Once For All

The little Baptist boy went with his young Catholic friend one Sunday to the Catholic church. It was quite different from what he was used to. With nearly every thing the priest did and every symbolic act, he would ask, “What does that mean?” And his friend would explain why they did what they did.

The next Sunday the same two boys attended the Baptist church together. Like his friend the week before, the Catholic boy was curious about what was taking place. At one point during the service the Baptist preacher stepped up to the pulpit, took off his watch and laid it down on the pulpit in front of him. The Catholic boy asked, “What does that mean?” The Baptist boy responded, “Oh, that don’t mean nothing.”

Seems preachers are always getting a ribbing for long sermons. Personally, I don’t even wear a watch, but the church here is kind enough to have a big clock mounted directly in my view at the back of the sanctuary. Like that could stop me.

This past Sunday I’m sure I preached for 40 minutes. Maybe more. And believe me, I could have gone longer. I love studying God’s Word. If I had three hours to preach I’m sure it would not be enough to adequately showcase all the gems found in the text.

But don’t worry. I’m not actually planning to go three hours this Sunday. Just know that I could. Which really ought to make you thankful for 40 minute sermons. This past Sunday morning I mentioned there were five areas in which I believe the church at large has compromised with the culture in distorting the grace of God and denying the lordship of Jesus Christ. I only got to one. Hopefully we’ll get to the others soon. 

But there’s another point I should have expanded on from the text that I didn’t get to. We were looking in the book of Jude and focusing in on verses 3-4. Here’s verse 3: “Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” I can’t re-preach the entire message here (unless you’ve got 40 minutes to spare), but I want you to take note of the phrase “once for all.”

This phrase is used at least six times in the New Testament referring to Jesus’ once and for all sacrifice for sins. It means there’s no other sacrifice ever necessary. You can’t add anything to it nor subtract anything from it. His death is all-sufficient for the forgiveness of our sins, our redemption and righteousness. Nothing else is needed.

In Jude verse 3, this phrase means that the gospel of our faith which has been delivered to the people of God is likewise all-sufficient. There’s no other word needed. You can’t add anything to it nor subtract anything from it. God’s Word, His truth, His message as delivered in the Holy Scriptures is fixed and complete.  

In our day, as Jude’s day and as in many generations before and since, it seems certain people want to edit the Bible to fit the times or their preferences about God or to justify their lifestyles. So they, in effect, take a Sharpie and mark through the things they don’t agree with, and write in the margin the things they want it to say. Friend, may I warn you from the Word of God that is dangerous and deadly ground. 

The authority of the Bible is not up for discussion or debate. It’s not a document to which we need add amendments, edit for content or alter in any way. Rather, it is true and unchanging, pure and holy, living and active, convicting and enlightening. And it’s able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

May the saints of God take the responsibility to cherish the Word of God dearly, study the Word diligently, live out the Word obediently, teach and preach the Word boldly, and fight for the faith untiringly.                      

Accountability in an Age of Transparency

Does it ever feel like the internet is getting scary? I was looking up information about motorcycle parts the other day. Now every time I go to a site with any banner ads, guess what ads I’m getting? You got it – ads for motorcycle parts.

Everything you do online might as well be printed in the Observer. I remember back in the mid 90’s (1990’s, that is) when our company began giving everyone e-mail addresses. They told us to not send anything via e-mail that we wouldn’t want published on the front page of the next day’s newspaper. It was sound advice.

Five years ago in China our friends cautioned us in sending e-mail back to the States that everything we did would probably be monitored. Of course there, even the snail mail we sent was likely to be opened before it ever left the Chinese post office.

It baffles me to read some of the posts and comments I come across on Facebook. Do these “friends” not know that any potential employer or college admissions officer or future spouse will likely be reading anything and everything they print? 

And what’s with all the surveillance cameras everywhere you go? Makes you think George Orwell knew something long before his time. Even a deer can’t walk through the woods in the middle of the night without being captured on a trail camera.

What I’m saying is not breaking news. We’re living in an age of transparency. Every word you speak, every keystroke you make, every thing you do and perhaps even every thought you think could wind up on tonight’s newscast. Or go viral on the internet.

Makes you want to be pretty careful about the way you live, doesn’t it? Shouldn’t it? But let me offer you an even greater motivation to live a clean and unashamed life. Ultimately you will not answer to your friends, to your boss, to your government or to the public. It would be bad enough if they all knew and judged everything about you.

But the Bible says that we all will one day answer to Almighty God, the Perfect and Righteous Judge. Hear the word of Lord from Hebrews 4:12-13: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

What that means is exactly what it says. Read it again. God is the One to whom we must give account. His word sets the standard by which we live, and by which the very thoughts and attitudes of our hearts are measured. You can’t hide anything from God. No careless word ever spoken has He missed. No deed done in secret has escaped His vision. No impure thought or harmful intent has ever gone unnoticed by the Judge.

Don’t know about you, but that’s pretty scary to me. In fact, if that were the end of the story, who among us would be able to stand before Him at all? But, praise God, the One enthroned as Judge is also the One exalted as Savior! We’d all be doomed to everlasting death in hell because of our sin, but Jesus took the Judge’s sentence for our crimes upon Himself! And He rose from the grave in dramatic victory over sin and death!

Friend, that victory can be yours today. Receive His salvation by repenting of your sinfulness and believing that Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins. Believe that He rose from the dead to bring eternal life, and yield your life to Him by following Jesus in joyful obedience as Savior and Lord.

Then on the Day of Judgment you need not be ashamed nor fear eternal condemnation. Instead, you’ll be singing with the saints:

Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow

Heaven's Hope for Life's Breakdowns

My lawn mower gives me fits. Not that I’ve used it much lately, but it has rained just enough to make the weeds grow up nice and pretty. So I got the mower out for only the second time since early June. That time was to knock down some weeds, also.

I think “fits” fits the description for my reactions to my mower’s tribulations. There’s a laundry list of breakdowns and meltdowns we’ve gone through together. Admittedly, I’m to blame for some of the misfortunes, like when I thought I had enough clearance to mow over the water meter cover. That’ll mess up some blades pretty quick. And I guess not changing the oil or air filter often enough isn’t good for an engine either.

About three years ago I was all set to junk it. Every time I tried to start it all I’d get was some huffing and sputtering and a thick cloud of black smoke. So I had a friend help me haul it a local small engine mechanic he uses. The guy took a fast look at it and went off on all things Briggs & Stratton. As I recall he didn’t like much of anything that wasn’t Kohler or Craftsman. He said it was shot. 

I didn’t know any better. So I was ready to bite the bullet and spring for a new, or at least less abused used, mower. But before I said my final good-riddance, my neighbor came over to look at it. And would you know that for a $4.99 fuel line cut-off valve and some fresh motor oil, he had the silly thing running again? 

That’s the same good neighbor that also helped me out when a pin snapped and a wheel came off when I was mowing one day. And the one who, when I tried and failed to fire it up for the first time one spring, suggested I jump start it. Man, I’ve been ready to call it dead for a long time, but it keeps doing the Energizer bunny thing on me. 

For the record, I need to add that this mower was given to me seven years ago by my brother-in-law. He said he had to get rid of it due to allergies with the grass at their new house, but I think it was to prevent a different kind of headache. I shouldn’t complain. It was free for the pick-up, and I’ve used it a lot. It’s been a good investment. 

So last weekend, after again jump starting the mower, I was zipping around the yard trimming weeds, when at a stop to pick up a stray dog toy, the drive belt gave out. You know by now I’m not a mechanic. How I wish I would have paid more attention when my Dad tried to show me how to fix things rather than shooting hoops and collecting baseball cards! Well, to make a three and a half hour long story short, I did manage to replace the drive belt and we’re back on the road again. 

Here’s my point. Sometimes you may feel like a broken down and worthless old mower. Does it ever seem like life is just one problem after another? Feel like nobody cares a thing for you? Maybe you think people look at you more like a bother than a brother or friend. Ever feel like if they hauled you off to the junk heap it would be a so-long and good riddance and don’t let the door hit you on the way out? 

If so, before you do anything else today, here’s what I want you to do: go get a Bible and read Psalm 31. The author, David, finds himself once again in a hopeless and dire situation. He’s a menace to his enemies, the contempt of his neighbors and a dread to his friends. Affliction, distress, sorrow, grief, anguish and weakness grip him like a vice. 

Does he cave in? Does he cower in fear? Does he wring his hands in despair? No, he lifts his heart to heaven because that’s his only hope. His deliverance and salvation come from Christ alone, and his cry for mercy reaches the ears of the Almighty, whose goodness and faithfulness and unfailing love are poured out upon those who fear Him. His trust is the Lord, and he finds Him to be his rock of refuge. You can too, dear friend.  

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24).    

The Blessing of Family

So we went to the beach on our family vacation and it rained every day. Not the pleasant little light afternoon showers, but pouring rain and thunderstorms. The kind where you’re able to finish 1,000 piece puzzles and watch exciting Olympic events like handball and equestrian. Who gets the medal, the rider or the horse?

I would like to know how some of these activities become Olympic sports. Maybe in 2016 they’ll decide to include foosball and darts and pool. Fishing could be an Olympic sport. So could checkers and cheerleading. How about fantasy baseball? And why not poker? I mean, who doesn’t enjoy watching a bunch of creepy looking characters sit around a table playing poker? But I digress.

And did you know that gas is about 40-50 cents higher in Illinois than in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Florida, and probably every other state in the union? Do you ever sense, as you pump your Illinois gas, that you’re helping pay some ritzy couple’s $7,500 a month rent in a swanky Lake Shore Drive high rise? Along with their yacht, their BMW and all the bling they can buy. Makes you feel like you’re making a real difference in the world.

But I’m not really complaining about going on vacation. Despite the rain and the gas prices we had a great time. There wasn’t a day we weren’t able to spend at least some time on the beach. We saw the sun occasionally, collected quite a few seashells, caught some waves and built fortified sand castles. And 30 hours round trip driving plus multiple bathroom and food stops wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be.

The best part, though, was simply spending time with my family. We’re back now. Back to work. Back to church activities. Back to football practice. Back to taking care of the dog. Back to cleaning house. Back to school next week. Back to real life. But it’s been nice to be together for a week without all these responsibilities. I didn’t even take my laptop along, nor did I miss it.

One of God’s greatest blessings to mankind is the family. Before He established nations, before the first king, before the invention of football and before shopping malls, God created the family. It wasn’t good for man to be alone. So God made a woman from Adam’s rib and brought her to him to be a perfect helper and companion, one who would be “bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23).

And even though we sometimes take each other for granted, and even though we’re imperfect people who can be selfish, stubborn and stupid, we need each other. We were made for each other. We complement each other.

I am thankful for my wife. I can’t imagine where I’d be without her. We celebrated our 19^th anniversary last week. Not every day has been a walk in the park, but it’s been a joyous journey. In any marriage relationship there are good times and bad, but it’s for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, and in sickness and in health till death do us part. We are committed to one another in a bond of love, sealed with the love of Christ Jesus Himself.

And I’m grateful to the Lord for the blessing of children. We have two boys whom we love dearly. Yes, there are challenges all the time, and we haven’t yet reached teenage years. But our boys are a precious and delightful gift, and I thank God for giving us the joy and responsibility of raising them up in the way they should go.

I appreciate the church giving us some time for family vacation. But it’s also good to be back together with the family of God. Friend, if you’re looking for family, we welcome you to be part of ours at the First Baptist Church.

Chick-Fil-A, Marriage, Homosexuality, Outrageous Politicians, Sin and God's Amazing Grace

I’ve got issues. 

Most of you know that I’m not a politically-charged kind of guy. FBC church-goers don’t hear politically-motivated messages. I’ve never preached on gun control laws. I’ve never addressed the President’s healthcare plan from the pulpit. I’ve never discussed Homeland Security or foreign aid policies during a Sunday morning sermon. Frankly, I’m willing to leave most of these issues to the talking heads and bloggers.

I am, however, a biblically-charged kind of guy.  And when biblical issues start becoming political hot buttons, it’s no time for silence. We are living in such uncertain, chaotic, confusing days that followers of Christ need to start speaking out in defense of the faith before we no longer have an opportunity to do so.

Case in point: the big controversy over Chick-fil-A. Have you heard about this?

Recently, company president Dan Cathy stated in an interview with Baptist Press, “We are very much supportive of the family – the biblical definition of the family unit… We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families.” That was the most “controversial” part of the article I could find. You may read more at http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38271.

I guess I fail to see the hatred and discrimination against gays in such statements that some others have found. Chicago Alderman Joe Moreno, for example, has gone ballistic. He’s exercising his aldermanic privileges to block Chick-fil-A from constructing a new store in his ward. The Chicago Tribune reported that Moreno referred to Cathy’s “bigoted, homophobic comments” in defending his actions.

Not surprisingly, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has completely affirmed the alderman’s decision, saying, “Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values. They disrespect our fellow neighbors and residents.” Hmmm. Any Chicagoans take issue with that?

Elsewhere, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino told the Boston Herald that he would block any attempt for the franchise to open in his city.

Jim Henson Co., creator of Muppets films and TV shows, backed out of a deal to create characters for the chain’s kid’s meals. Instead they donated payments they had received from Chick-fil-A to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination.

What’s going on here? These self-appointed enlightenment police are saying that believing in God’s design for marriage – and being willing to state that publicly – makes you a bigoted hater disqualified for doing business in their land where they give approval and applause to those who are practicing what God says ought not to be done.

How long will it be before you’re asked to state your position on the subject, knowing your answer will determine whether or not you will have the right to buy or sell in the marketplace? Don’t think it could happen? Just watch. The acceptance of homosexual relationships and legalization of same-sex marriage is quickly becoming a defining issue in this land. Not to mention, divisive, explosive and dangerous.

And just for the record, God’s word could not be clearer in declaring it a sin. But like others sins, such as theft and lust and greed and lying and gossip, homosexual sin is not unforgivable. God can redeem anyone out of that, or any, lifestyle! His mercy is deep enough to forgive you and to save you. His power is strong enough to break the chains enslaving you and free you to live in righteousness. His grace is sufficient enough to strengthen you and transform you. He loves us so much that even while we are yet sinners, Christ died for us! The Good News is still good news!

Like I said, I’ve got issues. I can’t keep silent. There’s too much at stake. More than ever, we need the gospel of Christ Jesus.

When a Nation No Longer Fears the Lord...

No matter how “tolerant” we become as a culture, there will still always be some things that are right and some things that are wrong. No matter how we spin the truth or redefine our values, there will still be good and bad, black and white, righteousness and wickedness, morality and immorality, noble and evil.

You can’t just walk into a movie theater or a classroom or an army base and start shooting people. That’s wrong. That’s wicked. That’s evil.

Our contemporary, progressive culture likes to think that what’s right for you may not be right for me, and what’s wrong for you may not be wrong for me. We enjoy making up our own rules and determining our own standards of morality. We like doing whatever is right in our own eyes. Whatever we want. We’re living out the psalmist’s word concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: “There is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin” (Psalm 36:1-2).

But it’s not working out well at all. 

Acts of violence like we witnessed in Colorado are happening way too often. Why? Because our culture no longer fears the Lord, nor are we teaching the next generation to fear God. And when we no longer look in reverence toward His majesty, when we no longer dread His displeasure, when we no longer have an obedient regard for His sovereign authority, then what’s stopping us from creating our own standards of right and wrong and doing whatever in the world we want? Even if it means killing others. 

Our culture glorifies violence. Look at video games sales. Forbes.com lists the top 10 selling games in June 2012 with titles such as Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, Diablo III, Max Payne 3, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Battlefield 3. In case you’re wondering, all these are rated M for combat, horror/suspense, shooting and the like. It’s not Pac-Man or Frogger or Mario. 

These are role-playing games where you shoot people dead. The more people you kill, the farther you advance. And when reports show that gamers spend an average of about eight hours a week playing, well, you do the math. Is it any wonder that some of these combat/killing fantasies get played out in real life?

I could go on talking about the frequency and intensity of aggressive behavior and violence in the movies, television and the internet. But it’s not just that the media and entertainment industry produces these things. The problem is that we’re buying it up.

And it’s not just violence. Our culture glorifies and craves sexual immorality, sensuality, greed and every kind of impurity. So it’s not surprising when all sorts of problems arise, such as pre-marital sex, adultery, divorce, homosexuality, sexual abuse and many others. It’s not surprising when out-of-control greed, gambling and obsession with money and stuff lead to financial ruin and all kinds of evil. It’s not surprising when alcohol and drugs and other addictions destroy families and individuals.

Why? Because we no longer fear the Lord. We have no regard for obedience to God and His holy Word. Instead, we’re writing our own rules as we go along, doing all our stubborn, foolish hearts desire. And we’re reaping the ruinous rewards for it.

Unless this nation begins to steer the ship back to the biblical standards from which we came, from which God shed His grace upon us, we will continue to drift with the current of popular opinion and it won’t be long before we crash upon the rocks.

May God grant comfort and peace to the people in Colorado. And may we the church get down on our knees and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. The Lord will hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal our land. Amen.

Come to VBS!

Did you know that our Vacation Bible School just two days away? Parents, grandparents – if you have children from the ages of going into Kindergarten through just finished 6^th grade, we’d love to invite them to be a part of VBS. It’s from 6-9 p.m. starting Sunday, July 22. The First Baptist Church is located at 103 W. Sangamon Ave., just one block west of the stoplight.
   

If you grew up going to VBS then I hope you know how valuable this week can be in the lives of your own children or grandchildren. I’m 40 years old now, but I can still remember some of the songs we sang and some of the games we played and some of the crafts we made in VBS at Trimble Bible Church where I grew up. I remember some of my teachers and some of the great stories of the faith we learned about from the Bible.

           

In fact, one specific craft I made in VBS I have kept to this day. At least I think it’s still in a box somewhere in the house. We were learning about the 10 Commandments. They gave each of us a wood plaque, a bottle of glue, some lacquer wood finish, and a piece of paper with the commandments printed on it. Oh, and some matches. In hindsight, I struggle to see how somebody thought this was a good idea. You know, how boys like to play with glue, get it all over their hands, let it dry, then gross out the girls by peeling it off. And the matches.

           

I suppose the point was to give the document a more authentic look. We lit a match and burned away the edges, leaving the 10 Commandments surrounded in a singed frame as if the fire on Mt. Sinai was still smoldering. I don’t recall anybody getting hurt, and the finished product was quite nice. Maybe it would have been better if they spent more time teaching us to obey God’s commands instead of letting us play with fire. They probably did. I probably didn’t listen as well as I should have.

           

I can’t tell you what our craft leaders have prepared for your children this year. But I hope they won’t be disappointed if it doesn’t involve playing with matches. I do know we have teachers and workers who will love your children with the love of Jesus. Long after the snacks have settled and the songs have faded to memory, we’ll have done our job well if your children come home knowing that God is awesome and He loves them so much that He gave us Jesus. Let your children come to hear that message.

           

Let them come so that we can tell them about the wonders of God’s power. Let them come so that we can excite them to marvel at His greatness. Let them come so that we can show them a glimpse of God’s love. Let them come so that we can share about the gift of salvation. Let them come so that we can allow God to draw them to faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

           

And parents, the message is not just for children. We want your whole family to come to know Jesus personally. He gave His life on the cross for you, for the forgiveness of your sins – no matter what you’ve done, and to save you from the wages of those sins, which is death and hell. You may not be able to keep those 10 Commandments any better than I can. But Jesus rose from the grave to triumph over sin and death in a glorious display of His power and victory. And He is able to save us by His grace.

Why not call upon the name of the Lord right now? Turn away from sin and turn to Him in faith. Yield your life wholly to Him and experience His love, His joy, His peace and His power in a world that is filled with uncertainty, temptations, trials and pains. Receive the gift of God which is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, and live in His power and victory. It sure beats playing with fire.

Simple Songs, Great Theology

Some of the greatest theology we learn comes from some of the simplest songs we sing. Perhaps the most well-known children’s song of all-time is “Jesus Loves Me.” It’s an easy tune with few words, but packs a powerful theological punch.

Jesus loves me! This I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak, but He is strong

We sang this at the nursing home last Sunday. Don’t you know that every one there knew it and sang along? Several even did the actions.

I’m telling you, if you ever feel unloved, ever feel lonely, ever feel like the whole world’s against you and nobody cares a thing for you, sing this little song. And believe it! Jesus does love you! You are loved with a love beyond measure, a love no words can express. The love of Christ is unfailing and unfathomable, sacrificial and supernatural.

How do we know this love? This Bible tells me so! Contrary to much current opinion, the Bible is the very God-breathed word that gives us knowledge and wisdom and salvation. The Bible is perfectly true and trustworthy. It instructs us in the way we should live and warns us of the consequences of sinful living. The Bible is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. It’s living and active and endures forever.

Most of all, the Bible reveals Jesus as the Savior of the world. From beginning to end, the Scriptures proclaim Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, who came from heaven to earth to save mankind from sin and death and give abundant and eternal life to all who believe in Him. That’s love! “For God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). That’s how I know Jesus loves me – the Bible tells me so!

This past Sunday at church we sang another simple song with some great theology. I think most knew it, but a few learned a new old song. It goes like this:

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do
The mountains are His, the rivers are His
The stars are His handiwork, too
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do (for you!)

And, of course, we learned the actions for this as well. Let me add that just about everybody was stretching out their arms and raising their hands to this song, which is not an easy feat for many Baptists! Maybe we’re on to something here!

Think about the truths in these lyrics for a moment. God is big. God is strong. God is mighty. There’s nothing that He cannot do. The mountains belong to Him. The rivers are His. The stars are the work of His hands.  

If you’re facing an impossible situation with no hope in sight, look to the One who is big enough and strong enough and mighty enough to come to your rescue. He is the One who spoke this universe into existence, the Creator of all things, the Maker of heaven and earth and all that is in it. He is the One who sustains all things by the word of His power. He is the One to whom none can compare. To Him there is no equal. 

What kind of situation is impossible for Him to handle? What problem is too big for Him to solve? What issue is too difficult for Him to deal with? You may be weak, but He is strong! The Lord is the everlasting God. His understanding is limitless. Why do we worry and fret and stress over such small trials in life when our God is so big, so strong and so mighty? There’s nothing my God cannot do!

That’s the simple, yet powerful, theology we aim to teach at VBS next week. It’s at the First Baptist Church, Sun., July 22 through Thurs., July 26, from 6-9 each night. Why not bring your children to come and learn about our amazing and awesome God?!

We Can Do This, Men!

Father’s Day is this coming Sunday. I’m throwing this out there especially for those of you in my immediate family in case this special day may be sneaking up on you, escaping your notice. And I wouldn’t want you to miss it. I’m thoughtful that way.

Actually, I’m really looking forward to this weekend even if I don’t get any Father’s Day gifts at all, such as a new motorcycle helmet. I’m planning to head down to Lake Sallateeska this Friday and Saturday for a Father/Son Camp. Not only am I going with my two boys, but we’re meeting my Dad there as well for a cook out, some fishing, and just plain hang time with the guys. Talk about a treat!

Listening to the radio this morning I heard the hosts talking about quantity time versus quality time. Which is better? Is it better to spend a greater amount of time with your children, or to make the shorter amount of time you have with them count? I think the answer is “both.” 

Before I say anything I need to issue this disclaimer: I am not “The World’s Greatest Dad,” even though I still have the license plate frame one of my boys gave me that says otherwise. I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t even do some things right that I know I should. Okay, I don’t do a lot of things right that I know I should.

Men, we have so few years to invest in the lives of our children. It doesn’t always seem that way, for sure. There are times you think these kids will never grow up. But ask any parent whose children are now adults and they’ll tell you they wonder where the time went. And many who’d give anything to have back some of those years for a do-over.

You know how children spell love? It’s T-I-M-E. Dad, your children need you! They need you to be there. They need your quantity of time and they need that time to be quality. They need to know they can count on you. They need you to be engaged in their lives. They need to know that you care about them. They need you to show attention and affection. They need you to look them in the eyes and listen to their stories. They need you to answer their questions. They need your encouragement and affirmation.

They need you to discipline them appropriately when they get out of line. They need boundaries. They need you to tell them what’s right and what’s wrong. They need to know where you stand on issues. They need to know that you say what you mean and you mean what you say. They need you to teach them to respect authority and to respect others. They need you to teach them honor and commitment and love.

They need to see your life as an example of honesty, integrity, hard-work, faithfulness, gentleness, humility, courage, patience, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, gratitude and love. Tell them that you love them and show them love. Tell them you are proud of them, even if they’re not the star athlete or in the top of their class academically. Brag on their accomplishments to others. Help them develop in their areas of interest.

Let them see you loving their mother. It’s been said the best thing a father can do for his children is to truly love his wife. They’re watching you, Dad! They’re learning from your example in everything you do. What kind of men and women do you want them to be when they grow up? Then start building them up to reach that goal.

Give them your time, and make the most of every minute you have. They’ll be out of the house before you know it. Don’t live with regret. Give them your best now.

And most of all, pray constantly for them. Entrust them into the hands of our heavenly Father, who very capable raises them up in spite of our own failures and weaknesses. Lead them to Jesus, and the wisdom of their lives will be the greatest Father’s Day gift they could possibly give. With God’s help, we can do this, men!

Now Batting...

Ever been in a hopeless situation? Facing insurmountable odds, having exhausted all your resources and didn’t know where to turn for help? Welcome to the world.

Our summer has been jam packed so far with quite a few activities. Mostly baseball. I know it has for many families. We only have two boys playing. If you have more than that, you’re probably more ready for July to get here than we are. 

Not that I don’t enjoy the game. I do. And I love seeing my boys having fun, making friends and learning to play ball. I don’t even mind sitting in a lawn chair swatting gnats for a couple hours in the evening watching them play. It’s a full schedule when they’re each playing two or more games a week, but it’s all good.

Let me send a special shout out to the coaches of the boys of summer (and to the girls’ softball coaches, too). Bill Peterson and B.J. Sutton are coaching Tyler’s team, who, much to Bill’s disappointment are not called the Razorbacks. Jason Dick, Loren Porter and Wes Boensel are coaching Toby’s team, the Comets. Thank you, guys, for investing in these young men and giving your time to making this a good season.

In a recent Bombers game on the road against a villainous foe, the bad guys seized a sizeable lead against our team. The attitude in the visitor’s dugout turned somber. Heads hung down, shoulders slumped and comments such as, “We’re gonna lose” were voiced out loud. The boys didn’t see any way they could win. The game wasn’t over, but they sensed the doom of defeat.

In this world we often find ourselves in similar seemingly hopeless situations. The bills pile up and there’s not a dime left in the piggy bank. Your husband says he doesn’t love you anymore and wants out of the marriage. Your doctor calls with the test results and says he needs to see you right away. The child you raised to honor and respect authority has been arrested, again, and you’ve already done all you can do to help.

Welcome to the world. Troubles, trials and tribulations abound. Discouragements, frustrations and disappointments knock you down. Pain, suffering and sorrow grip you with fear and anguish. Whoever said life was a bed of roses?

Jesus certainly never did. In fact, what He did say is this: “In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). No promise of perfect weather, picnics in the park, or trouble-free living. He never said if you just had enough faith that your car would start every morning, that your job would always be safe or that your children would be free from disease. He never said that you’d have enough money to afford college, that everybody would like you or that you’d be living out the American Dream.

But here’s the deal. Jesus says in the very next breath, “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Yes, you’re going to face hardship, but Jesus has already won the victory. You don’t have to live in defeat despite the overwhelming odds against you. The enemies of fear and doubt and sorrow may have you surrounded, you’ve exhausted all your resources and don’t know where to turn, but the game’s not over. 

Dear friend, hear Jesus calling your name saying, “Turn to Me! My power and strength are so much greater than anything you’ll face in this world. My mercy and grace will be more than enough to help you in your weakness. My steadfast love will never disappoint, never put you to shame and never fail. Turn to Me, child. Turn to Me!”

The Bombers may have lost their baseball game. But just when the foe we face in this world seems to gain a huge lead, our ultimate Clean-up Hitter steps into the batter’s box, and victory already belongs to Jesus. I’m glad I’m on His team! Are you?