done?” Do things you are passionate about; you do not have to do everything. And do not allow others to cause you to feel guilty for not doing their unrealistic expectations.

            Sin and wasting time leads to failure. Sin deters – you “miss the mark” of success. Wasting time deters – you miss God-given opportunities.

The circle of failure

            The circle of failure draws it strength from sin and wasting time. The circle is a series of mental blocks suppressing creativity. They become communicated in many ways.

            Commonly used blockages include the following:

            “I’m poor at ___________________.”  I was poor working with hand-tools but became a missile technician and glazer (glass worker).

            “I’m lousy at __________________.”  I was a lousy speller but became a writer.

            “I’m shy.”  Does this prevent you from doing activities involving standing in front of others?

            “I’m not good at talking.” If this was unchangeable then God made a mistake choosing Moses. D.L. Moody was frequently criticized for poor speaking ability.

            “I’m uncoordinated, awkward or clumsy,” Are you excusing yourself from participating in a favorite sport?

            “I’m ugly.” In 1975 Janis Ian made famous the song “At 17,” which included the phrase “the world is meant for beauty queens.” This inaccurate perception seems real to teenage girls.

            “I’m German, Italian, Irish, Swedish or Scottish,” stereotyping bull-headed, hot-tempered, brawler, stubborn, cheapskate. Heritage is no reason for failure.

            “I’m not white.” Asian American, Arab American, African American, Latin American, Native American – sometimes people blame poor attitudes and actions on their race and skin pigmentation.

            “I’m old.” Colonel Sanders started Kentucky Fried Chicken after he retired, in his sixties. George Burns wrote in How to Live to be 100, “You don’t have to worry about getting old, that’s inevitable, you have to worry about rusting.”

            “I’m Pentecostal.” Some consider that beliefs disqualify them from opportunity. A greater tragedy is compromising beliefs to gain opportunity.

            The circle of failure has five basic components: “I’m a failure” … opportunity … join … “I can’t!” … Why? Because….

            Here is an example:

            “I’m shy.”

            “Come join the worship team.”

            “I’ll join.”

            “But I can’t!”

            “Why? Because I’m shy!”

            Here is another:

            “I can’t spell.”

            “Write an article for a newsletter.”

            “I’ll try.”

            “But I can’t!”

            “Why? Because I am poor at grammar!”

            People stop themselves from trying before they even begin, staying bound to feelings of inadequacies. Are you making provisions to fail instead of succeeding, living in the circle of failure?

Living for Jesus breaks the circle of failure

            And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV) 

            Jesus is in the refinement business. He helps you strengthen your strengths and manage your weaknesses. As a follower of Jesus you are changing all the time. With faith in God you can look at shortcomings and say, “That’s the way I use to be but in Christ I will not be that way anymore.”

            You break the circle of failure by replacing “I can’t” with “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 ESV)

Application

            Jesus breaks the barriers of life. Put aside sin and redeem the time, then trust Jesus to work good changes in you.

            Failures of the past need not have power over you. Jesus is in the process of making you successful “with ever-increasing glory.”

CHRIST CELEBRATION

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:4-14 ESV)

            The word Christmas comes from combining the words “Christ” and “Mass.”  The holiday is a celebration of Christ. You are rejoicing about His coming to earth.

            Years ago Brenda and I went to Florida in December to see our daughter-in-law graduate from Southeastern University. Part of her graduation gift included a trip to Disney’s MGM studio. A New York City Street setting is located on a back lot. During the evening the whole area was lit-up with millions of decorative lights. It was impressive! While walking down the street simulated snowflakes fell out of clear Florida skies, the flakes being made from tiny dissolvable soap shavings. I do not recommend catching them with your mouth. The visitors were giddy over the fake snow. Christmas is not special because of snow.

            While visiting the Disney complex we also saw the decorations at the Grand Floridian Hotel. A clubhouse-size genuine Ginger Bread House was located in the lobby, along with numerous Victorian Christmas trees. Walking toward the main entrance the song “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” was playing and chestnuts were being cooked on a gas grill near the front doors. The cook gave a few samples and showed us how to open the shell. They were the blandest nuts I had ever eaten and tasted terrible. Not a fond memory. Christmas is not special because of songs about chestnuts.

            Christmas is a celebration of Christ and all He desires for you.

A celebration of love

            Special Love came to earth two thousand years ago – eternal love, forgiving love. Genesis reveals God from the start was making ready a time when He would manifest His love in flesh and blood.

            Children are born out of a love relationship between husband and wife. Jesus came out of a love relationship between God and His world. “For God so loved the world….” (John 3:16)

            Unique to Christmas is not only a celebration of the Father’s love but also the Son’s love. Jesus did not have to come; He wanted to come. There was no coercion for Him to give up a throne in heaven and come to earth. Philippians declares He humbled Himself – He emptied Himself of His rightful position, took on human form and became “Immanuel,” God with us.

            Christmas is love in its fullest measure. Without love the meaning of Christmas is lost.

A celebration of giving

            “For God so loved the world that He gave….” (John 3:16) Someone once said, “I have taken commercialism out of Christmas – I no longer give gifts.” Sounds more like a cheapskate. Christmas is giving, a time of year when people think beyond themselves. The world would be a miserable place without “giving” hearts. All forms of stinginess only intensify society’s ills.

            Alleviating human suffering requires more than money, it takes people willingly giving time and talent. As people freely give time to help others, they make church meaningful and beneficial to the community and beyond.

            Be found giving during this celebration of giving. Give testimony of Jesus to those not knowing Him. Give essential items to those in need. Give yourself to others in beneficial ways.

A celebration of sacrifice

            Mary and Joseph sacrificed reputation. The shepherds gave a sacrifice of praise. Simeon and Anna gave a sacrifice of service. The Wise Men sacrificed time and treasures. Jesus sacrificed His life.

            Part of Christmas involves a spirit of sacrifice. You can give a sacrifice of praise when gathering to worship. You can present your life as a living and holy sacrifice to God before neighbors and friends. You can be sacrificially involved in various activities of church and community. You can consistently go beyond the expected and into the realm of sacrifice for His kingdom.

            Jesus gave instruction in the Sermon on the Mount. Do you carry a soldier’s gear for one mile?  No, for two! The first is compulsion, demanded by civil law. The second is testimony, given by divine grace.

            Do we forgive seven times? No! Forgiveness is a lifestyle and done as long as it takes for others to see Jesus.

            Sacrifice will always cost something. Sacrifice may even be agonizing, involving pain similar to the labor pains Mary experienced the first Christmas. This is part of Christmas.

A celebration of joy

            The angels proclaimed, “Good news of a great joy….”

            Think about grumpy Mr. Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic. What makes for a Christmas scrooge is not consumerism or traditions of Santa Claus. A scrooge comes from the loss of genuine joy.

            What changes the heart of a Christmas scrooge is not remembering the past, seeing the present and fearing the future. The human heart is only changed by responding to the Good News of Christmas joy.

            Jesus is the provider of joy – deep-seated, thirst-quenching, load-lightening and soul-satisfying joy. If someone lacks joy at Christmas it is not because of circumstances and situations. Joy comes from the announcement made by angels. Christmas joy embraces the good news about Christ.

A celebration of good will

             Christmas speaks of kind attitudes, of benevolence. The celebration is about wishing others well and being compassionate towards one another. The celebration is about reaching out to those less fortunate and demonstrating they are not forgotten. The celebration is about contacting someone from the past with expressions of gratitude, of saying thanks through Christmas cards to people making a difference in your life.

            The church is a divinely-designed community that cares about others and desires God’s best for everyone. December 25^th and the events leading up to the day gives the world a glimpse at what followers of Jesus are like all year round. Christmas is good will to all, a testimony of faith in God.

A celebration of service

            Jesus came as a servant born in humble surroundings, not royal comfort. His actions were of a servant, not a king. A major statement about His kingship is Servant of all.

            When you think of Christmas, think of service. Mary gave service caring for the defenseless Infant. Simeon gave service dedicating the Child in the temple. Joseph gave service raising the Son of God as his own.

            What kind of service are you giving?

A celebration of peace

            The hope and desire of people around the world is peace. The desire for peace that founded the United Nations is only achievable through the Prince of Peace.

            Some believe peace comes by strength, others believe by abolishing weapons. Before peace can come to earth, it must first come to the human heart. Soothing a troubled nation requires calming a defiant soul.

            There is no peace on earth until everyone stands on common ground. Faith in God is the only common ground providing everlasting peace. The angels declared, “Peace among those with whom He is pleased…peace among those of His good pleasure.”

            Christmas declares peace is attainable through a right relationship with God, becoming pleasing to Him and conforming to His will.

Application

            For many people Christmas is a merry moment and nothing more. To believers Christmas is a year-long celebration of Christ, a celebration of love, giving, sacrifice, joy, good will, service and peace.

            Celebrate Christ! Show the world the nature of Jesus throughout the coming year.