10And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. 11And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. 13But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John….18Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” Luke 1:10–13, 18 (NASB95)
Sometimes it seems that you can pray for something so long and so earnestly, that when you finally do get an answer, it is hard to believe.
I love the opening account in Luke’s gospel of this man. Zacharias is described as a righteous man, walking blamelessly before the Lord in regard to all of the Law. What a testimony! His wife also was devout in every respect; however, even though they had been faithful, the answer to their heart’s prayer eluded them for many years. (Luke 1:6-7). It was in the course of Zacharias’ performance of Temple duties that God’s message came through. Zacharias was thrown at how to take the news. After all, he had prayed that same prayer for a son or daughter perhaps thousands of times. A couple of quick observations:
First, don’t give up praying. The answer may be closer than you think.
Second, God’s delay is not necessarily His denial.
Third, your desperation does not deter God’s able response. There was no physical explanation for how Zacharias and Elizabeth could conceive. It was practically and even physically impossible…except for God.
Fourth, stuff happens when people gather to pray. Did you notice that the people were assembled outside when Zacharias heard the answer. They were all praying together.
Finally, God’s will was not derailed by Zacharias’ lack of faith. If a lack of faith could stop God from bringing about His will, the world would be doomed.
*This devotional first appeared 03.19.2021 as part of the e-connect series at Englewood Baptist Church
14You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:14–17 (NASB95)
Jodi and I, Christmas 2020 with our grandson
Happy New Year! On this first day of 2021 we are reminded that life is a gift. None of us deserve today, or any day for that matter; yet, God has entrusted it to us. The idea of “entrusted” means that God has exercised trust in us that we will manage the gift of the day well. One thing is certain…today will be what we make it.
As we begin a new year, we also begin a new Bible reading plan together as a church family. What a PRIVILEGE to have access to the Word of God. We pray often as a gathered church for entire people groups around the world that do not know of Jesus, have no Scriptures in their language, and have no churches in their cities…while you and I have easy access to numerous resources. We can read the Scriptures in dozens of English translations and even in the original language with some training. What will you do with what has been entrusted to you?
The verses above appear in a certain context. They were written as an instruction to Timothy (and all of us by extension) in light of the fact that his world was becoming increasingly self-centered and God-averse. Against the backdrop of this ever-darkening outlook of humanity, Paul instructed Timothy to continue in the teachings that had been entrusted to him from childhood. The word “continue” is the Greek word meno, meaning remain or abide. It is familiar to us as it is the instruction of the Lord to us in John 15:5 (NASB95), “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. (emphasis added).
In the same way that our fruitful living (John 15:5) is tied to our abiding in Christ, our ability to stand firm in godliness in the world where we live is tied to abiding in the Scriptures.
Let me add two more caveats:
I have never met a person who grew in faithfulness and blessing in Christ that did not have a disciplined approach to Bible reading.
Second, if our God saw fit to reveal Himself to us through Holy Scripture, what exactly was it He desired and designed for us to know in His Word?
Perhaps you’ve read through the Bible before. If so, you’ve likely already committed to doing it again with us this year. However, if you have never undertaken the discipline (or haven’t yet completed a plan that you started), let me invite you to join me as we read through the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs together this year. WHAT IF God had a word for you and me this year and wanted to reveal it to us through our corporate reading plan? Would we allow Him to speak to us? Would we chase after Him together?
If you prefer (as I often do) to read from a traditional paper copy of the Scriptures, there are reading plan reminders and (wait for it) memory verse cards for every month available throughout the campus. You can also access these as well as a number of tools for those who prefer to use the EBC App or the Bible App. You can access them easily at this link: https://englewoodbaptist.com/everyday/
If you want to be part of a group that reads together on the Bible App, I am starting a group there as well. Simply click on these links to join my group (limited to the first 150 people).
The other pastors will likely start groups as well. You can start your own group! What if you started a group and invited your Connect Group, your soccer team, or your Facebook friends to join you?
Church, I LOVE YOU…and I am excited about all the Lord has in store for us TOGETHER in the coming year.
I enjoy feeding birds. Jodi and I have installed several feeders in the backyard and get the opportunity to watch many birds drop by for a snack. It is enjoyable and interesting to watch them.
Along with the birds, I have a number of uninvited guests. These tree rodents (you may call them squirrels) live in the woods near our home. They seem to think that if I put food out, it is fair game.
Now I will admit, though it may be only me, that I have given an inordinate amount of attention to these uninvited guests. In our last home, I kept a pellet rifle by the door and would sneak up on them (picture Elmer Fudd chasing Bugs Bunny) and shoot them off the feeder. My efforts typically resulted in a stunned squirrel breaking into a sprint once he hit the ground and scurrying away until I went back inside. I’ve since given up on this line of attack. Now, it is not terribly unusual to catch me raising a window or stepping onto the porch to clap my hands and tell them to leave. Yes, I actually talk to the squirrels! The problem is, as I make this ridiculous commotion, the birds also head for the hills!
I have noticed that, if I am not careful, I will spend more time considering the squirrels than enjoying the birds. I think about their habits, their lack of manners, the money they cost me in feed, the fact that they are not wearing masks or social distancing (ok, maybe not so much on the last part). I think about all of the starving birds in the world and the piles of wasted grain on the ground once a squirrel hits the feeder. But…rarely do I remember the birds.
I find that many people do the same thing, only in matters far more significant. They think about the vacation they cannot enjoy this year and lose sight of the dozens of vacations in the past. They think of the lost enjoyment of sports and lose sight of the many great times experiences they’ve had in years past. They think of the seemingly endless barrage of restrictions and lose sight of the immeasurable freedoms we all enjoy. They count the numbers of sick in the state and forget the countless numbers of healthy.
Much of life is informed by our focus. If our focus is on the blessings and benefits of the lives we enjoy…our perspective is relatively sunny. If we rehearse the things we have temporarily lost, we will wait on the proverbial “other shoe” to drop. If we obsess with the squirrels, we will miss the birds.
I. Miss. You. That truly is the sentiment of my heart. Someone once said that “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” In many respects that is true. In these days of intentional distancing for a gazillion good reasons, my heart has grown weary in longing for face-to-face community. HOW ABOUT YOU?
While we are so very grateful for the Lord’s grace through technology, how He has provided a way for the church scattered to be gathered through online worship experiences, Zoom groups, and social media, we also know that there is something special about gathering together physically. While the Old Testament rehearses allowances for worship, prayer, even instructions about giving offerings for those scattered and unable to join together, these instructions were an accommodation rather than ideal. Both Old and New Testament…the biblical ideal was for the church to physically worship together.
Does any of this inform us in the midst of COVID-19? I would argue that it does. The people of God are meant to gather. All over the world, believers go to great lengths to gather even in the face of governmental persecution. Others travel hours by foot, bicycle, automobile, rickshaw, bus, train, or trolley to gather in Christian community. The gathered church is instrumental in evangelizing those separated from God through proclamation as well as equipping, encouraging, and even exhorting one another to good works like proclaiming and applying the gospel to the lives of those around us.
With innumerable reasons to gather…and a deep desire to gather…are there reasons to remain scattered physically and gathered online? Yes…both good and bad.
A bad reason to remain scattered is fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God is not the One who gives us a spirit of fear; rather, He provides us with power, love, and discipline (a word speaking of self-discipline based on wisdom and understanding).
Another bad reason to remain scattered is governmental mandate. Even as I write this article, California state government has inserted itself into worship practices by outlawing corporate singing to God or gathering in groups the state deems too large. While the government cites health concerns, this rationale can become a very convenient vehicle for stifling the practices of our faith. These same governments even go as far as to point to virtual gathering as an acceptable faith alternative. Of course, determining what is “acceptable” worship is a bit above their paygrade. While we as believers are called to obey lawful authorities, we are never called to obey unlawful directives in opposition to God.
A good reason to remain scattered is meekness. Remember that Jesus identified “meekness” as a beatitude. Meekness is power under control. While we have power (the right and the ability to act) we choose to restrain the exercise of that power. If choosing to remain at home is an advantage to others, choosing to defer to the interests of others…meekness…is a good reason.
Another good reason is love. Love for one another and love of neighbor. If I have the flu, it would be an act of love not to place myself in a crowd of people. Doing so could cause them to be infected as well. Consequently, this is why I wear a mask. I want to mitigate my activity of moving about the community by wearing a mask (in case I have something and do not know it) and because doing so demonstrates my care and concern (insert love) toward my neighbors.
Another good reason is wisdom or self-discipline. That was the last of the graces that Paul listed in the verse above. For some who are immune-compromised or at higher risk, it would be crazy to expose themselves to risk unnecessarily. I say unnecessarily because if God directs them otherwise, then it would be crazier NOT to obey His leading. We can rely on information and judgment and self-discipline in being good stewards of our health.
In the days ahead, we as a church family will be making plans to reconnect in small groups, bible studies and other appropriate activities. We will choose to be meek, loving, and wise in how we do it, but we must seek a sustainable and edifying rhythm of worship, community, and mission. We NEED to be together. That’s not an idea of man, or men in church leadership…it is a design from God.
A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a citadel. Proverbs 18:19 (NASB)
John had enough! “I am sick and tired of these people telling me how to think and what to do,” he said. Then it happened. He wrote a lengthy but scathing post on his Facebook page ripping apart the very foundations of his “friend’s” argument. Now he did not name any names…but it was clear what he was talking about. When the post came across his friend’s newsfeed…he was hurt. Deeply. Hurt.
“It was true,” John declared. “Every word.” He continued, “if people are so sensitive that they can’t handle a little truth, then they should just get off of Facebook or stop following me.” Mary (John’s wife) pressed him to call and apologize. John did and his friend said it was ok…but their relationship was a little icy from that point forward. It was just not the same. What’s worse, John’s friend hit a rough patch in his marriage a few months later and because his connection with John had been damaged, John didn’t find out until the papers were filed.
While the story is fictitious, it really does represent a “mash up” of similar tales that are all too real. I am afraid that in our “speak truth” culture, we do damage to relational bridges far more often than we realize.
“I’m not wearing a mask! They don’t help anything and it is all a conspiracy anyway.”
“People who won’t wear a mask are ignorant and haven’t seen the research. It’s a small thing to ask, if you really care about people around you!”
Suddenly, good friends can find themselves no longer “good friends” or “friends at all” over some snappy retort or emotionally charged allegation. And to what end?
Jesus created all of us for relationships. We are to love “one another” in the body. That’s a command. We are to engage our culture and seek to bring everyone we meet into a “growing, reproducing relationship with Jesus Christ.” Yet, we set fire to relational bridges with the kindling of opinions and fuel of hubris. That is often not our intention. We don’t want to offend a brother or damage our gospel bridge…but we often do. Proverbs reminds us over and over of the danger of unchecked words. Here in today’s proverb, we find another truth…that once the relationship is damaged, it is harder to be recovered than breaking into the gates around Fort Knox.
Some years ago, I found myself working without the structure of an institutional environment. As a work-from-home salesperson, I had almost autonomous control over my schedule. As long as I made my required meetings and hit my assigned production levels, I was “pretty much” my own boss.
Recently, much of America has come to experience this reality for themselves. Many find themselves struggling with pretty common issues that this newfound autonomy brings. There are, though, a few tips…what I would call habits that I found to be helpful. The list is certainly not comprehensive and may not work for everyone; however, some form of these disciplines is essential to flourish in this season.
Habits:
Become your own boss. Most of us do not function well without accountability. We need some structure in our lives to function well. In essence, you have to put yourself in your boss’ (teacher/professor/employer’s) position and set out some measurables (boundaries) if you are to thrive. Examples include: What time do you begin each day? How long will you work? What must you accomplish that day?
Set your Alarm. Just because you don’t have to drive to the office is no reason to slumber on. Get up. Make the most of the time no longer spent commuting. Invest it in something meaningful.
Make your bed. Admiral McRaven gives a phenomenal talk on this subject. I’ve heard the talk many times and read the book by the same title. Listen/watch HERE.
Get dressed. Yep, it is novel to work in your PJs for a week or so but psychologically, something changes when we put on work clothes. Maybe not a coat and tie, but put the PJs away. Shave. Brush your teeth. Fix your hair.
Work a schedule. Some employers monitor this with software. They look to see if you’re logged in and if you are active at your remote workstation. Don’t wait on an employer or teacher to check. Implement your own schedule. Start at 8. Work 2 hours. Grab coffee. Work til lunch. Take a real lunch break. Work til afternoon break. Drink more coffee. Work til 5. Rinse and repeat. Your schedule may vary a little but use a calendar as a tool and schedule the time as if your employer were watching over your shoulder.
Stop working. This boundary is essential. If you answer mail and requests all through the night, you will feel as if you never stop working…even if you are only marginally effective during these times. Set a boundary on your clock.
Turn off the Alerts. Speaking of boundaries, give your full attention to the task ahead of you. That may mean closing your email app, shutting down notifications on social media or even putting your device on silent or night-mode. Every interruption reduces productivity.
If you’re distracted, take a break. Sometimes it doesn’t work. You’re as invested as you can be but your mind is wandering. Stop. Go for a 30-minute walk. Then go back to work.
Exercise. In a work from home environment, it is tempting to never leave home. To never leave your desk. Don’t fall for that trick. Schedule exercise every day. Walk. Ride a bike. Pick up heavy stuff. Do something that gets your heart rate up. Believe it or not, this will sharpen your focus at the office (even if that is in the corner of the dining room table).
Eat away from your desk. Sure, you could catch up on the news, multitask your email or catch up on Facebook while eating. When you do, you will cheat your mind out of needed rest. Honestly, you are not improving productivity; You are hurting it. Let your desk be the place where you work and the dining table be the place of food, fellowship, and relaxation.
Adopt efficient tools. I know many people hate lists and calendars. Use them anyway. These tools help you see what you have accomplished during the day. They keep you on task. Here’s a hack that will help you. Put your daily schedule on your calendar as appointments. When an interruption occurs, you can tell the person who texted you that you were in an appointment. Just because you can do it at your desk via Zoom, or it is an appointment for reading or praying doesn’t make it less of an appointment. By the way…it is your tool. If something you deem as priority arises, simply change your calendar. You own it.
Use the last 15 minutes (or 30 minutes if you need it) of your day to plan the next day. A mentor once taught me this in respect to writing. He said to always end a day’s writing by beginning the next paragraph, section, or chapter. It is far easier to regain momentum the next morning if you have a starting point. He called this starting on a downhill slope. Everyone who ever rode a bicycle can relate to this.
Major on effectiveness, not efficiency. It may be inefficient to interrupt your day to go for a lunchtime run, but if it makes you more effective then I might argue that the effectiveness actually makes you more efficient. Two observations on this: I study better in the mornings. As a pastor, I find that my mind is sharper in the morning so when I am preparing for sermons, I like to do so before lunch. I try to schedule accordingly. Second, I find that a 20-minute nap (or resting my brain) in the afternoon improves my productivity. Don’t steal time from your employer or your teacher for this. Invest the last 15-20 minutes of your lunch break for it.
Build next week’s calendar on Friday. Take the needed time on Friday before you quit work to put the major milestones on the next week’s schedule. Put in the appointments for exercise, reading/studying/praying/meditating. Mark off time for correspondence (written and phone) and any teleconference meetings. Treat these like hard appointments so when new requests come in on Monday, you have already plugged in the big milestones as priorities.
These habits will need to be personalized a bit for you, of course. That’s ok. All of them have been inspired by others in my life through the years. What I have learned though, is that when I honor these habits, I am actually more effective and more efficient. I find that my anxiousness is reduced, and I am not crunched as badly on deadlines. Plus…I feel like I get to “shut it off” without guilt when I want to close the laptop and put my phone on silent.
If you have some favorites…pass them along in the comments below. I love learning what works for others.
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