"Empty Slots"

 

“Empty Slots”

 

Recently our community newsletter included a chart listing the many activities available to residents and the contact person(s) for more information. Some of the slots were blank as no one had come forward to provide leadership. The words “no workers, no program” were included indicating people had to be willing to step up if a function in which they were interested was to take place.

I’ve had several discussions with our former Board President and we came to the conclusion that there are many parallels in leading a church or residents’ organization. One is the old principle, generally attributed to economist Vilfredo Pareto, that 20% of a group’s members do 80% of the work. Looking at our community roster confirms the truth of this statement as the same names appear in multiple places.

If we were to develop something similar to that described above in many of our churches the results would likely show that a relatively small percentage of members and attenders carry out most of the ministry tasks. A pastor friend once told me of a business meeting during which a member stated that more evangelism was needed but when asked how he’d participate said, “I don’t want to do it. I just want it done!” Could this attitude at least partially account for this church’s decline over the years?

Our Lord’s friend and apostle wrote, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10, NKJV, emphasis added). So God’s equipped each of us as His people with “…everything we need for life and godliness….” (2 Peter 1:3) to “Serve wholeheartedly….” (Ephesians 6:7). Jesus set the example when He told His disciples, “…The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). So these questions confront all of us: Would I rather be served by others or serve others? Does (or will) my name fill an empty slot in my church?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"Being Bereans"

 

“Being Bereans”

 

The Berean Fellowship is a small denomination of churches located mostly in the northwestern U.S. A couple of churches I’ve been a part of over the years have had a Berean Sunday School class. The name comes from a city in Macedonia where Paul and Silas ministered effectively and likely planted a church in which the believers were described in this way: “…The people in Berea were…open minded…and…listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth.” (Acts 17:11, NLT, emphasis added). As a result many in the city trusted in Christ (Verse 12). However, a group opposed to the Christian message made trouble there and Paul moved on to Athens, leaving his companions in Berea. Nothing more is known of this once vibrant church so it may have fallen victim to false teaching after God’s servants’ departure.

This first century assembly gives us a pattern it’d be wise to follow today. (Note the highlighted statements from Acts 17:11.) Put another way, we must consider Paul’s question, “What does the Scripture say?” (Romans 4:3). Too often we let someone else answer this for us rather than exploring the Word for ourselves (guilty as charged). By so doing we may miss something God wants to use to speak into our lives.

A group of religious leaders came to Jesus with a trick question about divorce (Matthew 19:3). He turned it back on them when He pointedly asked, “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” (Matthew 19:4, NLT). Had they seriously done so for themselves they could have avoided the error of following human teachings rather than God’s. The same might be said of people today who unknowingly listen to false teachers and are thus led away from God’s truth.

I don’t know who first said, “The Bible is the best commentary on itself.” (and neither does Google) but whoever it was was likely familiar with Peter’s admonition, “If anyone speaks, (he or she) should do it as one speaking the very words of God.” (1 Peter 4:11). As we practice being Bereans we grow in our faith, impact others and glorify God. May this be our desire each day as we walk with Him.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"500"

 

“500”

 

This is Article #500 since I began writing these thoughts in 2014. I thank God for leading me and putting ideas in my heart and mind over these past ten years. He’s brought changes in me as I’ve sought to apply what’s on paper and on line to my life and I pray some have benefitted from my experiences as well.

Here are some “500’s” I’ve discovered:

*Only one Major League pitcher (Cy Young) reached the 500 win milestone.

*Two pitchers (Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman) recorded 500 career saves.

*28 players hit 500+ home runs (the closest active slugger is Giancarlo Stanton with 427 as of September 2024 so this club isn’t likely to grow in membership anytime soon).

*65 players have 500+ doubles to their credit (Freddie Freeman joined this exclusive fraternity this past August).

*Four NFL quarterbacks (Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre) passed for more than 500 touchdowns in their illustrious careers.

*47 NHL skaters scored 500+ lifetime goals.

*37 NBA coaches led their teams to 500+ victories.

*The Standard and Poor’s 500 traces the movement of the largest corporations on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

1524 (500 years ago) saw a number pf significant historical events including:

*The Peasants’ Revolt in Germany.

*James V (at age 12) was declared fit to rule by the Scottish Parliament.

*Explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano began his effort to locate a passage to China, found North America instead and sailed its east coast, (The bridge bearing his name from Staten Island to Brooklyn was opened 440 years later.)

*Francisco Pizarro’s voyage to South America resulted in the conquest of the Incas in Peru.

*Martin Luther was leading the Reformation in Europe.

While I don’t believe 500 has special spiritual significance it appears more than 20 times in Scripture including Noah’s age before the flood (Genesis 5:32), the yards of Jerusalem’s wall a group repaired (Nehemiah 3:13) and the number of Job’s work animals (Job 1:3). But by far the most important 500 is that more than this number saw Jesus at the same time after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:6), one of the “…many convincing proofs that he was alive.” (Acts 1:3). And He still is! Hallelujah!!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"You Can't Just Sit There!"

 

“’You Can’t Just Sit There!’”

 

On July 2, 1982 San Pedro, CA resident Larry Walters thought he’d play a prank on his neighbors by attaching helium filled balloons to his lawn chair and floating over their yards. It worked—but far too well! Larry’s improvised airship rose some 16,000 feet and entered the LAX airspace. In time the gas leaked from the balloons and he landed some distance away from his launch site. Reporters met him and asked why he did such a stunt. His answer: “You can’t just sit there!”

In 1993 our New Hampshire church held a commissioning service for a young couple as they followed God’s leading to the mission field. I started my message with the above story (with some embellishments) then asked the congregation, “Aren’t you glad they’ve said, ‘We can’t just sit here. We have to go and tell people about Jesus.’?” They faithfully served overseas for many years and are still involved as they train those called of God to cross-cultural ministry. They exemplified Saleh Yemeni’s words: “If we sit at home and do nothing, we would be safe. But what kind of Christians would we be if we weren’t risking our life for others to know Life?”

I’m not suggesting we’re all destined to serve as they’ve done for 30+ years but we must remember Jesus’ final words to His followers: “…As you are going make disciples of all nations….” (Matthew 28:19, literal translation, emphasis added). In colloquial terms He’s telling us, “You can’t just sit there—reach people with My message!” And all of us are equipped to do this in some way (see 2 Peter 1:3).

A close friend has a grandson with severe autism. The boy’s parents sought services to address his needs but found no appropriate program. So they did extensive research on their son’s condition and developed an approach to help him and others. As of now there are thirteen children enrolled and funding continues to be provided. This couple couldn’t just sit there—they acted and God has blessed. Please pray for them as they work with afflicted children and their families.

You and I must fight the tendency to “Let him/her/them do something about _____!” Anglo-Irish statesman and philosopher Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.” and further, “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” So let’s stop “sitting there” and put God’s truth into action as He’s prepared and gifted us.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"A Wasted Death?"

 

“A Wasted Death?”

 

In February 1964 Ken Hubbs, a promising 22-year-old second baseman for the Chicago Cubs and National League Rookie of the Year in 1962, died in a small plane crash in Utah. His death was devastating to his family, team, its fans and the entire baseball world. During that season the Cubs’ plane flew near the accident site and their manager is reported to have said, “What a waste!”

Perhaps you’ve looked at a tragic situation in which a life (or maybe multiple lives) was lost and you saw it as the Cubs’ manager did with his player. It may have been the result of “friendly fire” in the military, a senseless act of violence, a freak occurrence or another unexplainable incident. Several years ago while I was on call for hospital emergencies one Sunday afternoon I received a message that two school age girls were killed in a motorbike collision with a pick-up truck. As I always did, I prayed en route that God would help me deal with this heart wrenching event. When I arrived at the hospital I encountered about 30 grieving relatives and friends in the chapel. I introduced myself and God led me to say (to the best of my recollection), “I don’t have an explanation for what has happened this afternoon so I won’t try to give one. I’m here to listen, pray and try to bring comfort to you in some way.” I prayed for the group and over the next two hours heard many express their feelings. The “Why?” question in my mind was never answered but I took comfort in God’s words, “…My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways….” (Isaiah 55:8) as well as the 1891 hymn, “Some Time We’ll Understand”.

Even though Jesus was innocent of any wrongdoing (“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”—1 Peter 2:22 quoting from Isaiah 53:9) He died at the hands of those who hated Him. A wasted death? Absolutely not! “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2, emphasis added). But in effect it is wasted for those who reject Him and the hope He brings (“{The one} who has the Son has life; {the one} who does not have the Son does not have life.”—1 John 5:12). Christ’s death is sufficient to deal with everyone’s sin (“The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,”—Romans 10:12, emphasis added). Have you called on Him for forgiveness, hope and true life? If not He’s available to respond to your prayer right now.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"Ready for Battle"

 

“Ready for Battle”

 

In my Scripture reading and journaling I came to 1 Chronicles in early August. I was tempted to skip over the opening chapters which record the genealogies of Israel’s tribes but God showed me that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful….” (2 Timothy 3:16, emphasis added). So I fought my way through the jaw-breaking names and—surprise!—God showed me truths I hadn’t seen before.

When I came to Chapter 7 I encountered two similar phrases I hadn’t noticed previously: “ready for battle” (Verses 4 and 40) and “ready to go out to war” (Verse 11). Why were these words included? My guess is that Israel throughout its 3500+ years of history has been surrounded by enemies and has had to (in the words of the Boy Scout motto) “Be Prepared” to defend itself. And God has seen to His people’s preservation despite the myriad of human threats.

As I write this in mid-August Israel is poised for another attack from foes that are determined to obliterate her from the earth. Will God’s people be intimidated? Not if history repeats itself (apparently her “neighbors” haven’t yet gotten the message that they’ll not succeed). For some 35 centuries God has kept His promise as echoed by an unknown poet and songwriter: “…He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4). And in a time of crisis some 2900 years ago He assured King Jehoshaphat that “…the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15). And a generation after Jesus’ earthly ministry Paul wrote, “God did not reject his people….” (Romans 11:2, emphasis added). As I asked an agnostic friend a couple of years ago: Is this luck? Or the hand of God? I never received an answer.

As God’s people today we must be prepared for the spiritual battles which will come our way (“…Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”—2 Timothy 3:12, emphasis added). We protect ourselves with God’s armor (Ephesians 6:10-17a), Scripture (Verse 17b), prayer (Verse 18), readiness to speak respectfully when God opens doors (1 Peter 3:15) and keeping closely connected with His family (“Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one…If one person falls, the other can reach out and help….”—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NLT). These resources make us ready for the battles of life. Let’s put them to work to God’s glory.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Remnants"

 

“Remnants”

 

Many flooring and home furnishings stores have a section of carpet remnants available at greatly reduced prices. These are essentially leftovers from installations or large rolls as well as discontinued colors and patterns. People seeking to outfit seasonal vacation homes or rental properties can often find significant savings by exploring this option.

Remnant is a familiar term in Scripture, occurring 65 times, all but three in the Old Testament. The most common Hebrew word means a remainder or what survives. It first appeared after Joseph had revealed who he was to his brothers and calmed their fears by saying, “…God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” (Genesis 45:7). Its most common usage, however, refers to Israelites who remained faithful to God during times of national rebellion and captivity and will return to Him and their land (“In that day the remnant of Israel…will truly rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty God.”—Isaiah 10:20-21). The Lord’s brother James, leader of the church in Jerusalem, applies the prophecy “…that the remnant of (people) may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my (i.e. God’s) name….” (Acts 15:17 from Amos 9:11-12). So there always have been and always will be faithful followers of God’s ways—without them you and I would never have heard the message of forgiveness and hope through Christ. Examples abound from Noah to the apostles to those today who stand for the right when the wrong is popular in every corner of the world.

Getting back to the floor covering thought brings an uncomfortable question to my mind: Do I give the remnants (or leftovers) of my time, abilities and financial resources to God? Solomon’s wise counsel reminds me, “Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best.” Then, speaking to the agrarian society of the day, he adds, “Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.” (Proverbs 3:9-10, TM, emphasis added). In other words, God’s blessings will flourish.

By God’s grace I’m part of His remnant but He deserves far more than my remnants. A line of a hymn from my teen years tells me, “But unto Him is due (my) best, (my) all.” Am I ready to give it?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan