Once again, during this past week, a professing believer in Christ made the decision to end his life. There were many factors in play that led him to this fateful decision, but I found myself again wondering if I could ever fall into such a state of despair that I felt this was a valid choice. One thing I have concluded in this life is that those who loudly proclaim that they would never do a particular thing are often the very ones who are prone to act upon that which they decry.
When I was a young man and preacher, I often felt that I could rival the Oracle of Delphi with my astute knowledge and understanding. As I have grown older, I realize just how little I really grasp about the wisdom and purposes of God as He works in my life. I truly believe that God is being gracious to us when He does not reveal the entire future to us. Had God shown me all that would come to pass, I might have been tempted to overlook the moments of true joy, blessing, and happiness. I may have only focused upon the times of struggle and heartache that would exist in my pathway, and instead of following God in daily faith, I may have been tempted to give up on God's best for me. I have found it to be true that blessings are often born out of the ashes of difficulty and despair.
At no time does God promise an easy journey through life, nor does He reveal all of the details of what the future will bring. In fact, Scripture tells us that at present we cannot see the present or future with total clarity, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (I Corinthians 13:12). We will probably never see the whole picture of life until we come face to face with the Lord Jesus. The Bible also reveals to us that God provides just enough light for our path to keep us progressing, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalms 119:105). God provides just enough light to reveal how to take the next step in our pilgrimage of faith. We should never become frustrated that God does not show us more of the future, rather we should trust His wisdom in leading us in a way that does not cause us to abandon our purpose for living.
This coming weekend it will be a joy to get together with some old and dear friends. Over the years, we have all had our share of joy and desperation, but God has been faithful and He has never led us astray. The times we find ourselves in the wilderness of the world and the flesh are those times when we discounted the light for our path and followed our own understanding.
I am truly thankful that I cannot see all of the future ahead of me. God gives us a wonderful gift when He leaves our future uncertain. His promises for eternity are secure and glorious, but the full details that fill our existence between now and eternity are blessedly clouded. The very fact that we don't know the future should drive us to trust the Savior who sees all from the beginning to the end. When I find despair overwhelming my life, I need to be reminded that God has not deserted me. In joy, health, prosperity, sadness, sickness, deprivation, and despair I can still trust God. My uncertainty does not mean that God is uncertain about His plan and purpose.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Rite of Passage?
This is the season when "Pomp and Circumstance" is a common musical presentation as a host of robed individuals enter for the purpose of receiving a diploma. This time is often considered a "rite of passage". While it is true that graduates will be entering a new phase of their life, they are often surprised to find that the challenges ahead are often more daunting than the issues that they previously faced.
It seems like just yesterday that I graduated from Brandon High School in 1970. I had planned to skip the entire procedure, but on this one occasion my mom was adamant that I participate and even ordered my graduation gown without my knowledge. I am glad that she insisted since this moment began the process of reuniting a relationship with my dad. We had not spoken for a number of years, but he came to see me graduate. High School for me was a necessary step to get me to the next phase of life, but I certainly did not go forward with a true grasp of life.
Graduation from Providence Christian College in 1975 and subsequent graduation from Bethany Seminary were much more meaningful events, but even in these accomplishments I realized that the "rite of passage" from these institutions had not given me all I need. I have come to the conclusion that education, although it is very important, merely teaches us how to learn. Whoever has learned how to learn can grasp whatever is necessary to master in life.
During my college days, I observed that the students who thought they knew the most were the freshmen. Each year these same students seem to get a little dumber until they realized in their senior year how truly ill equipped they were to face the challenges ahead. I still remember at the beginning of a semester of "Systematic Theology", when a new student was in the class and was trying to take the professor to task, suddenly, he looked at his schedule and realized he was in the wrong class. He had been assigned to "Basic Bible Doctrines", but he thought he had all of the answers.
This year, if you or a loved one, celebrates a graduation, then I congratulate you. Although, you should keep in mind that you have merely finished a phase, you have not arrived. All of life is a learning process and we will not master life, we will simply finish our course. The Apostle Paul says it well, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." (Philippians 3:13-15). Our goal should be to daily pick up our cross and follow Jesus until our life in the flesh is complete.
Keep on pressing toward the mark!
It seems like just yesterday that I graduated from Brandon High School in 1970. I had planned to skip the entire procedure, but on this one occasion my mom was adamant that I participate and even ordered my graduation gown without my knowledge. I am glad that she insisted since this moment began the process of reuniting a relationship with my dad. We had not spoken for a number of years, but he came to see me graduate. High School for me was a necessary step to get me to the next phase of life, but I certainly did not go forward with a true grasp of life.
Graduation from Providence Christian College in 1975 and subsequent graduation from Bethany Seminary were much more meaningful events, but even in these accomplishments I realized that the "rite of passage" from these institutions had not given me all I need. I have come to the conclusion that education, although it is very important, merely teaches us how to learn. Whoever has learned how to learn can grasp whatever is necessary to master in life.
During my college days, I observed that the students who thought they knew the most were the freshmen. Each year these same students seem to get a little dumber until they realized in their senior year how truly ill equipped they were to face the challenges ahead. I still remember at the beginning of a semester of "Systematic Theology", when a new student was in the class and was trying to take the professor to task, suddenly, he looked at his schedule and realized he was in the wrong class. He had been assigned to "Basic Bible Doctrines", but he thought he had all of the answers.
This year, if you or a loved one, celebrates a graduation, then I congratulate you. Although, you should keep in mind that you have merely finished a phase, you have not arrived. All of life is a learning process and we will not master life, we will simply finish our course. The Apostle Paul says it well, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." (Philippians 3:13-15). Our goal should be to daily pick up our cross and follow Jesus until our life in the flesh is complete.
Keep on pressing toward the mark!
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Organized Chaos
No one should ever consider themselves to be a master parliamentarian until they have successfully moderated several years of church business meetings. Almost every church can tell nightmarish stories about business meetings that got out of control. I once heard a story about a particular business meeting that shows the plight of many churches. The pastor in this church recommended that they purchase a new chandelier for the auditorium. Immediately, one of the influential members arose and stated; "Pastor, I am opposed to buying a new chandelier for the church, and I have several good reasons for my opposition. First, no one knows how to spell it. Secondly, I don't know of anyone that can play it. Lastly, what we need in here is more light!"
In thirty-nine years of being a pastor, I have been blessed with churches that have been largely supportive and easy to lead. Yet, like most pastors, I could often equate my daily activities to something akin to herding cats. We are too prone to look at life and our surroundings from our personal eyes of experience and preference rather than seeking that which is best for all as we serve the Lord and try to reach the lost for Christ. I would not want to pastor a church where the membership was all blended into a bland state of sameness. God created each of us with unique abilities and characteristics that with proper use can bless the entire body of believers within the church.
The fact that we are unique personalities carries some inherent dangers that we should consider. We must never allow our pride and self-will to drive us to seek preeminence, "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church." (III John 9-10). Our way may be a good way, but it may not be the only way.
We are better off when we don't try to play God in the lives of others. Our forbearance allows God to provide His leadership rather than stirring up bitterness, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3). We must also keep in mind that God made us different by His design and we should relish our customized gifts and callings, "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.... For the body is not one member, but many. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." (I Corinthians 12:11-14, 25-27).
Sadly, Satan never has to directly attack some churches because they do a very effective job of neutralizing themselves from God's cause. Perhaps it's time for all of us to spend more time asking God for His leadership rather than getting on our soap boxes to declare the superiority of our preferences. Perhaps we need a revival of putting the other brother first, instead of demanding that we get our perceived "fair share".
We are in a great spiritual war! We can't win in our ability. Perhaps we need to learn from the example of Israel as they faced their foe, "O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children." (II Chronicles 20:12-13)
I love the local church. I love all of the colorful characters that make up this God ordained organism. Organized chaos will always be a part of the local church until Jesus comes, but wouldn't it be wonderful if we all had the ultimate desire to please the Lord first and foremost.
In thirty-nine years of being a pastor, I have been blessed with churches that have been largely supportive and easy to lead. Yet, like most pastors, I could often equate my daily activities to something akin to herding cats. We are too prone to look at life and our surroundings from our personal eyes of experience and preference rather than seeking that which is best for all as we serve the Lord and try to reach the lost for Christ. I would not want to pastor a church where the membership was all blended into a bland state of sameness. God created each of us with unique abilities and characteristics that with proper use can bless the entire body of believers within the church.
The fact that we are unique personalities carries some inherent dangers that we should consider. We must never allow our pride and self-will to drive us to seek preeminence, "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church." (III John 9-10). Our way may be a good way, but it may not be the only way.
We are better off when we don't try to play God in the lives of others. Our forbearance allows God to provide His leadership rather than stirring up bitterness, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3). We must also keep in mind that God made us different by His design and we should relish our customized gifts and callings, "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.... For the body is not one member, but many. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." (I Corinthians 12:11-14, 25-27).
Sadly, Satan never has to directly attack some churches because they do a very effective job of neutralizing themselves from God's cause. Perhaps it's time for all of us to spend more time asking God for His leadership rather than getting on our soap boxes to declare the superiority of our preferences. Perhaps we need a revival of putting the other brother first, instead of demanding that we get our perceived "fair share".
We are in a great spiritual war! We can't win in our ability. Perhaps we need to learn from the example of Israel as they faced their foe, "O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children." (II Chronicles 20:12-13)
I love the local church. I love all of the colorful characters that make up this God ordained organism. Organized chaos will always be a part of the local church until Jesus comes, but wouldn't it be wonderful if we all had the ultimate desire to please the Lord first and foremost.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
An Homage to Motherhood
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day!
I trust that every husband has some kind of plans to show special attention to their wives, and every wise person should endeavor to show honor to their moms in some appropriate way. Personally, I really like to celebrate Mother's Day. Mothers are often the unsung heroes within the home and are best designed by God to be the heart and compassion of the family.
There are some rare occasions where mothers are a bane rather than a blessing, "Forty and two years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Athaliah the daughter of Omri. He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counseller to do wickedly. (II Chron.22:2-3)". Any mother who would lead her children to do wickedly is a blight on her family specifically and on society at large. Thank God, these are the exceptions rather than the rule.
I have been blessed in my life to be influenced by several women that have been wonderful examples of inspiration. My life is richer because of the impact of these special ladies.
Jennie Daniels, my grandmother, was the first lady in my memory that left an impression on my life. My earliest childhood memories go back to the time that I lived with my grandparents after the divorce of my mother and father. "Mema" was an interesting personality. Her life had been hard and it seemed to me that I was one of the main causes for joy in her life. She could love and hate with total passion, but her love for me was without question. Every two weeks she would receive a check from my dad for child support, but she refused to use it for family needs. Instead, she used it to buy savings bonds and she would later use this money to buy my school clothes all the way through High School. Some of the happiest moments of my childhood were spent with Mema and Grandaddy.
Jessie Fernandez, my mother, was also used by God to help mold my character as I grew into manhood. She also had a challenging life with much of the challenges coming from poor life choices. I went to live with her and her new husband when I started school. The home environment was horrible, due largely to the actions and addictions of my step-father. Through it all, I knew that my mother loved me and was doing the best she could to provide for me and protect me from the situation that we all faced. She taught me by example the importance of doing your duty, even when it's difficult.
Shirley Cathey, my mother-in-law, also has been one that God has used to impact my life in a righteous way. When Sandy and I began to date, I was able to see first-hand the kind of home that should be the norm for those who sincerely follow Jesus. She has always shown me respect, acceptance, and support even at times when I probably was not deserving. I continue to be blessed by the knowledge that she prays for us, loves us, and supports us as as we serve the Lord.
Sandy Wade Vann, my wife, has truly been the best example of Godly motherhood that I have personally seen in my lifetime. She has epitomized the ideal for a mother that I see In Scripture, "My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: (Prov.6:20-23); The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. (Prov.31:1-5)" I have seen the unconditional love that she has for our children and their families. I have experienced her selflessness when it comes to the welfare of our family. I have observed the prayers that she offers to God and her passion to see our family live Godly lives and be dedicated to their faith as they follow Jesus. I hope that my children will comprehend in some way the love that she has for them. Sandy is the model that I often use as I encourage other women to be the right kind of influence in their homes.
If God has blessed you with a good mother then make this Sunday a special day of recognition. If you have been impacted by women with genuine faith, be thankful to God for this blessing and let them know, if possible, how special they are to you.
I trust that every husband has some kind of plans to show special attention to their wives, and every wise person should endeavor to show honor to their moms in some appropriate way. Personally, I really like to celebrate Mother's Day. Mothers are often the unsung heroes within the home and are best designed by God to be the heart and compassion of the family.
There are some rare occasions where mothers are a bane rather than a blessing, "Forty and two years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Athaliah the daughter of Omri. He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counseller to do wickedly. (II Chron.22:2-3)". Any mother who would lead her children to do wickedly is a blight on her family specifically and on society at large. Thank God, these are the exceptions rather than the rule.
I have been blessed in my life to be influenced by several women that have been wonderful examples of inspiration. My life is richer because of the impact of these special ladies.
Jennie Daniels, my grandmother, was the first lady in my memory that left an impression on my life. My earliest childhood memories go back to the time that I lived with my grandparents after the divorce of my mother and father. "Mema" was an interesting personality. Her life had been hard and it seemed to me that I was one of the main causes for joy in her life. She could love and hate with total passion, but her love for me was without question. Every two weeks she would receive a check from my dad for child support, but she refused to use it for family needs. Instead, she used it to buy savings bonds and she would later use this money to buy my school clothes all the way through High School. Some of the happiest moments of my childhood were spent with Mema and Grandaddy.
Jessie Fernandez, my mother, was also used by God to help mold my character as I grew into manhood. She also had a challenging life with much of the challenges coming from poor life choices. I went to live with her and her new husband when I started school. The home environment was horrible, due largely to the actions and addictions of my step-father. Through it all, I knew that my mother loved me and was doing the best she could to provide for me and protect me from the situation that we all faced. She taught me by example the importance of doing your duty, even when it's difficult.
Shirley Cathey, my mother-in-law, also has been one that God has used to impact my life in a righteous way. When Sandy and I began to date, I was able to see first-hand the kind of home that should be the norm for those who sincerely follow Jesus. She has always shown me respect, acceptance, and support even at times when I probably was not deserving. I continue to be blessed by the knowledge that she prays for us, loves us, and supports us as as we serve the Lord.
Sandy Wade Vann, my wife, has truly been the best example of Godly motherhood that I have personally seen in my lifetime. She has epitomized the ideal for a mother that I see In Scripture, "My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: (Prov.6:20-23); The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. (Prov.31:1-5)" I have seen the unconditional love that she has for our children and their families. I have experienced her selflessness when it comes to the welfare of our family. I have observed the prayers that she offers to God and her passion to see our family live Godly lives and be dedicated to their faith as they follow Jesus. I hope that my children will comprehend in some way the love that she has for them. Sandy is the model that I often use as I encourage other women to be the right kind of influence in their homes.
If God has blessed you with a good mother then make this Sunday a special day of recognition. If you have been impacted by women with genuine faith, be thankful to God for this blessing and let them know, if possible, how special they are to you.
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