Not On My Watch

“…consider this:  You do not support the root, but the root supports you.  You will say, ‘Branches were broken off so I could be grafted in.’ Granted.  But they were broken off because of unbelief and you stand by faith.  Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.”  (Romans 11:18-21)

Change has been happening in Christendom since Antioch.  When change stops, organisms die.  Systems die.  Churches die.  I’m not talking about change due to boredom or the need for excitement.  I’m talking about the fluid change that happens naturally when fellowships aren’t afraid to study God’s word within cultural, historical, and spiritual contexts.  Fearless study brings new truths to light, and affirms ancient ones.

God is all-knowing, yet He changed his mind many times.  As individuals and as a community of believers we must remain teachable so the Spirit can guide us toward a deeper understanding of God’s thoughts and desires for the 21st Century church.  

“Organized religion” isn’t faring well as you know, and this includes the Churches of Christ.  Yesterday’s traditions may mimic truth to such an extent that changing anything would seem disloyal to our ancestors if not downright heretical. 

Or maybe we’re so entrenched in old battles that we prefer them over the temporary skirmishes of change.  “Holding the hill” for God is not our job, nor is it within our power.

Some Christians say, in response to change, “Not on my watch!”  Whose watch? God doesn’t depend on humanity for survival, but we act like He does.  Righteous arrogance means well, but it’s still arrogance.  It’s not about you or me.  “You do not support the root, but the root supports you.”

 Missional expediency (my descriptive term) seems be in order, where the prayerful, biblically-informed, flexible body of Christ is inspired to take God’s eternal message to the lost in ways more appropriate (expedient) for this specific time in history.

Richard Rohr articulates it well in, Falling Upward – Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life (2011): 

“If change and growth are not programmed into your spirituality, if there are not serious warnings about the blinding nature of fear and fanaticism, your religion will always end up worshiping the status quo and protecting your present ego position and personal advantage—as if it were God!”

Dear God, relieve us of the bondage of self; take away everything about us that hinders our ability to do your will.  Through your Son we pray, Amen.

Sandra Milholland
Abilene, Texas

Jesus and Joseph: Interesting Parallels

Fathers are wonderful, and are examples for their children!  My father and my Husband, both great fathers, have taken great care through the years to show no favoritism among their children.  One of the patriarchs from the Old Testament did not use that child rearing approach.  Joseph was the “favored” son of Jacob.  It was obvious to all of his siblings that Joseph, one of the youngest, was set apart by Jacob’s gift of the “robe of many colors”, (Genesis 37:3). This Bible story provides examples to help fathers avoid similar heartache created by the jealousy caused by favoritism. Let us compare Jacob’s son and God’s son.

There are several parallels between Joseph from the Old Testament and Jesus in the New Testament:

Joseph interpreted dreams that were predictions of the future

           Jesus was the fulfillment of several Old Testament prophecies

Jospeh was the favored Son of Jacob

           Jesus was the favored Son of God

Joseph was highly respected by scholars for his dream interpretations

           Jesus impressed the leaders of the Temple with his knowledge while a young boy

Joseph received a gift robe of many colors

           Herod put a royal colored robe on Jesus and called him a King

Joseph was beaten and sold as a slave

           Jesus was beaten and crucified on a cross

Joseph felt superior to other people

            Jesus was humble, but knew he had a superior purpose

Joseph moved to Egypt as a result of persecution by his brothers

            Jesus moved to Egypt to escape persecution by Herod the Great

Joseph received a signet ring from the King of Egypt

            Jesus told a parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:22-23) who received a ring from his father

Joseph was treated like a King

            Jesus was and is the King of Mankind

Joseph was exalted by Egyptians

            Jesus was exalted by Angels

Joseph used a cup to entrap his brothers

            Jesus shared a cup with his Disciples

Jacob was told by Joseph’s brothers that his son had been killed by a wild animal.  Jacob was devastated and mourned his son for 30 days.  He was inconsolable.  God also mourned the loss of his own son, Jesus. When Jesus died, the temple curtain split from top to bottom, there was an earthquake and the sun became dark. Jesus rose in 3 days to redeem all mankind who accept his gift.

Dear Lord: Thank you for your humble son who lived on Earth so we may live in Heaven with him.

Sherilyn Svien

Stephenville, TX

Jehovah God

Did you follow the recent story of the destruction of a luxury home perched on a cliff at Lake Whitney? If not, check out http://m.ksat.com/Luxury-home-teetering-75-feet-above-Texas-lake/26435084. This home was built because of the wonderful view of the lake. The homeowners recently purchased the house with faith that the rock cliff would be a firm foundation indefinitely. This was not the case and, sadly, they watched their home crumble as the cliff fell away.  The house was condemned and had to be destroyed to avoid additional safety and environmental problems. Many spectators watched as the mansion fell into Lake Whitney.

I was sitting in my backyard contemplating what had happened and it made me think of America. Many in our country are building their faith on unreliable foundations. Those foundations are developing some deep cracks and lives are crumbling as a result. Many are experiencing the unsettling feeling of insecurity. As each day passes, we are the spectators watching American lives teetering on the brink of destruction.

The word of God is the only reliable, solid foundation to restore a feeling of security. Read first Chronicles, chapter 16. Focus your attention on a few words selected from several of the verses. Jehovah God is calling us to remember!

Vs 8 “Give thanks to Jehovah”

Vs 9 “Sing praises; talk of His works”

Vs 10 “Glory in His name”

Vs 11 “Seek His face”

Vs 12 “Remember his marvelous works”

Vs 14 “He is Jehovah our God, his judgments are in all the earth”

Vs 15 “Remember His covenant is forever”

Vs 23 “Show forth his salvation from day to day”

Vs 29 “Ascribe the glory due Him”

Vs 30 “Tremble before Him, all the earth”

Vs 32 “Let the sea roar, let the field exult”

Vs 33 “Trees sing for joy”

Vs 34 “His loving kindness endures forever”

Vs 35 “Save us oh God and deliver us”

Vs 36 “Blessed be Jehovah, from everlasting to everlasting”       

Don’t be deceived by the many opportunities to build your life on a shifting foundation. Jehovah God is the only solid, reliable foundation.  He is our center, our core, our stability, our guide and our salvation. We are called to live in the world but not of the world.  Take courage from Isaiah 44:8, “Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.” Also, I Samuel 2:2, “There is none holy like the Lord; for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.”

Dear Father, It gives me joy that you are my God.  It would be so sad to live in this world without you. I need you as my center and my foundation for life. Thank you for your promises. Thank you for being my Rock. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that lives within my core to stabilize me.

Terry Smith
Stephenville, TX

Like a Father

The recent observance of Father’s Day was, for me, a special time to remember and reflect on the significant, positive impact my father had on my life.  He was strong and gentle at the same time.  A man of principles and high expectations, yet his humility allowed him to be patient with those that didn’t see things his way.  I appreciated his self-confident nature and never questioned his unconditional love.

I realize the good memories of my father-child experience are not shared by all.  Who knows, in today’s culture, my experiences may even be atypical.  Sadly, some were mistreated by their fathers and some don’t even know the identity of their fathers.  Despite the harsh reality for some families, the positive role model is what was intended in a father, and it is definitely more preferred.

God is likened to a father in the Bible.  Depending on your perspective, this comparison can be an inspiration or an obstacle.  Before you negatively prejudge God’s character, listen to these “fatherly” attributes:

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.  He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.  As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we were formed, he remembers that we are dust.

Psalm 103:8-14

God is a father of love and compassion.  He is sympathetic to our needs.  He is gentle when we make mistakes and patient with our slowness.  He is willing and able to forgive our sins.  God is tender-hearted, wanting us to share in his blessings.  Therefore, he is merciful and kind, even when undeserved.  It is my prayer you will know the Lord God as a father of compassion.

Carl Smith
Stephenville, Texas

Courage Seen, Courage Shown

"Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” 

 --Paul, to the Philippian saints (Philippians 1:14)

Being imprisoned for one’s faith in Jesus Christ was not news to Christians in ancient Philippi.  When Paul and his friends first brought the message of Jesus to this European city, he and Silas were thrown into prison…in the inner cell”. (Acts 16:23ff.)  Years later, imprisoned in Rome for his faith in Jesus, Paul wrote to encourage the Philippians who now also were suffering.   “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” (Philippians 1:29ff.”)

Thus the courage Paul demonstrated through his trials proved a blessing to others that observed such.  They were “encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”  (1:14.) Similarly, we draw strength from the noble endurance of others amid trials who are suffering for Jesus’ sake.  Believers in Asia Minor faced “painful trial” from a pagan world and it rulers.    Peter described such as “…the devil…as a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”(1 Peter 5: 8.) What can one do under such duress?  “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (v. 9.)

Faith and fellowship are two great counterattacks God enables us to employ when Satan attacks us. Faith assures us that God is alive, and in control, and that it pays to serve Him. (Hebrews 11:6.)  Fellowship reminds we are not alone, and that others understand, have endured, and are ready to encourage us.

It may be the faith of ten Laotian believers imprisoned in Vientiane for sixteen months for meeting to study God’s word in the home of a teen-aged sister in Jesus. She and another young Christian lady spent the nights in a male prison, taking turns to lie on the floor of a broom closet, seeking sleep. Some days they were compelled to sit on a corrugated tin roof in the prison under a blazing Southeast Asia sun, or in the daily deluge of monsoon rains.  The saints had been betrayed to the atheistic authorities by a false brother.  It may be the faith of their wives with their babies, continuing to trust God while they waited in hope for their loved ones’ release.  It could be the quiet example of a mother, serving God as she cares for her children while praying night and day for the conversion of her husband, the children’s father. It may be seen in the acceptance of an older saint, burdened with the weakness and diseases of age.  It may be the answers of a babe in Jesus to unfriendly questions about faith in a righteous God, while burdened with concern for friends deceived by the post-modern mantra that “there is neither an Eternal God nor an absolute moral standard.”  Notwithstanding, God as He has in every age, by the faith, courage and hopeful endurance we see in the daily walk of faith by others encourages us.  

In God’s strength let us be such an encouraging example to others around us in our own generation.

Ted Kell

Brownwood, Texas

Dining with the Messiah

Her example is inspiring and fascinating.   She brought her most-valued possession. A courageous and humble act, she washed his feet with her tears, used her hair as a towel to dry them, with great affection she kissed His feet and anointed them with perfume of great value.

 Simon hosted the Messiah in his home.  He doubted Him to be a prophet.  Simon overlooked common hospitality of the day:  no water to wash dusty feet,no kiss of salutation, nor refreshment of anointing oil before the meal.

Jesus knew the hearts & thoughts of both.  He commended her faith, recognized her acts of service expressing great love.  He sent her on her way, reaffirming her forgiveness and blessing her with peace.

Jesus masterfully taught Simon through a parable of debtors.  Simon saw only the sinful past of the woman-seemingly unaware of his own sinful ways, sins tucked away in the heart, yet clearly visible through his actions; pride and doubt among them.

Following her example-let us grow in grace, humility, gratitude, generosity, loving and worship of our Savior. Avoiding Simon’s example-let us be faith-filled, sensitive & repentant of our own sinfulness, less judgmental, hospitable and aware of our desperate need for the forgiveness found in Jesus alone.

Find the complete story in:  Luke 7:36-50      

A well-known Christian song explores the heart of the woman and our own identity within her story.

Alabaster Box by Cece Winans

The room grew still as she made her way to Jesus
She stumbles through the tears that made her blind
She felt such pain

Some spoke in anger heard folks whisper
There's no place here for her kind
Still on she came
Through the shame that flushed her face
Until at last, she knelt before his feet
And though she spoke no words
Everything she said was heard
As she poured her love for the Master
From her box of alabaster

I can't forget the way life used to be
I was a prisoner to the sin that had me bound
And I spent my days poured my life without measure
Into a little treasure box I'd thought I'd found
Until the day when Jesus came to me
And healed my soul with the wonder of His touch
So now I'm giving back to Him
All the praise He's worthy of
I've been forgiven
And that's why
I love Him so much

And I've come to pour
My praise on Him
Like oil from Mary's alabaster box
Don't be angry if I wash his feet with my tears
And dry them with my hair
You weren't there the night Jesus found me
You did not feel what I felt
When He wrapped his loving arms around me and
You don't know the cost of the oil
Oh, you don't know the cost of my praise
You don't know the cost of the oil
In my alabaster box

Each moment we have a choice to live one of these examples; which will the world see in you & me today?

Gracious, Loving Father,

Your great love and faithfulness amaze us.  Thank you for the precious gift and sacrifice of Jesus.  May we live forgiven and free to love all.  Thank you for the blessing of abiding peace.  May we live as gracious and generous “kingdom” people.  May we never forget the debt we can never repay-keep us humble, Father.

Through the name of Jesus, Amen

Mischelle Oliver, Stephenville TX

WARNING: This Post Could Offend Regular Churchgoers.

“I miss seeing you.” - God

That’s the message on the sign outside a church in my rural community.  I feel certain the people who meet there are good, well-intentioned folks.  I feel certain they love God and try to live good lives.  

I just wonder if they believe God only misses seeing people at the building where they meet.

Now, I have no doubts God is pleased to see people at worship services.  I am sure he rejoices at the sight of his people rejoicing.  

My problem with the sign is that I feel like it sends a message that God wants to see us in church and leaves out the greater message that God wants to be present in our lives everyday, in every situation.  Always.  God sees me Monday through Friday at work.  At the gym.  At home.  He sees me on Saturday too.  Where I go, he goes.  

I have been a clock puncher.  One of those people who showed

up at church 3 times a week.  I even showed up at times when I did not want to go because I heard I would feel better if I went.  Does God really want me to feel better about doing something I don't want to do?  Or, does he want my heart and my life every minute of every day?  Does he want me to “go to church” or be the church in every nook and cranny of my life?

“Go and make disciples by baptizing them and bringing them to church…”  Huh?  That’s not what scripture says but it represents my take on the gospel at certain times in my earlier life.  “Do not forsake the assembly” is a phrase that was pounded in my head.  I still believe assembly is important and something I desire but now I think the message should be “do not forsake living as the church at every moment so the lost and hurting will desire to be a disciple, will desire to give their life to Christ.”  I don’t want church attendance to ever be the most important message I can put on my sign.  I want to go much deeper with God and his desire for my life.  

As I write this, I realize people may read it and think, "He's on a soapbox!"  I’m not.  I’m talking to me. You see, I used to follow the Gospel of doctrine and church attendance.  I used to believe if I followed the “rules” and showed up at the building, I was doing God’s will.  It struck me recently when I heard a professing Christian say that “my Christianity does not have anything to do with my job.”  Wow!  Then I realized that is how I have lived most of my life.  I was a Sunday Christian but the rest of the week was mine.  At work, I focused on work and not people.  On weekends, I had fun because we worked hard and played hard and it was time to play.  

God did not miss seeing me at church.  He missed seeing me “be church”.  And, I think, he missed me seeing him anywhere besides a big building.  

Community and relationships are core to the Gospel message.  Church attendance is not.  Love the Lord your God will all your heart, mind and soul is critical.  If I do that right, forsaking the assembly won’t be a problem.  

God wants me to be a disciple.  God wants to see me every day and know that I am living to glorify him. God wants so much more from me than just seeing me on a pew on Sunday and, I am confident he misses seeing me more when I don’t show up to help the hurting and lost than when I fail to show up at the meeting place.  

I hope you enjoy your worship experiences.  I hope you long for them and can’t wait to meet together with the saints.  And, I hope you show up every day knowing God misses you when his disciple isn’t at work, at the gym, on the streets, wherever he needs us and has called us.

Grace and peace.

Jeff Jones

Decatur, Texas