Dudes, Duds, and Dads (Part Two)

Genesis 19:14

Lot said to his sons-in-law, “Get up, get out of this place – For the Lord will destroy this city! But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.” 

Some guys become duds instead of dads.  Lot was a dud of a father.  You remember him.  He was the nephew of Abraham.  He had great promise.  But when the decision was made to part from Abraham, Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom.  And it was one of the worst decision he could have ever made.  Be careful where you pitch your tent – be careful where you build your life…and how you build your family. 

A person can live too close to Sodom.  Instead of Lot making a change in Sodom, Sodom made a change in him.  He eventually lost his wife, the respect of his children, and his testimony.  His sons-in-law laughed at him.  Maybe Lot had tried to be “cool.”  Maybe he had tried to appear as one of the guys.  But it didn’t work.  Lot became a dud of a dad.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is leave Sodom.  Walk away.  Run away from sin and it’s control over you.  Cry out to God in desperation.  Weep, mourn, admit the mess you’ve made.  Dad, there comes a time when you must take a cue from Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke and, “Get out of Dodge and don’t come back.” 

Choices matter.  Lot saw the beauty of Sodom but never imagined the bondage.  He saw that it was well watered but ignored the fact that it was greatly wicked.  Men, don’t be a dud of a dad.  Get out of Sodom and don’t go back!  M

Dudes, Duds, and Dads (part one)

2 Samuel 18:33

All of us who are trying to be a dad are tempted from time to time to be a dude.  It’s inviting to leave behind the priorities of family and home to pursue life in the fast lane.  King David tried to live that kind of life and it didn’t work out too well for him.  In 2 Samuel 18:33 he cries, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom…Would to God I had died for thee. O Absalom, my son, my son!” 

While I’d like to believe those were words of remorse, I am inclined to believe they are more likely words of regret.  David had gotten too big for his britches.  He was so busy building his future that he neglected his family.  He was more concerned about his reputation as a king than he was his relationship with his kids. 

David compromised.  He should have been more of a dad and less of a dude.  His life was marked by inconsistency.  His neglect of his home was just one of many areas of weakness.  Dad…love your family and protect your children.  Other than your walk with God, there is nothing greater you can do.  M

Winner Either Way

Daniel 6

Daniel….He’s about to be thrown in the lion’s den.  He’s about to be surrounded by lions…everywhere he looks, once he’s in the den, he'll be faced with something that could destroy him.  Nowhere to hide.  No corner to run to.  No 911.  Just him, the lions, and the Lord. 

That’s good news.  When you are in a situation, beyond your control, even though you’ve prayed and trusted the Lord…it is good to know you’re not alone.  It’s you, whatever you’re facing, and the Lord. 

Up until the lion’s den, Daniel had been marked by calloused knees, a courageous spirit, and a committed life.  What would he do now?  Give up?  Surrender?  Resist?  It appears there was no scuffle, no resistance, no demands placed on God to save him from the apparent death sentence. 

One of two things will happen to you if you’re walking with God, trusting God, and believing God…yet you still find yourself in a den of lions:  You will either be delivered or devoured.  I wish there was only one possibility.  I wish faith in God ruled out the possibility of being devoured.  But it doesn’t. 

If your heart is right with God, however, either way…devoured or delivered… you’ll be OK.  When Crystal’s mother was battling cancer several years ago she used to say she was a winner either way.  I remember hearing her say if she lived she’d get to be with her family, and if she died she’d go to be with Jesus.  Either way she’d be OK. 

Friend, when our faith and hope is in Jesus, delivered or devoured, we are winners either way.    MM

Press On

Philippians 3:14 

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ."

Just because you decide to get right with God doesn’t mean everyone else will jump on the bandwagon.  In fact you may feel alone as if no one understands and no one cares.  You may even be criticized for being who others remember you as, for being what others label you, and for being that of which others are jealous.  Sometimes the criticism will come from family, friends, even those with whom you go to church.  

You will need to remind yourself often of your calling and your commitment to that calling.  The way that leads to life truly is narrow.  It’s the same road that leads to contentment, peace of mind, and lasting happiness.  While others are riding a roller coaster of religion, up and down emotionally and spiritually, you have chosen consistency in Christ.  You may not go as high as some, but neither will you go as low. 

A new beginning must start with the end in mind.  How do I want to grow old?  What do I want others to see in me?  When it’s all said and done, what will I be known for saying and doing?  How do I want my life to end?  While I may not be able to choose how I die, I can certainly choose how I live.  Besides, people won’t remember how you died.  They will remember how you lived.  And, if you live deep into your seventies, eighties, and nineties, that’s a long time to live regretting foolish decisions.  Ignore the critics and keep pressing on toward Christ. M

Live Like You’re Dying

Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Tim McGraw sang about it several years ago.  I liked the song.  Still do.  I think there’s some pretty good preaching in that song.  If I were to make a sermon out of those lyrics it would go something like this:  We should live like we’re dying because most of us will die like we’re living. 

Many folks intend to change…to do better…to get right with God…but most never do.  Most folks will die like they live.  If you’re bitter, unforgiving, resentful – you’ll probably die bitter, unforgiving, and resentful.  But if you are loving, peaceful, and kind you’ll probably die in that condition as well. 

If you’re lost you’ll probably die lost.  That’s why, if you’re not saved and you know you should be…and you want to be saved, you should be saved today!  Live saved so you’ll die saved. 

If you’re living with sin in your life, that’s no way to live and it’s sure no way to die.  Get right with God while you can.  Pray, confess, repent, do whatever it takes to be right with God – and to be at peace with others.  Then you’ll be ready to die.  And in case you don’t die anytime soon, you’ll be ready to live. 

A lady asked me recently if I would sing at her funeral.  I said, “Sure.  When is it?”  My answer took her by surprise.  She said she hoped it wasn’t anytime soon.  Friend, rest assured your days are numbered.  Live like you’re dying because most of us will die like we’re living.  M