24

Jump Start # 1898

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1898

Psalms 25:7 “Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your lovingkindness remember me, for Your goodness sake, O Lord.”

 

Our verse today is one of David’s Psalms. It’s a prayer. It is about remembering and forgetting. He was asking God to forget some things and to remember some things. This prayer could very well be our prayer as well as a guide to our lives.

 

There are things that need to be forgotten. When it comes to God, how can an all knowing God forget? God doesn’t have memory issues like we do. I sometimes forget names. The older I get the more that “ready recollection” doesn’t recollect very well. God’s not like that. For God “not to remember,” means He forgives. It’s not so much a memory issue as it is an accountability issue. Forgiveness means the sin is no longer there. Forgiveness means the sin is gone. David was praying for God to forget the sins of his youth.

 

Sins of my youth makes us think of Paul’s warning to Timothy to “flee youthful lusts.” The mistakes, immaturity, that lack of conviction, often makes young people do things that are sinful. High school years and college years were hard on many of us spiritually. Young and impressionable, we often didn’t have the courage to stand up like we should have. We found ourselves in places that we shouldn’t have been. The sins of our youth were not pretty. David’s prayer is that God would not remember those.

 

But in the same verse, he asks God to “remember me.” Forget my sins, but remember me. Again, how could God forget? We don’t have to reintroduce our selves to God. He knows and has always known who we are. What David is driving at is relationship. Remember me. This is how Nehemiah ends his book. This was the prayer of Hezekiah. Remember me for good. Remember the good that I have done. He was wanting God to remove the sins that stood between him and the Lord and to restore the relationship with him. Remember me. Not a memory issue, but a relationship issue. David was wanting to be close to the Lord. David was wanting to be in fellowship and to continue his journey with the Lord. Remember me.

 

Not only should this be our prayer to God, but these two things would help us with our outlook on life.

 

There are some things that we ought to forget. Do not remember would help us with our attitudes and outlook on life. What happens so often is that we remember what we ought to forget and we forget what we often should remember. We get these things backwards and inside out and it causes us to become worried, anxious and upset.

 

Here is a list of things that we ought to forget:

 

We need to forget the hurtful things folks say to us. Some people are just mean and some have a potty mouth that they will not keep closed. Criticism ought to be helpful not destructive. We tend to hold on to the ugly things people have said. When we do that it ruins our relationship with them. We are not like children. They can say mean things to each other and within an hour be back playing together. Not us adults. Once the words fly, we are finished with that person. Just about every person who has served publically in worship has heard some harsh things. Young men who give their first lessons are too often told, “You’ll never make a preacher.” Some become the finest preachers. Some who lead songs for the first times are told, “You are no song leader.” Those mean things stick. They can ruin a person from ever serving again. Forget them. Don’t remember them. Let them go.

 

We need to forget the good that we do. Just do things. Remembering can make you proud. It can make you feel like telling others, which is nothing more than tooting your own horn. No one likes that sound except the guy who is playing it. Remembering what you have done can mess with your head and change your thinking. You start to think that the person you helped owes you something back. That thinking, just ruins the good that you did.

 

We need to forget sins that are forgiven. That’s hard. Forgiveness doesn’t come with a memory block. You can still remember the sins of your youth. If you think hard, you can remember saying things under your breath to your parents when you were mad. You can remember wrong choices, temptations that you allowed to take over your heart, and running with “evil companions.” Not good memories. Many regrets. However, if God has forgiven you and if God remembers them no more, why do still remember them? Why do we not forgive ourselves? Why do we continue to beat ourselves up over things that are forgiven? Let it go. Remember no more. Put those things in an unmarked grave and do not return to put flowers there.

 

But there are some things that we ought to remember. Forgetting some things and remembering others.

 

We ought to remember the kindness of the Lord. To be blunt, we have been disrespectful, rude and hurtful to God. Yet, He chose to forgive us. He gave us another chance when we didn’t deserve that. Let us never forget the goodness of the Lord. He loves us. He never gave up on us. He never walked away from us. He has always loved us, even when we didn’t love Him. Never, ever forget the graciousness of God.

 

We ought to remember the blessings of a home with godly parents. Not everyone had that, but some of us did. Going to worship services on Sunday was just as expected and normal as going to school on Monday. What fond memories of home. What a great advantage we had. What a joy to have parents who poured their lives into our lives. They wanted us to have a better life than what they did. Don’t forget that. Sacrifices made. Hours devoted to helping us. Tons of prayers said for us. What a blessing that was. Never forget.

 

We ought to remember the help that others have given us spiritually. There were those men and women who took the time to teach, show and help us. Most of us who preach can look to some older preacher who gave up time to answer our questions, who pointed us in the right direction and helped us in so many ways. Don’t forget. And, in remembering what others have done for you, do the same for someone else. There is that young heart that is trying. Spend time with that person. Show them the ropes. Help them with what you have learned. Be a blessing to someone else.

 

Forgetting and remembering…found in our prayers and found in our lives.

 

Roger

 

21

Jump Start # 1897

Posted on July 21, 2017 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1897

Proverbs 10:7 “The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.”

 

Our verse is about remembering people, not just anyone, but specifically the righteous. Most can remember school teachers, coaches, neighbors. These folks are in our lives for a short while. Some make differences and others just pass through without much impact.

 

Here, in our verse, the memory of the righteous is blessed. You remember a Christian. Something about that person has stayed in your mind and your heart. There was a quality that stuck with you. They were kind to you. They took the time to leave an impression upon you, even when you were just a kid. They stood out. Maybe you were going through a tough time in your life and they were there to navigate you through some tough decisions. Maybe others were ready to give up on you, but this one person was there. Forgiving. Gracious. Willing to give you a second chance. Believing in you.

 

Now, years later, you have moved on. Maybe that righteous person has finished his journey here. You’ve grown up, gotten married and are busy in your world. But something brought their memory to you. That happened just today for me. So innocent. So nothing. Today is Jump Start # 1897. That number, 1897, was the year my grandfather was born. I have a picture of him that sits in my office. It was taken around the time he was married. I don’t remember him looking like that. He was old when I remember him. He passed away when I was in college. He was a kind, decent man who walked with the Lord. His middle name was given as a middle name to one of my sons. But something as simple as a number, can bring the memory of the righteous to you.

 

Last summer I was preaching in another state. A home I visited had an old wooden pulpit that was decorated and being used as a show piece. When I was told where that pulpit came from and who once stood behind it, one of my heroes, a flood of memories came to my mind.

 

There are three simple thoughts we ought to see here:

 

First, we ought to surround ourselves with righteous people. We need to be making memories of these men. Eugene is a man that worships with me. I’ve noticed that when we have a visiting preacher, he’ll have them sign his Bible. He’s getting quite a list. My son was asked to do that recently. He was preaching in another place. Someone asked him to sign his Bible. There were several names. To his surprise, my name was among them. Do more than worship with righteous people, get to know them. Include them in your life. Learn from them. See the amazing footprints that they are leaving. We do well when we surround ourselves with quality people and people that we plan to see in Heaven. For young, as well as for old, our troubles often come from being influenced by worthless people. People who do not love the Lord can take us away from Him.

 

Second, we need to reflect upon what made these people special to us. This is the memory part. In thinking about them, our thoughts ought to quickly turn to thankful prayers. We are thankful for the difference these righteous ones have made in our lives. Do you have a list of spiritual heroes? My preaching son, Jordan and I were talking one day, and we envisioned the “Dream Team” of a church. Of all the song leaders we know, who would we have on our Dream Team. We named elders. Who would be our dream elders. We named preachers. We named deacons. We named righteous people. That dream team will be assembled someday in Heaven. But that fun little trip down memory lane, allowed me to share with him the names and incredible stories of brethren who have helped me through the years. Remembering good people and good deeds helps us. It makes us feel loved. It reminds us of what is good and right.

 

The second half of our verse says the name of the wicked will rot. The wicked are forgotten. We sometimes do just the opposite of what this verse says. We remember the hurts and the pains and we forget to count our blessings. We forgot about the wonderful righteous people but we hold on to the ugliness that has been thrown our way. Remembering the pain and the sins only takes our spirits down. It makes us feel alone. We want to give up on others because of the awful way we were treated. Forget that stuff. Let it go. Don’t hold on to that. Don’t make that a memory. Instead, focus upon the righteous. Remember them. Remember the good that they did and the good that they were.

 

I find that too many of us are running full speed ahead and we just don’t have time to remember. There is too much to do and we move at such a fast pace that who has time to think about people long ago. So we don’t. Pictures on bookshelves help. Names in a Bible help. When certain hymns are sung, it takes us to places long ago and worshipping with special people in our lives. Don’t let the needs of today, cause you to lose the memory of the righteous. I took one of my commentaries home the other night to read about a section of Scripture. As I opened the book, several papers fell out. I had forgotten that they were in that book. One was from a funeral of a righteous man. Another piece of paper was a handwritten note that righteous man had sent me. The bottom of the note was his signature, only his first name. It read, “Jim.” It was a note from a dear righteous man, Jim Babcock. It was sweet and kind—just like I remember him. The memory of the righteous.

 

The third aspect of these thoughts is that you and I need to be living in such a way that we become the memory for someone. Years from now we may be finished with our journey here, but if this world carries on, our memory will remain in the lives that we have touched. Just as others have been special to us, we need to be doing the same for others. A word to my fellow preachers. Most of us can remember the first preacher in our lives. For many of us, we were little kids and we remember that booming voice. Years from now, someone may say your name as the very first preacher that they ever remembered. What will that memory be? There may be folks today who are sticking notes that you have written into books and Bibles and years from now, those notes may fall out and they may pause and reflect upon a life well lived.

 

How you live and the time you give to others does make a difference. While you may forget what you have done, they may always remember it. That very memory may help them continue to do what is right. That memory of you may make them realize that they too need to be leaving a godly memory to their family.

 

The memory of the righteous…oh, the thoughts that brings to us. And what is very special about this is that God never forgets those righteous ones. He knows what they did. The memory of them is precious to the Lord.

 

Roger

 

20

Jump Start # 1896

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1896

Romans 2:16 “on the day according to my Gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Jesus Christ.”

 

Our verse follows a stream of thoughts in which Paul shows that the Gentiles, who do not have the Law of Moses, instinctively do the things that are written in the Law. God will judge the intentions and secrets of men.

 

In our verse today lies that little expression, “my Gospel.” According to “my Gospel” Paul says. Why did he say that? There many be several things that folks would want to correct Paul on.

 

First, the Gospels belong to God. They were inspired and revealed by God. Without God, there are no Gospels. They are not yours Paul. They are God’s.

 

Second, even if Paul was referring to his own writings, they still belong to God. Paul didn’t write any “Gospels.”

 

Third, if he is referring to what he has preached, it ought to be God’s word, not “my Gospel.”

 

I have found folks to be very protective and sensitive about things like this. If a person says, “My church,” he is quickly corrected and sometimes shamed for not using the expression “the Lord’s church.” “It’s not your church.” “You didn’t die for it.” But it is ours, in the sense that we are a part of it, connected to it, and belong to it.

 

My Gospel…My church—why does it matter?

 

If a person believes the Gospel or the church are his, in the sense of ownership and authority, then he does have the wrong idea. If a person believes that he can make the rules, change what has already been spoken in the Bible, he has the wrong idea. If a person thinks that he is accountable to no one because it is my church, again, he has the wrong idea. All of those thoughts will lead to trouble and take him away from Christ.

 

However, if a person views these things as something personal, he’s likely to take more responsibility with it. The idea is the difference between renting a car and owning a car. When you rent, it’s not your car. You may be less likely to keep it spotless. In a few days you’ll turn it back in. It served a purpose and that’s all. When it’s your own car, you have invested money to purchase it. You keep it in your garage at night. You sweep it out and put those nice smelly air fresheners in it. You notice dents. You park away from other cars. You take care of it. You get the oil changed. You get the tires rotated. You have set the radio to your favorite stations. The car is yours.

 

The Colossians were told, “Christ who is our life,” and, “your life is hidden in Christ.” The things of Christ are part of your life. His Word becomes your word. His way, your way. His church, your church. You see things differently. Not that you are in charge. Not that you can do what you want, but you become protective, defensive and supportive of God’s things. You become offended when you hear someone abusing God’s word. You take it personal. It is your Gospel. The church becomes your people, your family. You watch out for them. You pray for them. You care for them. You love them. Certainly, it’s God’s church. But, it’s your church, too.

 

This kind of thinking changes us from being an outsider to being one who is connected and involved. It moves you to being involved. It moves you to being concerned. It is so easy for us to have that “outsider” mentality. “Well, what they do down there at the church is their business.” Really? Why is it not your business? Why have you not stepped from being an outsider to becoming an insider? Why do you feel distance and separation between you and “them?” Why is it not “your church?”

 

We see the same thing when a young man starts dating a girl. At first, it’s her family. He may have dinner with them, but he’s not one of them. They are nice, but there is that barrier. It’s a bit awkward. If they marry, things change. He is now a part of that family. They belong. There is a closeness. He is more open to talk, share ideas and offer suggestions. He can speak his mind and not fear rejection. He is one of them and they are a part of him. They belong.

 

My church—not the church building, but the saved people. There is a love, a connection, a fondness, a concern and an openness with each other. We are close. We can speak freely. We do not fear rejection. We know only the best will be spoken. There is a trust and a confidence.

 

Just down the block from our church building is a movie theatre. It’s my place of choice to see movies. I’ve been there a lot. But even now when I go, I don’t sense belonging there or that it’s a part of me. I go and watch a movie and then I leave. I may think about the movie but I don’t think about the place, the people or the crowds. I’m detached from that. It’s not MY movie theatre. I fear this is how some see the church. They go, but they don’t feel connected. They worship God, but they do not feel any connection to the people. After they leave, they do not give much thought to the place, the people or what is going on. It’s a place to worship, but they do not feel that it’s their church. That distance and that barrier will keep fellowship from being what God intended. It will also keep them at arms length from caring and being involved as they ought to be.

 

My Gospel—My church…yes, they are God’s. But they are mine. They are who I am. They are what is important to me. I have invested my life in them. My heart has been poured into them. They belong to me as much as I belong to them.

 

Maybe if we felt this way, we’d roll our sleeves up more and serve. Maybe we’d defend more. Maybe we’d support more. Maybe we’d be more connected.

 

Mine…

 

Roger

 

19

Jump Start # 1895

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1895

 

2 Peter 1:12 “Therefore, I shall always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.”

 

Often in Peter’s second letter he states that he is reminding them of the things that they know. Memory is a funny thing. Some have a sharp memory and years later can tell you details of things that happened. With others, their memory gets fuzzy and they tend to recall only bits and pieces. Sometimes we think we remember how things happened and it’s just not accurate. You see this when a husband and wife are telling a story. He starts talking about a vacation years ago. He gets the details all wrong. Wrong year. Wrong day of the week. Not the right name of the hotel. As his wife constantly corrects him, he gets frustrated and proclaims, “I thought I was on the trip with her.”

 

Our verse reveals two important observations for us.

 

For the preacher, he needs to go back over things already taught. Don’t always be looking for new ideas, new texts, new things to talk about. That is exciting and fresh for him, but our faith must rest upon the foundation of what the Bible teaches. Things must be repeated. Things we already know must be taught again and again.

 

There are a couple of reasons for this. First, we forget. We forget the details. We forget what we ought to know. Secondly, a new generation must learn and know. While there are some who “already know,” there are always some who are hearing it for the first time. Core principles, first principles, elementary teachings, need to be repeated and repeated. We remember the solemn statement about the Hebrews who needed to be taught the elementary principles. They should have known. Did they forget? Did they not have those lessons repeated?

 

For the audience, we need to be reminded. We can get things mixed up in our minds. We forget to use what we have. We get so busy with life, that when things happen, the storms close in around us and instead of standing firm, our faith wobbles and for some it collapses. Someone reminds us to pray. Our response is, “Oh, yeah, I forgot.” I forgot. I forgot about that verse. I forgot about God’s promise. I forgot about what I was supposed to do. I forgot.

 

Peter is reminding them of things they already knew. Now, as this happens, there must be patience and kindness. For some have not forgotten. How easily they could tell Peter to preach things that we don’t know. Yet, in saying this, they do not realize that others may have forgotten.

 

And, this tells us, that we are not all in the same place spiritually nor do we all have the same spiritual knowledge or even the same memory. Some get it. Some don’t. Some remember. Some forgot. Some are doing well. Some only so-so. Thinking that everyone is at the same spot that I am can be a dreadful mistake. It can make me impatient with some. It can make others discouraged.

 

Why is it that in the same congregation, listening to the same sermons, reading the same bulletin articles, sitting through the same classes, some excel and others drift? Why? Why do some remember and others forget? Why do some see and others don’t? These are the very things that causes elders and preachers to toss and turn at night. Some are getting it and others are not. Some are doing well and others are struggling. Some of the very issues that are tripping some have been addressed in sermons and classes. A class is taught on marriage. A couple sits through the class and yet their marriage stinks. A sermon is given about the blessings of hospitality, yet some refuse to extend hospitality. A sermon is preached about the dangerous addiction of porn, and after sitting through the sermon, some still struggle with that problem.

 

Why was it necessary for Peter to remind the brethren? In the third chapter, Peter says, “I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets…” Remember.

 

The answer to all of this is that we are all different. Some can remember things after reading or hearing one time. Others need more. Some are self driven. Some need encouraging. We all carry our own history, baggage, issues, and sins. All those things influence us and shape us. And, to be honest, some of us are trying harder than others. You see that with students in school. You see that in our journey with God.

 

So, reminders are necessary. Bible classes that have been taught in the past will have to be repeated again. Find new teachers. Approach the subjects in different ways. But remind, repeat and explain again the things that we already know. Help us to pull those thoughts out to the front. Help us to think spiritually. Help us to see what God wants us to see.

 

In the world of preaching, one of the most common questions asked, ’How do you come up with a new sermon every week?’ This passage about reminders helps to explain that. Going over the fundamentals with fresh eyes, a different approach and trying to stir up what folks already know but have forgotten, is where many sermons begin.

 

I don’t think Peter’s reminders were naming the apostles or the twelve sons or the books of the Bible in order. Those things are great to know, but it’s the core principles about faith, grace, love, commitment, service, the very things that direct our steps spiritually is what Peter was driving at. The second coming. Faith. Baptism. Authority. Inspiration. What the church is about. Worship. Marriage. Parenting. Living. If a person forgets those things, knowing the books of the Bible in order won’t do much to change his life. Peter was reminding them of what it means to be a Christian. What is a Christian supposed to be. How we as Christians are different than the world. It is those things that will change our attitudes, affect our modesty, improve our language and give us the hope that ought to be in us. We become more prayerful when we remember who we are. We walk a step closer to the Lord when we remember who He is. Do this, the Lord’s Supper tells us, in memory of Me.

 

Remember…

 

Roger

 

18

Jump Start # 1894

Posted on July 18, 2017 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1894

2 Peter 1:5 “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge.”

 

Our verse today comes from the series of expressions often called the Christian virtues. These verses define the character and the heart of a disciple of Jesus. There are eight specific qualities listed here, beginning with faith and ending with love. These are not only connected to each other but they seem to progressive in nature. It all starts with faith. Without faith, the others won’t follow. Peter also tells us that these things are to be supplied or added. They are not natural. They are choices that a follower of Christ makes. Which tells us that some won’t do it. Some won’t manifest these qualities and therefore their lives will not truly reflect Christ as it should.

 

Today, we want to focus on the second character, “Moral Excellence.” The word “virtue” is a common translation of this expression. We often refer to the woman described in Proverbs 31 as the “virtuous woman.” For some today, “virtue” seems old fashioned and being a fuddy duddy.

 

Moral Excellence—two words. Excellence, the best. Doing things well. Morals—our standards. Morals influence our choice of clothing. It influences our choice of words. Our body language and even being a flirt falls under morals. It’s pretty obvious that the world has given up on morals. Folks will say anything and wear nothing about all the time. Modesty is gone. Being embarrassed doesn’t happen. The language is shocking. The clothing is shocking. The attitudes are shocking. From the movies to TV shows to music, decency is gone and the improper and inappropriate have become the norm. Sex before marriage. Raw and obscene talk. Immodesty. And this too often describes the local high school, that is simply following mainstream U.S.A.

 

We are called to be different. Moral Excellence. Raise the bar. Expect better. Be better. Don’t settle for second place. Excellence. Don’t go for the consolation prize. Excellence. We need to teach this in our churches and we need to show this in our homes. It begins young. If we don’t teach them moral excellence, our children will quickly learn to follow the crowd, which tends settle for the easy and the fun. What is best and what is right doesn’t enter the minds of most folks.

 

Moral Excellence in our clothing. Simply stated, we must be modest. Adam and Eve wore leaves and God clothed them with animal skins. The world wants to go back to the fig leaves. Modesty. The more skin you show the less godly character you are revealing. Your clothes reflects your faith. This is why faith comes before moral excellence. The more skin you show the more you send the wrong message. Excellence. Remember? This makes shopping hard. Manufactures are not into moral excellence. They want you to look hot, available and sexy. Parents must take the lead in helping their children learn modesty. This is hard when someone is looking for a bridal dress. You may have to add pieces to it. God doesn’t give you a pass that you can be immodest because you are in a wedding. Excellence.

 

Moral excellence in our behavior with one another. Flirting is part of the dating process. But too much touching leads to too much affection. Those who are married ought to only flirt with their spouses and no one else. Office flirting leads to office affairs. Excellence. Moral excellence. Some conversations are off limits and you do not need to participate in them because they are neither moral nor excellent. “Oh, we’re just having fun,” is no reason to drop your character and turn off your light that you ought to be shinning. Excellence. Excellence in your words. Excellence in your behavior. Excellence in your influence and impressions that you leave. When dating, moral excellence. Observe the “Out of bounds” that God places around the body that is only offered to the person that you are married to. A boy that pushes the limits or a girl that is willing to go to far, is not the excellent choice. Things will happen and they won’t be moral or excellent. Why settle for someone who ignores God on this. If they will do that, will they ignore God on worship? Salvation? Excellence. Look for it and be that yourself. Have fun together but keep the excellence as a standard. Anyone that won’t appreciate that nor show that ought to hit the road.

 

Moral excellence in our dealings with one another. That takes care of lying, doesn’t it? That will kill deception. That will make our business dealings above board. No cheating to make a few more dollars. No with holding what we know is wrong so the sale goes through. Moral Excellence. Doing what is right. Treating one another right. This some times is even missing among brethren. The church feels it’s time for a change in preaching. That happens. Preachers come and go. Be excellent in how you handle that. Go beyond what is expected. The same goes for the preacher. He feels it’s time to leave. Then leave honorably. Don’t start another church around the block. Don’t leave slinging mud and being ugly. Don’t make demands. Don’t go out as a crybaby. Moral excellence.

 

Excellence means the best. We ought to give our best and we ought to expect the best. Give our best when worshipping God. Give our best when doing things. Give our best when living for Jesus. Add this to your faith. Supply this. How?

 

Look to Jesus. The corrupted world wants to bring Jesus into the mud. The Gospels won’t allow that. Jesus was around many women. Bent over woman. Woman at the well. Mary Magdalene. Mary and Martha. The adulterous woman. The Canaanite woman. In all these occasions, there is not one hint that Jesus was inappropriate. Excellence among them. Moral among them. No off color jokes. No in appropriate touching. No suggestive language. No teasing. No flirting. Nothing that someone could make that was less than excellent.

 

Do what Jesus did. Follow His example.

 

Use your faith. This is why faith comes before virtue. Your faith reminds you of who you are and where you are going. Your faith connects you to Christ. To your faith, you add virtue. You build upon that faith. You grow that faith. You become more and more like a disciple of Jesus.

 

Excellence in morals. Virtue. God expects that. Don’t settle. Rise to the best that God wants from you.

 

Roger