"Call Letters"

 

“Call Letters”

 

As of 2020 there were 15,445 FCC licensed commercial radio stations in the U.S. including AM, FM and educational outlets. With a few grandfathered exceptions those east of the Mississippi River begin with “W” and the western ones start with “K”. Most have four letters but a few older ones, such as WBZ in Boston, WOR in New York City and Chicago’s WGN, have three. Those wishing to start a station can choose their call letters and the FCC usually approves but it cannot duplicate one already licensed. Of course, all are subject to FCC oversight.

Many broadcast outlets pick their call letters based on their location. Some of these from places I’ve lived include WHLI (Hempstead, Long Island), WROC (Rochester, NY), WDLA (Delaware County, NY) and WLKF (Lakeland, FL). Others seem to pull them out of a hat such as WQXR (a classical music station in New York City) and WGBB (Babylon, NY). Then there are the student run (with supervision and accountability) stations at many colleges and universities including WETN (Wheaton College) and WFSU (Florida State University).

In 1996 bracelets with the letters WWJD appeared marking the centennial of Charles Sheldon’s classic novel In His Steps with the subtitle “What Would Jesus Do?” Interestingly I called on my friend Google and found a radio station with the WWJD call letters. It’s operated by Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, KY and mostly broadcasts contemporary Christian music. The school was founded in 1923, primarily to educate leaders in the Appalachian region, and the station appears to fit into this purpose.

The church we attend has as its four primary emphases Worship (“Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness….”—Psalm 96:9), Grow (“…Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”—2 Peter 3:18), Serve (“Serve wholeheartedly….—Ephesians 6:7), Reach (“You will be his witness to all….”—Acts 22:15). (Emphasis added throughout.) WGSR seemed like good call letters if the church ever felt led to sponsor a radio frequency—but alas! I found that it was already being used in Birmingham, AL, standing for Gospel Sounds Radio. Oh, well, so much for creativity. But I pray I’ll never forget the WGSR “call letters” in fulfilling my purpose to God’s glory.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"Contentment"

“Contentment”

 

Two of the most popular dramas in TV history are “The Waltons” (originally aired in 1972-1981) and “Dallas” (1978-1991). Both were hits with viewers and have continued in syndication but there the similarities end. “The Waltons” episodes were self-contained with occasional two-parters and presented the wholesome side of family life and godly values during the years of the Great Depression while “Dallas” was essentially a prime time soap opera of a modern era wealthy oil industry family marked by greed, lust and power grabbing. The contrast couldn’t be greater.

Years ago I remember hearing that a survey found that the TV family viewers would have most liked to be a part of was the Waltons. (I’ve been unable to document its source.) So it appears that mutual love and respect trumps fame and fortune. With the Waltons less translated into more and with the Ewings (the “Dallas” family) more became less when it came to what really mattered.

These two TV families illustrate the biblical truth of Proverbs 15:16: “Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.” The Waltons displayed contentment and gratitude with what God provided while the Ewings were seemingly never satisfied and always sought more. Present-day real life examples abound with tragic stories of the empty lives of many of the rich and famous.

God knows that we as humans struggle with contentment which explains these biblical truths (emphasis added throughout):

*”…Godliness with contentment is great gain,” (1 Timothy 6:6).

*”You shall not covet….” (Exodus 20:17).

*”…Be content with your pay.” (Luke 3:14).

*”…If we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” (1 Timothy 6:8, NLT).

*”…Be content with what you have….” (Hebrews 13:5).

*”…I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11).

David observed, “I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken….” (Psalm 37:25, NASB) to which we add God’s promise: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5, emphasis added). So true contentment comes from God’s provision and presence. Have I reached this point in my life with Him?

 

Grace and Blessings!

                                                                 Jim McMillan 

"Gray Hairs"

 

“Gray Hairs”

 

In March of 1965 I sent my grandfather a card for his 80^th birthday. He wrote back thanking me and expressing his gratitude to God for His goodness throughout his life. About ten weeks later he, along with my parents, brother, two grandmothers and aunt attended my college graduation ceremonies. And I enjoyed many more special times with him before the Lord took him Home in December of 1969.

If God wills and Jesus tarries I’ll become a member of the Octogenarian Club next July. I echo Grandpa’s thoughts in thanking God for His blessings, leading and provision over the years. Things haven’t always been easy—Jesus never promised they would be—but (to borrow a line from a song by Carol Cymbala) “He’s been faithful, faithful to me….”. And I praise Him for it!

We reside in a 55+ community, attend a geezer Sunday School class and are part of a small group made up of seniors. So we’re surrounded by gray heads (and in some cases bald ones). So not long ago when I read “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.” (Isaiah 46:4) I became curious. I found that the Hebrew word (actually three variations of the same root) appears 22 times and has the basic meaning of old age. My hair has become increasingly gray (as well as scarcer) in recent years so I pray Solomon’s words are true of me: “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.” (Proverbs 16:31).

In ancient times old age was esteemed and still is in many cultures of the world. After Job’s “friends” had offered their counsel (read judgment), “Elihu had waited for the others to speak because they were older than he. But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out….” (Job 32:4-5, NLT). Many centuries later in Titus 2:1-5 Paul instructed his young protégé to teach the older believers in Crete to be examples to the younger ones. My desire is that as I listen to preachers, almost all of whom are younger than I am, I’ll take this seriously, especially when it comes to my children and grandchildren, and pray with the psalmist (likely David), “Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” (Psalm 71:18, NLT). That would be a legacy worth leaving—I pray I will.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"The Peter Principles"

 

“The Peter Principles”

 

In 1969 professor and educator Laurence Peter published The Peter Principle in which he develops his thesis that “In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.” This has become a widely accepted management axiom in business, education and other fields. Examples abound of men and women who performed well in a subordinate position but proved to be a fish out of water when moved up the ladder of responsibility, much to their as well as their organization’s detriment. The problem is that no one knows at what point this might kick in.

From a human standpoint “The Peter Principle” can impact individual believers and eventually a church or other ministry. For a variety of reasons someone may be placed in a leadership position for which he or she is not adequately prepared which can lead to discouragement and reluctance to try again. This points up the need to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) to “…make disciples….” through winning (“…Go….”), building (“…baptizing them….”) and equipping (“…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”).

In his two letters Peter sets forth principles to produce maturity and preparation for service in the lives of Jesus’ followers. These include but aren’t limited to….

*Desire to grow in our faith (“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”—1 Peter 2:2, NKJV).

*Growing in our faith (“…{Continue to} grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”—2 Peter 3:18, literal rendering).

*Living godly lives (“You ought to live holy and godly lives….”—2 Peter 3:11).

*God has equipped us to live godly lives (“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness….”—2 Peter 1:3).

*Loving others (“…Continue to show deep love for each other….”—1 Peter 4:8. NLT).

*Serving others (“Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you….”—1 Peter 4:10, Phillips).

*Loving and respecting our wives (“…You husbands must give honor to your wives.”—1 Peter 3:7, NLT).

*Glorifying God (“,,,{So that} the Gentiles…may by your good works…glorify God….”—1 Peter 2:12, NKJV).

Can we do this? Not on our own but “,,,our ability comes from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5, Phillips). So let’s put these “Peter Principles” to work to honor our Lord in and through our lives.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(Why not make your own list of “Peter Principles”? You can read the two letters in 20-30 minutes.)