"Learning a New Word"

 

“Learning a New Word”

 

In a “Dennis the Menace” cartoon years ago the tow-headed mischief machine’s father came home and observed his son sitting in the corner. His wife explained why: “He learned a new word today!” In another panel Dennis was in his toy truck and his mom said, “I don’t care if you are a truck driver. I don’t want to hear that word again!” So learning new words isn’t always a good thing.

Early in my college freshman year my professor in writing class suggested we buy a good dictionary which I did and it served me well for many years. But as time went on some words I ran across in my reading weren’t included because they’d been created as our society changed. (The most recent edition of the Oxford English Dictionary includes about 1600 new words and phrases from the previous one.) So we’re continually being exposed to new words and expressions. Taking some liberties with Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Of making many words there is no end….”

During one of our trips to Honduras our missionary contact asked Karen and me to meet with a national pastor and wife who were struggling with their relationship and ministry. In the course of our conversation (which the missionary’s Honduran wife translated) we found that the pastor had overcommitted himself to his work and neglected his family. I said to him, “There’s a word you need to learn that’s the same in English and Spanish.” After translating I told him the word: “NO!” along with an explanation that he couldn’t do everything but needed to delegate some tasks to others and concentrate on what he did best. (I had been there and done that!) I’ve lost track of this couple after 20+ years but pray that they reset their priorities and prospered in their relationship and ministry.

The phrase “one thing” appears at least six times in Scripture, all expressing emphasis on what’s important for us in God’s sight. We may encounter those who are offended if we say ”No” to their request (or agenda for us) but we can ask with Paul, “Am I now trying to win the approval of (people), or of God?” (Galatians 1:10) and follow Jesus’ counsel, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No’, ‘No’….” (Matthew 5:37, emphasis added) and learn to use an old word in a new (and hopefully better) way.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Convenience Stores"

 

“Convenience Stores”

 

In driving around town did you ever notice (to quote the late commentator Andy Rooney) the number of convenience stores which seem to be on every corner? These shops are so designated because their hours of operation (many are open around the clock), locations and speed of service fit into our schedules and whims. We can stop in for coffee to stay awake while driving, fill up on gas, grab a sandwich for the road or pick up an item or two we forgot on our last super market trip and be on our way quickly. For the most part they live up to their name.

We live in a world of conveniences. We use ATM’s and go through self-checkouts to avoid waiting on lines, shop and pay bills on line and have groceries delivered rather than travel to the nearest Wal-Mart or Publix. And we become annoyed when we’re inconvenienced from our normal routines.

Since it’s difficult if not impossible to separate “everyday” life from “spiritual” life we often carry the same desire not to be inconvenienced into our following and serving God. We may consider involvement in His work as long as it doesn’t interfere with our plans, but if it means giving up something or going out of our way our response may be, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Sound familiar? These are Moses’ words in Exodus 4:13. But he was willing to change and God was then able to use him mightily. It’s really no different for any of us today.

Shortly before his death as David was preparing for the temple’s construction by gathering materials to be used by Solomon to complete the project he challenged the nation: “Now, who is willing to consecrate (him/herself) today to the Lord?” (1 Chronicles 29:5, emphasis added). In other words, “Who is willing to be inconvenienced so God can do His work?” Can we (I) say with God’s prophet, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Learning from the Past"

 

“Learning from the Past”

 

In 2016 Karen and I went on a Mediterranean cruise which included stops at a number of ports on Europe’s southern coast. One of the highlights was a boat tour viewing the Amalfi Coast, a 32 mile stretch south of Naples known for its scenic beauty and productive agricultural areas, especially lemon groves (we later visited the “Lemon Capital”, Sorrento, in this region). The guide pointed out about 30 guard towers overlooking the coastline which were built between the 9^th and 16^th centuries to defend against pirate invasions from the Tyrrhenian Sea. They were constructed so that each one could see the two nearest to it and communicate using smoke signals. These structures proved effective until longer range weapons were developed.

This strategy was seen as innovative and clever. However, God had used a similar plan about 1300 years previously. In Nehemiah 4:19-20 His servant said to those building Jerusalem’s wall, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” So instead of fire and smoke the Jewish people used bugle calls to alert of danger. (I wonder if some godly person in 9^th century Italy read this passage and put the principle to use.) Taking some liberties with Matthew 24:42, “…Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your enemy will come.”

Paul wrote his pastoral mentoree, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful….” (2 Timothy 3:16, emphasis added). How? In this case to teach us from the past (“…Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us….”—Romans 15:4). Some historians maintain that quarantining Black Plague victims in 1347 Europe to stop the spread of the epidemic had its origins in the Old Testament practice of separating those with contagious diseases such as leprosy. In 1 Samuel 16:16 we read, “Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better….” So today’s musical therapy had its roots in biblical history. And in our Men’s Bible Study we’re looking at Paul’s ministry strategy described in Acts and discussing how its elements can be applied to today’s opportunities.

God’s truth is timeless and works in all times and cultures. As we learn from the past we’ll be better equipped to serve in the present and future. Can I say with the psalmist, “Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.” (Psalm 119:152)? Can you?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Don't Leave It Out"

 

“Don’t Leave It Out”

Some years ago Karen and I hosted a gathering of our home Bible study group. As our guests arrived they parked on the street but were careful to allow space for traffic to pass. A young man across the street came to me and said some cars had to be moved as he was on call for his job and might have to leave on short notice. Our guests complied and as he was walking back to his house I called to him, “You’re welcome!” (He hadn’t thanked us and the flesh got the better of me for his sense of entitlement.)

As I thought about this incident God showed me how it often pictures our prayers. We ask Him for His help and provision and when it comes we go about our business without acknowledging what He’s done or expressing gratitude. We’re quick to find fault with the nine lepers in Luke 17 whom Jesus healed who ran to be pronounced clean with nary a word of thanksgiving but overlook our own lack of gratitude (guilty as charged in more cases than I care to admit). 

Thanksgiving in its various forms appears more than 150 times in Scripture, about 35 of which occur in the Psalms, Israel’s book of songs of thanks and praise growing out of life’s experiences. In God’s Word we’re told to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise….” (Psalm 100:4); “…Pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6, NLT); “Thank God at all times for everything….” (Ephesians 5:20, PH); “…Be thankful…with gratitude in your hearts to God…giving thanks to God the Father through (Jesus).” (Colossians 3:15-17); “Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, PH). (Emphasis added throughout.)

During this Thanksgiving Season I remember a leader in our first church who always included “with thanksgiving” when he prayed publicly. Let’s learn from him and, in the words of a great 1844 hymn, be a “Thankful People” in our words and actions.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan