Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow on Groundhog Day this year which means, according to those who believe in such things, that we will have an early spring. Now I must say that I am not a true believer in Phil's ability to predict the weather, but I must admit, any prediction for an early spring is something I would like to believe in! Who knows, he either does or does not see his shadow...a fifty/fifty proposition. Chances are pretty good that he could be right.
We spend a great deal of our time in wishful thinking. When it comes to the weather, the meteorologists have their computer models and maps, but their forecasts are still simply predictions based on what they think will happen. Yes, their technology has improved through the years, but the outcomes are often still uncertain, mostly because they cannot control the weather. I suppose that often our wishful thinking focuses on things beyond our control. We wish for what we do not have or for what we want to happen. Sometimes those wishes come true, and sometimes....
In the midst of uncertain times, Paul spoke not of wishful thinking, but bold assurance: "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day." (II TImothy 1:12, TNIV) He believed the gospel message of Jesus Christ to be trustworthy and he gave himself fully in living that truth before the world.
D.L. Moody, nineteenth-century evangelist, once said that the world has yet to see what God can do with one man (or woman) completely committed to Him. The challenge of Moody's words may seem a bit overwhelming to us, and as a result, we are sometimes more comfortable "playing the percentages" of our wishful thinking instead of boldly stepping out in faith to trust the Lord.
I don"t know the accuracy of Punxsutawney Phil's record, but I doubt there are too many people swayed by his annual February predictions. Trusting fully in the living God, however, I can live with assurance in the One who has promised never to leave or forsake me. I don't have to look for a shadow...I believe in the resurrected Christ! That is good news you and I can count on!
Jim Abernathy
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Real Power
"Summon your power, O God," the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 68:28. Though not written for my particular context, about three o'clock this morning, it would have been a worthy prayer. Like some of you, our power went off Wednesday evening just before 7:30 and did not come back on until around 5:30 this morning. Candles and flashlights were dug out of drawers and layers of clothing were applied, particularly as we slept the last two nights. Rumors were rampant in the neighborhood about when the power would be restored and I, and others, became quite familiar with the automated customer service line at Dominion Power. I must tell you, it is an altogether unsatisfying experience in the midst of a power outage to have your options for help limited to the actions of pressing the numbers 1,2, or 3 on one's telephone keypad. Perhaps the height of frustration came Thursday morning around 7:15 when the company's automated system called to inform me that the power was back on in my community. I patiently waited for the third option after this declaration and pressed three to announce that our power was indeed NOT ON!!! A call later in the day brought news that the power would be restored between 5 and 11 pm Thursday evening, but that did not materialize either. I grew weary of pressing numbers and went on to bed in a 45 degree room until the light by the bed suddenly came on at 5:30, letting me know that power had been restored and soon HEAT would be flowing through the vents.
Going nearly 36 hours without power is a fairly insignificant thing for most of us when compared with the problems so many face in our world...more inconvenience than anything else, yet, another reminder that life takes interesting turns, often with little if any notice. As a response to the offering Sunday morning we will sing, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name, On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand." To stand on the solid rock of Jesus Christ is stand firm, to find strength and power to face moments of loss, disappointment, and struggle. We serve a God whose power is not threatened by life's storms, whose promise is to always be with us. That indeed is a better guarantee than Dominion Power can give, and I also don't have to press any numbers on a key pad to access this power.
As I write this note I am at home. I hear the dryer going, as well as the furnace and have light to work as I type on my computer. Electrical power is wonderful. But the power of God, summoned on our behalf through the blessing of faith in Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit, truly empower our daily living. Let us stand on that rock and know the power of God at work within us.
Jim Abernathy
Going nearly 36 hours without power is a fairly insignificant thing for most of us when compared with the problems so many face in our world...more inconvenience than anything else, yet, another reminder that life takes interesting turns, often with little if any notice. As a response to the offering Sunday morning we will sing, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name, On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand." To stand on the solid rock of Jesus Christ is stand firm, to find strength and power to face moments of loss, disappointment, and struggle. We serve a God whose power is not threatened by life's storms, whose promise is to always be with us. That indeed is a better guarantee than Dominion Power can give, and I also don't have to press any numbers on a key pad to access this power.
As I write this note I am at home. I hear the dryer going, as well as the furnace and have light to work as I type on my computer. Electrical power is wonderful. But the power of God, summoned on our behalf through the blessing of faith in Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit, truly empower our daily living. Let us stand on that rock and know the power of God at work within us.
Jim Abernathy
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
"...even if you don't ever die."
I heard an interesting commercial on a satellite radio station while on the road this past week. Commercials on satellite stations seem to have a fairly narrow window of advertisers, many in the financial industry, or at least so it seems to me.
The particular commercial that got my attention was about life insurance, and of course, how this particular company could save the insured lots of money, while providing generously for his or her family. Sounds like a good idea, but near the end of the commercial, a claim was made that caught my attention and strained the limits of truth in advertising. The announcer said, "...we have some term policies that build cash value that you can cash in, even if you don't ever die." "...even if you don't ever die..." I wondered if I heard that right, or perhaps had missed something along the way, but it was later confirmed that indeed I had heard it right.
Perhaps this company knows something that I do not, but I have always labored under the assumption that death comes to us all. Hasn't it been said that death and taxes are the two things we cannot avoid? The certainty of death is chronicled in Hebrews 9:27, as the writer proclaims, "... people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment..." Perhaps that wasn't the encouraging word you hoped for...perhaps you want to find out more about the perspective of the particular insurance company in the radio ad. Before you get too nervous, let's finish the thought of the writer of Hebrews who continues in verse 28, "so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."
From the perspective of faith in Jesus Christ, there is the possibility of escaping death, but only if Jesus returns during our lifetime. There are currently a few "followers" who believe this will happen in May of 2011, information they seem to have that Jesus said even he did not possess. Whether Jesus returns in May or a thousand years from now, death is not a threat to those who believe Jesus to be the resurrection and the life. In Him I can claim the promise of His word as he said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." (John 11:25-26)
Life is eternal, not because of the claims of an insurance company, but by faith in the living Christ. It is good to adequately prepare financially for your family in the event of your death, but the greater preparation is made in knowing Christ and living in hope because of that relationship. When you write out that check to your insurance company this month or this quarter, give thanks that you can provide for your loved ones, but better still, thank God for a greater hope and provision through Jesus Christ.
The particular commercial that got my attention was about life insurance, and of course, how this particular company could save the insured lots of money, while providing generously for his or her family. Sounds like a good idea, but near the end of the commercial, a claim was made that caught my attention and strained the limits of truth in advertising. The announcer said, "...we have some term policies that build cash value that you can cash in, even if you don't ever die." "...even if you don't ever die..." I wondered if I heard that right, or perhaps had missed something along the way, but it was later confirmed that indeed I had heard it right.
Perhaps this company knows something that I do not, but I have always labored under the assumption that death comes to us all. Hasn't it been said that death and taxes are the two things we cannot avoid? The certainty of death is chronicled in Hebrews 9:27, as the writer proclaims, "... people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment..." Perhaps that wasn't the encouraging word you hoped for...perhaps you want to find out more about the perspective of the particular insurance company in the radio ad. Before you get too nervous, let's finish the thought of the writer of Hebrews who continues in verse 28, "so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."
From the perspective of faith in Jesus Christ, there is the possibility of escaping death, but only if Jesus returns during our lifetime. There are currently a few "followers" who believe this will happen in May of 2011, information they seem to have that Jesus said even he did not possess. Whether Jesus returns in May or a thousand years from now, death is not a threat to those who believe Jesus to be the resurrection and the life. In Him I can claim the promise of His word as he said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." (John 11:25-26)
Life is eternal, not because of the claims of an insurance company, but by faith in the living Christ. It is good to adequately prepare financially for your family in the event of your death, but the greater preparation is made in knowing Christ and living in hope because of that relationship. When you write out that check to your insurance company this month or this quarter, give thanks that you can provide for your loved ones, but better still, thank God for a greater hope and provision through Jesus Christ.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Treasures Beyond Black Friday
The term "Black Friday" was first used in in the nineteenth century after a catastrophic day on Wall Street. Since, there have been "Black Mondays" and probably other "Black" days to signify big losses in the financial markets.
In 1966, the term "Black Friday" was used in Philadelphia by local police to identify what was for them, one of the worst traffic days of the year in the downtown area as people flooded the streets to shop the day after Thanksgiving. In the mid seventies the term began to catch on in other areas, signifying the profits retailers hoped to make the day after Thanksgiving. Today it is term that describes a shopping craze noted by stores that open at midnight, have shoppers camping outside their doors overnight to be first in line for those one-of-a-kind "door-buster" sales. It is chaos that I have chosen not to participate in anymore, particularly since I have learned the joys of on-line shopping. My computer is my "Black Friday" friend!
There was a degree of chaos the first Christmas as well. This chaos was not created by frenzied shopping, but rather, the burden of taxation. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for the census even though she was due to give birth to her first child very soon. No rooms could be found for them to find rest...ultimately a stable was secured and there, the Savior of the world was born. No "one-day-sales" ensued, in fact the first visitors who came to see the child were the poorest of society, shepherds who said to each other after the angels announced to them the birth of Jesus, ""Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." (The Message) I suppose the first rush of Christmas was to see the Christ-child. What a novel idea...drop everything and come to Jesus!
Perhaps the shepherd's example is one we should follow as well. In the midst of a season often characterized by distraction and chaotic frenzy, we are called once more to hear the angel's proclamation of good news and come at once to the manger to see God's great gift of love. The treasures of Black Friday cannot compare.
As we begin the season of Advent,come, join us as we make our way to Bethlehem "to see for ourselves what God has revealed to us."
Jim Abernathy
In 1966, the term "Black Friday" was used in Philadelphia by local police to identify what was for them, one of the worst traffic days of the year in the downtown area as people flooded the streets to shop the day after Thanksgiving. In the mid seventies the term began to catch on in other areas, signifying the profits retailers hoped to make the day after Thanksgiving. Today it is term that describes a shopping craze noted by stores that open at midnight, have shoppers camping outside their doors overnight to be first in line for those one-of-a-kind "door-buster" sales. It is chaos that I have chosen not to participate in anymore, particularly since I have learned the joys of on-line shopping. My computer is my "Black Friday" friend!
There was a degree of chaos the first Christmas as well. This chaos was not created by frenzied shopping, but rather, the burden of taxation. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for the census even though she was due to give birth to her first child very soon. No rooms could be found for them to find rest...ultimately a stable was secured and there, the Savior of the world was born. No "one-day-sales" ensued, in fact the first visitors who came to see the child were the poorest of society, shepherds who said to each other after the angels announced to them the birth of Jesus, ""Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." (The Message) I suppose the first rush of Christmas was to see the Christ-child. What a novel idea...drop everything and come to Jesus!
Perhaps the shepherd's example is one we should follow as well. In the midst of a season often characterized by distraction and chaotic frenzy, we are called once more to hear the angel's proclamation of good news and come at once to the manger to see God's great gift of love. The treasures of Black Friday cannot compare.
As we begin the season of Advent,come, join us as we make our way to Bethlehem "to see for ourselves what God has revealed to us."
Jim Abernathy
Friday, November 12, 2010
Kids Say the Darndest Things
Art Linkletter made a career out of the phrase, "Kids Say the Darndest Things." Now some of you may not know who Art Linkletter was...ask your parent or grandparent and chances are, they will know who he was. The son of a minister, he came to television in the 50' and 60's by interviewing children on a variety of subjects, getting their perspective on life issues that often brought laughter, and sometimes a poignant moment when the words of a child captured truth in a powerful way.
I'm not sure why I thought of Art Linketter this evening...haven't seen his old show in probably thirty years. Perhaps it was the encounter I had this morning with a few hundred fourth-sixth graders at Navy Elementary School in Fairfax. Their music teacher, who by the way also says the darndest things from time to time, invited me to attend a special assembly the children were leading in recognition of Veteran's Day. They sang patriotic songs, led the pledge of allegiance, shared essays they had written about the significance of the day, and also asked a lot of great questions of a United States Navy Reserve pilot who spoke to them about his experience flying Navy jets. They asked him if had ever crashed, dropped a bomb, or landed on an air craft carrier. His answers were met with smiles and an occasional look of wonder, followed quickly by more hands raised with more excited voices wanting to ask questions.
There were several veterans in the room who enjoyed this give and take, fascinated by the rapt attention of the usually squirmy children, and appreciative that these young minds were focused on the service and sacrifice of those much older than they. I walked away from that assembly having been instructed well by these young teachers. They taught me the darndest thing...they taught me lessons of appreciation and honor...sacrifice and service...wonder and awe. Perhaps Art Linkletter had it a bit backwards several decades ago...maybe the real challenge was not in the answers children often give, but rather in the questions they ask.
As Veteran's Day passes from the calendar for another year, I am grateful for lessons learned from the questions of children, and for the willingness of so many men and women to serve this nation so faithfully. Children will keep asking questions...may we all keep remembering the blessings of freedom made possible by those who answered their nation's call.
Jim Abernathy
I'm not sure why I thought of Art Linketter this evening...haven't seen his old show in probably thirty years. Perhaps it was the encounter I had this morning with a few hundred fourth-sixth graders at Navy Elementary School in Fairfax. Their music teacher, who by the way also says the darndest things from time to time, invited me to attend a special assembly the children were leading in recognition of Veteran's Day. They sang patriotic songs, led the pledge of allegiance, shared essays they had written about the significance of the day, and also asked a lot of great questions of a United States Navy Reserve pilot who spoke to them about his experience flying Navy jets. They asked him if had ever crashed, dropped a bomb, or landed on an air craft carrier. His answers were met with smiles and an occasional look of wonder, followed quickly by more hands raised with more excited voices wanting to ask questions.
There were several veterans in the room who enjoyed this give and take, fascinated by the rapt attention of the usually squirmy children, and appreciative that these young minds were focused on the service and sacrifice of those much older than they. I walked away from that assembly having been instructed well by these young teachers. They taught me the darndest thing...they taught me lessons of appreciation and honor...sacrifice and service...wonder and awe. Perhaps Art Linkletter had it a bit backwards several decades ago...maybe the real challenge was not in the answers children often give, but rather in the questions they ask.
As Veteran's Day passes from the calendar for another year, I am grateful for lessons learned from the questions of children, and for the willingness of so many men and women to serve this nation so faithfully. Children will keep asking questions...may we all keep remembering the blessings of freedom made possible by those who answered their nation's call.
Jim Abernathy
Friday, October 29, 2010
The Wonder of God's Creation
Our WWW.go group enjoyed their "leaf peeping" trip this week and it looks like this weekend will be prime time for taking in the wonders of God's great canvas known as Autumn.
Ever hard to please, we sometimes complain about the inconsistency of the fall foliage. Perhaps we would rather have a switch that simply turned the colors from green to yellow, orange, or red, but that's not how it works. Temperature, moisture, and the type of tree all are factors in the transformation process we see in the seasons. Like many things the Creator has made, we want to think that we could improve upon it in some way, but how can that be done??? The beauty and wonder of nature is not dependent on human improvement. God, the Eternal One, the Maker of heaven and earth has fashioned this world, and like the Psalmist, we must come before God to affirm the glorious things that God has done. In Psalm 8, the writer proclaims, "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers...what are mere mortals that you are mindful of them." To view and experience the wonder of God's creation is to marvel at all that God has done and to praise God in everything.
As you look around you during this season and notice that some trees are ablaze with color while others are more muted, while still others seem to have little color, recognize that God is at work in all things, and that everything God has made is beautiful in its own way, and that includes you!
Enjoy the view!!!
Jim
Ever hard to please, we sometimes complain about the inconsistency of the fall foliage. Perhaps we would rather have a switch that simply turned the colors from green to yellow, orange, or red, but that's not how it works. Temperature, moisture, and the type of tree all are factors in the transformation process we see in the seasons. Like many things the Creator has made, we want to think that we could improve upon it in some way, but how can that be done??? The beauty and wonder of nature is not dependent on human improvement. God, the Eternal One, the Maker of heaven and earth has fashioned this world, and like the Psalmist, we must come before God to affirm the glorious things that God has done. In Psalm 8, the writer proclaims, "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers...what are mere mortals that you are mindful of them." To view and experience the wonder of God's creation is to marvel at all that God has done and to praise God in everything.
As you look around you during this season and notice that some trees are ablaze with color while others are more muted, while still others seem to have little color, recognize that God is at work in all things, and that everything God has made is beautiful in its own way, and that includes you!
Enjoy the view!!!
Jim
Friday, September 17, 2010
What a Fellowship!!!
We announce to you what we have seen and heard, because we want you also to have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with God the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
We write this to you so we may be full of joy." (I John 1:3-4)
Fellowship is an important element of community life, particularly within the church. Now I'm not just talking about pitch-in meals, picnics, homemade ice-cream fellowships, or receptions that Baptist churches are known for...though at Westwood these make for some mighty fine culinary experiences! Fellowship within the church cannot be defined by a particular event or setting. Fellowship might best be defined within the context of the local church as the quality of love shared among the people, that reaches within and beyond that particular people.
Case in point, the fellowship at Westwood has been wonderfully displayed over the past ten days in response to the tragedy in the Nelson family. When news began to spread about Garrick Nelson's tragic death, calls began to come in to the church office..."What can I do to help?" Many have not only asked, but acted to provide meals to Jamie and her family, volunteer their time in the church office during Jamie's absence, bring food for and/or serve at the reception following the funeral to name just a few things that have been done. Westwood also welcomed and expanded our sense of community as hundreds of people attended the memorial service for Garrick, a good number of whom do not attend our church...some who attend no church. Again and again I heard from them what I often hear about Westwood..."This is a warm and welcoming church." I agree. I believe we take seriously the meaning of fellowship, loving and embracing those who are known to us and those we meet for the first time. To welcome others in Jesus name, whether their hearts are heavy because of tragic loss, or whether they are visiting with us for the first time while searching for a new church home, as we greet them with the love and compassion of Christ, we open doors for the Spirit of God to work.
Our fellowship is built on relationship with the Creator God and with the Son, Jesus Christ, as John wrote. We show that such fellowship is authentic when we embrace each other and the world around us in the name of Christ. As a result, blessings abound in words of compassion, smiles of affirmation, hugs of encouragement, and other wonderful expressions of fellowship.
With gratitude to God for sharing in such fellowship through the community of faith known as Westwood Baptist Church, I am indeed blessed, as are you. Let us be "full of Joy" as God continues to be at work in our fellowship.
What a fellowship...what a joy divine!!!
Jim Abernathy
We write this to you so we may be full of joy." (I John 1:3-4)
Fellowship is an important element of community life, particularly within the church. Now I'm not just talking about pitch-in meals, picnics, homemade ice-cream fellowships, or receptions that Baptist churches are known for...though at Westwood these make for some mighty fine culinary experiences! Fellowship within the church cannot be defined by a particular event or setting. Fellowship might best be defined within the context of the local church as the quality of love shared among the people, that reaches within and beyond that particular people.
Case in point, the fellowship at Westwood has been wonderfully displayed over the past ten days in response to the tragedy in the Nelson family. When news began to spread about Garrick Nelson's tragic death, calls began to come in to the church office..."What can I do to help?" Many have not only asked, but acted to provide meals to Jamie and her family, volunteer their time in the church office during Jamie's absence, bring food for and/or serve at the reception following the funeral to name just a few things that have been done. Westwood also welcomed and expanded our sense of community as hundreds of people attended the memorial service for Garrick, a good number of whom do not attend our church...some who attend no church. Again and again I heard from them what I often hear about Westwood..."This is a warm and welcoming church." I agree. I believe we take seriously the meaning of fellowship, loving and embracing those who are known to us and those we meet for the first time. To welcome others in Jesus name, whether their hearts are heavy because of tragic loss, or whether they are visiting with us for the first time while searching for a new church home, as we greet them with the love and compassion of Christ, we open doors for the Spirit of God to work.
Our fellowship is built on relationship with the Creator God and with the Son, Jesus Christ, as John wrote. We show that such fellowship is authentic when we embrace each other and the world around us in the name of Christ. As a result, blessings abound in words of compassion, smiles of affirmation, hugs of encouragement, and other wonderful expressions of fellowship.
With gratitude to God for sharing in such fellowship through the community of faith known as Westwood Baptist Church, I am indeed blessed, as are you. Let us be "full of Joy" as God continues to be at work in our fellowship.
What a fellowship...what a joy divine!!!
Jim Abernathy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
