"A Friend Indeed"

“A Friend Indeed”

 

In 1991 the Lord took Karen’s 94-year-old grandfather Home to be with Himself. At the funeral service I shared a few memories of Grandpa, some of which recalled his dry sense of humor. One incident took place shortly after Karen’s grandmother’s Homegoing in 1985. Karen, Dave, Kristie, and I, along with Karen’s two great aunts, were visiting with Grandpa when a neighbor came by. In his introductions he said, “These are my relatives. They can’t help it!” The family has chuckled about this ever since.

By his tongue-in-cheek comment Grandpa was paraphrasing the old adage, “You can pick your friends but not your relatives.” I once used this saying in a Sunday School class as we discussed the relationship of Joseph with his brothers. Since then I’ve reflected on Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 15:14-16: “You are my friends…I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends…You did not choose me, but I chose you….” Think about this: Jesus chose us as His friends, not because He was stuck with us but because He wants us to fellowship with Him. He values the relationship He has with us that much! How much do we value it?

If we’ve received Christ as Savior we have the right to be called God’s children (“…To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God….”—John 1:12). Our Lord has made this bond even more special by identifying us as His friends. Solomon wrote, “…There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24). Our Friend Jesus is there when no one else is. Let’s be thankful for His true, unwavering friendship.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Tiny Teachers"

“Tiny Teachers”

 

Perhaps you’ve gone on a picnic and been invaded by an army of ants looking for a free meal. (It’s happened to me more than once.) By stepping on them, spraying Raid, or moving our eating spot we do our best to rid ourselves of these tiny pests. Maybe we ask ourselves what possible use these little creatures could ever have (other than feeding aardvarks).

But have we ever stopped and thought of the valuable lessons we can learn by watching these small insects? Believe it or not, there are several. In Proverbs 6:6-8 Solomon writes this description: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise. It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Let’s look at some principles for life we can learn from ants.

First, notice how they go about their duties without having to be prodded to do so by a straw boss. They see a job needs to be done and they do it. Think of how pleased God would be if His people would rise to the occasion when a task needs to be accomplished without having to be asked time and again. Second, see how they plan ahead by using the summer as an opportune time to gather food for the winter. So often we as God’s people procrastinate until the last minute and wonder why things can’t be finished. We must make our plans early and begin to implement them appropriately. Finally, note how industrious they are. Instead of sleeping and wasting time they’re busy putting their limited time to the best use. We who have been born of God would do well to look at our lives to see how involved we are in insignificant things and lazy in the things that count. Jesus put it this way: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20). We’d do well to heed His words.

So the next time ants threaten to ruin an outing, learn from them before wiping out God’s tiny teachers.

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Nothing Wasted"

“Nothing Wasted”

 

A well-known politician once told his colleagues, “Never let a crisis go to waste.” It seems he saw difficult and even tragic circumstances as a means to further his agenda. Apparently leaders of all stripes have taken this advice as the news is filled with examples of this phenomenon almost on a daily basis. How can those impacted by painful events not feel used rather than supported?

Pastor Rick Warren once observed, “God never wastes a hurt.” By this he means that God has a purpose for every event in our lives, even (maybe especially) the ones we see as disastrous. Are they good in themselves? Probably not. But can they produce good for and through us? Absolutely (“…We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him….”—Romans 8:28). One way in which this can be manifested is described in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “…The God of all comfort…comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” Karen and I have seen God use some of our struggles over the years to encourage others as well as teach us—we thank Him they haven’t been wasted.

In John 6 we read of Jesus’ miracle of feeding the 5000. But we sometimes overlook His command to His disciples in Verse 12: “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” (Emphasis added.) Paul reminds his readers to “…Make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5—“Redeeming the time.” in the KJV). So it’s God’s desire that we utilize every resource He’s entrusted to us (experiences, material assets, and time to name some) to fulfill His purposes for our lives. Remember, nothing is ours—it’s all His (“Every good and perfect gift is from above….”—James 1:17) and He expects us to use it all well (‘…It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”—1 Corinthians 4:2).

Let’s remember our responsibility to “Let nothing be wasted.” and trust God to make it true in our lives and service.

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"The Long Haul"

“The Long Haul”

 

From their inception in 1960 through 1988 the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys were coached by the legendary Tom Landry. In his 29 years at the helm Landry led the team to 250 victories (including a record 20 consecutive winning seasons), 20 playoff wins, five conference championships, and two Super Bowl titles. In a pressure-packed position he showed a calmness on the sidelines that was in stark contrast to the fiery demeanor of many of his fellow coaches. And he accomplished all this while maintaining a strong Christian testimony both inside and outside football (his spiritual values will be the subject of a future posting).

What you may not know is how it all began. The Cowboys didn’t win a single game that first season and didn’t break even until 1965 (by then their win-loss record was 25-53 along with four ties). I’ve sometimes wondered what went on in front office meetings during those lean years when Landry’s future came up for discussion and how close he may have come to being fired. (Many coaches get canned under such circumstances.) But for some reason the brain trust stuck with him and the outcome speaks for itself.

Some owners in professional sports are known for changing coaches and managers often when they don’t perform up to expectations. But building a strong organization takes time and patience. Chances are that revolving-door-led teams find themselves at the top less frequently than those with long-term stability on the sidelines or in the dugout.

The Christian life has been described as a marathon rather than a sprint. In other words, it’s a long haul which continues for the whole time God keeps us on earth (“…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 1:6). A concluding thought from a recent Our Daily Bread devotional reminds us that “The growth of a saint is the work of a lifetime.” Yes, our progress can be painfully slow and frustrating at times—the Apostle Paul knew this from his own life so he was able to encourage his readers (and us today): “…Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9, KJV). Joyce Meyer pointed out that with God “due season” is open-ended but His timing is always right and He’ll walk with us through our journey.

So, how committed are we to the long haul?

Blessings!

Jim McMillan