Elder’s Corner: My Garden Mishap

 Two weeks ago there were a couple of really warm days. For once I thought “I'll get my tomatoes and pepper plants out early this year.” So I tilled up a patch, went and got some beautiful plants, and set them out. The soil was warm and the plants thrived. Then a few days later a frost warning was given for the next night. I covered the plants with plastic buckets. The next morning it hadn't even got cold enough to frost here. I uncovered them and hoped that was the last chance for low temperatures. About a week later 26 degree temperatures were predicted. I again went to the trouble to cover the plants, and I'm thinking I'm not sure all this extra preparation is worth it—maybe I shouldn't have planted them so early. The next morning the frost had hit but I uncovered the plants and they were fine. They next night was a repeat of the day before. I covered them and waited for the next day. This time I uncovered the first one and found all the leaves bowing like they were in prayer. I uncovered each one hoping to find at least one which had survived but not a one did. My thoughts began to race-- “I wish I hadn't gone to the trouble and expense to set them out early, I wish I would have known the weatherman was finally going to be right about his forecast, I wish I had put plastic over the garden and put a heater in there---I wish, I wish, I wish.”  My mom used to quote a saying that her grandma used to say, “If wishes were horses, beggars might ride.” I left the dead plants in their rows hoping they would be like Jesus’ Easter miracle and resurrect—they didn't. So I decided I'm not going to plant a garden this year, but yesterday I stopped by the plant store and saw the plants that looked so good and one had little tomatoes on it so I repented and bought some. Today as I plant them, I'm believing in tomorrow—I have hope!

God teaches us every day through His creation, doesn't He? Here is hoping you have learned some of those truths. God knows all about the “frosts” that come in your life and He is there to help you. “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10). And then we learn from plants just like humans—death can come at any age, so we are to be ready (just like taking every precaution covering the plants, going to the doctors doesn't always prevent the inevitable).  “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). So however much time God gives you—be fruitful and productive and know that God loves you and wants you to share His gift of heaven forever.     

—Alan

 

Elder’s Corner: Baseball and Attitude

 I turned on the radio after church last Sunday and heard the familiar voice of Mike Shannon doing a Cardinal's broadcast.  It sounded so good and reminded me that things are getting back to “normal.”

It also reminded me of my favorite baseball quote:  “Every strike I take is one pitch closer to a home run.” --Babe Ruth.    

Most of life is about how our attitudes effect how we decide to view our purpose for being here.  Why were you born in this generation, in this particular place on the planet?   People born in different places and different periods of time in history have all had to answer that question— “Why am I here?”

When I get a chance to reflect on the “purpose of life”, it always comes back to my relationship with my Creator.  Does God have a purpose for my existence?  You Bet!  And when I'm in tune with allowing His purpose to be my purpose, I'm most content and most at peace.  The world tries to get us into the mentality to think of ourselves first (just think about TV commercials), when God tries to get us to think of others first.  We should be willing to try His advice, after all He thought about us first instead of Himself when He allowed His Son to suffer on our behalf. 

“For you have been called for this very purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.  Who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth, and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously, and he Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness, for by His wounds you were healed” (1 Peter 2:21-24 NASB).  

So when you are lying there on your death bed and asking yourself “Did I make a difference?” I hope you can answer “Yes.”  I also hope you know that every bad circumstance that comes your way means you're one pitch closer to a home run.   

--Alan

“Forget” . . . . . . & “Remember”

 Well, I for one am glad we have turned the page on an old year and I am looking forward to new challenges in 2021.  I am glad to leave Covid, political bickering, and other issues that have divided the country.  I'm reminded of the words of Paul in Philippians 3:13-14

“…but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  

Paul here reminds us to forget what we can't do much about but to focus on what really counts, aligning our lives with the upward call of God.

We are called to remember what God promises to us.  In chapter 4, Paul reminds us “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  

Let’s live 2021 in happy contentment believing what is written in Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”  

—Alan

Elder’s Corner: Is Patriotism Still Alive?

I was reading an article from Reader's Digest last month about Alexander Scammell. He was an American Revolution soldier who was writing a friend of his to explain why the war against the crown must be pursued. Here is the body of the letter: “My friend, tyranny and oppression wield their iron rod over our country; they begin to shake the very foundation of our constitution. Whilst the voice of our forefathers' blood cries to us from the ground, to define the rights, the liberty, and the territory which they so dearly purchased by their crimson gore and treasure. . . .Every man of true honor and virtue will rather contend for the honor of first spilling his blood in so glorious a cause…yours Alexr. Scammell.”  A few years later, at the Battle of Yorktown, Scammell did indeed spill his blood for the cause he held so dear. This dear country has had a myriad of soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, in the years since our initial freedom, for the liberties which we sometimes (too often) take for granted.

This got me thinking about a Christian's responsibility to vote, to support our countries' leaders, and to be in active support of our government. Let me share some scriptures: Titus 3:1 “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed.”  Romans 13:1 “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.”  This passage continues talking about those who obey the authorities have no reason to fear, but those who are evil have a reason to fear because the laws were made to protect people and property. He concludes that it is a citizen's duty to pay taxes to whom due. Then in verse 8 a higher command is reinforced, one that Jesus himself not only taught but also lived out. “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” Can you imagine what would happen in government, in cities, in the country if we as a nation just obeyed that higher calling?

1 Peter 2: 13-17 “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.”

Once again I marvel at how current, this book that God wrote to us, and how relevant it is in today's political situation. So I would urge you to do your duty and vote for the candidate that you believe most closely reflects God's will for our nation.

I would be remiss if I didn't also remind you of a quote from Abraham Lincoln “Stand with anyone who stands right, Stand with him as long as he is right, and depart from him when he goes wrong.” This quote reminds me of many other scriptures which demand that a Christian oppose a government that stands in opposition to the principles of God. See Acts 4:19; and Acts 5:29. When Peter was called in on the carpet for disregarding the “Council” he replied, as we should “We must obey God rather than men.”     

—Alan 

Elder’s Corner: Is This It?

 

I've heard that question asked several times in the last six months. It is usually followed by more questions.  Do you think this (the COVID pandemic) is God's punishment for an unrepentant society? Do you think this is the end? Is God using this disease to get people's attention?  The answer is…I don’t know. Let me share some scriptures for you to ponder: Deuteronomy 28:1 – 6 “Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God: “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. Blessed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground and the offspring of your beasts, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.”

God gave this promise of blessings to the Israelites if they would obey Him.

In verse 15 and following of the same chapter we can find this promise “But it shall come about, if you do not obey the Lord your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes with which I charge you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: “Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country. Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Cursed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock. Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out.”

This and many other instances in the Bible indicate that our choices sometimes lead to calamity. I know that one entity is extremely happy that the pandemic has disrupted church functions (attendance is down, offerings are suffering, picnics have been canceled, brothers and sisters are fighting about wearing masks, where, or if services should be held). That person that is laughing and happy to cause such division is the devil.

So what should our response be? “Be careful—watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too. After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you His eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever” (1 Peter 5:8-10 TLB).

—Alan

 

Elder’s Corner: I Hate that Weed!

I was in the garden watering and tending to my tomato plants the other day. I noticed these long curly vines had wound themselves around some of the plants. I had already watered the tomatoes, so it was easy to pull the grass out that was growing around the plants. But when I tried to pull these vines out they just broke off under the dirt. I knew if I didn't get the roots out they would come right back. So I watered more and dug deep down. I finally found out why these weeds are a thorn in my side. There is a complex root system which is like an underground fence. When you pull one of the vines it breaks off and leaves the others attached.

I got to thinking about how important it is for each of us to have a network of friends to help when the world (Satan and his helpers) starts attacking us. 1 Peter 5:8-11 says “Be on the alert because your adversary the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen”

So remember, we are all in this together, to support and lift each other up until that day when He calls us home. Let's not let this Covid 19 outbreak cause us to isolate ourselves spiritually from the ones who can make us stronger (even if we are apart physically).  

—Alan

Elder’s Corner: Why Garden?

It seems every year I get a little bit further behind on getting my garden put out. It rains or the soil is too hard, or I'm busy with other projects. My wife says “you can buy tomatoes and cucumbers at the vegetable stand or market and you would save yourself lots of work.” I object because I know the gardening is actually good therapy for me and may also help me burn a few extra calories. The real reason I choose to garden is because of the spiritual therapy it gives me. It reminds me of how dependent on God the children of Israel were, as they depended on rains for crops and animals and to sustain them.

As we get away from the totally agricultural community that they lived in, we sometimes forget that God blessed nations who honored Him. The farmers sometimes hope for life giving rain for their crops and I'm reminded that the garden needs water too. True I can run a hose to the garden to water it, but they didn't have that option. They had to depend on God to supply their very livelihood. If the crops didn't survive neither did they, and many didn't survive when droughts persisted and a famine occurred. It reminded them to pray and give God glory for His goodness through their crop production. They even had a feast of harvest to celebrate His divine intervention in their lives. I think we need to be drawn to our knees as well and thank Him for His intervention in our lives. This coronavirus has also made me think if I raise my own produce I could survive without trips to the store if necessary. I hope those green beans just keep coming.   

--Alan

Elder’s Corner: A Father's Love

Well, I just finished holding my newborn grandson a few minutes ago. I got to hold him and play with him for a couple of days as Erin brought him up to help celebrate my birthday. He is growing so fast and learning to look around to see all the new things. I was thinking how a father's love for his grandchild never changes even as the child becomes less dependent on others for help. Several verses came to my mind as I held him close. “Train up a child in the way that he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Pro. 22:6).

Jesus used stories to talk in terms, that the people in His culture, could relate to (See Matt's article http://eugenechristianchurch.blogspot.com/2020/01/theology-201-13-cultural-commands-part.html). In John chapter 10, Jesus talks of His followers as sheep. It was a good analogy because all the listeners would have been familiar with the habits of sheep and their shepherd. He said this in verses 27 and following “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.”  

As I was holding on to Carson Alan, I thought I wouldn't let anyone come and take him away by force. The verses above point out that God won't let others come and take His children either, but they might walk away by their own choice. I don't know where you are on your daily journey with God. Perhaps you have walked away, taken a detour that really hasn't been good for you. Let me say this the Father is always looking and hoping you will return to the flock because He loves YOU!  

—Alan

Elder’s Corner: What Will “He” Be?

Well, if you haven't heard the good news yet—I have my first grandchild, a grandson, named Carson Alan Miller. My daughter Erin gave birth November 4th. And he has preempted my life in a very good way!

We are making many more trips to Branson these days. As I held him the first time and even now when I hold him, I wonder what he will grow up to be and what will the world be like that he inhabits. The nurses made comments about his long feet so maybe he will be an athlete. Maybe he will be the one to develop a cure for cancer. Maybe he will become a great preacher (however you define that). Maybe he will have an analytical brain and be drawn to the study of those six DNA genes that are found in the brains of everyone that develops Alzheimer's disease. Maybe he can even discover why some develop those dental plaques that create such havoc in patients with Alzheimer’s.

Mary wondered these same things about the baby she held and all the things that were being said about Him. Luke 2:19 says, “But Mary was keeping within herself all these things (sayings), weighing and pondering them in her heart.”  She was the one that eventually saw it all. She watched Him preach truth, train followers, and handle the tricks and traps of the Pharisees. She saw His trial, His torture, and His triumph as He defeated death and rose from the grave, offering His life as a trade for yours and mine.

So the question really becomes “What will You Be?” in the time you have left? Will you be a follower, a fraud (you may even go to church-but you know you're still just a fake), or one who just does nothing at all. God has given us life through His Son and we should respond “Thank You, what can I do for You?”  

—Alan

Elder’s Corner: In Search of the Ring

“Last Saturday started like any other Saturday except I had a lot on my plate to get done as our church was having a community picnic outside. I emptied trailers to carry the picnic tables, got the canopy to set up in case of rain, went to the store and got food to grill, and got the bounce house ready to unload. It started to rain just as I was setting up the canopy. Matt came by the park and said they had decided to set everything up indoors. So I went home and got the other trailer with the bounce house on it. We had a great time of fellowship, good food, and a good turnout. When I got everything put away that night, I came home and looked down at my hand only to discover that my wedding ring was gone. It was dark and rainy so I decided to wait until the next day to look for it. I took my metal detector to the place where I had set up the canopy. I also checked pockets, gloves, truck, coat, and everywhere else I had been as I retraced my steps. No luck finding the ring. It's been a week since I lost it. I went out again today with metal locator and searched again. No luck, again.  Even though the ring was worth a few hundred bucks, to me it was priceless because of what it signified. My wife had placed it on my finger to symbolize our trust and love for each other.

I now have a greater appreciation than I've ever had for the parable Jesus told in Luke 15:3-10.

In verse 4, He starts “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?” In verse 8, He repeats the lesson “Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!' In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Now I hope I find my ring, but this story Jesus told reminds me there are people who are lost which are much more important than earthly, material things (things which won't make it into eternity—but lives we can influence while we are here, that is what is important.)

—Alan

Elder’s Corner: The Weeds & The Peppers

My garden has grown up with weeds these last few weeks as I haven't had time to give it the attention it needs. I took the mower and mowed the weeds where the cucumbers had been. As I was mowing I noticed the peppers had put on another big crop. I hate to say it but I picked a peck of peppers (not pickled, however). I also picked okra, and beans. One of my neighbors passed by and all he could see was the weeds from the road. He made the comment “Looks like you've given up on your garden.”

I thought how some people make the same mistake when they look at some people's lives. They look at them and all they see are the weeds (the bad choices, the addictions, the morality issues that surround them). These are the very people that Jesus looked at and saw past the weeds into the future and who they could become. (See John 4:7ff.)

We should be as wise in our discernment of how we view others. Yes, there may be some weeds hiding the true worth and productivity of that person. Maybe you could show them how valuable they could be.  Maybe at some point you've even had a few weeds in your life. Here's hoping you go check your neighborhood and find some real fruit (or did I mean vegetables). Your job is to cultivate people so the world will have less weeds and more flowers.

--Alan

Elder’s Corner: Have You Been To The Well Lately?

“Well I spent some time this morning drinking water from the well. It tasted so refreshing and as far as I can tell. It will satisfy my thirst until I come to drink again, And dip my bucket in the well of wisdom for all men.”

These were the words from a song that the group “God's Messengers” sang back when I was growing up (so you know it was a long time ago!) The words relate to the idea that there is wisdom to be found in the Word of God and that we should “drink often” from it. In fact, I just came in from watering my new trees that I planted a couple of weeks ago. Most were in need of a good watering. One of them had leaves that had curled up and turned brown. It occurred to me that I hadn't given it a drink since I had set it out. I don't think it will survive. I think that could also be true of the Christian who doesn't refresh himself often on the nutrients found in scripture.

Listen to some of the refreshment mentioned from Proverbs chapter 3. “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom. And the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver, And her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. And happy are all who hold her fast. The Lord by wisdom founded the earth, By understanding He established the heavens. By His knowledge the deeps were broken up, And the skies drip with dew.”

These words contain the truth that God is the author of wisdom. He wants us to come and fill ourselves up with the gems found in His love letter to us. He knows if we do we will live abundant lives because we will start to reflect His wisdom to others. If we don't “drink up,” I'm afraid we will be like that tree with curled up leaves, so GO TO THE WELL!   

—Alan

Elder’s Corner: So You're Feeling Good About Your Christian Walk

If you look up the definition of Christian you find the following: an adherent of Christianity (noun), disciple (noun); then under adjectives the following definitions: of or relating to Christianity, based on or conforming with Christianity, professing Christianity, commendably decent or generous, one who has a deep concern for others.  So I wonder which one of these definitions I'm like most of the time. My definition of a Christian has always been someone who is “like Christ.” 

God has given me many opportunities this past week to be like Him. Some of these included taking someone to an appointment, providing food for a person in need, providing gas, helping with someone's electric bill, repairing household items for someone, mowing for someone, etc. So I've learned I'm most like Christ when I'm serving others. You remember He came not to be served, but to serve (Matt. 20:28).

So then the “check your attitude light comes on” in my head. I now notice I don't mind doing these things as long as I don't have a conflict with things I want to do. In other words as long as it’s convenient for me I want to be like Christ. As long as it doesn't interfere with “my activities” I want to follow and serve Him.  He just better not expect it when I want to watch the Cardinals, or go shopping, or go to a ballgame with family, or go mushroom hunting, etc. So I reach this question “How much time am I really giving Him, or living out being “like Christ?” 

So now I must answer the question, just like you must, which activities and opportunities for service glorify God the most? I've got to tell you, I don't always choose right, but I'm getting better at showing the world what the real Jesus looks like. Then I read passages like John 12:25-27 and realize I'm not in the same pew with Christ, I'm not even in the same stadium with Him. Listen to His words as He describes “giving all”--not just when it's convenient. “He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also, if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. Now My soul has become troubled, and what shall I say, Father save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour.”

Jesus was willing to go to His death for us knowing the future held something better for Him. Are you willing to trade “your wants” in this life knowing the future holds something better for you? I'm working on that attitude of the heart—I hope you are too.  

—Alan

Elder’s Corner: Another Love Gone “Right” Story

In February, I was in a retail store on Valentine's Day getting a card for my Valentine. In walked a guy who stated, matter of factly, “my wife broke her promise to me.” I thought “Oh no, another love gone wrong story.” My mind started racing to how she might have hurt him with her betrayal. Then he continued, we promised not to get anything for each other for Valentine's Day, but when I opened my lunchbox at work there was a Card she had included with my lunch. He mentioned it caused him to shed a tear of thankfulness. So he was there to get her a card. So it turned out to be a love gone “right.”

Then I thought of how many times I had broken my promises to God (but He has never broken His promises to me!) So I began to think how I should respond to God when I've betrayed Him. First of all, state the facts: God loves me (you) and has since before He formed us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Second, is to confess my shortcomings (sin) to Him. 1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Third, and maybe the hardest, is to repent (to change my behavior, “to turn around”). 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” And Luke 24:47 states “and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”

The last thing that I find helps me is to know I'm not alone in this struggle and to know others are facing trials as well. The second part of Hebrews 13:5 states it this way “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” The early chapters of Acts gives a great history and example of how we should support one another in daily living. It points out how small group participation strengthens each member of the group. Acts 2:42-47 “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer, And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe, and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

What a great example of how God does “Love Done Right!”

—Alan

Elder’s Corner: Make the Most of Your New Year!

In Mark 5:1-20 NLT, we find the account of a man who was possessed by numerous demons. “This man lived among the tombs and could not be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to control him. All day long and throughout the night, he would wander among the tombs and in the hills, screaming and hitting himself with stones.

When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw Him. He ran to meet Jesus and fell down before Him. He gave a terrible scream, shrieking, “Why are You bothering me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? For God's sake don't torture me!” For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.”

At this Jesus granted the demons’ request and sent them into a herd of pigs. Then the pigs ran down a steep hillside into a lake and drowned.

As Jesus was preparing to leave, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go, too. But Jesus said, “No, go home to your friends, and tell them what wonderful things the Lord has done for you and how merciful He has been.” So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to tell everyone about the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.”

This is a story about a man whose life changed dramatically because he met Jesus. I also notice from the scripture that God's enemy, the devil and his agents recognize and must submit to His authority. I also see that Jesus has power over all the afflictions that man might ever encounter. Then I notice that the man who was healed wanted to tell everyone the great things that Jesus had done for him.

I hope I make the most of the New Year by telling about the really important things in life, “What Jesus has done for me.” And I hope you do too!

—Alan

Elder’s Corner: The Asterisk “*” at the Bottom of the Page

I was reading a Biblical passage the other day and ran across an asterisk in the text.  At the bottom of the page it gave more information about the word that had been used in the sentence.  It was to further define and give more understanding to the reader of what was meant.  It is a helpful tool to create a complete understanding of the text.  I got to thinking “this is what it says” and “this is what it really means.” 

I began wondering if my life really represents “who I am” or if there should be an asterisk attached to my life to indicate who I really am.  Am I who I say I am or someone different?  I was thinking of some Biblical characters and other descriptions given about their lives.  David - “a man after God's own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14) and yet in Matthew 1:6 we are reminded of David's sin with Bathsheba.  It is a footnote to his life that he let sin interrupt his walk with God.  So I started thinking what things have I let interfere with my walk with the Lord.  I wish I could say that it was a very short list, but in reality, it is easy to let things take us away from the One who loves us most.  I hope the footnote at the bottom of your life might say:  “He was a person of prayer,” “He was generous,” “He had time for others,” “He cared about people,” “He read God's word and lived it out in his life.”  Or simply “No footnotes needed—he lives like who he says he is!” 
--Alan

Elder’s Corner: Ouch

A few days ago I apparently got a splinter in the palm of my hand. I didn't even notice when, where, or how it happened. Today I woke up with pain, redness, and puss surrounding the splinter. I got out the needle, knife, tweezers, and antibiotic and went to work. In no time I had the splinter out, antibiotic applied and a Band-Aid to keep infection out. It was only a minor thing when it started but turned into a “hurt” because I left it untreated. It reminded me of what sometimes happens in people, churches, families, and workplaces, when something small can turn into a big “hurt.”

God's word is full of ways to interact with people to prevent these feelings from happening. Consider a few verses: Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” When you start seeing what other people endure (walk a mile in their shoes), you will be better able to understand what may cause a reaction in them. Jesus was perfect at seeing “hurting” people and ministering to those needs. We need to learn to see the world through His eyes.

Matthew 7:12 “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Jesus knew if we “love others the way we love ourselves”, the world would be a better place. He also knew we might sometimes hurt others, I think this is why His forgiveness to us, and ours to others is such an important practice for Christians. Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” This is why I have had to seek out brothers and sisters that I have wronged and apologize for my actions. This verse reminds us of our flaws and failures but mostly it reminds us of His grace.

So if you want to be restored to fellowship with a dear friend take this time to practice God's perfect forgiveness. Or you could just not do anything and let that wound continue until your hand is so festered and infected like mine was, that it can never be restored to usefulness. I hope you choose “love.”   

—Alan

Elder’s Corner: Fruit of My Labor

I’m finally reaping the harvest of my garden. Thirty cucumbers or more every other day, tomatoes, peppers, the watermelons are about one and a half feet long (no I’m not telling you where I live!). It occurred to me that I had to water about every other day to make sure the crops survived during the hot, dry weather. The yard still hasn’t recovered even with the three inches of rain.

The Bible has much to say about rain. Consider Deuteronomy 11:13-14 says, “It shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul, that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine and your oil.” Isaiah 55:10 says, “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater.”

Hebrews 6:7-8 says, “For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.”

In the agricultural culture of yesteryear, rain meant the difference between being fed or staving. It still does in many countries. The reason I bring this up is not I’m enjoying the vegetables that took the extra care and concern to get them to produce. How much more we should give extra effort (care and concern) to see a person thrive instead of just survive. We should look out for the interests of others and not just our own (see Phil. 2:4). I know it takes encouragement from you and expenditure of time and effort, but the crop will be worth the return. Think of the difference you can make in the outcome of another person’s life. What if someone is in Heaven because of you? Is it any wonder Jesus called Himself “living water” (John 4:10). Our job is to point people to Him.

And by the way, come by in about a month and we’ll have a piece of watermelon. Until next time.

—Alan

(All references are NASB)

Elder’s Corner: I Can Only Imagine

No, I’m not talking about the song by Mercy Me or the great movie it inspired, but it is a phrase I sometimes use when I try to describe what Heaven will be like. At the funeral of a dear friend recently, I shared some scriptures which give us a glimpse of what the future holds. 1 Corinthians 2:9 shares an Old Testament passage from Isaiah 64 when it states “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor has entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Jesus gives us some words of assurance about our future residence recorded in John 14:1-3, “Do not let your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you; I go to prepare a place for you. If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

John (the writer of the book of Revelation) tries to describe what Heaven will be like. “And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Rev. 21:3-4 NASB). 

John then tries to capture the magnitude and magnificence of the place God has for believers. It is a difficult task to do: trying to describe a heavenly realm in human terms. The great width, height, and length of the city all being equal. Large pearls form each of the 12 gates (3 on each side). The foundations are adorned with 12 kinds of precious stones. The streets are pure gold, like transparent glass. Verses 22-23, “I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.”

The bottom line is this: I want to be there—not because it is so beautiful, or even pain and sorrow free, but because the One who loves me most is there. He made you and me in His image and wants to have a friendship with us now (while we are still in this imperfect world), and He wants us to be forever together with Him.

—Alan