Memorial Day--What Do We Owe the Honored Dead

Having just come from a parade for the small town of Benwood, WV and then going to the cemetary for music, speeches, and prayers, I am wondering what we owe those who have died for our freedom.  In every skirmish, battle, war, or military conflict since the American Revolution, more than 1.3 million members of the armed services have given their full measure for our freedom.  (Wikipedia)  These dead come from over sixty five different actions which have both created our nation and shared our ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for nations around the world. 

Someone we know may have given their "full measure" and now lie in cemetaries around the world.  A part of the Gettysburg Address of President Lincoln states,

"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth

A government of the people, by the people, and four the people shall not perish from the earth.  We owe them the duty and requirement NOT to allow this country nor its ideals so wonderfully put in our Declaration of Indepence to disappear.  Nations have asked us for our assistance and we have gladly aided them, even at the cost of our best and brightest.  It is because of those ideals given by God we lovingly desire to share.  If we disappear from this earth, who will come to the aid of struggling nations?  Who will welcom legal immigration for those wanting a better way of life?

Those who lie in graves which gave up their life for these ideals lie in a patch of ground six feet by three feet.  In Arlington Cemetary alone over three hundred thousand honored dead reside. 

A Tribute to A Child's Companion

Many of us had a childhood companion who followed us everywhere we went.  They were ever-present during times of doubts and troubles.  They were our favorite childhood blanket, stuffed pillow or animal.  Some were so old our parents worried about washing them and the time we sat without our favorite friend would test the metal of any five-year old.  Today, I want to give a tribute to Stefani's companion, Po.  Po the First had been placed in her crib with Stefani the first day she came home from the hospital.  This pillow, originally belong to Stefani's great-grandmother, had the Lord's prayer on its face and decorated her bed for four years.  Sadly, on Christmas day a few years ago, he came up missing.  A little four-year old was devastated until Nan Nan gave her another Po.  Po the Second had been made from her grandfather's pjs after his death and with this explanation, Stefani accepted Po the Second.

Po fulfilled his duties of chasing away the night terrors and has been a faithful traveling companion for many miles across West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Ohio.  Always the last thing packed in her suitcase, he greets her as she opens it when she arrives at the destination.  He comforts her when she is sick and does not worry about catching anything.  He plays the role of nurse, comforter, companion and friend. What does this Po get for all of this?  He is crushed in the arms of a little girl each night as she sleeps in peace.  When she awakes, he assumes his place on her bed amid other animals and pillows like a king surrounded by his court of officers, lords and ladies.

Po the Second is more than a pillow as daddy and daughter wrestle him from the other.  This light blue pillow's worth is far more than gold or silver.  He has been commissioned to bear the wedding rings for Stefani and her future groom.  He will be cleaned and the gold bands representing the love Stefani and her husband will share will be brought to the altar and become part of the ceremony.  Po the Second will become part of her family as he leaves our home.  Grandpa will wrestle him away from his grandchildren and they will laugh and squeal just like their mom did many years ago.

Po the Second is also a means for sharing love.  With all of the love of a child impressed into his cotton fabric, Po the Second was recently loaned to me to sleep with when I was not feeling well.  However, he was quickly recovered and placed back on her bed. The value of a friend can never be lost.  Po the Second, you are a welcome part of our family and please know you are well loved.   

Do You Love Enough To Say No?

In the late forties a book was released which causes a stir in child development.  This book pushed a less rigid style of parenting and gained the author world wide acclaim.  Dr. Benjamin Spock's book has sold over fifty million copies in seven printings and has been translated into thirty nine languages making it as some say second only to the Bible.  "Spock insisted mothers could trust their own judgment. He succeeded in establishing a more sympathetic, child-centered approach, and in the process he became a national phenomenon." However, later in Dr. Spock's life he altered his approach stating children needed standards.   (Vision.org)

The God of the Bible is always willing to say no to those whom he has created and though Dr. Spock believed parents were due respect, saying no requires a willingness not to be respected, admired or loved.  In the creation account God tells Adam not to eat of the tree.  Rebellion occurred and man sinned.  God's statement of having no other gods pits man's desires against what God knows is best.   The god named, MORE tells man, "With MORE, you will be happy!"  The god MORE tells man, "With MORE you will be content!"  The god MORE says, "With MORE you will respected.!"  The god MORE is permissive and permits its adherents to worship at his altar but this worship leads to MORE's anxiety and loss of stamina.  The God of the Bible says worship me and man gets peace and rest.  The god MORE never says NO because MORE wants more. 

The God of the Bible says no from a heart of love and his decisions are based not on a feeling of love but the character of Love.  This kind of love seeks the best for others while MORE just seeks for itself.  God tells us not to envy the possessions of others and to be content with what he gives us.  In love he offers us the opportunity not to struggle in having MORE, because it leads to unhappiness.  MORE requires his followers to defend having MORE but God defends us. 

Dr. Spock's life never achieved the type of parent he portrayed.  The results never measured up to his desires possibly because he did not include the heart of sin which God knows is evil.  God is willing to say NO to us because he has already said YES.  "No, you will not see destruction because you have said YES to my Son!"  He knows what is the best for us even if he has to say NO!
  

Becoming A Model Maker

As a kid I loved making models of cars, planes, and even rockets.  These miniature copies were made of plastic or wood and required time and effort.  These kits usually were 1/12th scale which meant the real thing was twelve times larger but the model was designed to mimic the original.   Of course, once finished they were displayed on a young boy's shelf.  The model rockets were not for display purposes but with the addition of a solid fuel propellant engine these models could soar thousands of feet into the Orlando sky.  With America in the space race during my childhood, model rocket clubs were made up of kids coming together to test their skills and abilities in rocket making, launching and recovery. 

I am no longer making models of rockets or cars but have turned my skills to a higher purpose.  Today I am again taking Stefani with me as she volunteers with hospice.  Modeling service to others is not something which is taught but is modeled for her to see and while our desire is to do things which benefit us and then to others, Christ shows a different model. 

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-12(NIV)

In our service we serve with the strength God supplies.  I am told over and over again by people that as a hospice chaplain, "It must take a special person to do what you do."  The real answer is not that I am special but I minister or model the One I serve so God can be glorified.  Yesterday I had the chance to pray with a co-worker for him and the hospice families he provides with care.  I hope I modeled to him Jesus Christ so maybe someday he will model him as well. 

Models of plastic may be put on a shelf, but like the Estes model rockets which we launched, models of Christ are to be put to work. 

I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way. 1 Peter 5:1-3 (The Message)

Today's prayer:  Heavenly Father, you have given me a great model to follow.  He served others by surrendering his life.  Help me to surrender my life to you so I may tenderly show others the Way.  Amen. 

W-A-I--T-- A Not So Dirty Four Letter Word

Today's post idea is from a discussion with Amanda A.  Thanks. 

Have you ever stood in line at the grocery store with people ahead of you with full carts and at the cashier an elderly person fishing for the exact change from a change purse?  They count the pennies, nickels, dimes or quarters for the groceries while the cashier looks back to you with a "forgive me its not my fault look".  You fume as you realize you are twenty minutes from getting out of the store and still have to get dinner made for your family.  Maybe you might want to consider this a "teachable moment" from God to teach you how to wait.

"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."  1 Peter 1:6-7 

We hate to wait and waiting for God might frustrate us.  We insist God move to action and become impatient when he has not given us a clear path; we jump without him.  Usually we find ourselves down the road struggling and wondering why God has not caught up with us in our efforts.  Why are we tired, stressed, and filled with worry?  Why do our hands hang down and our knees feel weak? In Isaiah 40:31 those who would seem to have the needed strength to continue, the young and the athletic. stumble and collapse (literally, "stumble stumbling") while those who "wait" on the Lord will run with a new strength and stamina.  The word, "waiting" has two meanings which overlap one another:  waiting hope or hopeful waiting. (Word Biblical Commentary, Isaiah p. 95)

In any situation, we need to wait. 

Withstand the impulse to jump to action without prayer or seeking God's advise.
 
Accept the fact there is a God and your are not him.

Incline your heart, head, hands, and feet to do as Jesus did when he said he could do nothing unless the Father showed him.

Tell him you need help with patience.  He already knows but he wants you to admit it.  Remember, all of this is to perfect you to glorify him as the truthfulness of your faith is proven before others and the next time an event happens, you just smile as your realize if you don't pass this test, another one is just down the road till you get it right. 

Today's Prayer:  Lord, I know to learn patience you give me the opportunities to be patient.  Today, could you start with a small one and walk with me as I seek to grow.  Amen. 

A Believer's Growing Feeling of Homesickness!

Our daughter finally came home yesterday after a week at camp.  When we spoke to her on the telephone Saturday her first question was why had we not come to pick her up.  Mommy could sense a growing homesickness and reminded her why there was a day delay.  Daddy and her had a function to attend for work and she was going to spend the night at her aunt and uncle's house.  This was a temporary fix for later in the evening when we talked with her again, she had tears in her eyes missing Mommy and Daddy.  Nothing could satisfy her until 3 PM on Sunday when she sprang from her aunt and uncle's car into the arms of her parents.  As she buried her head into my chest and I held her so strongly, she was at peace.  We three vowed the next year at camp we would take her and return her home with us. 

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.  Psalm 81:3 

I learned so much from her this weekend as another child--a child of God's.  The more I grow to know him, the more homesick I become.  Stefani loved to spend time with her aunt and uncle but could not be satisfied this time for she wanted her parents.  In the same way, relationships and things do not have the pull on my life they once did as I long for my heavenly home.  When we pray the Lord's prayer, "Thy kingdom come..."  it has more meaning as I heard our pastor yesterday speak about walking in the back door of his parents' house, pouring coffee and sitting at the table with his dad.  I desire as the psalmist said, "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalms 23:6

As a child riding in the backseat of my parents' car I would ask, "How long till we get there?" or "How much farther?" Their answer never satisfied me for in an hour I probably asked again much to their chagrin.  With both sons asking the same questions my parents with their frustration level near the top would tell us to "Just wait!" As I grow as a Christian, I know I must wait for God to call me home.  Of course, during times of crisis or despair I have cried out to come home but God has said wait.  I am satisfied to know he is listening but a growing homesickness is still there. I have cried out to God when I see evil persist in the world as ask him how long, and he says wait.  As I held tightly to Stefani yesterday and told her I was glad to see her, I wondered if  one day Jesus will hold me in his arms and say, "I am glad you are home.  I have surely missed you!"  It will make it worth the wait!. 

A Crisis With Courtesy

Have you ever been stopped in your car to pull out into traffic and another car snakes between you blocking your view?  You refuse to move because you cannot see traffic through this person and then the guy behind blows the horn for you to move because he can see you have a clear shot.  What ever happened to manners?  I read one time a story of an  older man holding a door opened for a young woman who responded with, "You don't need to do that for me because I am a WOMAN."  The kindly man said, "I am not doing it because you are a woman.  I am doing it because I am a gentleman."  Growing in the south with a mom from South Carolina, I learned manners in speaking to those older or in positions of authority with a "Yes,sir or ma'am."  I learned to call adults with a Mr. or Mrs. and their last name and I would never call an adult by their first name.  I had a young man come to me as a seventh-grader and called me Steve.  I politely said until he was an adult he should call me Pastor Steve or Pastor Mentzer but not just Steve.  Eventually all the children learned to use this for their teachers as well: Miss Vicki, Miss Pam, etc. 

The word courtesy in its literal translation means "of have manners worthy of courts".  Now we can guess it means for legal courts but by the 15th century most European countries had regal courts for kings and queens.  The manners needed in those cases would be very formal.  Women would curtsy and men would bow to show respect for the monarch.  The sovereign was totally due this respect by law.  We see agreements between rulers and their subjects which stated the king or queen would protect the individual and the other person owed them taxes, food or other obligation because they were the nobility.  Kings could also ennoble others because of acts of bravery or others things. 

In the Old Testament we see God making such agreements with men like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and many others.  He would be their God and they would be his people.  They were to live by certain rules and obligations and if they disobeyed these people would become the subjects of pagan rulers.  God was due this because he was above his creation.  God has also ennobled us.

"Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple. Psalm 65:4 

Believers have been invited into the courts of God by blood.  He gave his Son to permit us into these sacred courts made holy by his holiness.  Thus we are to live as members of his courts.  No lying, stealing, cheating, gossiping, etc.  These he has written on our hearts and reminds us.  He had made us a part of his kingdom and like the grandson of Saul whom David blessed, we will eat at the King's table forever.  Take your elbows of the table and be courtly. 

WATCH THE VIDEO BY CLICKING ON THE IMAGE.  TODAY, IT IS ON MANNERS.