I like fire.
While pyromaniac would be a severe overstatement, pyroenthusiast is fair. As a Boy Scout, I learned the required knots (square knot, clove hitch, etc.); but I loved burning things. Actually, fire was one of my favorite activities of Scouting - that and playing with (I mean to say safely handling) knives. I have a wonderful reminder in the form of a scar. I loved the camping, canoeing, hiking, archery, and knives; but, again, I really enjoyed the fires.
Interestingly the Bible is full of stories of fire. Some tell of expansive destruction; yet others deal with less destructive events. Think . . .
- Moses and the burning bush.
- The fire of protection by the Red Sea.
- Elijah vs. the prophets of Baal.
- The fires of burnt sacrifices.
- Fire representing the mighty power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible mentions fire over 500 times. Twenty-six times occur in Revelation. Revelation tells, in summary, of the great victory of Jesus over the evils of Satan and the resulting unification of God's people with Him.
The Bible promises (which means it will happen) that Jesus will return to earth to set things right. Jesus' return is the central focus of the season of Advent which begins this week. Many churches use fire (candles) to help the worshipers progress through the season. Then, during Christmas Eve, children and adults hold lighted candles while singing something along the lines of "Silent Night."
As you see candles, lights, and fire this season, remember the promise of Jesus.
12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
Revelation 22:12-13 (NIV)
#ordinarylives
In the Goodman house we engage in a birthday tradition of vocalized appreciation. Five times a year, since that is the number of people in our family, four of us take turns telling the one celebrating another year of life the things that we appreciate about her or him. Year after year we speak to each other these encouraging words. Sometimes our kids do the same thing an additional time on Mother's Day and Father's Day.
Once a year people all over our country practice a similar tradition on the fourth Thursday of November. We dedicate a day to eating turkey, ham, and pumpkin pie; greeting and hugging extended family members; and, for some, watching the ever-on-Thanksgiving Dallas Cowboys game. Most importantly, however, we devote time to expressing in words all that for which we are thankful to God.
While that activity should occur on every one of a calendar's 365 days, it is good to do so on Thanksgiving. We, literally, give thanks to our Creator, Lord, and Savior for all that He has done.
Thank you, Father, for sending your Son.
Thank you, Jesus, for saving us from our sin.
Thank you, Spirit, for leading us.
We are thankful!
#ordinarylives
Three days ago men filled our worship center for our fourth annual Beast Feast. Wild game and the less important sides covered the tables. Food brought us together; yet something more meaningful and enduring occurred. Namely, the gathering of brothers. In addition to moose meat and venison, we shared time and stories. With just our presence, we reminded one another that we are not alone. As one Christ-following man shares a meal with another, Christ's church grows stronger. As a fully grown child of God shakes hands with his brother, a perhaps unstated message is communicated - "We are in this together."
Together. The word comes from the Proto-Germanic word "gaduri" which means "in a body." The body was one of the Apostle Paul's favorite metaphors for the church. He wrote in great detail about the importance of the body of Christ (the Church) working in unity and rhythm. He called for a ban on elitism as well as self-deprecation. No grandstanding or cowering allowed.
Together. King David bought into that concept. He loved Jonathan. He fought with his soldiers (except when he didn't; and we all know how that turned out - don't we?). He stuck with his Mighty Men who, together, strengthened Jerusalem. In light of his experiences, David wrote Psalm 133. The first verse well articulates the power of staying together.
Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
Psalm 133:1 (ESV)
When we do life together, we do what is good and pleasant.
#ordinarylives
Many Americans go to the polls today. As the numbers are tallied, results will be made known. Joy awaits some poll-goers and frustration awaits others.
On election days, the words of Paul to the Christians in Rome regarding the God-given authority of civic leaders enter my mind. Questions abound when one reads Romans 13. Especially Romans 13:5.
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
Romans 13:5 (NIV)
Did Paul mean all authorities?
Should Christians disobey authorities?
When should Christians disobey authorities?
What about truly "evil" authorities? (Hitler, Pol Pot, etc.)
I contemplate those questions. I think I have some good answers - at least, partially. I will, however, refrain from addressing those specifics today. Rather, I will focus on some very straightforward instructions from Paul.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Romans 13:6-7 (NIV)
In essence, Paul instructs believers to pay up. As you review the "invoices" the apostle mentions, think about which of those you find most difficult to pay.
- Do you struggle to pay respect?
- Do you fight the mandate to pay the IRS?
- Does honoring a certain authority in your life cause you heartburn?
Not many Bible passages get more Ordinary than Romans 13. Recall the words from the previous chapter.
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.
Romans 12:1 (MSG)
Living the Ordinary Life certainly includes the loftier actions of life (worship, mission, serving your neighbor, and the like); however, those actions do not hold exclusive rights. Living the Ordinary Life includes so much more. Given the actions many people will take today, we do well to remember that living the Ordinary includes:
- praying for your authorities
- voting (if you choose to do so) in light of your Christian faith
- respecting your leaders
- paying your taxes
Give special attention to God's instructions as worded by Paul . . . "Give to everyone what you owe them."
#ordinarylives
