The Meaning Of Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day.  Often times, this day is treated simply as part of a fun, three day weekend where people gather, grill out, and have fun.  Goodness, I'm all for those things, but it is vital for us to pause and remember what this day really is about.

The Department of Veterans Affairs describes Memorial Day this way:

"Memorial Day is a day for remembering

and honoring military personnel who died

in the service of their country, particularly

those who died in battle or as a result of wounds

sustained in battle."

So on this day, we pause and remember those military men and women who died in (or because of) battle.  They made the ultimate sacrifice.  And they gave all they had to give.

I decided to do a little bit of research on how many Americans have died over the years while serving their country in battle.  What I learned really opened my eyes to how many people have perished over the years while on duty.  Just consider how many lives were lost in the following wars...

World War I - 53,402

World War II - 291,557

Korean War - 36,574

Vietnam War - 58,220

Persian Gulf War - 383

Iraq War - 4,412

War In Afghanistan - 2,351



Then I read some accounts of what it is like to lose someone you love in military service.  Alva James-Johnson wrote about Kim Benford Weaver, a nurse, who lost her husband, Staff Sgt. Jason A. Benford.  He died in 2005 while he was on his second deployment to Iraq.  "There's not a day that goes by that you don't think about him," said Kim.  She was just one of many, many people grieving the death of military personnel.

Many Americans today will decorate the graves of these heroes with flags and/or flowers.  It's a way to say "Thank you", and "I remember you."  And this will take place all over the country.

If you're like me, you haven't lost a relative or close friend in military service.  I personally have not travelled that road or felt that pain.  But I can tell the grief weighs heavily on the hearts of those who have endured that experience.

There's nothing wrong with having some fun today.  We all would probably benefit from that.  But in the midst of a day off, may we all pause and acknowledge the true meaning of Memorial Day.  It's about remembering those who have died while serving their country and defending freedom.

In closing, here is a prayer I've written for this day.  Feel free to join in and pray this too, if you'd like.  It's how I choose to remember what this day is really about:

"Almighty God, today is Memorial Day.

It's that special time where we remember

those who lost their lives in, or because of,

military conflict.  On this day, I lift up

in prayer to You those grieving families

who have lost a loved one in battle. 

I ask that You graciously and lovingly

pour out your comfort on those hurting families.

Please soothe their aching hearts and help them

through their season of grief.  On this Memorial

Day, I remember those who died, and their families. 

And I know that You do too.  Thank You for

being the God who cares about hurting people.  

I pray this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen."

Happiness On The Diamond

My son is playing baseball for the first time this year.  It's all new to him, but he's having a blast.  And I've enjoyed watching him learn the game.

Recently, he got his first base hit.  His bat hit the ball towards the shortstop, and Emerson raced to first base.  He made it just in time, and was called "safe" by the umpire.  Needless to say, we all cheered and rejoiced.  My parents were there to see it, and they were mighty proud of their grandson too.

In the midst of our brief celebration, I noticed something.  A boy on the other team was playing at first base.  He knew that was my kid's first base hit, and he did something really classy.  He gave my son a high five.  It was a cool moment of great sportsmanship.

And it reminded me of something very important:  Be happy for other people when things go their way.

If we're not careful, we can fall into negativity when other people succeed.  We know this is the case when we begin to think things like...
"He doesn't deserve that promotion.  I work harder than he does."
"She doesn't deserve to marry a guy like that.  I know what kind of person she's been in her past."
"He doesn't deserve to be the starting pithcer.  I practice way more than he does."

A better way to respond to the victories of others is to be happy for them.  This requires humility and selflessness on our part.  And it protects us from being miserable and in life.

Of course, another key to this is realizing we have our own blessings to be thankful for.  God is good to each of us every day.  He extends to us grace for our souls, forgiveness for our sins, strength for our battles, wisdom for our decisions, peace for our hearts, and assurance for our future.  Keeping this in mind helps us to be more content with what we already have, and it makes it easier for us to be happy for those around us when good things happen in their lives.

Part of growing up spiritually is wanting the very best for other people.  This is what Paul was saying when he wrote the following words in Philippians 2:4 - "Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too."  Did you catch that?  Life is about more than the person who stares back at us in the mirror.  It's also about the other guy or girl who also is trying to have a good life.

That first baseman for the other team showed tremendous sportsmanship towards my boy.  His happiness on the baseball diamond made life even better for Emerson.  And it showed he has a good heart.

May God help us all to be happy for others when good things happen in their lives.

When Spider-Man Got Biblical

I have a confession to make.  Here goes:  I enjoy comic book movies.  Whether it's Avengers, Batman, or whatever, I enjoy them all.

Years ago, I was watching a Spider-Man movie.  In one scene, Uncle Ben was talking with young Peter Parker.  Sitting there in a car, the older, wiser man imparts this bit of wisdom to the young superhero:  "With great power comes great responsibility."  What a quote!!

This morning, I read a Bible verse that has the same idea.  Jesus said the following in Luke 12:48 - "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded."  Did you catch His point?  He's saying that God expects His people to utilize and maximize the talents and abilities that He invested in them.

What skills and gifts has God hardwired into you?  Maybe He equipped you to be a caregiver, farmer, teacher, janitor, receptionist, lawyer, housekeeper, musician, administrator, waitress, nursery worker, sales clerk, writer, or something else.  Whatever it is, do what God put you on this Earth to do.  Do it with excellence and enthusiasm.  Give it your best and have a positive attitude about it.

I firmly believe that God expects us to put into practice whatever He has put into us.  And doesn't He have the sovereign right to expect us to fulfill our roles as long as their is breath in our bodies?  Of course He does.

So let's all identify what power God inserted into each of us.  No, we're most likely not superheroes.  That stuff is for comic books and movies.  But we do have something with which God has blessed us.  Whatever that may be, let's use it to make this world a better place.  And let's use it to bring a smile to God's face.

Jesus said it first in real life.  And Uncle Ben said it later in a fictitious story.  We must be responsible with the powers we have been given and use them to the fullest. 

So let's get busy and do what we were put here to do! 

Easter 2017

The church was packed full of people today.

Everyone looked great in their Sunday best.

The lunch was even more than delicious.

It's been a good Easter, 2017 style.

The greatest thrill of it all, however, is simply this:  Jesus is alive and well!!

Paul wrote these words in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4  --  'For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received:  that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."  In these two verses, we see Paul reminding the people of Corinth about his main message:  Jesus died and rose again.  On Friday, Jesus was dead.  On Saturday, He still was dead.  But on Sunday, He was alive and well again. 

Death could not contain Him.  The grave could not restrain Him.  God's power enabled God's Son to live again, forevermore.

What does all this mean? 

It means, God can handle anything.  There's nothing to difficult for Him.  Not even death!  If God has the power to bring His Son back from the dead, then He surely has the power to deal with any of our problems.  After all, God is still the same.  Just as powerful today as He was back then.  So whatever you're going through, whether it's physical, emotional, mental, financial, professional, relational, or spiritual, He's strong enough to handle it if you'll let Him.  Easter certainly does remind us of God's awe-inspiring omnipotence. 

It also means that Jesus is worthy of worship.  In Matthew 28:9, two women encountered the newly resurrected Jesus.  When they saw Him, "they came and held Him by the feet and worshipped Him."  Maybe they spoke words of praise.  Or possibly they sang some too.  It could have been a little bit of both.  Whatever it was, they got on their knees and worshipped their living Lord.  And why shouldn't they?  After all, He did conquer the grave.  That's a mighty big deal.  And it further proves that God's Son, Jesus, is more than deserving of praise and adoration.

Of course it means other things too.  But today I'm just kind of focused on these two.  That's more than enough for me at the moment. 

As I sit here on this cleaned off table, where people were eating and laughing an hour ago, I realized how blessed I am.  Not only because I have a family and a church.  Yeah, those are HUGE gifts from above.  But the best blessing of all is simply this:  Jesus lives.  Because He lives, I know God can handle anything.  And because He lives, you and I can worship Him.  And yes, as the old hymn reminds us, because He lives, we really can face tomorrow.

Elizabeth's Number One Guy



Several months ago, I was having a fun conversation with my daughter, Elizabeth.  We were talking about things like growing up, beginning college, and dating.  At one point I said, "I just hope you'll keep me as the number one guy in your life."  Without any hesitation, she responded, "Dad, you're close.  Jesus is number one in my life, but you can sure be in second place!" 

 

It was a good answer that I was more than comfortable with.

 

See, as much as I want my daughter to love me, I realize there is someone way more important than me.  And His name is Jesus.  He created her, saved her, and has always been there for her.  He is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.  And He matters more than anyone. 

 

When we read the Bible, we see what role our Lord should take in our lives.  In Matthew 6:33 we are taught to "seek first the kingdom of God."  And in Revelation 2:4, a church is criticized with these words:  "you have left your first love."  In other words, they had forgotten to treasure Jesus more than anyone or anything else.

 

The famous actor, Denzel Washington, also has a good word of wisdom on this topic.  He once said the following:  "Put God first in everything you do."  And I believe he's right.

 

There are so many things that compete for our attention and affection in this world.  It's easy to get hung up on people, possessions, power, and pleasure.  But nothing and nobody matter more than Jesus. 

 

I think Elizabeth has realized an important truth in life.  And we all would be wise to do the same.  Let's allow Jesus to be number one in our lives. We can do that by trusting, honoring, and enjoying Him above all else.  When this happens, our lives make sense and we find a sense of wholeness like never before.

 

Jesus.  He deserves to be number one.  Let Him be that in your life today.

When You Hold A Grudge

Someone has done something you don't like.  So now you treat them differently than you did before.  And you have a negative mindset or attitude towards them.  What you are doing is holding a grudge.  Bitterness has crept into your heart.  And, friend, that's not a good thing.  Not at all.

When you hold a grudge.....

You are only hurting yourself.  Do you think the grudge you are holding is punishing the other person or teaching them a lesson?  Guess what?  It's not.  The person you're punishing is yourself.

You are letting the past control your present and future.  Life is about moving forward.  But your grudge will keep you looking backward.  And you can't make progress in your life when you're holding on to whatever is behind you.

You are acting nothing like Jesus.  He forgives your failures.  He hangs in there with you when you do wrong.  Your holding on to a grudge towards someone is the exact opposite of how Jesus acts towards you.

Trust me when I tell you, holding onto a grudge is not the way to go.  Nothing good will come of it.  But forgiveness is far better!  It frees you up to live your life, fixes broken relationships, and helps you treat people the way you want to be treated.  Remember that forgiveness has been shown to you, so the best thing you can do is show it to others.  That's when you're really reflecting the character of Jesus, which is a mighty good thing!

We Must Communicate

I remember it well.  Years ago I watched the Paul Newman movie "Cool Hand Luke" for the first time.  One scene that stood out to me was when the inmate said "I can eat 50 eggs."  And then he attempted to do so.

But there was another scene that stood out even more.  One of the men who was overseeing all the inmates was noticing a problem.  So this is what he said:  "What we have here is a failure to communicate."  

What a line!

The older I get, and the more I think about it, the more I am convinced that an overwhelming majority of life's problems can be traced back to one thing:  A breakdown in communication.

We all (including me) can fail in this area at times if we aren't careful.

Here's usually how it goes:  We get something on our minds.  And it involves another person.  It can be about something like a plan, goal, expectation, concern, frustration, or proposal.  But the other person doesn't seem to be on board with what we are thinking or expecting.  Now it could be that the other person is bull-headed and stubborn.  But maybe the real reason we feel resisted or ignored is that we have failed to clearly communicate our thoughts or expectations to this other person.  

How can people know what we expect if we don't clearly tell them?  And how can people make changes if we don't let them know they need to?  Listen, only God can read minds.  People can not.  So because of that, we need to open our mouths and talk to each other.  

It requires honesty, courage, and effort.  But it's essential.  We have to open up and tell each other what we are thinking and how we are feeling.

Communication.  It's vital to relationships, businesses, and even churches.  We have to talk with each other.  When we do, there can be peace, order, and positive change.  But when we don't, there is chaos, tension, and failure.

Don't assume that people know what's on your mind or in your heart.  Don't drop hints and hope that people will catch on.  Just open up and talk to others.  Tell them what you think and feel.  That's how you get results.  And that's how life gets better for everyone involved.

Let's all communicate.

Thankful

I stood by her bed and listened as she reflected on her life.  She knew that her death was not far away.  For many years she lived on this earth, and sickness was now overtaking her.  But what she said to me that day was really touching.  Having to speak slowly, she got out these words about God:  "When I'm hungry, He feeds me, and when I'm naked, He clothes me."  I smiled and held her hand a little tighter when she said that.

Thankful. That's what kind of heart she was revealing.  Even in her final days, she was grateful for all that God has done for her. 

Regardless of who you are, where you live, what you do for a living, or how your life is going, remember this:  God is good.  He feeds your soul with rich blessings from above, and He covers your heart with righteousness.  He satisfies your longings and He cleans your soul.

In life and in death, we can always be thankful.  Just like that good woman in her hospital bed, you and I can count our blessings today.  When we do this, we are giving God praise for all that He is and all that He does.  And when we do this, we are reminding ourselves just how good we have it in Him.

May gratitude fill our hearts today.  And may we express it to God and our loved ones.  That makes life better for everyone.  And I'd be willing to bet it brings a smile to the face of our good God who takes great care of you and me.

What God Can Do

I met Carla this week for the first time.  She's from Indonesia.  And her story is really something special.

 

A few years ago, Carla had a stroke.  It did a lot of damage to her.  And she was confined to a wheelchair.  Unable to walk, she was discouraged and depressed.  The doctor told her that she would stay in that chair and not walk again.  This greatly bothered her because she wanted to get back on her feet.

 

One day, she was in a church.  While there, she noticed a big cross at the front of the sanctuary.  When the worship service ended, she asked her husband to push her in her wheelchair up under the big cross.  So he did.

 

When she got under the cross, Carla prayed.  She told God she wanted to walk again.  And then she asked Him to heal her.

 

That was on a Sunday morning.  Two days later, she was at her doctor's office.  Guess what happened?  Carla got up out of that wheelchair and walked.  And she's still walking today.  She's walking so good that now she is a member of the local YMCA and is getting fit.

 

Wow!!

 

Carla's story gives us a little glimpse into what God can do.  And if case you're not sure yet, I'll let you in on the secret.  God can do anything.  Seriously.  Anything!

 

Luke 1:37 tells us "nothing will be impossible with God."  And Mark 10:27 reminds us, "For all things are possible with God."  Combined, these two verses teach you and me something very important:  God can do anything, anywhere, with anyone, at any time.  He is unlimited in His power and unstoppable in His will.

 

God is strong.  How strong?  Well, He's strong enough to handle anything you and I go through.  Actually, He can more than handle it.  With ease, He can change everything up and make everything better.

 

Is your health deteriorating?

Is your marriage failing?

Is your bank account empty?

Is your emotional state unstable?

Is your depression getting worse?

Is your life getting dark and bleak? 

 

Try God.  Cry out to Him in prayer.  Express your pain to Him and your neediness of Him.  Ask Him for help.  And when you do this, know that the God who can do anything will hear you.  And He will do whatever is best.

 

Maybe He will answer your prayer exactly how you want.  Or maybe He will answer it in another way that you haven't considered yet.  But either way, know this:  God, in all of His might, will look after you, take care of you, and help you in this midst of your hardship.  One way or another, at the right time, and in the right way, He will come through.

 

Yep, Carla's story is wonderful.  But not shocking.  It's just one of many reminders that God is simply amazing.  And it helps us remember there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that He can't handle.

Impress Or Impact

I sat in a meeting yesterday with a doctor and some nurses.  One of the nurses pulled out her phone and showed me a picture of her husband.  I told her it was a great picture and then asked her if he is "a cool guy."  She looked at me and said, "No, he's not a cool guy.  He always tells me he's not so much here to impress people as he is here to impact people.  And I like that about him." 

Wow!  That's a great way to think.  And a great way to live.

As I reflected on that, I realized that at some point we all reach a fork in the road on the journey of life.  And we have a choice to make.  Will we live either to impress people or impact people?

Think about it...

To impress people is to do what is popular, but to impact people is to do what is right.

To impress people is to focus on how things look, but to impact people is to focus on how things are.

To impress people is to gain a spotlight, but to impact people is to make a difference.

To impress people is to say "Look at me", but to impact people is to say, "I'm looking at you." 

To impress people is selfish, but to impact people is selfless.

To impress people is for a temporary pleasure, but to impact people is for a lasting legacy.

To impress people is to waste time, but to impact people is to maximize moments.

Ask yourself this question:  What did Jesus do when He walked this Earth in bodily form?  Did He impress or impact?  The answer is obvious.  He came here to impact.  He came here to serve, bless, help, and save others.  

I think that nurse's husband has the right mindset.  He's here to impact.  He wants to make a positive difference in the world and leave it a better place when God calls Him home.

Let's do something positive and productive with this life we have.  Rather than trying to impress people, let's impact them.  That is a life well lived, and that brings glory to our awesome God.