THANKS TO THE YANKEE CLIPPER Psalm 100

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After a nice visit with my parents, my boys and I arrive at Newark airport to fly home.  We walk around to pass the time before boarding our flight.  It’s then that I notice a man sitting all by himself, waiting to get on a jumbo jet leaving for San Francisco.  A solitary figure whom I recognize immediately.

It’s the ‘Yankee Clipper’!  Who?  A bygone Yankee Stadium announcer names him this because he seems to run as fast as the new airplane, the Pan Am Clipper.  Now I’m gazing at Hall of Famer Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio!

Let me say that I first met him years ago when I’m 2 years old.  He visits the polio ward I’m confined to where he gives out autographed baseballs to each of us.  Mine gets stolen.  Oh well.

At Newark airport a thought crosses my mind.  Knowing that Joe D is a shy man, I’m nevertheless impelled to go over and say the following–‘Mr. DiMaggio, sorry to bother you.  But you visited me at the Sister Kenny ward in Jersey City while I was being treated for polio in 1949, and I just wanted to thank you.’  What I’m determined not to do is ask for his autograph, which is almost beyond my control!  All I want is to thank him.  That’s it.  He graciously says ‘your welcome’ and shakes my hand.  Then, as the intended last passenger, he’s ushered onto that jumbo jet.

This Thanksgiving, let’s praise and thank the Lord for being with us as our God, who loves us beyond measure.  Psalm 100:4–‘Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!  Give thanks to him; bless his name!’

Put personal requests on the back burner.  Just for a moment.  Not for long.  I know–we have so many needs this year.  Been such a difficult and scary one.  For us personally, Thanksgiving Day has been blown out of the water.  All family plans scrapped and gutted due to a nasty, unseen bug.

But I’m not going to allow it to put the kibosh on my thanks to Jesus.  No way.  And you?  Time to rise above it.  After all, the Lord loves to hear our thanks and praise.  Means so much to Him.  Remember, He’s not on some jumbo jet, winging His way to parts unknown.  He’s right here.  With us.  Never to leave.  Thank you, Lord!

And a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Thank you for being our God.  We love you.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

MOTEBECANE MOPED 1 Thessalonians 5

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I moped around for months after unsavory thieves did their dirty work on my French Motebecane Moped.  I loved that 2-wheeled wonder.  You could pedal it or move the tiny gasoline motor over the front tire and off you’d go!  I even traversed the George Washington Bridge, chugging through Manhattan, visiting church members in hospital.

This was during the gasoline crisis, when scarce petrol could be pumped only on certain days for so many gallons.  My moped got over 75 miles on a third of a gallon.  Can you imagine?  The gas tank held that tiny amount, meaning I could travel most everywhere, not worrying about running out or declaring bankruptcy !

Until I go downtown to buy a newspaper, carefully watching my moped parked outside the newsstand, but having my vision blocked by what turned out to be some rather shady characters.  Coming out of the store, anxious to get home to read that rag sheet, it hits me.  No moped!   I’ve been robbed!!

The Bible talks about being prepared for Jesus’ soon return.  Soon being a relative term.  Relative to His timeframe and not yours, mine or some know-it-all prophecy, chart-thumping prognosticator.  Whenever it is, it will come just as the Bible says–‘For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night’ (1Thess. 5:2).

Thieves don’t usually send an announcement including their nefarious details.  They didn’t phone me in advance–‘You’ll be robbed Tuesday morning at 9 am at the corner newsstand.  Be there.  Don’t be late.  We’ll be waiting and you’ll be walking home!’

So, get your spiritual house in order.  On highest alert.  Lock up your moped as I didn’t!  Guard your mind and heart by spending time in your Bible.  No speed-reading.  Find out more about Jesus and His ways.  Less about politics (!), money, and time-wasting diversions.  Much less.  Install a security system with spiritual preparedness.

Jesus is coming again.  When?  Whenever.  Don’t be caught off guard.  That’s too easy.  I can tell you.  I just did!

 

Lord Jesus, help us to prepare for your return.  Amen.

 

A TASTY MORSEL Psalm 34

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Maybe you’ve heard this expression–‘Faith tastes the goodness of God’.  Hmm.  Really?  Wonder what that means? Sounds like a mixed spiritual and gastronomic metaphor.  Maybe.  Maybe not.

Speaking of food, my wife cooks marvelous meals, using spices that add depth of flavor.  The air fills with tantalizing aromas.  And left-overs never tossed out.  Never.  Anticipating dinner is pure joy!

How about your hunger, your taste for the things of God?  Wanting to know Jesus better?  Your Bible an eager daily habit?  Praying more than worrying?  Giving money, bringing God’s Kingdom a step closer?  Sharing Jesus with someone else?  Is that your tummy growling?!

Faith that tastes exhibits a personal experience.  Not some erudite, academic prowess but something from deep within.  Passionate and heartfelt.

Does trusting the Lord leave a bland taste in your mouth?  As when fear nudges out faith?  Or that yummy sweet taste, knowing that our Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd taking care of everything?  Which one?

Frankly, I’m a mishmash of a mixed bag!  Some this, some that.  Hands folded in prayer while biting my fingernails all at the same time!  Didn’t know I was so acrobatic, did you?  But don’t be too hard on me or yourself, for the Lord gets it that we’re dust and clay.  Friable stuff.  Easily crumbled under pressure.

Guess what?  Right!  He still loves us, warts and all.  So imagine the super-sized mercy and compassion, kindness and patience of our Lord for His own.  For who?  Yes!  You and me!  Chew on that this week.  Your faith will taste God’s goodness!  Yum!

Psalm 34:8–‘Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!  Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!’

Bon Appetite!

 

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me so much.  Amen.

HARMONY Psalm 15

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Will this week’s election bring harmony to our country?  Have I gone whacko, loco with a screw loose?  No comment from Howdy Doody’s Peanut Gallery, please!  Getting together and cooperating, a thing of the past.  Or was it a phantom which never really existed?  One political comment–the Lord will still be Lord after the election.  God Almighty!  Worry not…as best you can.

Years ago I sang lead in a Gospel quartet called ‘Livin’ Harmony’.  We had four parts all trying to produce one sound.  Practice every week, having a vocal coach pointing out where we need help and improvement.  A full-time job!

Singing in sync not easy.  Our individual volumes have to mesh.  None overpowering.  Phrasing must connect.  Memorization required.  Humor not too corny.  This is heavy sledding.

Psalm 15 begins with a question and ends with a promise.  The question?  Who is welcome to dwell with the Lord? Who are those harmonizing with the King of Kings?

The answer?  Three positives and three negatives.  The positives, found in Psalm 15:2, are Hebrew participles; which, in English, end in ‘ing’.  Those closest to God are walking blamelessly, doing what’s right, and speaking truthfully.  Walking…doing…speaking.  Harmony.

The negatives are found in verse 3.  Not mouthing off as a backbiting mudslinger.  Not plotting something rotten against your neighbor.  Not being green-eyed jealous of friends.  I’ve done some of these.  And you know what?  None did me one bit of good.  Not one.  All groaned and moaned in total disharmony.  Notes way off key.

So, exit the negative.  Cut it out.  Harmony travels Jesus’ way.  Tipping my behavior toward what He wants.  More positive.  Less, well, you know.  Jesus helps us get up when flattened and floored.  Back on track after going around in circles.  Head held high when thrown for a loop.

And that promise at the end of Psalm 15?  ‘He who does these things shall never be moved’ (v.5).  When we’re in tune with the Master, we’ll be singing His praises right on key, tunefully with perfect pitch, and sweet-sounding!  Ah, now that’s harmony!

 

Lord Jesus, what a privilege to be with you.  Amen.

 

INSIDE Luke 11: 37-44

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Usually writing a check is no sweat.  Popping it in the mail no big deal.  Help is on the way for some Christian charity, which we love to support.  Without others like us, there would be no money to fulfill the work God calls them and us to do.  It’s a team effort for Jesus.

But sometimes your money spring dries up.  The caboodle skedaddles.  Even then we can give with what costs nothing monetarily.  Reading Luke 11, I’m stuck at verse 41.  Regardless of your translation, Jesus says to give what’s inside.  Inside?  As in what?

The Lord squelches those who make a scene of giving.  Big shots who brag about their largesse.  Grandstanders.  Blowhard showoffs.  Better to be looked over than overlooked?  Not from Jesus’ mouth.

Better to look within for things to give away.  A pastor could use encouragement but often receives ‘suggestions’.  What does he need that I can give?  A listening ear.  A kind word.  Intercessory prayers to the Lord.  Costs nothing.  Gives something that money can’t buy.  Not only clergy.  You can think of many others.  Dig deep within and give.

Sometimes I warrant a ‘swift kick’.  I’ve received a few.  Why even from the editor of my devotional books.  But all were given to make my writing more effective.  Looking back on those earliest pieces catches me with egg on my face–no paragraph breaks, endless wordiness, way too many uses of the word ‘just’.  Just plain awful!  See?

Hints from the editor?  Spot on.  Shame on me if I don’t heed them.  I did and still do!

So, here’s an idea.  Jesus says–‘But give as alms those things that are within…’ (Luke 11:41).  Look within.  Find tenderness that exhibits grace and mercy.  And give from them.  Even that helpful idea.  Firmly yet gently put.  From your heart.  From inside.  From you.  Genuinely.

See what fits.  Sometimes shut your mouth!  Keep it to yourself, as hard as that may be.  Remember, we’re to help someone else.  Not for brownie points or a pat on the back.  But actually, as gifts for Jesus.

 

Thank you, Jesus, for gifts to share with others.  Amen.

 

 

THAT MAKES SENSE Luke 8: 40-56

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Blessings come from God.  I say, the more the merrier.  Not showers but downpours.  Yet when troubles hit, we wonder.  Where’s God then?  He has some tall explaining to do.  Really?  Instead of looking on the sunny side, I nurse older, darker wounds.  Scabs and scars.  Too bad really.  What am I missing out on?

Reading Romans 8:28, you’ll find out.  Me too!  God takes all kinds of nasty stuff, and somehow, due to His being God, makes lemonade out of lemons.  Gets my approval though hardly needed!

But in Luke 8 something bothers me.  Synagogue leader, Jairus, rushes up to Jesus because his 12 year old daughter is dying.  Word floats around that Jesus can help.  Jairus gets His nod and off they go together.

A large crowd gathers around Jesus when someone touches Him and healing happens.  Here’s my question.  Why make a big stink about this woman touching Jesus?  He knows who’s done it.  Yet, he tells his followers to find out who.  In the meantime, Jairus knows that time is slipping away.  May already be too late.  She was so sick when he last saw her.  And foot travel chews up valuable time.

But Jesus refuses to take one step further without pinpointing her identity.  Why?  Feels like He’s making an example of her, which bothers me.  Is that what’s going on?

Not quite.  This poor woman suffers with a blood condition for 12 years.  Ancient sawbones have bled her savings down to the last shekel.  Also, in her culture, Temple worship nixed.  Marriage relationship on the back burner.  Friends and family move far away leaving no forwarding address.

Here’s her next hurdle.  When she’s healed, who’s going to believe her?  Think about that.  She’ll find everyone still at arm’s length.  Socially distant much more than 6 feet!  Disbelieving and accusing her of doing anything to seem well.  Even lying?  Making up stories?  She might.

No.  Jesus will have none of that.  He’ll make a blowout storm of this healing.  No one will doubt, absolutely no one, what He’s done for her.  She’s healed and that’s that.  This woman.  Completely cured and restored.  No one will dare to defy Him.

That makes sense, doesn’t it?  Could it be that what we’ve experienced, the good, the bad and the ugly, may take on a different slant when we know that Jesus’ hand has been at work?  What our eyes can’t see or fathom?  Romans 8:28 again.

And Jairus?  He no doubt needs to see Jesus’ healing power.  Firsthand.  With his own eyes.  And he does.  So, when word comes that his precious daughter is dead, he keeps following Jesus home, and even upstairs where her lifeless body lies.  No jeering from Jairus, like from those mourners who mock Jesus.  No.  He hopes that the best may yet happen.  For he’s just seen what Jesus’ hands can do.

How about being a Jairus this week?  Follow Him no matter what.  See the Master at work.  Look…!

 

Thank you, Jesus, for giving me eyes to see.  Amen.

HADN’T NOTICED THIS BEFORE Luke 8

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I’m innocently reading my Bible, doing what I’m supposed to, when something jumps off the page and hits me right in the old mug!  How many times have I read Luke 8?  And where exactly?  It’s in the parable of the seeds.  And only one measly word.  That’s all.  As if hidden in the wings, waiting to come on stage, on cue.

Recently I’ve been down in the mouth.  My two devotional books haven’t exactly flown off the shelves or made the NY Times best-seller list.  When’s the last time scads of new followers sign up for these weekly devotionals?  Or how many even bother to say ‘thanks’?  One or two at most.

In Luke 8, I’m reading about those seeds and their possibility of success or lack of such.  Ever since my first assignment as a student assistant pastor during Princeton Seminary days, I’ve loved creating programs that get the message of Jesus out to others.  Dedicated a couple of summers to leading Good News Clubs in that rural New Jersey church for hundreds of kids.

I love seeing programs take root, take off and bear fruit.  From hosting a weekly Christian TV program, pastoring a couple of churches, writing devotional books, I’ve not actually been gathering dust.  But problems come when I get antsy for results.  Easily discouraged, pulling on new crops to make them grow faster.  Grandiose goals I’ve set for myself.  The bigger the better!

So what knocks me on my ear?  Luke 8: 15–‘As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.’  There it is–that last word.  ‘PATIENCE’?  That’s what I’d glossed over.  Soft-pedaled.  On purpose?

Patience.  Trusting His timing and ways.  Giving Jesus my life.  He’ll make more of it than I ever could.  Yours too.  I’m struggling, probably in a tizzy.  But you know what?  He’s not done with either of us!  Not by a long stretch!

 

Thank you, Lord Jesus, that we can rest in you.  Amen.

 

 

NEVERTHELESS Luke 5

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A certain lawyer always intimidates me.  Has a way of keeping me at arm’s length, letting me know who’s boss.  One day I’m called by this legal eagle’s office for certain financial planning information which I know is all wrong.  My chance arrives!  I’m ready to pounce upon this legal beagle with my right as rain straight stuff.  Gotcha!  Finally!  Thank you, Lord!

When this solicitor gets on the phone, the first word I hear is this–‘Nevertheless…’  As if to spout off–‘I don’t care what you say.  Just give it to me’.  Oh, how I’d love to!

Blasted member of the bar almost sends me to the nearest watering hole.  Nevertheless…I stay sober but in a blue funk, down in the dumps, chewing on a bitter pill!

In Luke 5 Simon Peter and Andrew, along with James and John, are out fishing but with nary a bite.  They’ve worked hard all night when the catch should be at its best.  But this industry offers no guarantees.  They know the risks.  Its fishy ups-and-downs.

Yet here comes someone who happens to be a carpenter.  Callouses from totally different work.  May know about wood and hand tools, but fishing?  It’s Jesus!  Listen to Him when these pro’s know best?  Who’s He to tell them what to do?  Buttinsky and meddler?  Nevertheless…Simon casts the net to where he’s told.

Simon’s pride and know-how say to forget it.  His heart says to follow.  His better judgement gives way to the Master’s wisdom.  Faithful obedience overcomes what his eyes can’t see.

Is there something in your life that you need to toss the net to on the other side?  Where it seems fruitless?  Giving it one more try?  Humbly listening to someone else for a change?  Praying more while not letting go?

I’m thinking of so much that I need to let Jesus handle.  Taking my net and tossing it His way.  I get in the way so often.  Don’t want to, yet here I am smack dab where I shouldn’t be.  Like some smarty-pants judicial know-it-all.

Nevertheless…Jesus still wants to help.  Will you let Him?  Toss the net His way?  Why not?

 

Lord Jesus, please help me.  In your name.  Amen.

 

 

 

ONLY TWO TYPES? Isaiah 65

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Are there really only two types of people?  On the one hand, certainly not.  As in ancestry, interest levels, intellectual abilities, artistic talent.  You name it and there are scads of different folk in this world.  Can’t think of anyone in my family who’s the same as me.  Who said, ‘praise the Lord’?  I heard that!  Sounded like first cousin once removed so-and-so!

On the other hand, Isaiah 65 states that spiritually there are only seekers and forsakers.  Now, it’s true that we can’t see into another’s heart and soul.  But by their fruit, Jesus says (Matt. 7:16).  You can sense something, can’t you?  Telltale inward and outward signs of the Lord?

However, surprises happen.  People we thought were Jesus’ own turn out to walk as far from Him as possible.  I’ll never forget a late night phone call from a denominational international mission executive crying his eyes out to me as his wife, also ordained, has run off with a younger guy of a non-Christian religion.  She renounces her husband and her Lord.  Can still recall the agony and shock echoing in his wailing, howling screams.  We don’t always know, do we?

Check out Isaiah 65: 1-16.  Seekers of the Lord receive abundant blessings.  Note the order.  Seek Him–as when you first turn to Jesus, welcoming Him into your life.  Serve Him and blessings arrive.  Always that relationship with our Lord Jesus comes first and foremost.  Even when material things evaporate, the best of the best is here to stay– our relationship with Him.  Agreed?

Seekers–eating until full, thirst satisfied, happiness and joy abounding, a new name and identity given, sins forgiven and hidden far from God’s eyes.  Wow!  Sounds great?

Forsakers–hungry and thirsty, shamed, broken in spirit, possessing a cursed name even as death lurks in the wings.  Not my cup of tea.  Yet most thumb their noses at God.  Think Him irrelevant.  Jesus–unwanted, rejected, unknown.  Not good.  Tragic and sad, eternally so.

This week be a seeker of Jesus, thanking Him for being your savior.  For loving you with all His heart.  For you are His very own, giving you the very best ever.  Himself!

 

Lord, thank you for calling us your own.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

BUT NOW! Colossians 3

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It doesn’t take much to dredge up memories of shameful sins.  Pops into mind with barely a nudge.  Long past messy ones as if they happen yesterday.  Hard to let go of.  Just me?

In Colossians 3: 5-17, St. Paul talks about sinful lifestyles.  Sexual aberrations, greed, idolatries.  You name it.  Get rid of them, he declares.  Put them to death (v. 5).  Good riddance.  Adios.  And, by the way, move on.

He says, ‘But now…’ (v.8).   A new time arrives.  Sin’s slate wiped clean.  Foibles and failures go behind God’s back, out of His sight.  By His free choice.  That’s forgiveness; and, not the least of all, His love.  But now…!

Colossians 3: 9-10,12–‘…(take) off your old self…and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator…as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility…’  Get gussied up in your new wardrobe!  Rich fabrics and colors.  No expense spared.  Wear humbly for you know who paid for it.  You know, don’t you?

How about getting a different mirror?  One so small that you can’t gaze into it for very long, because you’re busy looking out for others…for Him.  Not always wondering how you look in someone else’s eyes.  What they think about you.  Self-absorbed.  Life’s not all about you or me.  Shocking, isn’t it?  To think there’s others who need us and not always the other way around.  Who’d a thunk it?!

Put on those… NEW …clothes!  Look the way Jesus wants you to.  Be more like Him.  Strong and loving.  Giving.  Caring.  Standing firm on the Bible as God’s unquenchable truth.

New clothes!  You look mighty fine.  Thank you, Jesus.

 

Lord Jesus, to live for you is life at its best.  Amen.