Here am I…send someone.

May 31

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Years ago, Maribeth and I traveled with a musical team that represented Clearwater Christian College at churches, schools, and camps throughout the summer. One of the songs I performed as duet with my friend Jesse was based on Isaiah’s response to God’s call in Isaiah 6:8: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”

My friend and I sang it day after day. First, for weeks of practices to prepare. Then a typical day on tour might include a school chapel in the morning and a church service somewhere else in the evening. Mix in practices just to stay sharp as we traveled toward Colorado, and I could practically sing it in my sleep.

Somewhere along the way we strayed from the lyrics in one of our rehearsals. Instead of the proper, biblical response (and the title of the song!) we would sing, “Here am I Lord, send Jesse.” Of course, he would substitute my name in that place.

Our musical director would grin, laugh graciously, and wait for us to be serious again and continue. To be fair, she had also been my fourth-grade teacher, so I imagine she knew what to expect from me at 21 years old. When the travel became tedious and our minds grew tired, we would break out our revised version just for a laugh.

Obviously, the song means something entirely different when we substitute our lyrics for Isaiah’s actual response. When the prophet hears God’s call, his answer is swift and reveals a surrendered heart.

“Here am I, Lord. Send ME!”

Unfortunately, our song revision is too familiar for many of us. We see God moving and hear Him calling, yet grow uncomfortable thinking that it might require our response of change and obedience. We know what needs to be done, but excuse ourselves from responsibility. We quickly look around for another to substitute in our place. We talk about what we’ll do next time. We compromise or barter with God. Anything but simple surrender.

We must ask ourselves, “Do we truly want to be formed into the image of Christ?” If so, what are we willing to do? Are we pleading for God to change us or just to alter our circumstances? As we continue to study how we grow into the image of Christ, let us consider what it will require of us. If all of our learning is simply an exercise in academics, what ultimate purpose does it serve? When God instructs His children, He does so for the purpose of shaping us. Drawing us toward a response. Encouraging our obedience. Soliciting surrendered hearts.

Running the Race Together

Mar 29

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On Sunday, I shared an illustration about the 2017 Marathon in Venice, Italy. We examined the importance of following someone going in the right direction, as the early leaders that year lost the race because of one crucial mistake – they followed some lead vehicles who strayed from the official course. Another thought about races came to mind as I considered our goal of learning, changing, and growing.

Often in the larger races, the elite runners will have a completely separate start time than the weekend warriors – some of whom may be competing in their first distance competition. This ensures that the slower runners don’t interfere with the select athletes. There is no need for the fastest to work their way around slower runners. And the ones who are just trying to finish the race don’t have to worry about getting run over by the ones trying to set a course record.

In one sense, it’s as if there are separate races taking place on the same course.

When it comes to our spiritual race there is a bit of similarity. Every believer is at a different stage in their relationship and walk. Some have been saved for years. Have studied Scripture in depth. They have learned from mistakes, godly counsel, and biblical instruction. They have grown and matured and are running the race in stride.

Others are just beginning their course. They are newly saved and know they have much to learn. They are making mistakes that will teach them important lessons. Scriptures that are familiar to many are new and exciting to them. They have an unrivaled zeal from their faith.

Mixed into the pack are some of us who have recently stumbled and are regaining their stride, some who are to be imitated in their form, some novices, and some seasoned runners. All running the race to which God has called us. All looking to change and grow into the likeness of Christ.

However, although we are all at different stages in our race…we are running it together. God has purposefully called us to walk as believers together. The Greek word translated church or assembly in Scripture is ekklesia (????????) and is a compound of two words that mean “called out.” We are called out of the world but called together to edify the body of Christ. We are not only running individually, but also corporately. God has designed that the stronger run side-by-side with the weaker to encourage, challenge and help. He has purposed that the experienced help the new believer by word and example. That the new believer demonstrate the zeal of his first love. That the novice grow alongside of the seasoned. It’s for our good and God’s glory.

Let’s run the race supporting, challenging, and encouraging the rest of the body to which God has called us! Go out of your way to find someone you can help with a hopeful word, a compassionate gesture, and a sound example. Find a way to help others learn, change, & grow.

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What comes next?

Apr 24

Posted by matrill in Christian living, church | No Comments

I’m going to share something about me that most of you do not know.

I used to be in a chess club. (I’m sorry if you were expecting something more shocking or exciting). You’ve probably never heard me speak about it, because it was a long time ago (middle school/junior high at Skycrest Christian School) and I don’t have any good stories. Although I enjoyed the game, I was never that good. No matter how many matches I played, it seemed that there was always someone one step ahead of me. In fact, in the middle of matches that I thought I had figured out, I would be rudely awakened by the reality that my opponent was seeing things I had missed. (Checkmate!)

Perhaps checkers is more your game. You know the feeling of a successful move. You eye the board’s layout. You spot the unprotected piece of your opponent. Confidently picking up your marker, you jump your opponent’s, and smugly pick up his captured piece.

Uh oh. Why does he have a grin on his face? Before you know what’s happened he is click-clacking another piece across the board picking up your pieces as he goes. Who knew that many consecutive jumps were even possible?

You never saw it coming!

And, thus, you learned the importance of looking ahead to your next move.

Imagine the situation facing the disciples. At Easter, we examine the reality and importance of the resurrection from our perspective of history. We read the Scriptures and examine the evidence. He rose from the dead. By faith, we accept it as fact. However, for the women who came to the tomb on the first day of the week, the experience unfolded moment-by-shocking-moment. For Peter and John, they first acted only on the testimony of those women. For Thomas, it was all hearsay for a while.

Plans were turned upside down. Fear seemed to strain at their faith. Doubts nagged at their hearts. Excitement was tempered by a measure of uncertainty. Sights and sounds wrestled with feelings and emotions.

For us, it is easy to read the Gospel narratives.

Resurrection. Appearances. Meals & conversations. Promises & assurances. A Great Commission. Ascension.

For those disciples, many of their next steps were unknown until they arrived. They were left to believe and obey what they had in any given moment. The same thing is true for us. We cannot see tomorrow. While we rest confidently in the promises and directions of God, there are still unknowns throughout life. Our is to trust and obey.

What’s next for you?

You made it to church on Easter. Great. Keep it up and make it a part of your regular schedule.

You’ve been challenged about the reality of the resurrection and the need for others to hear it. Super. Now share it with someone. Watch what God will do with your obedience.

There is something on the horizon that introduces a bit of fear or doubt to your life. Tackle it with the confidence that wherever God directs you in this life, He also equips you and goes with you!

That’s Good News for God’s children.

I cannot keep silent, nor would it be proper…

Mar 17

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With all of the hype and misguided nonsense taking place today, might I offer the words of Patrick, missionary to Ireland. Recalling the captivity of his youth, he proclaimed in his Confession:

“And there the Lord opened my mind to an awareness of my unbelief, in order that, even so late, I might remember my transgressions and turn with all my heart to the Lord my God, who had regard for my insignificance and pitied my youth and ignorance. And he watched over me before I knew him, and before I learned sense or even distinguished between good and evil, and he protected me, and consoled me as a father would his son.
Therefore, indeed, I cannot keep silent, nor would it be proper, so many favours and graces has the Lord deigned to bestow on me in the land of my captivity.”

May each of us who have received salvation through Jesus Christ feel that same burden to share with others what God has done for us. May we never be silent about His wonderful grace and transforming power.

To God be the glory, great things He has done.

Ring it out!

Oct 14

Posted by matrill in Christian living, church, music, work | No Comments

Last week, Maribeth and I had the opportunity to attend an orchestra concert at Carnegie Hall that we enjoyed very much. During one piece, I noticed one of stan_head_1the performers in particular. He sat on a stool in the corner of the back row along with the other percussionists. However, for most of the song he did nothing. Finally, his moment came and he picked up his triangle and struck it several times in rhythm. It lasted for but a few measures of the lengthy song, and just as soon as he had started – the piece was finished.

In contrast, the percussionist in the center of that top row had five timpani before him. His part began in the first measures and lasted throughout the song until its thunderous conclusion. He was responsible for producing the percussive foundation for every other instrument that was being played. You could not help but notice him as his arms rose high above his head and the mallets came crashing down rapidly. At some points, his arms appeared as just a blur, and the sound of the drums hit you in the chest (even in the balcony). Others in that back row had bells, snares, cymbals, and even a gong.

And on the end was the tiny triangle. “Ting, ting, ting…”

One of the things you’ll discover is that percussionists interchange instruments for different pieces. The performer who begins on the bells may smoothly transition to drums or cymbals on the next song. So, our overlooked triangle ringer was fully capable of performing skillfully on any of the other instruments, and did so throughout the night. But for that one piece he had what was arguably the least important job of the entire orchestra. (I apologize to anyone who only played triangle in your school’s orchestra.) Perhaps overlooked and underappreciated.

But not by the composer.

As he crafted the music, a concept was in his mind. He labored expertly to transfer mood to melody, convey ideas through tempo and rhythm, and voice emotions in instrumentation. For the composer (and later, the conductor) each part for each instrument is important. If it is missing (or performed thoughtlessly or with little effort) the entire piece suffers. The music does not accomplish what the composer intended.

And so it is in our Christian walk and ministry for the Lord. He is the one who calls us and assigns our parts. He equips us and instructs us. He is the One with a plan to accomplish His purposes. He adds us to His church and orchestrates our service.

Sometimes, that includes work that is full of flourish and fanfare. It is recognized by almost everyone, and we receive heavy doses of appreciation and thanks. Other times, it is a job that is noticed by only a handful of people, and esteemed by even fewer. We feel like an overlooked and underappreciated triangle player in an orchestra.

A few biblical thoughts should help us with this. First, in everything we do, our service is ultimately done toward God. Second, He never misses even the least aspects of ministry done for His sake. Third, He is the great rewarder. Finally, although the job may seem insignificant, it can be a part of His masterplan for our lives, His church, and its work on this earth.

Colossians 3:23–24 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

So, if all you have to offer is a cup of water, share it with someone in the name of Christ. If your audience is just one person or a full stadium, give them the Gospel with prayerful enthusiasm. If you serve “behind the scenes” while others labor in the spotlight, do it for the Savior’s sake, and know that He is pleased.

If all you find to play is a triangle…Ring it with all your heart!

Trouble indeed

Jul 8

Posted by matrill in Christian living, crime, Current Events | No Comments

Troublesome times are here…

The opening line to a song I remember hearing as a child, singing with a quartet several years ago, and currently playing on my car’s stereo. R. E. Winsett wrote that song in 1942. I can only imagine what current events might have been in his mind as he penned those lyrics.

creation-museum-16-800x600

Troublesome times are here…

Yes, indeed. If you are not convinced of this, you are probably not paying attention. As the words to that song run through my head at this moment, I am reminded of a few key truths.

First, this is a disturbing reality. Sometimes, just looking at the newsfeed is all I can take. Maybe you feel the same way.

But then, hasn’t our world always seen distress since sin entered in the Garden? A wedge driven between God and His creation, Cain & Abel, physical suffering, societal conflict, slavery, abuse of power. The list goes on, and at every period of our history there have been troubled times. Certainly, we see it around the world today and in our own backyards.

Where do we turn for assurance or relief? Government or political movements? Is anyone really convinced that is the answer? The goodness of mankind? Even the optimist probably would not recommend that as a source of hope. In the midst of troublesome times we should join the psalmist in declaring that our hope is in the Lord alone (Psalm 39:7; 62:5).

Second, we have an opportunity. I have often said that as the days grow darker spiritually it becomes increasingly easier for true believers in Christ to shine as lights for Him. Simply fulfilling the basics of our Christian walk should set us apart in stark contrast to the world. Love like Christ loves us. Make decisions with wisdom and integrity. Keep your promises. Lead with humility and a servant’s heart. Demonstrate genuine forgiveness. Show compassion to those who are hurting. Share the Gospel with the lost.

I met a man recently who shared many of the disappointments he had experienced in his dealings with those that claimed to know Christ. Sinful conduct, calloused responses, both willful and unintentional harm. It sure sounded like the people who claimed to represent Christ had done a poor job of it. His perception and reception of Christ was tainted by people. Our opportunity as ambassadors of Christ is to present a clear testimony of His goodness in the middle of troublesome times.

The final thought relates to the theme and message of that song itself. The chorus joyfully proclaims, “Jesus is Coming Soon!” Rather than simply viewing that as our ultimate escape clause to leave this troubled world, we ought to consider the urgency and challenge of that truth. He is coming again, but has put us here to serve Him until then. Another song asks, “What if it were today?” We must obey and serve with all of our being in each of our remaining moments.

Long before Winsett penned the song’s lyrics, God’s Word gave us His divine promise:

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Revelation 22:12

As we echo the words of John may we also seize the opportunities of each new day. Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:20).

‘Til the Storm Passes

Apr 9

Posted by matrill in Bible, comfort, nature | 1 Comment

radar-image-94161Some may have slept through parts of it, but many probably heard every crack of thunder in Pinellas County on Thursday morning. The rain poured down, the wind howled and the lightning flashed across the sky for a few hours. In Clearwater, a tornado touched down and caused damage to a few homes and power lines.

While all of that was happening outside, I pulled up an app that showed a radar image of the storm and its movement relative to my precise location. With just a little estimation, I could determine where the storm was headed and how long it would last for me. I had more information on my phone than Roy Leep had back in the day!

In contrast, can you imagine the uncertainty of a fierce storm in ancient days? The clouds and pouring rain darkened the sky and decreased visibility. People would scramble for cover not knowing how long it would last or even what was in store for them. Farmers would fear for the loss of their crops. Sailors knew that the wind could drive them off course quickly. If bad enough, any storm could quickly grow from mere confusion to destruction and death.

Jesus and His disciples faced that type of storm while on the Sea of Galilee.

Mark 4:37–41  And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

The great Creator stood in their midst and controlled the winds and waves with His mere words. What confidence and comfort.

Years ago, when I was in a quartet of preachers we would sing an old Mosie Lister song in concerts. I seemed to hear it drifting through my mind again this morning as the rain fell. The words are a powerful reminder that God not only cares about the storms that we face in this life, but He also is powerful enough to carry us safely through them.

In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,
While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place.
‘Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Many times Satan whispered, “There is no need to try,
For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by”
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I’ll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies.

Chorus
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Perhaps you are facing a storm…or anticipating one around the corner. Whether you can see how strong it is or how long it will last, be very sure that God is still stronger than the wind and rain. He loves His children and delights in walking us safely through the storm.