Chuck Locklear
fascinating characters, impactful books and messages
Nineveh and Black Lives Matter
The answer to “What matters to God?” can be found in one of the oldest books in the Bible: Jonah. Most people know that Jonah was swallowed by a whale, but many people don’t know what happened next. Jonah found out that Nineveh lives and black lives matter to God.
When he got out of the whale, he decided to listen to God and went to preach to the dreaded people of Nineveh. You see the reason that he had not gone in the first place was because Nineveh had a reputation. It was a wicked city. Jonah was afraid of them, but the whale had taught him a lesson and he went. He preached, “Forty days from now and Nineveh will be destroyed!”
Amazingly, the people did something wonderful. They repented and decided to listen to God. This made Jonah very angry.
“This is exactly what I thought you’d do… For I knew you were a gracious God, merciful, slow to get angry, and full of kindness; I knew how easily you could cancel your plans for destroying these people.”
Jonah 4:1-2
You see, Jonah was not focusing on what mattered most. What mattered to God was the 120,000 people who did not know the love of God. When I say L ives Matter,” I am not saying that white lives or blue lives don’t matter. What I am saying is that all lives don’t matter until we can say black lives matter too.
What matters most to God is people, “red and yellow, black and white.” As Christ followers, we are to seek justice and love mercy for all of God’s people. Yes, even people who are different from us. In fact, Nineveh Lives Matter!
Also, see Revolutionary.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Time Is Inexorable v3
Do you know an inexorable person? I know people that wear this label like a badge of honor. They are hard-headed, and cannot be convinced to change their minds, no matter what. Yes, time is inexorable. relentless, unstoppable, but we don’t have to be.
While Moses, in the Bible, was a thinker, he was not inexorable. He made the decision to trust God, even though he didn’t understand it all.
“Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?
“I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
Exodus 3:13-14
I love that God answers Moses’ question with a direct “I am that I am,” leaving it at that. “I am” provides many metaphors to strengthen God’s followers throughout the ages. In the Gospel of John, Jesus lays out a long list of comforts to those willing to trust in him. “I am the bread of life,” “the light,” “the door,” “the Good Shepherd,” “the resurrection,” “the way, the truth, and the life,” and “the true vine.”
No matter the ups and downs in our life, Jesus is an everlasting friend, never too busy for us, sustaining us when life seems overwhelming. We cannot control time’s inexorability. Just when things seem under control, something new pops up. But, we are blessed with the stability of the Great I Am. We might wish that life would stay the same, but progress is inexorable.
Since we can’t stop it, let’s decide to prosper in the face of the inexorability of time. In other words, since time marches on, We Should Get On God’s Train.
There is an old saying, “Time waits for no one, it passes us by.” The first part of this is definitely true, “Time waits for no one,” but time doesn’t have to pass you by. You can get on the train. You can say “Yes” to God and “Yes” to his plans for your life. Look at it this way; a year from now, you could be standing in the same place, watching time pass you by. Or, you can get on God’s train and see all the wonders he opens up in your life.
While you might not understand it all, and you may not have complete control, you can trust him. Jesus loves you and came to earth to better understand you. So, you certainly can get on the train and enjoy the ride.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Also, see Victorious Living.
Time Is Inexorable v2
I have been blessed with a wonderful education, and, like Moses, I too am a thinker. This sometimes gets in the way of my faith. Thinkers want answers. They seek scientific proof for everything. Lesson two, to allow us to prosper, regardless of the fact that time is inexorable, is Don’t Over Think. Our over thinking can get in the way of our faith. With many of the more difficult questions of life, we just need to trust God.
It is not surprising that when God appeared in the burning bush, Moses went to investigate. A true thinker, he wanted to understand what kept the flame burning without consuming the bush. So, like a scientist, Moses went to investigate, which provided the opportunity for God to give him the mission to lead God’s people out of their misery in the land of Egypt.
“The Lord said, ‘I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.’”
Exodus 3:7-8
As a thinker, Moses’ investigation brought this response to God:
“Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”
Exodus 3:13
I can guess that Moses expected a precise answer from God. Perhaps, something like: “I am Zeus, god of thunder. Here is a thunder bolt to show the people as a sign.” Instead, God simply answered Moses:
“I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
Exodus 3:14
Wow! God had prepared Moses for this mission, providing him with all the knowledge and wisdom of the Egyptians, but all of this knowledge would not allow Moses to understand God. Therefore, in answer to Moses’ question, God said, “Stop over thinking. You are not going to understand everything. Just say to them that ‘I am’ has sent you.”
Don’t get me wrong, I believe in education and learning. I agree with a truth expressed by President Jimmy Carter.
“God has given us intelligence and the ability, maybe even the responsibility or obligation, to learn all that we can and to develop our talents. God has given us these gifts so that we can be used to accomplish his purpose on this earth.”
President Jimmy Carter
In Ephesians, Paul explains that God has given us talents and roles to build up and equip the people of God for service. We have been commissioned by God to accomplish his purpose during this time and in this place. Jesus has ordained us to be his hands and feet.
As a thinker, I try to think through everything that I don’t understand. It is like I’m shadowboxing, fighting myself, and wondering why I’m not winning. How can this be true? Does God really hear us? Is he really working all things for our good. I often can’t see God working things out. So, I think and think trying to come to a logical answer. Luckily, God is forgiving and merciful and chooses to embrace me rather than to fight.
Are you inexorable? While time is inexorable, you and I don’t have to be. We can learn.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Also, see Victorious Living.
Don’t Fast-forward
Worry can cause us to miss out on the blessings and joy of life. I often say to students at the school, where I am a principal, “Don’t wish your life away.” Students are so anxious to get on with their lives, to get the party started. My question is, “Do you really want to skip right through all of the significant events of your life?” Instead, slow down and enjoy them. It is often true that we don’t appreciate things and people until after they are gone. Don’t fast-forward through life — It only makes you tired.
This idea of being present is throughout the Bible.
“This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24
Also, some of our greatest thinkers have captured the idea. Emily Dickinson said, “Forever is composed of nows.” Emily Wharton said, “Set wide the window. Let me drink the day.” And, Robin Williams made the Latin phrase “Carpe Diem” or “Seize the Day” famous.
We need to practice being present and work on it daily. We need to remind our children; rushing through dinner won’t get you to dessert any faster. We need to remind each other; wishing away the work week won’t make the weekend come sooner. Fast-forwarding through life only makes us tired and unable to find the joy in everyday things and activities.
Don’t fast-forward through life. We can find joy where you are by focusing on being present.
Also, see Be Present.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Time Is Inexorable v1
Inexorable means relentless, unstoppable. An inexorable person is hard-headed and cannot be convinced to change their mind, no matter what. I definitely don’t want to be that kind of person. However, inexorable is an accurate description of time. Time waits for no one. Just when things seem under control, something new pops up.
Lizzy and I live off of one of the busiest roads in Macomb County: Hall Road. It is an eight lane highway. Although, this wasn’t always so. When we moved to the area, Hall Road was two lanes through the country. Nowadays, it is always under construction, which means traffic and delays. Recently, I was waiting in a long line of traffic to make a left-hand turn. Inching along, it was painfully slow. When I finally got to the front of the line, ready to make my turn, there was a construction worker holding a sign that read: “Slow.” Ha, someone did not think that one through.
Moses, in the Bible, was a thinker. He valued logic and reason. Most of us learned the story of Moses in Sunday school. In the first two chapter of Exodus, we find out how the life of Moses began.
“Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. ‘Look,’ he said to his people, ‘the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.’”
Exodus 1:8-10, NIV
In this passage, we see the inexorability of the passage of time. Joseph was a great man of God, whom the Lord had blessed to be second in command under Pharaoh. Because of this, he brought his entire family to live in peace and prosperity in the land of Egypt, but time passed and a king arose that knew nothing of Joseph. This king was fearful of the Hebrew people. He resolved to stop their growth in the land and so made a terrible decree.
“Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: ‘Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.’”
Exodus 1:22, NIV
So, it was that Moses’ mother desired to hide her baby.
“But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.” Exodus 2:3
Could you imagine placing your baby in a basket along the Detroit River? She must have been desperate. And, of course the rest of the story is that the daughter of Pharaoh found the baby in the basket. She felt sorry for him and decided to raise Moses as her own, which meant that he was given all the best that Egypt had to offer.
“And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.”
Acts 7:22, ASV
His education served Moses well as he established the legal code for the nation of Israel and even served as judge. In Egypt, he studied science, law, architecture, writing, history, and mathematics. All of this education was required for the role God had planned for him, being the leader of a new nation.
God provides us the preparation needed to for the role he has prepared for us. It is amazing to me that for most of us, one or two generations ago, our ancestors could not even read or write, and today we have access to a world-class education, one many of us take for granted.
I find three lessons in Moses’ story that will allow us to prosper regardless of the inexorability of time. Lesson one: Make good use of the lessons God has provided. Instead of being an inexorable and hard-headed person. Ask God to make you flexible enough to apply your lessons to your life.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Also, see Victorious Living.
Band-Aids are Magical
Have you ever put a Band-Aid on someone’s finger? I have six grandkids, so I have the opportunity to do this on occasion. Yes, Band-Aids are magical. The hurt seems to go away instantly. The magic starts when I pull the box out and take the bandage out of the wrapper. I take the backing off, hover bandage over the wound, carefully aligning it, and lovingly wrap it around the finger.
We don’t often do that for each other after we get older. Instead, we say, “I can put it on myself.” But, do you remember a mom, dad, or grandparent putting a Band-Aid on as a child? If the answer is yes, I bet these memories are precious, making you feel safe and secure. Think about how much joy this moment brought to your mom, dad, or grandparent, being able to take care of her or his child. Now, imagine how your heavenly father feels when we let him take care of us.
“Our father in heaven wants to care for you… even in seemingly minor situations. But he also wants us to take care of others. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.”
1 John 4: 12
If our life demonstrates love, we are showing that we are in God, and he is in us.
My challenge for you, find an adult who needs a Band-Aid . . . and ask if you can put it on for them. Does that sound uncomfortable? I bet it does. Maybe you don’t have to literally put a Band-Aid on someone. Maybe there is something else that is difficult or uncomfortable or even embarrassing that you can do for someone. Start with your spouse or maybe someone in your family. But don’t… stop… there. Find someone not in your family, someone that is different from you and put on that Band-Aid. Like me, you will discover that Band-aids are magical.
Also, see A Rich and Wonderful Life.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Is Kindness Revolutionary?
The words of the song Revolutionary, by Josh Wilson, has been playing in my head all week. The chorus is “Why does kindness seem revolutionary?” “When did we let hate get so ordinary?” Yes, I think we have allowed hate to become ordinary. We no longer are offended by it. Sometimes we even feel righteous when we express something hateful. However, we know that God is love, not hate.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
1 John 4:7-8, NIV
Speak the Words Anyway
If we are to be called the sons and daughters of God, we must express our love of God, but also of each other. We can best express our love toward God by demonstrating love to those we can see. We should easily say to all whom will listen “I love him” or “I love her.” It is just as important as saying, “I love you.” Let the word “love” come out of your mouth often. Even if you don’t feel it, speak the words anyway… and they will change your heart.
But, it is not just our words. Actions are important too. We serve a God who wants to take care of us. There is an incredible verse in Isaiah 46:4 that says:
“I am your God and will take care of you until you are old and your hair is gray. I made you and will care for you; I will give you help and rescue you.”
Isaiah 46:4, Good News Translation
What Would Jesus Do?
How beautiful! Let us care of other like he cares for us. Let us choose to demonstrate love. I think the song, Revolutionary, speaks an important truth, “What would Jesus do? He would love first. Yeah, He would love first. So, we should love first.”
Also, see Nineveh Lives Matter.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Superman and Lois
“What? Chuck is running again. Do I really need to go chasing after him again?” Yes, it is true. I have often found myself running from God. I often forget what happened the last time. Thankfully, my heavenly Father, like Superman, chases me down and brings me back to him—the only place where I am truly happy and truly safe.
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine… and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”
Luke 15:4
This verse provides for me the image of God as a superhero, like Superman. He quickly goes into a phone booth. (Who even knows what those are today?) He puts on his Superman cape and comes to rescue us.
Yes, Jesus is like Superman. He puts on his Superman cape and goes after the lost sheep, the heroine in trouble, and against incredible odds, saves her. If you are running from God, you need to know that God is chasing after you. Turn around. Run back to his arms. Like Superman, he will catch you.
I know from experience that running from God produces a lot of guilt. In his arms, doing what pleases him, is the only place where you can be truly happy and truly safe.
Also, see Want Victory.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Victorious Living
What do you do when disaster strikes? Do you panic? Do you run? Our God is strong and he has made us strong. If you want a victorious life, focus on God’s goodness. He wants show up on your side.
Through the prophet Isaiah, we learn that King Hezekiah was near to death. However, “Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord” (Isaiah 38:2-3). Like a desperate man, he prayed, “God, remember me. I have devoted my life to doing what is right. Lord, how can you let this calamity happen to me?” Has anyone ever prayed that prayer?
But, Hezekiah didn’t stop there; he refocused his thoughts, on thanksgiving and praise, instead of despair. When life gets tough, we must do what brings victory, and that is giving thanks and praise to God. We all face trouble in life, and eventually death. None of us can escape suffering. And, we should pray like Hezekiah, “Lord, remember me and take this suffering away.” God desires our prayers. He wants to show up on our behalf.
We can’t, however, stop there. When disaster strikes, rather than panic, we must refocus our thoughts on the power of our God and his goodness. When we experience the death of a loved one, we need to leave time for grieving, but then we must refocus our thoughts on the power and glory of our God.
Our God is strong and he has made us strong. If we want a victorious life, we must focus on thanksgiving and praise. We can do “all things though him who strengthens us.”
Also, see Like Superman.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
The World Needs Kindness
Devin gave a water hose to Lakisha. Random. Yes, a true random act of kindness. Yet, Lakisha uses it to water her plants. Watering plants, something that must be done daily. Maybe not as random as it is practical. I don’t know what Devin had in his mind. “Let me give something very practical.” Or, maybe, he was responding to a prompt from the Holy Spirit. Loyal to listen to the voice of God, Devin’s random act of kindness is making a difference in someone’s life, daily.
Dina helped a homeless woman. She brought her things. Gave her handouts. This went on over a long period of time. Dina was faithful. Random. Yes, but, because of these random acts of kindness, Dina made a friend. Dina prayed that God would give her friend a safe place to live. Now, years later, Dina’s friend is reconciled with her family and lives with her sister.
God’s Favorite Words
What are God’s favorite words? Well, I’m not sure you can assign such a human trait to God, but, If God had favorite words, at the top of the list would be faithfulness and loyalty. Which reminds me of a song:
Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,
Brown paper packages tied up with strings . . .
These are a few of my favorite things.
No need to cite these lyrics. Sound of Music may be one movie that everyone has seen. This song is a reminder. Faithfulness and loyalty are not just words. They are things. They are characteristics. Where do faithfulness and loyalty fall on your list of favorite things? How important are they to you?
Loyalty, Love, Mercy, Truth
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”
Proverbs 3:3 NIV
The RSV version of the Bible uses the word “loyalty” for the word “love.” The KJV using the word “mercy” for “love” and “truth” for “faithfulness.” The “truth” is all of these words are clearly related.
As Christ followers, our lives should display random acts of kindness. Often, the “random act of kindness” you think you are doing is nothing compared to the blessings you receive in return.
Also see Pray Until Something Happens.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
