God's Messing

If you are not praying and not going to church, may I tell you why you're not? Forget all the theological junk. You simply do not want God messing with you. Admit it. We want His blessing but not His messing. Joe McKeever
There was an old time "fire and brimstone" preacher filling the pulpit in a small country church. He started off by warning about the perils and dangers of alcohol. A sweet little (old) lady sitting near the front just beamed out Amen after Amen. He moved on to the problem of lust and pornography, which got her to throw in a couple of extra "Praise Ga-a-a-a-w-w-wwd"s. When he jumped on the smokers, she jumped up and shouted "Preach it, Brother!", and it just kept rolling and rolling. But when he started in on those who had a snuff-dipping addiction, she hollered on her way out the door, "You've done quit preaching and gone to meddling!"
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say? Luke 6:46
I bet that woman had never taken a "drink" in her life. She probably wasn't struggling with lustful thoughts, and if she thought about smoking, it was only to comment, "That stinks, and it's killing you!" But when it got down to her personally, it was a different story. Most of us have more in common with her - and the Pharisees - than we'd like to admit. Seeing someone else's struggles is much tastier (easier) than dealing with our own, isn't it? But then, when we're faced with our own guiltiness, we'd rather run away than face it and deal with it. When God's Holy Spirit starts doing His work in our life - convicting of sin, righteousness and judgment - we'd much rather avoid it. And to avoid it, we avoid the places He's likely to show up - our churches, Bibles, and Christian friends. If only God would let us come and get a Warm Fuzzy Feeling and not trouble our consciences!
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21
Umm, did you get that? God's "messing" IS God's Blessing! If He left us to our own devices, we would choose lives of selfish indulgence that would lead us to destruction, so He blesses us with indignation at our sin so we won't assume we're all right when we're not. When we seek His blessings, we are really seeking for His messing, too, which is good since they are a "package deal". You don't get one without the other, because they are 2 sides of the same coin. His blessing is for His own, and His own do His will - even when it goes against their human wants. And I really like what someone much wiser than I said: "God's Will is what we would choose if we had all the facts."
We never have ALL the facts, but we can trust the One who does, so let God's messing lead you to God's Blessing!
Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Metamorphosis

Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
When you compare a caterpillar with a butterfly, you find a host of differences. The caterpillar eats leaves, the butterfly sucks nectar. The caterpillar looks yucky to most girls - hence the squeals and squirms - while the butterfly is gorgeous - hence the "ooo"s and "ahhh"s. And of course, one crawls slowly and the other flits gloriously. Who would ever imagine there's a connection between them?
Maybe you've done what I did as a child. I watched a caterpillar spin a cocoon about itself on a limb, took the limb and placed it in a mason jar with holes punched in the lid, and waited an eternity (10 days or so) until the butterfly emerged - when it was admired, and then released.
They call that "metamorphosis", from the Greek for "change of shape", usually translated transformed in the Bible (like in that verse at the beginning). The change in our minds from a relationship with Christ is supposed to be a metamorphosis - such a dramatic reorganization of our attitudes, actions, and goals that it's unimaginable that one springs from the other. It's miraculous to find that a lowly caterpillar becomes a lovely butterfly, and it's even more miraculous to find a person transformed from sinner to Saint. So how could such a thing happen?
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17
The Greek word for "repent" - metanoia - is a sort of word cousin to metamorphosis, meaning "change of mind". As a person repents - turns from their sinful ways and turns toward the life of faith - a transformation begins. It doesn't always look lovely, it's never very easy, often painful, and sometimes it seems to be taking forever, but it IS happening. We are being transformed from objects of disgust and disdain to inspirations of Joy and Wonder.
Do you see us in our caterpillar phase and doubt we'll ever soar to the heavens? Honestly, we do too. But we are Standing on His Promises, Acting on His Principles, and Becoming like His Portrait, and so can you! Repent, and begin the Metamorphosis to a Heaven-bound Glory...
Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. But we know that, when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is. 1 John 3:2

Something Amazing

Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Luke 2:25-26
In the movie The Incredibles, Mr. Incredible is a super-strong former hero living a government ordered quiet life undercover. One day, furiously frustrated with his life and his car, he picks it up off the ground and is about to hurl it into the air when he hears a small boy behind him. He puts the car down and walks into the house with exaggerated nonchalance. The next day when he comes home, the little boy is there, so he asks "What are you waiting for?"
"I don't know. Something AMAZING I guess."
"Me too, kid. Me too."
I love that scene. It reminds me that I often find myself waiting for something Amazing, too. Especially when there's a tree in my house and wrapped boxes under it!
But look at Simeon. Day after day, week after week, waiting for the revelation of God to come to pass. Was it years, maybe even decades? I get antsy waiting in line at the store! But Simeon endured patiently. Having received God's promise, he believed it and kept watching for it. And one day, Something AMAZING...happened!
[Simeon] took [baby Jesus] up in his arms and blessed God and said,“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation..." Luke 2:28-30
Mr. Incredible spent his days and nights reminiscing about days gone by, his "Glory Days". His dreams of the future are the simple desire to relive the past, but better.
But Simeon has a different perspective. He is keeping his eyes open, and he is putting himself in a position to be part of something New, and yes, something Amazing - the fulfillment of God's Promise.
If you're reading this, the hysteria over the Mayan calendar has gone the way of the Y2K bug and the many other End of the World scenarios that have captured popular imagination over the years. Many times when we think about the Promises of God, that's the kind of scene we think about. Fire from Heaven. Earthquakes. Devastation. Antichrist. Those things WILL happen...in God's good time. But the promises I'm thinking about are pretty Amazing without a Doomsday feel. Promises like "My joy will be in you, and your joy will be complete", or "Lo, I am with you always", or "Peace I give to you. MY peace I give to you," or "Come unto me you weary ones, and you will find rest for your souls."
In this season, we remember Something Amazing because of Some ONE Amazing, the One Simeon found. When you find that carols and trees and lights and packages don't open the Amazing door, come to the One this season is named for. Come to the Lord's Christ, and let the amazement begin!

Sleep in Heavenly Peas?

Have you ever wondered what would be so heavenly about sleeping in peas, or just who John Virgin was, and what made him so round? One kid had drawn the manger scene, and off to the side was what looked like a snow man. His mom "ooo-ed and ah-ed" over his artistry, but said, "I don't think Frosty belongs here".
"Oh, that's not Frosty. That's the guy we always sing about in "Silent Night". You know, Round John Virgin."
Close! Funny how 'almost the right word' can be so, well, funny. Like the teller at the burger joint we stopped at. After she took our order, she asked my name to put on the receipt. I told her, she typed it in and handed me my copy. I glanced at it and snorted cola out my nose. "Wreck".
Ok, it was noisy, and I tend to save my outside voice for outside (or the pulpit), but "Wreck"? Who uses a name like that? Well, it was worth a chuckle, and then we forgot it. Until a couple of weeks later at a different restaurant in a different town, when the woman thought I said "Fred". Maybe I should start wearing a name tag. Or working on my enunciation. But I'll probably just blame them for not paying attention.
For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for war? 1 Corinthians 14:8
Back in the days before walkie-talkies, military movements were directed by bugle calls. You had calls for Charge, for Retreat, for Left and Right and more. There were a sufficient number that some sounded alike, and a commander had to be sure he had heard correctly. Otherwise, he might be zigging when he should have been zagging and be out of place or in the way. The bugler was given no leeway for winging it or improvisation - jazz musicians need not apply! He had to be both clear and precise in sounding out orders, or chaos was going to disrupt everything.
As a preacher, I'm very concerned that I be heard AND understood. If it's important that messages not be garbled in mundane matters, how much more important is it that they be clear in heavenly ones? So let me be clear: Eternal life, salvation, "getting right with God" is NOT about your denomination or baptismal status. It's not about your bank account or the kind of car you drive or the good things you're going to get around to doing "one of these days". What must you do to be saved? Here's what the Bible says:
...because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:9-10
Want more?
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17
Hope that clears it up for you!

In The Black

Did you find any great Black Friday deals? Retailers certainly hope you did! For many of them, this is the "make or break" day in their fiscal year. It accounts for up to 30 percent of sales and 50 percent of profits. It actually pays for the rest of the year for them. I guess that's why you see items for sale that you usually don't associate with Christ. Liquor and lingerie. Jerky and Jacuzzis. Armoires and ammunition. To be fair, you can't really blame the retailers. They are just selling what they sell and trying to take advantage of the seasonal shopping frenzy.
Black is actually not one of the colors I usually associate with Christmas. Biblically and historically, it is generally more associated with famine, disease, and death. Red, green, and white are more likely to put me in a holiday mood, but for those making their living during this season - getting "in the black" financially - they may be ready to remake Bing Crosby's greatest hit to fit THEIR "dreams". Great cash-flow, empty shelves, debts paid. Which brings us to our point.
As a pastor, I often encourage people to "Put Christ Back in Christmas", and I don't really mean putting a baby doll in manger scene. I mean getting a grip on why we celebrate His birth. No doubt there were millions of babies born that night, but only one we really remember, and not mainly for the circumstances of His birth. We remember Him because of a very black Friday, the blackest in all history:
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30
"It is finished." Three English words, one Greek word: "Tetelestai". It's root carries the meanings "ended, completed, perfected", but it had a commercial application. Suppose you made a deal in the marketplace. "Give me 20 jars of oil today, and next month I'll pay you for 25." The dealer writes down the particulars, you sign it, and take your oil home. Next month comes around and you show up with the cash, the dealer pulls out the bill, you pay up, and he writes one word across the bill: "Tetelestai". We need three English words here, too: "Paid in Full".
On that Blackest Friday, out debt was fully paid. He who knew no sin became sin for us, took on Himself our just punishment, and wrote "Paid In Full" across our ledger of sin-debt. For all who call on Him, He puts "In The Black" forever. As for me? This year I'll be "dreaming" of a NEW Christmas color.

I'm dreaming of a Black Christmas
Because my sins are washed away
And the debt that I owed, Christ paid so I'd go
To live with Him in Heaven some day! (to the tune of "White Christmas")

And if you're not In The Black spiritually, it's time to get your debt paid!
For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Foreign Gods

And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 7:3 “Oh, come on! This can’t be for today.” “Why not?” “Foreign gods. Ashta-whatevers. Give me a break!” “Ashtaroth, the goddess of the moon and fertility, in many ancient places the epitome of sex. You don’t think we live in a sexualized society where people focus on it to an unhealthy degree, where manipulation and exploitation are rampant? Don’t you own a TV?”. “I see where you’re going with this. You’re gonna start beating me up with your Moral Majority club, aren’t you?" “Not exactly. It’s more about idolatry than morality. I know you’re a church member, you’re there most Sundays, and most people would call you a good Christian, right?" “Of course I am. I joined the church with my whole family back when Brother Buck Ripsnorter was the preacher. Best thing I’ve ever done." “So, you’re a part of God’s Kingdom, then, and He has made your heart His home." “Absolutely!" “So, anything you love or let your mind dwell on has a place in your heart, His home. And since wherever He is, His heavenly kingdom is, and anything that’s not of Heaven is by definition, ‘Foreign’. If you’ve ever harbored ungodly thoughts you’ve been harboring foreign gods and Ashtaroth." “uh...um...like what kind of thoughts?" Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 “So, uh, hypothetically, if I’ve been giving a place to ‘foreign gods’, what should I do?” “Just what Samuel said. Put them away. Clear them out. Give your heart completely over to the God of your salvation, then watch Him whip all those temptations and foreign influences and make you free.” Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28 -30

Treasures

I have stored up your word in my heart, ​​​​​​​that I might not sin against you. ​​​Psalm 119:11 ​​​​​​​​ My kinfolks accuse me of reading the dictionary for fun, which admittedly isn't far from the truth. Back in the "olden days", if you asked a teacher what a word meant (or how to spell it), she would point to the big classroom dictionary and say the magic words: "Look It Up Yourself." So, up you'd get and proceed to the 50 pound dictionary-on-a-stand and begin turning pages. Talk about "Old School"! Of course, if you kept turning too long, there was a series of throat clearings (ahem - Ahem - AHEM!) followed by "Stop Dawdling", and finally the command to "Take your seat!" To be fair, I learned a lot along the way to looking up something else. Makes it annoying to watch "Jeopardy" with me (so I've been told), but it didn't always help my grades. If you're supposed to be doing a report on elephants, but spend 2 hours rabbit-trailing from "archipelago" to "zygote"...well, there's not a lot of overlap. All you teachers out there who want to scold me for my lack of concentration and self-control, let me just say, "THPBBBTTT!" One of the MANY things I love about the Bible: There's ALWAYS overlap! ​​​​​​​​Your word is a lamp to my feet ​​​​​​​and a light to my path. ​​​Psalm 119:105 Transforming truth glows on every page. Connections are discovered between Ruth and Romans, Ecclesiastes and Ephesians, ancient heroes (and sinners) and modern Me. Many, many times I've faced a conundrum ("L.I.U.Y."), looked up to Heaven with a "Lord show me what to do", opened at random (Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous), and found the Answer I needed. We used to call that "Inspiration by Gravity", but I'm always finding treasure in God's Word and I don't think it's random chance. I "faith" (believe, trust, and expect) instead that He is guiding my eye. Of course, when you've got it in your heart you can find that Answer by listening for that "still small voice" who can call to your memory the right word at the right time. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13 Find the Key to the Wisdom of the Ages, the Treasure of the Word of God, and enjoy the Blessing of eternal riches!