Slow Down Time…

Last night KATV news ran the first of a three part series about the busyness of families today. The article, as well as the rest of the series, can be seen on the nightly news at 10pm tonight and tomorrow here (http://katv.com/news/local/how-much-is-too-much-ar-families-talk-about-extra-curriculars). In light of graduation season and our upcoming promotion Sunday on June 5th, I want to take a moment and share some reminders about the value and importance of time and especially for families today. 

The news special talks about the ramifications of busy family schedules today ranging from, physical, time constraints, as well as financial aspects. The writer makes some extremely valid points concerning all three and I would encourage you to both read and watch it. But, I would also like to highlight the spiritual side as well. We have a limited amount of time on this earth and we cannot gain or lose any of what we are given. We can only invest and enjoy the moments God blesses us to be a part of each day, week, month and year. 

I recently was able to grab ahold of an amazing illustration of this very notion. I have in my office a bag of 936 marbles, that is precisely the number of weeks that any given family has from the time a child is born to the time they turn 18 years of age and enter “adulthood”. If you were to empty the marbles into a clear container and remove one for each week that passes and place it back into the bag, you would visually be able to see the dwindling amount of time a family has with a child. At first it may seem as though there are plenty of marbles in the jar, but it is quite startling as time progresses how much faster the marbles seem to be escaping the jar. Honestly if we appeased our selfish appetites we would like to skip a week or two or twenty and hold onto that precious child/children as long as we possibly can. However, we know the fallacy of this thought. We cannot slow down time, it progresses precisely as God intends and all that we can do is to make each week, each moment count. 

I recently had the privilege of attending my daughter’s elementary school graduation. The speaker for the children was the graduating valedictorian of Sylvan Hills High School. She made one remarkable statement that I know resonated with me and I pray it did with the parents and students overflowing the room that day. “Make the most of every moment,” she said. “Make mistakes and move on, try new things, never regret trying something new, if it does not work then keep trying and never give up.” As parents, grandparents and families today, we need to be trying new things, make the most of every moment and if it does not work then we do not need to give up. We do not need to stress over past failures or mistakes or even fret about tomorrow, but we need to enjoy each hour, minute, moment, month and even year God gives us. 

You may have heard us use the expression or equation 1/168 before here at Faith. That is representative of the amount of time the average family spends in church each week. One hour a week is simply not enough to make an impact on the lives of children and families today. It is the responsibility of the church to equip families for the other 167 hours they are inevitably going to encounter each and every week for the 936 weeks and beyond. Our staff at Faith likes to take that one step further and look at the breakdown of how an average week works out. On any given week a family could spend as much as four-eight hours in church or church related communities. That leaves 50 hours per week for school/work functions on average. The overwhelming remainder of the time is spent at home or normal life functions, 110 hours per week on average. 

When we look at the week in this way we are able to see the value and importance of life at home. If you have 936 weeks in the life of a child and 110 hours per week, albeit some of that is spent sleeping, so for conservative estimating purposes we will say 50 hours a week to invest in the life of your family before they are gone. That gives you 50,940 hours to make a lasting impact. Again that seems large until time progresses and those hours seem to move quicker than they once did, they are not by the way, there are just less of them (remember the marbles in the jar). 

So, what are you doing with that time? If your kids never miss a practice or rehearsal but church attendance is optional or occasional what will your family grow up prioritizing? If dinner is done on the fly more than at the table, will your children grow up to prioritize time and busyness or value family time? I recently had the opportunity to talk to a high school teacher and she shared with me a statistic about students who received National Merit Scholarships. In spite of diverse upbringings, social or various economic factors the only common denominator among recipients was that they grew up in a household that had a family meal time, together around a table 5 out of 7 nights a week growing up. That is time well invested. 

Craig Groeschel recently said that the key to effective time management is not in scheduling your time, but rather scheduling your values. Place in high priority on your schedule the things you value most and then let the times fall where they may. Take a review of your weekly schedule and see how you spend your time. Whether you are a parent, single or married, grandparent, or children’s worker here at Faith, this generation is in need of an example of prioritizing, valuing and investing time.

Why did God have to choose Father?

Of all the ways God reveals Himself, Father is one of the most intimate terms He could use. The word itself invokes intense emotion in all those who hear it, regardless of culture, nationality or gender. The role of being a father is of the utmost importance in the lives and development of families and relationships. God reveals Himself in this way to relate to man in such a fashion that all who hear it can know and understand His heart for them. 

“It is impossible to over-estimate the importance of dad.” The Huffington Post, a secular news source known for it’s pulse on pop culture more so than it’s breaking headlines, wrote this in an article titled, The Important Role of Dad, in June of 2014. They also said in the same article, “Studies show that if your child’s father is affectionate, supportive, and involved, he can contribute greatly to your child’s cognitive, language, and social development, as well as academic achievement, a strong inner core resource, sense of well-being, good self-esteem, and authenticity.” If an earthly father has this much sway in the development of a child, and he does, imagine with me for just a moment the impact of a heavenly father. 

A father affects the decisions of a child all the way to the end of life not just while raising them. A son will will emulate his father when he becomes a man. A daughter will look for the character traits of her father in a future spouse. God knew this when He spoke of the faith of a father impacting generations to come, “We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done” (Psalm 78:4 NKJV). Again, if this is the role of an earthly father, imagine how much greater a Heavenly Father is at being imitated and of worthy character to search after. What better role model to look to than God Himself. 

A Father is something you choose to be, not something that comes naturally. The Huffington Post even said it this way, “While almost any man can father a child, there is so much more to the important role of being dad in a child’s life.” If a secular news source can grasp such a critical concept then as followers of Christ how much more so should we be keenly aware of the importance of a father. Christ, God Himself in the flesh, expressed the intimacy of relationship between a father and son in His prayer in John 17 and especially in verse 26, “I made Your name known to them and will make it known, so the love You have loved Me with may be in them and I may be in them” (HCSB). God as the Father shows perfect love and that trait is worthy of following after. His example as a father shows those of us here on earth the conscious choice it takes to love those that rebel against Him. In spite of our failures, rebellions and shortcomings His grace, love, patience and forgiveness is unending. 

God is a perfect father unlike any of us on this earth. That is exactly why He relates to us in this way. We need the love of a perfect father. Our earthly father will fail us at some point, but there is a father whose love will never fail us. For those who do not know or have never had an earthly father, there is a God in heaven who longs to love us the way that you have been missing. God expresses Himself in this way so that no matter what perspective you may bring to the table God far and away exceeds it. “For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!” (HCSB)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-gail-gross/the-important-role-of-dad_b_5489093.html

Finding Fulfillment in things other than Jesus…

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’ ” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:17-27 ESV) 

There once was a man that was searching for God. He personally intersected his life with Jesus. He had heard the rumors about Jesus. He had obviously heard that Jesus was a good teacher sent from God.  Being a good Jewish man he knew that he needed to make sure he was still in good standing with God. 

Jesus’ responses are intriguing. Knowing the man’s Jewish heritage, Jesus asks simple questions concerning the law. Keep in mind that Jesus is God and knows and can discern the hearts of men before the young man even contemplates his response. Once the man answers these simple things, declaring his devotion to his religious system, Jesus then poses a more challenging question that went deeper into the man’s heart. What about your wealth and possessions, Jesus asked him? The man came looking to assure his entry into eternity and left dejected. 

What is it that God is teaching us today about this story? We know the money is not inherently evil but the love of it is (1 Tim. 6:10). We know that Jesus did not want to turn anyone away from gaining entry into eternity with Him (2 Peter 3:9). We know that other not yet discipled men were not told to sell possessions or do something special but were told to just follow Him, and “Come and See” (John 1:35-42). Looking back is always easier to see the principles or lessons learned rather than feeling the sting of the conviction in the midst of life. 

Jesus knew a few things about this man that we see modeled in this story. One that he was a Jew. Jews sought righteousness in the sight of God via the Law of Moses. If this mans primary question was centered on eternity then Jesus knew that the young man was banking on (pun intended) his access being granted based on the merit of his good works, deeds or self imposed righteousness. Once Jesus set the standard for this man in adhering to the law, then He proceeded to swing for the fences, having set the man right where He wanted him. Jesus got to the heart of the matter for this young man. It wasn’t his ability to follow rules that gained him access into heaven but rather the underlying principle in all the laws that the Jews had set and that God had previously ordained. 

The fact of the matter is the the laws were put in place to show that humanity cannot live up to them. They were unrealistic expectations. Having great wealth or possessions was not a sin, but loving them more than God was and still is. If these great possessions kept this man from the supreme commandment, then he was missing the point, “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”’ (Matt. 22:37 ESV). 

What about you? Is there something in particular that stops you from being satisfied with Christ alone? Is there baggage that you have been carrying in life that you believe is making you right in the sight of God? Jesus told the rich young ruler then and is telling us today, that if there is something that you do or have that is more valuable to you than He is, then it’s time to let it go. When the things God generously and graciously bestows upon us in the first place, take first place or priority in our lives, then they are idols. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” (James 1:17 ESV). I want to encourage you this week to look to Jesus first in your life. Find in Him all you need for daily living. This will be the most fulfilling, satisfied place you will have ever been in life. Of course you could follow the example of the rich young ruler, but we all have seen how that turned out. 

It starts at home...

The focal point of the early church was the Gospel, the good news of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, ascension and imminent return. The primary place that it took place though was in the home. At times they gathered all together in one place and brought worship, a real sacrifice (Acts 3,4; Romans 12:1). However, primarily the setting of the Book of Acts was in homes. 

The western mind begins to envision lavish mansions with many rooms but this was not the case. The average home in Jerusalem at the time of the New Testament consisted of one large room with two divisions, one of which was used at night to house animals for warmth and protection. There may have been an outside courtyard that was fenced or enclosed that was considered part of the home as well but in no way were these dwellings lavish or large. They were built with efficiency and economy in mind not for large public gatherings or for hosting parties. Here is a good example of a model first century Jewish home. 

Yet this seemingly minuscule, for today’s standards, dwelling is the prime location for the majority of what we see taking place in the book of Acts. This leads us to some interesting observations. In this small space, dozens of people crammed in and around one another to hear more about The Christ and what He did. Children heard the hum around the place daily with constant discussions of Jesus and what this meant to their lives. Families gave up their all in order to share with others. Meals were no longer a place of solitude from the world but were constantly abuzz with more news of this Jesus who was no longer dead, nor around anymore but promised He would come back again some day. 

Moms, and Dads and families today can scarcely relate to the busyness that ensued as a result. Their neighbors and friends were selling their homes and possessions in order to provide for the needs of others, some were even being run out of their homes and inheritances as a result in their newfound faith in Jesus. We tend to see tragedy in this, but the believers of that day seemingly had a different perspective, “But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went” (Acts 8:4 NLT). 

What can we learn from this today? First, it is important to thank God for the great provision He has given us. Not many, if any, of us live in two room homes. This is due in large part, if not wholly, to the blessing of God on our lives. We live in a time, for now, of relative peace and immense prosperity. The homes where we live today can accommodate many people with relative ease and comfort for our families and any visitors. In gratitude for this provision, how are we using this blessing of God to grow His kingdom? Is your home a high walled castle meant to keep others away? Or is it a place of refuge for the hurting and needy? Is it a place constantly buzzing with the Good News of Jesus Christ, His death, burial, resurrection, ascension and reminder of His imminent return some day? 

Secondly, this is a reminder to us all that one thing we could stand to emulate from first century Christians is their hospitality toward others, but also a place where our families should be reminded of the sacrifices of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The pressing topic of conversation should be centered around the fact that our Messiah is a coming king to which not only we will bow to down but one day all will have to submit to (Phil. 2). It is our joy, let alone our responsibility, to share this news with fervor to those around us. We can start with our own husbands, wives and children but it can’t stop just there. 

Finally, instead of isolation, the Christians then, as we should be today, lived a life of involvement. How can we integrate our faith into everyday moments? One vitally important way to do this is to open our homes to those around us. Whether it be a hurting friend or family member from church or lost friend from work or school, our homes are the front lines for the ministry to which we are all called today. Proclaiming good news can seem inconvenient to our routines and schedules but I submit that this is a misappropriation of value on privacy and isolation as opposed to the biblical model of involvement. Even Peter for example found God revealing Himself to him on the rooftop of what most Jews of the day would have considered a most unclean place that any respectable Jewish man, let alone leader, would not be caught dead in (Acts 10). 

Our homes are one of the greatest assets God has given us. We can live a life of isolation and separation from the sin filled world around us or we can use them to grow the Kingdom of God here on Earth until His return. The choice is ours. That is the beauty of free will and grace. God gives us the chance to use all that we have, all that we are for His glory and the growth of His kingdom. 

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. " (Col. 3:12-17 NLT) 

Original photo found at: http://www.womeninthebible.net/2.1.Mary_of_Nazareth.htm

The Conclusion of the Matter

Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes the author, Solomon, comes to some interesting and vitally intriguing conclusions. The New Living Translation gives an easily understood example of an early conclusion in the writing of Solomon, Ecclesiastes 3:9-13 NLT

The conclusions came at the expense of the experimentation of Solomon, some of which was good and other of which was and is ill-advised. Solomon uses the beginning of chapter two to explain some of the things which he did in order to come to these conclusions.
Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 ESV

Solomon seemingly anticipated the end of this experimentation before it began based on verse one. The New American commentary concurs with this thought, “He introduces his experiment by a dialogue with his heart. He proposes a test, the goal of which is to determine if pleasures provide an adequate justification for human existence. But he anticipates the results of his experiment—all the joys were fleeting.” After expending this time in his life Solomon observes that the time lost would never be regained (Ecclesiastes 2:11 ESV). He says the time spent in this style of life with no regard toward God was a vain attempt and made him feel as if there was nothing to be gained this side of eternity in living life in this fashion. Again the New American Commentary provides insightful wisdom concerning Solomon’s period of experimentation, “Throughout the book the Teacher will recommend enjoying life, but here he warns that partaking of pleasure does not of itself give meaning to existence.”

After spending much time, possibly his entire life coming to a singular conclusion, Solomon says this, “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad” (Eccl. 12:13-14 NLT). But the preceding verses lend further credence to this statement. Eccl. 12:1-7 ESVIn the beginning verses of Solomon’s conclusion he tells the reader to remember God while you are still young. Don’t wait to come to the end of your life to come to this same conclusion. Solomon encourages finally and ultimately that following God is the chief end of man, but don’t wait to expend your entire life to come to this conclusion as he had, but rather learn this as a young man.  

Garrett, Duane A. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Vol. 14. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993. Print. The New American Commentary.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001. Print.

Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2013. Print.