"A Psalm for Troubling Times"

 

“A Psalm for Troubling Times”

 

Karen and I are currently reading through the Psalms together and discussing how they speak to us. Most of these poems were written out of the authors’ personal experiences so they’re relevant for us as readers because many of the circumstances of our lives are similar to theirs. Since the Scriptures are “…useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness….” (2 Timothy 3:16) we find help in coping with issues which confront us.

Psalms 22-24 form a triad describing the ministry of Jesus. In Psalm 22 we see His past work of paying the price for our sin on the cross; Psalm 23 describes His present role as our Shepherd and Caregiver; and in Psalm 24 He’s seen as the future Ruler of all there is. The days in which we’re living are difficult for us as God’s people as we see Him being pushed out of our culture. This led Karen to paraphrase Psalm 23 as it spoke to her:

“(1) Lord, You watch over me in every way, providing for my needs. You are attentive to me and care for me deeply. What else could I possibly want? (2) You don’t throw me into chaos but show me Your world of peace and rest and invite me to spend my days there. (3) And it is there that I can recharge and regain my strength as You refill me with Your perfect peace. You give me the ability to keep walking in Your steps and not my own and that glorifies You! (4) Dark and troublesome times do come into my life, as they do for everyone, and sometimes they weigh me down so heavily I think I might never be able to get up again. But I know—I KNOW—You are with me and don’t abandon me. I remember who You are and soak in Your peace and comfort, knowing I am not alone. (5) Troubles as well as people who hurt me might gloat over me, believing they have the upper hand but I have the hand of God Himself upon my life! You will openly bless me so those against me can see Your protection over me and Your love for me, and I realize with a new freshness how very blessed I am because of You! (6) All that You are, Lord—good and full of mercy, loving me unconditionally and completely—You are the One I count on to be with me throughout every day of my life and throughout eternity when I can finally be in Your presence and see Your beautiful face!”

In these troubling times God hasn’t abandoned us (“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you,”—Hebrews 13:5, emphasis added). So we can say with David, “I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.” (Psalm 3:6). Remember—God’s got this (and everything else).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Karen and Jim McMillan

 

"Changes in Plans"

 

“Changes in Plans”

 

One of the blessings Karen and I have enjoyed during retirement is travel. We thank God for His provision of health and financial resources (far beyond what we ever imagined) to visit places we never thought we’d see. These memories will stay with us for as long as we live and/or have all our marbles.

Enter 2020 and the impact of COVID. (In the recent posting “Tunnels” I shared a bit of how it affected our “on the road {or in the air} again” plans.) While these changes were disappointing we recalled God’s words in Proverbs 16:9 (NLT): “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (The McMillan paraphrase is, “God reserves the right to change our plans.”) Even though we may not understand the “whys” of the situations life sends our way we take comfort in David’s words: “As for God, his way is perfect….” (Psalm 18:30) and “The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.” (Psalm 37:23, NLT),

Scripture tells of some changes in plans God’s servants made which were directed by circumstances. Paul told the church in Rome. “…I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now)….” (Romans 1:13). Eventually he got there—but as a prisoner of the Empire so his fare was paid. And our Lord’s brother wrote to his fellow believers, “…I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, (but) I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith….” (Jude 3). His resulting words have provided counsel to God’s people for almost 2000 years.

It’s certainly wise to make plans but in doing so we must consider our circumstances and resources—see Jesus’ two “miniparables” in Luke 14:28-32—but most importantly God’s purposes (“…You ought to say, if it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”—James 4:15, emphasis added). Interestingly, the day before composing this article God gave us direction concerning a trip later this year. God said through His prophet, “…Wait for your God always.” (Hosea 12:6). Believe me when I say it pays off.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"A Word That Should Be Used Carefully"

 

“A Word That Should Be Used Carefully”

 

During my pastoral days our church’s youth once rendered an innovative musical and dramatic presentation in a Resurrection Sunday service which was done very well. The next day a member of the congregation came to my office to make known her displeasure with the effort the teens had made. As she gave her reasons for why she thought it was inappropriate she used the word “should” several times. I stopped her and cautioned her about utilizing this term carelessly as it suggested her opinion was the standard the church was obligated to follow. To her credit she listened and saw my point even though she didn’t agree totally. She then suggested that an explanation be given if something “out of the ordinary” was to be done so people would be prepared. I affirmed her proposal and we implemented it several times in the years following. This incident illustrates how a disagreement can have positive results if all concerned show a teachable spirit.

Recently another event brought this one back to my mind and I began to think of how often I use “should” without thinking. So I did an on-line search and according to Oxford Languages “it is used to indicate obligation, duty or correctness, typically when criticizing someone’s actions.” (Emphasis added). God then reminded me that I was, in effect, holding others to my personal standard if I spoke or thought in this way (this is otherwise known as judgment or legalism). So I asked God to forgive me and keep me from falling into this trap in the future.

I’ve come to the conclusion that the only context in which the word is always fitting is Scripture. “Should” appears about 675 times in the KJV and 371 times in the NIV. In the NIV concordance (my source for this number) it almost always has the notation AIT (Assists In Translation—in English class it was called a helping verb). Here are a few examples of how it’s used:

*Keeping the church functioning smoothly (“…Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”—1 Corinthians 14:40).

*Building others up (“Each of us should please {our} neighbor for {his or her} good, to build {him or her} up.”—Romans 15:2).

*Doing good works (“For we are {God’s} workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”—Ephesians 2:10, KJV).

*Utilizing our gifts (“Each one should use whatever gift {he or she} has received to serve others….”—1 Peter 4:10).

*Examining ourselves (“Each one should test {his or her} own actions.”—Galatians 6:4).

Howard Hendricks said, “The two words we should always be careful never to use are always and never.” Let’s add “should” to this list of words to be used carefully for the benefit of all.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"Volunteers"

 

“Volunteers”

 

Many towns throughout our nation, especially those in rural areas, are served by volunteer fire departments and rescue squads. (Karen was part of the ambulance corps in two places we lived.) Without residents who were willing to donate time and effort emergency resources would have been severely limited and life and property put at great risk. By God’s grace we never had to use these community assets but are thankful they were available to those who needed them.

In Lakeland professional emergency services and personnel are provided and supported by the municipal budget. But there are opportunities for volunteers to assist in a myriad of ways. Our local hospital, hospice patients, social services, youth sports and other organizations are continuously looking for people to supplement staff services. Why not check out possibilities in line with your interests to see how you might make a difference in people’s lives?

There’s a military principle which says, “Never volunteer for anything!”, the origin of which has been lost to history (at least I couldn’t find out where it came from). But even though Christ’s church is sometimes likened to an army (“Endure hardship…like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”—2 Timothy 2:3) God calls us to serve (aka volunteer) by “…(using) whatever gift (one) has received to serve others….” (1 Peter 4:10). Paul also challenges His people to “…give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?” (Romans 12:1, NLT, emphasis added). Israel’s judge Deborah sang, “My heart is with Israel’s princes, with the willing volunteers among the people.” (Judges 5:9, emphasis added). As a pastor my heart was always thankful for such servants—am I making anyone thankful in my “retirement”?

The 1907 hymn “As a Volunteer”, written by W.S. Brown (lyrics) and Charles Gabriel (music) contains a line, “Others have enlisted, Why not you?” In response, will I say with God’s prophet, “Here am I. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan