Watch Your Back

I know a man with a bumper sticker that reads, “I’ve Worked Hard All My Life. I Finally Got It All Together, And Now I Can’t Remember Where I Put It.” I felt just about that brokenhearted last weekend, as I laid in bed too sick to care about anything. I had just been bragging about how I’d dodged all the illnesses going around and was quit proud of my health. My whole life, it’s rare to find me ill enough to put a hold on everything and simply lay down in defeat. It seems though, that about every ten years, during the change of fall to winter weather, my tonsils decide to rebel with a full-blown attack on my entire well-being. No cough or congestion, not even a small sneeze suggesting the onset of a cold, oh, no, nothing that kind. They attack with infection and toxins throughout the body making me feel like I’d been hit by a train, producing temperatures above one hundred and screaming out with pain every time I swallow. So, if you missed me in your mailbox last week, now you know why. Well, I missed writing and must admit feeling rather awkward not doing my normal Saturday routines and missing Sunday worship. I guess our good health is always resting in the perils of time.
Two robins were sitting in a tree. “I’m really hungry,” said the first one. “Let’s fly down and find something to eat for lunch.” The other agreed, so they flew down and found a nice plot of newly plowed ground that was full of worms. They ate and ate and ate until they could eat no more. “I’m so full, I don’t think I can fly back up into the tree,” said the first one. “Let’s just lay back here and bask in the warm sun for a little while,” said the second. “Sounds like a great idea,” said the first. So they plopped down, basking in the warm sun. No sooner than they had fallen asleep, when a big fat tomcat jumped them and gobbled them down. As the cat sat washing his face after his meal, he let go with a loud purr and thought to himself, “I just love Baskin-Robins!”
[1 Peter 4] I must admit, as I laid in bed feeling completely helpless and thinking that just a microscopic bug could do this to me, life isn’t easy to deal with sometimes even though I might be doing all the right things. Paul reminds us at the end of his letter to the Ephesians that our struggles in this life not only deal with the physical perils of the world, but “…against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6: 12-13) I think that’s what Peter is trying to get across to us here. No matter how good we are, no matter how well we practice the will of God in our day to day life, trials are going to come our way to discourage and attempt to defeat us in our righteous living. Peter says we should not be surprised as though something strange were happening to us; it’s completely normal for the world to attack our way of life. He encourages you and I to endure these trials and hang on to the end, for they are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us. No matter how hard we struggle in our physical well-being, let’s face folks, it’s still a losing battle. Take your vitamins, eat right, wash your hands, do all the right things and some microbe is going to crawl in and break you down. Peter warns us in the next chapter (5: 6-9) that even though we may be doing everything right in the eyes of God, our spirit must still be on alert because “…Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Resist him; stand firm in your faith; and he will go away. Amen!

Gingham & Homespun

A lady in a faded gingham dress and her husband, dressed in a homespun threadbare suit, stepped off a train in Boston, and walked timidly without an appointment to the Harvard University President’s outer office. The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks, had no business at Harvard, and probably didn’t even deserve to be in Cambridge. “We want to see the president,” the man said softly. “He’ll be busy all day,” the secretary snapped. “We’ll wait,” the lady replied. For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away. They didn’t and the secretary grew frustrated, then finally decided to disturb the president. “Maybe if you see them a few minutes, they’ll leave,” she urged him. He sighed in exasperation and agreed. Someone of his importance obviously didn’t have the time for them. The president, stern faced and with self-dignity, strutted toward the couple. The lady addressed him; “We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He loved Harvard. He was very happy here. But about a year ago he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus.” The president wasn’t touched at all. “Madam,” he said gruffly, “We can’t put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a cemetery.” “Oh, no,” the lady explained quickly. “We don’t want to erect a statue. We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard.” The president rolled his eyes, and then exclaimed, “A building? Do you have any idea how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical buildings here at Harvard!” The lady grew silent. The president was pleased. Maybe they would go away now. Then the lady turned to her husband and said, “If that’s all it takes to start a university, why don’t we just start our own?” Her husband nodded. The president’s face wilted in confusion and bewilderment. Mr. & Mrs. Leland Stanford walked away. They returned to Palo Alto, California where they established the university that bears their name, Stanford University; a memorial to a son that Harvard rejected. (A true story by Malcolm Forbes)
[Isaiah 53] Nearly 2000 years ago a prophet of God brought a message from God to the chosen Jewish Nation. He spoke of a kingdom that was coming, that he would be the one to establish it and would be its king. He explained that this kingdom would not be of this world, but would be a spiritual kingdom open to all the people of the world. The leaders of the Jews were too entangled in the laws and rituals of the world to spend any time with this prophet investigating his claims. They simply rejected him as a prophet of God. They rejected his message because they could not see their God as a loving and compassionate being. He was the Messiah, the Savior of the world. The one they read about in the scrolls of Isaiah. But because he didn’t speak or appear as they expected, he simply was a problem, and he needed to be gotten rid of as soon as possible. The prophet Jesus, the Son of God, paid the price himself to establish the kingdom of God, the church, by giving his life as the perfect sacrifice to God for the sins of mankind. For those who believe in the message and are baptized into the likeness of the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus, for the forgiveness of their sins, the Kingdom of God welcomes with open arms. I may be rejected by the world, but never by God, who loves me, for me.

A Black Day

“Black Friday” is a phrase coined a decade or so ago by the retail community as the day when so much money is traded for goods that most retail businesses find themselves out of debt and their bottom line is in black ink instead of red. The day following our national holiday, Thanksgiving, is always Friday, the day that retailers kick off their sales frenzy for the Christmas shopper, and this is where things seem to start getting out of hand. After the meal is finished, the dishes cleaned and put away on Thanksgiving Day, the serious shopper sits down with the newspaper sales flyers to strategize their activities for “Black Friday”. Stores promise to be open at 5 a.m. and the super-serious shopper will actually camp-out overnight on the doorstep increasing their chance of being the first person in the door to grab one of the, not enough in stock, sale items. I will never understand what it is that happens between the prayers of thanksgiving the day before and the unlocking of the retail store door the next morning. If you’re too slow, you get run over and trampled. If you inadvertently step in front of the wrong person, you’ve got a fight on your hands. One woman survived the whole mess only to arrive home and be robbed at gunpoint for a product she spent her whole paycheck on. I don’t know. To me “Black Friday” seems to bring out the “Dark Side” of man’s greed.
The day after Thanksgiving ought to be, “My Personal Best Day Of The Year”. Sounds good doesn’t it? How can I accomplish it? Well, the most useless thing to do …Worry. The greatest joy you can experience …Giving. The most satisfying work you can do …Helping Others. The greatest “shot in the arm” you could ever give someone …Encouragement. The most beautiful attire you could wear …A SMILE! Now, if you truly want to be successful at self-improvement, think about adopting the following. Get rid of your ugliest trait …Selfishness. Overcome your greatest problem …Fear. Tame your deadliest weapon …The tongue. Also remember your most worthless emotion is …Self-pity; and your greatest loss is …Loss of self-respect. Stop making excuses; Own up to your failures. And above all remember; No-one likes a gossip.
[1 John 5: 18-20] Believe me when I say, “Self-improvement is a daily chore.” The apostle Paul struggled with his daily activities as a man when he was tempted, finding himself slipping into sin (Romans 7: 14-25) and admits he had to work on his “self” as he daily ran the race of righteousness. (1 Corinthians 9: 24-27). So, what makes you and I think we are any different. If you’re a child of God then you have the traits of God within you. You have discovered the most effective sleeping pill …Peace of mind. You have an “I can” attitude and a most courageous spirit …Enthusiasm. You’ve discovered the most powerful force in life …Love, and press on every day because you’re filled with …Hope. You deem your greatest asset to be …Faith. And your most prized possession is …Integrity. You always use the most powerful means of communication …Prayer. And the most important thing in life to you is …GOD. “My Personal Best Day Of The Year” ought to include gathering up my traits as a child of God and sharing them with someone lost in sin. John said we know that Jesus came and gave us an understanding of the truth. Paul said it is Jesus who will save us from our sins. A “Black Day” is coming for everyone. Will you be black in sin or red in the blood of your Savior

Food For Thought

Well, with the advent of the awaited cold, or should I say much cooler weather, it’s beginning to feel like the holiday season should. The year is winding down and as it was being discussed at coffee this morning in about six more weeks the New Year will have arrived. Isn’t it ironic how we begin the season by giving thanks for all the many blessings of life, then express our love for one another by giving gifts and sharing the blessings of life, and then we plan, scheme and calculate, how we can grab and take all we can get our hands on for the next nine months, so we can once again give thanks for all we have? Just food for thought in your New Years resolution planning.
I stuff the turkey every year with good things from the shelf; Then when everything is ready I sit down and stuff myself. Then it’s time to look around and survey all my blessings and giving thanks for all the wonderful things I possess in this life. Lord, thank-you for this sink of dirty dishes for it means we have plenty of good food to eat. Thank-you for this big pile of dirty clothes for it means we have plenty of them to wear. Thank-you for these unmade beds for they were very comfortable and warm last night. Thank-you for this finger-smudged refrigerator, that desperately needs defrosting, for it has served us well for many years. Our family is grateful for the tall green grass, that needs mowing, for we much enjoy our private yard. Thank-you for that slamming door for it shows our children are healthy and able to run and play. And Lord, the presence of all the chores awaiting me says that you have richly blessed this family.
[James 4: 13-17] There are loved ones that are missing from the fireside and the feast; There are faces that have vanished there are voices that have ceased; And we know they passed forever, from our mortal grief and pain; And we thank thee, Heavenly Father, for the blessings that remain. Thanksgiving! Oh, Thanksgiving! And their love once blessed us here, that so long they walked beside us, sharing every smile and tear; For the joy the past has brought us, but can never take away, the sweet and gracious memories grow dearer every day; For the faith that kept us patient, looking at the things unseen, knowing Spring will follow Winter, and the earth again be green; For the hope of that glad meeting far from mortal grief and pain; We thank thee, oh our Father, for the blessings that remain. (Author Unknown) You might get the idea I don’t think much of planning ahead but, that’s not my thoughts at all. A person would be a fool to not plan and have goals and aspirations in this life for we never know how long we’re going to have to endure the trials of life. But, on the other side of that coin, we don’t know how long we’re going to have life. I read this the other day: “I would rather live my life as if there is a God, and die to find out there isn’t; Than live my life as if there isn’t a God, and die to find out there is.” Evil is very strong in the world today and with the media pushing every possible scenario which opposes the teachings of the Bible at the younger generation convincing them of a “better” lifestyle, evil is going to get stronger. Examine your life and honestly ask yourself, “Is my life really following God’s will?” We’re being whitewashed with the concept that life itself is going to be rewarded with eternal life with God, or reincarnation, for eternity. If that’s true, why then did Jesus give His life for the sins of man? Food for thought in your spiritual New Years resolution plans.

Heroes Welcome Home

Could this be you? I sat in my seat of a Boeing 727 wanting everyone to hurry and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to be a long, uneventful flight home. People were taking their time, stuffing luggage far too big to fit comfortably into the overhead compartments, holding up the growing line boarding the aircraft. I was anxious to get home to my loved ones totally focused on “my” issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act together. Finally with everyone settled in, we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going, even though we were already past our departure time. An attendant spoke over the intercom explaining our delay, “We’re holding the plane for some very special people who have been held up in traffic on their way to the airport.” The entire plane let out a collective groan. “The delay shouldn’t be more than another ten minutes”, the voice reassured us. A considerable amount of time had passed before the voice fulfilled its promise and the VIP’s began funneling through the cabin door. I strained to look down the isle to see and discover what all the “hoopla” over these folks was. I was expecting some celebrity or dignitary or sports giant. Just hurry up, sit down and let’s get going. At the same time I saw with my own eyes who it was we had been waiting for, the attendant announced in a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by several U.S. Marines returning home from Iraq!! The men were taken by surprise as 340 people erupted into applause. They were having their hands shook by almost everyone within arms reach as they passed down the isle searching for their seats. One elderly lady kissed the hand of one Marine and the whistles and cheers didn’t stop for a long time. During the flight I got my selfish outlook back in order and suggested to the attendant she ask everyone to remain seated until our heroes had deplaned. We waited in thankful prayer.
[Revelation 6: 9-11] Impatience must be a universal thing. John tells us even those who have gone to battle and given their life for the sake of God’s Word are asking, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitance of the earth and avenge your blood?” They were told they must wait a little longer, “…until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed had been completed.” I receive a lot of mail & email from around the world and let me assure you, this very day someone on this planet will lose their life for the sake of the Word. If this is hard for you to believe, go to www.persecution.com; The Voice Of Martyrs. When I read this passage of scripture I’m reminded of what Paul said in his letter to the Ephesians, (6:12) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” The day is coming that right here in America someone is going to stand up for God’s Word and be slain for their conviction. I fear it will be soon. (James 4) Read this chapter carefully, and you might begin to see God’s Word as something you’re willing to give your life to. (Ephesians 6: 13-18) Have you got your armor on? If you really want a home in heaven, you’re going to have to fight for it. All of heaven is waiting for the heroes that are defending God’s truth to arrive home again. A thunderous applause will be heard by those who have been diligent in their work.

What Hinders You?

I think I can safely say that many of you have, at one time or another, spent a lot of time and effort at a particular endeavor only to be disappointed by the final outcome. What I mean is, maybe you’ve planned a big vacation or an outdoor event just to have it rain on the most important time of your life. I know of engineering designers who invest hundreds of hours in a certain project only to have it crumpled up and tossed into the wastebasket. Then there are parents who make all the right moves and teach their children well, only to have one turn down a dead end road, never accomplishing the things envisioned and hoped for. But, in most cases, we hold an amazing track record for endurance. Even though the weather may turn sour, we make the best of the moment. Though our ideas may be rejected, we press on looking for another better way. When disappointment looms heavy over a child, we never reject their pleas for help and love.
You’ll meet many just like me, upon life’s busy streets; With shoulders stooped and heads bowed down, and eyes that stare in defeat; Or souls that live within the past where sorrow plays all parts; Or stood and watched with helpless hands, while the heart inside you dies. Some lose faith and love and life, when sorrow shoots his darts; And with hope all gone they walk alone; These “Men With Broken Hearts”. Some were farmers, some were kings, and a living death is all that’s left for “Men With Broken Hearts”. You have no right to be a judge, to criticize and condemn; Just think… but for the grace of God, it would be you instead of him. You never walked in that man’s shoes, or seen through his eyes; And some were masters of the arts, but in their shame, their all the same; These “Men With Broken Hearts”. So, help your brothers along the road, no matter where you start; For the God that made you, made them too, These “Men With Broken Hearts”. This little poem was written by a person that I and several others have been ministering to for some time (years). It came with a P.S. Thank you all for not giving up on me and for seeing things in me I could not see in myself. I only hope I can give back in some way what has so lovingly been given. I gave up on myself many times, but you all never did; you all kept me in your prayers. Therefore there is one more Christian Warrior fighting and witnessing for God and his Son, Jesus. Yes, one more warrior to fight this war against Satan at this time of spiritual warfare! I belong to God!
[1 Corinthians 9: 12-27] “…On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.” Paul states he has his reward. He’s a soul winner for the Lord and the Lord will compensate him for his work. Paul is totally convicted to the Gospel of Christ. He’s willing to endure anything rather than hinder the progress of the gospel. Until I received that poem I began to think I was wasting my time and maybe others were right, this person can’t be reached. Then I’m reminded of the day Jesus was entering the city of Jerusalem and he wept, as he thought about it’s impending demise. Most everyone still had no idea who he really was and the power and comfort they could draw from him to soothe the sorrows of everyday life. Those who have no hope “Men With Broken Hearts” need committed Christians bringing the saving grace of the Gospel to them no matter what the cost. Jesus was willing to lay His life on the line, even to endure death on the cross. What hinders you from spreading the Gospel of Christ?

Serenity

Have you seen the TV commercial where the scene is of a huge parking lot with one lone automobile parked in the middle of the vast open space? Then enters the biggest piece of junk excuse for a car, full of dents, smoking and making all kinds of weird noises. The driver circles the parking lot and decides to park mere inches from the only other car in the lot. My wife works at a local store with a busy parking lot, hence she parks her vehicle way out away from the excitement. Well, it got hit the other day and I don’t mind telling you I got a little excited when she called me on the phone, but I think I handled it a lot better than I would have a few years ago. I’ve never lacked the courage to jump into life’s little problems, although I’ve been known to be a little rough in my technique from time to time, due to the lack of wisdom. It’s said that serenity comes with age, then again so does senility, but either way, life just gets more enjoyable.
Most people have read or heard the Serenity Prayer, and if not, or you need a memory jog, here it is: “Dear God; Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference.” For those of you who have lived a long, serene, courageous and wise life, I submit to you another prayer, properly named the Senility Prayer which goes like this: “Dear God; Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway; The good fortune to run into the ones I do; And eyesight to tell the difference.” Here are a few wise sayings worth repeating also: When you finally get your head together, your body starts falling apart; All reports are in, life is now officially, UNFAIR!; It is easier to get older than to get wiser (in Texan: Too soon old; to late schmart!); It’s hard to make a comeback if you haven’t been anywhere; The only time the world will beat a path to your doorstep is when your in the bathroom; The only difference between a rut and the grave is the depth.
[John 4: 19-24] Another TV commercial is of a man with some children touring an art museum. The man says, “Can you hear them?” The children reply they couldn’t hear anything. “The pictures” the man explains, “Can you hear them talking to you?” “No” the children again reply, but this time with some inquisitive overtones. “Listen really close” says the man, “and you can hear them say ‘Keep me; Share me; Protect me and I will live forever!” The children began to understand the wisdom of their mentor and one by one exclaimed they could hear the pictures talking. In recent years, God and the Word of God have been pushed back into a dark corner where our children can barely make out the mentor of wisdom. In our daily life are we truly showing to them the love of God and the wisdom His Word brings forth? When we worship are we truly showing them how to worship in spirit and in truth? Is God active enough in your life you take time with your children and grand-children, teaching them to listen very carefully, because God is talking to them? Do you take the time show them the portraits of life God places before us every day? Do our children see God alive and active in their life? Do they know they can go to God for strength and wisdom? We must stop magnifying our problems and start magnifying God. Our children are going to follow our lead, be it good or be it bad. For the church to survive we must be teaching the next generation to Keep God; Share God; Protect God; And God will be with them forever. Think about it.

Lake Of Fire

What a hot spell we had. I think we were all looking to the big storms for some relief and some much needed rain, but all we got was hotter and drier weather. Well, it looks as if Autumn is finally going to slide in with some cooler temperatures. It’s sure good to walk out of the house at 7:15 in the morning and not have it be 85 degrees. A week of one hundred plus temperatures sure took a toll on the grass and trees. I’m not one to do much yard watering, but when the trees start shedding dry green leaves I break down and give them some water. Maybe the next cold front will be strong enough to push through our part of the country, triggering some much wanted rain showers.
“Bless this house, oh Lord, we cry; Please keep it cool in mid-July. Bless the walls where termites dine, where ants and roaches march in time. Bless our yard where spiders pass the fire ant castles in the grass. Bless the garage, a home to please carpenter beetles, ticks and fleas. Bless the love bugs, two by two; the gnats and mosquitoes that feed on you. Millions of creatures that fly or crawl, in Texas, Lord, you put them all! But this is home, and here we’ll stay; So thank you Lord for insect spray.”
You know you’re in Texas in summer when: The birds are using potholders to pull worms out of the ground; The trees are whistling for dogs; Hot water comes out of both taps; You can make sun tea in minutes; Seatbelt buckles become branding irons; You learn to drive with two fingertips on the steering wheel; The temperature drops below 95 degrees and you feel a little chilly; You break into a sweat when you step outside at 7:30 a.m.; You learn that asphalt has a liquid state; Potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is dig them up and add butter, salt and pepper; You see farmers feeding their chickens crushed ice so they won’t lay boiled eggs & Cows start giving evaporated milk.
[Revelation 20: 11-15] Lately I’ve been studying the concept of the negative side of eternal life, not that I’m afraid of ending up there, but how to teach someone they don’t want to go there. I’ve looked into the meaning of “Hell” & “Hades” and feel both refer to the grave, a physical dirt burial after death. It seems to make sense when you read this passage. “The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them…” So there are those dead in the sea and those who are dead, buried and unburied (cremated and scattered). “Then death (physical death, the last foe to be conquered) and Hades (the grave) where thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.” Standing before God the “books” will be opened, and the book of life will be opened. What you have done in life is recorded in the books and the dead will be judged by what is written. Too many people have the mind that their deeds will save them, but read on. “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” A study of “the book of life” finds that your name is in it before you’re born, but sin blots it out. As a child, sinless and guilt free, we are safe in the arms of God if death should come. But as a sinner, guilty of disobedience to God and his will for mankind, the only way we can be assured our name is in the book of life is to be baptized for the remission of our sins and live according to His will. The spirit never dies, so I understand, but if it’s thrown into the lake of fire I’ll but you’ll wish you could die again. Texas ain’t near as hot and there’s comfort in the arms of God.

Compassionate Compassion

Compassion is having sorrow for another’s sufferings and to be compassionate is to express that sorrow with some sort of action, a helping hand. I think it’s only natural for us to feel sorry for the millions of people having been displaced by weather related events this summer, but at the same time overwhelmed as to what we can do about it. I can remember as a boy the first time a deep seeded feeling of compassion pricked my heart. It was a cold winter day when I witnessed an old woman exiting a pharmacy, coughing loudly and really looking sick. Well, her coughing caused her to loose her grip on the brown paper bag she carried and as it hit the concrete sidewalk you could hear the bottle inside break. She started to cry watching the bag beginning to turn red, as it soaked up the contents of the bottle. I felt compassion, but knew not how to be compassionate. But a man nearby did, coming to her aid, comforting her and the last I saw, taking her back into the pharmacy. Every time I think about this, I pray he replaced her medicine.
At the judgment God won’t ask what kind of car you drove, but how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation. God won’t ask the square footage of your house, but how many people you invited into your home. God won’t ask about the clothes in your closet, but how many others you clothed. God won’t ask about your social class, but what kind of class you displayed. God won’t ask how many material possessions you had, but did they dictate your life. God won’t ask what your highest salary was, but if you compromised your principles to obtain it. God won’t ask how much money you spent on yourself, but how much did you give back to Him. God won’t ask how much overtime you worked, but was the overtime for yourself or your family. God won’t ask how many promotions you received, but how you promoted others. God won’t ask what your job title was, but if you preformed your job to the best of your abilities. God won’t ask what you did to help yourself, but what you did to help others. God won’t ask how many friends you had, but how many people to whom you were a friend. God won’t ask what you did to protect your rights, but how you protected the rights of others. God won’t ask in what neighborhood did you live, but how did you treat your neighbors. God won’t ask about the color of your skin, but about the content of your character. God won’t ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but how many times they didn’t. God won’t ask if His son loved you, but did you love Him.
[Psalm 112; Matthew 25: 31-46] Compassion is a personal and private thing, a feeling I may experience in a given situation, you may not and there’s nothing wrong with that. But to become a compassionate person I must act unselfishly toward that which I feel pity for. (Psalm 86) I serve a God who not only has compassion for me as the troubles of life invade and attempt to destroy my serenity, but my God is also compassionate toward me, active in my life. I pray to a compassionate God expecting an answer to my prayers with guidance in my everyday life. I pray God protect me from the evil one who lurks about watching and waiting to tempt me in a weak moment. I pray God will always show me a way of escape. Too often we seek God’s pity and demand a selfish solution. My life has become less troublesome since I’ve become compassionate and have learned that my God is active in my life and His compassionate grace is mine.

Child Of A King

In the wake of hurricane KATRINA, I have to admit I’ve been doing a little soul searching and counting of my blessings. Growing up I know my parents struggled to make ends meet, but both were very resourceful and unselfish when it came to family. The biggest disaster I ever remember being a part of was a couple of winter snow blizzards that produced cabin fever and sore backs from shoveling sidewalks and driveways clear of eight foot snow drifts. But still we were not forced from our dry warm beds. My dad never threw away anything, and fixed everything by recycling everything else. It’s been a tough transition for me getting used to a throw away world and don’t know if I ever will. Now I think, how would I react if tomorrow I lost everything? I mean everything! The following paragraph is an e-mail I received two days before KATRINA and it sort of put the disaster in perspective for me as I sit here in my comfortable chair watching the news trying to comprehend the true scope of what people are going through and the time it’s going to take to recover from this disaster.
“It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, reheating and renewing. I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste means affluence. Throwing away things meant you knew there’d always be more. But then my husband died. And on that cold, clear morning, in the warmth of our bedroom, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn’t anymore. No more hugs, no more special moments to share together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more “just one minute”. Sometimes what we care about most just gets all used up and goes away, never to return so we can say good-bye, say “I love you and will miss you”. So while we have it, it’s best we love it and care for it, fix it when it’s broken and heal it when it’s sick. This is true for marriage, and old cars, and children with poor report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they’re worth it and because we’ll miss them. Some things make us happy no matter what and one of those things is a great friendship. Life is important and people in it we know who are special, we keep them close. I received this from someone who thought I was a “keeper” and I sent it to the people I think of in the same way. Thank-you for being a special part of my life.” I also want to thank my readers for being a special part of my life and for your comments and support over the years. I pray our relationship holds true for a long time to come.
[1 Thessalonians 5: 1-24] No matter how well you plan, protect and preserve, the future is very bleak for all of us walking about this planet. The impending disaster of life is death and everything you have in this world will be gone. But as you read the scripture noted, you’ll find there’s great news for those who have a friend in Jesus. If Jesus has been the closest and dearest friend to you in life, fear not, for He will be looking for you when death overshadows you. I’ve been told you can’t prepare for death, but I tell you, you’d better prepare because there looms the greatest of disasters for those who are not prepared, a disaster that will last eternally. I have a friend in Jesus, a relationship rooted in truth and love, faith and trust. I have been adopted by His father into the family of God through baptism. I actually look forward to leaving this world, because I’m going to live like the child of a King for eternity with my Father in heaven.

Age Of Accountability

For some reason it seems that others declare it’s time we need to learn something or they determine we’ve become of age and must be doing certain things in our life. I’ll bet it wouldn’t take long for you to remember a time when you were intimidated into doing something you’d never done before and ended up looking like a fool because of it. I can name a number of times without thinking too hard, but this is probably the very first incident burned into my memory. I can remember my older siblings deciding it was time I learned how to ride a bicycle. I remember me being small and the bike being huge, and really not enthused about the passing rite at all. Impatience on my teachers part soon ended the lessons, and that was ok by me. But even at that young age I was determined to ride that bike, privately, all by myself and without witness of my failures, of which there were several. At the top of the hill where we lived it didn’t take much effort to get the bike moving downhill, it was the balancing act that had to be mastered. Then came my first real ride. It was shaky, scary and exhilarating all at the same time. But, the pride of success was suddenly overshadowed with fear, when I discovered that my previous lessons didn’t include how to govern the speed of the bike. I had no idea how to stop my new found mode of transportation. Needless to say, I crashed in a neighbor’s yard, without injury, and proceeded to put many miles on bicycles throughout my youth.
Here are ten things that aren’t easy to contend with in this life. 1) To shoulder a deserved blame. 2) To apologize. 3) To take advice. 4) To begin over. 5) To be unselfish. 6) To think before you act. 7) To profit from your mistakes. 8) To be considerate. 9) To forgive. 10) To keep on trying. I think that says it all.
[1 Peter 2: 1-3] It has been stated, and for some reason has developed into a sort of rite of passing, that there is an age of accountability to God solely based on the fact that at the age of twelve Jesus was found by his parents in the temple courts sitting among the teachers listening and asking questions. (Luke 2: 41-50) I believe and see the age of accountability to be when a person understands that their spirit is in peril because of sin and to bring it into a saved state they must rectify the situation. Here are ten things that I think we can teach to bring anyone to accountability. 1) You are created in the image of God. 2) You are wonderfully made. 3) God loves you. 4) You are the apple of His eye. 6) You can have peace every day. 7) You must follow His will. 8) Faith is the victory. 9) When you plant right, you will reap right. 10) You can do all things through Him who created all things. I cannot force my belief and faith on someone else. They alone have to come to an understanding of God’s plan for them and begin building their own faith. Why do so many fall by the wayside? I think because they feel they can do this on their own, privately, without witness of failures or embarrassment. “I’ve confessed my sins. I’ve been baptized. I’m saved. If I want to know more I’ll study on my own at my own pace.” In other words, “I’ve done what you told me to do, now leave me alone!” As faithful Christians I think we fail to show our new convert how to govern life and apply the brakes on the sinful things of the world. Consequently they end up crashing in their own will. In His commission Jesus said that we are to teach to understanding, and then to continue to teach to obedience of the will of God. Obedience is faith to salvation.

Apon Eagles Wings

I don’t know if you’ve thought about it or not, but the fourth anniversary of the tragedy on September 11, 2001 is very near. And, as is always the case, as years separate us from notable events, new historical markers have a tendency to cast a shadow on past events until they’re hardly recognizable anymore. Not that they’re any less important nor should they ever be forgotten, it seems they just simply become a date on the printed calendar and an editorial in the newspaper or a special on TV. 911 will definitely cool in the shadow of hurricane KATRINA this year, a tragedy of huge proportion with long term suffering in the aftermath for not thousands of people, but hundreds of thousands of people. Not only have loved ones been lost, but homes, transportation, jobs and incomes. For many there will be no returning to their former lifestyle. It simply doesn’t exist anymore. Will the victims and the country recover from this greatest of tragedies in recent history of the U.S.? Yes. Just look at what has happened in the past. Catastrophic events have happened before, yet they’re all covered up and nearly forgotten.
Why was the eagle chosen over the turkey for our national bird? Perhaps for the one characteristic that blends with mans ability to survive. Eagles have a sense to know when a storm is coming before it even breaks out. The eagle will fly to a high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits the eagle sets its wings so the wind will pick it up and lift it high above the storm. Commercial aircraft pilots have reported seeing eagles thousands of feet in the air. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it, gliding with ease. The eagle does not escape the storm, it simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm into its world.
[Isaiah 40: 28-31] Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)
Every one of us is probably already guilty of analyzing the destructive aftermath of hurricane KATRINA. We can’t understand why some people did what they did and why others seem to be doing nothing. It’s easy to talk when you’re not right in the middle of it. We forget to step back and look at the big picture. This world is ever changing and to survive man must be ever changing, and must be ready to adapt at any time. Let’s face it, life isn’t fair. I personally don’t care who you are or who you think you are, God is still in charge. Nothing is everlasting in this world, I don’t care how strong you build it. I see not a physical tragedy so much as I see a spiritual tragedy among the survivors of this storm of life. Those who have a faith built on the rock of God’s truth are moving on to a changed life with courage and strength that comes from their Lord. Those who built their faith on shifting sand are wringing their hands, blaming God and others for their sorrow. And then, there are the godless who are reeking havoc for personal gain. Are we listening and learning? Do you want to find yourself among the hopeless and the godless in time of disaster? Have you talked to your neighbor about life and hope in Jesus?

Let Go, In Faith

It has been said the only difference between an achiever and a non-achiever is that those who get things done aren’t afraid to ask for help. Getting the answer to a question or collecting information about any subject in the world is easy, and readily available today, to anyone seeking it. I don’t think there’s a product on the market that doesn’t have a 1-800 help line printed on the packaging and/or instruction sheet. If I’m not mistaken it’s the law that manufacturers must provide ready access to a consumer help line to answer questions. It’s also becoming rare that a manufacture doesn’t have a website URL printed on their packaging for access to more information than you really need. I often find myself on the phone talking with someone who’s got the answer I need to make my day. It has definitely become an information world and if you consider yourself an underachiever, it’s probably because you’re too proud to ask for help.
It seems a tiger was chasing a man through the jungle. Well, the man ran just as hard as he could and about to run out of energy he found he had actually run out of real-estate as he stood at the edge of a cliff. Looking over the edge he saw a branch protruding from the cliff wall just a few feet below, so jumped down, grabbing the branch, just in time to avoid the tigers maul. While assessing his situation the man was horrified to see a mouse appear from a crevice and begin chewing on the branch. The man looked down and the drop was about 1000 feet to a sure death if he fell. So, he did what you and I most often do when we’re in a situation we can see no way out of, he yelled, “Dear God, if you’re there please help! I will do anything you ask, but please help!” God replied, “You’ll do anything I ask?” The man answered back, “I’ll do anything, but please save me!” God told the man it would take courage and faith for him to be saved. The man said, “Tell me what I must do and I will do it. Your will is my will.” God replied, “All right then, let go of the branch.” Well, the man looked down at sure death, looked up at the hungry tiger and then at the mouse gnawing at the branch his life was hanging on and yelled out, “Is there anyone else up there I can talk to?”
[Hebrews 11: 1] Now, before you laugh too hard, take a look at your own life. What are you holding on to that’s keeping you from enjoying all the blessings that God has in store for you? Are you willing to let go? We read of many of the miraculous healings by Jesus, but I think most readers don’t realize that Jesus told everyone he healed that it was their faith that healed them. (Matthew 9: 28-31) For example, before Jesus healed a group of blind men He said to them, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” The greatest expression of faith, the same faith you and I must possess, is recorded in Matthew 8: 5-13 & Luke 7: 1-10, the healing of a centurion’s servant. The centurion sent word to Jesus apprising him of the situation and pleaded for the healing of his servant. The centurion never approached Jesus himself to speak, but by messenger and friends he asked Jesus to simply speak healing words and the deed would be done as he asked. Jesus stated He had never found such a great faith as this. The next time you call out to God in prayer, expect an answer. Look for the answer. It may not come in the way you expected, but it will be done to you according to your faith. Is God’s will truly your will also? Do not reject the healing, saving power of God’s Word. Satan is like a hungry lion.

This World Is Not My Home

Have you tightened your belt yet? Going to the gas pump is about like experiencing that old ‘sticker shock’ thing when the price of vehicles took a huge jump. Where’s it all going to end? It’s not! Greed and selfishness is like a cancer and as it grows it just gets bigger and bigger. And like cancer, leave it alone and it will eventually destroy its host. On the other hand, attack it in an attempt to destroy it and the host is in for a lot of pain and sickness. This one thing I know is for certain. Transportation as we know it today is going to be a whole lot different in ten years. Our personal vehicles may look basically the same, but what’s under the hood is going to change completely. The children in grade school today will probably be required to have a masters degree in engineering and quantum physics just to work on vehicles in twenty years. Hydrogen is the fuel of the future and like electricity the small towns and rural communities will most likely be the last to get it. I’ll live long enough to see it, but probably won’t be able to afford it.
In 1957 people didn’t know what to expect next. Subjects such as these were being discussed. “I tell you if things keep going the way they are, it’s going to be impossible to buy a week’s worth of groceries for $20!” “Have you seen the price of next year’s cars? It won’t be long before they’re going to cost $5000!” “And the Post Office is thinking of charging 10¢, just to mail a letter!” “If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00 an hour, nobody will be able to hire any help.” “Whoever thought gasoline would cost 29¢ a gallon?” “I read the other day some scientists think we can put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some guys called astronauts training for it down in Texas.” “Did you see some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000.00 a year just to play ball? Before you know it, professional sports people will be making more than the President.” “It’s too bad that things are so hard on young families today. Even some women are going to work to help make ends meet.” “I don’t know, but I think letting that Volkswagen car into the country is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.” “You know it costs nearly $15 a night to stay in a hotel?” “Nobody can afford to be sick anymore. $35 a day in the hospital is too much for me.” “And I’m telling you right now, I’m never going to pay more than 50¢ for a haircut!”
[James 5] I for one would like to be around for one hundred years, with decent health of course, just to see all the changes in the world. Over the years as my faith has grown and I look more intently to my heavenly home than to my own back yard, I guess I’ve become more an observer of the world than a partaker. I’m comfortable with what I have and I’m no different than anyone else, I’d like to have more, but how much is enough? God’s will for man is perfect, except we ignore most of it. Sure, we want to go to heaven, but we want to do it personal and private way. That’s not what God had in mind. He wants us to take His perfect love as a measuring tool to work on perfecting our own love. Our love is to be shown whenever the need arises. Our love is to be shown in everything we do or say. I’m not going to worry, walk around wringing my hands looking lost and mournful. Patience, prayer, love and the assurance that God is with me will carry me the rest of my days no matter what the changes in the world may be. I’m not trying to make this world my permanent home as so many others are trying to do.

Suspicious Packaging

This computer age is great, but one has to keep up with the technology or, like everything else in this world, get left behind. So, this past week I launched out to upgrade my operating system to the most commonly used (OS). I searched to find the most affordable upgrade, which will still make you nervous about purchasing it, and decided on a reputable and popular retailer. I started to install my purchase on my home computer when the program just wouldn’t accept the alphanumeric code that has to be entered from a sticker on the packaging. Needless to say I panicked. I was able to return the product for an exchange, which is one reason I chose the retailer I did. The extra trip to the big city didn’t set well with me, but I made up my mind I wasn’t going to take an attitude into the store. No questions were asked except did I want to exchange for another or have my money returned. I opted for an exchange. The exchange product was in a tamper proof plastic container unlike my original purchase. Ahhh-Ha!! I had been slipped a previously returned item. The exchange works just fine.
A young couple got married and went away on their honeymoon. After two weeks they returned to move into their new home together. One chore was to catalogue and put away all of the presents they received from friends and family. Since this was a new home the process of where to put everything took some time. A week later they received in the mail, two tickets for a popular show they wanted to attend but tickets were impossible to get. They were vey excited and warmed by the gesture of the person who sent this wonderful gift. Inside the envelope along with the tickets was a note, ‘Guess who sent you the tickets’. The couple had a lot of fun trying to identify the donor but failed in their efforts. They went to the theatre and had a wonderful time. On their return home late that night, still trying to guess the identity of their unknown host, they entered the house to find it had been stripped of every article of value. On the now vacant tabletop in the dining room a piece of paper lay with a note in the same handwriting as the note with the tickets. It simply read, ‘Now you know who sent you the tickets!’
[Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew24; Mark 13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 5:11] While Jesus was teaching His disciples, he prophesized the destruction of the temple and the end of the Jewish age. He told them about how horrible a time that was going to be for everyone. He also warned that false prophets would appear claiming to be him, but to not believe. Many times over in the years since Jesus was witnessed rising up into the clouds, false Jesus’ have come forth claiming to have returned. Many still to this day believe Jesus will return to rule a kingdom on earth. I’ve yet to read about a new temple that will be built in Jerusalem preparing for His return to rule over the nations for a thousand years and he will give all people of the world a second chance to be saved. As you read the passages of scripture referred to, you’ll read of the true packaging of the return of Jesus. He will come when we least expect it. Not even Jesus knows when this will be. He will come in the clouds just as He left and everyone will see Him. I don’t read where He comes down to touch the earth. He will send angles to collect the elect, those who have been true to the scriptures. Then what was created will be destroyed. Do what the Bereans did, (Acts 17:11). Read it for yourself, to see if I’m telling the truth.

Don't Sell Yourself Short

The big push in the world of commerce right now is to sell automobiles, especially the land yacht, gas-guzzlers that the gasoline crisis of the ‘70s was suppose to eradicate. Well, because that push is on, if you’re in the market for a new car or truck there happens to not only be good buys at the top end of the product line but also some great buys at the bottom end. Of course it’s like momma always said, “You only get what you paid for in the long run”, and I’ve always found that to be true. I do a lot of shopping and comparing on the Internet these days, having to conform the best I can to tight budget restraints. It takes a little time but when I get to the very bottom line cheapest price of a product I have to start looking at what sacrifices I have to except and still get the functional product I was looking for in the first place. You know, how many bells and whistles can I do without and still have what I want. Does it have to be gold-plated or silver-plated or chrome-plated or can it be painted and still be the same? Be real careful when shopping on line and read everything twice. You don’t want your product expectations to crumble just because you didn’t order all the bells and whistles you need.
So God asked Adam, “What’s wrong with you lately?” Adam replied, “I’m tired of working so hard. I’m bored with the same old stuff every day and I ain’t got nobody to talk to.” God told Adam he would make him a companion and that it would be a woman. God said, “This person will gather food for you, cook it for you and serve it to you. When you discover clothing she will weekly wash and repair it for you. She will always agree with every decision you make. She will bear your children and never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them. She will never nag you and will always be the first to admit that she was wrong when you’ve had a disagreement. She will never have a headache and will freely give you love and passion whenever you want it.” Adam asked God, “What will this woman cost me?” God replied, “An arm and a leg.” Adam thought, and then asked, “What can I get for a rib?” The rest is history.
[Luke 14: 16-33] Please don’t label me a chauvinist pig; it’s just a joke. The point I want to bring out is the same point Jesus was bringing out. In the long run, a man gets what he pays for. Do you truly want eternal life with the creator of all things? Just what are you willing to pay for it? Guess what? You have no choice! There is no employee discount. You can’t buy a ticket online, first-class, coach or economy, not even standby. There’s no salesman to negotiate with as to what you want to do, or don’t want to do, to get to heaven. Jesus says that God has prepared a wonderful place for each and every one of us to live forever. He doesn’t want to hear any excuses from us as to why we can’t get ready to go there. The cost? Be willing to give up everything, even life itself, to the allegiance of Jesus. Do you know there are people in the world today faced with the threat of imprisonment and even death because of their belief that Jesus is the son of the living God, and that He died for the sins of the world? Their belief has brought them to baptism for the forgiveness of their sins and their faith has them prepared for death and a home with God for eternity. Families and friends are separated and even murdered, but their faith is not destroyed. Jesus says that’s the full price. Are you willing to give it all up for a home in heaven? Count the cost. God says you’re either in or you’re out.

Have YouThought About You Soul?

I know I’m not alone here when I say there’s a million things I want to accomplish and I want to get them done right away so I can get on to the next million things I want to accomplish. You probably run into the same problem I do, not enough hours in a day. The minute I sit something aside to go have a bite to eat or lay my head down to sleep, the world takes a spin depositing new challenges at my doorstep demanding an ever-higher priority. Things that were so important just hours before can become nothing with the advent of prosperity or disaster. My biggest problem is I get too many things going at the same time and simply lose interest in a few of them. Then again, I don’t finish some things because while working on a certain project I’ll learn something new which moves me on to another project. Well, nothings constant in this ever developing world of technology, which will keep us all hop scotching to retrieve our dreams, only to toss out another challenge before us to see if we can keep our balance one more time and successfully achieve yet another goal. At times I wonder why, then my stomach growls.
I overheard in conversation the other day a man say, “If I had a million, I’d build a new building for the church and double the preachers salary.” Of course he doesn’t have the million yet. Reminds me of the story of a man who told the brethren, when they were talking about giving to the church, “If I had a hundred pigs, I’d gladly give ten of them to the church.” One brother spoke up and said, “If you had ten pigs, would you gladly give one of them?” The first quickly answered, “That’s not fair! You know I’ve got ten pigs!” How much is enough for a comfortable, content, physical sense of well-being?
[Luke 16: 19-31] The story of Lazarus, a rich man, and the beggar who sat at his gate, is well known. After death they found themselves looking at each other, the rich man suffering with nothing and the beggar being lavished in comfort. Notice one thing here. “…between us and you a great chasm (gulf KJV) has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.” This word chasm or gulf is used only once in the entire Bible. The rich man didn’t have time for compassion or helping to improve the quality of life for others. He dug a chasm in his physical life that he now has to look across for eternity. Will that be you’re reward?
Have you ever stopped to wonder what this life is all about? Why you’re here and where you’re going when your lease on time runs out? Maybe you’ve been far too busy trying hard to reach your goal, would you let me ask you kindly, have you thought about your soul? You may reach the highest portals and your dreams may all come true, wealth and fame may be your portion, and success may shine on you. All your friends may sing your praises, not a care on you may roll. What about the great tomorrow? Have you thought about your soul? Don’t forget your days are numbered, though you may be riding high, but like all of us poor mortals, one day you’ll just up and die. Your success and fame and glory won’t be worth the bell they toll. Let me ask you just one question, have you thought about your soul? If you’ve never thought it over, spend a little time today. There’s nothing more important that will ever come your way, than the joy of sins forgiven and to know you’ve been made whole. In the name of Christ the Savior, may I plead and ask you kindly? Have you thought about your soul? Seek God first. Start now.

Experts?

Have you ever given the wrong instructions to someone causing them a big headache? I received some bad, or rather incomplete, instructions causing me some problems this past week. I was installing a new computer program per the instructions given to me by the “expert” selling the program. Well, when it came time to initiate and use the new program it didn’t work. Oh great! I went and let someone talk me into another bum steer. The “expert” couldn’t figure out where I went wrong, so I went to the written instruction for installation and “wa-la!” I found the problem. I was told that I need only register part of my e-mail address when in fact the instructions clearly state to enter the full address. Works just fine when the full instructions are followed correctly.
A couple from Minneapolis decided to go to Florida for a long weekend to thaw out during one particularly icy, cold winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel they spent their honeymoon twenty years before. Because both had jobs they found it difficult to coordinate their travel schedules, so it was decided that the husband would fly to Florida on a Thursday and his wife would follow the next day. Upon arriving as planned the husband checked into the hotel. In his room was a computer, so he decided to send his wife an e-mail back in Minneapolis. However, he accidentally omitted one letter in her address and sent the e-mail without realizing his error. In Houston a widow had just returned from he husband’s funeral. The dearly departed was a well known long time preacher who had been called home following a heart attack. Expecting messages from folks around the country that had known her husband, she checked her e-mail. She found there were several, but after reading the first message she fell out of her chair in a cold faint. Her son heard the “thud”, and rushing into the room found his mother on the floor and this message on the computer screen; To: My Loving Wife; Subject: I’ve Arrived; You’re probably surprised to hear from me. I’ve just arrived and checked in. They have computer here now and you’re allowed to send e-mails to your loved ones. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was. P.S. Sure is hot down here!!
[Romans 6] If you have any sense of right and wrong, then I know you have thoughts of heaven and hell. I know you don’t want to spend eternity with Satan, but perhaps you’re also not sure if you’re doing all the right things to spend eternity with God. We’re instructed to “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2: 12-13), but if you’re using a checklist in the process to prove you’re righteousness, then you’re fulfilling your own will of righteousness, not God’s will. Do you feel an overwhelming need to fulfill the law? Romans 13: 8-10 clearly states how you can do that. We’re no longer under a law of rules and regulations, but under grace and love from God (Colossians 2: 13-15). God so loved the world He gave His only son. Jesus so loved the world He gave His life. Do you love heaven enough to give God your life? Only through repentance, baptism and a continuing life of obedience to the will of God, will we ever experience the full grace and love of God in heaven. Are you sending the wrong message to the wrong address? Double-check the message and address that’s been given to you by others. Get into the Bible. Don’t trust you’re soul to the “experts”.

Go, Go, Go!

As I sit here writing and thinking about the day, I find myself tired from a long week of work and looking forward to the tasks at hand for next week. Some concern about next week’s weather is looming with a hurricane headed our way, but today is the only day that really matters and right now we’re being blessed, for it’s raining, breaking our latest dry spell. Last week was Vacation Bible School at our congregation. Five days of go, go, go about wore me out, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Children and adults alike were coming out of the woodwork. Forty-four folks from the Jasper, Texas church presented the Bible school curriculum with great lessons of fun and learning for all ages. We also spent time and had lots of fun getting out into the community transporting kids and adults to and from VBS each evening. All in all it just feels great to put forth a max effort of sharing the Word of God with everyone who took the time to listen.
I received this little testimony some time ago and it just seems to fit today. It’s titled, “When Drugs Are A Good Thing”. I had a “drug” problem when I was growing up. I was “drug” to church on Sunday morning. I was “drug” to church on Sunday evening. I was even “drug” to church on Wednesday evening. I was “drug” to Sunday School. I was “drug” to Vacation Bible School and “drug” to all sorts of young peoples activities sponsored by the congregation. I was also “drug” to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report from school or did not speak with respect. All those “drugs” are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in nearly everything I do, say and think to this very day. The “drugs” I was forced to take as a youngster are stronger than cocaine, crack or heroin and a whole lot longer lasting. If more children had this “drug” problem the world would certainly be a better place.
[Matthew 28: 19-20] An atheist professor, lecturing one day, told his class he was going to prove that there was no God. Standing proud he said, “God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I’ll give you fifteen minutes.” Ten minutes went by. During that time the professor kept taunting God saying, “Here I am God, I’m still waiting.” It got down to the last couple of minutes and nothing had happened. The professor continued to toy with his class. A big 240-pound football player just happened past the open door of this professor’s class and heard what was going on. Quietly entering the hall in the last minute of the professor’s challenge, the young man approached the professor, hit him with full force, knocking him off the platform. The professor got up, obviously stunned and said, “Where did you come from, and why did you do that?” The football player replied in a deep voice, “God was busy. He sent me!” Well, I’m not advocating violence here, but isn’t that what Jesus told us to do? “Go” and teach. Nowhere do I read that the gospel will be taught after you’ve build a big beautiful building to meet in. The apostles weren’t told to build a cathedral in Jerusalem, sit by the front door and wait for people to show up for worship. They instead were instructed to “Go” into the world and teach. Believers assembled and worshipped in homes. Our buildings are simply a convenient place for believers of today to gather and worship. We must get out of the building and teach the lost. Get out of the building and bring the youth to the understanding of the truth. “Go, Go, Go and make disciples in Jesus’ name.

What's In Your Heart?

I guess I don’t have to tell you it’s hot and dry around here. We’ve forgotten just how hot and dry it can get after being spoiled with mild temperatures and an abundance of rain the past three summers. It looks like we’re in for several 100 degree days (weeks) this year. I made a trip to the ‘big city’ this past week, going to one of those warehouse outlets for supplies and such. Well, I can always tell when it’s really getting dry and we’re in need of rain. Several years ago I witnessed an amazing adaptation of nature to its environment. I don’t know why I never noticed it before, just too busy I guess. But, I noticed an abundance of birds flying around the parking lot. I thought there isn’t any trash or seed on the ground that I can see. I wonder, ‘Why are they flocking under terribly hot vehicles?’ I watched for a few minutes and suddenly discovered as soon as the passengers departed from the vehicle the birds gathered to feast on the water dripping from the vehicles’ air conditioner onto the ground. God does supply.
One day a boy of six came running into the house crying and very angry at Billy, the boy next door, who had roughed him up a bit. His mother did her best to explain to him how he should try to forgive Billy, because God loves Billy just as much as he loves him. So if God could love Billy in spite of his misgivings, he should love and forgive him too. Not taking time to think over what his mother had said and leaving his mother speechless the boy shot back, “But Mom, God doesn’t have to live next door to Billy!”
A little boy, who was very much afraid of the dark, was told by his mother to go out on the back porch and bring her the broom. The little boy turned to his mother and said, “Mama, I don’t want to go out there. It’s dark.” The mother smiled reassuringly at her son. “You don’t have to be afraid of the dark,” she explained. “Jesus is out there. He’ll look after you and protect you.” The little boy looked at his mother real hard and asked, “Are you sure he’s out there?” “Yes, I’m sure. He’s everywhere and he’s always ready to help you when you need him”, she said. The little boy thought about that for a minute or two, then walked to the back door and opened it just a crack. Peering out into the darkness he said, “Jesus? If you’re out there, would you please hand me the broom?”
[Luke 12: 22-34] A recent TV commercial pushing ‘Go RVing’, depicts a family traveling about the country experiencing America. Amongst the scenes of all the fun a question is posed. “…but you know what will really give them goose bumps? Mother Nature.” At this point the scene is of a boy staring up into Giant Redwood trees in awe of the sight. It’s Vacation Bible School time again and a wonderful time it is. It’s a special time to bring God to youngsters, and adults, in a way that may be sort of awe inspiring, leaving an impression and prayerfully planting a seed of faith that will begin to grow. Of course, anyone who has ever planted knows that just putting the seed in the ground is only the beginning. It needs water and nutrients to grow on. Weeds must be eliminated that they do not rob the plant of these things. How do we get faith to grow in our young people? Teaching them the Word of God isn’t enough. We must live the life of God’s word. Parents have the greatest influence in this and what children learn the best is what they see. What’s in your heart is what people see and what you teach. Are you preaching from the book or teaching from the heart? Be awesomely faithful in God.

Freedom, For How Long?

As I sit to write this week I find myself in one of those quandaries not knowing what to write about. It’s not what would be called writers block, but more what to say and how to say it. I guess I’ll just start by writing about a young family I’ve been involved with lately. I’m not one to delve into a person’s past especially when they show the want-to to get them self out of the ditch they’ve put them self in. The husband and father of the small family, was on rock bottom when I met him a month ago, wife about to give birth and nowhere to live. Well, he had a plan and I wanted to help him to achieve his goal. With some monetary help from many different sources and a lot of encouragement, he has remained faithful to his plan and toward his family obligations. As a matter-of-fact, because of his hard work and determination to better his life, things are developing with greater clarity as to what the future holds than he had ever dreamed. Seeing some pride swelling up in his attitude of providing for his family and making some sound decisions as to what to do next, has also encouraged me to continue helping as I can. And that has brought me to remembrance this week of why we celebrate the birth date of this great country. Neighbor helping neighbor in times of distress has been present since the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. We live in the greatest country in the world if for no other reason than we possess the right to pursue life, liberty and happiness without fear of persecution. The freedoms we enjoy allow us to spread our wings like that of the eagle, our majestic symbol of freedom, to soar above any storm that may come into our life and enables anyone to become the person they want to be. I know we all gripe about a lot of things, but remember, it’s that freedom of speech, I didn’t say freedom of expression, it’s our freedom of speech that keeps our way of life strong and free. Think about it. Happy Birthday America!!
[Psalm 11] The young family I’ve been associated with of late, is being blessed beyond their dreams. They’ll be the first to tell you they still have little to nothing they can call their own, but they have a healthy baby born last week, dad has a better job than a month ago, their car has been repaired, they have a roof over their head and food on the shelf. When asked the young man will tell you the blessings are not of his doing. His heart tells him that God has sent many people his way because he has repented of his former lifestyle to reap the spoils that the freedoms of life can produce. Hatred and lawlessness only produced trouble and agony. He found himself separated from his family and he didn’t want that anymore. If there’s a down side to all of this it has to be that if we don’t hold true to the God based foundation of this country we’re going to find ourselves separated from the freedoms we enjoy. If hatred and lawlessness continues to grow in our neighborhoods, if drugs and alcohol continue to destroy the family and if the righteous guidelines for life continue to be flushed from our judicial system, I’m afraid our grandchildren will be telling their children, in secret, about the freedoms they once experienced. God will not destroy this country nor will He save it from it’s own demise. What each generation passes to the next will determine the outcome. If the USA gets to the point that we no longer “Trust In God”, the blessings of God will be lost in greed and selfishness. Are you building on the sands of time or the rock truth of the living God?

You Are Where You Live

I know you’ve seen it, and like me you’ve probably even experienced it. It seems that throughout life as our environment changes so we adjust to or take on the attributes of our surroundings. For example, where we live, (neighborhood, city, state) we tend to act, walk and talk as those around us do. A lot of times we work very hard at this, simply because we want to “fit in” and establish good neighbor or good working relationships with those already established in the environment. After 35 years, if I were to return to my hometown in Upstate New York, my speech just wouldn’t fit anymore and I would probably have a hard time with some of the dialogue there. Think about it. If you hang with drinkers you’ll drink. Hang with drug users and you’ll do drugs. Hang with the hood gang and you’ll bang yourself into more trouble than you want. Hang with God’s people and you’ll live a godly life. Environment does dictate living conditions.
A fifth grade Christian school teacher asked her students to look at TV commercials to see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideals of God to life. Here are some of the results. GOD IS LIKE: Bayer Aspirin; He works miracles. …like a Ford; He’s got a better idea. …like Coke; He’s the real thing. …like Hallmark Cards; He cared enough to send His very best. …like Tide; He gets the stains out that others leave behind. …like General Electric; He brings good things to life. …like Sears; He has everything. …like Alka-Seltzer; Try Him, you’ll like Him. …like Scotch Tape; You can’t see Him, but you know He’s there. …like Delta; He’s ready when you are. …like Allstate; You’re in good hands with Him. …VO-5 Hair Spray; He holds through all kinds of weather. …like Dial Soap; Aren’t you glad you have Him? Don’t you wish everybody did? …like The U.S. Postal Service; Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination. Environment dictates thought.
[Proverbs 12] I really like the book of Proverbs. I like it because I can relate to a lot of it. The book is a no-nonsense, easy to understand statements that apply to the ethics of life with a clear approach to God’s will for man to live a righteous life. As I read I’m told that “this is this” and “that is that”. There’s no compromising of how we’re to live in God’s creation. If we hang with evil people, we’ll become evil. A man is probably not a killer before he goes to war, but he will become one in his current environment. I say these things to you because those around you, whom you pass by every day, but you never smile at or greet with a “hello” or even nod your head at acknowledging they even exist, just because they’re not a part of your life, may in fact be looking for someone just like you to help pull them out of the hopelessness of their life. Instantly you think money. Look at history and you’ll see that money doesn’t solve a thing. Love and compassion is what changes life for the better. When a person has hope, they find a reason to be the person God wants them to be. Jesus said we would always have the poor with us, but the story of the rich man and Lazarus teaches us not to ignore them. Should we consider only the beggar? Do not look at the physical needs of people alone. It is their spirit that has been deceived and misled. Feed and clothe, but remember to visit also. Teach them the love of God, for the power of the gospel can save and change even the vilest of lives. Don’t look down at anyone, unless you’re reaching out to lift them up.

No Instructions Included

Father’s Day is a time we set aside to honor our father and also a time when dads should kick back and remember just how important a job they have in the family. Recently I read an article about today’s parenting skills and over-all there’s been a great improvement. The only real down side of the article was that parents, although they’re spending more time with their children, are trying to be their child’s best friend and when it comes to learning self-discipline this is not a good thing. Parenting isn’t an easy job. Say “NO” when appropriate and let your child’s best friend be its own age.
A man came home from work late, again, tired and irritated, again, to find his five- year-old son waiting for him at the door. "Daddy, may I ask you a question?" "Yeah, sure, what is it?” replied the man. "Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?” “That's none of your business! What makes you ask such a thing?” the man said angrily. “I just want to know. How much do you make an hour?” pleaded the little boy. “If you must know, I make $20 an hour.” “Oh” the little boy replied as his head bowed with disappointment. Looking up once more he said, “Daddy, may I borrow ten dollars please?” The father became furious, “If the only reason you wanted to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself to your room and go to bed! I want you to think about why you’re being so selfish! I work long hard hours every day and don’t have time for such childish games!” The boy quietly went to his room and closed the door. The man sat in his easy chair and began to get even more irritated about his son’s questions. How dare he ask such things just searching for a new angle to get money. After an hour or so the man had calmed down and started to think about how hard he had been on his son. Maybe there was something he really wanted to buy with the ten dollars. It’s very rare he ever asks for money. The father went to the his son’s room, opened the door and asked, “Are you asleep son?” “No daddy, I’m awake” replied the boy. “I want to say I’m sorry for being so rough on you earlier” said the man. “It’s been a long day and I shouldn’t have taken my aggressions out on you like I did. Here’s that ten dollars you asked me for.” The little boy sat up beaming. “Oh thank you daddy!” he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some more crumpled-up bills. Seeing that the boy already had some money, the man asked, “Why did you want more money if you already some?” “Because I didn’t have enough, but now I do!” said the boy with excitement in his voice. “Daddy, I now have $20. Can I buy an hour of your time?”
[Ephesians 6: 4] Dad’s, you’re probably tired of hearing this, but God’s Word instructs us to raise our children, “…in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Our children didn’t come with a set of instructions of how to care for and raise them, but God has supplied instructions for how the mature understanding adult is to righteously live in this world. I know you’ve heard, your actions and lifestyle will teach your children more about life than anything you could talk about. To raise your children, as God would have you do, live a disciplined godly life guiding your children in the ways of righteousness. Teach them what is right and what is wrong straight from your very own guidebook, the Bible. “When I grow up, I want to be just like you Daddy.”

Trust, Integrity & Honesty

Can you remember when “Trust” was a big word in advertising? “Trust Your Car To The Man Who Wears The Star”. Trust used to stand for the honesty and integrity, not only of a company, but also of its employees. When I was in business, I wouldn’t put an employee on a job by himself if I didn’t think he would do the job with the same consciousness I would. Too many people take too many shortcuts in order to get finished faster or make more money. Today, with tongue-in-cheek, “trust” seems to be used in advertising like throwing out some sort of bait to consumers to see who will bite, then reel them in and get all the money you possibly can out of their pocket. I’m sorry, but I guess my glass is half empty today and the old pessimist in me is popping out. I’m just finding it harder and harder to trust anyone in this world lately. I’ll get over it.
Sam Walton, together with his Chief Director of Personal, one day was personally interviewing several up-and-coming executives for various positions in his company. He took them all down to the company cafeteria at noon for lunch. He got in line behind a young man who had shown a lot of potential and was highly thought of. As they approached the end of the line, Walton noticed the young man slip a pat of butter under his tray. Since the cashier could not see the butter she didn’t charge him for it. Sam turned to his personal director and told him not to hire the young man. When he was asked why, Sam simply stated that any man who would palm a two-cent pat of butter under his tray would rob Wal-Mart clean.
[Titus 1: 15-16] A two-cent pat of butter doesn’t seem like that big a deal. I mean, companies like Wal-Mart lose that much, and more, every minute due to shoplifting. But, Walton’s point is very clear. If we do not have integrity in little things, we will not have integrity in the big things. Honesty really is the best policy. Paul is writing to Titus instructing him as to how he should go about looking for leaders for the congregations of God’s people. He explained to Titus he should not necessarily look for leaders by what others say, or how intelligent the prospect may be, but watch their actions as they deal with life and other people. Their actions will always dictate their godliness. After all, if we claim to be a child of God, aren’t we supposed to be holy because God is holy? Part of being holy is being a person of integrity, one who has a “clear conscience”. Ahhh, now there’s a subject that keeps a lot of people awake at night. I’m not perfect and I’ve taken shortcuts, but I never did feel good about it. To clear my conscience of guilt I can’t ever remember not correcting my misgivings as soon as possible. (1 Timothy 6: 6-19) Most people want to be rich or famous, or both, but they seem to forget that one day all this will come to an end. They hope their life has been good and they’ll be rewarded for it, but right now they’ve got a life to run and have no time for holiness. My hope is not supported by this world, as the world tries to persuade us. Paul reminds Timothy, and you and I, that we came into this world with nothing and we will leave this world in the same manor. My hope is to return to the One who gave me life and my hope is supported by His word. I’ve yet to see it fail, when I place a part of God’s truth in my life, I gain a greater understanding of this life and the life to come. I trust in God. He supports me in every way and brings peace into my life. Integrity and honesty, come from God’s truths.

Patience To Teach

Is the world beginning to go stark raving mad? How long has this been going on? Maybe it’s just a new heightened awareness being brought to the public eye of the tremendous child abuse problem in the world today. I’ve tried to make sense of why adults would shake a baby causing irreversible brain damage and even death. Why beat or burn or scald a child with hot water? That’s never taught anybody anything except to hate. I’ve concluded that less and less “parents” have the capability to patiently teach their children. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time in their life anymore. A two-year-old is expected to rationalize and solve problems as easily as an educated twenty-year-old. When it doesn’t happen, frustration sets in, the child is confused, the crying erupts and the beatings begin. The situation is growing and festering because what the children are being taught today is what they take into adulthood and give their children.
While doing a little shopping, a man noticed a lady pushing a grocery cart with her one-year-old riding in the seat. The child reached out and asked for the cookies on the shelf. Her mother said, “No”. The little girl began to cry loudly. The mother said, “Now Missy, we’re half way done, it won’t be long.” As it regularly happens in the grocery store, you tend to find yourself within close proximity, of the same people as you shop the aisles of the store. In the candy aisle he witnessed the little girl again wanting something from the shelf and was again told, “NO”, by her mother. This time the girl started kicking and screaming. The mother said, “There, there, Missy, only two more aisles and then we’ll be done.” At the checkout counter the girl reached for gum. When her mom spanked her hand and said “NO”, the little girl began to scream louder than ever. The mother said patiently, “Missy, we’ll be through this checkout stand in five minutes, then we can go home and both have a nice nap.” The man saw the woman and her daughter in the parking lot of the store and approached them, “I couldn’t help but notice how patient you were with little Missy in the store and wanted to commend you for your parenting skills”, the man explained. The woman looked at the man quizzically and replied, “Thank you, but, my little girl’s name is Francine. …Uh, I’m Missy.”
[Matthew 19 & Mark 10] Is there a solution? YES! Each of these chapters begins with an argument about divorce and remarriage. I know of nothing more devastating to a child than to experience the pains of a divorce. To Jesus this argument only brought out the self-satisfying ambitions of men and the non-committal attitudes they had toward marriage. Then it’s recorded that the children were brought to Him for a blessing. Why? Were children suffering then as today? Were some children a pain in the neck back then? Probably so, because the disciples tried to stop them from gathering around Jesus, but He took them into His arms and told those present that the Kingdom of God looks at children in a totally different way. Children know nothing of the greed and lusts of the world and have not yet eaten of the tree of knowledge of right and wrong. Eternal life is theirs. Then a man asked how he could get eternal life. He states he follows all the commandments. Jesus says that’s not enough. You must be committed to God, not to the world, and eternal life is possible. Patience for teaching children is a product of peace, found in God’s love. Raise your children with the truth and love of God in your heart.

Getting Home Alive

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, has become important to many families again with all the involvement of the Armed Forces throughout the world in recent years. The drafting of young men into service was a way of life when I graduated High School. Lucky for me I graduated at just barely 17 years old and spent some time in the world before entering service at 19. At night during the first few weeks of basic training it wasn’t uncommon to here away-from-home-first-timers crying in their pillow, scared to death, right out of High School and feeling alone. But, everyone finally came to their senses to form a bond of unity and learned to help each other, seeing that that was the only way to survive in the unfamiliar environment. The biggest impression the DI’s had to bring about in training was, “Pay attention and you’ll go home alive!”
I’ve never been there in person, but I’m told that visiting Washington, D.C. is an awesome experience and to take in all that is worthwhile, cannot be rushed. The U.S. National Museum (Smithsonian) alone can absorb two days easily. Then to visit all the various monuments and such, dedicated to past Presidents and American heroes who fought to uphold the principles of democracy, takes some traveling, but well worth the effort. This time of year the three draw cards in D.C. are, Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier and the Vietnam War Memorial. Near the memorial site stands a statue of three soldiers searching for lost comrades. I’ve seen on one of the Discovery Channel stations, that to this very day gifts, letters, pictures, metals, artifacts and flags are being left there by friends, family and inspired onlookers to honor those who were lost and never accounted for. A few years back a letter was found that had been written by a very distraught mother, who still held hope in her heart, to her son: Dear Jimmy, Dad’s gone now. I miss you a great deal and am waiting for you to come home. I love you. MOM. Unfortunately, Jimmy has not come home and never will.
[Ephesians 6: 10-12 &1 Timothy 6: 6-12] There comes a day in everyone’s life when we meditate on and question the meaning of life. During our examination we tend to feel we’re all alone and some become so overwhelmed with the trials and conflicts of life they just sit down and cry. Paul tells us that most of us are simply fighting the wrong battle. The meaning of life is deep within us. The battle we wage is not to save a dying body of flesh and blood, but a spirit not wanting to spend eternity in a place of constant distress. With or without your help the spirit will put up the best front it can against the evil one and the conscience guilt you feel is the pain expressed by your spirit as it battles on. You’re not alone here away from your spiritual home, and joining forces in unity with others, the church, which strive to live a righteous life before God will rid you of guilt and strengthen your spirit. I recently had someone tell me that nobody is able to live a righteous life. We searched God’s Word and discovered that statement to be false. Just one scripture alone, Luke 15:7, states that there are righteous people living in this world, free of guilt and shame before the Lord. If it were not so, Jesus would have never said it. The Word of God is a message of love and hope to you and I that we might, “Pay attention and get home alive!” Help your spirit fight the battle of good and evil. Put on the full armor of God, Ephesians 13-18. All of heaven is watching for your return home.

Spiritual Nourishment

Not long ago I moved my home office to a different location and I’ve got to tell you I’d almost rather take a beating than to move things from one place to another. How in the world do we manage to accumulate so much stuff? I mean the room is smaller than 12x12 and I think I filled two large trashcans with nothing but junk found stuck here and there. I never had a home office until after the kids were gone and the personal computer entered my life. I’ve gathered what seem like volumes of stories, of which I regularly share with you, my weekly readers. I’ve been trying to categorize them for easier subject matter access and am finding that to be rather challenging, but that’s another story all together. Well most of the stories I remember as I begin reading them and filing them away for future use, but some I must have laid aside with good intentions to read later because I don’t remember them at all. It’s great to have so much material to work with and that’s going to keep me writing for a good long time.
A church member wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper complaining that it made no sense to continue going to worship every Sunday. “I’ve been going for thirty years now” he wrote, “and in that time I’ve probably heard something like 3,000 sermons, but for the life of me I can’t recall a single one of them. So, I think I’m simply wasting my time and all the preachers out there are wasting theirs by giving sermons never to be remembered.” This started a real controversy in the “Letters To The Editor” column, much to the delight of the editor of course. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher. “I’ve been married for thirty years and in that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. Now for the life of me, I cannot remember the entire menu of a single one of those meals. But I do know this one thing. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work each day. If my wife hadn’t given me these meals I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to worship for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today.”
[2 Peter 1 & 2 Timothy 2] Peter and Paul wrote about the importance of teaching and being taught the Word of God to preserve the truth and to continually bring to remembrance even the very rudiments of the Christian faith. From the very beginning, people wandered from God’s Word through unbelief, misinterpretation and failure to apply its principles to everyday living. No matter how much we crave to sustain our physical body, one day it’s going to fail and be no more. God has sent us word through the Prophets and finally through His own son, that you and I, all of us, possess a spirit, which will never die, but live for eternity. My question to you is this. How strong will your spirit be as you lay on your deathbed? How strong will your spirit be when you’re faced with a life or death situation? Face it! The body will fail one day and the spirit will birth from it. How well have you nourished the spirit growing within you? When your spirit is released from your body at death, will it be strong and mature enough in the knowledge of eternal life to enter into the presence of God or will your spirit be weak and ignorant, finding itself being dragged off to the pits of hell? We work hard to give ourselves the best in this life, but ignore the consequences of a poor education for the next life. Feed your spirit with God’s Word regularly and you’ll be a lot healthier for it.

Are You Jesus?

At a young age, delivering newspapers door to door, my older brother taught me, good service and personal attention to customer needs will reap special rewards in the long run. I’ve never experienced that to be untrue throughout my life. Going out of my way seeking customer satisfaction has profited me over the years with a constant source of income and a good reputation in the community. Hey, what more could a person ask for out of life? I mean, by loving and helping others through life, my life is justified.
A group of salesmen attended a regional sales convention in a large metropolitan city. Each had assured their wife they would be home for Friday night dinner, but as things sometimes go, speeches and demonstrations ran longer than anticipated. With no time to spare, their scheduled flight home had them speeding to the airport in their rental vehicle. With tickets in hand the group barged through the terminal to catch their flight home. In their rush, with briefcases flailing through the air, one of the salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table displaying several baskets full of apples, which flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back they managed to reach the departing gate just as the last boarding call was being made. But at the door leading to the boarding ramp one of the salesmen paused, dropped his arms to his side and took a deep breath. Experiencing a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple table had been turned over, he told his buddies to go on without him and to call his wife when they got home explaining why he would be taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal area where the apples were still all over the floor, and he was glad he did. The sixteen-year-old tending the table was blind and with tears running down her cheeks she was helplessly groping around on the floor for her spilled produce, while angry harried travelers swirled about her. The salesman knelt on the floor beside her, gathered up the apples, put them into the baskets and helped set up the display once more. He asked if she was all right and when assured she was he gave her twenty dollars along with his deepest apology. He then gathered his belongings and began to walk away. “Mister!” said the girl. He paused and turned to look back. She continued, “Are you Jesus?”
[Luke 18: 35-43] Like the girl at the airport, a blind man sat on the side of a well-traveled roadway begging for his daily needs. He heard a crowd coming and asked what was happening. When told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by he got excited and called out for help. He knew Jesus would give him sight if he asked and his life would change to become self-sufficient. The world is spiritually blind wandering around asking, “Where is God?” To those who know the answer, this question to them is like a fish asking, “Where is the water?” or the bird asking, “Where is the air?” God is everywhere! Are you Jesus? That’s the charge of a disciple of Jesus isn’t it? To be so much like Him that people cannot tell the difference as we interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace. Does the world see Jesus in your works and daily actions? Do you show God in all you do and say? Does the world experience God through you? Have you ever opened the eyes of a spiritually blind person? When someone sees the love of Christ for the first time, they go back into the world rejoicing for now they can see the love of God everywhere and the bliss of eternal life is at hand.

Unforgetable Mother

The young mother set her foot on the path of life. “Is this the long way?” she asked. And the guide said, “Yes. The way is hard and you’ll be old before you reach the end of it, but the end will be better than the beginning.” The young mother was happy and she could not believe that anything would be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, taught them to tie their shoes and ride a bike, do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them, and the young mother cried, “Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.” Then the nights came with the storms, and the path was sometimes dark. The children shook with fear and cold, but the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms, and the children said, “Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near and no harm can come.” The morning came, and there was a hill ahead. The children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary too. But at all times she said to her children, “A little patience and we’ll get there.” So the children climbed, and as they climbed, they learned to weather the storms. Through this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding and hope, but most of all ...unconditional love. And when they reached the top they said, “Mother, we could not have done it without you.” The days, the weeks, the months and the years passed. The mother grew old and she became little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. When the mother laid down at night, she looked up at the stars and said, “This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children.” And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her and gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers. One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill, they could see a shining road and golden gates flung open. And the mother said, “I have reached the end of my journey and now I know that the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their head held high, and so can their children after them.” Her children said, “You will always walk with us, mother, even when you have gone through the gates.” They stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said, “We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A mother like ours is more than a memory, she is a living presence.” Your mother is always with you. She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street. She’s the smell of certain foods that you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore. She’s the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well. She’s your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She’s the sound of the rain. Your mother lives inside your laughter, and she’s crystallized in every teardrop. A mother shows every emotion, happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life. She’s the place you came from, your first home and the map that you follow with every step you take. She’s your first love; your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space, not even death. My wife and I each buried our mother this past year and share the hurt of no earthly mother to hug and hold this Mother’s Day, but mom will always be with us in spirit and unconditional love.