by Tim Hall

Who can blame Patricia Berg for being upset? In the early morning hours of June 29, she was awakened by noises. It sounded like someone was trying to open her sliding glass door, so she dialed 911 to request help. Her call was quickly answered, and for a few moments her concerns were noted. Then there was silence on the telephone. For almost two minutes there was no response from the man at the call center. Finally Patricia got his attention again, and police were summoned. Patricia is convinced the man responsible for arranging emergency response fell asleep at his post. An investigation is underway.

Sleep is a problem for many. So many things vie for our attention, and some of us find it difficult to break away and go to bed. Others have trouble sleeping because of medical problems. It's understandable when people nod off; most of us have experienced such times. But if you're a key person in a crisis situation, you've got to somehow find a way to remain alert.

The Christian's first response to this story is "I'm so thankful God is not that way." For the faithful, God is our 911 call center, the one to whom we turn in times of emergency. What if there was doubt about whether or not he was at his post? What if our prayers went unheeded as snoring was heard in heaven? But we have unshakable confidence that God is not that way. He never falls asleep at his post.

The psalmist affirmed this truth in Psalm 121: "I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:1-3, NKJV). No, God is not like people. People with good intentions can't always resist the urge to sleep. God, however, is always at his post. He's on call 24-7-365.

But Christians should not end their reflections on this news item just yet. God is faithful, yes, but what about those to whom he has entrusted the care of others? God has placed responsibilities for caring for other souls upon his people. Are Christians trying to show diligence at their posts?

Consider this statement of the Christian's responsibility: "Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord; looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God ..." (Hebrews 12:14,15). Diligence is what all 911 workers must have. It's also what Christians must exercise in their monitoring of one another. When a brother or sister in Christ sends signals of spiritual distress, is anyone in the family paying attention?

Here's another instance of the same charge: "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). The first Christian mentioned in this verse is in danger. Help is needed if that person is to survive. Will the "spiritual" be on call, though? Or will they be found snoozing while brethren are gasping nearby? Falling asleep at one's post is a serious matter.

Patricia Berg is okay. Police did not find any evidence of attempted entry into her townhouse. But if the danger had been real, she might not have survived - because someone was asleep at their post. How many have died spiritually because their brethren were not alert to their cries for help? What do we expect God to say to such sleepyheads?

by Tim Hall

The admonition of James 5:13 is familiar: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms" (NKJV). We've often pointed to that verse as authority for Christians to sing. But have we ever asked why? Praying in times of suffering is understandable and natural. But what is the connection between times of joy and singing? This writer believes that it's more than just an outlet for our happiness.

One of the more notable instances of singing in a time of joy is found in Exodus 15. Following their deliverance from Pharaoh and the Egyptians, Moses led all Israel in a song of victory. It was, in fact, more than a song; it was a monument. John's reference in Revelation 15:3 to Moses' song suggests that it stood as a perpetual reminder of God's great power.

Another example of a monument to God's power can be found in 1 Samuel 7:12. It had been a dark time in Israel. The Philistines had intimidated God's people for years, and had even captured the ark of the covenant. Now, however, Samuel exhorted Israel to repent. When the people agreed to turn to the Lord with all their hearts, a dramatic victory was won over the Philistines. "Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the Lord has helped us.'"

Ebenezer means "stone of help." It was a visible reminder to the people that God would deliver them if they would be true to him. The rock itself was not significant, but the truth it represented certainly was.

Perhaps Christians should have their own "stones of help." Perhaps these monuments can be spiritual in nature, maybe even musical. Is this what James had in mind when he commanded Christians to sing when they were cheerful?

A certain Christian was going through a strong trial. Many prayers were offered to God for deliverance. In time those prayers were answered and great joy resulted. At about that same time, a new song was learned while visiting another church. Ever since, singing that song has evoked strong memories of God's gracious response to that need.

Erecting a musical Ebenezer will help keep the memory of God's mercies from fading. It's another good reason why Christians should be people of song.

by Tim Hall

One thing every conscientious Christian desires is to have pure religion in the sight of God. We know God's attitude toward the hypocrite, so we strive to have faith that is genuine. As a result, James 1:27 has received appropriate attention: "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" (NKJV).

A major aspect of pure religion, according to James, is to "visit" orphans and widows. The reason for such a command is understandable: these are people who have few, if any, resources; they are vulnerable, easily exploited by the unscrupulous. How to carry out the command, however, is not always so clear.

How exactly does one "visit" such hapless people? Some Christians limit their response to times when the need presents itself before them. If an orphan or a widow should knock on their door begging for help, they would respond with kindness. But how often will that happen? When we live in patrolled suburbs or gated communities, how can the poor reach our doorsteps?

We should note that the word for "visit" comes from a Greek root that means "to inspect" or "to look". Consider another instance of the same root word in Acts 6. A situation of neglect had arisen in the early church, yet the apostles did not feel it advisable to "leave the word of God" to attend to more mundane (yet important) matters. What was their proposal? "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business" (Acts 6:3).

Imagine this response: "All right, Peter, we'll keep our eyes open for such men. If anyone stops by our house and they appear to be qualified, we'll let you know." Such a passive approach to seeking out servants would not have been acceptable. An aggressive search was what the apostles had in mind. And that is the nature of the word that is translated "seek out" -- the same word translated in James 1:27 as "visit".

It's also the same root found in Hebrews 12:15: "Looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God ... " Does that look like a passive stance or an aggressive one? No one would argue that "looking diligently" is anything less than aggressive. Again, it's from the same Greek word elsewhere translated "visit."

Our point is simple: Visiting the orphans and the widows means more than helping when they cross our paths. The command also means that we are ever sensitive to needs around us. We seek to stay in touch with those who are without parents or without husbands. It's more than "Call me if I can ever be of help." It means we'll take the time to go where they live so we may personally inspect their situations.

Let's make one final observation: This is the way God deals with us. The Hebrew writer quoted David in Hebrews 2:6: "But one testified in a certain place, saying: 'What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you take care of him?'" "Take care of him" is "visit him" in the KJV; in the Greek, it's the same word found in James 1:27. If God is aggressive in looking out for our needs, we should be willing to do the same for one another.

Now, let's really practice pure religion.

by Tim Hall

"I don't know why I ever married you!" shouted Tom as he slammed the door behind him. He and Lisa had been arguing again, and morning fights seemed to be growing more frequent. Still, as Tom drove to work he regretted saying those hurtful words. It was bad enough to say those things, but for them to be the last words she would hear from his lips for several hours was just wrong. He vowed to call her from work to apologize.

Parting words seem to have a power unlike other things we might say. When friends part for prolonged periods, they strive to speak words that will leave a lasting impression of their emotions. The final words of a dying loved one are given almost sacred status, repeated often among family members. When individuals go separate ways, the last words spoken will usually replay in our minds for days and weeks to come.

In Numbers 6:23-27, God dictated to Moses the words he wanted to ring in people's hearts as they departed from the tabernacle (later, the temple). "This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel" God said (New King James Version). The words that follow are said to have been recited by the priests following the daily morning worship throughout the generations.

Here is what God wanted people to hear as they left the place of worship: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace."

Much could be said about each part of this benediction, but suffice it to say that it is a blessing imparted by God Himself. By saying "the Lord" three times, the priests affirmed that God was the one responsible for blessing. If God was smiling upon them (the meaning of "make his face shine upon you"), surely goodness and mercy would follow them all the days of their lives.

Even God's final words of instruction to Moses in that passage bear reflection: "So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them" (v. 27). While many might use the Lord's name in vain, God emphasized that his name be used properly. Let no one leave the impression that God is capricious and vindictive. Rather, let them make clear that God longs to bless his people, if only they will let him. Let this be the parting impression people are given every time they leave the house of God.

How we need this portrayal of God! Many in our day stereotype Christianity as a revocation of happiness. Many Christians have bought into the stereotype and show no visible signs of joy as they carry out the "duties" of their religion. God's priests today (i.e. every Christian - 1 Peter 2:5, 9) should consider carefully the impression they leave on others, the way God's name is placed upon those who glance curiously at our faith.

For every faithful Israelite, there came a day when each would visit the house of worship for the last time. Whether by reason of age, illness, or accident, they never again made that journey to the tabernacle. But when they left for the last time, the parting words heard from the priest (if he fulfilled his God-given responsibility) were words of blessing. "Our God is truly a wonderful God!" would be the natural response of all who heard.

by Tim Hall

The apostle John received a marvelous revelation from Jesus. In the scenes he was given, a portrait of the future was painted for him, scenes of victory for the Christian. John tells us, in Revelation 1:10, that he was "in the Spirit on the Lord's Day" when the revealing began (NKJV).

The Lord's Day? What did John mean by that phrase? Scholars are nearly unanimous in their answer to that question: They believe it pointed to the first day of the week, the day we call Sunday. By the second century A.D., the phrase was in common use when speaking of Sunday.

How appropriate that Sunday be called "the Lord's Day"! It was on the first day of the week that Christ arose from the dead (Luke 24:1), and thus it is fitting that the day should belong to him. On this Lord's Day, Christians from the beginning have assembled to worship God and to partake of the communion that honors Christ's death (Acts 20:7). We gladly give this day to him Who gave us his all.

In our society, however, there is less and less emphasis placed on Sunday as the Lord's Day. I recall in my early years that stores were almost universally closed on Sundays (remember the "blue laws"?). Now, Chick-Fil-A stands out as an exception by being one of the few national corporations not open for business on Sundays.

And what about our own views of Sunday? Is it not the case that many regard Sunday as the last day of the weekend? Friday evening begins our time of leisure, and Sunday evening brings it to a close. For this reason, many don't attend worship assemblies when other plans arise. "It's my weekend!" they protest. "The Lord understands that I need to have time for myself."

Is it truly the "Lord's Day"? Or have we made it his day only when it is convenient? This is not to say that we can't enjoy leisure activities on Sunday. But we do propose that the Lord should come first, even ahead of other pursuits that attempt to call us away from his service.

Let us renew our pledge to serve the Lord 24-7-365 -- every hour of every day. Yes, we will continue to leave town now and then. But even when we are away, it is the Lord's Day. We will serve him wherever we may be. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).