PastorTim

PASS THE SALT

I have decided this week that rather than salt my food for the next few month’s, I’ll just rub it on my car before eating it! So does your car resemble a powdered doughnut right about now as well? Not much we can do about it except wash them quickly so they can get white washed again in a day or so. Oh well, such are the winters in central Ohio. Just think what those poor Florida folks are missing out on! Salt’s not the worst thing in the world in fact it does come in mighty handy, and tasty at times. Sodium is an extremely active element found naturally only in combined form; it always links itself to another element. Chlorine, on the other hand, is the poisonous gas that gives bleach its offensive odor. When sodium and chlorine are combined, the result is sodium chloride, common table salt. The substance we use to preserve meat and bring out its flavor. Love and truth can be like sodium and chlorine. Love without truth is flighty, sometimes blind, willing to combine with various doctrines. On the other hand, truth by itself can be offensive, sometimes even upsetting. Spoken without love, it can turn people away from the gospel. When truth and love are combined in an individual or a church, however, then we have what Jesus called "the salt of the earth," and we're able to preserve and bring out the beauty of our faith.

When speaking to a multitude of people gathered around him on a hillside, Jesus began to give detailed instruction on how we are to affect the world in which we live. “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light candles and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.” Salt and light Jesus says. That’s what we are to be. Salt preserves, which in essence means that it stops the process of decay. Oh how the world today needs Godly men and women who bring flavor and life to a dark and needy land. I still believe that Christ followers should be the most enjoyable people to be around that anyone can find. There should be in each of us a joy that is encouraging to all that we come into contact with. Jesus also said that we are to be light. Light among many other things dispels darkness. Wherever light is, darkness can no longer take control. The light and understanding that the many are searching for today can be found in a right relationship with Jesus Christ.

I have met such people. Men and women who embodied Jesus words and truly were Salt and Light. I remember a Vacation Bible School at a Church of the Nazarene in Southern Ohio back in the early 1990’s. All week long the children had learned about Jesus and what he did during his earthly ministry. On the last night of VBS, an elderly local Pastor by the name of Sutor Hoople was to speak to the children. His message was simple and very easy for them to understand. He shared about Gods love in such a way that each of the children listened very intently to each word he spoke. When it was over and he had left, one of the children came up to the VBS director and asked, “was that Jesus?” Wow! What a powerful accusation to make! They didn’t know the man very well, but they knew who Jesus was! I wonder what would happen in the world today if more Christians simply reminded people of Jesus? We would probably see the church’s influence grow as never before. That’s our calling isn’t it? To be salt and light, and in doing so we will be found guilty of the same charge, reminding others of Jesus.

 

When Benjamin Franklin wished to interest the people of Philadelphia in street lighting, he didn't try to persuade them by just talking about it. He hung a beautiful lantern on a long bracket in front of his home. He kept the glass highly polished. Every evening at the approach of dusk, he carefully lit the wick. People saw the light from a distance and when they walked in its light, found that it helped them to avoid sharp stones on the pavement. Others placed light at their homes, and soon Philadelphia recognized the need for street lighting. As others learn of the peace and joy you have in your life in Christ, they will recognize their need for Him. Your witness through personal testimony may be just what someone is waiting for! Are you ready to Pass The Salt?

 

 

UNDER GOD

Though cupid finds a prominent spot on the calendar this month “this is officially a hint for all the guys out there!” we also pause to remember two of our greatest past presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The origin of Presidents’ Day lies in the 1880s, when the birthday of Washington, the commander of the Continental Army during the revolutionary war and our first president was celebrated as a federal holiday. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which moved a number of federal holidays to Mondays. During debate on the bill, it was proposed that Washington’s Birthday be renamed Presidents’ Day to honor the birthdays of both Washington (February 22) and Lincoln (February 12); although Lincoln’s birthday was celebrated in many states, it was never an official federal holiday. As a proud American and an American history aficionado I have always been drawn to the following phrase given to us by President Washington in his farewell address where he reminded us “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” Our founding Father knew not only of God’s amazing provision throughout the conflict with Great Britain, but realized that this new nation would need God’s provision and blessing in it’s future. Before I mention a notable phrase given to us by President Lincoln let mention one more historic day that is remembered in February. I was reminded just this week by my good friend David Barton and Wall Builders ministry that February 7 is a notable date for the acknowledgment of God in modern America: it is the day that a sermon was preached before President Dwight D. Eisenhower, suggesting that the words "under God" be added to the pledge. The Rev. George M. Docherty, pastor of New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D. C, preached the sermon. This sermon was preached for Lincoln Day, and it had a great impact on those listening, including President Eisenhower, who was seated in the same pew that Abraham Lincoln had regularly occupied in that church as President. In that sermon which found it’s scripture text in Galatians 3:28 which says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” Docherty stated: At this season of anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, it will not be inappropriate to speak about this freedom, and what is called the American way of life…. then referencing the short address President Lincoln gave at the dedication of a battlefield cemetery in a small town in Pennsylvania by the name of Gettysburg he said, “Lincoln claimed that it was under God that this nation shall know a new birth of freedom, and by implication it is under God that “government, of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth”. He made the point that the American pledge as it then existed could just have been recited by citizens from any country, even those from communistic nations that hated God. The day following the sermon, U. S. Rep. Charles Oakman from Michigan introduced a Joint Resolution (H. J. Res 371) to add the words "Under God" into the pledge, explaining: Mr. Speaker, I think Mr. Docherty hit the nail squarely on the head. One of the most fundamental differences between the Communists and us is our belief in God. Two days later, on February 10th, Senator Homer Ferguson from Michigan introduced the Senate Joint Resolution (S.J. 126), explaining to the Senate: Our nation is founded on a fundamental believe in God, and the first and most important reason for the existence of our government is to protect the God-given rights of our citizens. Indeed, Mr. President, over one of the doorways to this very Chamber inscribed in the marble are the words “In God We Trust.” Unless those words amount to more than a carving in stone, our country will never be able to defend itself. These resolutions were passed, and on June 14, 1954 (Flag Day), President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill into law, officially adding the words "under God" into the Pledge of Allegiance, telling the nation: From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty. To anyone who truly loves America, nothing could be more inspiring than to contemplate this rededication of our youth, on each school morning, to our countries true meaning . . .. In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons, which forever will be our country's most powerful resource, in peace or in war. Who could have imagined that a single sermon could have such an impact? Yet American history is full of such accounts. On February 7th, take time to remember that we are indeed "one nation under God."

I WANT TO BE LIKE THAT!

It is from him I learned a love for history. It could have been the stamp collection he helped me start or perhaps it was because I can always remember him being an antique dealer. Whatever the reason I find myself today with a plethora of books and old documents that I have collected and appreciated and more importantly learned from. I learned the importance of good grooming from this man. When I was barely old enough to be enamored by watching him shave he took an old razor, removed the blade, bought me my very own can of Colgate shaving cream and bottle of Aqua Velva, then stood me on a chair next to him in the bathroom so I could shave like papaw. He displayed for me what it was to be a gentleman, by among many things by always opening the door for my grandmother, a trait which he displayed until she passed away a few years back after 69 years of marriage. My Grandpa is my buddy and my hero, a man who’s responsible for some of the greatest memories I possess. And let me tell you that humor makes up a good portion of those memories! A few years back Grandpa shared with me, “Son, I’ve been married to your grandmother for 67 years now. I have traveled the world, I’ve seen beauty both far and wide, why I’ve even heard everything there is to hear and I want to tell you one of the most important things you’ll ever need to know about marriage, No man was ever shot by his wife while cleaning the house!” See what I mean? All of this floods my mind because last night we escorted Grandpa Henson to the local hospice for what could be the last chapter of his life. He is 94 years old and yet still is the gentleman and Christian I have always known him to be.

 

Now that I find myself being a Grandpa and thinking about my own it occurs to me that I want to be a grandpa like that!  I remember reading what children thought Grandparents were. And I quote, “Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come to see them. They are so old they shouldn't play hard or run. It is good if they drive us to the shops and give us money.” Also,  “When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.” “They don't say, 'Hurry up.”  “They can take their teeth and gums out.” and, “When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the same story over again.” A 6 year old was asked where his grandma lived. “Oh,” he said, “she lives at the airport, and when we want her we just go and pick her up. Then when we are done having her we take her back and drop her off.” I just love how kids think!

 

What really stands out to me as I walk with my grandpa through this difficult time is the reality of the influence each of us possess in our lifetimes. Whether good or bad, we do have an influence. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Ronald Reagan once wrote, “No one denies there was such a man, that he lived and that he was put to death by crucifixion. Where...is the miracle I spoke of? Well consider this and let your imagination translate the story into our own time -- possibly to your own hometown. A young man whose father is a carpenter grows up working in his father's shop. One day he puts down his tools and walks out of his father's shop. He starts preaching on street corners and in the nearby countryside, walking from place to place, preaching all the while, even though he is not an ordained minister. He does this for three years. Then he is arrested, tried and convicted. There is no court of appeal, so he is executed at age 33 along with two common thieves. Those in charge of his execution roll dice to see who gets his clothing -- the only possessions he has. His family cannot afford a burial place for him so he is interred in a borrowed tomb. End of story? No, this uneducated, property less young man who...left no written word has, for 2000 years, had a greater effect on the world than all the rulers, kings, emperors; all the conquerors, generals and admirals, all the scholars, scientists and philosophers who have ever lived -- all of them put together. How do we explain that? Unless he really was who he said he was." So how is your influence? You do have one you know. Maybe the question should be this. Can someone say of your life, I want to be like that?

Grandpa above and below with Grandma, the love of his life!