22

Jump Start # 2968

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2968

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Thanksgiving is upon us. It’s a busy time for many families. Some travel. Some host. Food, football, fun and family—that’s part of the plans for so many. Yet, in many homes, Thanksgiving is stressful, tense and not something that some look forward to.

Here are a couple of reasons for that:

First, in many homes, someone is missing this Thanksgiving. There has been a funeral this past year and a spouse, a parent, a grandparent, a child is not there to enjoy the happiness of the times. This is true in my family. This will be a Thanksgiving without my dad. Even when we lived away and couldn’t make it back, I always talked to him on Thanksgiving day. Not this year. He is on the other side having gone through that door of death. And, for some, instead of smiles and laughter, it will be a period of tears and sorrow. There may be some who even feel that it is difficult to be thankful.

Instead of mourning what you don’t have, be thankful for what you did have. The memories. The love. The joy, the special times. There is much to be thankful for. Your example will help others who may not have the courage and faith as you do.

Second, family gatherings can be stressful because of the dysfunction that thrives in so many homes. Comparisons. Jealousy. Favoritism. Mix all of that together and you have one stressful meal. Some homes need a lot of forgiving, but that doesn’t happen. Some homes won’t move past mistakes in the past. Some homes are missing love, respect and decency. So, ‘home for the holidays,’ is not a warm, fuzzy feeling for some. You might be the one who is the peacemaker in such a mess. You might be the one who blazes the trail for forgiveness and grace. Others may not join in. You might be the center of verbal attacks, but you know what the Lord would want you to do.

Third, for the righteous, coming home often puts one in difficult settings. Within the family are those who have divorced and remarried many times. There is one who is homosexual. There is one who openly drinks alcohol and wants everyone to join him, even the little ones. There is one who is living with her boyfriend. There is one who is proud to be an atheist and he loves to ridicule religion. There is one who is neglecting his kids. There is one who spends money recklessly and has no regard for the future. There is one who is always dropping names. There is one who fell away from the Lord and has a nasty attitude about the church. There is one brings his slobbering dogs. There is one who burps at the table. There is one who shows off all the latest things purchased. There is one who has to out do everyone else’s story. There is one who thinks their kids are the brightest and the best. There is one who rarely bathes. There is one who is always late and everyone is forever waiting on that person. There is the one who loves to talk about politics. There is one who hates politics. There is one who if you don’t like his favorite team, won’t let you go without a verbal dressing down. There is the one who is always sarcastic. There is the one who cusses, even in front of the kids. There is one who shows up dressed immodest. There is one who wants to smoke, even at the table. There is one who always cheats when games are played. There is one who lies and laughs about it. There is one who sticks their finger in the dip and licks it off and then does it again, with that same finger. There is the one who flaunts breaking the rules. There is the one who just got released from prison. There is the one who can’t keep a job. There is the one who is always asking you for a favor and some money.

Did I get them all? Uncomfortable, uncomfortable, uncomfortable. And, you leave with a headache and a promise that you’ll never do that again. But you do. Every year you go through the same misery. It’s not fun. It’s not something you look forward to. You wonder why you have to be a part of such a messed up family. But consider, maybe God has placed you right there to be a light into the world. Maybe through you, one or more will see that there is a better way to live.

How does one survive a messy situation like that? First, don’t go in with a dog fight mentality. You don’t have to ‘fix’ everyone nor solve every problem. Most don’t want to be fixed and some problems you can’t solve. Second, pray, pray, pray. Third, look for goodness, kindness and be thankful for that. Fourth, stand your ground where you have to. Protect your kids. You can do this with kindness. You can do this without raising your voice. Finally, don’t carry an “I am better than you are” attitude with you. They will shoot you down for that. There are buttons some love to push. There are topics that some love to stir people up with. You do not have to attend every argument you are invited to and respond to every opinion expressed. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord—remember that. Do that.

In everything be thankful. That “everything” part is hard. Sometimes we don’t see anything to be thankful for. Look around. Look deep. It’s there.

You’ll get through this and you’ll do fine. Rather than dreading it, you are entering a mission field. Think about the good you can do.

Roger

19

Jump Start # 2967

Posted on November 19, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2967

Mark 16:15 “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”

Evangelism—we know that we ought to be doing more of it, but it also makes us very uncomfortable. We fear rejection. We fear questions that we don’t know the answer to. We fear being put on the spot. We fear an argument. We fear losing friends. It’s much easier to be silent than it is to tell others about Jesus. Sermons and classes on evangelism help, but still, that fear factor is real. Talking naturally, calmly and confidently is not easy for many when it comes to evangelism.

Whatever the mountain we must face, we must work at it. God has no other plan than for His people to tell others about Jesus. There is no slick marketing team that can be hired. There is no outside agency that will do the work for us. Evangelism falls to us. It’s up to us. If we don’t, no one will.

Here are five simple things to remember:

First, be friendly and be positive. Talk about your God and the worship of God in glowing, positive words. Worshipping God is awesome. Believe it. Tell others about it. Be genuine and be yourself. The word “Gospel” means ‘Good News.’ You have good news to tell someone.

Second, be interested in the lives of those you are leading to Christ. Ask about their children. Ask about how things are going. Find chances and opportunities to serve. Knowing that you care makes a difference. One of the police officers hired to protect our building mentioned that his wife had cancer. The next time he came some money was handed to him by a few that knew his story. He was touched. Caring is important.

Third, to win others to Jesus, you first must show the way. You must live the way the Lord wants you to. People notice. Your words and your actions have to match. If they don’t your message will seem hollow and inconsistent. Day after day, at work, at home, you are illustrating what you want others to be. You are showing others what living for Jesus looks like.

Fourth, don’t be argumentative or judgmental. That usually ends all discussions and closes the door to listening any more with you. You can disagree, but do it kindly and with the other person in mind. Teach the Bible and let the Bible be what they come to terms with. Have them see in their own Bibles the passages that you are teaching. Be patient and kind. God’s word works. You don’t need to name call, ridicule others or be arrogant. Let God speak through His word. Stick with a few passages and stay on them.

Fifth, don’t quit. Keep praying for them. Keep looking for opportunities. Keep working at it. The salvation of their souls is at stake. You’ll likely think more about their soul than they will. You may care more about their salvation than they do. Just hang in there and stay at it.

Teaching God’s word and showing others the way to salvation is such an incredible opportunity and blessing. Years ago, someone helped us. Now, it is our turn to them others.

If you noticed, this week, we have built these Jump Starts around “Five things.” These thoughts came from a booklet we put out last year. Every Friday we post “Friday Fives” on our website (www.charlestownroad.org). They are just five statements about spiritual life. We gathered last year’s list and put them in categories. This booklet makes a useful tool for those who want to come up with ideas for invitations, articles or even sermons. “The Friday Five” is free and available to mail to you if you would like.

Contact me at: Rogshouse@aol.com. Be sure an include your mailing address. And, you can find today’s Friday Five on our website.

Roger

18

Jump Start # 2966

Posted on November 18, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2966

Colossians 4:17 “And say to Archippus, ‘Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.’”

Archippus needed some help. He needed to be reminded. The Colossian letter ends by naming his name. Everyone now knew. He needed to take heed to the ministry. Was he slacking off? Did he have divided attention and was distracted by other things? Was he lazy? Whatever the cause, it didn’t matter. He needed to get about doing what he was supposed to do.

I expect that could be said of each of us. Most of us would be extremely uncomfortable, even greatly embarrassed if a letter was read before our congregation and there at the end of that letter was our name. Our name was said out loud. It wasn’t a shout out or a “that’a boy,” type of recognition. Instead, like Archippus, it was a reminder for us to take heed and fulfill what we are supposed to do.

For some of us, that reading of our name might include attending more. It’s so easy to justify not going to worship. Been there once on Sunday, that’s enough, we say. It’s raining and I don’t feel like getting out. I can always catch it on the livestream or watch it later. Holidays are getting close and I’ve got a lot of getting ready that needs to get done. It’s been a long week and I’m just tired. And, here’s the reader saying, “Archippus, take heed to your commitment and fulfill what you promised.”

For others, it might be making better choices in life. Some really struggle with this. They still have too much of the world in them and they like the taste of worldliness. And, this riding the fence shows in their choices. Social drinking is something they want to do. Watching movies that are not healthy to the soul. Close friendships with those who are moving away from the Lord. They are likely to lie, if it is convenient. They are likely to cheat, if it is to their advantage. No going out of the way. No serving because it’s the right thing to do. And, here’s the reader saying, “Archippus, take heed to your choice to follow Christ.”

For others, it’s all internal. They can’t let go of a hurt. They won’t forgive. They dwell with fear and doubt. Faith is the issue here. Worry is an everyday problem. They fear they are going to run out of money. They fear they are going to get Covid. They fear dying. They fear they may not make it to Heaven. And, here’s the reader saying, “Archippus, take heed to your faith in Christ Jesus.”

I’m not pushing for us to say names like this in our worship services. I expect if that happened today, those named would never come back. You wonder about our Archippus. How did he take his name being read publically? Did he take heed as the apostle wanted him to, or did he go the other direction?

Archippus reminds us of other important lessons. It’s about names.

First, we all have a name. Our names distinguish us from others. Our names are given to us. We did not get to pick out what names we’d  be called by. Not sure if I would have chosen ‘Roger,’ but my parents did. It’s the only name I have had. You have a name. I have a name. God has a name.

Second, our names are important. If our names are mispronounced, we quickly correct the person. If our names are not spelled right, we point that out. My daughter’s name is “SARAH.” When she was a little girl, she’d always say, “My name is Sarah with an H.” I’d follow with, “My name is ’Roger’ with an “R”.

Third, when you pray say names. Name the sick. Name the lost. Name those who are hurting you. Put their names before Heaven. It’s easy to generically say, “We pray for the sick.” Which sick? Name them. Identify what’s going on. Ask the Lord to help them.

Fourth, we must use God’s name reverently. His name is sacred. It is holy. It is not something you say when you are excited, mad or can’t think of anything else to say. God is a person and you are using His name. Use it correctly and use it reverently. Hallowed be Thy name is what Jesus said in the model prayer.

Fifth, get to know the names of your church family. Saying someone’s name is important. Knowing their name is important. For some, this is easy. For others, this is a real chore. When someone has moved into a new congregation, there are so many new faces and names and stories to put together. The faster you do this the more comfortable and the more adjusted you will feel with the church. If your congregation has a picture directory, take it with you to services. Look at the pictures and try to connect to who they are. Your fellowship deeps and becomes more helpful when you know others and they know you.

Archippus, take heed to the ministry. Archippus, get about it. Archippus, let’s get going.

Roger

17

Jump Start # 2965

Posted on November 17, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2965

Ecclesiastes 12:1 “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, ‘I have no delight in them.’”

Solomon’s age-old advice still rings true for us today. Putting God first in your life at an early age can keep the soul and your life from decades of heartache and trouble. Religion isn’t just for old people. All of us need God.  And, this wonderful passage has several things built in that we need to notice.

First, in order to “remember” your Creator, you must first know something about Him. You can’t remember if there is nothing to remember. This implies some early instruction, especially in the home. That was a part of the Jewish fabric of life and it ought to be a part of our fabric as well. In the home, in the church, be talking, explaining, showing and teaching God.

Second, evil days come. Solomon may be driving at temptation and the influence of friends. When a child is young, the immediate family is his social world. But as the child grows, there are kids at school, kids on the team, kids at camp—and that circle of influence widens and it is here that a child can be introduced to evil. Evil days are coming, is what Solomon warned. You can’t keep that from happening. But what you can do is ‘remember your Creator’ and that will keep the evil at bay.

Third, Solomon says the ‘years draw near.’ We call that age. There are many days I think I am still in my 40’s, but then I look in the mirror and reality reminds me that the years are here. Many adventures. Many memories. Many blessings. Many faces. Many places. And, without God in you to guide you, you end up as a selfish grump who no one wants to be around.

Now, from this, here are five lessons that teens need to hear. It’s best that they hear it from home.

First, all young people struggle with choices and temptations. You did. I did. They do. The challenge to fit in. The challenge to be accepted. Sometimes there is a cost that comes with those challenges. Sometimes that cost isn’t worth paying. You sell your soul just to be liked by people who will use you and forget you is not worth what you think you will get our of that. It’s hard swimming upstream in a world that is floating downstream. It’s hard to do what is right, when all around you is wrong. Parents remember to be helpful, kind and let your teen know that they are not the first to face tough things.

Second, the habits you start now may be with you the rest of your life. This is true both of good habits and bad habits. A young person who starts smoking in middle school, may well be smoking in his 30’s and if he lives long enough, even in his 60’s. People in their 60’s don’t take up smoking, they are trying to quit. The habit of lying can start early and it can follow you all of your life. Eventually, one starts lying to themselves. But good habits, such as starting the day with prayer, being punctual, being honest, being a servant, those too, can grow and define you the rest of your life. Find the good things and get after them. Make them habits in your life.

Third, what you believe will be challenged by friends and adults. This happens at school. This happens in the work place. This even happens in the family. Those that do not like Jesus, or think that you are taking things way to seriously, will throw hard questions at you. Some will try to trick you and get things scrambled up in your mind. Your faith, what you know, will get you through those moments. The critics tested Jesus often. They twisted His words. They tried to put Him in a corner. The same may happen to you.

Fourth, teens die. We know this, but sometimes it just doesn’t sink in. I knew kids in my school who never graduated. They died. My children had kids in their school who died. Some were foolish. Some took their own lives. Some were in car accidents. Some had cancer. Don’t keep kicking the can down the road of what you ought to be doing. You may not have a ‘down the road.’ Make a difference where you are now. Be a person of Christ and influence right now.

Fifth, God loves you and is always there for you. You will experience in life people who disappoint you, let you down and leave you. God won’t do that. You’ll have people making poor choices that hurt you. God won’t do that. And, to know, where ever you go the Lord is with you. You are never truly alone. Daniel in the lion’s den—God was there. Noah in the ark—God was there. Peter in prison—God was there. Your life may not be easy. You may have some really tough mountains to climb, but you never climb them alone when you have God.

All of this begins with, Remember your Creator…

Roger

16

Jump Start # 2964

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2964

Mark 7:30 “And going back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed, the demon having departed.”

Recently I was in Phoenix with the Monte Vista congregation. Great church. Amazing shepherds. Powerful preacher. Loving and encouraging people. If you are ever in the Phoenix area, you want to make this church one of your visits. While with this church, I was teaching some morning classes from the life of Jesus. Our Lord was busy. He was focused and on a mission, always.

Our passage today comes from one of those studies. It is about the Syrophoenician woman who came to Jesus. Her daughter was severly demon possessed. She calls Jesus, “Son of David.” She begs Jesus to help her. The disciples, in typical fashion, want Jesus to send her away. She was bothering them. Jesus never said a word. She persists. She bows. She pleads, “Help me.” Jesus tells her that He came for Israel and one doesn’t give food first to the dogs. He was not calling her names, insulting her or being mean. She never takes it that way. She understood what the Lord was saying. Many want to go to the original language and describe the type of dog that Jesus was referring to. I think that is missing the point. One doesn’t cook a meal and when everyone is seated at the table, the first to eat are the dogs. One cooks for the family. The dogs get the leftovers. We understand this. She understood this. She didn’t want the meal. All she needed was crumbs. The Lord’s crumbs were enough to help her daughter.

That impressed Jesus. Her faith, being a Gentile, was greater than what He had seen even among His disciples. The Lord tells this woman that the demon has left. Now, Jesus never saw the girl. He didn’t have to. His power transcends distance. He didn’t have to look at the child first. He knew.

Our verse tells us, “And going back to her home…” She left. She didn’t know if the child was cured other than what Jesus had said. Yet, that was all that she needed. Jesus said the demon was gone, and this woman knew it was. Faith. Faith that Jesus could. And, faith that Jesus did. She went home with the assurance of Jesus.

And, so it is with us.

How do you know you are forgiven? It’s not a feeling, like being in love. It’s not a sensation. It’s not an expression upon your face, ‘you just look saved.’ No, it’s none of those things. How do we know? Just like this Gentile mother. Jesus said so. She left Jesus knowing that when she got home, her daughter would be cured. She knew. Jesus promised. Jesus keeps His word. Jesus doesn’t tell us things just to make us feel good. He doesn’t say things just to get us to leave Him alone. We are forgiven because the Scriptures show that.

How do you know that you are going to Heaven? This is harder for many of us. We want to go to Heaven. We hope we can make it to Heaven, but there is that element of uncertainty. Paul knew. He knew that there was a crown awaiting him. Not only did he know that, but he knew that crown would be awaiting others as well. How do you know Heaven is yours? Perfect attendance at worship? Nope. Got the books of the Bible memorized? Nope. Give a lot? Nope. Been a pretty good person? Nope. It’s just the same as that mother heading home knowing the demon was now out of her daughter. It is by faith. God’s grace is what saves us. Grace alone? Grace without us having to do a thing? That would mean everyone is saved. The Bible doesn’t teach that. Being a disciple of Jesus puts us at the ownership of our faith. We must obey the Lord, walk with Him, and grow, share and serve. Yet, even after all of that, it is God that saves. It is God’s amazing grace that we need. How do you know? The Bible tells me so.

How do you know that God loves you? That seems simple, the Bible says so. However, for many, their life is filled with trouble, misery, drama and trials. They pray but they receive no immediate answer. Others seem to be sailing smoothly through life, but not them. It’s a roller coaster—always. Constantly. Up, down. Twisting this way and then that way. And, in all of this, thoughts begin to cross their minds. Does God really love me? If He did, why is my life a mess? The Psalmist in Ps 73 wondered about this. His foot nearly slipped. He looked around and those who had no respect for God were doing better than he was. Things sure seemed upside down in his world. But he came into the sanctuary and there he learned some lessons. Yes, God loves you. The length and quality of your life is no reflection of God’s love. We know, just as that Gentile mother knew, by faith.

Sometimes we want more than just faith. That’s all that she had. We want a tangible assurance that we can hold in our hands. We want something visible. We want more than a promise. We want more than faith. And, right there, is often the problem. It’s a faith issue. Trust God. Trust Him. He knows what He is doing. He is always right.

She went know knowing. She went home believing. Jesus said, and that was enough.

How about you? Do you trust His words? Are you walking in confidence, hope and joy or uncertainty, fear and doubt. Hold on to God’s promises. Cling to God’s hand. Someday we are out of this place, and we will be where we have always wanted to be, home with God.

Roger