DoxA

Be Careful Little Mouth

As children our parents and teachers had ways of helping us with personal conflict and instilling personal values. They'd use songs like...

Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.
Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.
There's a Father up above, looking down in tender love,
So be careful little eyes, what you see. 

Then the song would repeat the chorus to address other behaviors like... Hand's what you touch, feet where you go, ears what you hear and mouth what you speak.

Remember the old phrase, “Sticks and stones can break my bones but names will never hurt me”? I know there are times when people want to say things just to express their own frustration or disappointment because they don’t or didn’t get their way or experience something to their advantage. So, yes, sticks and stone can break bones but mean words (names) can hurt too. But I don’t like getting hurt by words… there are too many sticks and stones out there.

So, let's put this in perspective... It’s sad to see people resort to hurtful comments and uncivil means to get their way. What we say has power. But only the power the person who hears those words gives to those words. Think about that. When someone says something that is meant to be hurtful; it is only as hurtful as you let it hurt you and let the other person get the satisfaction of their effort.

Also, when someone says something hurtful, often it isn't so much due to what was said but how it was said. When we think about what was intended by those words we can generally get a sense of the heart of the person speaking by observing body language, tone and context of the conversation. Taking just a moment to understand these nuances can help you deal with the hurt that comes from hurtful words. But what helps most is knowing who you are as a child of God. Would the God of the universe, who loves you so much to give His son... speak these words to you? Can you imagine the voice of God splitting the heaven's and declaring the same hurtful comments that a mere mortal just uttered?

Listen to the filth that comes from their mouths; their words cut like swords. “After all, who can hear us?” they sneer. But Lord, you laugh at them. You scoff at all the hostile nations. You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress. Ps 59:7-9

Finally, there are those words that were never meant to hurt but do anyway. These words have power because they are either said in ignorance or truth. First, the words of ignorance...

Many times when I have been hurt by the words of another person it's because they simply were speaking without knowing the truth and revealing their own ignorance. Most of the time these words are not malicious just simply as stated; ignorant.

The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common  sense. Proverbs 10:21

Now, the words of truth... For me, these are the words that tend to sting most. Because words that hurt, which are true, I can not justify. I can't rationalize the purpose of those words as someone else's fault. These words, I own! But it is with these words I gain the most. These words build up, these words reveal the cracks and flaws in me and these word call me to action. But they still hurt.

Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.  Pr 27:6

Be careful little ears what you hear... be careful little mouth what you speak. We hear words but we also speak them. How are you as a listener? Do you...

• Try to hear what is being said or react to what is said?
• Listen for the reason behind the words?
• Bring previous conversations into the present one? Does that help or make things worse?
• Formulate your response while the other person is talking or wait until they have finished before you think about how you'll respond?
• Let emotion dictate your response?
• Look for something positive even if the words are critical and negative?

How about your speaking skills? Do you...

• Say what you want to say without accusation?
• Tell someone your feelings without considering theirs?
• Speak from knowing facts or from having opinions? (really think about this one!)
• Look for ways to encourage and edify the person you're speaking with?
• Understand God (if the Holy Spirit is in you) speaks through you

This week; take the time to listen to the words that come out of your mouth... observe how they affect the person hearing them. Consider their reaction or lack there of and determine whether you are speaking in ignorance or truth. Check to see if you have said anything that someone could say was mean and therefore hurtful. Each day take inventory of your conversations and see how often God spoke through you.

 

There's a Father up above,

And He's looking down in love,

So, be careful little hum hum hum hmph!

What is a Moly Anyway?

Something surprising happens to you or you witness an incredible event and suddenly, these words come out of your mouth... "Holy cow!" or "Holy - something else." We know the term holy cow comes from Hinduism where the cow is considered sacred, but what about all these other holy "things?"

In my childhood I was an avid Batman fan. During each episode the dynamic duo found themselves in some kind of pickle, to which Robin would say something like, "Holy marathon Batman! I'm getting a stitch." As a kid I could never understand what Robin was talking about and as an adult I still don't know what people are trying to say when they use the term holy absent a reference to their own personable behavior or understanding of God. From cows to molasses there is nothing we can describe, other than God, which is holy.

Holy... it is what is pure, perfect, unique, unapproachable, beautiful, terrible and spirit.

The Bible tells us to be holy because God is holy (1 Pet 1:16). It also says for those who are of faith in Christ, you are holy (Eph 1:18). The problem for us is to somehow grasp this idea of already being something we are supposed to become. How does that work?

It requires separation. Not that we need to detach a part of ourself from our whole being, but to detach from a world that keep us as an unrecognizable face in the vast crowd. We must be separate in behavior, image and mindset. I suppose this would be why I am struggling so much lately with the notion that for churches to have a greater impact in today's culture we must laugh alike, walk alike,
At times we'll even talk alike -- You can lose your mind... sorry, throw back to another old 60"s television show. As I look more closely at the impact of Jesus he did little to fit in. Although he did a really good job of reaching people who are in the world.

Here's my concern... as Christians we are doing more to separate our selves from other Christians than we are the things of this world. I see churches bashing each other over how worship is conducted. I see pastor's marketing programs and services to attract Christians from other churches, I see books written about politics and ethics from leaders who become publicly disgraced from their own moral falling and I see very little impact in the lives of average, everyday, satisfied people who live right next door to our church buildings... Yesterday as I was walking in a parking lot I noticed this bumper sticker that read, "I was born just fine the first time!"

Why the skepticism, why the apathy and why the hostility facing cultural Christianity in America today? Could it be folks are just tired of hearing a message about they way "they" should live, while they see no difference in the way "we" live?

     Therefore, come out from among unbelievers,and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.^* And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.^*” Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

^* Isa 52:11; Ezek 20:34 (Greek version).

^* 2 Sam 7:14.

Tyndale House Publishers: Holy Bible : New Living Translation. 2nd ed. Wheaton, Ill. : Tyndale House Publishers, 2004, S. 2 Co 6:17-7:1

The "Holiness" movement in America did a lot to alienate itself from the world, but due to a lot of legalistic regulations, by a long list of things you're not supposed to do by highlighting all the "Don'ts"... Don't drink, Don't smoke, Don't chew, don't go out with girls who DO... I think did little to separate itself. Alienation is one thing; separation is another. One is seen as weird the other is seen as right. So, how can we differentiate?

We must have a conviction, a reason, if you will, to be separate. Just looking like you're holy on Sunday while other Christians are looking on isn't going to cut it when your neighbor is watching you the rest of the week.

So, what's the reason? What makes you want to separate yourself... you know; Be in the world but not of the world." Just wanting to be separate isn't enough. Just thinking about it; still doesn't count. Having good intentions and giving it the ol' college try will not impress the other indistinguishable faces in the crowd. It takes piety, purity and peaceful living. These were the qualities of Jesus and he stayed away from the religious crowd.

Q's:

• Does going to church and being part of a Christian fellowship damage your ability to be holy?
• Is holiness a state of being, action or position?
• How does the grace of God and the truth of Scripture compliment or conflict with being holy?
• Define what you think it would mean to live separate from the world.
• What impact would you have if you were truly separate?
• What possible impact could the church have locally and globally if it was a "holy" church?
• What are the simple things you can do to be more holy... more God like?
• What choice or choices did you make last week that could have made a difference in your being just another face in the crowd or to stand out as different from everyone else?
• What choices can you make this week to stand out from among the "world" crowd?

Holy. Our God is holy... He calls His church holy... he separated us. Some of my socks have holes and they get separated for the wash... but like them, nothing on this earth; not a cow, macaroni, #2, mother of God, mackerel or moly is truly, holy.

What I Would Give

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell
The guilty pair, bowed down with care
God gave His Son to win
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin

Could we with ink the ocean fil
And were the skies of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade

To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
Though stretched from sky to sky

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints' and angels' song

I love this Mercy Me song. Modern hymn, you can find on the album "Spoken For."

The Love of God... what is it? Well, it's more than I can describe, more than you can conceive. The love of God, is again, something which transcends our own understanding. This is why here at Twin Oaks Church we're attempting to take a look at the Nature of God. Unfortunately for us, yet confidently for me, the attributes of God are so vast and incomprehensible I, nor the most learned theologian, can be accurate to describe the nature of God 100% accurately! Get that? God is ineffable... no matter what way or how careful we describe our Gracious Creator... it's going to come up short. Don't argue with me on this one; I'm feeling pretty confidently about this assumption.

So, God is love. The Bible tells us so.

To me this is one of the biggest "Duhs" in life. Of course God loves us... Why wouldn't he? I know there are a lot of people who disagree with this because if... ho hum... if God is real and God is love, then why is there so much pain and suffering in this world?

First of all, how does that question negate the love of God? HUH! Can anyone tell me? I mean, I love my children a lot! But if I tried to keep them from avoiding a single pain and steered them clear of the slightest suffering; they would have to live with me 24/7. I would keep them under lock and key. I would never bring them out into the daylight. I would only open the box I kept them in for quick glimpses to assure they were still there. No... you see my understanding of love is... hold on to your seat. My kind of love is...

Selfish!

Thank you Lord of having the kind of love that was willing to send your most precious, your one... and only... son to die for us so we can live for you. You gave up your riches and became poor so we can be rich.

When was the last time you took everything that was in your bank account and gave it to the guy at the off-ramp holding a cardboard sign?

That's what I thought.

This is how God loves us. He gives everything to those who don't, let me repeat that, DON'T deserve it. And that means, hold on to your seat, YOU and ME!

The love of God... is greater far... than

Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?”

²³ Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. ²⁴ Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. ²⁵ I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. ²⁶ But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Tyndale House Publishers: Holy Bible : New Living Translation. 2nd ed. Wheaton, Ill. : Tyndale House Publishers, 2004, S. Jn 14:22-26

And remember, "My words are not my own... " a funny statement from the one who is THE Word! Which is an argument for the trinity... which, by the way, is totally (Californian slang) intended: I mean God, our Lord through the words of Jesus, intended to glorify the entire God-head.

When we speak... when we try to convey thought, do we attempt to communicate feelings? Rarely. Because we know in our hearts feelings are not communicated in words. We know feelings are communicated in touch, in tone, it's communicated in a look, a body posture. God's word was none of those things... at least not to those who were not there when Christ walked the earth. God's word was emotionless. It is without feeling.

Tonight, I watched a television show I love... no hate... to watch; Extreme Home Make-Over... why? Because it makes me cry! Every time I watch this show...  I lose it. Embarrassing for a tough guy trying to show his daughters what a "man" is all about. These people do so much for folks they've never met... Okay, it's a TV show, where a lot of money is earned due to ratings (there are a lot of crying men out there) but why do these folks DO more to show love than those who say they do?

One simple question for this post... How DO you love God?

"It goes beyond the highest star and reaches to the lowest..."   

Did I Miss a Week?

Wait a minute... actually give me several more, you know, minutes! Where is the time going? I've joked with folks that the older we get the quicker time passes. We know this is not true in our heads a second is a second and a minute is sixty seconds not 59 one year and 58 the next. Time just seems to go by quicker because our remembrance of time is affected by our relationship to tome. Let me explain; when you're five years old one year is a fifth of your life. A year seems like a long time. But when you're thirty-five a year is nothing more than a 35th of your life and when you're sixty a year is... well, you get the point. So, with this rationale a year gets shorter in comparison with the sum of your life. You see time is relative yet constant.

I have friends (much older friends) who tell me that the older they become the more anxious they are about dying and leaving behind all the responsibilities and obligations they possess to someone else. Honestly, those thoughts have started to creep into my cranium.

There is nothing like a tragic event in our lives or a "close call" or a friend or relative to hear the words, "You only have _ years left to live" to bring us face to face with our mortality. A dear man I know, in the desert who is in his eighties, tells me, "Death is a hard hand to shake when you have to make friends with it."

I don't want to die... but I know I will. Furthermore, I don't wish for you to die either... but I know you will too. We all have an end. No one, none, 0 have the capability of avoiding this end.

But

Everyone has the ability to avoid an eternal end... and it's so easy to do. You don't have to do any spiritual pilates, you don't have to do holy aerobics and you don't have to run the Heaven Marathon. All you have to do is surrender your freedom; your limited freedom to the service of Jesus Christ as his bond slave.

But the slave may declare, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children. I don’t want to go free.’ If he does this, his master must present him before God.^* Then his master must take him to the door or doorpost and publicly pierce his ear with an awl. After that, the slave will serve his master for life.

^* Or before the judges.

Tyndale House Publishers: Holy Bible : New Living Translation. 2nd ed. Wheaton, Ill. : Tyndale House Publishers, 2004, S. Ex 21:5-6

In God's unlimited eyes he sees us as limited and establishes for us limited laws to help pattern our lives for health, prosperity and fairness. In the above mentioned verse out of Exodus, God is passing down these laws to Moses to instruct the people that the "limit" for slavery is seven years. But there were limits of fairness to the slave and the owner providing the owner to keep his "property" if the slave marries into it. So, a provision is granted for the slave to be a slave for life... or a bond slave... a slave of free will (keep in mind, the Hebrew concept of slavery is not the American version of slavery).

In this beautiful image or "type," we see in the Old Testament, we find the essence of complete surrender our lives must express to find the freedom in Christ God offers us. But unfortunately, we do not either live by this concept or adopt this notion easily as Christ followers in our culture. Why? Because, here in America... we have abolished slavery. We have established and now model to the rest of the world what freedom is all about. We seem to believe "freedom" is the right to say, do, have and go whatever and wherever we choose.

As a Christ follower, I am a Jesus slave! I serve Him. He doesn't serve me.

So, what about you? Is Jesus your servant? Are you inclined to force your limits upon him and call on him only when you need something?

Discuss these topics in the coming week...

• How does your pursuit of life cause you to become self aware and self absorbed?
• What choices in life would you make differently if you were aware of your life being limited to the next year alone? In other words, You only got twelve months left!
• How could you plan for the end of your life that doesn't include, wills, estate planning and "stuff?"
• Write down five things you would want to accomplish before you die in this life.
• Write next to those goals what it would do to serve the cause of Christ... for instance if you want to climb Mt. Everest you don't have to evangelize the entire Buddhist population of Nepal but sharing Christ with your Sherpa would be nice.
• Honestly evaluate the life choices you make (career, family, possessions, etc.) and ask yourself are those surrendered to Christ as belonging to Him.
• Ask the person who you believe knows you best if they observe your life as surrendered to Jesus. In other words... do they see you serving Christ or Jesus serving you?

Freedom is the American pursuit. It is in the life blood of this country... Men and women have fallen on the battle field to through the past several centuries simply to keep the freedoms we share in tact. They served our country and in doing so served you and your family. That's why we call them servicemen and women... to honor our God and to attain the eternal freedom for those we love we must become "servicemen and women" for the kingdom of God. It will cost you your life. But what does that matter... we're all going to die anyway!