"Never a Shortage"

 

“Never a Shortage”

 

In the town in which I grew up a local resident owned three small super markets which served the area well. One day while shopping with my mother and brother customers complained that the milk case was empty. The owner realized the regular delivery hadn’t been made so he got on the phone with the distributor and said in no uncertain terms that he expected a delivery within the hour. (As far as I know it was done.) While living in New Hampshire Karen and I once stopped for lunch at an Italian restaurant and when we asked that grated cheese be put on the salad we were told they’d run out of it! (A large grocery store was nearby and apparently no one thought to purchase several cans until the supplier showed up.) Then recently I went to our local post office and found they were out of stamps except for a few with a design I didn’t appreciate. Given the nature of these businesses such oversights seem inexcusable.

Compare these incidents with gifts from God which don’t run short or out:

*His love—“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3).

*His mercy—“…The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” (Psalm 100:5, NKJV).

*His grace—“…God is able to make all grace abound to you….” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

*His power—“By his mighty power at work within us, (God) is able to accomplish infinitely more that we would ever dare to ask or hope….” (Ephesians 3:20, NLT).

*His presence—“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5).

*His patience—“(God) is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9).

Human errors sometimes inconvenience or disappoint us but “God will supply all that you need from his glorious resources in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, PH). With Him there’s never a shortage of what matters. Remember, “…He is the faithful God….” (Deuteronomy 7:9). Amen!

(Emphasis added throughout.)

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Starting from Scratch"

 

“Starting from Scratch”

 

The term “start from scratch” goes back to 18^th century sporting events in which the starting line was literally scratched in the dirt. It’s come to mean the beginning of some process, often in a job career. (Today the term “entry level job” is more commonly used.) Three examples stand out from my past. When I was in seminary I went from class to change clothes for my warehouse job, usually stopping at McDonald’s for a quick lunch which I ate enroute. A new employee wearing a cap which said, “Training Class” often took my order. In a short time I noted that he’d donned a white hat signifying he’d become a “regular employee” and after 2-3 months he sported a new one: “Manager”. The two hospitals in which I served as a chaplain were led by CEO’s, one of whom had begun as a Ward Clerk and the other in the Transportation Department. Coming up through the ranks gave each of these individuals valuable insights for their career paths.

Unless someone has exceptional skills (or benefits from nepotism) a first job begins at a low level. My father began his business career as an office boy (today often called a “gofer”) and 45 years later he retired as the Senior Senior Life Underwriter. My brother worked summers in the mail room for the same company then was employed in an entry level position after college. 31 years later he retired as an Assistant Vice President. Along the way both learned valuable skills in the industry. Other examples abound, maybe even in your own life.

We all enter God’s family by placing our trust in Christ (“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”—Romans 10:13). This is our start from scratch. From there we enter a process of growth (“…Let us…go on to maturity….”—Hebrews 6:1) through Bible study, prayer, fellowship and service to “…prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up….” (Ephesians 4:12). Paul cited this principle as one of the qualifications for spiritual leadership with a word of caution: “An elder must not be a new Christian, because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall.” (1 Timothy 3:6, NLT). Tragically examples abound when this standard has been ignored.

There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity--it takes time and effort to do whatever task(s) God has for us. Are we ready to make this commitment to Him?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Of Hurricanes and Tornados"

 

“Of Hurricanes and Tornados”

 

While on a trans-Atlantic cruise in April I read Quiet Strength, the autobiography of Tony Dungy, retired NFL coach and commentator and outspoken follower of Christ. He likened his pro football experience as a player and coach to hurricanes and tornados. Both can be devastating weather events causing loss of life and property but there’s an important difference. Hurricanes develop and move slowly—weather forecasters can identify disturbances and warn the public to prepare for their potential impact days and even weeks ahead to allow time for sandbag placement, building protection and evacuations. By contrast, tornados form and move quickly allowing little or no time to get ready. Both can leave affected areas in ruins.

Dungy’s point was that in his profession they make plans for the upcoming season and even beyond (i.e. for the “hurricanes”) but also have to be alert for the unexpected such as injuries (i.e. for the “tornados”). Being prepared for both increases the chances for success. And his coaching record shows that he managed both well.

In our lives as followers of Christ we know that “hurricanes” and “tornados” will come—in other words, struggles are inevitable. In His last moments before His arrest and the events leading to His crucifixion Jesus assured His disciples, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). So we must anticipate hard times (“…Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”—2 Timothy 3:12) as well as face unexpected and difficult tasks but either way we have God’s promise, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13 5). (Emphasis added throughout.)

Here in Florida tornados are less common than in other parts of our nation but hurricanes are a fact of life. As I write this in mid-July we’re about ¼ through the storm season (June-November) but by God’s grace, “So far, so good!” But officials warn us to be prepared that at any time a tropical event may be brewing. But how can we be ready when out faith is pushed to what seems to be the “breaking point”? By bearing in mind that “No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course that others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed beyond your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, TM). That includes our “hurricanes” and “tornados”! To Him be the praise!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"Drifting"

 

“Drifting”

 

This past May our church recognized its high school, trade school, college and advanced degree graduates during its Sunday morning services. Youth Pastor Greg brought a challenging message warning these young (and not so young) people as well as the congregation as a whole against drifting, which comes from a loss of power and can cause deviation from a set course. He used as his text Hebrews 2:1: “So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.” (NLT),

We’ve likely heard or read about sailors, airmen, soldiers and marines who floated aimlessly on open seas after enemies’ attacks, some for weeks before being rescued. We also have a biblical example in Acts 27-28 of the ship’s carrying Paul and 275 others being caught in a severe storm and drifting hundreds of miles off course before by God’s grace landing on Malta. These picture what can happen to our faith if we fail to heed God’s truth and allow ourselves to be “…tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching, and by the cunning and craftiness of (people) in their deceitful scheming.” (Ephesians 4:14). Instead, “We have this hope (i.e. confidence in God’s presence) as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19).

In 1945 E.E. Hewitt penned a song called “Drifting”, part of which says,

“Drifting carelessly with the tide, Drifting over the waters wide,

With no Captain your course to guide, Drifting over life’s sea…

Drifting on, with no shore in view, Think not skies will be always blue,

Storm and shipwreck will come to you, Drifting over life’s sea….”

And a 1944 song (written during the throes of World War II by Ruth Caye Jones), “In Times Like These”, tells us, “In times like these…you need an anchor; Be very sure…Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock”.

How can we avoid drifting in our lives? By being (in the words of an 1882 hymn by Priscilla J. Owens), “Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.” That’s the stability we all need in the storms of life.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Another Epigram Installment"

 

“Another Epigram Installment”

 

(Please read the intro to “Epigrams” first.)

“There’s no such thing as an undercover Christian.” Brian Stowe. (“Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!”—Psalm 107:2, NLT).

“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Stephen Covey. (“…What I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures….”—1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

“Flowers don’t have to be in bloom to be beautiful.” Piet Oudolf. (“{God} has made everything beautiful in its time.”—Ecclesiastes 3:11).

“A friend walks in when everyone else walks out.” Walter Winchell. (“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”—Proverbs 17:17, NLT).

“The mind is formed by what it takes in.” Will Durant. (“Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.”—Proverbs 4:23, NLT).

“Prayer is the place where burdens change shoulders.” Our Daily Bread. (“Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders—he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out.”—Psalm 55:22, TM).

“I love mankind. It’s people I can’t stand.” Charles Schulz aka Charlie Brown. (“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”—Romans 12:18).

“Those who refuse to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.” George Santayana. (“…All those words which were written long ago are meant to teach us today….”—Romans 15:4, PH).

“To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.” Abraham Lincoln. (“Carry one another’s burdens, and so live out the law of Christ.”—Galatians 6:2, PH).

“Don’t find fault with what you don’t understand.” French Proverb. (“The heart of {the one} who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.”—Proverbs 15:14, NKJV).

As I run across more of these nuggets I hope to continue this theme in future articles. As I ponder these and other sayings I pray I’ll profit from their folksy wisdom—and that you will too.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Still More Epigrams"

 

“Still More Epigrams”

 

(Please read the intro to “epigrams” first.)

“Others.”  William Booth. (“…In humility think more of one another than you do of yourselves.”—Philippians 2:3-4, PH).

“Sin always begins with the character assassination of God.” Tim Keller. (“The serpent said…’God knows that in the day you eat from {the tree} your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God….’”—Genesis 3:4-5, NASB).

“If you don’t have the time to do something right the first time how will you find the time to do it the second time?” John Wooden. (“Whatever you do, do well.”—Ecclesiastes 9:10, NLT).

“Money makes a terrible god.” Mike Harrell. (“You cannot serve God and the power of money at the same time.”—Matthew 6:24, PH).

“I can let go because God will not.” Nicole Salmon. (“’Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”—Hebrews 13:5).

“God meant the Bible to be bread for our daily use, not just cake for special occasions!” Our Daily Bread. (“…The Bereans…examined the Scriptures every day….”—Acts 17:11).

“I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.” Albert Einstein. (“…Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”—Daniel 12:4, NASB). (Have we already reached this point?)

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” Royal Caribbean Captain. (“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”—Psalm 118:24).

“True leaders for God must first be true followers of God.” Unknown. (“Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”—1 Peter 2:21).

“It’s always too soon to quit.” V. Raymond Edman. (“Don’t burn out, keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times, pray all the harder.”—Romans 12:11-12, TM).

More to come.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"More Epigrams"

 

“More Epigrams”

 

(Please read the intro to “Epigrams” first.)

“Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” Oscar Wilde. (“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made….”—Psalm 139:14).

“Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.” Joel Rosenberg. (“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God…But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt.”--James  1:5-6).

“It’s not what I don’t know about the Bible that bothers me but what I do know and don’t do that does.” Abraham Lincoln. (“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says,”—James 1:22).

“Few speed records are broken when people run from temptation.” E.C. Mckenzie. (“Flee immorality.”—1 Corinthians 6:18, NASB).

“Praise the Lord anyhow!” Oral Christian Tradition. (“Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord.”—Psalm 150:6, NLT).

“Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.” C.S. Lewis. (“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”—Proverbs 16:18).

“I can’t keep the birds from flying over my head but I can keep them from building a nest in my hair.” Martin Luther. (“Submit yourselves…to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”—James 4:7).

“Beware of believing a half truth. It may be the wrong half.” Traditional proverb. (“What does the Scripture say?”—Romans 4:3).

“You can’t steer a car that’s stuck in park.” Motivational metaphor. (“{…Jesus}…said {to the blind man}, ‘Go, wash at the pool of Siloam…The man went and washed—and saw.”—John 9:6-7, TM).

“When our words become weapons, our relationships soon become casualties.” Our Daily Bread. (“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt….”—Colossians 4:6, NKJV).

To be continued.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan