PARKS BROWN

I enjoy a glass of red wine with Italian food and therefore went out to buy a bottle before Joy fixed baked ziti the other night. Once I made the decision on the variety and the vineyard, the merchant had two vintages to chose from. I didn’t know much about the vineyard where the wine came from but I do know a general rule of thumb is to choose the older wine. I reminded myself that advice was even Biblical. Christ said “And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, ‘The old is better.'” Luke 5:39. The merchant actually recommended the newer vintage. Too often I’m drawn to the old but it’s like Christ said, no one WANTS the new. When Jesus makes wine, the new is ALWAYS better.

Most believers know that Christ’s first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding festival. Every move Jesus made was wrought with meaning and intentionality. At the end of the wedding when everyone had consumed all the wine and there was nothing left to drink, Christ took tasteless water and turned it into something new and special. The master of the wedding banquet drank a little of the new wine and immediately went to the bridegroom to give him props for serving such a nice wine. ‘”Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink, but you have saved the best till now.'” John 2:10. The wine Jesus makes is always better than the wine I choose and the best is often served later.

Romans 8:29 reminds us that the Holy Spirit is in the process of changing believers from water into wine. “For those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed into the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” Too often Christians get caught up with the words ‘predestined’ and ‘foreknowledge.’ The focus should be that we are being changed and made into something new. The purpose is to make us more like his Son so that the family gets bigger. The master of the wedding ceremony didn’t miss the fact there was new wine. Don’t miss the results or the purpose for the changes going on in your life and heart…or in those around you.

The process of conforming us into the image of Christ can be chaotic in our lives. We must remember and recognize there is a purpose. Pouring something new into something old can cause havoc. “And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.” Luke 5:37-38. Just like the wine, I tend to choose the old ways and not the new ones. God needs to pour something new into our lives so don’t be surprised if you start to spring a few leaks.

What does new wine look like in your life? For starters, it requires a new skin, not a patch job. “He told them this parable: No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old.”Luke 6:36. If God is building a new person or a new company or a new church, He will make the people new and build something new. God will make the components of his creation into the image of his Son which will require turning something common and tasteless into something special. He will take pride and make it humility. He will take the light away from you and turn it to Himself. Look for the new wine in your life and the lives of others. Drink from the new wine and recognize the difference when you taste it.

Too often, I want to skip the process of being made new and just drink from the old stuff. Too often, we focus on what other people were and not what they have been made into. The old saying, ‘fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me’ would have kept the guests at the wedding festival from enjoying what Jesus had done with the water. All believers are being made new. Those that we are closest to, our families and friends, are often the people we never enjoy the new taste of because we focus on what they were and not what they have become. Don’t be too rigid to try the newer vintage.

I’ve lived long enough to know that I am a shadow of the man I used to be. I’m a new vintage and a new wineskin but I physically look like the old one. Outwardly, I AM wasting away, but inwardly I AM being renewed every day. I thank God that He has made me a new wineskin because the old one definitely leaked. I tried to sew on patches, but He had a different plan.

Jesus makes new wine. He only pours it into new wineskins. When you and I are being conformed into the new wineskin it may not be a pretty process, but it is a necessary process. ALL believers are being conformed and turned into new wine. Find another believer and pour a glass from their wineskin. The new stuff tastes great.

It has been said that common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done. George Bernard Shaw said, “Common sense is instinct, enough of it is genius.” This is the perspective of the world. Not much dictates common sense more than the obvious. Although the obvious is not always so obvious, it is also not always the truth. Either way, choosing the obvious is never the way for a believer to proceed in making life decisions.

Proverbs 3:5-7 addresses the habit of relying on common sense, data, logic and reason at the expense of excluding God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” At first blush many Christians blow off a Proverb as just sage advice or common sense. If you search the scriptures for stories and parables that reinforce the notion of a decision making process that operates on something other than the obvious, get ready to be blown away. Get ready to change the way you make some decisions.

When David first became King over Israel his intent was to unite the northern and southern kingdoms. The Philistines were Israel’s most powerful enemy and they went up in full force to search for David. I can only begin to imagine the scene David looked down on from his mountain stronghold as he gazed upon an invading army with the intent to stop him. “Now the Philistines had spread out in the Valley of Rephaim, so David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?'” 2 Samuel 5:18-19. Really, David?

It was obvious to David and the nations that he had God’s favor and was the chosen King to unite Israel. It seems like common sense that David should attack anything that stood in his way, much less an army that had pursued him and camped out in plain sight. So, why did the man who was “after God’s own heart” need to stop and ask what to do at this point? Because your own wisdom and understanding doesn’t acknowledge God and give him the opportunity to make your paths straight. Because using common sense doesn’t show a fear for God but shows pride and arrogance, which shows ignorance in the way God works.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isiah 56:8-9. In simple terminology, ask me before you do anything. David knew to do this because David had learned this. David asked God to weigh in on the obvious and waited for an answer. Unless we practice the same discipline, we risk growing further away and out of His will each day.

Money is the low hanging fruit for the discipline of asking God as opposed to using common sense. My wife’s car is breaking down. The lawn mower just died on me, the outdoor faucet has been leaking for 6 months and my daughter wants a new car. Oh yeah, I also want to screen in the back porch so the mosquitoes don’t eat me alive. Do any of these sound familiar to you? When you finally get some money saved to do these projects, is spending the cash on these items obvious? Maybe someone else has a greater need and only God can bring it to your mind and into your path. Maybe God just wants a little respect to make sure you don’t have any other master before Him. Either way, stop and ask.

Money can be one of the biggest deterrents to seeking the voice of God. How do I know this? Jesus talked about it all the time. In the book of Luke there was a certain rich fella who’s crops yielded a bumper harvest and he didn’t have room to store them all. He chose the obvious answer, tear down your barns and build bigger ones to store up for retirement. “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich towards God.” Luke 12:20-21.

In the example of an abundant harvest or in David’s case with an invading army, there doesn’t appear to be a need to ask God what to do. But listen to how differently God responds when we ask Him about the obvious. When we bring Him to the forefront of making our no brainer, common sensical obvious decisions, there is always blessing and reward. When we make common sense decisions on our own, there can be shame and death. I’ll minimize the risk and choose door number one, thank you. Why? Because as a believer I KNOW this is what He teaches. And because at 56, I’ve learned the hard way. The obvious is not always right.

There is risk when we choose the obvious and don’t ask God what He wants. Every financial decision is a spiritual decision. Ask God even when it’s obvious. Run the risk of being laughed at or called a fool by your friends and not your God. Choose God before you choose the obvious.

In 1776 there was an original Committee of Five authors tasked with writing the Declaration of Independence. John Adams, one of the original five, wrote to his wife regarding the historic event that was unfolding.

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

In 2017 we can see Adams’s prediction was off by two days. The holiday is celebrated more today than possibly ever. The manner in which Adams believed it should be celebrated has been fulfilled quite well. But, have we forgotten where our freedom comes from and who and what our actions should reflect?

Last week many Americans ate bar-b-q, watched parades and fireworks. Various shows of magnificence, splendor and ceremony were witnessed across the nation (definition of pomp). But for the life of me, I didn’t really connect those solemn acts as acts of devotion to God. Yes, a few bars from God bless America, but was the day, was MY day an act of devotion to God? Maybe I don’t hang with the right crowd and then again, maybe I’M not the right crowd. Maybe Adams was just plain wrong. Or, maybe we need to remember how this country was founded and why it has been blessed the last 240 odd years.

Ronald Reagan gave his farewell address in 1989 where he referenced a phrase from the parable of salt and light in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 (copy and paste this link to hear a two minute clip… https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-mozilla-002&hsimp=yhs-002&hspart=mozilla&p=reagan+city+on+a+hill#id=3&vid=c65dbb5ad763f485bb13a20e981f1328&action=view). Reagan was quoting a sermon from 1630 by John Winthrop as he admonished the colonist in Massachusetts in what would become the ‘ideal’ to represent the new America and the new American city. Winthrop declared the Puritan’s community would be a city on a hill, watched by the world to set an example of unity, charity and affection or they would be seen as a failure to keep covenant with God. Hhhhmmmm.

Politicians from JFK to Bush and Obama have flirted with the same analogy of America as a city on a hill and a light to the world. The difference between the use of the analogy is defined by the reflection of our own glory as opposed to America’s light shining for God’s glory. Christ set it straight for his listeners, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16.

I’m convicted today that my celebration next year should include more than a hearty prayer of thanks over a pulled pork plate at Williamson Brother’s BBQ. July 4th does commemorate the great anniversary Adams eluded to in 1776. Freedom from a power that was far greater than those who needed rescuing. Freedom for this country that originated with Christ and His death on the cross. Freedom for all who claim His name, His power and His redemption from their sins and shortcomings. Freedom that was born as part of this country as our founders sought the ability to worship the creator and become that city on a hill.

I can’t speak for ‘Merica, but I can encourage all Christ followers to remember WE are saved and called to be a beacon of light so that the world may praise our Father. July 4th should be the most memorable epoch in the history of our country. July 4th should be a time for Christians to step out and shine for America, and for the Kingdom. Every day you and I both shine a light that reflects either ourselves or our God. Let’s make sure this Independence Day reminds us to be a beacon for something other than our own indulgences as a people and a nation.

America is watched by the world. Our people set the tone for what the world can see, not our politicians or our media. Does the world see we are keeping covenant with God? Will we show the world and each other unity, love, charity and mercy for all people? Will you?

Shine your light accordingly. The world is watching. God bless America.

On June 21, 2017 we will celebrate the summer solstice. Maybe celebrate isn’t an accurate word, but this will be the longest day of the year. After June 21 the sun will start to follow a lower and lower path through the sky and each day will become shorter in length. That almost seems like a metaphor for life. For me, the winter and summer solstice are two lines of demarcation in each year. These dates signify a lap around the sun like the leg of a trip on a journey. Each of us only have so many laps. When the sun is at it’s peak, it’s a good idea to look around and see with clarity.

In past times the summer and winter solstice were celebrations, think Stonehenge or Christmas in the southern hemisphere. The seasons united cultures and still today this date reminds us we are all on the same planet taking the same trip around the same star…a road-trip in the same car if you will. What have you noticed that is different during this past lap? Are you looking at the world around you or are you looking in the mirror? The days will be getting shorter but will you notice?

The longest day of the year is a time for celebrating and coming together, a time of unity. Christ knew unity was a cornerstone for thriving and surviving each trip around the sun. Right before He left this world, Jesus prayed for unity for His followers. “I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:23. When we unite, the world takes notice. When we are divided it does as well. With anywhere from 75% to 80% of Americans identifying as ‘Christian’ you would think the country would be much more united. What are Christians “letting the world know” this time around the sun?

So, how can we be united? “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have with one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14. Holy mackerel, no wonder there is such little unity. Most people think humility is not trumping themselves up or getting recognition for what they’ve done instead of it being a heart condition. Believers can spell forgiveness, compassion and patience but are they putting it into practice? Are we even ‘bearing’ with each other?

Take a minute or two and read the 17th chapter in John. Christ was talking to those 75% in America when He said, “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.” John 17:9. With all of the anger, hurt and disunity we face in the world, Christ didn’t ask God to relieve us of another trip around the sun, only to protect us during the trip. “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” John 17:15. He constantly talks about unity when speaking to Christians. “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name -the name you gave me- so that they may be one as we are one.” John 17:11.

I think it’s critical for Christians to pay more attention when Jesus calls us by name to the Father. He reminds us each loop around the sun is an intentional journey with a purpose. He doesn’t want us to ignore the trip or get off the ride. Christ knows we need shelter from the storms we face. He wants us to know He has the power to protect us from our enemy during the long days of summer. Each lap we take leads us closer to our destination, but the decisions we make on the journey define that destination.

Calling yourself a Christian without living out those virtues doesn’t make you a Christ follower or get you to heaven. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14. In simple terms, it’s easy to talk the talk but not many walk the walk. What good is it to forgive, show kindness or compassion if you don’t unite it all with love? The ride we’re on is pretty short and the means of our transportation on this journey is pretty small. Love intentionally and live with a sense of urgency each day. On June 21st it’s a fact, the days are getting shorter.

Tomorrow marks another lap in the race around the sun. Whether it’s a political race, road race or ethnic race we are all one human race. Christ followers must set the pace with virtues that unite us and not divide us. Don’t vote with anger and disunity today. Walk the walk. Make this next lap around the sun your personal best. Let your unity draw others to the Son.

St. Augustine wrote, “We must care for our bodies as though we were going to live forever, but we must care for our souls as if we were going to die tomorrow.” Too often believers try to simultaneously pursue the things of the world and God-at any point one or the other will prevail. While we try to balance our time and lives, we need to ask the question, “Am I growing closer towards Christ, or further away?” The question is predicated on the fact there is no middle ground or standing still. The writer of Hebrews put it plainly. “We must pay careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Hebrews 2:1. Grow towards or drift away, but you will move one way or the other.

A.W. Tozier said, “Life is a short and fevered rehearsal for a concert we cannot stay to give. Just when we appear to have attained some proficiency we are forced to lay our instruments down. There is simply not enough time to think, to become, to perform what the constitution of our natures indicate we are capable of.” Where we spend our time and energy gaining proficiency will tell if we are growing towards Jesus or away. The writer of Psalms encouraged us to seek God’s face. John the Baptist proclaimed Christ must increase while he must decrease. What does your daily life show about your direction and your hearts profession?

Regardless of when and how much you sleep, what is the first thing you think of when you awake? You won’t become more Christ-like if He’s not at the forefront of your thoughts. Do you leave the house each day without talking to Him? Treat your wife that way and see what happens. You won’t grow towards Him if you don’t desire Him in your heart. No one on Earth can measure your heart’s desire but yourself. Make sure you take the time to judge which direction your heart and actions are leading. Make sure you have a correct assessment as well.

There is a growing prevalence to the belief that good people go to heaven. Life is not an animated film about dogs but a real test of where your hearts devotion is fixed. You need to know if you are growing closer to God and not just talking a good game. Christ gave the example all believers need to remember. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers.'” Sounds like a good person with good deeds and fruit to prove it, but it didn’t get them into heaven. Were their hearts growing towards God? Is yours?

My purpose is not to confuse or confound, but to wake us up. Believing in one omnipotent, omnipresent omniscient God doesn’t do it people. “Even the demons believe that-and shudder.” James 2:19. Your life should scream what your heart believes. The CEO for Starbucks told shareholders at the company’s annual meeting in January of this year, “If you support traditional marriage we don’t want your business.” Is there any doubt about his heart? He seems like a really good guy with a really good heart, but… I’ve stopped going to Starbucks because my actions need to support my heart’s conviction. Each time I turn away from a Starbucks it helps me to know what direction my heart is growing.

God isn’t looking at your Facebook profile, your Tweets, the number of jobs you create or your attendance at church on Sunday. God judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13. There it is; a day of reckoning, account and judgement based on our heart growing closer to Him.

Maybe you can’t answer the question about growing towards Him, so let me help. Have you been suffering for doing what is right? Not suffering because you’re trying to do too much, not sleeping enough, not eating right or haven’t exercised in forever. Children of God will suffer. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may share in his glory.” Romans 8:17.

The end of all things is near and that should give you a dose of fear. A little fear is a good thing and the lack of might indicate where your heart is today. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7. I’m afraid we will not grow towards Him if we don’t ask for His help. The most frightening prayer I can think of is the most worth while. “Father, change in me whatever you need to change to mold me more into the image of your Son, so that I may be pleasing to you, fulfill my purpose and inherit all that you have for me.” Now is the best time to get back on the right track.

Outwardly I am wasting away more every day, but inwardly I AM being renewed. I am consciously trying to grow towards Him because I know this body might fail tomorrow, but my soul will last forever. It takes an intentional effort and courage. Join me in the effort.