Watchman

On December 7, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Psalm 32: 8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will advise you with My eye upon you.

Do you listen to audio books? I am listening to At Home in Mitford: A Novel by Jan Karon. It’s the story of an Episcopal priest set in a fictional town in North Carolina. Some believe it to be a reflection of a town I frequent in the mountains of NC, Blowing Rock. There is even a character or two in this series of novels with the last name of Ivey. How about that? So, I was listening to it last night, using the melodious tones of narrator John McDonough to help me fall asleep, when Timothy, the rector, quoted the above scripture. I enjoy the passages where Timothy thinks about or discusses scripture, especially as it interplays in the course of his life. Unfortunately, it has the effect of disturbing my attempts at sleep. Scripture is just too stimulating. This one had me awake for a while and I was still thinking of it when I awoke this morning.

When we talk about the good news the Bible shares, there are different degrees and effects. Some people think mostly about the good news that the savior has come and redeemed us. Surely, there is not news greater than that. And, some people do not think this verse will have Jesus in it because it pre-dates Jesus’ walk in the earth. For me, though, I see Jesus all over this and it not only gives me comfort but also gives me the sense of both his and our Father’s presence with me. I know it can creep some people out that God is watching them all the time, but I like knowing He is watching me right this minute. If I type a wrong word, He is right here to steer me.

Moreover, we can rely on the dynamic duo to lead us step by step every single day in every single way. I need the constant supervision. It takes so little for me to go off the rails. They help me prioritize what is most important. I don’t always listen perfectly, but I would have more difficulty if I had to steer my own car all the time.

Now, add the Holy Spirit who is our teacher because this scripture promises me that the Triumphant Trio will teach me. We have a navigator pointing out the way to go. He is obligated to instruct and teach us. He, too, must keep an eye on us to make sure we don’t walk off any cliffs.

How does this play out in life, you ask? Well, what decision do you need to make today? Perhaps it is as simple as a Christmas gift you are considering for someone. Sometimes I think that is where our walk is most challenging. It’s common to pray for the big things but I think we gain an entirely different relationship with the Father when we begin looking to Him for all the little things in a day. What should I wear? Which workout should I go to? Shall I bake chicken for dinner?

It’s God’s job to watch us and then guide our steps. I like that. Help us, Father, in every step we take today, to go in the right direction for us. Lead us, teach us. Thank you!

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Mirror, Mirror

On December 6, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 27: 19

As in water a face reflects the face, so the heart of a person reflects the person.

So true, right? We all have faces we wear. There is the work face, the play face, the family face, etc. Different facets of our personality and character are revealed in different situations. Sometimes we wear masks as well, even hiding our true selves from ourselves. However, the true character of a person is revealed in the heart. The NIV Bible says, “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” If the heart reflects the character of a person and one’s life reflects one’s heart then we can know the character of a person by the patterns of their life.

We are not supposed to judge people. That means that we don’t say for them whether their lives are right or wrong or determine their position in the Kingdom of God. We do make functional judgments for our own lives, though, and those determinations advise us on those things and people which affect our lives. So, Solomon does expect us to act wisely in whom we trust and rely upon. Who is the fool when we trust a person whose life doesn’t demonstrate good character?

When we enter this discussion, it is easy to think about people with large character flaws. I don’t think that is the real subject of conversation. The real discussion is about people who look cleaned up on the outside, seem to be okay and perhaps even profess to be Christians. People with big flaws are obvious. It is the person who talks a good game and whose mask is firmly attached that we must be mindful of. They say the right things and pretend, really well, but upon closer inspection, their lives reveal their true heart.

One of the factors that is a dead giveaway is how giving they are. Do they spend most of their money and resources on more stuff for themselves? Are they charitable to their own family? Do they support the church, charities? Second, do they do for others? Or, do you find they consistently want everything their way? Will they put themselves out, even a little, to make life more comfortable for someone else. Third, do they most often talk about themselves. Do they gossip? Do they miscolor the truth? Do they tell stories about an event in another person’s life and yet manage to have the story revolve around themselves? Do they exaggerate the importance of their role in an event? If a person constantly talks about and brags about their importance, they either have a humility problem, or more likely, a self-esteem issue. Eventually, if you don’t feed their ego enough, they will show their true character and betray you. Another question you can ask is, “Can they be taught?” A know it all is never going to be interested in anything you say, even if it is the truth. The truth has little value to them if it trumps their opinion.

People will fool you and to some degree, it is good to be the person who gets burned every once in a while because you gave your heart to a friend who later turned out not to be a person of character. We keep investing in people although we do not always reap a return. However, when people show you their lack of charity, their self-centeredness, and an inability to do even simple things for others, then you have your warning. These things show the real character of the person. These may not be the people you want to invest heavily in. People can change. Our God is the master of transformation, but a person must be submitted to Him and often this kind of person only plays the Christianity game instead of being yielded to the invested life in Christ.

Lastly, let us be the persons whose actions and words reflect a heart that is surrendered to love and to the care of others. Let’s check ourselves to be certain we are growing in truth and in charity. Let’s not judge others, but let’s be wise and prudent in our dealings with people. Each person must choose for herself what values are most important. While we must allow those people to be less that we believe them capable of, we do not have to accept mediocrity for ourselves. We can be the people who bring a smile to the Father’s face, if only for a moment, because I know we are not perfect yet either, but I pray we are growing in all aspects of His grace and revealing His character in our words and deeds.

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Feeling Good

On December 3, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 3: 27

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.

I suppose I am feeling the cheer of Christmas for this verse leapt out at me today. Now, it is not an uncommon verse or idea, but I think for many of us its message becomes even more meaningful during this season of celebrating the birth of the Christ.

First, I wish to thank all of you who have sent gifts through this ministry to Deneen and Mike. Your gifts are going to mean much to them, and your kindness and generosity have blessed my heart as well. Thank you! I would have you know that Ivey Ministries contributed to the fund too, as did I personally. Together we have raised a bit over $2000.

It used to be that the church played a significant role in helping people with needs. That role has diminished tremendously, but at this time of year, the joy of Christmas and the pure delight of a savior sent to us, helps us to feel the love of God at a deeper level than at other times of the year. We enjoy doing for others and we feel that warm glow within us. That is the furnace of God burning in our spirits. When fed with acts of charity, it warms us through.

We have so much and are so blessed. I know you support many other organizations. I saw during the MS fund raising campaign how your kindness cannot be contained. There are so many people who need help, so many worthy organizations that sometimes it feels a bit overwhelming. What can any of us do? Maybe we don’t withhold good intentionally but just don’t know how to help sometimes. And, I know that a $20 check doesn’t feel like a lot sometimes, but when we all give, each bit does matter. Because we work as a team, before you know it, we have a sizable amount to give. As I wrote in the initial email regarding Deneen and Mike, Ivey Ministries is not taking out any part of your contribution. There will be no administrative fee or any other cost, not even the cost of the stamp, deducted from your gifts. I want you to know too that this ministry tithes and has since the first dime we received. That means that when you give to Ivey Ministries, at least 10% is moving on to support others.

We do have the power to do good because our Father has blessed us richly. Let us never withhold good from others as long as it is within our power to bless. Let us become known as givers of the highest magnitude. Some people say, “Give until it hurts.” I get it but I say, let’s give until it feels really good, until we feel the blessing of God ignited within us.

For those of you who would still like to join the team in this effort, you can. Send your check to Ivey Ministries at 7726 Amber Forest Lane, Lewisville, NC 27023. Or, to donate through PayPal, click Here.

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Meaning of life

On December 2, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

1 Peter 2:9

But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, 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.

What is the meaning of life? Why do we spend our time in the pursuits that we do? Do we work hard most of our adult lives just so we can retire and do the things we want to do, the things that bring us pleasure like travelling, reading, playing golf? Is life just about seeking pleasure? Is that what it’s all about? Or do we simply plod along, one day after another, none of them having any true meaning? This feels like a snippet from Ecclesiastes, vanity, vanity, all is vanity.

I never thought the meaning of life was an elusive idea. In my 20’s I decided the meaning of my life, and really human life, was to leave the planet a little bit better than I found it. I thought we were to spend our lives in service to one another. Ah, youth! That is why I went into law and why I went into ministry. It is clear to me, now, that the ideals of that young person were generated in the heart of the Father. He does wish us to care for each other. However, today’s verse adds a another perspective, one I think it is good for us to pay attention to.

Tuesday I wrote on “The Chosen People”. I wrote about how we are unique unto God and a set apart people. Today’s verse reveals more about the status and duties of believers. God has set us apart for his own service, as His own possession. We are His family. When God called you, He called you to Himself. However, being a part of His family carries with it responsibilities much like the children of any King or Queen. We are to “proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” The God’s Word Bible states this so plainly, “You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of God, who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Isn’t that beautiful? There is your purpose. We have not been called only so that we can live in the blessing but so that the blessing of God can be exposed to the whole world. We have been given the task of carrying God’s message to the world. We are called to brag on God, to tell the glory of His kindness to the generations. We are God’s Royal Priesthood! Isn’t that amazing? Look in the mirror. What you see is the messenger of God; a person called out from the darkness to carry the good news of the light. God didn’t choose a Hermes as His messenger. He chose us. Is that an amazement?

Let me tell you, when you start proclaiming the goodness of our Father, you, indeed, will become a peculiar people. When telling about the excellencies of Yahweh are more important to you than a beer with the guys, you are definitely going to make an impression but it was for this that you were chosen. It was for this that we were all set apart. This is the purpose of life, to tell people about the beauty, glory and love of the Father who has saved us from darkness and translated us into the Kingdom of light. I can tell you this is not a purpose from which we will ever retire. In fact, we should get stronger as we age and mature.

Life does have meaning and it does have purpose. I hope you feel the importance of who you are. Maybe go look in the mirror again. That is the chosen messenger of God!

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Buzz Lightyear

On December 1, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

 

Proverb 18: 2            Tree of Life

A fool finds no delight in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Two things about this strike my funny bone. First, people think they are coming up with a great piece of wisdom, and they are, but more often than not, I find that it was said in the Bible several thousand years ago. It is amazing how we have to keep discovering the same truths over and over again. You would think there would be a short cut for that.

Second, this cartoon and verse are just too true. Pastors beware! This is one of the hardest elements to overcome when trying to teach folks. The sermons that really resonate with them aren’t the ones which are full of revelation from God. They are the ones that agree with their own ideas. This reality makes it hard to teach people anything new. They are mired in the things they think they know. However, if you keep saying things long enough, sooner or later they come to the conclusion you have been propounding and think it their idea. If you don’t need to have the credit, you can lead them, eventually.

I have observed that people don’t want to be taught. Solomon calls that person a fool. Is it because we have such weak self-esteems or can it be because we do not believe that God is still teaching His people? I believe God is still pouring out His wisdom and leading us into understanding, but how shall we receive it? And, how shall we share what He teaches us if there is no one to hear? I suppose the answer is, “Don’t hang around with fools and if you find some people who are open to understanding, cherish them.” There is nothing so lonely as wisdom, but you and I must continue to share it and those with ears will hear. For the others, I guess we will adhere to the wisdom of Buzz Lightyear.

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Peculiar people

On November 30, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Deuteronomy 14: 2

For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His personal possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

God chose the Israelites to be His chosen people. That choice has now been extended to us, the believers in Jesus as the Christ. This verse is important in a couple of ways. First, so that we understand that we are a chosen, holy people unto God. Second, that this selection means things are different for us than for others.

First, the key thing to understand about being a chosen people is that we have been set apart. God has opened the gates to all who will believe in Him and accept Him as their God. This confuses people because it sounds like everyone is part of His personal possession. God has determined that those who will come into relationship with Him shall be set apart as a Holy people for Him. We have some say in this determination when we give ourselves to His lordship. After that event, He sets us apart from other humans to be His special and chosen people. There is a clear delineation in god’s sight between those who have been set apart and those who have not. He sees His chosen as a distinct group, clearly different from others. We are a Holy People, a Royal Priesthood, serving the Lord God.

Second, the King James Bible’s translation for this verse calls us a “peculiar” people. Peculiar reflects the “set apart” status. It also shows a difference between God’s people and others. The Israelites looked different, ate differently and had other habits which were unique to them. God gave them a set of practices which improved their hygiene and kept them safe. He has done the same for us. The “rules” God gives us are meant to keep us safe and to aid us in being successful. These rules, when we follow them, tend to make us different too. We don’t look the same, act the same or speak the same as non-believers. So, if someone thinks you are odd, you might be right on track.

As a reminder, today is Giving Tuesday. Ivey Ministries has a charitable project going on that you can give to. We are raising money for Deneen and Mike. Please find the details Here. And don’t forget Ivey Ministries in your giving. Click Here to donate to Ivey Ministries. Thank you.
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The Good Silver

On November 29, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 26: 23      GW

Like a clay pot covered with cheap silver, so is smooth talk that covers up an evil heart.

There is a big difference between a silver vessel and silver plate, for real silver is refined in the fire to remove its impurities. The Bible talks about silver being exposed to the flames of the furnace seven times (Psalm 12: 6). Transformation is a refining process. As we go through the transformation process the dross is removed. Each time we allow ourselves to accept transformation, more and more of the impurities are removed until finally we are that lovely piece of silver ready to be polished and used for high purposes.

Silver is not for a fool. Earthenware is for those who do not care to aspire for the feast. The Lord’s table will be set with the finest crystal, the most elegant china, and silver polished to a glorious shine. Though God loves each vessel, He doesn’t intend that it stay in its raw form. He intends that it be molded and detailed by His loving and gifted hands until it becomes a thing of beauty, a vessel, truly, for honor.

Having just enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner served on china and crystal, I can say, crystal is finer than glass and china is more delicate and beautiful than stoneware. That is not to say that the stoneware is without use. It just means that the china is more fine. It makes a meal an occasion.

We all start this journey as earthenware vessels. Even china begins as clay. The difference in the finish of the vessel is the process it went through. That is transformation. Transformation doesn’t cover us with cheap silver plate so that we look good on the outside while remaining rough on the inside. Transformation is the refining of the raw material until it is a beautiful vessel through and through. Scratch the surface of a silver vessel and you will find purified silver below. Scratch the surface of silver plate and you will find unrefined, crude material. People are the same. For some of us, the refinement is only skin deep. Others of us, though, show the good stuff they are made of even when the cut goes deep. That is the kind of person most of us wish to be. And we can.

Romans 12: 2 reads, “[B]e transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The first thing, therefore, is to accept this mandate to “be transformed.” Second, once we are dedicated to embracing transformation, we must know how to go about it. This verse informs us that transformation is achieved through a change in the way we think and the things we think about. We need a “new” mind or at least a new way of using our faculties. Renewal is fueled by the Word. I love this verse from Malachi which describes Jesus’ coming and, I believe, demonstrates this transformative refinement process which I am attempting to illustrate, “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire, and like launderer’s soap” (Malachi 3: 2). The Word, Jesus, has the power to wash us clean. In fact, the soap mentioned above was actually a soap used for rough garments. This not your Woolite for delicates. It speaks to the reality that Jesus can take the roughest, dirtiest fabric and make it clean. Moreover, he can then take the raw material which is full of flaws and impurities and make it a vessel of honor. This is transformation.

If we are being honest, transformation is rarely easy, but it is always worth the temporary discomfort. Many people look at the cost of a thing, but I look at the benefit. I am willing to endure a great deal for the prize. Every good thing has a cost. Unfortunately, we forego many of the joys and pleasures of life for fear of pain. Do not let the fear of the transformation process frighten you. Sincerely, it is not worthy of your worry. Jesus is the author of transformation so, in my outdoor voice I shout, “YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR!” Where there is the Lord, there is love and tenderness.

Be transformed. Allow Jesus to refine you into that beautiful vessel of honor that he sees within you. It’s time to get out the good silver!

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