"Taking the Long Look"

 

“Taking the Long Look”

 

During our time of ministry in Hancock, NY (1977-1984) the High School conducted a Baccalaureate Service the Sunday prior to graduation. The four pastors in the village participated each year with responsibilities rotated. One year when I had the privilege of bringing the message I chose the title “Taking the Long Look” using Abraham’s faith described in Hebrews 11:10: “…Abraham’s eyes were looking forward to that city with solid foundations of which God himself is both architect and builder” (Phillips). As I spoke to these young people with most of their lives ahead of them God gave me words of challenge: “Don’t sacrifice your future on the altar of the immediate!” I encouraged them to walk by faith as Abraham did to avoid the instant gratification contemporary culture promotes. Over almost 50 years I’ve lost track of these students but pray for them when God reminds me of my words spoken that evening.

All of us, whether young, middle-aged or (in the words of a gentleman in a church we served) “You’re looking good!” are faced with the options of immediate satisfaction (promoted by Madison Avenue types) or weighing pros and cons before committing to a course of action. God gives us His counsel for this decision-making process: “You can make plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21). Centuries later our Lord’s brother echoed the same thought in his warning about rash planning: “…You ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:15). (Emphasis added in both cases.) And let’s not forget God’s twice repeated words of caution: “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25, NLT).

Years ago Karen sang in a gospel trio with a husband and wife. One of the songs that was often included in their concerts was Gordon Jensen’s “Forever Is a Long, Long Time”, part of which says, “I can’t comprehend forever, Eternity’s beyond my human mind…Heaven’s golden day will last forever And forever is a long, long time.” (Emphasis added). Given that each one will spend eternity (endless life after death) either in God’s presence or absent from Him (“Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”—Daniel 12:2, emphasis added) it would behoove us to “take the long look” and consider where it will be. In the words of Jesus’ friend, “(God) does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent.” (2 Peter 3:9, NLT). Use this time well—your forever depends on it!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Sign Language"

 

“Sign Language”

 

As automobiles became more commonplace in the early 20^th century signs were developed for traffic safety and control and could be identified by their shape: rectangular for regulatory purposes (e.g. speed limits); octagonal for stopping, especially at crossroads; diamond for warning (e.g. curves) and round for railroad crossings. But a familiar one didn’t make its debut unto 1950: an upside down triangular one saying “Yield”. It was invented by Clinton Riggs, a Tulsa, OK police officer, to be used where two roads or lanes blended into one, perhaps most noticeable on today’s entrance ramps to interstate and other major highways. Even though at times these signs may seem unnecessary and even annoying think of where we’d be without their bringing some semblance of order to our roadways. This might be called “Sign language for drivers”

Yield and its synonym, submit, mean to defer to another in some way.  In the New Testament, the word translated “submit” and its variations appears 27 times and literally means place under. We’re told to do this in several ways (emphasis added throughout):

*”Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21) as we recall Paul’s words to “…in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3).

*”…Submit to (those who have been faithful in God’s work….)” (1 Corinthians 16:16), reminding us of Paul’s previous admonition to “…appreciate those who diligently labor among you….” (1 Thessalonians 5:12, NASB).

*”Wives, submit to your husbands, as it is fitting in the Lord.” (Colossians 3:18), but the Apostle goes on to say, “Husbands, love your wives….” (Verse 19), using the word for selfless, giving love (we husbands need to take note).

*”Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect….” (1 Peter 2:18) and “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord….” (Ephesians 6:7).

*”Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution….” (1 Peter 2:13, NASB), in light of Jesus words, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17).

*”Submit yourselves…to God.” (James 4:7) by “…(offering our) bodies as living sacrifices….” (Romans 12:1).

So the next time you see that upside down triangle as you maneuver into interstate traffic think of yielding to God and His ways. And don’t ignore the rest of those irritating reminders placed there for our benefit. Hopefully this will lead to Esso’s slogan, “Happy Motoring!”

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Missionaries to the Military"

 

“Missionaries to the Military”

 

During my six years as a member of the CBAmerica (now Venture Church Network) Board in the 1990’s I was assigned to the Chaplaincy Committee. This group had the responsibility of interviewing candidates for endorsement to serve in the military, prisons, health care and other areas. This experience gave me a new appreciation for those called to these ministries and was one of the factors God used to lead me into health care chaplaincy after concluding my pastoral work in 2009. Although I “retired” in 2021 I still welcome opportunities to be utilized as a volunteer to assist those in health crises.

About twelve years ago our Fellowship’s then Chaplaincy Director asked me to be part of his Advisory Council as health care representative. This was an “as needed” panel to deal with “out of the box” situations in which he sought input. Soon God prompted me to pray for our active duty military chaplains, retirees and Reservists and National Guardsmen on deployment. So for more than a decade it’s been my privilege to uphold these men (currently 47) and their families around the world on a rotating basis and send emails inviting them to share prayer needs. Many respond with words of appreciation and requests. This has proven to be one of the most rewarding activities of my 55+ years of vocational ministry. “To God Be the Glory!”

Not long ago I read a devotional based on Deuteronomy 20. In Verses 1-4 God said through Moses, “When you go to war against your enemies…do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God…will be with you. When you are about to go into battle the priest shall come forward and address the army. He shall say: ‘…Do not be fainthearted or afraid…For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you….’” (Emphasis added.) (This reminds me of the classic photo of Gen. Eisenhower’s encouraging American troops before D-Day in 1944—I’m sure chaplains were also there mingling with the soldiers.) So it appears that God instituted military chaplains around 1450 BC, long before the Continental Congress did so in 1775.

Our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Coast Guard chaplains put their lives at risk to provide spiritual counsel and resources to those protecting our nation. These “Missionaries to the Military” and their families are in need of our prayers as they serve our Lord and country. Will you join me in keeping them before the Lord?

(For more on the VCN Chaplain Ministry go to venturechurches.org and click on chaplaincy.)

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Junk"

 

“Junk”

 

One of the strategies entrepreneurs use to establish and grow their businesses is coming up with clever names which stay in the minds of potential clients. Some I’ve run into over the years include “Student Window Cleaners—for Smart Service”, “College Hunks Movers”, “Starving Artists Movers”, “Buzzy Bees Honey Farm”, “Kitten Cuddles Cat Buffet”, “Curly Q Hair Salon” and “Little Giggles Gymnastics”. But one which is among the most familiar is “1-800-Got Junk”. This was the brainchild of Brian Scudamore, a Vancouver, British Columbia college student, in 1989 (it was originally known as “The Rubbish Boys” but adopted its present name in 1998). It now has about 300 locations in the U.S., Canada and Australia. The service specializes in removing unwanted items and disposing of them through recycling, donations and when necessary in landfills.

Junk is a term used to describe something of questionable value. We’ve all received junk mail (unsolicited communications seeking to separate us from our money in some way), eaten junk food (edibles having little nutritional benefit), heard about junk bonds (offering high returns but carrying high risk) and seen junk cars in various places. So it’s almost always used in a negative way. But in Popular Tales of the West Highlands (an 1860’s publication) Hector Urquhart penned, “One man’s rubbish may be another man’s treasure!” So some things may outlie their usefulness to us but can still be used by others. Think of “thrift stores” operated by The Salvation Army and other agencies serving those in need.

The late singer and actress Ethel Waters is credited with the observation “God don’t make no junk!” This down home bit of wisdom reflects biblical truth. At the conclusion of His six days of creation Genesis 1:31 says, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” King David recognized his uniqueness and value when he wrote (and maybe sang), “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful….” (Psalm 139:14). And our Lord’s brother penned, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father….” (James 1:17). And He proved we’re not “junk” when He told all people, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). (Emphasis added throughout.) So Jesus didn’t die for “junk”—He died for all humans because of their/our/my value to Him (“…Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”—I John 3:16). Therefore let’s see ourselves as He sees us—not as “junk” but as treasures in His sight.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"On Being the Answer to Jesus' Prayer"

 

“On Being the Answer to Jesus’ Prayer”

 

While I was in seminary the student body watched a film called “Riding the Pulpit” based on the life and ministry of Pastor Jess Moody. In one poignant scene he was asked by a fellow pastor to go with him to his church’s board meeting at which an important decision was to be made on a controversial issue. As the discussion wound down Moody said to the gathered leaders, “The early church could have been divided but refused to be.” Yes, problems arose among them but they were dealt with in love and unity as evidenced by the 40+ “one another” statements in the New Testament. Those first-century believers recognized that “…in Christ we who are many form one body….” (Romans 12:5).

I’ve been privileged to be part of two groups of Christian men which illustrate the oneness that we share in Christ, In Manchester I was involved in a pastors’ fellowship where we left our denominational differences at the door and joined in prayer for each other, our churches and our respective communities. Here in Lakeland the members of the Bible study I facilitate attend 13  area churches but are drawn together in love for each other and our fellow residents. Both show “How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony.” (Psalm 133:1, NLT). (See “Undivided” for another example of this truth.)

In His “High Priestly Prayer” just before His arrest and crucifixion Jesus prayed for “…those who will believe in me through (my disciples’) message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” (John 17:20-21, emphasis added). (Just think—2000 years ago He prayed for each of us!) Church history has shown that His heart-felt petition has yet to be answered in full. But it will be—in Jesus’ earlier words, “…There will be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:16, emphasis added). In 1865 Sabine Baring-Gould composed “Onward, Christian Soldiers” containing the phrase, “We are not divided, All one body, we: One in hope and doctrine, One in charity.” Am I/Are we living and serving to bring our Lord’s prayer to fruition and make the words of this great hymn a reality?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Choices or Obligations?"

 

“Choices or Obligations?”

 

When my brother Dave was in the advanced ROTC program at college he received an “invitation” to a gathering at the colonel’s home. He was flattered by this until he learned that in Armyese “invitation” means “You will be there!”, thus it’s to be interpreted as an order. So guess where he was at the stated time. (In effect his response was “Yes, Sir”.)

Army General Leonard Wood had an outstanding career as an officer (including Chief of Staff), physician and public official. (Fort Leonard Wood, a major Army training installation in Missouri, is named in his honor.) He once visited the King of France on a diplomatic mission and made such a strong impression that the King invited him to dinner the next day. Based on his military experience General Wood didn’t respond so the King was surprised to see him. He reasoned that “A king’s invitation is never to be answered but to be obeyed.” (In effect his response was “Yes, Your Majesty”.)

What’s true in the military chain of command is also true in our service for God. When He gives a command in His Word it’s not something to be debated but obeyed. Let’s think about God’s call to Abram: “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1). There’s no record of his questioning God’s directive—the account says simply, “So Abram left, as the Lord had told him….” (Genesis 12:4, emphasis added). His act of faith is cited many times as an example to ensuing generations. Others who followed God’s instructions when they didn’t make sense humanly include Joshua at Jericho (Joshua 6), Gideon’s leadership of God’s army of 300 in defeating the Midianites (Judges 6-7) and Paul (“…I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.”—Acts 26:19). (In effect their responses were “Yes, Lord”.) Had any of us been in the place of these great followers of God and leaders of people would we (I) have responded as they did?

God has promised blessings when we obey Him including prosperity and success in His sight (Joshua 1:8), favor on our succeeding generations (Deuteronomy 5:29), contentment (Job 36:11) and answered prayer (1 John 3:22). But He’s also warned of the consequences of disobedience: His hand will be against us (1 Samuel 12:15), we’ll be separated from Him (Isaiah 59:2) and be subject to His judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:8). The options are before each of us—in the words of Ira Stanphill’s 1961 song, “The Choice Is Mine”. And it’s yours too. What will it be?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan (with helpful input from Karen)

"THE Father Knows Best"

 

“THE Father Knows Best”

 

From 1954 to 1960 famed actor Robert Young portrayed Jim Anderson, a husband and father of a typical mid-twentieth century family in the sitcom “Father Knows Best”. During the same era Hugh Beaumont played Ward Cleaver on “Leave It to Beaver” and a decade later Tom Bosley appeared as Howard Cunningham in “Happy Days”. Each of these classic series depicted its father figure as a wise, loving and committed man whose main concern was his family’s well-being. Many of us who grew up in the 50’s and early 60’s can identify with those “good old days” and the values they presented.

All this changed with the mid 60’s and beyond. Fathers (and men in general) began to be depicted as weak, dumb and disrespected in the media and society in general, a trend that continues to be promoted today. This has resulted in traditional family values’ being held in contempt and ridiculed. The negative impact on succeeding generations is obvious and shows little indication of improvement anytime soon.

As the role of fathers is mocked today so is our Heavenly Father’s place in our lives and culture. The past two generations have seen Him and His ways excluded from government, education, entertainment and even churches and families. Since He’s a gentleman He doesn’t push His way into places He’s obviously not wanted, which goes a long way towards explaining conditions in our nation and the world today. This has happened before. In Psalm 81:11-12 God’s servant Asaph wrote, “But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not listen to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.” The result? “…The wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.” (2 Chronicles 36:16).

Have we today reached this point of no return? By no means. During the days of Solomon God promised, “…If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, emphasis added). The Father knows best (“As for God, his way is perfect….”—Psalm 18:30, emphasis added) so we can “Trust in the Lord forever….” (Isaiah 26:4). Numerous times He commands His people to return to Him so He can bless them anew. Will we see that He knows best and respond obediently?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan