Handing Out Gifts

I love to get presents. Who doesn't? I really like the unexpected “just because” gifts. I have a friend, Vanessa (you know who you are,) who gives those kinds of gifts. She gives the “I saw this and thought of you” kind of prizes. They are always unpredictable and so much fun to receive.

Well, to my amazement, I found out Paul gave out such presents.

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong--When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:11-12

The words “Spiritual gift” comes from the literal translation “grace gift.” Paul wanted to come to the Romans and, SURPRISE, he wanted to give them a grace gift. Now I’m not taking anything away from the theologians and linguistics who have translated this like theologians or a linguistics would. But I think the Romans of the churches that received this letter got a little excited. I think they understood it to mean…Paul wanted to come to them and give out grace gifts. And who wouldn't want to get in line for those kinds of presents?

We need to give out grace gifts too. You know that unexpected note or card, or that hug of friendship when we’re not coming in or going out, or that “yay” with those who celebrate, or the “I’m praying for you” to those who are struggling, or celebrating with our brothers or sisters in Christ when they have a spiritual victory. Those are the kinds of spiritual presents we can give and should give. Those are the kind of gifts that we need to receive from each other. Those encouragements are gifts we can give because of the Holy Spirit that lives in us.

Oh, and I like that Paul realized that the giving of grace gifts would not be one sided. He said when he got together with the Christians in Rome that he wanted it to be a grace prize giving party. Well, he didn't say it in those words. He said he would encourage them and they would encourage him.

I can just picture their joyous meeting. I can just imagine the exchange of “God was there” stories. I can pretend to hear all of the answers to prayer testimonies. There would be excitement together and crying together and laughing together as they encouraged each other.

So let’s have a grace gift giving party.

You are invited.

And I will be handing out presents!

You are. You Really Are.

…through Jesus Christ our Lord, we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-6

I like the way Paul starts a letter. Wouldn't you feel special if you got a letter that started like this?

You are favored by Jesus, Himself (received grace).

 

You have been especially chosen by Christ for a specific job (apostleship.)

You cause others to want to follow Christ (bring about the obedience of the faith.)

You are accepted into an otherwise closed circle of family because of the authority of Christ (among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake.)

You have been invited by Jesus to this extraordinary place in this fellowship (you are also called of Jesus Christ.)

You are personally loved by God (all who are beloved of God.)

You are different from everyone else because you are like Christ (called as saints.)

You are one of God’s favorite (grace to you.)

You are an integral part of this family of God and because of you it is whole and brings a feeling of completeness (and peace.)

Well, we have received this letter so these words are implied as for us too. You are special in God’s eyes. He has a wonderful plan just for you. Jesus Christ through Paul’s letter speaks to us individually not just to the whole group but directly to you and me. This is what God thinks about me. This is what God thinks about you.

There are just some times in our lives we need to be reminded of the special place we have in God’s heart. Thanks to Paul we have this as our starting reference point.

Wow, what a way to comfort and encourage someone. It reminds me of that quote from the book, The Help, when the help is reassuring the child in her care: “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” (Kathryn Stockett)

God says to you and me, “You are loved. You are chosen. You are my favorite.”

You are. You really are.

Only Believe

During our past Vacation Bible School a mom asked me how a parent knows when their little one is capable of understanding Jesus’ substitutionary death for sin. And when is the child ready to commit his/her life to accept Him and believe in Him. Well, she didn't say it in those words. She said, “How do you know when children are ready to ask Jesus into their heart?”

Well the simple answers are:

1.       Are they asking questions about their relationship with Christ?

2.       Are they aware that their disobedience is sin?

3.       Do they know the only way to heaven is through Christ?

These kinds of discussions with parents are an indication that the child understands the salvation concept.

I told the mom that I, myself, accepted Jesus as my Savior at the age of about six years old. My mom and dad having been saved as young adults didn't know that they were supposed to write the date down in my Bible. In fact they weren't sure that it was even possible that a child could understand. But I believed and it has stuck all these many years. Did I understand everything about Jesus at that time? No. (I still don’t.) Did I believe as I learned more about Him? Yes. (I still do.)

But I did caution the mom that as the child gets older he/she may forget some of the exact events of their faith moment. And that is natural and OK. Because salvation is not based on what we remember it’s based on belief in what Jesus did not what we did and do.

 It’s a gift of God not by our own works…Ephesians 2:8. 

As I get on my soapbox now, I think some children and adults get confused by us older Christians because if we’re not careful we will add stuff to the salvation requirements. And if we are not careful we will be the direct cause of them doubting their salvation.

Requirement 1. If we agree and acknowledge with our speech that Jesus is the Son of God and our means for salvation from our sins. If we believe and entrust our now and future with all our mind, emotion, and will that God the creator of all things raised Christ from the dead as our substitute for sin then we are saved from the consequences of our sinful nature. We are saved and rescued from the power and the consequence of sin in our lives forever. Romans 10:9

Requirement 2. There are no other requirements.

At the age of 14 when I was told by well-meaning Sunday School teachers and pastors and visiting evangelists that:

 If you don’t remember the exact date of your salvation you probably aren't…If you don’t remember the exact words you prayed to accept Christ you probably didn't… You can be saved in your head and not your heart…If you didn't cry because of your realization of your sinfulness you probably weren't serious…If you didn't come forward in church and talk to the pastor it’s probably not real….etc.…

That was a little confusing to a teenager who asked Jesus in their heart at 6 years of age. I didn't know the date as I said earlier.  My mom didn't write it in my Bible and I didn't know I was supposed to recall the date just that I did have a moment. I didn't remember the exact words just the intent of my heart. I didn't realize that you could believe with only your head and not your heart because I lumped it all together with my belief. I didn't cry I just trusted and believed. I didn't go forward in church. My mother led me in a simple prayer at home. I wasn't fitting their plan of salvation so I was feeling doubtful. Until a Godly visiting missionary asked me what I believed to be true about Christ. I told him I believed that Jesus was God’s son come to earth. He died on a cross to forgive my sins. He was buried but actually rose from the dead and went to heaven to sit by God the Father. And that He would return to collect His children and take them to heaven to be with Him forever. Then the wise old missionary asked me the one question that my soul needed to hear, 

                                                 “What more do you need to be saved?”

Nothing

Even if I don’t fit other Christian’s definition of how one comes to belief. I just have to fit Christ’s definition.

If I forget everything, my salvation is not based on my memories but on Christ’s promise.

       I only have to believe. 

Only believe.

We’re Just a Bunch of Comfort Carrying Christians

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Has a person just come to your mind out of the blue and you know God has put them on your heart to pray for them? Well, that happened to me this week.

Let me go back in time and set the scene. When I was young and innocent and ignorant I knew of another girl who was young and innocent and ignorant. She was a blond darling and everyone loved her and she was one of the churches’ and society’s “chosen” ones. I watched her and thought, “Wow, she’s got it all!”

Well, we grew up in separate circles but I happened upon a recent picture of her all grown up. Tears came to my eyes to see the person she had become. She couldn't even smile for the camera. Even on my darkest days I can summon up a “cheese” when a camera is pointed in my direction. When I looked into her eyes it was like staring into pain. God thumped my heart and said, “Pray for her. Carry her burden with her for a while. Pass on a little of the comfort I've given to you.” It’s not like I can call her up and say, “Hey, thinkin about you today…so how you dooooin?” She didn't know me then and she won’t know me now. But I will secretly walk with her and carry her burden for a while.

And I thought, that’s what we do as Christians; we walk with those who need us and carry their burdens for a time. Then God brings another person to mind and we exchange one person for another, one’s burden for another’s burden. And on and on….. That’s just what we do. We exchange our comfort for their burden. We pass on the strength from God we found through difficulties.

So even though she may never know she was on my heart and mind, I will silently walk beside her and carry some of her pain. I will pray that God will comfort her.

That’s what I will do.

That’s what someone will do for me.

We’re just a bunch of comfort carrying Christians.

I Don’t Like Stingy Roses

I love roses. I like to get them from the Grocery store or the florist. But mostly I like to grow them. I have a lot of rose bushes in my yard and they put on a grand first blush (that’s rosarian speak for the first blooms in the spring.)

If you asked a real rosarian (btw, I’m not one) they will tell you all the kinds of roses: climbing, shrub, tea, etc…. But as far as I’m concerned there are only two types: repeat bloomers and what I call stingy bloomers. The stingy ones have a great first blush and then a week later nothing but leaves. And this continues for the rest of the rose year. It’s such a letdown. Now the ones I have are repeat bloomers. You dead head them (rosarian speak for cut off the dead blooms) and they bloom again and again and again. All spring and all summer and into the fall if the weather cooperates.

This year has been great for roses. I told my neighbor she could cut all she wanted to give to her mom for Mother’s Day. At first she was hesitant. She said, “I can’t take away all of your roses!” To which I said, “Sure you can. The more you cut them the more they bloom.”

 That’s when I had an “AHA” moment.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8

Yes, yes, I knew this story. Bear fruit. Bear much fruit. The Greek word is “polus” and is about quantity, more and more, repeating often. We are to be repeat bloomers! Aha.

I know the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (From Galatians 5:22) But I had mistakenly looked at these fruits from “I gotta have these things” instead of “I gotta give these things.”

If I just pat myself on the back and say, “I have the fruits of the Holy Spirit, “ I’m being stingy with the fruit. I think I’m supposed to give these fruits away to others and then repeat bloom, again and again. Give people what I know about Jesus so that they can know Him.

Give love.

Give joy

Give peace.

Give patience.

Give kindness.

Give goodness.

Give faithfulness.

Give gentleness.

Give self-control.

Give and produce more and give it again.

The more you give the more you will bloom. It sounds kind of hokey but it’s true.

Whatcha Doin There Philemon?

Well, I've finished my Bible study of Philemon and in record time for me. OK, I know it’s only 25 verses but let me have a moment to celebrate. 

Yay! 

Moment is over.

Give theologians a chance to have a controversial topic and they will jump on it. And it seems little Philemon falls in this category. Paul wrote it so it should be in the Bible. Right? But why is it relevant to me? And that is the debate.

1.       An antislavery proclamation especially when Christians are involved. (I agree. Our country would have had a different history if we had taken these 25 verses to heart.)

2.       A unity proclamation especially when Christians are involved. (I agree. Our churches would have a different history if we had taken these 25 verses to heart.)

3.       A restoration proclamation especially when Christians are involved. (I agree. Our relationships with others would have a different history if we had taken these 25 verses to heart.)

So which one of these does Paul and God want us to accept and major on? I think all three. I have never been and probably won’t ever be a great theological debater but I wouldn't take on theologians over this.

1.       We shouldn't treat anyone as subservient. We are equal in the family of God and in the sight of God and all deserve the same love and fellowship. That kind of convicts me because sometimes I treat people differently according to societal stations. I may give them more respect or more attention according to their wealth or power. But every brother and sister in Christ deserves loving equality.

2.       We should live in harmony as a church and fellowship of believers. When we have knock down drag out fights over stuff that doesn't matter to God or eternity it’s so wrong. That kind of convicts me because sometimes I just want my way in a group. But that destroys Jesus’ intention for His bride the church.

3.       We shouldn't kick a Christian when He flubs up. Hey, we’ll all be there at some point and will need to be lovingly restored. That kind of convicts me because, yes, my ears perk up when someone says, “Did you hear about so and so and that they did such and such? Can you believe that?” Our question should be, “How can we help them get back to where they should be with God?” Then help and lovingly graciously put them back as a friend and partner in Christ.

Then Paul ends his little letter with this closing:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Verse 25

Or I like to say:

May the very breath of God on your life bring blessing, joy, favor and grace because He looks at you through the work of our Master and Savior Jesus the one and only Christ. Amen!

Thanks Paul.

I’m glad you wrote that to help Philemon.

It has helped me too.

Level 5 Friend

They say:

There are five levels of friendship with 5 being the deepest level.

If you have as many real friends as you have fingers on one hand you are very fortunate.

You may have many acquaintances but only a few friends.

Some friendships are temporary but some stand the test of time.

A true friend accepts you unconditionally warts and all.

All these sayings are true. Paul said something like this to Philemon when describing their friendship.

Verse 4 – You’re a level 5 friend and I give thanks for you all the time and pray specifically for you.

Verse 5 – Even when we are not together I trust you to remain faithful to God and to the people around you.

Verse 6 – When we’re together I see how you treat others and it makes me closer to God.

Verse 7 – You make me happy when I’m down. You give me the “want to” when I don’t want to. You make me a better person because you are in my life.

Of course, I paraphrased and interpreted these verses and I hope with Paul’s feelings and intentions. Philemon was his good friend; good to him and good for him.

Then he described his friendship with Onesimus that he was sending to Philemon:

Verse 10 –He is like my child and I feel that type of relationship with him.

Verse 11 – He is so very attuned to needs around him and is ready to serve. He has changed from his old ways to become this new person.

Verse 12 – I beg you to accept the new him because this Onesimus is also my level 5 friend.

Verse 13 – I wanted to selfishly keep him here with me but I’m so excited about his progress and I think you need to see this change. You need to restore your broken relationship with him because he can be a level 5 friend with you.

Again, I paraphrased. Onesimus found his true ministry and Paul was very proud of him. Onesimus was his good friend; good to him and good for him.

 All this made me consider my close friends. Can I say these things about them? More importantly, can they say these things about me?

This is the definition of friendship to be used when you are counting your real friends. The on one hand kind of friend. The level 5 friend. The you can be you around them and it's OK friend.

It makes me want to work a little harder on my friendship skills. It makes me want to be closer to people who possess theses friendship skills.

Who can you bump level 5 with?

P.S. I miss my Gary, my love and friend.