Wholesome Thinking (2 Peter 3:1-18)

You ought to live holy and godly lives
as you wait eagerly for the day of God to come.
2 Peter 3:11-12

Our souls, like our mind and body, can have warning signs indicating the existence of a serious illness. A prolonged fever or persistent cough will send us to the doctor’s office for diagnosis and treatment. Counseling is sought as we struggle to cope with anger or depression resulting from a traumatic event. Likewise, warning signs exist for a believer with weakening faith. Evil desires distract, impatient voices plead, and the miracle of creation is taken for granted.

Are you losing focus in your faith? Peter writes, “Recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior” (2 Peter 3:2). Self-serving, ungodly men will criticize scripture and make fun of your faith. These “scoffers” assume God’s patience is proof of his neglect. Don’t succumb to their destructive reasoning. Have you invested yourself too much in the here-and-now? Don’t forget that everything you see will be destroyed. Are you satisfied with your present life and fearful of the next life? You’ve got it backwards.

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, offers words of encouragement to the faith community. He wants Christians to be prepared and, moreover, eagerly anticipate the Lord’s certain return. Are you showing signs of an unhealthy faith? Wake from your state of slumber. Don’t live your life satisfied and unrepentant. Renew your emotions and interest for holy living. Remember God’s promised salvation and be inspired. Refocus your priorities, avoiding the distractions. Peter’s words are “reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking” (2 Peter 3:1).

Prayer
Our God, we believe your divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. We ask you to help us to hold fast to your great and precious promises. Help us to fully participate in your divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Encourage our hearts, as we eagerly anticipate the Lord’s certain return and our rich welcome into your eternal kingdom. We pray in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Carl Smith
Stephenville, Texas

If I Could be a Donut...

Fresh, fried and glazed donuts. YUMM!
Krispy Kremes, Duncan Donuts, Daylight Donuts, 7 Day Donuts, Best Donuts.
Where is it, where is the best location for a yummy irresistible donut?
Preachers and Police officers tend to be the ones with the answer; I believe that is their golden rule. “Donuts and coffee with thy neighbor.”

What is it about a donut that can cure so many things?
1. Sunday morning Bible class – donuts always seem to make people smile.
2. Running late – the boss always smiles if you show up with donuts.
3. Teacher workroom – walk in and see a free box of donuts, smiles on faces.
4. UIL students on a bus at 5:30 a.m. – open up boxes of donuts and smiles will begin to appear.
5. Children – donut with sprinkles make smiles appear. (Or make it a bag of donut holes, watch out!!)
6. Men, coffee and conversation - add donuts, world problems could be solved.

Donuts are an easy treat that sweeten up many situations. But what is it about having a donut present that brings the smiles? Is it the unknown consumption of calories, the sweetness of the glaze or just knowing it is a yummy comfort food? Some may see a donut as a “being” whose center is somewhere else. Yet, the donut still is effective and brings joy with its center being somewhere else.

Sometimes things get out of control. Stress tightens it handle, health falls short and family gets…crazy. It would be nice to think that these things don’t matter, but they do. They rule our lives. They cause us stress, anxiety, grief…and did I mention, stress? We prioritize our days with to – do lists and goals of things to get accomplished. Waking up 5 minutes late can get the whole day off kilter. Often times our faith or time with the Lord does not come until we see it on the list or accidentally remember we had forgotten it.

We don’t have burning bushes that flame before us to remind us that we are on Holy Ground, we have not faced 10 plagues to remind us of who is in charge, and we do not have pillars of cloud and fire to lead us in the right direction.

Sometimes we might feel like all we have is a glazed donut. But, if you look at that donut, you might see yourself. A “being” that should try to bring joy to others, whose center is somewhere else. Our center is with Our Heavenly Father. Sure, we are living here daily and trying to make the best of it. That is what we do! But maybe if we keep the donut philosophy in mind, it might make each day a little easier.

This southern girl knows that there are not many things that can bring smiles and conversation to people like a cup of coffee and a donut. Lets all enjoy our donuts a little more this next round. Eat that sweet and remind yourself to bring joy to someone else, because your center is somewhere else. It is with our Heavenly Father!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for allowing us to live on this earth you created. Thank you for the experiences, the memories and the love we have. Allow us to keep our center with you and focused on You. Let us bring joy to others as that will bring joy to you!
Thank you for your Son. Your Son is our burning bush, our pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. Give us the strength to follow him.
In your name I pray ~

Ashleigh Feuerbacher
Stephenville, Texas

Taking it to the Streets

A few days ago I had lunch with a couple of friends and we spent a good part of the time talking about evangelism. One of them made the remark that believers spend a fair amount of time discussing the need to share our faith and strategizing about how to “connect with people” but at the end of the day there is still an awkward disconnect between our intention and follow-through. The other friend weighed in with a few comments on approaches we’ve taken in the last twenty five years, i.e., soup kitchens, friend days, giving away clothes, seminars on various topics, etceteras. But then he said, “We are doing some really good things but I often wonder how much “message” is actually getting through to the people in the streets.” Perhaps you have had similar thoughts.

The early church was a people with a message. And, they knew their message. Scripture doesn’t say anything about gallop polls in the first century. In one street episode after another the Book of Acts shows the early church actually engaging people with the gospel message. And, whether it was – to borrow from Paul – “in season or out of season”, they shared the good news about Jesus Christ and His kingdom. To be sure, the message was packaged in different ways depending on who was being addressed (Acts 17:1-6; 22-32). Nonetheless, the message was “in the streets” to the point that they got slammed with the indictment/compliment: “These men have turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).

Cultural advancement aside, I think the brokenness in human experience that the gospel addressed in the first century hasn’t changed, at least in its basic nature. I think what Jesus said about human beings and, what Paul, or other apostolic writers said about the gospel as truth and our need of it as broken people is as true today as it was when the gospel was first preached.

Each time I read the book of Acts I see the early church “in the streets.” It was a deliberate effort on their part. They talked with people. They asked questions. They reasoned with people (Acts 17:2; 19:8). They presented the story about what God had done in Jesus Christ as not only good news but the best news a person could hear. It was God’s call to them. The way they talked about God's actions in Christ brought people to decision. A decision, after all, was the point of the conversation. Early Christian preaching was delivered with an eye toward “doing something” with the message (Acts 13:44-48; 18:6; 22:18; 26:24-29).

That luncheon a few days ago got me to thinking. I wonder if we spend too much time trying to “figure out” people instead of simply engaging them in conversation about such things as what they believe about what it means to be human, or to live well, or what they think about Jesus?

I’m reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthians urging them to drop the cultural sandpaper and calm the anxiety that was driving them to put a “high buff and polish” on the gospel. He says, “I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). He reminds them that some people understand the message and some people don’t (1 Cor. 2:14-16). In fact, the word of the cross is to those who are perishing, foolishness (1 Cor. 1:18). But, God is well-pleased with the foolishness of the gospel as story (1 Cor. 1:21).

Congregationally, we’ve had some great conversations about everything from worship assemblies to women’s role to what we put on pew cards. We’ve fine-tuned welcome committees and snappy advertising slogans (which are everywhere nowadays). We’ve done demographic studies, completed surveys ad infinitum, embraced small groups and put annual baptismal goals before congregations. The reality is our congregations are shrinking. We have shown maturity in a number of areas, but are we really “on message?” Do we know it? Do we really care about it? And, do we have the courage to speak it?

I have mixed emotions as I think about that lunch conversation. It thrilled me and bothered me. I was encouraged by new ideas and new possibilities but, equally as much, it reminded me of something that we dare not out grow as a people, namely, being people who know the story about Jesus and who are willing to take it into the streets every day.

What do you think? Acts 8:5 says “And they went everywhere preaching the word.” I pray that text becomes characteristic of us soon.

Gracious Father, open our eyes to see the cracks in conversations that provide us opportunity to share your love, mercy and calling with someone. Give us courage to say simply and gracefully what you would have us say so that the power of your gospel can have the opportunity to bring someone to Christ. Thank you for allowing us to be your ambassadors every day. Through Jesus who makes all things new….Amen

Randy Daugherty
Stephenville, Texas

Thin Places...

Not long ago our preacher gave a talk on "Waking Up To God". This lesson was such a blessing. He spoke of a book called, "Thin Places". There are thin places in the world and in our lives. When people talk of encountering God, they often reference some "miracle" event.

But what if the better proof of real encounter with God was in something totally ordinary, more often missed than noticed?

I believe the extraordinary is embedded in the ordinary. We find thin places in events that occur naturally, and will bless us and give us a view of God more clearly if we keep our eyes open to them. Oh to see the beauty and feel the closeness of God even in the midst of the everyday.

He asked the question..."Have you ever had a "thin places" experience?" I could only think of one when he asked but since then have thought of more.

One was, when my grandmother was only a few days away from meeting Jesus and as she lay on her bed she talked to her uncle and other family members in heaven. As she looked at the ceiling she saw them and was so joyful and happy. That was an awesome glimpse for me into the sacred and heavenly.

Another I have thought of since then is how my Mother is blessed by God to hear songs in her dreams. I know it sounds strange, but He gives her songs as she sleeps. She has learned to get up and write them down so that she can remember them. Our family has been blessed to sing quite a few of them over the years. I think she is in a thin place in those dreams drawing close to Him as He blesses her to bring these heavenly songs onto the earth.

Even more than those times that seem extraordinary like the ones above, I believe everyday we can experience the thin places if we only dwell on His word, slow down and listen and open our eyes to "see" Him all around us.

See God in everything...Marvel at everything from a spiritual viewpoint. When I take time to see them or hear them, everyday thin places for me can be...
Hearing my children laugh and the joy I feel when one of the talks about God and about His word and their love and awe of our awesome God.
The flash of color on a beautiful bird or butterfly.
The unbelieveable glory of each and every sunrise and sunset. They are all different and all cry out of God's love for us and that He loves us enough to make gorgeous signs in the sky for our enjoyment.
So many more that touch my soul...sitting by a mountain stream. Seeing shooting stars... holding the hand of an elderly person and seeing the love in their eyes, on and on and on...

Ephesians 5:13-14 says:
13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.
14 This is why it is said:
"Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

Father, please help us to live each day expecting to have encounters with You.
Help us to look for You and how you work in our lives.
Help us please to live in the light and not in the darkness and to study on what pleases You. In Jesus' precious name, amen.

Amy Walker


Nacodoches, Texas

They Were Called Christians

In olden days you had a name that was given to you at birth. Then you had the other name – the name that identified you. This name, in old English, was your “elk” name. Or, as we say it today, your nickname.

This was the name that described you to others. Maybe you were really big, so they called you “Tiny.” Maybe they called you “Red” for the color of your hair. Maybe your occupation became your name; like Shoemaker or Miller. Maybe your character came into play, so you were called John the Good or William the Brave. . . or Black Beard the Pirate.

In Acts 11:26, we learn the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. This was not by the saints, but by the townspeople. Maybe it was meant as a slur; an insult – like, “do-gooders.” Whatever their motivation, it fit and it stuck. These people were “Christ's people.” The significance of the name is important.

This name fit them because they accepted Christ. They put their trust in His identity and agreed with His teachings. If you are a Tea Party member, there are certain things you believe. The list of beliefs would be different if you were a Communist. The name “Christian” fit because they were in agreement with Christ.

The name fit because they followed Jesus. This thing they were doing was not merely an intellectual exercise – they patterned their lives after Christ. They “walked in the light as He is in the light.”

The name fit because they gave up their will for Him. Paul said, “I no longer live; it is Christ who lives in me.” These people thought like Christ, walked like Christ, and followed Christ. No wonder people identified them with Christ.

It is fairly easy to wear the name “Christian” today. We can wear pins on our jackets, bracelets on our wrist, or put stickers on our car bumpers. But I wonder what our neighbors might call us when we are not around.

Do you think they would call us, “Christian”?

Dear Lord, I am overwhelmed when I think of your willingness to identify with me. You sent your only Son to become a man; to identify with me; to take my sins into His own body. So I can be saved!

I am so ashamed of my reluctance to identify with You. I need a new heart – one that is not proud. Help me, Father, to die to self. Help me to stay on the altar. Remove from me everything that tarnishes your name. Forgive me. Save me. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen

Paul Shero
San Angelo, Texas

Spirituality

We don’t like to talk about the Spirit. It makes us uncomfortable because it is not something that can be measured, or put on a checklist. I know when I have followed God’s laws, but how do I know the Spirit is in my life? How do I know the Spirit is in YOUR life? Being filled with the Spirit is the result of forming our lives around God and allowing ourselves to be shaped through Him. Christian spiritual formation is the lifelong process of the Christian person being shaped into Christ-likeness. This shaping is grounded in experience and enacted through intellect, relationships, intentional practice, and the interaction of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians. We are constantly being spiritually formed, but what shape that form takes is dependent on the practices and experiences of each person.

We are called to be part of a community, and this community shapes our faith. But, as a result of our modernistic focus on individualism and an American view that we must be self-made and not rely on others, we have developed a Christianity that requires nothing more than that I “accept Jesus Christ as my own personal savior.” Mainstream Christianity focuses almost exclusively on my own personal decisions to accept Christ, my personal behavior, and very little on the importance of community.

Spiritual formation is not a one time event but a life long process, a journey toward the life of God in the Trinity. We have a tendency to think of the gospel as the source of conversion but not of the gospel life as the continuance of that conversion. We check ‘get baptized’ off our list, but do not continue this path with a spirit-filled life.

The goal of Christian spiritual formation is for an individual person to become part of a community. This community includes the church, the body of Christ on earth, but it also includes being folded into the life of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; the community of the Trinity. We do not serve a God that expects, or wants, people to live isolated lives. Rather we serve a God whose very self is relational and communal. In order to be Christ-like, we must learn, grow and be formed in relationship with other Christians, with the world, and with creation. The life-long process of spiritual formation happens in community; in the way we interact and in the way we serve. But just as our community can be beneficial in forming our spirituality, it can also be detrimental; when we allow ourselves to give in to the pressures of appearance and material wealth, when we surround ourselves with gossip, when we excuse bigotry and hate by telling jokes… What affect does this have on our spiritual formation? What affect does it have on our community? We have to make an intentional effort to seek God’s will in controlling what shapes us, and even more importantly, to control how we are shaping others.

Corey Rose
Brentwood, California

Without Fault and With Great Joy

I don’t know who wrote the statement, “Christ in me makes me fit for earth; to be ‘in Christ’ makes me fit for heaven,” but I find it to be a valid, comforting claim.

This morning I have read, “When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.” Proverbs 10:25

This promise would be alarming and depressing (knowing my own sinfulness and unworthiness) if I didn’t have some understanding of what Jesus has done for me and for you! But I learn from the New Testament writings that because I am “clothed” with Christ, therefore “in Him,” and He “in me,” I am seen by my heavenly Father as righteous. Praise His Holy Name!!

Let these verses of scripture sink deep into your heart:

“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:27

“Christ in you, the hope of glory!” Col. 1:27

“it is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God---that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30

…So…Jesus, being in me helps me become one who makes a difference in this life on earth--who, walking in His light, reflects the fruits of His Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, righteousness, and self-control, etc. These, of course, translate into practical daily applications of how I relate to and treat people around me! Through this He makes me “fit” for being redemptive in my life, forming what I like to call “redemptive relationships” that draw others to Him, thus lifting them up to be the best He has called them to be, too.

…and…Joy of Joys!!! Being in Christ I am given this blessed assurance that “He is able to keep you (me) from falling and to present you (me) before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy--to the only God, our savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore!” Jude 24,25 (parentheses ‘mine’)

Holy Father, I praise You for the gracious rescue You have given us in your Son, Jesus Christ! How I long for the day He will present me before you without fault and with great joy, because He loved me enough to die for me! In His name, Amen.

Jan McCoy
Merkel, Texas