"A Man of the Word"

“A Man of the Word”

 

Shortly after moving to Manchester I was invited to a Gideons’ Pastors’ Dinner by Charlie Chase, a member of our church and long-time participant with the Gideons. As we talked we found out that we’d worked with the same construction representative in building programs in New Hampshire and New York. (No wonder the designs were strikingly similar.) So we had an immediate bond as brothers and coworkers in Christ.

As I got to know Charlie better I saw his passion for God’s Word, local and international missions and being a witness for Christ. On two occasions he was broadsided while driving and while he was hospitalized from his injuries led both of those who hit him to the Lord. When I visited him I commented that I admired him for wanting to share his faith but could think of less painful ways of doing so! He chuckled and said he relied on God’s promise that “…God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God….” (Romans 8:28, NASV) and he wanted to “…make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5) because he may not have another one.

Charlie joined Jesus and his wife Donna in Heaven in 2003. The young man whose driving carelessness caused the accident that led to his receiving Christ gave his testimony at the memorial service (and at various Gideon functions as well). In my funeral message I likened Charlie to Ezra, the 5^th century B.C. scribe who restored worship in Jerusalem during the days of Nehemiah. We read in Ezra 7:10, “…Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (As an aside, this statement has led to my believing Ezra, or someone very much like him, is the anonymous author of Psalm 119.) If we replace Ezra with Charlie and Israel with New Hampshire we have a fitting description of this Man of the Word.

Charlie left his family, church and community a legacy of faith, godliness and service. You and I are building a legacy as well. How will I be remembered? I pray it’s, as with Charlie, as a Man of the Word.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"A Carpenter's Advice"

“A Carpenter’s Advice”

 

An English proverb from centuries ago says, “Measure twice, cut once”. It seems to have originated among village carpenters but over the years found its way into other areas of life as advice to be careful before taking action. Frontiersman Davy Crockett put it this way: “Be sure you’re right, then go ahead.”

I’m not at all handy when it comes to carpentry so when I make a stab at it I need to take these words seriously. It may seem like a waste of time but it likely saves it (and probably some lumber) in the long run.

A while ago I was involved in a project and found myself heeding this admonition and the cut came out right. As I was singing the all thumbs version of the “Hallelujah Chorus” for the successful venture my mind went to a statement written by our Lord’s brother: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19). Since we have two ears and one mouth we might conclude that we’re to hear twice and speak once. I know if I’d practice this more than I do I’d avoid much of the trouble I’ve gotten myself into over the years.

Even though he didn’t believe Jesus was God’s Son during His earthly ministry (“…his own brothers did not believe in him.”—John 7:5) James may have heard some of Jesus’ words and later incorporated them into his letter. When the Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out demons by “…Beelzebub, the prince of demons.” (Matthew 12:24) He took them to task about their evil speech (“…I tell you that {all} will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37). James’ conclusion: the fewer words spoken the better. Solomon apparently believed likewise: “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” (Proverbs 17:28).

We all benefit from The Carpenter’s advice in each part of our lives but maybe how we use our mouths is our area of greatest need. He told His disciples, “…Consider carefully how you listen.” (Luke 8:18). So let’s measure our words twice before speaking them once.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"On the Lighter Side...."

“On the Lighter Side….”

 

It was a hot and humid Saturday in late June in upstate New York for a young couple’s wedding in our un-air-conditioned building. At the rehearsal the previous evening I’d told the bridal party to be sure to eat the next morning and to relax when standing during the ceremony. In his nervousness the groom hadn’t had breakfast or lunch and stood with his knees locked as the service got under way. As a ladies’ trio began to sing after the giving of the bride the groom fell over in a faint. I motioned to the musicians to keep going while the best man loosened the groom’s collar, an usher ran for water and I grabbed smelling salts from a first aid kit in the office down the hall. As each of us did his part we had the bride and groom sitting in chairs on the platform by the time the trio finished their number. Everyone then breathed a sigh of relief.

The next part of the ceremony was Scripture reading by our Youth Pastor. The couple had requested Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 which begins, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.” Once the uproarious laughter subsided the service went on as planned. (P.S.: After this I always carried smelling salts when I conducted a wedding.)

Throughout the years of my ministry I learned that, along with God’s calling and gifting, at least two other things were needed: a tough hide and sense of humor. Both served me well as they did Jesus during His time on earth. He was able to deflect challenges and carry out His Father’s will without wavering (“…I always do what pleases {My Father}”—John 8:29, emphasis added). And think of two of His familiar statements: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3—his trade as a carpenter is likely its source) and “…It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24). In these cases He made His point by using absurdity.

We certainly must take Jesus’ words seriously (read his story of the two builders in Matthew 7:24-27) but there’s also “…a time to laugh….” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). So both are appropriate and must be kept in balance. Solomon observed, “A cheerful heart is good medicine….” (Proverbs 17:22). So let’s enjoy the healthy benefits of the lighter side as we walk with God through life.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Secure Investments"

“Secure Investments”

 

During an interview the owner of a Major League Baseball team said, “I’m planning to write a book called How to Make a Small Fortune in Baseball. You start with a large fortune.” When asked if he had a racehorse Hall of Fame pitcher-turned-broadcaster Don Drysdale answered, “I did until I found out the slow ones eat as much as the fast ones!” So what these two sports figures thought were sound places for their money proved to be anything but.

A recurring theme in the news is that of a celebrity, athlete, prominent business mogul or lottery winner declaring bankruptcy due to poor investment strategies (or maybe mooching of family and “friends”). “Easy Street” sometimes doesn’t work out that way. I once saw a photo of a sign identifying a road as Easy Street and right behind it another declaring “Dead End”. Tragically there are instances in which this became literally true when the person committed suicide.

I’ve read stories of people (mostly men) who were so intent on getting “rich” that they lost everything, including their families in some cases. Sadly, believers in Christ aren’t immune from the trap of accumulating wealth. Jesus sounded a loud and clear warning about such misdirected priorities in what’s usually called His parable of the rich fool. The central character had more “stuff” than he knew what to do with and decided to make more room to keep it and live off it in retirement (“Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”—Luke 12:19). But apparently his plans never included God for He said, “…You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” (Luke 12:20). Jesus concluded His story with a word of caution: “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for (oneself) but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21).

So how can we be sure our investments will be risk free? As He always did, Jesus has the answer: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth or rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20). All we have is from God (see Psalm 24:1 and James 1:17) and He’s entrusted it to us to be used for Him (“Honor the Lord with your wealth….”—Proverbs 3:9). So it’s only our heavenly investments that are secure. How am I doing with my “God Portfolio”?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan