A Guy with a Mop

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 (New American Standard Bible)

One of my most memorable experiences with the wisdom of King Solomon came one day while I was working at a local hospital in the house keeping department. My supervisor assigned a young fellow, new to the job, to me to take around the hospital and acquaint him with things and with what needed to be done on a daily basis. We were chatting as I finished mopping an area of tile floor that went out to the loading dock. As I was wringing out my mop two women from the hospital offices came through as my charge and I continued our friendly conversation. All of a sudden our chat was broken by a loud voice strained with subdued fury. “Hey, you with the mop.” We looked up. One of the women was pointing her finger at me. I remember her friend had lowered her eyes in embarrassment. The lady speaking went on to say to me, “This floor is way too wet. Your carelessness is going to cause someone to slip and get hurt. You need to pay attention and be more careful!” I looked down at the floor and saw it was the normal dampness after having been mopped. As I stared at the floor for those fleeting seconds I was thinking shall I be defiant? My mind was going over some really harsh words. What to say, what to say?

Then today’s verse came to mind. I looked all around me at the freshly mopped floor and raised my eyes to her. She was glaring at me, daring me to defy her. I said gently, “Yes ma’am, it is a little wetter than it ought to be isn’t it? I will be more careful in the future. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.” The steam went out of her and her mouth actually dropped open. Her friend’s eyes went wide with surprise too. Not knowing what else to say my antagonist replied, “Well, you just watch what you’re doing or I’ll report you to management.” Having been deprived of ammunition to continue her attack she and her friend hurriedly exited the area. My young apprentice looked at me and said, “Man, I wouldn’t have been that nice. I would have told her where to go.” I told him “I can’t respond with that kind of gentleness and restraint on my own. Only the power and grace of Christ could make me answer like that. That lady could have just been chewed out by her supervisor or had a tiff with her husband this morning and her reaction was just a symptom of her anger and frustration. I just happened to be handy to lay it on.” He looked thoughtful and we continued our training.

I wish I could be consistent in answering with a soft answer all the time, but alas I am not. I’m just glad there really is Power through the Holy Spirit that strengthens me to respond and not react. Knee jerk reactions can eventually cripple our walk with Jesus. Who knows but that lady went home that evening and after considering my response may have said to her family, “I had the strangest encounter today with a guy with a mop.” A soft answer may not be what we want to give in moments of stress and attack, but they really do turn away wrath and in the process demonstrate the greater power of Christ in our lives to those around us.

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com

Laminin

And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Ephesians 1:17(New American Standard Bible)

Have you ever heard of laminin (lam-eh-nen)? I recently learned about it and in doing so my view of Christ as Creator was once again vindicated. Laminin is the cell adhesion molecule that holds our bodies together and is the body’s reinforcing steel, like human “rebar.” I was pretty astounded at what this little protein molecule does but was even more amazed when I saw the basic structure of it. In the last few years science has been able to identify what this molecule looks like. Its physical properties remind us of both Christ the Creator and Christ the Redeemer. Below is a picture of what it looks like. If you Google laminin you can see an actual molecule of it that was magnified by an electron microscope.










The Word of God tells us that everything that is was made by Christ and there is nothing that exists that was not made by Him (John 1:3). But the holding power of Christ goes far beyond this incredible molecule that He made for us to hold our bodies together. Jesus said that everyone the Father has given into His hand will be held by Him and not be cast away or lost. His holding power is beyond anything we can imagine and is proof on a daily basis that His Almighty power keeps us, protects us and encourages us in the meaning of who He is as our Creator and God. He holds us through any and all circumstances. Does Satan hold the upper hand? He may for a brief moment but history has shown that all his devices are outwitted and overcome by the mighty Wisdom and Power of Christ who is God in the flesh. Christ is the Creator of all things and even more the Lord of all things. He has all authority and is interested in us down to the molecular level and even to the smallest details of our lives, thoughts and needs. He holds us in His hand and will not let us go (John 10:28). Laminin may be the glue that holds our bodies together but Christ Jesus is the power that holds us in His hand and no occurrence, power or thing will be able to snatch us out of it. How special, loved and cared for we are by the Maker of all things. We are truly marked for majesty.

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com

Four, Five and Sixers

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 (New American Standard Version)

When I was a kid some of the most unclean and polluted expressions were set in four letter words. I suppose things haven’t changed that much. Why so many cuss words came in four letters is still a mystery to me. As a youngster I observed that using one of those four letter words around an adult was pretty much the Kiss of Death.

It was surprising, then, as I grew older, that I realized there was a four letter word Christians used without moderation and which hardly even raised an eyebrow by believer or nonbeliever alike. That four letter word was j-e-r-k; ‘jerk.’ I used it myself with impunity, aiming it first in school at fellow students, and as I became older other drivers and even bosses, certain pastors and some brothers and sisters in Christ. There are other words too. Five and sixers, like ‘idiot’ and ‘doofus.’ One day, by God’s mercy and grace, I came to realize the words themselves were just guttural sounds and disappeared into the air the moment I uttered them, however it wasn’t the words themselves that Jesus condemned but the contempt of my heart that caused me to say them.

I had become desensitized to their use. Like the science experiment where one can boil a frog by putting it in cold water and turning up the fire I was taught to look at the words as evil (the cold water) and ignore the contemptuous spirit behind them (the fire). I slowly allowed my conscience to be cooked and it was pretty easy to use these words against others without much thought or regret. Down deep I really did know it was wrong to say these kinds of things about another person but I was always very good at rationalizing my situation. Was it really that big of a deal? After all it wasn’t one of the BAD four letter words. Jesus said contempt is pretty serious. If one is angry with a brother he is guilty before the court, if he says to another person “Raca” (you are worthless) he will be guilty before the supreme court but whoever calls his brother (or sister for that matter) “fool” will be in danger of fiery hell (Matthew 5:22). The word “fool” itself isn’t the point here but disrespectful attitude and contempt of the heart. Being honest at this point, even though I rarely say the words now, I do often find myself thinking them at moments of frustration and irritation as the old contempt rears its ugly head. The good thing is the Holy Spirit does help me not linger in my anger and redirects my thoughts so I can take hold of the better part (Luke 10:42). There are some really good four, five and sixers I can imitate in my life and speak, like ‘care,’ ‘edify,’ and ‘esteem.’ They’re little words but they can speak volumes when I allow Christ to speak them through me.

There is no law against love. Anyone hearing those excellent and uplifting words and statements can only reply, “Well said.”

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com

Turn or Burn?

And men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues; and they did not repent, so as to give Him glory. Revelation 16:9 (New American Standard Version)

I really hate the mess we humans have made of life on planet Earth. It gets so that when I see something on the news that I believe to be the heart of depravity, the next morning there is something new that tops the previous day in its vileness. I’ve caught myself thinking, “Lord, if only you’d lay some really heavy judgment upon these evil people to get their attention they’d clean up their act.”

The Word of God teaches just the opposite; that human nature and its natural reaction to God’s will would be to despise and blaspheme His name. Jesus said the unregenerate heart hates Him first and seeks darkness because its deeds are evil (John 3:19, 20, 7:7). How else would degenerate people react to having light shone upon their evil choices except to display anger and hatred against that Light? And even though that judgment is justly deserved in the examination of a completely holy God?

It is mostly true that unbelievers know us Christians not for what we are for but for what we are against. While grace is mostly misunderstood as weakness by the world, I’ve found the general feeling toward it by many Christians is hostility and an unsympathetic viewpoint toward its lack of deserved punishment. If those unbelievers would just start acting right, going to church, not cursing, not having abortions, not using drugs or alcohol…and on and on. Those kinds of changes won’t happen by themselves; they will only follow a change of heart. A means to this change comes from our offering grace and truth to an unbelieving world and being spiritual salt shakers (Matthew 5:13). How will they know unless we tell them? How will they trust us if we come at them with a “turn or burn” attitude? The apostle John said people will know us by our love and the apostle Paul said there is no law against love. True love breaks down barriers opening hearts and minds. As we love and show grace to an unbelieving world the power of Christ can change lives by cleansing and transforming the inside of the cup (Matthew 23:26). An attitude of judgment hinders relationship while an attitude of love breaks no law at all. The latter is what Christ wants us to be known for.

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com

More Desirable Than Gold

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 1st John 5:3 (New American Standard Bible)

Following someone’s commands is seldom easy. I remember as a child when my mom would call me to supper with the statement, “Kenny, come in for supper and wash your hands off.” My daily reply to that became, “How will I eat if I wash my hands off?” It became quite a game. Her standard response was, “Oh, you know what I mean.” I sure am glad she never asked me to wash my face.

What about what Jesus’ commands to those who choose to follow Him? He is specific in how He phrases the subject. He didn’t pull any punches. He never said “Why do you call me Lord and not do what I recommend?” Commands are burdensome when they are not necessary or they are partial. The 19th century preacher, Charles G. Finney, said “No law is grievous which requires only that which is for our own good. This, our reason necessarily affirms.”1 The difference between being given a burdensome command as opposed to one that is a help is that the Lord is righteous and would never give me any command that would overwhelm or hurt me.

The secret of my living an abundant life in His commandments is simple. It is to live my life as He did and practicing His whole lifestyle. And if I choose not to do that then what is the alternative? A heavier yoke and dropping in the harness. He tells me to take His yoke upon me for He is humble and gentle and He will teach me what I need to learn. The commandments of the Lord are necessary to help me in my walk with God and completely fair in their intent for me for they are given for my highest good. They bring rest to the mind and buoyancy to the heart. King David summed up the righteousness of the Lord’s commandments in Psalm 19 when he said “The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. It is more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey and the dripping of the honeycomb.” Is my wish His command? On the contrary His command is my wish.


Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com

1. Charles G. Finney, The Oberlin Evangelist, 21 June 1854

Only Batman Would Know

“I and the Father are one.” John 10:30 (New American Standard Version)

Misunderstanding something someone says can be interesting at times if not downright funny. When my daughter worked for a local home improvement center in our town she told me of a lady who came into the store one day and asked one of the sales associates where she could find the Bat Trees. The young fellow looked at her like a tree full of hoot owls having no idea what she was talking about. After a moment of racking his brain he said, “Hmm, Bat Trees. I’m not sure. Let’s check with the people in Lawn and Garden.” He took the problem to another co-worker in that area saying, “This lady is looking for a Bat Tree.” The lady quickly chimed in and said, “No, not a Bat Tree, I want a batt’ry. You know, it’s electric with wires that will start my riding lawn mower.”

We don’t have a problem understanding Jesus when He speaks of His relationship with His Heavenly Father. He is just not a reflection of that Deity He is its exact representation (Hebrews 1:3). He is His Father’s Only Son. There is no other. To what other has He said “You are My Son, today I have begotten Thee”? There is no misinterpretation when Jesus states the heritage He has to God the Father as Son and Heir of all Things. He told Philip that if he saw Jesus he’d seen the Father. After His statement in today’s verse the religious leaders of His day had no problem understanding what He meant. They immediately threatened to stone Him to death. He asked for which good work they were going to do the deed. Their answer was, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.”

That leaves us little choice in how we see Jesus. If He wasn’t Lord then He was the biggest liar or lunatic who ever deceived people. And that opens another can of worms, so to speak. How could one uneducated person fulfill over 300 biblical prophecies from the Jewish Tanach (the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings; the Hebrew Scriptures) and have His teachings spread all over the known world within 100 years after His death? The chance of any one man's fulfilling just 48 of the 300 prophecies is one in ten to the 157th power! And 2000 years later His teaching and power are still fresh, vibrant and relevant continuing to change hundreds of lives for the better every day. When Jesus Christ states His case there is no room for misunderstanding. Speaking of Bat Trees may be confusing and leave us with room to wonder but when Jesus says He and the Father are One it is obvious who He is and the strength of what that means to us through our faith in Him.

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com

The Day I Stumped Ben Franklin

Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, Or as His counselor has informed Him? With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding? And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge, And informed Him of the way of understanding? Isaiah 40:13, 14 (New American Standard Bible)

A few years ago I visited Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. As I took a tour of the Governor’s Palace my tour guide was dressed as Benjamin Franklin. He looked like the Founding Father even down to his round wire rimmed glasses. Before my small group began the tour our guide, after giving us a short discourse on Williamsburg in the 18th century, asked if we had any questions. Several folks asked him questions concerning the times which he answered with almost bored ease. Then Ken raised his hand. “Were people born in America allowed to be colonial governors or only British-born?” In asking this particular question I’d inadvertently thrown old Ben a curve. A look of panic flashed across his eyes. After a couple of seconds and a look that said he’d like to put me in the stocks, he finally shook his head and said, “No, only a British-born individual could be a colonial governor.” He’d been had and he knew it but to save face he had to say something. After all, he lived in the 18th century and who would know better than he? I’m sure when he got home later that day he found after researching the matter that men born in America could become colonial governors as in the case of Boston born Thomas Hutchinson who was the governor of colonial Massachusetts from 1771 to 1774.

I’m relieved that I can’t throw God any curves. He is never surprised by anything I say, do or think. It’s a relief that I never need to come into the presence of the living God and say “Oh man, Lord, I lost my temper today and raised my voice to my wife,” or “Lord, I let my eyes rest a few extra seconds on that girl wearing the shorts today.” He knows. He’s God. The wonderful thing is while He knows me and you He still loves us without condition. His knowing everything about us means He already knows our needs and has the knowledge and wisdom to act on our behalf, sometimes even before we ask. We will never surprise or stump Him with any question, statement or thought. In fact there are no pauses or raised eyebrows with Him toward any of us. Who has been His counselor or to who has He had to go for instruction? No one can surprise Him, especially the man who stumped Ben Franklin. I’m so glad for that.

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com