God in our Future 
Future Hope
Terry R. Baughman

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8 NKJ).

One of the unique characteristics of God is His omnipresence. He is everywhere at the same time. He doesn’t leave one place to be another. He can be present with us and also be with millions of others at the same time, and because God is also eternal He is not bound only to the present. He is also present in our past and our future, all concurrently. 

John quoted the Lord declaring Himself to be “the beginning and the end.” He started the alphabet and concludes it at the same time. He was (in our past); He is (in our present); and He is to come (in our future). While we are bound to time and all events must fit into only one of three states of being, God is not bound to time, but He exists eternally present in every moment of our past, present, and future. 

God lives in our past and sees our first sin, but choses grace over judgment, because He also hears our prayer of repentance and sees our resolve to change through the power of the Gospel. The Word of God is powerful to transform lives and the process of our first step toward Him and our last breath, before we are in eternity with Him, exists in a single moment. 

He is the Almighty. There is no power outside of His control, no impossible situations with Him, and His strength, His knowledge, and His presence are never separated from Him. He holds all in His hand and in His control. Nothing is impossible with God. A study of His characteristics builds our faith in His complete ability to do everything we need! 

While we are keenly aware of His presence in the past, due to His intervention in our lives and the transformation He has worked in us, we may not be aware of His present involvement in our lives. We may be even less convinced that He is now in our future working all things for our good. 

Right now, God is with us. He is aware of our limitations, our lack of faith, and our struggle to believe. He is now working to bring us into a closer relationship with Him, even allowing some of our disappointments that will drive us to prayer and cause us to look to God for answers. We prefer the path of least resistance and instant answers to the hurried prayers we whisper, but God knows that real and lasting change often comes slowly through our greatest challenges. He is more interested in us developing character than enjoying comfort. He prefers to bring us into a fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ above us having a carefree existence of selfish indulgence. 

Most importantly, God is already in our future and He is coaching us along the way through every hard choice and difficult decision. We may question His wisdom and resist His plan, but the One who is already there in the future can surely give us direction and purpose for traveling there. Perhaps this understanding will make the passage more meaningful, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NKJ). God is in our future and He is doing all things for our good. That gives us future hope!
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Theme passage:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJ).

Honoring Others 
Honor that is Due
Terry R. Baughman
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:9–10 NIV).
Honor should neither be an antiquated word nor an outdated characteristic. The principle of honor, deep respect or high esteem, has long been engrained in our society for judges, for public officials, for offices of leadership, and for religious leaders. The respectful title, The Honorable, was used as a preface to addressing members of congress and those who filled the bench of the courts. Such titles of honor has been commonly accepted decorum, dictated by unwritten rules of etiquette that controlled social interaction for centuries. 
Within the last fifty years there has been an erosion of respect for leadership throughout the culture. From the anti-establishment revolution of the Vietnam-era 70’s protests, to the unleashed verbal exchange on social media and on talk radio. The decline has accelerated as abusive speech and critical attacks have increased in the political arena. No longer is there a careful use of proper titles for formal address, such as: The Honorable Judge Stevens, or the Reverend Pastor Jones, or President Washington. Rather, we are as likely to hear slanderous nicknames and offensive monikers to refer to national leaders. 
There has been a general loss of respect for others, and honor has been dismissed along with civility in society. Whether or not we agree with a person’s political position, religious affiliation (or lack), or their origins, there should be respect for all people. Honor is for more than leaders or officials, it should be given to all humanity.
Since we all share the planet and are members of the human race let there be mutual respect among us. The Scripture teaches us to, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10 NIV). If our love is sincere we must elevate others above ourselves. This is more than appreciation for a peer or the give-and-take of respect, it is learning to promote others ahead of us. Giving honor is not intended to be a begrudging obligation, but rather it should be a joyful opportunity. The New Living Translation says, “Take delight in honoring each other.” In the New King James Version it is stated, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:10 NKJ). Our respect for others is an outgrowth of our kind affection. 
The demonstration of our love through kind actions and the honor with which we speak of others is an extension of our discipleship. Jesus repeatedly instructed the disciples, “Love one another” (John 13:34–35; 15:12, 17). He said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 NKJ). Love will motivate us to good deeds and positive words of affirmation. As we honor others we will find others returning respect towards us. 
The golden rule works. As we extend grace, we receive it. As we show love, we are shown it. As we respect others, we find that we are being respected. Through it all God is glorified and the kingdom of God is magnified. 
Theme passage:
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8 NIV)

Honoring Leaders 
Honor that is Due
Terry R. Baughman

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17 NIV).

There has been a general erosion of respect for leadership in the last decade. Granted some leaders have not acted in such a way as to inspire respect, but that doesn’t give us permission to disparage leaders with our words or attitudes. Social media has created an environment where it is acceptable to verbally attack any individual regardless of their position or influence. Sometimes the more notable individuals are, the most viciously they may be criticized. So much so, people who engage in online harassment or inflammatory posts on social media are now broadly identified as trolls and their activity is called trolling. If we are not careful we may be caught up in the negative fray of such social discourse and it may even begin to affect our personal interactions in public. 

It is always appropriate to respect a person and allow for their individual freedom of expression. Elders should always be shown some deference for their age and experience. That doesn’t mean that they are always right (obviously that’s not the case), or that we shouldn’t listen to someone who is our junior because they are always wrong (neither is true). However, it is always right to allow a person to express themselves and then respectfully offer counter views when you are not in agreement. With some individuals it may require simply stopping the discussion when it becomes obvious that there is no mutual respect for civil discussion.  

Respect can always be given for a leaders’ position, even if their character (or lack of character) does not engender respect. You can honor Judges, even if you know of one who has acted unhonorably. Police officers may be respected even when there have been some who are unworthy of respect. Preachers and church leaders may have disappointed you in the past, but Paul instructs his son in the Gospel, Timothy, to show honor to those who take the responsibility to heart and execute it well. 

There was a time when the local clergyman was among the most esteemed in the community. Every holiday or celebration would not be complete without the participation of the local clergy. Church was the center of every early American community. Prayers were offered at every civic occasion by the priest or minister of the local parish or church. Often the church house was a place of worship on Sunday and was also the schoolhouse through the week. In many small towns a church is surrounded by a cemetery where many past members have been interred. The church was a place to celebrate birth, marriages, life celebrations, and memorials. 

In our culture there is much less respect for the church and ministry. Some of the criticism is deserved as not all have served the Lord with honor. However, Paul gave instruction to give double honor to those elders “who direct the affairs of the church well … especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17 NIV). The work of ministry is work, and those who conscientiously serve should be afforded honor and respect. 

Jesus Christ is the head of the church and there are many members who serve together. There is not just one leader, but many within the body. May we be careful to honor all those who lead with integrity and devotion. It is the right thing to do! 
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Theme passage:
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8 NIV)

Honoring Mothers
Honor that is Due
Terry R. Baughman
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Deuteronomy 5:16 NIV).
Listed among the Ten Commandments, right before the “don’t commit murder, adultery, and theft,” is this instruction: “Honor your father and your mother.” It’s not a suggestion or a simple reminder to be kind to your elders; it’s a command! It is one of the top ten that’s engraved on everything from the doors of the Supreme Court down to novelty charms for a cheap tourist trinket. It was important enough to rank right after, no other gods, idolatry, misusing God’s name, and honoring the Sabbath. 
The first four of the Commandments are concerning our relationship with God. The next six have more to do with our relationships with one another. “Honor your father and your mother” is the fifth Commandment and the first one with a promise attached. Paul noted that it is the first commandment with a conditional promise. (See Ephesians 6:1–3.) The promise was, and is, “… so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Deuteronomy 5:16 NIV). Not only is it right and good to honor mother and father, but it is also a promise with a blessing in return. 
What does it mean to honor? The simple definition is to regard with great respect, or to highly esteem. While it may be more natural to respect fathers for their leadership and authority, God commanded the same honor for both father and mother. There will always be times of disagreement or debate, even in the best of homes. Challenges will come and the opportunity for disrespect and the absence of honor toward the parents. We will do well to remember that God’s commandments are greater than our sense of injustice or our injured pride in times of conflict. 
Mothers are typically the more nurturing of the parents. It is often the mom to which a child will run for sympathy, comfort, or emotional support. That’s not to say that fathers do not have these qualities, but mothers characteristically have a unique bond that springs from their birth connection. 
The opposite of honor is to dishonor, to disrespect, or to denigrate. Anytime a child shows disrespect toward their parents, God takes notice. Left unchecked, these adverse attitudes will erode their relationships and negate the promise that is contained in God’s Word. His word is true, His commandments are to be taken seriously, and His promises are sure. However, the consequences of a failure to follow God’s direction will also have a conditional promise. Blessings are promised to those who obey, but judgment will come to those who disregard God’s Word and reject His commands. 
For most of us it is a privilege to honor our mothers, but for those who were not so blessed with a caring mother, it becomes more of a challenge to fulfill this commandment. It is always right to regard those who gave us life and know that God does not make mistakes. We are here on purpose and God has a plan for every life. For that reason we can always honor the life we have been given and the person who gave us birth. 
Theme passage:
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8 NIV)

Honoring Parents
Honor that is Due
Terry R. Baughman
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1–3 NIV).
Some may observe that there is a general lack of respect in our culture for elders, in general, and parents, in particular. Many children are not taught to listen to elders and may even be encouraged to voice their opinions loudly without consideration of others who may know a thing or two in any given situation. Discipline is woefully missing in many homes and children are allowed to have free rein without any correction or instruction to direct their lives for a more productive and civil outcome. 
Parents are to be honored. The commandment is as old as the original laws delivered from the Lord. Not only is it one of the Ten Commandments, but it is also joined with a promise, “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:3 NIV). Long and good life are promised to those who give honor to their father and mother. God is sincere and He emphasizes His commitment to those who follow His instruction with a promise. 
Children are instructed to obey their parents. This is not a blanket provision to excuse abuse or mistreatment of children with unreasonable exceptions, but the qualifier, “in the Lord,” is added to the commandment. As long as parents are following godly leadership and developing Christ-like character, children have an obligation to follow their instructions. Paul emphasized, “for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1 NIV). A child of any age cannot truly honor their parents if they disobey them, disrespect them, or disregard their instructions in life. A child may not always agree with the conclusion of their parents, but they have a God-given obligation to respect their position, give attention to their instruction, and then do their best to fulfill their parents wishes. 
We can always point to the unreasonable request, or the overbearing parent. God will take care of those situations and that type of parent will have to answer to Him for their hard sentences and unyielding demands. In general most parents have the desire to honor God in the way they lead their children and given light and wisdom to fulfill the promises of God. 
When sincere parents speak to their children in love, and speak civilly to those given into their charge, God will hold the child responsible to respond correctly. That doesn’t mean the child has no opinion or that they should simply obey without question, but rather that the God-fearing family will be led in a mutually respectful fashion. 
Long life is promised to those who will simply honor their parents. This isn’t just for children, respect is due and honor is needed for parents and children of any age. Let us practice honor as children so that when we become parents and grandparents we may also reap the reward of respect and be crowned with honor from our children. 
Theme passage:
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8 NIV)