I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship (Romans 12:1).
Not all we call worship is worship. There are instances when people seem to be worshipping but no worship is occurring at all. Arriving at true worship is a little like baking a cake; all the ingredients must be included if it is going to be good.
The most important ingredient in good worship is truth. Worship that is rooted in myth and superstition, even though it is given with great reverence, emotion and sincerity, is not pleasing to God.
Though sincerity cannot stand alone as the validating quality of worship, it must accompany truth if worship is to be pleasing to God. Worship that honors God with the lips while the heart is far from Him is hypocrisy.
A healthy amount of service must be stirred in with sincerity and truth to have genuine worship. Simply being obedient to God's will because of one's faith in Him is worship at its best.
Of course, love is the frosting on the cake, enhancing all the ingredients so that they "taste" better. Can there be any worshipping the God who is love without love?
Changing the baby's diapers is worship because God wants us to care for our children. Doing a good job on the job is worship because it is God's will that His people do good work, as well as to earn money to with which to support our families and the less fortunate. Worship is also gathering with God's people to praise Him and His Son, Jesus--this must not be neglected anymore than the other forms of worship.
Worship is not confined to one hour on one day a week, but it is a whole life lived in humble obedience to God.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
THE SOURCE OF HOPE
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4).
A little more than twenty years ago, the news media reported on a wellness study that researched the wellness of 16,936 Harvard alumni. At the time I wrote a devotional about it. One of the statistics resulting from the study was so astounding that I wanted to confirm it before I wrote about it again. So, I "gooogled" "16,936 Harvard alumni" and found the study in The New Wellness Encyclopedia, by the editors of the University of California, Berkeley, Wellness Letter. It confirmed what I had reported many years ago.
The wellness study of 16,936 Harvard alumni revealed that moderate exercise significantly lengthens the span of life. But this quote is the real shocker! Their mortality rates from every major cause were generally half that of most white males--except for suicides, where their rate was 50% higher. Wow! Does that shatter conventional wisdom or what! Health, wealth and a superior education should result in a life of satisfaction and contentment, right?!?
Education does play a significant role in helping a person to cope with the stresses of life, but a hopeless education isn't nearly as significant! A life without purpose is a life without hope. When a person is told that he is an accident, simply the result of time plus chance, then what is the purpose? A life without purpose is a life without hope. God is the source of purpose and hope. It is not an accident that one of the characteristics common to survivors is faith in God.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
A little more than twenty years ago, the news media reported on a wellness study that researched the wellness of 16,936 Harvard alumni. At the time I wrote a devotional about it. One of the statistics resulting from the study was so astounding that I wanted to confirm it before I wrote about it again. So, I "gooogled" "16,936 Harvard alumni" and found the study in The New Wellness Encyclopedia, by the editors of the University of California, Berkeley, Wellness Letter. It confirmed what I had reported many years ago.
The wellness study of 16,936 Harvard alumni revealed that moderate exercise significantly lengthens the span of life. But this quote is the real shocker! Their mortality rates from every major cause were generally half that of most white males--except for suicides, where their rate was 50% higher. Wow! Does that shatter conventional wisdom or what! Health, wealth and a superior education should result in a life of satisfaction and contentment, right?!?
Education does play a significant role in helping a person to cope with the stresses of life, but a hopeless education isn't nearly as significant! A life without purpose is a life without hope. When a person is told that he is an accident, simply the result of time plus chance, then what is the purpose? A life without purpose is a life without hope. God is the source of purpose and hope. It is not an accident that one of the characteristics common to survivors is faith in God.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Saturday, March 21, 2009
A LESSON FROM MY LOADER
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17).
When I was still in the cattle business, my loader tractor ran about four hours a day, three hundred sixty-five days a year. There were two little cap screws on the hydraulic controls that regularly worked themselves loose no matter how tight I tightened them. The cumulative effect of hours of vibration is what loosened those screws. When I would put my hand on the controls it didn't seem like the vibration was severe enough to loosen those cap screws, but it was. The shock of each vibration seemed to be minute, but enough of them can loosen, fatigue and break almost anything.
Life is like that. It is not the big shocks that do us in, it is the cumulative effect of all the little ones. Then when the big shockers come along, our lives fall apart because we haven't kept our "screws tight," so to speak. The unchristian philosophies and values that are promoted through the entertainment industry, the personality conflicts, the gossip, the inconveniences, etc., are vibrations that loosen the "nuts, bolts and screws" of our lives.
How do we keep our lives properly maintained so that they hold together? Have faith in Jesus Christ. Develop a circle of Christian brothers and sisters to support you in the faith. Pray and study the Bible on a regular basis. Worship with the body of Christ. Be involved in Christian service--helping others in the name of Jesus. All of these are indispensable to your life-maintenance schedule.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
When I was still in the cattle business, my loader tractor ran about four hours a day, three hundred sixty-five days a year. There were two little cap screws on the hydraulic controls that regularly worked themselves loose no matter how tight I tightened them. The cumulative effect of hours of vibration is what loosened those screws. When I would put my hand on the controls it didn't seem like the vibration was severe enough to loosen those cap screws, but it was. The shock of each vibration seemed to be minute, but enough of them can loosen, fatigue and break almost anything.
Life is like that. It is not the big shocks that do us in, it is the cumulative effect of all the little ones. Then when the big shockers come along, our lives fall apart because we haven't kept our "screws tight," so to speak. The unchristian philosophies and values that are promoted through the entertainment industry, the personality conflicts, the gossip, the inconveniences, etc., are vibrations that loosen the "nuts, bolts and screws" of our lives.
How do we keep our lives properly maintained so that they hold together? Have faith in Jesus Christ. Develop a circle of Christian brothers and sisters to support you in the faith. Pray and study the Bible on a regular basis. Worship with the body of Christ. Be involved in Christian service--helping others in the name of Jesus. All of these are indispensable to your life-maintenance schedule.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Friday, March 20, 2009
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
. . . now he commands all men everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he as appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all men by raising him from the dead (Acts 17:30,31).
On May 19, 1780, night fell on New England at ten in the morning and continued for five hours. The birds went to roost, the noon meal had to be eaten by candlelight, and no reading or writing could be done except by candlelight. No, this was not an eclipse; the moon was in the wrong phase.
I think the most interesting part of the whole story is the human response to the "unnatural" phenomena. Church buildings became a gathering place for many to seek a last-minute pardon from God. Many others crowded into the taverns to escape reality. But the most healthy response was uttered by House member Abraham Davenport when the Connecticut Legislature came to the panicky conclusion that it was Judgment Day: The Day of Judgment is coming or it is not. If it is not, there is no occasion for alarm. If it is I wish to be found in the line of my duty . . .
How will it be for you when the promised judgment really does come?
Grace&Peace,
Tom
P.S. It is said that the explanation for this phenomena was massive forest fires in Canada that the smoke blotted out the sun. Perhaps so, but it seems very unlikely that would happen so early in the year in eastern Canada.
On May 19, 1780, night fell on New England at ten in the morning and continued for five hours. The birds went to roost, the noon meal had to be eaten by candlelight, and no reading or writing could be done except by candlelight. No, this was not an eclipse; the moon was in the wrong phase.
I think the most interesting part of the whole story is the human response to the "unnatural" phenomena. Church buildings became a gathering place for many to seek a last-minute pardon from God. Many others crowded into the taverns to escape reality. But the most healthy response was uttered by House member Abraham Davenport when the Connecticut Legislature came to the panicky conclusion that it was Judgment Day: The Day of Judgment is coming or it is not. If it is not, there is no occasion for alarm. If it is I wish to be found in the line of my duty . . .
How will it be for you when the promised judgment really does come?
Grace&Peace,
Tom
P.S. It is said that the explanation for this phenomena was massive forest fires in Canada that the smoke blotted out the sun. Perhaps so, but it seems very unlikely that would happen so early in the year in eastern Canada.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
THE POWER OF ONE
How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news! (Romans 10:15b).
Today is St. Patrick's day--I hope you have your green on!
The dates of Patrick's birth and death are not known with certainty, but they fall roughly between 385 and 461. Patrick was taken as a slave, while still a boy, to Ireland. He managed to escape and return to his home land, but he felt the call of God to return to Ireland with the gospel. He was about forty years old when he did actually return. Patrick was not particularly talented as a teacher or a preacher, but the impact of the good news on Ireland was not lost. Almost single-handedly, Patrick brought literacy and Faith to a nation. Hopefully, the Irish will not throw away their most important heritage!
See what one person can do?!?
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Today is St. Patrick's day--I hope you have your green on!
The dates of Patrick's birth and death are not known with certainty, but they fall roughly between 385 and 461. Patrick was taken as a slave, while still a boy, to Ireland. He managed to escape and return to his home land, but he felt the call of God to return to Ireland with the gospel. He was about forty years old when he did actually return. Patrick was not particularly talented as a teacher or a preacher, but the impact of the good news on Ireland was not lost. Almost single-handedly, Patrick brought literacy and Faith to a nation. Hopefully, the Irish will not throw away their most important heritage!
See what one person can do?!?
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
TRY A DIFFERENT ROAD
. . . ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls (Jeremiah 6:16).
It was in Mrs. Skinner's English class at Sutherland High School that I first remember being introduced to the works of Robert Frost. The message of The Road Not Taken has stayed with me these many years since I first read the poem; it has played a significant role in my decision-making. Of course, the message is that we should take the less-traveled ways during the course of our lives because we will have rewards that most people will not experience.
Less-traveled roads are not the quickest, easiest or safest roads to travel, but they do have the freshest air, the prettiest scenery, and a slower pace to enjoy it all. Naturally, less-traveled roads are probably the oldest roads. They were used less and less as corners were cut and easier ways were found to reach one's destination.
During this journey through life, we must pause occasionally to consider what we are missing by following the masses on the easy roads. What have we missed by taking the well-traveled, and consequently, smoggy road of self-indulgence rather than breathing the fresh air of true love? What beautiful view have we missed by traveling the well-worn road of materialism rather than the scenic road of faith? How much stress do we carry by traveling the crowded freeway of ambition rather than the serene route of service to God?
And I--I took the road less traveled by, and that made all the difference.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
It was in Mrs. Skinner's English class at Sutherland High School that I first remember being introduced to the works of Robert Frost. The message of The Road Not Taken has stayed with me these many years since I first read the poem; it has played a significant role in my decision-making. Of course, the message is that we should take the less-traveled ways during the course of our lives because we will have rewards that most people will not experience.
Less-traveled roads are not the quickest, easiest or safest roads to travel, but they do have the freshest air, the prettiest scenery, and a slower pace to enjoy it all. Naturally, less-traveled roads are probably the oldest roads. They were used less and less as corners were cut and easier ways were found to reach one's destination.
During this journey through life, we must pause occasionally to consider what we are missing by following the masses on the easy roads. What have we missed by taking the well-traveled, and consequently, smoggy road of self-indulgence rather than breathing the fresh air of true love? What beautiful view have we missed by traveling the well-worn road of materialism rather than the scenic road of faith? How much stress do we carry by traveling the crowded freeway of ambition rather than the serene route of service to God?
And I--I took the road less traveled by, and that made all the difference.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Thursday, March 05, 2009
IN HONOR OF MARCH MADDNESS: JOHN WOODEN'S PHILOSOPHY
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones (Proverbs 14:30).
I have a great deal of respect for coaches because the result of their philosophy of life is brought to life and tested in the public arena of competition in each game. One such coach, who is arguably the greatest coach in the history of the game of basketball, is John Wooden. He coached the UCLA Bruins to ten NCAA championships. I will never forget something he said in a television interview many years ago. His thought was basically this: One of the most common mistakes coaches make is emphasizing what they do not have in terms of talent, size and speed, rather than what they do have. Wooden pointed out that when a coach is wishful for what he doesn't have, and can't do anything about, he fails to develop fully what he does have.
Not only do coaches make this mistake, almost everybody else makes it too!! So many lament their lack of money, power, talent, good-looks, etc. that they fail to develop what they do have. As a result, they lose. One cannot do anything about what he doesn't have. Develop what you have! Play the hand you have been dealt!
The first thing that anyone can develop is a relationship to God. It has been offered to all in Jesus Christ! This not only will transform your life, it will give you possessions that can never be taken away!
Grace&Peace,
Tom
I have a great deal of respect for coaches because the result of their philosophy of life is brought to life and tested in the public arena of competition in each game. One such coach, who is arguably the greatest coach in the history of the game of basketball, is John Wooden. He coached the UCLA Bruins to ten NCAA championships. I will never forget something he said in a television interview many years ago. His thought was basically this: One of the most common mistakes coaches make is emphasizing what they do not have in terms of talent, size and speed, rather than what they do have. Wooden pointed out that when a coach is wishful for what he doesn't have, and can't do anything about, he fails to develop fully what he does have.
Not only do coaches make this mistake, almost everybody else makes it too!! So many lament their lack of money, power, talent, good-looks, etc. that they fail to develop what they do have. As a result, they lose. One cannot do anything about what he doesn't have. Develop what you have! Play the hand you have been dealt!
The first thing that anyone can develop is a relationship to God. It has been offered to all in Jesus Christ! This not only will transform your life, it will give you possessions that can never be taken away!
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Sunday, March 01, 2009
DILIGENCE
The hand of the diligent will rule . . . (Proverbs 12:24).
Hayden Fry, the winningest football coach in Hawkeye history, would use this expression to communicate diligence, "We're stickin' to our knittin'." My banker calls it, "scratchin'." Webster calls it "constant, careful effort." However you phrase it, diligence is necessary for a successful, meaningful existence.
Diligence implies a plan. Life can be very frustrating and depressing if one does not have a goal and a plan by which he can reach it. Taking God's will into account, make a goal and make a plan to reach it within a year's time. Planning is the first step to winning!
Diligence means working your plan carefully. Haphazard efforts rarely bring success or personal satisfaction into our lives.
Diligence also means perseverance. Any goal which is worthwhile will cost you something to achieve it. That's life; it even costs God something to achieve His plans. Don't give up too quickly; give your plan a chance to work!
It is noteworthy that this text does not promise success to the righteous or to those who are evil, but to the diligent. That is why those who are righteous must be ever vigilant and diligent or else evil will rule!
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Hayden Fry, the winningest football coach in Hawkeye history, would use this expression to communicate diligence, "We're stickin' to our knittin'." My banker calls it, "scratchin'." Webster calls it "constant, careful effort." However you phrase it, diligence is necessary for a successful, meaningful existence.
Diligence implies a plan. Life can be very frustrating and depressing if one does not have a goal and a plan by which he can reach it. Taking God's will into account, make a goal and make a plan to reach it within a year's time. Planning is the first step to winning!
Diligence means working your plan carefully. Haphazard efforts rarely bring success or personal satisfaction into our lives.
Diligence also means perseverance. Any goal which is worthwhile will cost you something to achieve it. That's life; it even costs God something to achieve His plans. Don't give up too quickly; give your plan a chance to work!
It is noteworthy that this text does not promise success to the righteous or to those who are evil, but to the diligent. That is why those who are righteous must be ever vigilant and diligent or else evil will rule!
Grace&Peace,
Tom
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