Treasure

As we continue to ponder why we seem to have difficulty moving the mountains that Jesus assured us our faith could move, we have explored several possible reasons. This past Sunday, we learned that sometimes God’s calling leads us to actions and places that we (and our culture) consider crazy. The week before that, we discussed how God often guides us to base our actions on what is good rather than on what makes us "happy" or comfortable. Prior to that, we discovered that our attitudes significantly impact God's work in and through us. We must focus our thoughts on things that are honorable, pure, lovely, and admirable if we want to see mountains moved. This week, I want to take us in a more straightforward (but not necessarily easier) direction. Our operative question is: "Do we believe what God says about us?"

Once again, we turn to Exodus 19. Moses reminds the Hebrew people of what God has done (you might remember the song, "What He's Done"). His first words in his speech are: "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you out of Egypt on eagle's wings and brought you to Myself!" (Exodus 19:4). Moses then states, "You will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth." My question is simple: Do you believe this?

Most of you might respond, "God said it, so I believe it!" That’s good, but let's unpack what this belief truly means. The phrase "my own" precedes the word "treasure." If you believe this—if you grasp this truth—then you are God's possession. While this sounds special, let’s remember that there are two kinds of people. There are those owned by God, just like all other things on earth. As it says, "The earth is the Lord's, and all things therein" (Psalm 24:1). This statement may not make you feel particularly special. All people are God's possession, whether they believe it or not. However, God qualifies His statement by saying, "If you obey me fully and keep my covenant, you will be my treasured possession." This is a bit harder to grasp but much clearer.

One of my favorite references to being called God's treasure is found in the parable of the buried treasure. "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field" (Matthew 13:44-46). This beautifully illustrates who we are. God (the merchant) finds a treasure (His people, His Church) and pays the ultimate price for that field, which represents the souls of His people. These are the people God says we are—His treasure, in His field, as part of His kingdom. We are called, equipped, and able to bring Jesus' kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven." Peter takes this a step further in 1 Peter 2:9, where he states that we are to "declare the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light."

So, what do you think of this? If this is God’s opinion of you, are you ready and willing to embrace what He says you are? Perhaps another way we can become mountain-moving, Spirit-filled, praising, and kingdom-bringing people is to disregard what the world says and accept what God says. Lauren Daigle expresses this beautifully in her song: "You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing. You say I am strong when I think I am weak. And you say I am held when I am falling short. And when I don't belong, you say I am Yours ... And I believe, oh, I believe, what You say of me. I believe, yes I believe!"

So, do you believe?

Yes, Crazy!

When I served a church in Florida, I had members from many different professions and walks of life. One was a yacht salesman, another ran a pizza parlor, and many were involved in real estate. But Jamie (name changed) was different.

Jamie was the daughter of two of our friends and marched to the beat of her own drum (in fact, she was an amazing percussionist). However, her day job was quite unusual: she was an alligator wrestler in a park near Orlando.

During a training conference in Orlando, Jamie's mother encouraged me to visit her daughter. I agreed and went to the wildlife park, where, sure enough, Jamie was inside an enclosure corralling an alligator. I said hello as I watched the drama unfold, and then she asked, "Hey... do you want to try?" In that moment, the "macho" side of my brain took over—the part that isn't about to say no to a challenge from a girl (and most women reading this will agree that this isn’t really much of a brain function at all). I replied, "Sure!" although my true answer wasn't quite that enthusiastic.

There I was, in the dirt and mud of Orlando, following instructions from this "expert" on how to grab, hold, and control a six-foot alligator. A voice in the back of my mind questioned, "What on earth are you doing, you idiot?"

After my alligator wrestling experience, I realized that sometimes the things we do in ministry are truly crazy! Both before and after that day, I had engaged in some pretty unusual acts in service to our Lord. 

This experience reminded me of God’s call for us to offer ourselves completely and totally. Joshua didn’t hesitate at God’s command to march around Jericho seven times, culminating in trumpets blowing and the walls falling down (Joshua 6). David boldly faced Goliath, an enemy over twice his size (1 Samuel 17). Jehoshaphat’s singers marched in front of the army, confronting the enemy with only music (2 Chronicles 20). Why would God hesitate to ask me to face an alligator in order to connect with a parishoner?

Let me simplify the message: 1) God’s plan doesn’t rely on my logic, 2) His reasons may or may not be clear when we are called to do something we perceive as crazy, and 3) God can even use our shortcomings (like my foolishness) to create connections for His kingdom.

Yes, I wrestled an alligator. Yes, it was a crazy (and probably foolish) thing to do. Yes, I share the story as a badge of courage, and yes, if God asks, I would consider doing something just as wild today. I wonder... what if we said yes to the tasks (even the seemingly crazy ones) that God asks of us? We might just become part of a world-changing movement!

Happy or Good?

We have a fair number of business people in this church.  That is a good thing, because we do have decisions that need the expertise of folks who have lived out the concept of the "bottom line."  Some things profit us ... and some things go in the "loss" column.

Jews in Jesus' day were very transactionally oriented. Much of the New Testament is steeped in the language of finances.  Even Jesus last words, "tetelestali" (often translated "It is finished") are an accounting term meaning "paid in full."  Jesus' death on the cross is an expression of full payment for the debt of sin for each of us ... even for those who have not yet accepted this free/costly gift.

Paul knew this too.  In 1 Corinthians 10:23 there is another profit/loss statement.  "You say, 'I am allowed to do anything,' but not everything is beneficial."  Another translation says, "You can choose to do whatever you want, but not all that is popular is profitable."

I see this statement played out over and over again.  I think this is best understood by looking at two types of choices ... those that seek to be popular, or those that seek a higher purpose.  This choice is made over and over again each day, and Christians are often unaware of both the choice and the consequence.

1. The culturally popular choice - This choice is manifested in keeping yourself (or your children) in the flow of culture.  The waters of culture flow with the energy of popularity, fads, and what everyone else is doing.  These waters seem smooth and easy ... and there is plenty of company.  Tony Campola remarked that our current goal for ourselves and our children is to be happy, and to make choices that make us happy, satisfied, and able to have/do things everyone else has and is doing.  But 50-70 years ago, the goal was different.  Parents wanted their children to grow up to be good.  Good is far different than happy ... one is self-focused while the other is other-focused.  It is easy to be like everyone else ... it is difficult to be who God made you.

2. The spiritually focused choice - In Exodus 19:5, this is spelled out clearly (and it is echoed in 1 Peter 2:9) ... "If you will hear my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to me above all people, for all the earth is mine.  And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."  1 Peter adds the word "chosen."  You get the point.  This choice lives out God's purpose and plan.  But all of those components are difficult!

I do love how that 1 Peter passage ends, because it gets straight to the point God is making.  There is a word in Scripture used when there is a point or purpose to the statement being made.  It is the reason for the statement or the argument being expressed.  The word is "that."  1 Peter 2:9 ends with these words ... "that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."  The 1st choice (above) seems like "smooth sailing" but it is really darkness.  The 2nd choice seems really hard, but it both praises God and allows the 'chooser' to live in the light of Christ.  Which choice will you make?

I Don't Remember the Flies!

Yesterday brought back memories from childhood.  I drove past Ms. Etoil's pond, and I thought of fishing there.  Then, I thought further back to my childhood days of fishing the lakes and ponds north of Charlotte, North Carolina.  I remembered my first really big bass (it was a 6-pounder).  I brought the fish home from what the kids deemed "the Brown House Lake (because there was a brown house there)," proudly carrying the fish.  Many would have mounted the fish, but I was hungry and we liked fish, so it became dinner for the family.  It was a Saturday, so we were gathered in the carport, a place that even on a hot summer day had a little breeze.  Mom, Dad, and I sat there, stringing green beans, and Dad also cleaned and fried the fish.  There was a box fan to enhance the breeze.  As I reflected on the memory and the scene, I was surprised by one obvious omission from this perfect subject matter for a Norman Rockwell painting.  I didn't remember the flies!

It was summer in North Carolina.  I am sure there were flies and a few yellow jackets in that picture.  But I didn't remember them.  Why?

Maybe my memory was picking up the meaning of Paul's words in Philippians 4:8 ... "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."  Maybe there is a lesson here.

Our current sermon series is about the supernatural power of God, expressed by God's Spirit working in and through us.  We have posed the question, "Why are Spirit-sightings seemingly so scarce in our culture?"  Maybe my memory, and the picture of simple life, has hit on something.  Let me expand on this thought!

1. Our society ... our politics ... our news media ... and even our entertainment seem focused on the negative.  We are quick to say what we are against.  Negative stories stir up anger, and anger sells.  Reality shows play on people's pain, loss, and stupidity.  And, we laugh, jeer, and mock.  God's word says something about this ... "Blessed are those who do not sit in the seat of mockers (Psalm 1:1)."  Isn't it interesting that the very 1st Psalm addresses this human failing?  Does this block and impede what God wants to do in and through us?

2. Do we remember too much that is not good?  I wonder if we (Christians, God's people, the Church, Children of God) have forgotten the one trait of God we should be experts at imitating ... forgiveness!  "Forgive us as we forgive our debtors (Lord's Prayer)."  How good are we at letting things go?  Are we accepting of Jesus' work on the cross, as he died to blot out our transgressions?  Are we willing to let Him send our sins "as far as the east is from the west?"  

3. How is our "forgetter?" God said ... "I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more (Hebrews 8:12)."

I wonder if my little journey back to the old homeplace reveals a secret?  I think my memory of this time and place was so good, so pure, and so uncomplicated, my brain left out the flies and discomfort that might have been there!  "All that true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable" might just be one key to God's power in our lives.  It is certainly worth trying!  AMEN

Of Cows and Mountains

When I lived in Kentucky, my drive to Seminary was long, scenic, and sometimes surprising.  One cold day, I was in a bit of a hurry, so I was slightly pressing the speed limit when I came up over a hill and had to stop suddenly.  Smack in the middle of the road was a cow, just chilling out, and not in a hurry to move.  I was barely able to stop, but luckily didn't hit the huge beast.  I think it would have been equally as bad for the cow and for Lee and me!

Life is full of obstacles, isn't it?  In an old song called, Road to Zion, Petra (the singers) recount the journey to God's place.  They speak about foggy mist, shadows, rivers, and mountains.  Our journey to God and with God is filled with obstacles!

How do we face and overcome obstacles?  Jesus tells the disciples something that is both assuring and puzzling at the same time.  "So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says (Mark 11:22-23)."  This passage has been pondered, used, misused, and confused!   Let's unpack it a bit.

The first thing it says is ... "Have faith in God."  Let's listen to that a moment ... "In God" might be the operative thing here.  When you pray, are you "In God?"  Are you praying out of self, selfish needs, wants that are formed in your spirit, or things that are in and of God's Spirit?  To be submissive to God and truly be "In God,"  I believe we must enter prayer with a trusting and submissive heart.

Secondly, this passage seems to say that God does impossible things.  It does!  As we become closer to God and more in flow with God's will, plan, and purpose, I think we also begin to understand that we DO have an impossible God.  The Scriptures are filled with impossible things.  Blind people see.  Lame people walk.  Storms stop.  Thousands are fed with a few loaves and some fish. The gates of hell are challenged by one man.  The dead are brought to life.  I could go on and on.  But here's the catch.  Our culture has been taught that our logic and understanding must be satisfied before God can act.  We ask, but do we doubt?  We ask, but do we believe?  We pray, but do we pray "In God," or do we pray out of our own understanding?

What obstacles do you face?  What do you want God to do with them?  Do you ask "In God?"  Do you ask "In Doubt?"  Do you ask, "In belief?"  Do we live in a man-sized plan, or a God-sized plan?  Good questions, I think! 

Living it Out

I had an uncle who would tell stories.  He was a good storyteller, and the kids and cousins would sit around and listen to him when we were cooped up in the house on rainy Sunday afternoons.  That was the day Dad would drive us "to the country" and we would hang out, watch Tarzan movies, and just be kids.  By the way, no cell phones were involved ... they weren't invented yet.  I liked those stories, but I was an outdoor guy.  I would be out living, doing, playing, and sweating in the hot summer sun.  I loved it, and lived it out!

Our Vacation Bible School theme this year (didn't we have fun last week?) is "live it out."  We are (even as I write this) turning our facility into a giant camping-themed center, complete with campfires, tents, kayaks, tiki torches, and all the trimmings.  It will be a blast to share Jesus and tell His stories, as we encourage everyone to live out their faith.  We even have an adult VBS (thanks, Nicey!), and we will learn about how far out we can really live, as we reflect on the God of the natural and supernatural.

As we "live it out," I think about a short sentence at the beginning of the parable of the sower.  It says this ... "A sower went out to sow his seed (Luke 8:5)."  What can we learn from this sentence and this parable?

1. The sower is a metaphor for God.  God's nature is to sow seed.  God plants.  The garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8).  The great cedar on Ezekiel's mountain (Ezekiel 17:3).  And here, in this parable, the sower sows!

2. The sower went out.  In the parable, the sower isn't particular about where the seed falls.  It falls on good ground, stony ground, ground covered by thorns ... He sows everywhere!

In the book Unseen Realm, a repeated theme is reflected in this story.  That theme is summarized in 2 statements ... God desires a family ... God grows that family through His people that He has planted here.  For some reason, God is continually bringing all people to Him.  And God uses an extraordinary mechanism to accomplish this sowing and family-building.  He uses His Church.

God doesn't only use His Church to reach out to the world.  He aggressively sows through people he has called.  Who are these people?  You, me, and all who claim the name of Jesus.  We are mini-sowers ... called to plant the seeds of faith.  How do we plant here at Abbeville Methodist?  I think we have several special gifts/values (as a church) that allow us to be part of the sower's work:

1. We believe in going "outside the camp (Hebrews 13)."  One of our values is missions, local, national, and international.  Like the sower, we "go out."

2. We share the creative aspect of planting by seeking, teaching, and speaking beauty.  Music, singing, art, architecture, and lyrics are heard, spoken, and applied each week here at Abbeville Methodist.

3. We are learning and will become more proficient at discipleship.  One pastor said it this way ... discipleship churches become gardens ... internally-focused churches become graveyards.

God thinks sowing is important enough to be a sower of seeds.  Jesus was our great teacher who showed us how to sow seed.  In Matthew 28 and Acts 1, Jesus proclaims His intention that we sow in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  So ... how will you become a part of this outward, going, and sowing way of life and ministry?  How will you ... "Live it out?"

Mighty Warrior

 This morning's Wake Up Call discusses one of my favorite characters in Scripture: Gideon, who lived in the 12th century BCE. His nation was oppressed, he was in hiding, and he likely felt inadequate. We find his story in Judges, Chapter 6.

As I read about Gideon, I can't help but reflect on the uncertainty and conflict happening around the world today. I wonder if many men, including fathers, feel like Gideon—overwhelmed by the tasks at hand and helpless to take action that would improve the situation. Many men are “fixers” who dislike the helpless feeling that accompanies witnessing oppression, injustice, and danger, yet find themselves burdened by fear, indecision, and confusion. Perhaps this longing for a fairy-tale world, where they could wave a magic wand to set things right, stems from this struggle. But we know the world isn’t a fairy tale; it’s more like a jungle, filled with lions, tigers, and bears!

I want to focus on the first few verses of Gideon's story, where he encounters the angel of the Lord. The angel declares, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!” This encouraging message is directed at a cowering and timid man who is simply trying to survive day by day. Gideon must have thought, “Surely the angel isn’t talking about me! Is there someone else in here?"In this moment, Gideon—like us—faces the contrast between God's plan and our present reality. Which is true? How do we discover our true selves amidst this chaotic and confusing world? Let’s explore further.

You may have heard me discuss the Human Performance Technology (HPT) model before. This model encourages us to take three actions to move forward in our planning. We can choose to do nothing, or we can take action. Which person do you want to be?

1. The first action is to assess our current situation. What is the reality we are facing? Are we a nation full of Gideons, hiding on a threshing floor, fearfully watching for the approach of the enemy? Do we seek another day of mundane safety? Are we satisfied being safe, inactive, and unmanly, thinking our only responsibility is to bring home a paycheck? Have we lost sight of God's vision for Ezekiel's resurrection army, which is meant to rise up and lead our families, our nation, and ourselves out of oppression? Men, do you even recognize God’s vision for you? Are we aware of our current state? We seem to be surrendering our responsibility to lead our families, nation, and Church, following a culture that says, “Let your children dictate what they want, and give it to them.” Meanwhile, we play video games while culture shapes our priorities and faith and Church become mere options when nothing else is available.

2. Our second action is to decide where we ought to be. Notice I didn’t say “where we want to be.” If we are serious about this, our plan must align with God’s vision. For Gideon, the angel provides a big clue: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” God sees beyond the timid man to the mighty warrior He envisions. How does God see you? I believe God sees a man who is meant to lead those under his care toward Him. It’s a battle, but you are that mighty warrior capable of success because of the one in whom you place your faith.

3. This brings us to the third action: application. In the HPT model, these are referred to as interventions—things that help you transition from where you are to where you ought to be. When someone joins our congregation, they are asked how they plan to live out their faith. “Will you support this congregation—and really the mission of the whole Church—with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness?” Committing to these actions will put you in opposition to the prevailing culture. It may make you unpopular with your children, cause conflict at home, and put you at odds with friends who have different goals for you. Ultimately, it comes down to whose plans you choose. God says, “I know the plans I have for you ... plans to prosper you and give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Will we choose to be cowering wimps or mighty warriors?

Gideon's story includes faith challenges and unexpected twists, but he ultimately becomes that mighty warrior. He overcomes the enemy and leads his people out of struggle and oppression. Never forget: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!”