I love a good meal with friends. It isn’t really the food that draws me to the table, it is Friendship. It is being accepted and loved. It is about the fellowship of a good friend. No matter what you say to a good friend, they will always care.
What would you order for breakfast with Jesus if you could? How would the conversation begin?
Three little words can make a world of difference if spoken correctly. These three words can solve conflict and enhance the spirit of good will and care for others. Love can be cheap but true love is both true and eternal. In the english language the word love is used to describe everything from pizza to possessions, things and experiences. The love of God is eternal.
Can you hear God say, I love you? What are you willing to give up two show true and lasting love?
We all have one thing in common. It is equal across all classes, races, and backgrounds. It is woven through every generation in the past and yet to come. It is an equal opportunity offender. It is within all of us. This one thing can have a negative impact on our lives.
The Bible calls it sin. We can find sin throughout the Bible and it is often defined as break the law. It usually addresses the moral wrong-doing or act that violates a divine rule. No matter the offense, it is damaging, destructive, and deadly.
Which sin has you captive? How has God‘s Amazing Grace set you free?
Good words are recorded in the Bible including, “Make the most of every opportunity.” (Ephesians 5:15) I believe that doing good is never bad and it beats the alternative! In the Bible we read this and other similar verses that encourage us to expand opportunity by utilizing wisdom, God’s wisdom. The New Year makes dreaming possible and potential realized.
I am reminded of a rule that my son says to his children; “Don’t say can’t!” I love that he is expanding the often limiting challenges with his young kids. It is a lesson for us as well, don’t say can’t. I said once that I couldn’t do something in front of my 6 year old granddaughter and she responded, “Don’t say can’t!” I think that my son’s instructions are sinking in.
While I know that I have limitations and I am better at some things over other things, I need to see that God put eternity into my heart. I need to know that I was put together in my mother’s womb with potential. I need the reminder that God doesn’t make junk.
In my youth and young adult years my friend and mentor, Gary used to say to me, “I is somebody!” I would say self-loathing comments and make excuses but he would say, “Look at me! Say it! I is somebody! Say it!” I got so used to hearing this I even today, when I doubt myself I look around to see if Gary was around. His words echo in my mind today!
What limits do you place on yourself? How can you expand your potential with God’s help and wisdom?
Throwback Thursday is a new and interesting phenomena. We see some of the most interesting flashback post pictured all over social media. Here is yet another entry.
In 1943, the government, in order to ration materials in support of the WWII effort, sliced bread was banned! What?! You might be surprised to read this and quickly checking fact check to see if this is true. Yup, it is!
Invented in the 1916 and first manufactured in 1927, the sliced bread cutting machine changed the world forever. Bakers used the convenience of the invention to automatically slice loaves of bread for their customers. Housewives were delighted by the already sliced and packaged food staple.
From that time, the phrase, “better than sliced bread” has become a common phrase that compares the innovation of new products. We often like to think that what we offer is better than sliced bread. Not sure how this little nugget of history really changes anything but it makes for great conversation and useless, yet interesting trivia. Today, I offer one interesting spiritual parallel.
Today, the purpose of government is debated as to what their role in our personal al lives. We might even debate the legitimacy of certain laws, especially today! You can draw your own conclusions to the government example that may parallel here but that is for your own inspection. Political satire is prominent exactly because some things that are suggested by large, over-reaching powers are so unusual and overbearing that if we don’t laugh, we just might cry.
After feeding 5,000 men plus women and children, Jesus speaks to the crowd again, this time offering them a different kind of bread, one that would never rot, and would always keep them full. When the people ask for this bread, the Bible records, “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger and whoever believes in me shall never thirst’”
Today, while sitting at a bakery, Sonrise Bakery in Warren, Indiana, I am writing this blog entry. Perhaps it is the aroma of freshly baked breads or the atmosphere but I cannot escape the incredible analogy of baked bread with Jesus Christ. One of his most prominent miracles that happened more than once was the feeding of 5,000. Jesus taught using everyday analogies; something you could remember through your daily activities.
Pointing to His own death and rising again, He announced His central role in our own salvation. Predating the invention of sliced bread, we might be able to say that He and His teaching is better than sliced bread!
Remarkable, when the war time government overreach occurred in 1943, banning sliced bread, many opinions and criticism were heard at water coolers and street corners all over the country including famous celebrities. Actress Olivia Mary de Havilland remarked, “Steps should have been taken long ago because bread was always sliced too big and it was about time the government stepped in.” Try not to laugh.
The whole notion of rationing and controlling every detail to one’s life, as was the case of the 1943 government “food order #1”, preventing the slicing of bread by bakers, the order was retracted just 2 months from when it was issued. Most in the Roosevelt administration denied authorship of the bread rule and themselves from it claiming they didn’t know who was responsible for its creation.
Good words are recorded that tell us that God is able to do...“exceedingly, abundantly more….” (Ephesians 3:20) Just imagine the limitless ability and perspective that God has. It is beyond our comprehension and it exceeds our capacity to even understand. The future is held in God’s hand.
As the Apostle Paul wrote about prayer he reminds us that we need to understand that God is able to do more than what our limited perspective can even imagine. Many passages of scripture reveal that we can (with God’s help) when we feel like we can’t.
What is God’s Will for you? What is the first step you can take to align your earth-bound perspective with God’s limitless Will?
“We saw his star…” (Matthew 2:2) Seeking for over a year, the Wisemen followed a star and finding Jesus they worshipped. They were seeking and found the only One who is worthy to worship. They spend their wealth, traveled a long journey, and gave what they had to Jesus.
The journey of wisemen can also be ours as well. For the wisemen, they were not disappointed. The searched for this new child who would save us from our sin. Seeking and finding the fulfillment of their hopes! 2021 can begin your journey or for many, it fulfills your longing heart seeking the One worthy to worship.
What are you seeking today? What is worth all your seeking? Finding Jesus, they worshipped!
Being shown love through compassion and care brings a feeling of joy to every person. It may not solve every problem we face but it helps us to endure the hardship of our experience. When someone cares we feel human!
During the Advent Season, we anticipate a day that will bring the greatest joy, the return of Christ who is our salvation. It means that the One who defined love by demonstrating compassion and care for us individually. We have a clue about what love means because Jesus showed great love by His action and provision. It is witnessed by His humble birth; God Emmanuel (God with us) is love with skin on.
The fact that Jesus was filled with compassion is well documented throughout scripture. It tells us that we can trust Him to care for whatever burden and concern we have as well. If Jesus can weep for His friends, He will also show His compassion on us as well.
When you think of how much God loves you through the actions of God Emmanuel, how does this make you feel? What brings you to tears? How could God’s love care for you today?
Lessons from the Red Kettle (Republished)
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Every year it’s a joy to volunteer my time in the community. This year, I took time out of my schedule to volunteer with Marion’s Salvation Army‘s Red Kettle. For just a couple of hours, I stood outside of the Marion Walmart greeting the patrons as they entered and exited.
Ringing the bell for the Salvation Army is a blast in my opinion. If you enjoy observing people and interacting with them, I would highly recommend this experience. It is most interesting to me to see the reaction of people who either avoid looking at you or make every effort to let you know that they have already donated. I happen to enjoy the former more, because it is a challenge to get people to break out of their comfort zone and offer you at least a gesture of a greeting. It’s usually the nod of the head or a simple wave.
I have observed three different types of people during my time ringing the bell. First, you have the avoiders. These are the people that will go out of their way to look away and pretend they don’t hear your bell ringing and verbal greetings. One lady, who did everything she could to avoid talking to me, pretending to not hear me at first and then when it was all to obvious I was there, looked into her purse as if to grab a cell phone call. I remembered her and when she came out later I loved the opportunity to get her attention. “Hello again, and good evening,” I said. While looking straight at me, she walked past as if I was invisible. Now I’m certain she heard me because her eyes seem to convey an assurance of my existence, but she was not going to communicate with so much as a wave or nod of the head. She simply kept walking. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, I’m certain that she had other things on her mind. Perhaps they were burdens or a fear that somehow talking to me would commit her to dropping a few coins in the Red Kettle.
Then there are the people who just simply respond to my greeting with a simple echo of my greeting. “Good afternoon!” I’d say, and they would mutter, “Good afternoon to you as well”. I refer to them as the echo. This is the basis of society called reciprocity, the reciprocating of your smile or kind words but never going beyond that simple response.
Scripture speaks often about this golden rule, going the extra mile and give cheerfully. The Christian faith is full of examples both in scripture and in life of how important it is to put others ahead of yourself. In order for a society to better itself, we need to have charity and goodwill with a splash of hope that reflects the love God has for each one of us.
This time of year there are many who are ringing bells, trying to call attention to their favorite cause. They desire to bring goodwill to one and all. It is this time of year that we think of the Christmas carols and even reflect on Charles Dickens, Christmas Scrooge. It is this time of year when charity seems to come to life visibly and in real, tangible ways.
One young lady with her six-year-old stopped at the Red Kettle and told me simply, “I can’t walk past a single one of these Red Kettles without putting something in!” as she stuffed several dollar bills into the kennel. “This organization helped me when I was in great need, and they bought gifts for my son. I am grateful and especially now that I’m on my feet I can give back so that others will have the same opportunity I once needed from this great organization.“
“Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” – (Saint Francis of Assisi) St. Francis of Assisi
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Written prior - Rev. Rick Carder, (Formerly Director of Alumni and Church Relations for Indiana Wesleyan University’s Alumni Office.) — Currently serving White’s Residential and Family Services, Church Engagement.
Advent is a time to hope! We find hope wrapped in small packages! While hope begins its work, many also stress over life’s circumstances. For the infant child and the humble manger family, hope is veiled at times and shadowed with fear.
Just like when He was the infant child lowly, He was resting in a calm assurance that shatters our imagination. The world is in chaos but He slept right through it.. After all, He is the prince of peace!
Jesus was fast asleep as the disciples feared their death. Awakening Jesus, they saw him calm the wind and waves. Jesus’ contrasted lack of concern was because He could calm any troubled waters. We too can experience His presence that brings a peace in the midst of broken pieces.
What waves are breaking over you today? How can Jesus calm your spirit just now?
Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the food we oft might win, by fearing to attempt. - William Shakespeare
Introductions are very helpful. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make my initial introduction to those who read the weekly column at The Paper of Wabash. Now contributing to the long-standing work, I was asked asked by Rev. Tom Curry to continue writing.
In the upcoming publication, I began with my introduction. I asked the question, Who am I?
Well, in truth, that is not that important of a question. Let me explain.
Yet, perhaps there is a deeper question we all must ask. The question is, whose am I?
Attempting to discover my own identity is a lifelong pursuit. I have many identities; father, grandparent, husband, pastor… But, whose am I? I am a spiritually adopted child of God. (Read Ephesians 1:5) Since Jesus was born lowly to become the means upon which I am forgiven and transformed, I can find my identity in Him. I am loved through Jesus Christ.
What words describe you? Are you spiritually connected to God?
I don’t know what’s happening to me. As I get older, I seem to be more reflective than in my former years. Usually I am trying to advance the cause and plan ahead and set goals as high as I could but lately, things are changing. Even everybody that I know is beginning to notice. My kids are asking what’s wrong with me My wife is even noticing because I’m beginning to be sucked into the Hallmark channel. I am seemingly becoming contemplative.
I’ve even begin to notice some of those changes. My dad jokes are becoming more frequent in my awkward statements to strangers as well. Probably most are Dismissive of my behavior because after all, I’m over 55, double nickels. No one would dare ask for my ID because it’s pretty obvious that I qualify for the senior discount.
I’ve heard of midlife crisis but I certainly have not bought a sports car. I have also heard rumors that as your age you begin to have few were friends. That hasn’t happened either, at least that I’ve noticed. I have become more resolute in my political opinions, and even more vocal. I also heard that that happens as well but I thought that being stubborn was a good quality.
Advent is all about anticipation in the future. December might wind down the year but it certainly amps up the anticipation of a new year. I think just about everyone is grateful to be done with 2020. Nevertheless, I seem to become more interested in the past these days.
The lighting of the candle on the advent wreath or the turning of a calendar causes me to look back rather than a head more often than I care to admit.
I guess I’m not all that unusual to be reflective. Perhaps it’s not an age thing at all but, a season. As we enter into the holiday season, advent been a significant spiritual experience, let us take time to reflect before we jump into a new year. This year, as I like the advent candle and turn the page on the calendar, while I anticipate Christ return I also reflect on my own experience in life.
Regrets? Not for me, at least yet. It is more about the joy of the wonderful work that God has done on my behalf through his great love and grace. Nothing that I’ve done at all. Perhaps I become reflective of the tremendous blessings that I’ve experienced in life. Friendships gained. Faith experienced. Fond memories. To those whom I have known that have contributed to my life, I am grateful.
Advent for me is was about the blessings that I experience and through my faith, I can rejoice!
What are you thankful for? If you have to take time to think of something, you may not be really that thankful. Thankfulness should flow off our tongue easily and quickly!
Think thankfully is a way of life! Every American and most in developed countries should be thankful. We are not entitled to what we have but we are blessed beyond compare! I don’t think I would be wrong to say that 99% of Americans are wealthier than most people of underdeveloped countries! Research proves me right.
My challenge today is an obvious one. We need to be thankful. The Bible tells us, “...whatever is pure or lovely, think on these things....” (Philippians 4:8) Why? Our minds often trick us. We can think ourselves into negative behaviors. We can convince ourselves that we don’t have enough. We are less content!
This Thanksgiving, we should think about the bounty of blessings we have! God has blessed us without exception! If you are reading this article, you are fortunate enough to have technology and likely a computer that most don’t!
So, think thankfully! Be content and realize how blessed we are!
In recent decades, young people have begun asking questions not asked before, including, “What’s the big deal about good manners?” Or to frame it another way: “What’s in it for me to sit up straight, say please and thank you, shake hands, and keep my mouth closed while chewing food?”
It’s that time of year where we seem to evaluate our lives to momentarily stop and say, “thank you.” All the other times of year we seem to just rush on to accumulate and to add more into our lives. Thanksgiving hardly passes and we’re already starting to gather more stuff. Even Black Friday, which is traditionally after Thanksgiving is now pushing us to purchase as early as possible.
I’m struck by how easy it is for us to become materialistic and at the same time less compassionate for the least and the lost. Many assume that poverty equals laziness. People often say that if people work hard enough they can get ahead but, that doesn’t always add up. Some might even say that God blesses those that work hard enough in which I’m not sure is theologically accurate because even in His blessing many are still poor and many remain content.
I will say however, I do like the idea of more for less. It seems as though that the more thankful I am the less I seem to really need. Contentment is the opposite of accumulation. I believe that it is not what we have that defines who we are but it is in what we give that demonstrates best!
Perhaps this year we need to not just celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving but we need to commit ourselves to a way of living that is both generous and kind. As we enter into a season of giving, Let’s decide that our greatest need is actually to give and not receive, to be grateful and not greedy!
After working hard raking and compiling leaves all afternoon and into the night, I headed home feeling a great deal weariness and muscle ache. As I entered my home, my complaint was very obvious. “Cindi,“ I cried, “do we have any pain relief medicine?“ She responded, “Didn’t you take any Ibuprofen before you started all that work?” It was in the form of an indictment which I needed to hear. Time after time, I know better than to wait for my muscles ache before taking something.
In Psalm 20:1, 5 we read that in times of trouble, may the Lord answer our cry. It is a reminder that we should take our concerns to the Lord in all circumstances. I love what Tony Dungy says on this very point:
“It’s hard to remember when we are in the middle of tough situations, but while we are in the midst of them And wondering how in the world they will ever end or how will we get out of them, we are doing nothing proactive to change the current environment. More often than not, we tend to worry.”
It’s like reaching for the pain relief after we are already in pain rather than going to God in prayer, seeking His Will and His wisdom in all circumstances. Tony Dungy tells us, “...throughout Scripture God makes it abundantly clear to us that we are to pray….”
We live in difficult and confusing times. Worry is often our response to conflict and fear. Worry is often a response to uncertainty and times of distress.
I wonder what it would be like to live a life devoted to prayer and even before life‘s circumstance in trouble, we are already in prayer.
I travel across the state of Indiana each and every day and I love to read church signs. Recently I read this message; “Worry is the dark room where negatives can develop.”
Dungy is right when he shares, “When you see the storm clouds gathering, commence praying!”
I travel hundreds of miles across the state of Indiana and I am always amazed by the incredible experience of prayer with so many pastors of all backgrounds. I attend on average about 17 minister groups a month and enjoy the wonderful fellowship of each of these groups that I attend.
Something is definitely happening that is a defining experience in our culture today. We are all experiencing various degrees of stress as we see more issues of division, especially during an Presidential election year.
No matter the extraordinary times that we live, I believe that there has never been a greeter opportunity to witness of our faith in Jesus then right now. Just look around, nearly everyone agrees that these are extraordinary times. Fear and bitterness, rage and anger are only a few of the raw emotions that we see today. Ask anyone and you will see that it is very apparent that our culture is in conflict. Nevertheless, we have a message of hope and peace that is in sharp contrast to what we see lived out in our world today.
I’ve attend many prayer groups especially this election day and I’m hearing common themes of those who are praying. Whether it’s sin scriptures that they recite our prayers that they pray, a theme of urgency is on their lips. It seems as though the church is drawing closer to God in prayer and then ever before. At least in my lifetime, I have grown increasingly impressed with the response of the Christian church in times of great peril and unrest.
I am encouraged by the church! I am excited to see that the church is not complacent but demonstrating great faith as it comes together, whether by a remnant or in mass to see a great awakening. We are taught that we should be humble and during uncertain times we certainly can be fearful. But we are also taught to proclaim boldly because of the incredible hope that we have through Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 3:12)
My point today? In the midst of division, I think that God is calling His church to fervent and urgent prayer! Perhaps this is a sign of revival?