New Site

I am pleased to have a dedicated domain now.  My blog will now reside at my trillseeker.com where you can read all future posts. 

Grace on Display

The anchor on Good Morning America used a word that is seldom heard on secular programming; “grace.” This was not a reference to George Burns’ wife or the late Princess of Monaco (look them up, young people), but concerned baseball. Grace showed up on the front page of today’s St. Petersburg Times as the editor referred to the “remarkable grace” demonstrated by two men.

Over and over reporters and commentators have made reference to the gracious response of Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga who was denied a perfect game by a bad call. They also have marveled at the prompt and sincere apology of umpire Jim Joyce. Grace seemed to be the only thing that could overrule an ugly situation.

The Greek root word (charis) translated grace is used in a variety of applications throughout Scripture. However, at the core of our understanding is the grace that an eternal God has shown to sinful men. We deserved punishment, but God in his infinite love offered His own Son as our sacrifice. The apostle Paul reminds us that “God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).” Ephes. 2:4-5

Based on this foundation of God’s forgiving mercy, believers are called to demonstrate grace to a world that needs it, but rarely experiences it. This story from Major League Baseball emphasizes that point. Everyone is celebrating the response of two men. Basically, one apologized and the other accepted and offered forgiveness. These are fairly simple acts that, in reality, are rarely practiced. We have come to expect caustic outbursts and the threat of lawsuits. It is not hard to imagine that if Christians genuinely lived as we are instructed, then the world would sit up and take notice. If this much attention is paid to a simple display of forgiveness, what would happen if believers regularly acted in kindness and forgiveness toward others? What would be said about us if we always seasoned our speech with grace? When we reflect the grace that has been poured out on us, it will provide innumerable opportunities to introduce people to our Savior.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephes. 4:32

Unpacking

At a men’s Bible study that I attend, the leader often speaks of “unpacking” a particular passage of Scripture. He is talking about doing more than just reading it. Even more than just commenting on it. He understands that in order to truly use Scripture we must deal with it thoroughly. And so our group digs in to study the truth we read and find ways to apply it to our lives.

Perhaps you have shared the following experience after a trip out of town. You return home tired from travel, walk into your home, and set down your bags. For many of us, the first thing we want to do is clean up and sleep in our own beds. The last thing we want to do is deal with our luggage. That’s a task for a new day…or the next. If that next day turns into a few more, it could spell trouble. Soon you look into the closet for a particular suit, only to find that it has “disappeared.” It’s still yours, but it’s not available to be used until it is unpacked.

Perhaps that’s similar to our Bible. We own one (or more) and know that it is the most valuable tool for our lives. Yet it often sits unused on the shelf. When we need it the most, it seems inaccessible to us. Surely, God has something to say about our particular situation. However, because of neglect, we’re not quite sure what it is. How should we “unpack” the Scriptures?

● Consider it (Psa. 119:95)
● Delight in it (Psa. 1:2)
● Heed it (Psa. 119:9)
● Meditate on it (Psa. 119:97)
● Keep it (Psa. 119:167)
● Memorize it (Psa. 119:11)
● Love it (Psa. 119:97)
● Speak it (Psa. 119:172)

The psalmist’s list goes on and on. The apostle Paul reminds Timothy that the study of God’s Word would prepare him for the demands of this life.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15

When we thoroughly study the Word of God, we know what He says about our circumstances. When we commit it to memory, we make Scripture accessible in our daily lives. With His Word we are prepared to face both opportunity and temptation…blessing and difficulty…peaceful days and storms. All of our decisions and actions will be affected by our interaction – or lack of it – with the Scriptures.

If your Bible has rested on a shelf too long (with only an occasional Sunday trip to church), “unpack” a verse today.

A Matter of Perspective

Recently, I was halfway through a two-hour flight out of Tampa when our aircraft experienced an “incident.” I sensed our slow descent and heard the captain announce that we would be heading to Atlanta, instead of our destination, because of an indicator in the cockpit. He assured us that the issue with the hydraulic system should not concern us as plenty of backup measures were in place. Immediately the skittish family seated behind me began asking the flight attendants, “What’s wrong? What’s happening?”

During our descent, storm clouds caused us to encounter a few bumps of turbulence. Each new question from the nervous family grew in volume and pitch. Finally, the grandfather, apparently not a frequent flyer, declared to all who would listen, “I don’t care what anyone else is doing. I’m not going back up in one of these things. I’ll rent a car and drive 13 hours.”

After a short delay we were off to our original destination in a new aircraft – with four fewer passengers. I realized then that the perspective and experience of the passengers affected how each viewed that flight. The bumps that barely distracted me from my reading, likely kept one man from ever boarding another jet.

A similar truth is evident in our daily lives. When the storms of this life bring turbulence, we may look around and question what will happen next. We wonder why life has to be so jarring. Many strain against uncomfortable circumstances and nervously take matters into their own hands.

However, believers can live confidently because of our perspective. While we are limited by our human senses, we trust that an eternal God with an infinite viewpoint holds us firmly. Our salvation is secure in the hands of the One who has redeemed us. Our needs are met by a heavenly Father who loves us and is rich beyond measure. Finally, our glorious future is assured by His unfailing promises.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philip. 1:6

Experience is another wonderful tool for God’s children. The psalmist recalled that he had never seen God’s children forsaken or destitute (Psa. 37:25). We live by a faith that is reinforced by our experience. Take a few minutes and remember God’s faithfulness in your life. Follow that recollection with a prayer of thanksgiving. That healthy habit enables Christians to look at life with hope and assurance. Even when life seems unsettled, we are secure in God’s infinite care.

Real Hope for Real Life

Rituals with no substance. Liars in the pulpit. Loved ones lost forever. A meaningless faith. No forgiveness, No salvation. No hope – temporal or eternal. This is the grim picture that the Apostle Paul paints in 1 Corinthians 15 if there is no resurrection from the dead. In fact, there would be no reason to meet this Sunday, or any other, if we did not have a risen Savior.

In his work, “A Free Man’s Worship”, noted atheist Bertrand Russell gave a glimpse of life and death through the eyes of one who rejects the biblical record. He wrote, “The life of Man is a long march through the night, surrounded by invisible foes, tortured by weariness and pain, towards a goal that few can hope to reach, and where none may tarry long. One by one, as they march, our comrades vanish from our sight, seized by the silent orders of omnipotent Death.”

However, the Word of God boldly declares, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept” 1 Cor. 15:20. The Lord conquered sin, death, and hell in His glorious, bodily resurrection from the dead. Our message is powerful. Our sins can be forgiven. Our eternity is secure. Our faith is sure.

Many that live all around us are discouraged and frustrated. They are grasping for anything that promises to provide a glimmer of hope, even if it is just temporary. As believers, we have a life-changing message of genuine hope in Jesus Christ. May we be diligent and generous in sharing our hope with those that are lost.

Out of the Abundance of the Heart

Recently, I heard two national news items that centered on foul language. First, Vice President Biden used particularly vulgar language in a whispered aside to the president while microphones were recording. People everywhere quickly rushed to defend and justify his words. John Dickerson at slate.com stated that Biden’s language was entirely acceptable for the occasion. In fact, he asserted that vulgar language is sometimes the most appropriate way to express your thoughts. (One might hope that a professional writer would have a vocabulary extensive enough to avoid that.)

The second incident occurred at the recent NFL scouting combine. Apparently, Tim Tebow suggested that players bow in a word of prayer before taking the Wonderlic exam. To this, a player told him to shut up using the same vulgarity as the vice president. The room filled the laughter of other players.

We could probably agree that this type of language is far more prevalent than in years gone by. Words that at one time would never have been broadcast now find their way onto even “family-friendly” television programs. Language that was once reserved for “sailors” can now be heard in the mouths of preteen girls. As foul words grow more accepted in society, it is important for believers to remember the biblical guidance we have about our language.

Deceitful, slanderous, hypocritical, vain, idle - God’s Word warns about the dangers of these types of speech. Gossip and lying are condemned as particularly damaging. In contrast, the words of Christ are described as gracious and full of life. The book of Proverbs is rich with instruction about how our language can produce blessings or bitter consequences. The New Testament offers counsel about controlling even the most difficult tongue (James 3). We must remember that God hears all the words, even the idle ones, that slip past our lips (Matthew 12:36). Why does Scripture devote so much attention to our words? They are powerful and important.

What will my words accomplish today? A whispered exclamation when surprised or upset. Personal conversations between two friends. Public statements of my opinions or judgments. Each of this expressions reveal what lies in my heart. We don’t have to stand behind a pulpit to share the words of eternal life with another person. They should be an integral part of our daily life.  What comes out of my mouth originated in my heart. 

The Psalmist reminds us that ultimately there is only one to whom we must give account. May David’s prayer be ours as well.
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

The Words of Patrick, Missionary to Ireland

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me from snares of demons,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear, Alone and in multitude.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

- selected lines from the Breastplate of Patrick

May the Lord help us to live each day with every thought focused on His Son, Jesus Christ.

Wherever I Am

This weekend all types of of new technology will be unveiled at the South by Southwest Interactive in Austin, Texas.  Experts say that the most exciting trend centers on geo-location services.  For instance, Foursquare is a popular smartphone application that allows people to tag their precise location using GPS coordinates.

When some hear this, they imagine how exciting it would be to let all their online friends know where they are at any moment.  Others hear it and are equally frightened that all their online friends (or parents!) would know where they are at any moment. 

Many of us heard repeatedly as children that God was watching us all the time and everywhere we went.  We even learned the song…

Oh, be careful little feet where you go

Oh, be careful little feet where you go

For the Father up above,
Is looking down in love,
So be careful little feet,
Where you go.

This was to encourage us to evaluate every activity in light of His presence.  Somewhere along the way, we have forgotten that this truth applies to adults as well. 

The Psalmist David acknowledged God’s omnipresence and omniscience by stating, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? [8] If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. [9] If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; [10] Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:7-10  

This is not ominous thought, but a reassuring one.  Rather than striking fear in David, he was comforted in the knowledge that God not only knew where he was, but was there with him. 

I am constantly amazed at the precision with which my GPS receiver determines my exact location.  The signals from a handful of satellites can follow my every move.  Greater still is the knowledge that the all-powerful God who created me never loses track of me.  When I step out in faith to serve Him, He is there to lead me.  When I am discouraged and believe that no one else knows or cares, He is there to console me.  When I stray from His will and follow my own path in life, He is there to draw me back.  If you are God’s child, rejoice today that wherever you are…He is there.

The Spirit in this Place

Just before last night’s church service, a friend commented, “The spirit in this morning’s service was awesome.”  I quickly agreed and added that I noticed it from the first song through the final conversation at the door.  I am sure that we were talking about the same thing – the environment or atmosphere as God’s people met together.  Because it is hard to define completely, perhaps it must be experienced firsthand to understand it fully.  Although we refer to an earthly environment, I am convinced that it is a sense of God’s presence in our midst that we feel. 

Certainly, we can experience God’s presence in a personal way, but there is something wonderful and unique about the atmosphere in a gathering of God’s children.  I am convinced that preachers are acutely aware of the congregation’s spirit every week. We often talk of the “liberty” sensed in preaching to a group where “the Spirit of the Lord is” (2 Cor. 3:17).  Without His presence, we cannot duplicate or manufacture that environment.  We can have an enjoyable or exciting time, but not a spiritually meaningful one. 

How do we experience that spirit in a worship service?  Music certainly can play a part in tuning our spirit to meet with God.  Yesterday, we were blessed with a great brass trio, a choir rejoicing in God’s great mercy and love, and a congregation singing energetically about the victory we have in Jesus.  I especially appreciated how the songs directed our minds and hearts toward the message about our possessions in Christ and how that enables us to overcome the world. 

More than just music, the hearts of those gathering must be in tune with God’s Spirit.  We must find ourselves walking in the Spirit in the days before we meet together.  Obedient living aligns our spirit with His will and allows for genuine worship. 

Finally, earnest prayer is a vital component to invite God’s presence in our midst.  Can you imagine the impact of hundreds of God’s children seeking His face in the days and hours before they gather?  “Lord, renew a right spirit in me and meet with us as we worship you this week.”  He has promised to answer. 

Psalm 145:18-19  The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. [19] He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

If you are a part of New Testament Baptist Church, I hope you were there yesterday to experience it for yourself.  If not, I invite you to come next week with a heart prepared to meet with God. 

If you read this from somewhere else in the world, I pray that you find the opportunity to worship with a Bible-believing church that is filled with God’s presence. 

The Fine Print

The beaming faces spoke about great successes.  “$1000 in one month.”  “$700 my first day!”  “$4000 and I only worked part-time.”  The infomercial featured a book and program that promised to provide make big money from the comfort of your home by advertising online.  However, below those big smiles was the fine print.

“In a poll of those who bought the book, the majority of people did not read the book or apply it.  Most did not make any money.”

Surprisingly truthful. 

As I read the disclaimer, I wondered if that also could be said about believers in Christ.  We have the book that offers eternal life.  God’s Word outlines how to gain victory over temptation and sin.  The Proverbs of Solomon overflow with practical advice for every area of life.  The New Testament epistles are rich with theological instruction.  Yet, even the Bible is of little value to someone who lets it rest undisturbed on the shelf. 

The test of our Christian walk is obedience to God’s Word.  This requires us first to become students of the book.  More than just breezing through a chapter, we should give thoughtful consideration to what we read.  The Psalmist even encourages us to meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:2).  Even better is to memorize Scripture so that we can draw on it’s power at any time.  Finally, our study of the Bible should always produce practical application.  

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22  

It's not enough simply to own a Bible.  We must live a life that accurately reflects it.  Our goal should be to maintain a testimony that doesn't need any disclaimers.

Many Members, One Body

I cut my finger last night. I am not sure exactly how it happened (likely in a fit of excited clapping and cheering just before halftime). I didn’t even notice it until I saw the blood on my hand, jacket, and face. Somehow my fingertip just split.

The cut may be only ½ inch in length. It’s not especially painful. In a day or two I will forget all about it, but right now it is quite noticeable. That is because I have been trying to work this morning, and that includes typing with a Band-Aid on my right ring finger. While that may not seem like a huge hindrance, I am suddenly aware of how many words contain the letters “p”, “o”, and “l”. What did I ever do before “spellcheck?”

I was reminded of the biblical teaching that believers are members of one body. The apostle Paul stated:
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: [5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans 12:4-5

Adding to that thought, he reminds us that every part is important. The head cannot say to the feet, “I have no need for you” (1 Cor. 12:21). The same thing is true for the eyes, ears, hands, or any other member. Likewise, no part should feel unimportant or unnecessary. Every member has its place in the body. All are needed. All are useful for specific purposes. Even a fingertip can affect your productivity.

He has placed believers in the body to fulfill our purpose. Our goal as individuals in the church is to use our gifts for the benefit and growth of others. When we are absent or inactive, the body suffers. It is a noticeable hindrance. We are most useful when we discover our place and serve as God directs us. We discover spiritual growth in our own lives and build up others at the same time

Everyday Greatness

The legendary coach Tom Landry once said, "The job of a football coach is to make men do what they don't want to do, in order to achieve what they've always wanted to be." (Perhaps that should be printed on my gym membership card!)

Great accomplishments are often achieved by tackling the simple things that we avoid because they seem too hard or unpleasant. In fact, success is often found by doing the things that other people neglect. This requires the personal discipline to respond to all of life’s challenges and demands.

The wise king Solomon offered extremely practical advice regarding our efforts:

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” Proverbs 10:4

Sure, there are days when you don’t feel like doing all that is expected of you. Rather than view all of life’s demands as a huge beast ready to swallow you up, separate them into manageable tasks. Undertaking them one-by-one will give you a taste of victory.

Spiritual discipline and success follows a similar pattern. Doing great things for God is often the result of faithful obedience in the ordinary things to which He calls us. Every day presents opportunities to think, speak, and act in a way that pleases the Lord. Remember that He is always committed to rewarding the consistent obedience of His children.

1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Super Sundays

One of the storylines coming out of this week’s Super Bowl hype is the Focus on the Family ad featuring Tim Tebow. The underlying story is that his mother rejected advice to have an abortion and delivered a healthy future quarterback. Certainly, that is not always the comforting outcome for every family’s situation. However, the message is that God is always in control and human life is precious, no matter the outcome.

The cultural discussion has centered on whether it is proper, or even tolerable, to broadcast this 30-second ad. Never mind that there will be more than 30 minutes of commercials during the game, including a variety of beer commercials and others filled with risqué themes and not-so-subtle innuendo. This week USA Today published a debate about whether the ad should even be allowed to air during the game. Writer Michael McCarthy pleaded, “Can’t we enjoy family, friends and football on our unofficial national holiday without debating abortion?”

I enjoy football, but struggle with the elevation of this event, or others like it, to such a level of reverence. Don’t forget the origin of the word “holiday” is a holy day, an occasion to recognize a significant spiritual event. Apparently, the sanctity of the day will not be spoiled by commercials featuring animated squirrels and a “little people KISS tribute band.”

I’m thankful that we have a compelling reason to recognize the first day of every week with special significance. The Gospel writer records the account this way:

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher…And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:1-3

This Sunday I want to remember the reason that believers gather to study, worship, and celebrate. God loved us and sent His Son, the risen Savior. Long after I forget the score of this week's game, I will still have a purpose for living and an eternal hope.

Recognition or Reputation

The old adage from the world of entertainment says that “Any publicity is good publicity.” This morning a lot of people have discovered and are discussing CTS, a little-known company from Elkhart, Indiana, that makes electronic equipment, sensors and actuators. Oh, by the way, they also make pedal assemblies for automobiles, specifically Toyotas. A recent spate of accidents caused by out-of-control accelerators has caused Toyota to recall millions of their newest models. Even Chinese automakers have canceled future orders of CTS parts. (That’s when you know you’re in trouble.)

For years CTS executives have likely been thinking, “If only we could get the word out about our products. What can we do to let people know we exist?” This week they have all the publicity they can handle. By now, they are tired of answering the phone to answer questions about their company and products.

This incident reminded me that there are things more important than people knowing who I am. What do people know about me? What impression do my words and behavior leave with people that I meet? This involves more than simple concern with image or impressions. The world is enamored with celebrity and publicity, ignoring a person’s substance. The Christian must be concerned with character and integrity that is expressed through our conduct.

Every believer should be concerned with the witness that we impart to others. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We are called to do good so that others benefit, God is glorified, and we become more like Christ.

This type of testimony takes more than a kind word or nice gesture once in a while. Paul encourages young people to develop “a pattern of good works” as evidence of godliness (Titus 2:7). Day after day. In big and small ways. To those closest to us and those we have never met before. When that becomes our habit, the focus is rightly directed to our heavenly Father.

May the desire of our heart today be “Let them see Christ in me.”

Anniversary Celebration

Yesterday we celebrated the 49th anniversary of the New Testament Baptist Church in Largo, Florida. We were able to recognize individuals and families who have been a part of the work for decades. Some have been members for more than forty years. One mentioned that she could account for forty-nine years and several months as she was around before the church was organized. They have seen a lot of changes – in the church and in the world around us.

It is fitting that we remember the devoted efforts and sacrificial labor of so many throughout the years. Early on the church met in a borrowed space at Belcher Elementary School. Before that families gathered to worship in a carport.

Pastor Dick Freeman followed the Lord’s leading and organized a local church that would minister to the needs of the community which at that time held a lot more orange groves than it does now. Several years later, Pastor & Mrs. H. F. Ramsey came to lead the work “for six months or so.” They had plans to provide assistance before moving out west. Thirty-four years later they were still standing strong and doing the work of the ministry. I had the great privilege of learning from and working with “Preacher and Mrs. R” for years.

Many things have changed through the years. Belcher Road is quite a bit wider than it was in 1961, and thousands more travel it every day. The width of men’s ties and the hairstyles of ladies are different (check out the black-and-white photos along the Adult Ed. hallway). We have an abundance of amenities that were absent as the formative group met in a carport.

However, man’s basic need is still the same. God’s Word still has the one answer for that need. I trust that our church will continue to be a witness for the great gospel of Jesus Christ that can change people’s lives for eternity.

2 Tim. 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.