Wealth
measured how?
NOTE: The Reader’s Survey will be next week— perfect timing as Mom and I get away to Branson.
Some favorite people we fellowship with every week online:
As Seventh Day Baptists (small in numbers by mighty in the faith) our home church is a three-hour drive north. Its hard to participate in hands-on work alongside these dear brothers and sisters, so last January, I offered to help with the church website. Here is a highlight from last week’s “Taste of Sabbath.”
Brother Chuck Meathrell delivered a Holy Spirit inspired message about the American Church — a.k.a. the Laodiceans (of youth group fame because, neither cold nor hot they were spewed out of the mouth of God, and what 7th grader doesn’t appreciate that imagery).
The Laodiceans were wealthy technocrats with aqueducts. Some brought running water from mineral-laden hot springs valued for their healing properties. Others flowed with cold, pure water that refreshed. The ruler of God’s creation says, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one of the other! So because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Rev. 3: 15-16. With neither hot nor cold properties, the water was useless, not even worth swallowing.
The fashion-savvy Laodiceans raised glossy black goats whose long silky hair was highly prized for expensive clothing.
They were pharma-rich too — famous all over the known world for salve developed by local physicians to treat eye ailments. But the church of Laodicea was told, “You say I am rich, I have acquired wealth, and do not need a thing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, poor, blind and naked.” Rev. 3:17
Today, all of the wealth of Laodicea is gone.
The message to Laodicea is the most severe of the seven messages to the seven churches in the second and third chapter of the Book of Revelation. Brother Chuck reminded that we were all put on the earth for the glory of God. We are here on purpose for a purpose. “You were not an accident, you were not a surprise to God. He is calling every one of us for a purpose.”
As with Laodicea wealth has become an idol here in our culture. Do we know “how blind, how pitiful and how wretched we really are?” Did those thoughts cross the mind of Jesus when he talked with the rich young ruler (Luke 18-20)? As individuals we need to pray, “Lord help me take my eyes off the things that take my eyes off of You. Take away what distracts my commitment to you.”
Even with the best eye salve, you’re blind. Even with the fanciest clothes, you’re naked. Why serve what is turning to dust? It’s not about tithe, the board meeting—only Jesus. “Buy gold from me refined by fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the rights to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Rev. 3:18b-22
The Laodiceans had lost track of what is truly important. We must walk in humility and repentance. Jesus died for us. He says, “I need YOU in my kingdom – I stand at the door and knock…” All we have do is say, Jesus, come in. Let all the wealth be for you and your glory.”
“Anyone who hears my voice and opens the door—I WILL come in and eat with him.”
Lord, Help us see. Break us of our pride. Take away what stands between us and you. We repent of any lies we believe. We want to give you the glory. And more glory. Amen.
Praises
Celebration of wedding anniversaries — a friend and her husband are off to a refreshing time away next week—blessings upon them!
Recovery for those we have prayed for—the Lord has answered many, many prayers—thank you, Jesus.
For our mothers. Whether still with us in the flesh, or in memory.
Continual glimpses of truth all around, reminders that God sees us and knows us and loves us.
Faithful folks who show up every week and make church “work.” Bible study leaders, children’s and youth workers, greeters, cleaning crews, we salute you and appreciate you—we praise God for you.
Prayers
Cataract surgery taking place for a friend today, with surgery for the next eye coming soon.
Plantar Fasciitis — shut it down, Jesus we pray! A friend needs a good working foot—there is an exciting trip ahead.
Late-in-career friends finding new opportunities with new companies—open doors, Lord we pray, and give them favor.
Young people navigating relationships with their parents.
Traveling mercies all around.
The mess that is our immigration system needs to be simplified. Lord we ask for clarity, and the removal of greed that preys on the vulnerable.
Effects of early onset Alzheimer’s to be halted. How about reversed?
Cancer and associated fears: be obliterated. Amen!
Quests
Last October, I journeyed through the area around Hanoi in the north of Vietnam with translation help from “Samantha,” a delightful young woman associated with Youth with a Mission (YWAM).
She shared that she had spent six months in the Philippines (my birthplace) studying English. A few days ago, Samantha reached out to let me know she is back in the Philippines with YWAM. She is on a team seeking to bring youth in Cebu to Jesus. It takes a great deal of courage to leave your homeland. If you want to help support her in prayer, or financially, Samantha’s email is SWEETNGUYEN97@gmail.com. You can send finances via Paypal, or if your bank is equipped, via the QR code at the end of this post.
Until Next Week,
I broke up with money a few years ago, but have to remind myself every now and then. The Creator of the Universe knows our every need, and blesses us more than we know. I am grateful for bountiful provision that continues, and sometimes shows up in unexpected ways. For example, last year was my lowest income year since before college. However, it was incredibly rich in the ability to take the trip of a lifetime to Vietnam and bring a story I believe I was born to write to whomever the Good Lord determines in His time (yes there is a veiled prayer in there for wide distribution—ha). God is good. This is where you say, “All the time.” Amen.
Before I forget! Lexingtonians — Rahab’s Rope Band is playing this weekend at Gratz Park— Saturday May 9, 2-4 p.m. Bring your friends, bring your mom, looks like a beautiful Saturday in the Park!
Samantha’s (Nguyen Thi Hanh) Newsletter:
p.s. If I was going to pick a sibling, I’d add someone like Chuck Meathrell. Pastor, Musician, Creative, Lover of Jesus, kind husband and father. Here is his latest book which I admire for his ability to evoke emotion and set us in a world that I pray never transpires, but could.
Click here to order your copy of Under the Evening Sky.
-J