Choosing

Over the course of time events take place in our lives which cause us to evaluate our relationship with God, decide whether our beliefs about God and His Word are real, or abandon our beliefs about God for a new set of beliefs.  Often these visceral moments are brought on by a tragic event or series of events, although they can come from a contemplative moment in life.  As I spoke with the officers of Dayshift B this past week at the Florence Police Department during roll call, I asked them to consider this scenario where we are called on to make a decision whether we believe the Word of God to be true or not.  While we often do not want to admit it, there are times when we will look at the Word of God and want to believe portions of it to be true yet wish to overlook them or ignore certain aspects of His Word. 

Several years ago I heard a preacher speak on this subject and he called it “cafeteria style” Christianity.  His reference to this smorgasbord is that while we go through the line of a cafeteria we often will select the foods which we enjoy and suit our palate.  At the same time, we choose not to select the foods which we find repulsive.  For instance, the times I have gone to a “potluck dinner” or a buffet style restaurant I quickly look over the selections and determine what I do not want; you know those foods which are not on the acceptable list for me stomach and taste buds.  As I peruse the selections I am quick to eliminate liver, onions, (casseroles with onions), beets, squash, cold pasta dishes, chicken/tuna/ham salads (because the generally have celery or onions in them) and lately (out of necessity) fried foods!  (Oh how I miss fried chicken!) 

Unfortunately, we let this same mentality creep into our spiritual life in regards to the Word of God.  We often make statements that we agree with the Bible.  However, when it comes to living out the Word of God and letting it become the mantra for our daily lives we choose to ignore certain portions of the His Word.  For instance, we have no problem loving our neighbor, as long as they are nice to us.  In addition, we have no problem submitting to God, as long as His will lines up with our will.  Or, we are quick to take up our cross so long as the cross is pretty, light weight, and conducive with our schedules.  We are even willing to deny ourselves, if we don’t care for that which we deny (i.e. the onion things in life!)  Oh and let’s not forget the “forgive our enemies part.”  We are willing to forgive if….if…well, we have a hard time with that one all the time.   

God does not expect us to pick and choose His commands, directives, and Words of comfort as if we are choosing our next meal.  We are told to come to God with absolute surrender.  We are to look to Him accepting all of His commands.  We must follow after Him in ALL things, at All times, and in ALL ways.  If we begin to pick and choose from God’s Word, then we have replaced God’s directives with our own convictions.  God’s Word must be our Convictions.  The difference in a desire and a conviction is that a desire is a wishful attitude and a conviction is a determined objective.  When it comes to the Word of God which is your attitude?  Is His Word your wishful desire, so long as it aligns with your desires?  Is it your life convictions being obedient in ALL things?  God commands and expects absolute surrender to His ways!  May we live in absolute surrender to God today!

Pastor Ric

An Encourager

There are certain people in our lives that whenever we get around them they seem to brighten our days, and even our lives. One of those is for me is one of our dear saints, Zel Huskey. There are several attributes which Ms. Zel possesses that makes my day better whenever I am around her.  First, there is rarely a time when you are around her that she is not smiling. Her smile seems to be contagious.  This seeming permanent smile is not one which is fake or manufactured.  I believe wholeheartedly that her smile is generated from the inside.  She has a way of looking optimistically at even the difficulties of life from a positive point of view.  When I leave I am smiling outwardly and inwardly.

The second thing which is so endearing about Zel is how she makes you feel as though you are the most important person in the world to her.  From the moment she sees you she offers genuine compliments and praise.  Once again, I do not sense there is anything fake about her words, nor do I believe she is offering praise manipulatively.  She genuinely speaks words of affirmation if not words of prophecy.  By prophecy I mean she says this is what I want to believe about you.  Here is a woman whom could have all the reason in the world to be down and depressed yet she chooses to be upbeat and encouraging.  How can one not leave her presence without feeling better about whom he is or life in general?  She is a true encourager.

We find another example of an encourager in the New Testament by the name of Barnabas.  In fact, his very name means exhorter or encourager.  We see this in several examples in the book of Acts.  First, Barnabas encourages the disciples to trust Paul for they were doubtful of him based on his previous reputation as a persecutor of the early church and Christians.  However, in Acts 9:26-31 we see where Barnabas brought Paul before the disciples offering them words of assurance that Paul had experienced a conversion experience on the road to Damascus.  Later, in Acts 11:19-26 Barnabas is sent to the outer regions of Antioch to encourage the early converts to hold true to their faith in Jesus Christ, even in the face of persecution.  Then finally, in Acts 15:36-41 Barnabas and Paul have a disagreement over whether to take John Mark with them on a missionary journey.  Paul remembered how John Mark had abandoned them on a previous journey in Pamphylia.  Barnabas believed in John Mark strongly and would not abandon him.  In fact, Barnabas and John Mark embarked on their own missionary journey to Cyprus while Paul departed for Syria and Cilicia with Silas. 

In each of these accounts Barnabas believed in either a group of people or an individual and made sure that he offered words of consolation and encouragement.  That is what I see in Zel, a special person who believes the best in people and seeks to bring it out.  I thank God for people like Zel, they are God’s gift of encouragement to each of us.

In closing, what type of person are you?  Are you a Barnabas and Zel or are you one who leaves discord?  God has called each of us to be instruments of peace and righteousness.  While we are human and will fail at times, we must seek to be God’s encouragers here on earth.  Paul told the church at Thessalonica to “…Encourage one another and build one another up…” (1 Thess. 5:11) 

In His Steps,

Pastor Ric

Tough Issues

This past week the President of the United States made history again.  This time he became the first sitting President to official endorse the issue of same sex marriages.  Since then there has been much discussion on the matter from the family dining room to board rooms and from the news analyst to ministers of the Gospel.  Much has been discussed about whether this was a political move to garner additional campaign funds and support or whether there was another motive.  Regardless of what the motive was of the President, the proverbial elephant in the room has been recognized.  In fact the social media outlets have been lit up with people weighing in on both sides of the issue.

The greater question of this controversial debate is not what the public opinion is but what God’s directive on this matter is.  The President has stated that his stance has been one which has evolved over the past few years.  He additionally has stated that according to scripture we should seek to live by the Golden Rule.  To address this we must understand that one matter is very clear when interpreting scripture; we are to never proof text in formulating a theological basis for our position.  Instead, we must constantly look at the theme of what the scripture teaches us on matters which some may consider being a “gray issue.”  While we are to treat one another as we would want them to treat us, we cannot ignore the facts of the scripture which teach that homosexuality is not God’s intended plan for sexuality and relationships.  This is seen in numerous examples throughout the scripture.

To address this topic, as well as other sensitive and difficult issues, I will be preaching a series for the next several on Sunday mornings beginning May 20.  While the issue of homosexuality is one of the issues I will address there are other topics with similar polarization abilities.  As we approach these topics I want us to look at them from the perspective of what God says about them, as well as how we as Christians are to respond toward individuals who embrace these topics in a different manner than we do. 

While I have several topics selected I would love to hear if there are any specific issues you would like to know what the Bible says regarding these sensitive or seemingly “gray areas.”  If there is a particular topic you would like discussed, please feel free to email me that topic at hogheaven@fbcflorence.com or simply drop me a line to the church address.  Although there is a limited time for this series, I would like to address the ones which are the most pressing or garner the most interest. 

I covet your prayers and support as we look to these topics over the next several weeks.  May God speak to us clearly regarding His views but also in how we should treat each other regarding these topics. 

Pastor Ric   

Thanks Mom!

This weekend is a special day we have set aside to celebrate that special woman in our lives, our mom!  Several years ago I ran across a poem by a woman named Marcie Zitz that really typifies who moms are to many of us. The poem goes like this:

A Tribute To Moms

Moms are special people!

Moms get up in the middle of the night to scare off monsters.

Moms get up in the middle of the night to tend to a sick child.

Moms may want something for themselves, but they always put their children's needs first.

Moms give unconditional love even when their children mess up. (A special thanks to my mom for this one!)

Moms take their children here, there, and everywhere even when they would rather take a long bubble bath.

Moms have amazing patience even when their four-year-old whines all day.

Moms get excited over a special gift of a dandelion.

Moms take care of everyone when they are sick, even if the Mom is sick herself.

Moms have a way of making a child feel better even if the whole world seems to be against them.

As I read this I remembered the many times that my mom sacrificed her needs for mine, put aside her desires for mine, and even gave up her personal time to make sure everything in my world was right.  This typical example of a mother’s behavior is best exemplified in the last chapter of Proverbs which has come to be known as the description of the Virtuous Woman or of Noble Character.  While as men we look at this chapter and see a description of what a woman should be to her family, too often women look at it and see a description of what they perceive they are not or where they are lacking.  However, when I think of my mom and the mother of my children I see so many traits explained or detailed in this great chapter.  While mom’s often see their weaknesses I trust we always see their strengths.  While moms tend to downplay their sacrifices, I pray we never miss the opportunity to offer thanks and praise to them.  While moms often would rather us not make a great fuss over them, we would be remiss in speaking of their great accolades.  To this let me quote the writer of Proverbs by saying, “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”  (Pr. 31:29) 

Make sure you express to your mother, and if applicable, the mother of your children your love (agape) and appreciation for all they have done, continue to do, and shall do.  Moms, we love you and thank you.

Pastor Ric

The Demented Dentist and David

This past week I read an article on a news website that really started me thinking, especially in light of some of this past week’s daily readings from our Chronological Read the Bible Through Plan.  The article dealt with a dentist from Poland who had recently been dumped by her boyfriend.  Although there probably is much more to the dumping than the article told it seems that the lady dentist was not too happy with how she had been treated by her ex.  However, she told herself to be professional when he scheduled an appointment with her for a toothache he was experiencing.  Unfortunately for this jilting lover his ex could not contain her emotions once she saw him lying in her dental chair.  She proceeds to give him a heavy dose of anesthetic and removes not just the aching tooth but all of his teeth.  Afterwards she wraps his jaw heavily with bandages and sends him home with the advice you now need to see a specialist.  The man said, he knew something was afoul when the numbness began to wear off at home and he could not feel any of his teeth.  On two side notes, the dumped dentist face charges of medical malpractice and the leaping lover’s new girlfriend broke up with him saying I can’t date a man without any teeth! 

Now I must confess the sadistic side of me finds this story rather humorous in a twisted sort of way but as a Christian I ask myself a few questions.  First, while I might not have gone to this extent to let someone know how they had hurt me, what would I have done?  How would I have reacted or treated them.  Secondly, even if I had not acted improperly, would my heart have been pure towards them?  Would I have had malice, bitterness, hatred, or disdain in my heart?  Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount that if we hold anger in our hearts toward someone we stand in judgment before God just as the one who has committed murder.   Too often we act out improperly or hold grudges in our hearts when someone has said improper things toward us, talked about us behind our backs, or simple slighted us.  However, Jesus commanded us to turn the other cheek when offended but often that is hard to do.  I remember the words to a popular song several years ago by Christian artist Steve Camp which said, “It’s hard to turn the other cheek when the cheek is already bruised.”  Ouch!

Along the lines of this notion of refusing to give into retaliation versus forgiveness one of the readings earlier this week from our Bible Plan told the story of how King David treated Absalom when this young man, who was also David’s son, led an insurrection against him to the point of trying to kill his father.  However, the revolt did not fare well for Absalom for during one of the battles while riding his mule through an orchard of trees he got suspended by his head from a tree.  One of David’s mighty men named Joab went to the helpless Absalom and thrust three spears in his side killing him.  When news of this thwarting of the insurrection by the killing of Absalom reached David he did not rejoice in his safety nor did he even hint of a thought such as, “That will show anyone who tries to come against the king.”  Instead, scripture records in 2 Samuel 18:33 that the king was deeply moved and went to the gate chamber and wept.  David was stricken with grief in that his son, though his enemy, was killed.  Later in the same verse David laments that he wishes that he had been killed rather than Absalom.

My prayer is that I too would have the heart of compassion and benevolence which David displayed when he was faced with dilemma of revenge or forgiveness.  David did not seek restitution; in fact, he did not want harm to Absalom he wanted restoration.  This week if you are faced with a situation where you must choose between forgiveness or anger and hatred ask God to give you a spirit of kindness toward all people.

In His Son,

Pastor Ric

Uninhibited Worship

This past week as I was continuing in the process of reading the Bible through chronologically one of my favorite passages came about in 2 Samuel.  David was making his second attempt to move the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.  The first attempt ended in tragedy when the oxen stumbled and Uzzah reached out grabbing the Ark to steady it.  This simple act ended Uzzah’s life because he broke the procedures for handling the holy pieces of God’s temple.  After a period of time David decided attempt a second move of the Ark to Jerusalem.  This time he had consulted God and followed the proper procedures for handling of the significant piece of God’s temple.  As he entered Jerusalem David danced before the Lord in unashamed fashion.   In fact, we read in 2 Samuel 6:14 that “David was dancing with all his might before the Lord.”  Not only was David dancing before the Lord but he, along with the whole house of Israel, were shouting before the Lord and blowing the ram’s horns.  They wanted everyone to know the full presence of the Lord was entering the city of Jerusalem.  They wanted to worship God with reckless abandonment.

After he had entered the city and offered the burnt and fellowship offerings, David sent everyone to their own homes.  Then scripture records that David went to his home where he was met by his wife Michal, the daughter of Saul.  I imagine that David was in a state of emotional and spiritual euphoria from the processional and offerings.  However, he was not met with favor when Michal greeted him.  Instead, she offered sarcastic remarks of “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” (2 Sam. 6:20 NIV)  Then the king responded to his wife with a cutting tone by saying, “I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.” (2 Sam. 6:22 NIV)

There are three things I glean from this passage which strike me as imperative for worship.  First, David was consumed with the Glory of God.  When we come to the point in our lives where we are more consumed with God than we are anything else or anyone else then we will worship God with reckless abandonment.  David was more consumed with God than he was his exploits, his position as king, or any of his acquired possessions.  What consumes you?  Secondly, David was concentrating of pleasing God more than anyone or anything else.  King David has been attributed as a “Man after God’s own heart.”  This in simple terms means that more than anything else David desired to please God.  While David had his weaknesses and failed at times, he earnestly sought to please God in all he did.  What is your heart’s desire?  Then finally, David was carefree of what others thought.  He did not allow the temptation of being limited in his response to God’s greatness and mercy from fear of human perception.  Too often we struggle with the fear of what others would say if we freely and unashamedly worship God.  David cast off this inhibitor and worshiped God with all his might.  What holds you back from worshipping your great creator with all of your might?

Oh to have the passionate pursuit of God as David regardless of what others say, think, or infer. 

Let’s worship our Lord with all of our might!

Pastor Ric

Psalm 34:19 Adversity and Deliverance

If you have been following along in the ‘Read the Bible through Chronologically’ then you should have read Psalm 34 this past week.  Although this has been a chapter I have read numerous times one verse in particular leapt from the pages as I read it.  That verse was nineteen which reads, “Many adversities come to the one who is righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”  When one reads this passage of scripture much can be interpreted for the phrase.  However, I want to focus on just a couple of thoughts, or words, today.

First when we look at the word adversity most of us immediately conjure up some event or travesty in our lives which we have faced or are facing.  In fact, just the mention of the word can bring back a haunting memory of some past experience.  However, there are some things we must understand about adversity.  I like what Albert Barnes said about this passage in his writings.  He said, “Religion does not exempt the righteous FROM suffering, but it sustains them IN it; it does not deliver them from all trials in this life, but it supports them in their trials, which it teaches them to consider as a preparation for the life to come.”  Adversity has its place in the Christian’s life; the problem is few want to experience the trials and learn the lessons of life.  Someone once said these truths about the problems we face.   

1.      Problems often provide us with greater opportunities

2.      Problems can promote our spiritual maturity (Ps 105:16ff)

3.      Problems can prove our integrity (1 Pt 3:15)

4.      Problems can produce a sense of dependence

5.      Problems can prepare our hearts for ministry (more empathetic)

Source Unknown

As I look at the problems we face I am reminded that they can come from two sources:  internal and external.  A great example of the internal can be gleaned from a story first posted in the March, 1993 edition of Reader's Digest.  The story goes as this.  While assembling their new water bed, Betty and her husband, Everett, realized they would need a hose. Everett dashed to the hardware store and bought one. They attached it to the bed, ran it through the apartment to the kitchen tap and left to wait for the bed to fill. About an hour later they checked on its progress. That's when they discovered Everett had bought a sprinkler hose. His adversity in the day-to-day of life came about by his doing.  Many of us have trekked off in a haste to accomplish a task without fully thinking through and doing a thorough job only to create more of an issue.  If we let this habit carry over into our spiritual life we can create a spiritual mess. 

The other aspect of adversity comes from the external sources.  These trials and difficulties result from life in general to ploys of the arch enemy of our Father.  When facing these we must remember that we are more than conquerors because we fight FROM victory not FOR victory.  However, we too often forget that nugget of gold as well as fail to recognize the source of our adversity.  If we are wise and prudent we will slow to follow the example of Jesus when He was tempted in the dessert for 40 days.  Each of his temptations was overcome by dependency on the Word of God.  As the tempter sought to twist the Word of God for his advantage, Jesus correctly spoke the Word allowing Him victory over temptation and adversity.  In order to become victors we must be students of the Word of God and faithful to call upon the Lord in all things.

In closing let me touch on the other Word mentioned in Psalm 34:19 which intrigued me, delivers.  We are delivered from our adversities not be our might, our wisdom, or our abilities but rather by our Lord.  The scripture reminds us that God is our deliverer in times of difficulties.  He is the one we must call on.  Numerous times the Psalmist reminds us that God is our refuge!  He is our Strong tower! He is our defender!  He is our Rock!  He is our Fortress!  When we call to Him in prayer He is our defender and our deliverer.  While He is our defender take caution lest we demand that He deliver on our time table and in our method.  God is sovereign and will work His divine plan to care for us as He sees best.

Seeking God’s Strength In All Things,

Pastor Ric

P.S.  The Renewal begins this Sunday.  Many have prepared and many have prayed now let’s invite, attend, and see God do His great work.