Check the plans

Over our vacation last week, we visited the birthplace and homes of John Adams, our nation's second president. While there, I learned that Adams and Jefferson debated on the extent of the federal government's role. In fact, there was such sharp disagreement, they did not speak for years. I marvel how men like this can create a government almost from scratch and wrestle with issues so involved we still discuss them today. What did they use for a guide? How did they combine their various resources and philosophies of government to write our Constitution? The magnitude of the task is astounding. Since then, our form of government and founding documents have served as a blueprints for many others.

We need blueprints, but we also need a master architect in life to write the blueprint. Good thing we have one, huh? This is especially true when it comes to our families. As a husband and father, I often wish I had the write answer for every situation. It's not as easy as Ward Cleaver made it out to be. But, I do have blueprints written by my Master Architect. I can check the plans, see how the growth is going, make adjustments where needed, and correct any mistakes. But, checking the blueprint is not a passive activity but an active one.

Starting this weekend on August 2, we will start the Extreme Makeover: Your home edition. What does our Master Architect (God) say in his blueprints (the Bible) about our homes and families? While we all can admit areas to improve, this series may be especially relevant for friends and neighbors in need.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Joe

Stand certain

I once had a cordial discussion with a friend from a denomination different from my own. We were discussing how we knew we were saved. She confidently asserted that she did this activity and that activity. Every religious check box had been marked complete. I told her that I believed differently. While I understand that good works are a result of my salvation, they don’t make me saved. When I see God work in me and through me, it further assures me I belong to him. My salvation is based on the work of Christ on the cross – not by anything I’ve done.

Well, my friend did not get it. It just seemed more concrete to her to have this objective standard of works than simply by faith. So, I asked, “How do you know you done enough?” After a long silence she said, “I don’t know.” I do know because I know God has already accepted what Jesus has done. The resurrection proved that.

So, on what do we depend? How well we perform religion? How good we are? How much I give? How often I go to church? Or, we can depend upon God’s claim: We are saved by his lavish grace (Eph. 2:8-9) and held there by his love (Rom. 8:38-39). This does not grant us a blank check to live anyway we want, but I can rest on Jesus’ perfect fulfillment rather than my own imperfect attempts.

Hearts of Mighty Men

One of my favorite chapters in Scripture is 2 Samuel 23 which lists David’s mighty men. These were men of great valor, faith, and especially loyalty to David. At one point, David was out on the battlefield, and his hometown of Bethlehem was held by the enemy. Whimsically, David said, “How I wish to drink from the well at Bethlehem.” He was not commanding or dropping hints. However, out of their loyalty and affection for David, the three mighty men (Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah) broke through enemy lines, retrieved water from the Bethlehem well, and brought it to David. David was moved beyond words. He was overwhelmed not so much by the gift but by the bond these men held for him.

Someone showed this kind of love and affection to my family and me. No, they did not break through enemy lines or risk their lives, but their hearts beat similarly. Last Sunday, I mentioned (at the spur of the moment by the way) about God’s working in my life to live more contently and frugally. I briefly mentioned the repair of our wheelbarrow. So, what did I find later that day at ZPV? A brand new wheelbarrow! A nice metal one too that will not easily split like our old one. To the giver, thank you! While the gift itself is so appreciated, it’s the affection and care behind it that encourages us even more. The Zion family has always been so welcoming. My children experienced the true church. The heart attitude is greatest gift of all.

By the way, this illustrates the church in action: Kindness is never forced…it just happens. Thinking of others occurs first. Sacrifice and not seeking thanks is the norm. This is our testimony to the world, Zion (John 13:35). We treat each other based upon the fruit of the Spirit not by our own initiative but by God who works in us. Our community will see this authentic, organic, and spiritual fruit and want to experience it themselves. I do not mean simple material gain but being the church and not just attending the church.

And, thanks again.

Pastor Joe