Tag: Children

Today’s Word Is STILL

Mon-Jun-8-2020

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

That’s a tall order … be still. Have you ever tried to fix a child’s boo-boo by cleaning a wound and applying a bandage … all the while trying to keep them still and calm? “Be still,” we say. “It’s hard to help you if you can’t be still for a minute!”

Of course, adults have their own struggles with being still. Maybe it’s not about a bandage on a wound. It would be more like something has gone wrong and I need to fix it right now. Or some problem has come up, and my mind is going through all the consequences this is going to create. Oh no, what am I going to do now?

I am sure King David, who wrote this Psalm, had plenty of tragedies and problems enough to panic or worry about the destruction or terror that could result. He must have learned that one of God’s best responses to our troubles was to say, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It helps us to put things in perspective. Our spirit can declare within us, “Yes, you are God. You love me. I can trust you. I need not worry. Your promises are great and true.”

How great is God? Well, I am usually operating on the “me-level” while God is simultaneously operating on everything from the universe – earth – nation level, all the way down to my level and yours. I don’t always think about the big picture. God thinks about every picture, every angle … big and small. He is the Exalted One … at every level … trustworthy, good, faithful … our strength and shield.

When I was twelve years old, our family went to Connecticut because my dad had to visit a seminary student. Once we were in New York City, Dad took the car on his business, while my mom, myself, and two younger sisters finished the journey to her family in Connecticut by train.

My mom took good care of us and the trip worked out fine. But not having Dad around in a strange place was a little unsettling. Mom was our caregiver, managing daily life for us, while Dad was sort of like the stabilizer. We had been on many trips and vacations and were used to Dad always knowing directions, finding places to eat and to spend the night, and getting us to our destination, while Mom kept track of what we were doing and especially took care of the needs of the smallest ones.

So here we were with Mom in Grand Central Station, New York City. It was h-u-g-e!! We walked down corridors, climbed stairs, and stood in lines, all the while hanging onto Mom. We were surrounded by noise, movement, and confusion. There were moments I wished Dad were there to lead us through this strange place. Mom loved us, but Dad was the leader.

There is plenty going on around us right now … COVID virus, racial tensions, and political controversy. Surely, we know that there are people on this journey with us who love us, but in unsettling circumstances, we need stability within our spirits and guidance through the turmoil. It is an excellent time to “be still and know that God is God!” Will we make it through this strange time? Yes, if we let the God who is “exalted among the nations and in the earth” lead us through.

Pray for peace and be at peace. “Be still and know.”

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is INQUISITIVE

Fri-May-22-2020
It’s Humor Day!

As we get ready to celebrate Memorial Day and to honor those who have served our country through military service, I share with you a bit of humor.

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed young Alex was staring up at a large plaque that hung in the foyer of the church. The plaque was covered with names, and small American flags were mounted on either side of it.

Seven-year-old Alex asked, “Pastor McGhee, what is this?”

“Well, son, it’s a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.”

Little Alex got a worried look and in an inquisitive voice asked, “Which service, the 9:00 or the 11:00?”

Children like to ask questions. So did Jesus. When he was twelve years old, his family made their annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover feast with their extended family. At the conclusion they left for home, thinking that Jesus was in the group somewhere. But after searching for him during the first day, his parents returned to Jerusalem to see if he had stayed behind and gotten lost.

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:46-49)

There is always something to learn in the Kingdom of God. And even as a twelve-year-old, Jesus loved talking about his Father’s business and seeking greater understanding. Yes, Jesus had things to learn. We understand that he was the Son of God and the only perfect person, but his need to learn as he grew up is based on our doctrine that Jesus emptied himself of his equality with God in order to live among us as a man, fully God in origin, but fully a servant of God in the likeness of man.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:5-7)

At age twelve he already understood that God was his Father, and God’s house was his true home. Twelve was the age at which a child became an adult in their tradition, and their focus was now on learning and growing in the image of the Father. So, Luke says at the end of this story, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)

That is a great statement for us to embrace for our focus as believers.

I hope you attend services somewhere this weekend, as you continue to grow in wisdom and understanding and in favor with God and man.

Giving thanks this weekend for those who died in service to our country,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is LOVED

It’s Humor Day!
Fri-May-8-2020

Do any of these sound familiar?

THE TOP 13 THINGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME

#13 – She taught me about how to become an adult … “If you don’t eat your vegetables, it will stunt your growth, and you’ll never grow up.”

#12 – She taught me about logic … “Because I said so, that’s why.”

#11 – She taught me about foresight … “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”

#10 – She taught me about irony … “Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.”

#9 – She taught me about contortionism … “Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck.”

#8 – She taught me about endurance … “You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”

#7 – She taught me about  the weather … “This room of yours looks like a cyclone went through it.”

#6 – She taught me about hypocrisy … “If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times, don’t exaggerate!”

#5 – She taught me about appreciation … “There are millions of children around the world who are starving, so eat your supper and appreciate it.”

#4 – She taught me about anticipation … “Just wait until your father gets home.”

#3 – She taught me about medical sciences … “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.”

#2 – She taught me about ESP … “Put your jacket on. Don’t you think I know when you are cold?”

#1 – She taught me about prayer … “You’d better pray that Kool-Aid stain comes out of the carpet!”

Actually, my mom only used a few of those on me and my four siblings. We had a good home and parents who loved us, took good care of us, guided us, and carried us to church every Sunday. (Of course, our Dad was the pastor, LOL). Mom passed away 17 years ago, and we all miss her still. Even in the later years of her life, she had a great smile, loved to play card games with the family, was proud of her children, and sang in the church choir as long as she could.

One description of Christian parenting tells us that the primary role of the father is protection, and of the mother affection. For instance, in Paul’s letter to Titus, he tells the older women to “admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children …” (Titus 2:4)

Generally, we expect our mother to love us above all others. It is natural. So, think of protection and affection this way. If a child falls down and bruises their knee, or even just bruises their pride, who would they typically run to? Mom. She kisses it and makes it better, comforts the child, and tenderly takes care of the hurt.

On the other hand, suppose the family is strolling through the shopping mall and a loud gunshot startles everyone. What would the child be likely to do? Grab Dad’s leg with both arms and hold on tight. I know this is a generalization, but the point is these are situations where a child has an urgent need and God has designed parents to meet those needs.

Neil Anderson, author of Who I Am in Christ and other books, says that there are three basic human needs … acceptance, security, and significance … and he lists the many Scriptures describing how God meets each one. Parents imitate God for the young child by providing these needs. You can see how the combination of a mother and father helps the child to feel accepted as a person and safe from outside harm. Obviously, mothers and fathers both do some of each of these, according to their gifts and the needs of the child.

Each of us emerged from childhood with some degree of these things. From there on we allow God to finish the work that our parents started. The purpose of parenting IS NOT to raise children from dependence to independence! It is to raise them from total dependence on their parents to total dependence on God!

Thank you. Lord, for those mothers who have helped us to feel loved and accepted.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is HOSPITALITY

Wed-Apr-15-2020

“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” – N. D. Kalu (former NFL defensive lineman)

Several years ago, we bought a new home that suited our desires better. One thing we wanted to do was to entertain guests more often. Previously we had an open space on the main floor where a few people could hang out. Then there was a finished basement downstairs with another den. Now we have a one-level space with a larger gathering area.

The sale of the old and purchase of the new has a God-story in it. We understand that this is not “our” house … it belongs to God, as do all our possessions, along with ourselves. Thus, we are now able to  use our home for larger family gatherings and for entertaining more friends. A playroom next to the great room was part of the design to bless our grandkids, as well as the children of our visitors.

All of this is because we believe that the principle of hospitality is central to our Christian faith. We have hosted several people who have stayed with us a night or two or more in our new home. One had an apartment emergency and needed a place to stay temporarily. Another came as a guest after being incarcerated, and upon release needed temporary housing.

And we didn’t just start this recently. In many of our homes we have housed our parents, family members, and others for extended stays. But, of course, you should do hospitality your way. It doesn’t have to be large groups or extended stays. Maybe it is another couple for dinner, or a few friends occasionally, or even a weekly Bible study. All of this “social distancing” because of the Corona Virus has made us miss having guests. My wife and I can’t wait to get back to hosting friends and family.

If you are like us, then at some point along the way you will have to face your adversity to being inconvenienced, and finally submit to God’s little tests to see if you are willing to drop your selfishness, pride, and affinity to comfort in exchange for the chance to make a difference in someone else’s life. You will eventually forget most of your dislike for being inconvenienced and think more about the joy of serving others.

This is what it takes to have an attitude of hospitality. And leaving a legacy of hospitality will inspire others to do the same.

“Be sure to welcome strangers into your home. By doing this, some people have welcomed angels as guests, without even knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 CEV)

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is PACE

Wed-Apr-1-2020

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)

There are persons you walk with, such as young children, who are running ahead, sometimes too far, and need to be slowed down. Others you walk with seem to be lagging behind, and you wonder why they can’t walk beside you. Whether they are running ahead or falling behind, it becomes difficult to be in conversation. It is an art to walk with someone by keeping pace with each other, sensing when the two of you need to slow down or speed up or pause.

How do you do as far as keeping pace with the Spirit of God? Do you run ahead? Do you lag behind? If so, it makes it difficult to communicate. Stay in pace with Him. This journey is a relationship with an ongoing conversation while traveling.

Our morning and evening quiet times with God are important, and it is good to be still and have fellowship with God, to reflect, learn, be nourished, renew our faith, and receive guidance. But you can also relate as you go, as companions on a journey. This is critical in our faith development, learning to walk with Him, not running ahead, not dragging behind. Keeping the pace may sometimes tax our energy when God is on the move. But sometimes, keeping the pace may mean slowing down a bit.

Let us learn to travel at God’s pace. That gives us the opportunity to see what he sees. He observes the beauty of his creation, and so should we. He hears the cries of people in need, and so should we. He is also aware of our needs on the journey. We can be so busy that we forget to care for ourselves

My wife and I attended a conference by Drs. Francis and Judith MacNutt, well known in healing prayer ministry circles. Francis said they were leading a week-long conference once, and during an afternoon where there was a long break of free time, he and his wife decided to play tennis with some old friends. One conference attendee apparently noticed this and later confronted them about playing tennis during such a serious conference with people trying to learn from them. I believe God enjoyed watching them play tennis! They knew how to keep pace with God, including those times of refreshing and renewal.

Sometimes God’s expectations seem too hard, but he doesn’t think of it that way. He will push you when he needs to. However, he is not trying to punish you, he is working his agenda. He believes in you. You are in partnership together in the Kingdom business. That means traveling at his pace – working, resting, talking, playing, and making a difference in the world – all at his pace.

Have a blessed day!

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is LIGHT

Thu-Mar-12-2020

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1st Peter 2:9)

The difference in a life lived without God, and a life lived through him is like the difference between night and day.

Many years back I was an associate pastor in charge of the youth program. Our meetings were on the third floor of a dated building. As I was closing up one Sunday night, my two preschool children and I were the last ones out. I don’t know who designs light switch locations in churches, but they don’t make sense. The hallway lights had already been turned off by someone else, and I was turning off the youth room lights. That put the three of us in the dark, and I realized that the only hallway light switch was at the far end of the hall.

The idea of walking down that dark hallway to the stairs at the other end was not appealing to my kids, because it was very dark outside that night. I pointed out that through the window at the far end where we were going there was a faint streetlight in the distance. We held hands and made it to the other end by focusing on that tiny light.

I’m sure you’ve used the saying about “being in the dark” about something, meaning that there is information that we don’t know or is being withheld from us. This information seems to us to be very important to have.

All light comes from God. If your world is dark at the moment, ask God to shine the light. This could require action on your part as well. Because of where you are in life, it may seem like just a faint light at the end of a long hall, but it is there. God has lots of light shining, but often we don’t want to go where he shines it. We want him to shine it “where I say to shine it.”

There is a way to live in the dark and wonder why there’s no light. Many people do that … no time for church, faith, prayer, study, fellowship, mission projects, family, etc. Yet, God is shining the light in those activities. We should head toward the light God is shining, rather than fretting about the dark where we’re sitting. Today’s verse says that God has “called us out of darkness” and “into his marvelous light.” The implication here, when it says he is “calling us out of darkness” is that we have to move toward the light. And when we come into his light, it is “marvelous”!

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is CREDIT

Tue-Feb-11-2020

Millard Fuller was a self-made millionaire who gave away his wealth to start the Christian house-building group called Habitat for Humanity, which was founded in 1976 and based in Americus, GA. Since that time, Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses to serve over one million people in over 100 countries and attracted prominent volunteers, including former President Jimmy Carter, whose hometown of Plains, GA was 10 miles away.

I had the privilege many years ago of hearing Mr. Fuller speak at a meeting, and his presence was riveting and inspiring … such great charisma. He told a story of being at a conference in Charlotte, NC, which had participated in a world-wide blitz the previous year, an effort of Habitat to start 300 houses at once. Charlotte’s part was to begin 14 houses, the effect of which was to engage thousands of residents. It attracted many outside public figures, including comedian Bob Hope as well as President Carter.

Millard got an inspired idea at this conference that he would take a long afternoon break one day and go out on a curious adventure to see the effects of the previous year’s enormous house-building effort. In particular, he wanted to go to the house that his friend President Carter had helped to construct.

Mr. Fuller hired a car and driver to take him to see the project site, and eventually they pulled up in front of the house Carter helped to build. Stepping from the car, he could see that the house still looked very well-kept. A five-year old boy stood in the yard. Fuller approached and introduced himself.

Thinking that this young lad might have been told the story of President Carter helping to build his house, he stooped down and asked, “How do you like your new house?”

“I like it!” the boy answered.

Testing to see if he knew about Carter’s involvement, Fuller inquired, “Do you know who built your house?”

The youngster grinned, eyes sparkling, and said, “Yes, sir! Jesus built my house!”

That was not the answer he expected, but he realized it was exactly the right answer. Fuller went home deeply moved and inspired by a 5-year old who shared a great testimony.

As I type this article, my eyes have moistened up just thinking about that little boy’s answer, just like when I first heard it, and like every time I retell it to someone.

This is the takeaway … We need to give God the credit, both for what has been given to us and what we have done for others.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17)

As to what we have received, Psalm 16:2 says: “I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.’” Thanking others is a very important thing, but those who are committed to the Lord know that ultimately God is the source.

And of course, we know that the act of giving is an imitation of God, in whose image we are made. As the Apostle Paul said to the Ephesians, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)

If that story doesn’t light your fire, your wood must be wet!

Blessings!

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is BALANCE

Tue-Feb-4-2020

In the book Work, Play, and Worship in a Leisure-Oriented Society by Gordon Dahl, he proposes a theory that life is made up of these three aspects; and we are supposed to work at our work, play at our play, and worship at our worship. He then proposes that much of American life is out of balance … and we get into a pattern of … Worshipping our work … Working at our play, and … Playing at our worship.

Starting with work … It should be fulfilling in some degree, accomplish something useful, provide for our needs, and bless others. But the word “workaholic” was created by a Canadian newspaper writer in 1947 to describe the growing concern for people who value work inappropriately and thus hurt their families, destroy their own health, and define life by the wrong measures. In other words, they worship their work.

Then there is our play. Another name is recreation … it is supposed to “re-create” us, meaning relieve stress, evoke laughter, be filled with enjoyment, and refresh us. However, I have seen folks throw golf clubs, walk out of card games, throw a tantrum over losing, get livid at the Little League umpire for a bad call, and in general become miserable trying to “play.”

When my children were preschoolers, I bought them a “bolo paddle,” a wooden paddle attached to a long rubber band with a small rubber ball on the end. You hit the ball over and over as it stretches out on the rubber band and comes back. When I got home from work the next day, I got upset because they had taken it apart!

My son was using the paddle part as a hammer with some of his building blocks. He loved it! My daughter was out back with the ball and rubber band part, slinging it around the double stranded clothesline, which made it wrap round and round and round until it was tight. Then it would reverse and unwind around and around until it was back out straight. She loved it! They were having great fun with the toy I bought, but by my standards they were not doing it “correctly.” Thankfully, I resisted the urge to spoil their play and turn it into work. It struck me that they were truly playing and enjoying it.

Now for worship. This is a time, both private and corporate, to praise and thank our Creator. But very many Americans breeze through the worship time (which for some must be completed in a defined time period, such as one hour) and do not get impacted by the awesome idea and experience of communing with the Holy God of the universe.

Many people are too embarrassed to express openly their love for God, afraid others will think less of them if they laugh, cry, shout, kneel, hold their hands out or up to God, get lost in a moment of quietness and reflection, or get so consumed by the presence of God that they are unaware of their surroundings and unashamed to express openly their love for God. It is possible, you know, to worship without singing or to sing without worshipping!

There is much more that could be said, but you get the picture. Now you can reflect about whether you are in or out of balance. We can find a sense of greater peace when our work, play, and worship become what they are supposed to be … not idolizing our work, being refreshed by our play, and being fully engaged while focusing on God in our worship.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Verse:

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. (1st Corinthians 10:31)

Today’s Word Is CHILD-LIKE

It’s Humor Day!
Fri-Jan-31-2020

The children’s Sunday School teacher was telling her youngsters about the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In particular she wanted to emphasize the difference in attitude of the older and younger brothers. As you know, the younger son had returned after squandering a lot of the family money on foolish living, and the father was delighted for him to humbly come home. He called for a robe to be put on his son, a ring on his finger; then we’ll kill the fatted calf and have a great feast! My son who was lost has been found!

The wide-eyed Sunday School children kept listening as the teacher explained how angry this made the older son, who felt unappreciated and cheated.

Then the teacher asked, “Now boys and girls, who do you think was unhappy about this big banquet getting ready to take place?”

Eight-year old Olivia raised her hand and said, “I know! The fatted calf!”

Good point, Olivia! Children have a unique and simple way of looking at things. Maybe that is why Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15)

There is of course a difference between child-like and child-ish. Jesus promoted child-like. Paul warned against child-ish by saying, “When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. (1st Corinthians 13:11) This was stated after he had expounded on the nature of love in this, the Love Chapter of the Bible. A lifestyle of self-giving, unconditional love takes a very mature person, who must decide to be persistently sacrificial and forgiving.

Child-like … good … Child-ish … not so good.

The child-like attitude that Jesus was describing, when he said that we must receive the kingdom like a child, is that of trust. Small children are instilled with the idea that their parents can do anything. (That would assume those parents haven’t harmed the child and destroyed their trust.) A child cared for with love and compassion typically thinks mom can see anything, as if she had “eyes in the back of her head,” and that dad is strong enough to perform the greatest feat.

That is how we receive the kingdom, by believing that God is capable of all things, and by desiring and receiving his love and protection. Furthermore, a child-like attitude is what allows us to enjoy the blessings of the kingdom of God, to laugh, to play, to sing and dance, and to celebrate without restraint. It is this child-like approach that enables us to worship without being inhibited.

It is my prayer that you keep your child-like spirit, or if it has died away to any degree, that you claim it back. Find occasions to enjoy the moment like a child, laughing, playing, singing and dancing, and letting go of the unhealthy adult habits that keep you stifled and steal your joy!

Have a blessed weekend,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is … WHEEEEEE

A story of a child’s spontaneous joy.
Tue-Jan-21-2020

My wife and I took one of our granddaughters on a train ride at Chattanooga’s Railroad Museum when she was about 3 or 4 years old. We had recently been discussing with her the concept that God is with us everywhere we go. So, we reminded her as we were on the train that God is with us, even on train rides.

Have you ever ridden this vintage train? It takes you from a station near Jersey Pike, eventually through a tunnel, and ends up in East Chattanooga. As we went through the tunnel, the light was dim but not totally dark. We were going a little downhill, and feeling the cool breeze from the open windows, we all held our hands up, and said, “Wheeeeeee!”

A little later, she must have begun to wonder … if God is with us on this train ride, what was he thinking about this “wheeeeee” experience? So, her curiosity led her to query us about it. “Does God say wheeeeee when he goes through the tunnel?” And I said, ”Yes!”

Believe it or not, this is biblical. First God is always with you. And then God delights in the fact that you are enjoying life and his creation, and even enjoys them with you!

“The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

So, I would say … yes! … God says, “Wheeeeee!” right along with us!

You should always be aware that God  loves you and is with you. But let me put a twist to it. God loves the fact that you belong to him, that you flourish under his watch care, and that you enjoy the life he gave you. Life with God is good. It can bring out the joy in you, and you need that.

I hope that sometimes, because of the experience of the moment and the reality of his presence, you just let loose and say, “Wheeeeee!”

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Another Scripture:

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Prayer for the Day:

Father God, I thank you for the blessing of your constant presence. I believe that there is nothing in this world that can separate me from your love, and that in your presence, surrounded by your love, I can be  spontaneously filled with your joy. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.