"Mom, I'm Starving!"

Blessed are they which do hunger

and thirst after righteousness,

for they shall be filled

Matthew 5:6

I guess every mom in the world has heard those three title words at one time or another. Our responses to those rapidly growing children might have been of any variety depending on the mood of the moment. You and I knew that our children were not starving. Most had just had a meal a couple of hours prior to the plea. Sometimes right after coming in from school, a snack might be in order, but STARVING?....I don't think so.

Hunger is a funny thing. We don't have to be hungry to hunger. I can smell fresh popcorn and my mind can quickly decide for me that I'm hungry enough to have some even though I may have had lunch just an hour prior to smelling the popcorn. I can be sitting with nothing to do and convince myself that a snack is in order. I can even pass by my refrigerator at times and sense a hunger pang. With steady habits of yielding to these yearnings, obesity can get a quick foothold in anyone's life.

Hunger can be the body's signal that it's running short of fuel. If that signal isn't heeded when genuine hunger sets in, there can be a feeling of discomfort or even weakness caused by a lack of food. When hunger is ignored, although uncomfortable, over a long period of time, malnutrition can then set in. When one is malnourished, it doesn't mean there isn't food available. One can have a refrigerator full of food but still be malnourished if the appropriate foods aren't eaten.

Malnourishment can lead to starvation and some serious eating disorders. Starvation is an extreme form of malnutrition. It is in this area the the body really begins to break down in many areas that can affect one's immune system, brain functioning, heart and skeletal structure and functioning.

Much of this, I realize you already know, but how much of these terms can be applied to our spiritual system, such as:

Hunger:

Hunger isn't just a physical function, but hunger is a feeling that should be prevalent in Christians...my hunger for God and those hunger pangs for His Word and time spent with Him. If this hunger isn't heeded, it can lead to some very serious spiritual problems. The problem here isn't a lack of available nourishment. I have my Bible, my spiritual bread. I am filled with God's spirit with His living presence filling me to the fullest if that's what I desire. I attend a great church where I am blessed with the preaching and teaching of God's Word as well as having fellowship with some of the greatest of God's people. If I choose to ignore all of this spiritual nourishment, it's no one's fault but my own.

Malnutrition:

This term doesn't mean that there isn't food available. You and I must guard our hearts spiritually speaking because there are those who pervert the things of God that can make us sick in more ways than one. We must take in truth as God's Word teaches it and feed on it on a regular basis. Spiritual malnutrition can set in when we aren't feeding on the true things of God. Just as we can get food poisoning from spoiled food, there are those “out there” who have spoiled and perverted the things of God. They don't preach, teach or write truth and must be avoided or we too can become spiritually sick from it all. There are speakers and preachers on television you and I should avoid. They can sound and convincing and in weak moments we can be sucked in to false doctrine.

Starvation:

Spiritually speaking, this is when we've gone beyond intake or poor nutrition problems. This is where one can just give up on everything. There are those at the point of starvation where physical food is concerned that they can get to the point of rejecting food because their systems have completely broken down and they are at a “failure to thrive” point in life. When we reach this point, we can lose all interest in the things of God. Our Bibles may lay untouched, prayer can be a thing of the past, and church attendance can be less and less. Being backslidden can be a very sorry state for a Christian and very difficult to pull out of. God's power, however, is greater that we can imagine or think. He is able to feed, strengthen and replenish us. The secret though is for us to never allow ourselves to get in this sorry state.

One of the most important things we can do is to maintain a daily spiritual routine. Just as there are meals we would never think of missing, we should feed on God's Word daily.

Jesus is the living water and we should drink from him as well so that we don't become spiritually dehydrated. We need regular times of feasting on the things of God with others who love the Lord and with whom we can be encouraged and strengthened.

As summer months approach, may we keep ourselves spiritually strong and healthy in every way. We live in some difficult times and there may people around us who need folks to lean on and learn from.

Dear Father, Thank You for caring about who I am physically but I know that my spiritual condition is even more important to You. Help me to stay strong in You, even when I don't sense myself weakening in any way. I need Your constant strengthening. I love you...in Jesus' precious name. Amen

When No One is Applauding

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be

ye steadfast, unmoveable, always

abounding in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know that your

labour is not in vain in the Lord.

I Corinthians 15:58

In our society, we have become quite used to hearing applause. We hear applause at ballgames, concerts, parades, voice or piano recitals and in many churches. It has become the custom to clap after any special music or accomplishment at any number of events.

Applause is defined as a physical exertion where we slap our two hands together in order to create a sound of approval. However, I've been in settings where it is appropriate to make no sound at all after another person's accomplishment. People can show their approval with a big smile, approving nod of the head or a quiet gesture with the hands such as a thumbs up.

What is the purpose of applause? It is primarily a way of saying to someone(s) that they have done a great job. Sometimes the applause can be almost insulting when in a group of people, only 4 or 5 clap, which sounds weak and most insincere.

The bottom line is that applause is not just a sign of approval but is meant to be of great encouragement. We live in a day where life is very fast-paced in most places. People can be unkind and not very thoughtful of the needs of others. Compliments and words of praise may not come our way on any kind of a regular basis. Encouragement can be scarce even within a group of close friends. Everyone today has their own problems and concerns.

So even though certain folks will not be able to hear my applause, there are some I wish to applaud and you could add to this list and in some cases, write a note or just express a sincere “thank you” to them. Right now, I'm thinking of the average church and the unsung workers who keep the place going week after week. Here goes:

Thank you to:

...the church pianist/organist who has been at the job for any number of years. She has not only played for the services but has attended rehearsals for choir practices and for special music groups. She may be on call for weddings and funerals and playing for Bible School opening rallies. She has new music to learn when no one else sees her hours of practice. Whether paid or not, the job is often a lonely and thankless one. Play on, sitters on the bench!!!

...the maintenance personnel. They usually have to show up early to get the temperature adjusted and the doors open. They clean bathrooms, empty waste cans, dust, vacuum and may get calls day or night when there's an emergency with the facilities. Appreciate you!!!

...nursery workers. Some have been in the church nursery so many years they've raised about two generations of babies. They've changed diapers that contains all sorts of surprises, been spit up on, kicked, and screamed at. We won't even mention the verbal abuse they often endure from particular parents. These workers are the first church people to have contact with the new baby or it's 3 year old toddler brother. They often spend their own money on snacks and even some diapers for those empty diaper bags. You are candidates for sainthood.!!

...pastors/Sunday school teachers. Yes, the pastor is paid to preach but there are times when a pat on the back that is sincere would be a welcome change. There are teachers who spend hours preparing lessons for their classes. Sometimes a class member will give a word of encouragement but most often, not. Study on friends, because there are some who listen!!

...choir members. Take a look at the average church choir and you'll see there folks with very gray hair or balding heads. Many times there are choir members who have been in the church choir since they were teenagers. They've attended more rehearsals than they could ever count let alone all of the rehearsals for special events. They may have lost at least 3 lbs in sweat wearing a heavy choir robe for the morning service but smile and sing anyway. They have been faithful no matter the season or weather. Let's hear it for the choir!!!!

...ushers. Take a look in the average church at offering time. In all probability, again you'll find gray hair or balding heads. Some have “ushed” for as long as they can remember. They've greeted people and passed out more visitor's cards than they could possibly count. They are expected to smile when they don't feel like it and have to find a seat for visitors who happened to sit in a “reserved seat” that members insisted on sitting in. Thanks guys!!!

...and on and on the list goes....parking lot attendants, PA workers, prayer captains, children's choir workers, Vacation Bible School workers, lawn care, special events planners, and you can add to the list.

Bottom line is, we shouldn't crave the accolades of others for serving the Lord. I don't read in Scripture where Jesus got a lot of pats on the back. He got a lot of stripes on His back which weren't meant to show any appreciation. He paid the greatest price that could be paid for you and me. Even with 10 being healed by Jesus, only one came back to say “thank you.” So I guess things haven't changed much...people will be people even though they don't always mean to be ungrateful.

We're coming up on summer. It's during that time that churches suffer when many church workers decide to take a three month vacation from church. It's during that time that we gain a new appreciation for those who faithfully stick with the stuff. One time, I played an offertory on the organ entitled “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” I had worked my fingers to the bone on that thing and doubted anyone would pay attention but what I was doing, I was doing for the Lord. That night when I got to the organ for the evening service, there sat a small ceramic bird with a note that simply said “Thanks.” I still don't know to this day who put that bird on the organ. That had to be 30 years ago and I still have that bird. It's carried me a long way in these years of serving the Lord and am so grateful for someone's thoughtfulness that meant the world to a weary organist that evening.

A word to all church workers...at the end of a service as you walk to your car, in case you haven't noticed, there won't be a crowd of people on either side of you waving flags and singing your praises for jobs well done. You will probably drag yourself home, eat a sandwich and take a nap. No one will notice, there will be no applause, no great words of appreciation. One thing you can know that Jesus saw everything and He is pleased. His “Well done” is really all I need after serving Him the best I can.

Thank You Father, for the ways You have gifted me to serve You. May I seek only Your approval and not the temporary accolades of people. Thank You for the privilege of being a part of Your work. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

I WILL SING

I will praise thee with my whole heart:

before the gods will I sing praise

unto thee.

I will worship toward thy holy temple,

and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness

and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified

thy word above all thy name.

Psalm 138:1,2

I never knew Granny Fancher very well. She and her two daughters lived next door to us. They lived in a fairly run down two-story house. Her two daughters lived downstairs and Granny Fancher lived upstairs.

On many spring and summer evenings, Granny would sit at her open upstairs window with a kerosene lamp on a table beside her chair. Down on the ground between both houses was my swing set. It wasn't some fancy thing that was store bought. My Dad had the swing set built with metal poles, welded to the safest degree. It was only big enough for two swings. I loved nothing more than swinging on a swing when the urge struck me.

There was something that was a real event for me that happened on one of those warm-weather evenings. After supper when I was allowed outside for a little bit of time, there was something strange that occurred. After her supper, Granny often sat by her open window and she would begin to sing. I remember in the beginning wondering about an old lady singing. Even in church I'd never noticed our older ladies singing. Granny would sing in kind of a crackly voice and it wasn't terribly loud but enough that I could hear her. She would sing “Amazing Grace,” “Standing on the Promises,” “The Old Rugged Cross” and other still familiar hymns. With some songs she sang, she rocked back and forth in the rocking chair.

Unknowingly, I probably learned some of those songs through Granny Fancher. As I watched, those hymns were reinforced in my memory because during many of those times, I decided to rock back and forth on a swing along with her. I would not recognize Granny if she were alive today. She so rarely left her upstairs apartment that I'm not sure how many people would have recognized her. I loved swinging with her singing until my Mom called me into the house.

I've been in a lot of churches and must tell you that I have often noticed whether I was in the choir or at a piano, that only about half of the people present participated in the music part of the service. I also observed that many of those non-participants were age 50 and older. There was a day when those golden folks sang heartily during times of congregational singing, but now, it seemed like their song was gone. I don't think Granny Fancher had any idea that there was a little six-year-old girl in her own yard, down below her window, watching and listening. That little girl was also participating as best she knew how to do it, taking part in Granny Fancher's evening worship.

In Psalm 138, David writes of three determinations in his life when it comes to giving God his undivided attention. He determines that he WILL praise God, Will sing praise unto God and WILL worship toward God's holy temple. The most progress I have ever made in my own life has been when I made some determinations to do things differently, spiritually speaking. I've enjoyed the most in spiritual freedom when I've determined that I WILL do something for the Lord. Even now, I need to determine to be more a person of praise and worship. Mixed in with the two is the fact that they cannot be done minus a feeling of gratitude. We are blessed people.

Take a look at Psalm 138 written by David that has only 8 verses in it. As one reads this Psalm, you or I can see clearly some of the characteristics of God for which we can be so very grateful: lovingkindness, truth, word, answers prayer, strengthens, His ways, His glory, respect, all knowing, revives, protects, saves, perfects, merciful, endures and His works. We can never cease finding things for which to be grateful. They are so evident throughout the Word of God. Each one of those things mentioned in that Psalm, God activates in your life and mine.

I'm grateful for the memory of Granny Fancher. The picture is as vivid one in mind...swinging on my play set to her music. I wonder how many people know you and I to be people of praise and gratitude. It'll take some determination on our part.

I WILL praise.....sing.....worship and will do it wholeheartedly.

Father, I'm so grateful for all You are in my life. I don't deserve an ounce of Your attention, love or provision but thank You for it all. Forgive me when I ignore You in my life and help me to stay focused and centered right down to the core of who I am in those things that matter to You. I love You and thank You for Your every work in my life. In Jesus precious name. Amen

This and That

Grace unto you, and peace, from

God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

II Thessalonians 1:2

“Love and marriage, love and marriage...go together like a horse and carriage.”

I was much younger when I first heard that song. It had a wonderful sing/song rhythm to it. Love and marriage...two words closely associated not just by a song but because the two words do go together.

There are lots of words in our vocabularies that seem to be linked with the word “and.” In some cases, those words may just be everyday words or there may be proper names that are associated in the same way. I've been thinking about what some of those associated words are that I've heard through the years, such as: Sears and Roebuck, odds and ends, come and go, black and blue (bruising), up and down, Barnes and Noble, David and Bathsheba, Mary and Martha, soup and sandwich, Psalms and Proverbs, rain and shine, hide and seek, sharps and flats, steak and potatoes, wash and wear, bacon and eggs, bread and jelly, young and old, love and hate...you can probably add some such things to this list but at this point for me, it is an exercise in futility.

However, it was a pattern in words in Scripture that has caught my attention over the last several weeks. I think I've seen them off and on but never really observing how many and their locations. On top of that, the order of the words proved to be interesting as well. These words are found in the New Testament, written consistently by Paul in each of the letters he wrote either to people or churches. They are found near the beginning in each epistle, at least within the first verses of Chapter 1 and often in the first two or three verses.

The two words I'm referring to are: GRACE and PEACE

Paul used those words as a kind of opening blessing in his letters. I thumbed through Paul’s letters, all thirteen of them and found in most cases, this phrase: “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” This sentence can be found in I Corinthians 1:3. Notice in this verse (and will be in some of the others) Who the source is of that grace and peace. It is from God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Glory be!!!!

There has been so many opinions through the years as to who wrote the book of Hebrews. As I checked that book for the very same phrase, it is not to be found. Why would Paul use that blessing in every book we know he wrote and leave it out of an important book like Hebrews IF he actually wrote it? It's just something to think about.

Looking up various sources on the two words “grace and peace,” I found the following thoughts that by far could not be exhausted or a book would be required to expound on them, thus some definitions that follow might be food for thought:

GRACE:

It is God's divine favor exhibited toward us when we accept Jesus as Savior. Grace can come in the form of hope, the call of God, faith and even forgiveness. God continues to pour that undeserved favor into our lives continually.

PEACE:

Although the world has a form of counterfeit peace, true peace comes from God alone. He is the fountain of peace. When at true peace, a person is free of care or disturbance. Peace is God's gift when we walk in His ways. It is soundness of spirit and well being.

Here is my thought...

Paul never says “Peace and grace.” He consistently puts those two words in the order he did. Here's what I think for what it's worth. There can be NO peace until there is the wonderful experience of God's grace being poured into our lives. God is the source of peace but the real thing isn't available to us until we have the grace of salvation that has been poured into our lives.

When we think of peace, we think of two people, two groups or even two countries being at odds with one another. We may struggle beyond endurance to make peace with another person(s) but unless both people have accepted Jesus as personal Savior, true peace will be an impossibility. Oh, they may be able to come to some agreement and get along with each other for awhile but eventually, things will fall apart again. Real peace only comes through Jesus Christ. This is also why there will never be peace in the Middle East at any time. When unsaved people try to make a permanent peace between their peoples, it'll never work.

Both sides must have God's favor for there to be a lasting peace.

How many times have I been frustrated in a relationship with another where I've done everything I know to do to make amends and nothing seems to work. Even if there is a “cease fire” in the relationship, I often feel that I'm walking on egg shells. I'm not saying the other person isn't saved but remember in one of our definitions for peace is that peace is God's gift when we are walking in His ways. Consistently, Paul also puts those two words in the same order... Grace and Peace. You see, Grace must come first as it has to do with our relationship with God THEN comes Peace. Paul always puts those two words in that order.

When reading Paul's letters to whoever, sometime notice those words of blessing he pronounces at the beginning. Guess what? All those people he wrote to are now dead and hopefully in Heaven. His letters now are for our instruction and blessing. I read most of his letters putting my name where I find “you, ye, thou”. The Word of God is for me right now. I pray I will be able to live up to the GRACE and PEACE God has made available to me and may it be so for you as well.

Thank You Father for all You have invested in my life through Jesus. Help me to live in peace no matter what the behavior of another person might be. Grant me Your spirit of peace and help me to seek and walk in Your ways. I love you. In Jesus precious name...Amen