During the past week, I listened to Chuck Swindoll preach on his radio program about women of noble character. Using Proverbs 31 as his text, Mr. Swindoll provided some insight that I had not heard or read previously.
For example, he explained some of the Middle Eastern cultural practices behind Proverbs 31:18. Describing the noble woman, the verse stated, "She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night" (NIV). I assumed that the woman stayed up most (if not all) of the night working on various projects. However, Chuck Swindoll explained that compassionate, generous, and hospitable families of the Middle East would leave a lamp lit during the night so that poor and distressed people would be able to approach their houses for help. If someone needed bread for his family, he would know that the house or tent with the lit lamp would be the place to go. If a traveler needed a place to spend the night, he would look for the light of a lamp in the night.
As I thought about Chuck Swindoll's explanation of Middle Eastern customs, I gained a new perspective of Jesus' words to his followers: "You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14, 16, NIV). I realized that Christ calls for his disciples to be compassionate, generous, and hospitable. I understood his intent for us to be helpful toward those in need and to provide some measure of safety and security for those traveling through a dark world.
Now I must ask myself: Am I letting my light shine? Do people in need see me as approachable and welcoming? Am I generous with my time? Will I stop to listen? Am I generous with my resources? Will I give away my money? Am I safe? Will I judge someone who struggles? Am I secure? Will I harm someone by spreading their secrets? Will I protect innocent people?
Letting my light shine means far more than I ever realized. It is more than being polite and putting in a good word for Jesus once in a while. It involves a high degree of compassion, generosity, and hospitality. Now that I have a richer understanding of Jesus' intent, I am determined to follow through and become one who lets his light shine.
Showing posts with label Chuck Swindoll. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chuck Swindoll. Show all posts
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Vacation Memories 2008
We spent the past week on vacation in Oklahoma City and Dallas.
On Sunday morning, we headed to Oklahoma City for the annual Oklahoma Rural Letter Carriers Association convention. I served as a delegate from the state's northeastern district. While I learned a little during the informational sessions, I found myself in the minority during every vote on substantial issues that would make a positive impact on my job or reform my union. I'm accustomed to being in the minority, though.
Before arriving at the convention, we met Bobby Ross (http://www.therossnews.com) and his family for worship with the Edmond Church of Christ. Unfortunately, Tamie was feeling sick. However, we were able to enjoy a nice lunch with Bobby, Brady, and Keaton.
On Monday, I skipped the convention and took the family to the Science Museum. Christopher loved all of the hands-on activities and the Storm Chasers movie in the Omnidome.
On Tuesday, the convention wrapped up. Jason and Tara Hicks (http://thehixaregrowinglikeweeds.blogspot.com) invited us to dinner at their house. Tara is the former children's minister for the Contact Church of Christ. Time flew as we ate a great meal and talked for hours. Christopher enjoyed playing with their son Liam.
On Wednesday, we visited the Frontier City amusement park. (Thanks, Bobby, for letting us know about the coupons!) In some ways, we were reminded of Silver Dollar City. Then we went to see the latest Indiana Jones movie. (Is it just me, or is the latest movie much more ridiculous than those made in the 1980s?)
On Thursday, we spent the day at the Oklahoma City Zoo. We enjoyed watching the sea lions perform tricks in their new show, feeding the ducks and geese at the lake, and seeing the new lion cubs.
On Friday, we traveled south to Dallas so that we could spend the weekend with Janet's brother Ken. Since he was home on vacation from his job in Iraq for the first time in about 16 months, we joined most of the family in visiting him and his wife in Dallas.
Before returning home on Sunday, we visited Stonebriar Community Church to hear Chuck Swindoll speak.
In the next day or so, I will try to post a few photographs of our vacation. Thanks for reading!
On Sunday morning, we headed to Oklahoma City for the annual Oklahoma Rural Letter Carriers Association convention. I served as a delegate from the state's northeastern district. While I learned a little during the informational sessions, I found myself in the minority during every vote on substantial issues that would make a positive impact on my job or reform my union. I'm accustomed to being in the minority, though.
Before arriving at the convention, we met Bobby Ross (http://www.therossnews.com) and his family for worship with the Edmond Church of Christ. Unfortunately, Tamie was feeling sick. However, we were able to enjoy a nice lunch with Bobby, Brady, and Keaton.
On Monday, I skipped the convention and took the family to the Science Museum. Christopher loved all of the hands-on activities and the Storm Chasers movie in the Omnidome.
On Tuesday, the convention wrapped up. Jason and Tara Hicks (http://thehixaregrowinglikeweeds.blogspot.com) invited us to dinner at their house. Tara is the former children's minister for the Contact Church of Christ. Time flew as we ate a great meal and talked for hours. Christopher enjoyed playing with their son Liam.
On Wednesday, we visited the Frontier City amusement park. (Thanks, Bobby, for letting us know about the coupons!) In some ways, we were reminded of Silver Dollar City. Then we went to see the latest Indiana Jones movie. (Is it just me, or is the latest movie much more ridiculous than those made in the 1980s?)
On Thursday, we spent the day at the Oklahoma City Zoo. We enjoyed watching the sea lions perform tricks in their new show, feeding the ducks and geese at the lake, and seeing the new lion cubs.
On Friday, we traveled south to Dallas so that we could spend the weekend with Janet's brother Ken. Since he was home on vacation from his job in Iraq for the first time in about 16 months, we joined most of the family in visiting him and his wife in Dallas.
Before returning home on Sunday, we visited Stonebriar Community Church to hear Chuck Swindoll speak.
In the next day or so, I will try to post a few photographs of our vacation. Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
A Life Well Lived
"He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God!" (Micah 6:8, NASB)
I just finished reading A Life Well Lived: Discover the Rewards of an Obedient Heart by Chuck Swindoll, a book about Micah 6:8 (my favorite Bible verse). Janet gave it to me for Christmas. These are a few excerpts:
"What honors the Lord is a heart that beats in the same rhythm as His, a spirit that values the same qualities that define Him. He wants people who do what is right, who love kindness, and who walk humbly with Him. Do as Micah instructs, and you will not only honor the Lord you love, you will live life well" (p. 10).
"The quality of justice is the consistent, unwavering decision to do what is right. And when you choose to do what is right, you can walk and speak with complete confidence. Your thoughts and actions proceed from a clear understanding of truth. Though perhaps misunderstood, maligned, or even persecuted, you can walk with steadfast peace, knowing that the Lord understands and rewards those who remain faithful" (p.19).
"Let God reveal to you what is right from His Word. Read your Bible, not to discover what hurdles you must clear or what hoops you need to jump through in order to make the Lord happy, but to become increasingly intimate with His character. Set aside the newspaper and magazines, turn off the television, cancel some appointments, and make time to get into God's inspired, reliable Word. Discover timeless facts and principles directly from the Author of truth. Allow the reading of Scripture to prompt new perspectives and trigger new insights" (p. 28)
"Trust the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to lead you toward what is right. As the Holy Spirit does His work of gradual transformation, listen to your inner convictions. They are not the voice of God. They are the thoughts of a mind changed to think like the Lord Himself. Your old character and values will be exchanged for the Lord's so that you begin to think with the mind of Christ" (p.29).
"You may lose popularity. You might be denied opportunities you rightfully deserve. You might be persecuted for taking a stand for truth, or for defending the innocent, or for refusing to look the other way while others do wrong. Don't expect to be rewarded. Expect resistance. That doesn't mean you should become discouraged or timid, but don't be surprised when (not if) you face difficulties as a result of doing what is right" (p.30).
"Ours is an age in which the most coveted commodity is not gold but time. All too quickly we forgo the opportunity to be kind in order to gain a few extra minutes. And we typically don't even realize that we've made that exchange. I can tell you from my own experience it's a poor trade. I know that whenever I begin to treat people as obstacles in my path or use them as merely a means to getting things done, I become a smaller man. With each brusque comment, each dismissive glance, each curt reply, I lose a little more of myself. To make matters worse, my relationship with God suffers.
"When you and I find ourselves exchanging kindness for a few extra minutes, we're too busy. This is not the only reason for lack of kindness, but it's certainly one of the most common" (p. 35).
"Kindness takes time, yet we're usually in a rush. Kindness requires us to empathize with others, yet we are by nature self-centered. Kindness calls for compassion, yet judgment typically comes more naturally. Kindness demands a forgiving attitude, yet we find revenge more appealing" (p.36).
"Within each one of us a battle rages between the ugly sin of pride and the rare virtue of humility, the desire for status versus the longing for Christlikeness. It's a war we like to keep private. We rarely acknowledge it, we are reluctant to reveal it, and we secretly wonder if our own heart is the only one torn by this great conflict. Let me assure you, every heart is a battlefield. The fighting only subsides when the heart stops beating" (p. 62).
"The invitation to walk with God is an invitation to humility. It's an invitation to rest from the struggle to look like you've got it all together. It's an invitation to lay aside the burden of always having to be right. This is an invitation to be who you are---warts and all---without excuse, or apology, or feeling like you have to live up to someone's standard in order to be loved or respected. It's an invitation to cease the futile struggle to earn respectability and to enter God's rest" (pp. 62-63).
"Humility welcomes criticism and willingly accepts responsibility for moral faults and human flaws. It seeks to learn from accusations, even unjust ones. Humility responds to failure with a sincere desire to grow, and sees itself as perpetually needy of divine forgiveness and empowerment" (p.75).
"To quote a Yiddish proverb, 'If one man calls you an ass, pay him no mind. If two men call you an ass, go buy a saddle'" (p. 80).
"Day after day, year after year, the one who commits himself or herself to the pursuit of justice, kindness, and humility will most certainly develop strong character...When we doggedly do what is right, when we generously give kindness, and when we remain intimate with God, our conscience remains free of any nagging emotional aches. A clear conscience gives relief, relief grants freedom, freedom inspires joy, and joy bears the fruit of a robust sense of humor" (p. 98).
"Those who fret over their legacy have revealed themselves to be shallow, superficial people. When we do what is right, love kindness, and stay close to God, the natural product will be a lingering legacy by which anybody would want to be remembered. Live well now and you will continue to live well in the memories of the people you value" (pp. 100-101).
Chuck Swindoll's new book is worth buying. It is small (only 106 pages), but packed with good information.
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God!" (Micah 6:8, NASB)
I just finished reading A Life Well Lived: Discover the Rewards of an Obedient Heart by Chuck Swindoll, a book about Micah 6:8 (my favorite Bible verse). Janet gave it to me for Christmas. These are a few excerpts:
"What honors the Lord is a heart that beats in the same rhythm as His, a spirit that values the same qualities that define Him. He wants people who do what is right, who love kindness, and who walk humbly with Him. Do as Micah instructs, and you will not only honor the Lord you love, you will live life well" (p. 10).
"The quality of justice is the consistent, unwavering decision to do what is right. And when you choose to do what is right, you can walk and speak with complete confidence. Your thoughts and actions proceed from a clear understanding of truth. Though perhaps misunderstood, maligned, or even persecuted, you can walk with steadfast peace, knowing that the Lord understands and rewards those who remain faithful" (p.19).
"Let God reveal to you what is right from His Word. Read your Bible, not to discover what hurdles you must clear or what hoops you need to jump through in order to make the Lord happy, but to become increasingly intimate with His character. Set aside the newspaper and magazines, turn off the television, cancel some appointments, and make time to get into God's inspired, reliable Word. Discover timeless facts and principles directly from the Author of truth. Allow the reading of Scripture to prompt new perspectives and trigger new insights" (p. 28)
"Trust the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to lead you toward what is right. As the Holy Spirit does His work of gradual transformation, listen to your inner convictions. They are not the voice of God. They are the thoughts of a mind changed to think like the Lord Himself. Your old character and values will be exchanged for the Lord's so that you begin to think with the mind of Christ" (p.29).
"You may lose popularity. You might be denied opportunities you rightfully deserve. You might be persecuted for taking a stand for truth, or for defending the innocent, or for refusing to look the other way while others do wrong. Don't expect to be rewarded. Expect resistance. That doesn't mean you should become discouraged or timid, but don't be surprised when (not if) you face difficulties as a result of doing what is right" (p.30).
"Ours is an age in which the most coveted commodity is not gold but time. All too quickly we forgo the opportunity to be kind in order to gain a few extra minutes. And we typically don't even realize that we've made that exchange. I can tell you from my own experience it's a poor trade. I know that whenever I begin to treat people as obstacles in my path or use them as merely a means to getting things done, I become a smaller man. With each brusque comment, each dismissive glance, each curt reply, I lose a little more of myself. To make matters worse, my relationship with God suffers.
"When you and I find ourselves exchanging kindness for a few extra minutes, we're too busy. This is not the only reason for lack of kindness, but it's certainly one of the most common" (p. 35).
"Kindness takes time, yet we're usually in a rush. Kindness requires us to empathize with others, yet we are by nature self-centered. Kindness calls for compassion, yet judgment typically comes more naturally. Kindness demands a forgiving attitude, yet we find revenge more appealing" (p.36).
"Within each one of us a battle rages between the ugly sin of pride and the rare virtue of humility, the desire for status versus the longing for Christlikeness. It's a war we like to keep private. We rarely acknowledge it, we are reluctant to reveal it, and we secretly wonder if our own heart is the only one torn by this great conflict. Let me assure you, every heart is a battlefield. The fighting only subsides when the heart stops beating" (p. 62).
"The invitation to walk with God is an invitation to humility. It's an invitation to rest from the struggle to look like you've got it all together. It's an invitation to lay aside the burden of always having to be right. This is an invitation to be who you are---warts and all---without excuse, or apology, or feeling like you have to live up to someone's standard in order to be loved or respected. It's an invitation to cease the futile struggle to earn respectability and to enter God's rest" (pp. 62-63).
"Humility welcomes criticism and willingly accepts responsibility for moral faults and human flaws. It seeks to learn from accusations, even unjust ones. Humility responds to failure with a sincere desire to grow, and sees itself as perpetually needy of divine forgiveness and empowerment" (p.75).
"To quote a Yiddish proverb, 'If one man calls you an ass, pay him no mind. If two men call you an ass, go buy a saddle'" (p. 80).
"Day after day, year after year, the one who commits himself or herself to the pursuit of justice, kindness, and humility will most certainly develop strong character...When we doggedly do what is right, when we generously give kindness, and when we remain intimate with God, our conscience remains free of any nagging emotional aches. A clear conscience gives relief, relief grants freedom, freedom inspires joy, and joy bears the fruit of a robust sense of humor" (p. 98).
"Those who fret over their legacy have revealed themselves to be shallow, superficial people. When we do what is right, love kindness, and stay close to God, the natural product will be a lingering legacy by which anybody would want to be remembered. Live well now and you will continue to live well in the memories of the people you value" (pp. 100-101).
Chuck Swindoll's new book is worth buying. It is small (only 106 pages), but packed with good information.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Actively Pro-Life
"For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well" (Psalm 139:13-14, NIV).
In 1990, Chuck Swindoll produced a book titled Sanctity of Life, in which he made the case for being pro-life. Then he offered these suggestions regarding how to put pro-life convictions into action:
1. "First of all, volunteer your time, energy, and financial resources." Many crisis pregnancy centers and adoption agencies could use volunteers and additional finances. I recommend Christian Services of Oklahoma (http://www.christian-adoption.org) since it helped us to adopt.
2. "Second, make your home available to unwed mothers and/or be of support to homes that are open to them." This is an excellent idea. We volunteered to do this once when the need was mentioned during church services, but someone got ahead of us in line and was able to meet the need before we could. Now we could not do it, because we do not have the spare room. However, others may be able to do it.
3. "Third, write letters and make phone calls." Occasionally, I have written to leaders in our government, asking them to help protect the lives of children. Congressman John Sullivan has been exceptionally responsive, whether I have asked him to vote against abortion or to vote for funding AIDS drugs for poor pregnant women in Africa. Others have not been so responsive. Also, local newspapers will print pro-life letters to the editor every once in a while.
4. "Fourth, participate in demonstrations of your personal preference." I attended a couple of pro-life rallies at the state capitol building while in college, but I have not done anything like it in many years. I have not found it to be something that fits me personally.
5. "Fifth, participate in community projects." I am not sure what Chuck Swindoll had in mind with that suggestion, since he did not give examples. However, I hear about the Walk for Life or pro-life banquets every once in a while, but we have never been involved (except for a banquet for our adoption agency).
6. "Practice in your private life what you claim to believe publicly." Mr. Swindoll suggested that we practice sexual morality, refuse the option of abortion when the possibility arises in our own lives, and consider adoption.
He also wrote, "It is extremely important that you (1) select one with which you are comfortable and (2) refrain from judging another person for not choosing the option you prefer. Great grace is need here. I know whereof I speak! It hurt when I was told over the phone recently that because I chose not to participate in a certain way as the caller told me I should, he responded angrily by assuring me I would 'answer for it in the day of judgment.' Such an exclusive, judgmental attitude polarizes an otherwise united front that various meaningful involvements provide. People need to be given the freedom to respond as God leads them." Those are good words. We are not all the same, and we can work in different ways toward the same good goal without judging each other (as long as we are not working against each other). However we choose to get involved, let's contribute to saving the lives of some children.
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well" (Psalm 139:13-14, NIV).
In 1990, Chuck Swindoll produced a book titled Sanctity of Life, in which he made the case for being pro-life. Then he offered these suggestions regarding how to put pro-life convictions into action:
1. "First of all, volunteer your time, energy, and financial resources." Many crisis pregnancy centers and adoption agencies could use volunteers and additional finances. I recommend Christian Services of Oklahoma (http://www.christian-adoption.org) since it helped us to adopt.
2. "Second, make your home available to unwed mothers and/or be of support to homes that are open to them." This is an excellent idea. We volunteered to do this once when the need was mentioned during church services, but someone got ahead of us in line and was able to meet the need before we could. Now we could not do it, because we do not have the spare room. However, others may be able to do it.
3. "Third, write letters and make phone calls." Occasionally, I have written to leaders in our government, asking them to help protect the lives of children. Congressman John Sullivan has been exceptionally responsive, whether I have asked him to vote against abortion or to vote for funding AIDS drugs for poor pregnant women in Africa. Others have not been so responsive. Also, local newspapers will print pro-life letters to the editor every once in a while.
4. "Fourth, participate in demonstrations of your personal preference." I attended a couple of pro-life rallies at the state capitol building while in college, but I have not done anything like it in many years. I have not found it to be something that fits me personally.
5. "Fifth, participate in community projects." I am not sure what Chuck Swindoll had in mind with that suggestion, since he did not give examples. However, I hear about the Walk for Life or pro-life banquets every once in a while, but we have never been involved (except for a banquet for our adoption agency).
6. "Practice in your private life what you claim to believe publicly." Mr. Swindoll suggested that we practice sexual morality, refuse the option of abortion when the possibility arises in our own lives, and consider adoption.
He also wrote, "It is extremely important that you (1) select one with which you are comfortable and (2) refrain from judging another person for not choosing the option you prefer. Great grace is need here. I know whereof I speak! It hurt when I was told over the phone recently that because I chose not to participate in a certain way as the caller told me I should, he responded angrily by assuring me I would 'answer for it in the day of judgment.' Such an exclusive, judgmental attitude polarizes an otherwise united front that various meaningful involvements provide. People need to be given the freedom to respond as God leads them." Those are good words. We are not all the same, and we can work in different ways toward the same good goal without judging each other (as long as we are not working against each other). However we choose to get involved, let's contribute to saving the lives of some children.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Communication Problems
Like most churches on Easter Sunday, the sanctuary of the California church was packed. The worship service was close to starting, and long-time deacon Harry Butts was serving as an usher for the congregation on that day.
Two little old ladies arrived just as the service was about to begin. They were visitors who had never been in the building before, but fortunately Harry was there to help them. However, Harry was having a hard time seeing two open seats for the little old ladies. So the three of them were standing at the back of the sanctuary as the preacher approached the pulpit.
"I would like to welcome everyone to our church this beautiful Easter morning," the preacher began. Then he noticed Harry and the two little old ladies straining to see any open seats. Trying to be helpful, the preacher spoke into the microphone, "We have two open seats up here on the front row for the two ladies with Harry Butts at the back of the sanctuary."
The two little old ladies stormed out offended. The preacher and Harry stood there, scratching their heads and wondering what their problem was.
---adapted from a sermon by Chuck Swindoll on his radio program, "Insight for Living"
Two little old ladies arrived just as the service was about to begin. They were visitors who had never been in the building before, but fortunately Harry was there to help them. However, Harry was having a hard time seeing two open seats for the little old ladies. So the three of them were standing at the back of the sanctuary as the preacher approached the pulpit.
"I would like to welcome everyone to our church this beautiful Easter morning," the preacher began. Then he noticed Harry and the two little old ladies straining to see any open seats. Trying to be helpful, the preacher spoke into the microphone, "We have two open seats up here on the front row for the two ladies with Harry Butts at the back of the sanctuary."
The two little old ladies stormed out offended. The preacher and Harry stood there, scratching their heads and wondering what their problem was.
---adapted from a sermon by Chuck Swindoll on his radio program, "Insight for Living"
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