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.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Saturday, July 23, 2005
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”.
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”.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
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.
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.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
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.
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.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
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?
[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?
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