"Glancing or Gazing?"

 

“Glancing or Gazing?”

 

Several months ago Pastor Brian Stowe asked this question at the close of his message: “Are you gazing at your circumstances and glancing at God or are you glancing at your circumstances and gazing at God?” (I jotted this down for a future article and here it is.) He then encouraged the congregation to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) because “…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21). The Greek word translated “set” has the idea of focusing in a particular direction—noted commentator F.F. Bruce renders the phrase, “Aim then at what is above”. Why? “The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, TM).

A glance is a brief look. Solomon tells us, “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone….” (Proverbs 23:5). By contrast, a gaze is an intense and steady look. David’s desire was “…to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord….” (Psalm 27:4)—in other words, “to see Him in all His splendor”, not just a casual glimpse. At the time of Jesus’ ascension two angels had seen His disciples as they “…looked steadfastly toward heaven….” and asked them, “…Why do you stand gazing up into heaven?” (Acts 1:10-11, NKJV). Apparently they looked long and hard at the departure of the One they had followed then in obedience went about the task He’d assigned them: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15).

Where are my glances and where are my gazes directed? Hebrews 3:1 tells me to “…fix (my) thoughts on Jesus….” and later I’m reminded to “…fix (my) eyes on Jesus….” (Hebrews 12:2). Again let’s listen to David: “My eyes are ever on the Lord….” (Psalm 25:15). I found no place in Scripture where we’re told to merely glance at the Lord or His blessings in our lives but rather gaze and take seriously who He is and what He does day by day.

So…am I glancing or gazing?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Crossroads"

 

“Crossroads”

 

In 1955-1957 ABC aired 78 episodes of “Crossroads”, a real life drama of (in the words of the narrator) “actual experiences of American clergymen”. As a middle schooler (junior higher in those days) I remember watching these shows but never realized that I might be faced with similar crises. The title suggests that the pastors, priests and rabbis whose stories were told might reach a time in their ministries when a life-altering decision had to be made with far-reaching impacts.

The series has largely been forgotten in TV annals but the concept of reaching a critical juncture in our life journey remains—in fact, it goes back to the earliest days of human history. Adam and Eve were at a crossroads in Genesis 3 and their taking the way of disobedience plunged the world into sin which has affected every one of their descendants (“There is not a single person in all the earth who is always good and never sins.”—Ecclesiastes 7:20, NLT). In contrast, at the end of his life Joshua challenged the Jewish people to make a choice between following the false gods of the nations around them or the true God of Israel and announced his decision: “…As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15). Others who stood at such a point in their lives include Lot (Genesis 13:10-13), Moses (Hebrews 11:24-25), the Jews (Matthew 27:15-23) and Paul (Acts 16:6-10). Their stories illustrate that those who act wisely are blessed by God and those who make unwise decisions pay heavy prices.

As we live day by day we face many situations—some we might see as insignificant, others major—which carry the potential of changing our life’s course. God spoke words of warning to His rebellious people through His prophet then said to them, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21), Some eight centuries later He commands Christ’s followers (including us), “…Walk in wisdom….” (Colossians 4:5). To help us obey this admonition He’s given us His Word (Psalm 119:105); His Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2-3); discernment (1 Corinthians 2:12-14); godly counsel from trusted believers (Proverbs 15:22); our own life circumstances (Proverbs 6:20-22); the experiences of others (1 Corinthians 10:11). (See Y.B.H. for more references to help on this journey.)

Life’s crossroads are opportunities to put our faith into action (see Hebrews 11 for many examples of how this can be done). Remember, “,,,Without faith it is impossible to please God….” (Hebrews 11:6). Will we choose to “…live by believing and not by seeing.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NLT)?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Windows"

 

“Windows”

 

Shortly after purchasing our Lakeland house in 2014 we replaced its fifteen windows—the original ones were uneconomical and showing their age. The new ones are more energy efficient and look better but are difficult to keep clean due to Florida’s dust and pollen, not to mention various critters’ leaving evidence of their presence. They’re a chore to wash which helps us understand the disclaimer from housekeepers: “I don’t do windows!” But we recently purchased a spray cleaner at a friend’s suggestion which shows promise once we’re motivated to use it.

When we watch one of the “House Hunter” shows on HGTV one of the most common observations is that a home has a lot of windows to let in light. They come in different shapes, sizes and grades but must meet local building codes (when we had ours installed standards had changed so we had to make appropriate adjustments). But the illumination they provide makes a house more welcoming.

Windows are mentioned 29 times in Scripture. Both the Hebrew and Greek words are derived from a root meaning opening. According to a Bible dictionary they were high on the walls of early houses to allow smoke to escape (apparently there were no chimneys) and were covered for protection when necessary. So it appears they were a practical necessity and décor wasn’t a consideration as it is in modern times.

There was a window in Noah’s ark through which he released a raven to see if the flood waters had receded (Genesis 8:6). In two cases people were saved from enemies by being lowered through one (Joshua 2:15; 2 Corinthians 11:33) and Daniel opened them in his house so he could pray toward Jerusalem (Daniel 6:10). Then there’s the Bible trivia question as to why we shouldn’t fall asleep in church (Acts 20:9).

In the 1960’s NASA coined the term “launch window” for the timing of sending rockets into space. During the Cold War it evolved into “window of opportunity” for attacking enemies. From here it expanded into business and ministry contexts to describe ideal times for taking action. But around 55 AD the Apostle Paul wanted to avail himself of suitable circumstances to minister when he wrote that “…a great door for effective work has opened to me….” (1 Corinthians 16:9). The word translated “door” is the one from which “window” comes so Paul might be said to have originated the term “window of opportunity”.

What’s my “window of opportunity”? Whenever a situation arises for “A word aptly spoken….” (Proverbs 25:11). Will I allow the message of Christ to flow through the window of my life?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"The Power of Togetherness"

 

“The Power of Togetherness”

 

The 1972 Miami Dolphins were the last NFL team to finish a season undefeated. They won 14 regular season games by an average margin of 15 points and two playoff games before completing their stellar campaign on January 14, 1973 with a 14-7 victory over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII. Six players on the roster are in the NFL Hall of Fame in addition to legendary Coach Don Shula, whose 328 career wins are the most in League history. Some analysts believe this feat is unlikely to be repeated.

Key to the Dolphins’ success was what became dubbed as “The No-Name Defense”, which allowed opponents only about twelve points per game. It got this name because the players weren’t well known but relied on speed and, more importantly, teamwork to shut down their competitors’ offenses. No one player could do it alone but together they achieved great things.

I’ve addressed anonymity and teamwork in two previous articles: “Beyond the Box Score” and “Unsung Heroes”. Scripture often emphasizes God’s people working together to accomplish what they couldn’t alone. In his farewell address to Israel Moses said, “How could one person chase a thousand of them (i.e. their enemies), and two people put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the Lord had given them up?” (Deuteronomy 32:30, NLT). In Acts the phrase “with one accord” (KJV) describes the church’s unity on seven different occasions. In the epistles the figures of the human body, a garden, a building, an army, a flock and branches of a vine are used to picture the church as a single unit made up of many individual parts. In only one case I found (Acts 1:13-14) were people mentioned by name. President Harry Truman observed, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” What he said in (likely) the political realm fits with the church’s purpose (“…Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”—Matthew 5:16, NLT).

In the world-wide scope of the church each of us is probably one of “The No Name Servants”. But anonymity is certainly not a synonym for ineffectiveness. As we fulfill our God-given roles we see the power of togetherness. This made the 1972 Dolphins undefeated and assures us that “…the powers of hell will not conquer (the church).” (Matthew 16:18. NLT).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan