Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Jesus said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. (John 19:30b, NKJV)

What ever did we do for entertainment as we traversed the byways before they developed bumper stickers? Many show the owner’s preference for some place or thing, a red heart indicating “love.” Some announce what the driver would be doing if they were not driving around, perhaps fishing or golfing. Perhaps the real reason they are not indulging in fun stuff is summed up by the little jingle, “I owe, I owe, So off to work I go!”
Ah! Work. That which we do to pay for food and shelter. Hopefully. Better to be able to pay the bills than to have no source of income. Even so, some jobs are a labor of love, and some are just labor. “So off to work we go!”
I have reached that condition in life where I no longer have to go to work. I just wake up, and it is waiting here for me. But that is not all bad. Sure, there are some things that are more dreary than cheery. Tasks that have to be done, like it or not. Like having to dig up and repair a leaky water line to the barn, or pick up rocks from the field we are planting. The type of job that we are glad when it is over. It is finished.
Many jobs I choose to do, willingly, anticipating the end result. Like rejoicing at the first produce from the garden, or admiring a construction project that I have completed. I obviously enjoy writing, else why would I continue to do this?
Again, reaching the completion of the project I can say, “It is finished!” Same words, yet they somehow don’t fully express the emotional difference between the end of the cheery and that of the dreary task. Perhaps, looking at the fruits of my labor on a project that I have chosen as a labor of love, designed, and carried to completion, I might say, “It is accomplished!”
Think about the words from Jesus, hanging on a cross. “Jesus said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”
Finish, as in done, ended, over? Finish what? Not His life, for we know from the scriptures that He rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God, the Father. The word used in the Greek text is most often translated as “finished,” but some versions use “accomplish.” Yes, His work, the reason the Word became flesh and lived among us, (John 1:14) was to bring salvation to all people by offering Himself as a single sacrificial offering for sin.
(Hebrews 10:14)
Pontius Pilate claimed to have power to free Jesus, or have Him crucified. Jesus replied, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:10-11)
The crucifixion was indeed brutal, an extreme form of capital punishment, yet necessary to complete the divine plan for salvation. In John 17, vs. 4, Jesus prays to His Father, “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished (accomplished) the work which You have given Me to do.”
Does the word matter? Perhaps not. But as you think about the great sacrifice, the single sacrificial offering for sin that brought salvation to all people, rejoice that God’s plan was accomplished. Alleluia!!

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Barriers
* Scripture: Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you -- Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (from John 14:27., NKJV)

Talk about the need to play catch-up! There she stood, gazing over the two fences bordering the highway, ears erect, the distance between them rapidly increasing. The other deer had quickly cleared the fences, their white flag tails flashing in the morning light, and were already at the far side of the field. This one still stood, almost looking like one of those yard statues, but I wasn't about to move my car until she crossed the road. All at once, she ducked her head and went through a hole in the fence!
Once hesitant, she was now almost a blur of motion, racing after the others. I couldn't help but give a chuckle of surprise, because I fully expected her to do a follow the leader up OVER the fence.
I guess one lesson learned from this incident is to always expect the unexpected!
Deer are so plentiful in our area, and we have watched them so often, that we just normally expect them to jump fences. I counted as ten deer moved across our fields the previous evening. Up would flash their distinctive white tails, up and over the three or four fences they would go, then follow their well-worn trail into the creek bottoms where they spend their evenings.
My wife and I went out to feed our livestock one evening, and encountered two half-grown deer behind the barn. One was in the fenced lane, and panicked when we appeared. It charged the fence head-on, thrusting its head between the wires. Like a vertical trampoline, the fence bounced the deer back on its haunches. Again and again that deer charged the fence, until I became concerned that it would break its neck. We withdrew into the barn, and the pair slowly made their way along the fence. They must have finally remembered what mama had told them about fences, cleared them easily, and disappeared into the adjoining woods.
Sometimes we, too, panic when we see a barrier separating us from something we very deeply desire. Something blocking the way; a weight pulling us down. We stand, immobilized, anxious, watching our hopes dim in the distance.
When the deer in these illustrations finally realized that they had by nature the answer to the problem that confronted them, they did what God intended, and jumped those barriers!
What a panicky time when we see God seemingly fade into the distance. However, God intended by nature that we should desire Him, and come unto Him. Ask, and you will receive peace and comfort.
March 19, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* A Gift
* Scripture: Matthew wrote, “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Mt. 2:11, NKJV

If you could visit the Christ Child - Baby Jesus - at the manger, what gift would you bring? Would you give gold, frankincense, or myrrh? Perhaps, having nothing tangible, you would play for him: ‘Pa-rum-pa-pa-pum.’ Or simply bow in humble adoration.
We can not be present at the actual manger with the shepherds and Magi, of course, but we are linked to them by a bond that spans the ages, a bond of special fellowship, greater than mere symbolism. Yes, a crèche, or manger scene, symbolizes that moment in time, and provides a visible, tangible link to the Incarnation that even a child can understand.
There is a greater bond, though, a larger fellowship, that goes beyond presence at a stable, a day nursery (another meaning for the word ‘crèche’) - the fellowship that includes all who have given to Him by giving to “one of the least of these who are members of [His] family. (Matthew 25:40)
Each coin dropped into the bell ringer’s kettle, each contribution to a food pantry, each gift to someone in need, is a gift of food, drink, and clothing to Christ. To the least of these . . . !
My wife, Dorothy, and I have just participated in our sixth mission trip to one of the regional processing centers for Operation Christmas Child. We joined thousands of others lending our hands and a few moments that children in the byways of the world might have a gift for Christmas. How many children? The number of shoeboxes of gifts has increased each year since the beginning of Operation Christmas Child ten years ago, and the number for the year 2005 is expected to be even greater than the seven million boxes given in 2004. Millions of symbolic trips to the manger - millions of gifts to the Christ Child.
Granted that some people prepare more than one box; that still represents a lot of people “bringing their gift to the manger.”
A simple thing, really. Just a box, usually emptied of its original contents (but not always) filled with things every child should have, but things that many have never seen. A cuddly doll or teddy bear, a simple toy, a pencil and paper, tooth paste and a brush, perhaps a towel and/or washcloth. Clothing, especially socks and underwear, is a treasure beyond belief, according to reports from those who have been privileged to help distribute those boxes to the children.
And LOVE, lots and lots of love. Poured in, pressed down, running over. Prayed over. Pre-hugged huggables! Repeated over and over.
What can you give Him?
Give Him your heart!

December 4, 2005

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Concern For Children
* Scripture: Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31a, NKJV

Solicitude, an attitude of attentive care and protectiveness; could aptly be defined as that time between when you hand your child the keys to the car, and when you hear the door safely close upon his or her return.
There are a lot of mixed emotions involved with the parenting of a child at any age, but it is especially difficult to watch without emotion as they step out into the wide, wide world on their own. There is pride in this moment, of course, on realizing what they have accomplished in their few years, but tempered by both the fact that this is one more step closer toward leaving the nest, and that there are many dangers and trials awaiting “out there.”
Each person, even as a child, is an individual, and though we do our best as a parent, we do not have total control over their thoughts or actions, nor should we. It is far better to lead them with lines of love than to bind them with chains of compulsion. The scriptures are filled with such admonitions, including the “Love” chapter of 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. Paul also counseled the church at Ephesus concerning love within the family, between husbands and wives, and between parents and children. (Ephesians 5:22-6:4)
Jesus summed up the Commandments, Laws and Prophets with these words: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31, NKJV)
All that about love having been said, perhaps we need to step back a little and look at children as ‘neighbors.’ Read again Jesus’ words. We “own” neither our neighbors nor our children. As full-fledged individuals, neither are extensions of ourselves. True, we have a special responsibility to, and relationship with, our offspring, but they are not possessions to be used at our whim, nor as avenues to vicariously attain goals that perhaps eluded us. I have witnessed examples where parents forced children into activities the children did not desire, have read too many stories of abused children, and observed cases where people probably treated their neighbors better than they did their own children.
What do we wish for ourselves? Certainly, we wish to love and to be loved, to be safe from harm, and the freedom to express ourselves as an individual.
While Jesus especially showed concern for little children, he expanded the “neighborhood” in the parable of The Good Samaritan . (Luke 10:25-37) And Jesus replied, “Go and do likewise”
February 6. 2005

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Paul wrote, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s spirit lives in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16, NIV

Oh, what a day it must have been when the temple in Jerusalem was dedicated!
Musicians stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. The singers joined in, singing, “He is good;
His love endures forever.”
(2 Corinthians 13)
More importantly, after the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant was placed in the Holy Place, the glory of the LORD filled the temple with a cloud.
King Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD, in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread his hands toward heaven, and said:
“O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below - you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue whole-heartedly in your way.” (1 Kings 8:22-23) The king concluded his prayer with these words to the assembled people:
“But your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” (1 Kings 8:61)
Unfortunately, as time passed, both the whole-hearted commitment to God, and the condition of the temple fell into disrepair. Israel turned from following the true God, and was conquered by Assyria. (2 Kings 17:1-23)
The people of Judah also followed “all the detestable practices of the nations - defiling the temple of the LORD, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem.” Ezekiel, in captivity in Babylon, again saw the glory of the LORD fill the temple, and a cloud fill the inner court. This time, however, there was no rejoicing. The glory of the LORD departed from the temple. (Ezekiel 10)
Eventually, the people returned to Judah and Jerusalem, and the temple was rebuilt; the completition and dedication of the second temple is recorded in Ezra 6:6-18. Neither the building nor the dedication was as spectacular as in Solomon’s day.
King Herod spent forty-six years rebuilding the temple into a massive edifice. This is the temple that Jesus visited. His disciples commented on the massive stones. Jesus prophesied that, “ Not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Mark 13:1) The people worshiped with their mouths, but not with their hearts.
Today, the temple mount is occupied by the Muslim “Dome of the Rock,” the 3rd holiest site in Islam. Herod’s temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.
As goes the relationship with God, so goes the temple. Take care that your personal temple is not thrown down by failing to “continue whole-heartedly in God’s way.”
Take time to read about the construction of Solomon’s temple in 1 Kings chapters 6 - 9, and chapters 2 - 7 in 2 Chronicles.
November 16, 2003

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: The woodworker is measuring out the wood with his line, marking it out with his pencil: after smoothing it with his plane, and making circles on it with his instrument, he gives it the form and glory of a man, so that it may be placed in the house. (Isaiah 44:13, Bible In Basic English)

I have always enjoyed working with my hands - working with wood, metal, masonry, and even things electrical and electronic. Most of my projects are more utilitarian than artistic. They work, but I never seem to get around to the ‘pretty.’
Still, my experiences give me a greater appreciation for the work and works of others. A building embodies the skills of many different workers, and represents much labor in the construction. Someone sees the completed project in their mind’s eye, transforms the vision into plans and images, and guides the hands of those who add each block and beam.
I was thus intrigued when I read the 44th chapter of Isaiah, because it speaks of workmen - craftsmen in metal and wood. I was searching for information about those who crafted the houses and palaces, the city walls, furniture, utensils and farm equipment.
I could picture the carpenter measuring out the wood for a project, carving and cutting until the desired shape appeared.
Or, as in Isaiah 44:12, the metal worker (blacksmith) with hammer, tongs and forge, fashioning metal with the strength of his arms.
But what is this? Isaiah is not praising the skills and labors of these craftsmen. For the object of these artisans is an image, an idol! “He falls down before it and worships it, prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god.” (vs. 17)
Isaiah affirms that it profits a worker nothing who would mold an image or form a god. (vs. 10) A deceived heart cannot deliver his soul. (vs. 20)
Consider, O’ carpenter, the source of the materials for your idol, the cypress and the oak that you have taken from the trees of the forest, then hewn and shaped by your own hand. This is your god? To this you pray?
You use part of the wood to build a fire. You bake bread. You roast meat, enjoy the warmth, and are satisfied. And you use the other part of the same firewood to create your god? An abomination! You fall down before a block of wood!
“I am the first and last,” says the LORD of hosts, “Besides me there is no God! (vs. 6)
What a contrast - the creator and provider God compared to a block of wood or an image in metal. Consider these words: “ I am the LORD who makes all things, who stretches out the heavens all alone, who spreads abroad the earth by Myself; who frustrates the signs of the babblers, and drives diviners mad; who turns wise men backward, and makes their knowledge foolishment; who confirms the word of His servant, and performs the counsel of His messengers.” (Isaiah 44:24-26b, NKJV)
How sad when the people of God turn away from Him to idols, the work of men, made in the image of a man. They are just wood and metal, and unable to do anything.
How sad when people turn from the LORD to things, to ‘stuff,’ to pleasures. Rather, let us so live that we can say, “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
He answered: “ ‘ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. Do this and you will live.” Lk. 10:25-28, NIV
September 1, 2002

I Am My Church
My Church is composed of people like me,
We make it what it is.
It will be friendly, if I am.
Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them.
It will do great work, if I work,
It will make generous gifts to many causes, if I am a generous giver.
It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship, if I bring them.
It will be a church of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith, and a church with noble spirit, if I, who makes it what it is, am filled with these traits.
Therefore with the help of God, I shall dedicate myself to the task of being all the things I want my church to be.
Amen.
Taken from The Flame of Newark District U.M. Women