Category Archives: Christian Discipleship

The Blessing

Biblical Truth, Christian Discipleship, Inspiration,
Just hearing the word “blessing” takes me back to as early as I can remember– when our family gathered around the meal table, three times a day, and heard Mom or Dad ask, “Whose gonna say the blessing?”

Or in many cases, “Mark, put that pully-bone back!  We haven’t said the blessing yet!”  ( For those who don’t know, all chickens used to have a “pully-bone.” It was delicious meat surrounding a small y-shaped bone that was every kid’s delight to share in a pulling contest after the bone had been sucked dry of its tender white meat. Alas, it seems that KFC,  Zaxby’s and Popeye’s have chosen to relegate the treasured pully-bone to the ash heap of history. It’s really a shame.)

Although it was never said by anyone, I somehow imagined that if we didn’t say the blessing at mealtime the chances were good that a terrible judgement of food poisoning for the family might be around the corner. In other words, “the blessing” is for killing germs. Obviously, that quid pro quo was a bit misguided. In my case, the idea of gratitude for the abundance of food took time to grasp.  I think that my grandmother’s constant reminders of the plight of starving children around the world gave me insight into gratefulness. Still I always wondered how eating all of the boiled okra on MY plate could actually help those kids with empty plates. Nevertheless it worked on me. Thanks, Grandma Nichols.

But “the blessing” is not just a meal time thing. The Bible is full of incredible teaching about what it means to receive “a blessing.”  In both the Old and New Testaments, blessings were spoken over individuals, families, and nations by prophets, priests, fathers, and by God Himself.  There’s something absolutely supernatural about a blessing–  going far beyond the prayer at the family table.

Isaac blessed Jacob, Jacob blessed his sons, Samuel blessed David, Aaron blessed the people– it is consistent through the scriptures. We actually have the words of Aaron’s blessing over Israel in Numbers 6:22-26

The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

This blessing was not Aaron’s blessing– it was GOD’S blessing, and it still is.  We are His people and it is His desire to bless us.  It is not something we beg for, it is something we receive by faith from the outstretched hands of our Father in Heaven.

I did an intense Hebrew word study that gave me so much insight on this blessing. I want to share it with all of my readers.  Let’s take it phrase by phrase:

“The Lord bless you…..”   Bless, in Hebrew, is barack, made up of three letters bayt, raysh, and kaf.  Bayt means “in/from the house;”  Reysh means “leader steps forth;” and Kaf means “cover with the hands”   The picture of “bless” is:  the leader of the house (father, pastor, king, etc.) comes out of the house with his hands stretched out to provide cover.  That’s absolutely powerful!  God has you covered!  All of your needs are met!  He’s got it!

…and keep you,”  Keep, in Hebrew, is shamar, meaning “to watch constantly, protect, preserve, to act as a watchman at the gate” Your Heavenly Father does NOT lose you in the busyness of this life. He is well aware of everything– he sees it all– and he is on 24 hour watch over you.

...the Lord make His face shine upon you…”  You might remember reading several prayers in the scriptures where someone asks God NOT to hide His Face from him.  In other words, they want to clearly know that God is near, and that He sees the trouble they’re facing. When I was a little boy performing on a stage at a PTA meeting or a Christmas program, I always had to find my parents in the crowd and make sure they were watching me.  If they were, I gained the strength to do my part to the best of my ability. If I could not find their faces in the crowd, I panicked. And it really helped if they smiled at me while I was under pressure– and they always did. That’s exactly what God does when He “makes His face shine upon you.”  He is a good Father looking in your direction and smiling.

” …and be gracious to you.”   This is where it really gets good. God doesn’t just make His faces shine upon you when you get everything right.  He doesn’t turn you away because you blow it. He is full of GRACE to help you in your weakness. As a kid on stage, I didn’t always remember my lines perfectly, or sing the right words, or stand where I was supposed to stand. But my parents’ smile was still mine to see. I can see Mom rooting for me to get through it– with a smile– not embarrassed at my mistake, but thrilled that I was looking in her direction. God delights when you look in His direction, wanting His approval above all.

“…the Lord turn his face toward you…”  In middle eastern culture when a person turns their face away from you, they are shunning you.  They are expressing deep shame and signaling a broken connection between two people.  You may have heard of a family member in that culture expressing something like, “You are not my son, you are dead to me,” refusing to even make eye contact with the object of the person’s scorn. Well, God is NOT LIKE THAT at all. I always remember the words of Romans 5:8,  “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Our Father does not reject you, shun you, or shame you when you fail.  He looks at you straight in the eyes and says, “I am FOR you, not against you!  Let me help you.”

“…and give you peace.”   The Hebrew word for peace is “shalom.”  Shalom does not simply mean the absence of violence and war.  It means much more than that. Shalom means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety  tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of anxiety and discord. Shalom comes from the root verb shalom meaning to be complete, perfect and full. In modern Hebrew the word Shelem means to pay for, and Shulam means to be fully paid.  Through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross, the price for your SHALOM has already been paid.

“….Amen.”    “Amen” means “so be it,” or “I agree with all my being.”  Align yourself with God by saying “I agree” with his incredible blessing over you.  Amen!! Amen!!

And God’s blessing thorough Aaron is only one of many.   Look at this blessing from Deuteronomy 7:3:

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”

And this one is my favorite.  It is found in Deuteronomy 28:

God’s blessing inside the city,
God’s blessing in the country;
God’s blessing on your children,
the crops of your land,
the young of your livestock,
the calves of your herds,
the lambs of your flocks.
God’s blessing on your basket and bread bowl;
God’s blessing in your coming in,
God’s blessing in your going out.
God will defeat your enemies who attack you. They’ll come at you on one road and run away on seven roads.
God will order a blessing on your barns and workplaces; he’ll bless you in the land that God, your God, is giving you.    (Message Bible)

In the midst of the present Coronavirus crisis, I have been listening to an incredible song by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Elevation worship. I’ve played it over and over and over.  Since it is straight from the mouth of God in scripture, it is trustworthy and truly supernatural.  I think you will be blessed by The Blessing.

Convinced

Biblical Truth, Christian Discipleship, Inspiration,

Lately it has become my new favorite word. “Convinced.” What does it really mean? If we start with a dictionary definition this is what we find for the passive use of the verb:

Convinced– “having been brought to a rock-solid belief in something.”

These days it’s hard to find folk with a rock solid belief in anything. We live in a subjective world where everything is relative– up for grabs. Our culture gets grayer by the moment as certainty falls by the wayside. Relativism is a popular alternative to moral absolutism.

Relativism– “the doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute.”

To declare that something is either right or wrong will usually attract a challenge on the grounds that no one has the absolute moral authority to do so. And it’s not limited to issues of morality. Now even scientific fact and mathematical certitude are in danger of being roundly rejected. Everything is considered fluid– even gender! Individuals who make-up their own facts are placed on an even plane with those who live according proven and established facts. That’s a frightening world to live in.

How long can a legal system of “equal justice under law” function in a relativist society? Are there such thing as “rock solid facts” anymore? Can facts ever be established beyond a reasonable doubt? If not, then how will justice ever be carried out fairly and evenly?

I’m aware that everything is not simply black or white. I agree that some things ARE relative– things based on personal opinion, bias, and even cultural context. And we certainly cannot predict future events and call them facts.

But when there is nothing firm to stand on, we have nothing to build our lives upon. That’s why I am a firm believer in the Bible and the God of the Bible. I don’t understand everything in that amazing timeless book, nor do I claim to see all things clearly. But there are many things of which I am CONVINCED– those things have become my convictions– and they are not up for grabs. There are many more that I could list, but here are three that are the most rock solid of all.

  1. I know, that I know, that I know that God loves me, and wants the very best for my life. He doesn’t love me because I’m good, or because I’m smart, or because I’m super dedicated to Him. He just loves me, period. I am convinced!
  2. I know, that I know, that I know that He is a miracle worker. “Miracle” is defined as: “a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency.” I can’t make miracles happen, I cannot deserve miracles to happen, nor can I demand that miracles happen. But God has given us the right to pray for miracles, and I will do it for as long as I remain on the earth. I am no longer a skeptic. I am a firm believer in the miracle power of God. I am convinced!
  3. I know, that I know, that I know, that Jesus Christ has forgiven my many sins, and has washed me clean through what He did for me on the cross. The Holy Spirit lives inside of me and I have a daily relationship with my Creator. I am a member of His family. I have meaning and purpose in my life because I belong to the Father. I know my identity, and will not trade it for anything.

I am CONVINCED that in this crazy, mixed-up, relativist world I am not a victim. I am absolutely confident that I have A PLACE TO STAND.

“I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:3–5 (NLT)

Stifle!

Biblical Truth, Humor, Inspiration, Small Town America, True Stories, , ,

Has anyone noticed that the funniest things in the world seem to happen in places where a spontaneous, hearty laugh is just not tolerated? For instance, why do the most hilarious situations happen in church of all places, where total reverence is required? It’s just not fair to be forced to stifle a legitimate side-splitter! It must be part of Adam’s punishment for messing things up in the Eden.

To be honest I now belong to a church that is not known for its quietness and solitude.  We Pentecostals cheer the Pastor on while he delivers a sermon, and agree in prayer—literally out-loud—during corporate prayer times.  In fact, we get totally  awestruck by those rare and unusual outbreaks of silence that occur from time to time in our services.  We talk about them for weeks.  “Remember that time that a holy hush came over the congregation? Wow.”

But growing up I attended a wonderful church that was by-in-large the opposite in matters of volume. “Stifle” was the word between 11am and noon on Sunday. My mother expected “holy hush” in church to be the norm, especially for me. I can hear her now, 

            “Mark, remember what the Bible says, ‘Be still and know that I am God.’” 

Talking in church, whispering with my friends, accidentally dropping a coin on the hardwood floor, or making ANY kind of unusual noise in church normally resulted in serious disciplinary action in the Sims household. But even with the threat of bodily harm looming over me, funny still happened in church! We just had to learn to “stifle.”

As a nine and ten year old boy, I often sat in church with my Grandmother Nichols. I told my Mom it was because Grandma was a widow and needed my company.  My Grandmother usually sat on the second row from the front, on the far left side of the sanctuary—adjacent-to the piano.  But Mom and Dad sat on the third row from the BACK, on the RIGHT side.  So naturally I chose to sit with Grandma Nichols—as far away as I could get from Mom’s painful pinch and “don’t-you-dare” eye.

Just in front of Grandmother, on the very front row, sat the two church pianists—Sadie Thompson and Lucille Blackstock.  Lucille Blackstock was a sixth-grade teacher at the local school, and had been so since around the year the Titanic went down.  A tall, scowl-faced disciplinarian, Mrs. Blackstock was truly a good teacher. She was aware that kids called her “Ole Lady Blackstock,” but she wasn’t bothered by it. She had a duty to do and did it dutifully.

Playing the church piano for the congregation was Mrs. Blackstock’s other duty. Sadie was a much better piano player, but Lucille had seniority—lots of it—and that mattered in our church. Lucille played for the congregational singing, and Sadie for the choir. Mrs. Blackstock was the embodiment of the word “proper.”  She did everything according to the book.  And just thinking of the word, book and Mrs. Blackstock at the same time brings a smile to my face and a memory that won’t fade away. Here’s what happened:

One memorable Sunday morning I took my seat next to Grandma Nichols on the second row from the front. After the last congregational hymn had been sung Lucille vacated her place at the the piano so that Sadie could accompany the choir. In deafening silence Lucille gathered her sheet music and Baptist hymnal from the music rest and took her seat on the front row. She settled herself perfectly on the front pew, sitting up straight with both feet resting properly on the floor. Even as the choir began singing the anthem of the day, Lucille dutifully opened her Baptist hymnal to the exact page that she would need at the end of the service and left it opened-up in her lap.

The choir sang beautifully and ended on a high note, leaving the listeners inspired and suspended in thick silence as the pastor glided quietly to the pulpit to begin his sermon. As usual, Grandma pulled a pencil from her purse and handed me a church bulletin so I could quietly color in the o’s and doodle during the message. Of necessity I looked back to make sure I was out of my Mom’s line of sight.  Indeed, all was well. 

By the time the pastor emphasized his second sermon point a nervous housefly began buzzing around us– lighting on the pew, the cushion, and then on Grandma’s Bible positioned between us. When I tried to swat it, Grandma grabbed my hand and held it without ever taking her eyes off of the preacher. Then the fly began to dance around Sadie and Lucille in front of us. Sadie was briefly entertained by it, but Lucille was not aware of the fly’s presence—until it landed in the center of the hymnal open in her lap—on hymn number 363—“I Surrender All.”

As soon as Lucille caught sight of the insect she began following it with her eyes as it lit and scampered across the page—from top to bottom; left to right and back; from verse to chorus; and then to the edge of the page. Memorized, Mrs. Blackstock studied the fly without moving a muscle, her lower jaw slowly sinking downward, leaving her mouth wide-open like patient slipping into a coma. Then without any warning, just as the pastor moved from a dramatic pause to his final point Lucille jerked the hymnal up to eye level and slammed it shut with all her might, “SLAM.”  The sound echoed in the holy sanctuary like a gunshot. Lucille pancaked that poor fly, startling herself, the fly, and everyone else in the First Baptist Church.

In total disbelief she sat straight up in her seat and tightly pursed her lips. Abruptly stopping in mid-sentence, the preacher glared in her direction unsure of what had just transpired. Poor Lucille’s embarrassed eyes began darting all around at the shocked faces of her fellow parishoners—but NO ONE COULD LAUGH OUT LOUD.  It was the best First Baptist faux pas in a decade, and no one could delight in it publically! It was expressely forbidden to do so in the unwritten code of proper church etiquette. STIFLE IT !

I was dumbfounded. I looked at Grandmother and then at Sadie. They both covered wide grins and began to shake. Sadie looked as if she might wet herself. I quickly looked back toward where Mom and Dad were sitting, noticing that everyone in the church was looking in my direction! 

“Oh no,” I thought. “I didn’t even do it and I’ll get the blame!” 

Then I saw grins and heard people clearing their throats and fake coughing to disguise a chuckle or a snort . And a lot of folks sitting nearby me were staring at their laps and shaking ever so slightly, just like Sadie and Grandmother were doing. But NO ONE DARED TO LAUGH OUT LOUD. Stifle it for sure, but what a waste of a perfect moment!

Grandmother Nichols ate lunch at our house that day, and we relived the episode at least a dozen times. I can imagine other Baptist families enjoyed lunchtime conversation about it too. But I doubt Mrs. Blackstock ever mentioned it to anyone. Not even once. Still, I am amazed at how clearly I remember that Sunday morning.

The very next year, I was one of Lucille Blackstock’s sixth grade students. She proved to be an excellent teacher, and I learned a lot from her. But every time I saw her sitting quietly at her desk with her jaw sinking downward, I thought of that poor housefly pressed perfectly inside of an unmarked Baptist hymnal. But I never brought it up. Oh no, I stifled it!

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy.” Job 8:21

THE DAY PRINCE DIED

Christian Discipleship, Humor, Small Town America, ,

When I was ten years old I got a puppy from the Gaither family that I named Prince. He was mostly Collie, but not a pure breed.  Prince possessed all the good shepherding qualities and good looks of a Collie, and all the hero qualities of a loyal mutt.  He was hands down the world’s best dog.  Ten-year-old boys need a dog to grow up with and for me, Prince was sent from God.   Continue reading THE DAY PRINCE DIED →