Bro. Mike’s Blog by Rev. Mike McLaurin
Psalm 18:6
In my trouble I called to the Lord; I called to my God for help. In his temple he heard my voice, he listened to my cry for help.
When you begin reading the eighteenth Psalm, you don’t immediately realize that it is a Psalm of victory, and not of defeat! David takes plenty of time talking about the predicament he was in. So much so you realize that only a miracle could possibly save him. After all, King Saul and his forces just about had David fully trapped!
But lo and behold, just when you believe there cannot possibly be any chance of success, it happens. As we see, David calls to the Lord for help; God hears and acts. It’s as though a baseball team were down nine to nothing, and it was the bottom of the ninth—and with two outs! The bats begin to rattle as something extra special begins to happen. And before you know it, baseballs begin flying over the fence! Runners are circling the bases! Victory has been pulled from the jaws of defeat!
God is yet in the business of daring and dramatic rescue. If during this day or week you feel that things just seem at a loss (or at least a standstill wondering if they will ever get moving in the right direction), call upon the Lord. Pause a moment to listen. Patiently await God’s reply. I like the way verse 19, reflecting David’s reaction to God’s rescue of him, is paraphrased in The Message: “He stood me up on a wide-open field; I stood there saved—surprised to be loved! “
Prayer
Rescuing God, hear our prayers. Lean your ear toward us. Give us your peace that passes all our understanding. It’s in Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin
Bro. Mike’s Blog by Rev. Mike McLaurin
Jeremiah 31:12a They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD.
I love this line in Jeremiah where God is sending a message of hope to the exiled Hebrews: “…and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord.”
The goodness of the Lord is all around us. We see it in the beauty of the sunrise. We hear it as the birds begin to chirp their morning song. It is found in each bite of nourishment we are blessed to have. It is witnessed in the cheerful smile of a fellow worker. It is in each child’s hug we receive. Surely, we must experience the goodness of the Lord in at least a thousand ways each day!
And each one is reason enough to be radiant.
Today is a new day, a true gift from God. Let us be radiant over the goodness of the Lord!
Prayer
Thanks you, Lord, for giving us so much to be radiant over, especially your son, Jesus. Lead us this day in sharing Jesus through the radiance of our lives. In His Name. Amen.
© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin
Bro. Mike’s Blog by Rev. Mike McLaurin
Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.
Remember the days of childhood when a good game of “Hide and Seek” was played? For me, it was best played just before dark when the shadows were longest.
When we read these words from Isaiah, we might be inclined to wonder, “Isn’t God always near to us, or does God play and kind of “Hide and Seek” game sometimes?”
God inspired Isaiah to write these words at a time when Israel was returning from exile. You see, Israel had acted contrary to God’s ways, and for that, Israel had been in captivity in Babylon. But now God was inviting her to return home. In many ways, they believed that God was more easily found in “the promised land” to which Israel would be returning.
Of course, we know that God is everywhere at every moment, but this speaks a special word to us. A spiritual examination of our own lives is always in order. Like in any exam, questions must be answered. Questions like: Have I exiled myself from God’s presence? That’s easier to do than we think. It happens when we forget to have time each day with God. Or, Am I trying to hide from God? Jonah tried that one and found himself fish bait! And this one: If God seems far away, who moved?
This week, let’s think about where we are in relationship to God’s presence. God will always be as near—or as far—as we allow God to be.
Prayer
Kind and loving God: We come before you today realizing that we haven’t always allowed you to be easily found. We’ve not let you be near to our lives so that you can be easily sought. Help us to permit you to be near, that we might seek you and find you, today and always. In Christ’s Holy Name. Amen.
© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin
Bro. Mike’s Blog by Rev. Mike McLaurin
Ezekial 11:19 I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 so that they may follow my statutes and keep my ordinances and obey them. Then they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (New Revised Standard Version)
Ezekial was exiled with many other Jews in Babylon. He arrived there before Jerusalem fell in 586 B.C. and remained there afterward. It’s interesting to note that the land of Babylon in Ezekial’s day was located in our modern day Iraq.
God is using Ezekial to tell his fellow Hebrews that their hard-hearted ways and their lack of God’s spirit had caused them to quit following God’s way. This led to their suffering militarily and politically as well as spiritually. But God is also saying through Ezekial that they can change their ways back to God’s ways and once again be known as God’s people.
I see the ministry God has given us as being one of enabling people to let God remove any hard-heartedness they may have and replace it with warm-heartedness. (Of course, we must first make sure we are at least in the process of doing this ourselves! Jesus did say, after all, that we should remove the “log” in our on eye before we go to remove the tiny splinter in our neighbor’s!)
Think today what you/we can do to enable the people we encounter, the ones for whom we plan programs, the ones whom we help, to let God remove any stoniness of heart and replace it with warmth. Then we can all rejoice together as children of God and sisters and brothers of Jesus!
Prayer
Lord, please remove any stoniness in my heart and replace it with warm-heartedness, that I may enable others to do the same. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin
Bro. Mike’s Blog by Rev. Mike McLaurin
John 17:4 I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do.
This verse is found in what is known as Jesus’ high priestly prayer for his apostles and all subsequent disciples. It is the longest prayer we have of Jesus. Jesus prayed this prayer just before going to the garden where he was betrayed and arrested. In the opening verses, Jesus is praying about God glorifying Jesus in God’s presence that Jesus may glorify God. Then comes verse four where Jesus speaks of having glorified God on earth by completing the tasks given him.
The fourth verse speaks to me thunderous words about how the work God has given us each to do brings glory to God. We bring glory to God when we dedicate the work given us to him. We glorify God when we pray about our work with thanksgiving for the tasks given us. We glorify God when we try to see God in each person we talk to and each person we greet. We glorify God when we remember that all good and honest labor is blessed and that we are called to our work. We glorify God as we bring each task given us to its completion.
Prayer
Thank you God for the work you have given me. Thank you for its opportunity to glorify you. Help me each day to reflect your love in all I do, to your great glory through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin
Bro. Mike’s Blog by Rev. Mike McLaurin
March 30, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:18 You should not fool yourself. If any of you think that you are wise by this world’s standards, you should become a fool, in order to be wise. (Today’s English Version)
I love clowns. I don’t care if it’s clowns in the circus, clowns in the rodeo, clowns in cartoons, or clowns in a parade. I love clowns. Sometimes I think I’m a full-time clown, just out of costume. My favorite clown of all time was Red Skelton as Freddie the Freeloader, just as my favorite Disney cartoon character is Goofy (there’s a clown if there ever was one!)
Clown: It’s from the Latin colonus, from which we get colonist; clowns were sometimes seen as ill-bred buffoonish farmers!
Clowns play important roles in the circus, in drama, and in life. They are comic relief or sometimes a serious message brought with a light touch. Clowns usually allow themselves to play the role of the fool.
Paul seemed to be speaking in clownish terms when he spoke of becoming a fool in order to be wise. Corinth was a great cosmopolitan Greek city that was a hub of politics, commerce, culture, immorality, and a variety of religions. There were temples to Greek gods, and Greek philosophy abounded. But the wisdom of their philosophy was really a trap, and Paul said one should become a clown (“fool”) in order to really be wise. In the first chapter, he had written: “For God in his wisdom made it impossible for people to know him by means of their own wisdom. Instead, by means of the so-called “foolish” message we preach, God decided to save those who believe… For what seems to be God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and what seems to be God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.” (1 Cor. 1:21,25)
Go ahead! Now’s the time! (Especially Tuesday!) Act the faithful fool! Be a Christian Clown! Enjoy the fun of the faith! No foolin’!
Prayer
Dear God, in the midst of our serious work, help us to have fun. Let us remember that just as Jesus wept, he also laughed. In his Name. Amen.
© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin
Bro. Mike’s Blog by Rev. Mike McLaurin
March 23, 2008
Exodus 3:11-12 [11] Moses answered God, "But why me? What makes you think that I could ever go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?" [12] "I'll be with you," God said. "And this will be the proof that I am the one who sent you: When you have brought my people out of Egypt, you will worship God right here at this very mountain." (The Message paraphrase)
Have you ever heard anyone say, “Why me?” It often is heard when some type of calamity befalls a person. Whether it’s the diagnosis of an awful illness or the reality of a job layoff, the question, “Why me?” is frequently and understandably heard. (I once heard a person who had received bad news say a few days after the “Why me?” question, “Why NOT me?” Now that’s wisdom born of mature faith!)
Moses asked the “Why me?” question when God appeared to him in the burning bush on Mt. Sinai, but it was more of the tone of “Who is little old me to do this?”
Oft are the times when a task comes our way, and we quickly find ourselves asking, “Why me, Lord?” It may be the “Who am I?” variety of question, or the “Why are you picking on me, Lord?” type.
Rather than listing Moses’ qualities, God simply replied, “I’ll be with you.” That’s what God says to us when “Why me?” is upon our lips and hearts. It’s what Jesus’ angelic name, Emmanuel, means: “God is with us.”
If you find yourself wondering, “Why me, Lord?” for any reason (even the receiving of a blessing!), ask yourself instead, “Why not me?” and look for God’s holy presence in the answer.
Prayer
Kind God, we thank you for your presence with us in all of life’s times: super highs, woeful lows, and everyday garden variety. Help us to remember that you are with us, and that you have sent your Son, Jesus, as the very embodiment of love living in our midst. In his Name. Amen.
© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin
Bro. Mike’s Blog by Rev. Mike McLaurin
March 16, 2008
2 Corinthians 1:13-14 For we write you nothing other than what you can read and also understand; I hope you will understand until the end— as you have already understood us in part--that on the day of the Lord Jesus we are your boast even as you are our boast.
Paul was encouraging the Corinthian Christians to hang in there with his and Timothy’s teaching. Paul wanted them to be able to boast of each other on that great day, commending one another for faithfulness to the end.
You know, we don’t have to wait until the day of the Lord Jesus to boast of one another, to praise one another, to encourage one another. Our work together is always good. It can only get better when we practice cheering each other on.
John Wesley used to tell his preachers to never speak ill of one another. He also told them never to believe anything ill they may have heard about another.
Christian encouragement! Both the encourager and the encouragee will do better. We all will! Praise God for Christian encouragement!
Prayer
Wonderful Lord: Your scriptures encourage us. We thank you and ask for the full encouragement of your Holy Spirit as we perform the work of your ministry. Lead us in encouraging one another to the greater glory of Jesus Christ, our Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen.
© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin
Bro. Mike’s Blog by Rev. Mike McLaurin
March 9, 2008
1 Kings 8:23 (Solomon) prayed, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven or earth. You keep your promises and show unfailing love to all who obey you and are eager to do your will.” (New Living Translation)
This verse is the beginning of Solomon’s lengthy prayer implored just prior to the dedication of the temple. After acknowledging and affirming that God was the greatest God anywhere (monotheism was not a part of the belief system until a couple of hundred years later), Solomon says something all God’s servants should remember: God’s unending blessings come to those who are obedient and eager about doing God’s will. Now, living on the Resurrection side of the cross, we know that salvation is by grace through faith, not through works. Therefore, we must understand Solomon’s words as meaning that our responsibility to this eager obedience stems from the joy of our salvation.
Consider this day how you will be eager to do God’s will in our service to him. Prayerfully ponder your obedience to God is this day of holy labor that God allows us to have. His promises and his love shall never fail.
Prayer
Oh God of love and joy and peace: remind us constantly of your never-failing love and wonderful promises. We know there is no God but you. You alone are our salvation. Bless us this day in our work that we may honor you with our labors. In Christ Name and for his sake we pray. Amen.
© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin
Bro. Mike’s Blog by Rev. Mike McLaurin
March 2, 2008
1 Peter 4:11 Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen.
Peter put it pretty plainly: Our use of words must be carefully done, for people look to certain ones to provide God’s messages (and it isn’t just preachers). We have to let God speak through us. It must be clear that it’s God’s words and not something we just thought up on our own (Remember Proverbs 3:5? “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.”). Likewise, our helping others must show the strength that comes from God and not have the appearance that it is our own strength at work.
In other words, people have to hear God in what we say and see God in what we do. When that happens, all our words and deeds will bring glory to God.
This verse can also remind us that we should never feel speechless when it comes to speaking for God, for God will provide our words. Nor should we wonder about the strength to do God’s work, for God will supply our energy. Let God be seen and heard in your life today and every day!
Prayer
God of us all: guide us this day that all we say may reflect Jesus, the Word, and that all we do be accomplished because we have looked to you for strength. Amen.
© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin
Bro. Mike’s Blog by Rev. Mike McLaurin
February 24, 2008
Mark 13:1-27
1 As Jesus was leaving the Temple, one of his disciples said, "Look, Teacher! What wonderful stones and buildings!" 2 Jesus answered, "You see these great buildings? Not a single stone here will be left in its place; every one of them will be thrown down." (Today’s English Version)
From time to time, we see on television news where a landmark office tower or sports arena, which has served its useful purposes, is imploded by a special demolitions team. When they were constructed, I wonder if anyone thought that one day they would be torn down.
What a shock it must have been to the disciples to hear Jesus say that the beloved Temple and its surrounding buildings would be thrown down, that not one stone would be left in place! Jesus was speaking of what would occur in 70 A.D. when the Romans razed Jerusalem.
It’s good to have the blessing of fine buildings in which to worship, served, be nurtured and enjoy Christian fellowship. Yet Jesus reminds us that buildings are temporary, and not permanent. I can’t help but wonder if Jesus was concerned with “building worship” by his disciples.
This story in Mark reminds me of the time when Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well (John 4). She made comment concerning the Samaritan’s place of worship being on nearby Mount Gerizim, where a place of worship for the Samaritans had been built, and the Jews’ place of worship being the Temple in Jerusalem (which the disciples had ooooed and ahhhhed over in today’s text.) Jesus replied, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem… But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him.” (John 4:21, 23 NRSV)
We have excellent and beautiful facilities for which to be grateful that we are to use in promoting the Word of Jesus Christ. Yet, like the office buildings, sports arenas, and the Temple, they are temporary. They are the means of our worship, nurture, service and fellowship, and not the end of them.
Prayer
Kind and loving God, thank you for the facilities we are blessed to have. Help us always to keep them in proper perspective. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
© 2008 Michael D. McLaurin
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