To Serve or Be Served

I know it’s the time of year for joy and happiness, office parties and family gatherings, but take a little time this week or next to seek out a family which has a member in harms way serving in the Armed Forces overseas. Many have had their income drastically reduced with the major bread winner away from home. I know there are agencies in every community who know the needs and are helping such families through private donations from people who want to help but don’t know how. Here’s a poem I’ve received from several readers and thought this might be the time to share it.
‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and to see just who in this house did live. I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking hanging from the mantle, just boots covered with sand, and on the wall pictures of far distant lands. With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sobering thought came to my mind. For this house was different, so dark and so dreary, the home of a soldier, I now could see clearly. The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home. The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder, not how I pictured a United States soldier. Was this the hero of whom I had just read, curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed? I realized the families that I saw this night, owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight. Soon ‘round the world the children would play, and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, because of the soldiers like the one lying here. I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home. The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, “Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice. I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more, my life is my God, my Country, my Corps.” The soldier rolled over and soon drifted to sleep, I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep. I kept watch for hours, so silent and still, and we both shivered from the cold evenings chill. I didn’t want to leave on that cold dark night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure.”
[Matthew 20: 20-28] To serve, or to be served, that is the question; Whether ‘tis nobler to give or to receive. We live in a great country and most of us have not earned, nor are willing to pay for, the rights we demand, because it may very well result in the giving of our life. Jesus came to earth to serve and to teach. When offering to you and I the Kingdom of God, Jesus express that very thought. His sole purpose of being born, leaving heaven to live among men, was to die on a cruel cross producing freedom from sin and guilt for all mankind. Jesus opened the way to a new and personal relationship with God by taking away the sins of the world, bringing man and God together as one, once more, through the Holy Spirit. This new relationship is entered into voluntarily, but it takes a passport to become a citizen of the Kingdom of God. It requires that one must believe Jesus is the Son of God, repent of all sins and be baptized, receiving the Holy Spirit. Are you willing to serve God for the freedom He gives? Will you teach others?

Spoon-Fed Love

This is the time of the year I do not look forward to coming. No, I’m not talking about the holiday season, but rather the change of weather season. Here in South Texas, it’s either summer or winter, and that can, and does, switch back and forth day by day. Two days ago the temperature was near 8o degrees and yesterday sleet fell from the cold overcast sky all afternoon. Gee, I wonder why everyone’s sick? That’s the part I don’t look forward to. I generally make it through the first two cold fronts with only a few sniffles caused by cedar pollen, but the third cold front, most of the time, is the one that gets me. A good artic blast of cold will come through, chilling me to the bone and I know the next morning I’m going to wake up sick. Well, that’s where I’ve been for the past week, sick. I’ll keep spoon-feeding the medicine down, for this too shall soon pass.
In a dream, a man was having a conversation with the Lord and asked, “I would like to know what heaven and hell are like.” The Lord led the man to down a hall to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the man looked in. There in the middle of the room was a large table and in the middle of the table was a huge pot of stew, which smelled delicious, making the man’s mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly looking. They appeared to be famished. Each person held a very long handled spoon which was strapped to their arm. It was possible to reach into the pot of stew and get a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arm, they could not get the spoon to their mouth. The man shuttered at their misery and suffering. The Lord said, “You have seen hell.” They went to the next room and opened the door. The scene was exactly the same as the first, big table, big pot of stew and long handled spoons strapped to each person’s arm. The only difference was the people looked well nourished, in fact a little plump, and they were laughing and talking as though enjoying themselves. The man turned to the Lord and said, “I don’t understand.” “It’s simple” said the Lord. “It requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy next door think only of themselves.
[John 17: 20-25] No, I don’t have the seasons mixed up. I know the birth of Christ is the reason for this season, so why would I pick a scripture from the time of His death? In the garden Jesus prayed for himself, the disciples and for all the believers to come, that’s you and me. And “…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Then Jesus gave His all for you and me. God the Father gave us His son without a thought of gain. Jesus gave himself without a thought of gain. When you give this season, will you give without thought of gain? While teaching the birth of Christ to others and expressing your love with gifts, don’t forget to reach deep in the pot and feed them also, the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. For Jesus was born to die on a cruel cross, the perfect sacrifice to God for the sins of the world, saving us from ourselves, and that’s a spoon-full of love we could never get for our self, nor can we ever repay. Feed someone from God’s Word.

Wind And Sunshine

My spouse and I are coming up 21 years together the 12th of this month and to be honest, it doesn’t seem to be that long. Paula may want to argue that, but I’ll try to avoid the confrontation. Like all families, we’ve had our ups and downs, but our faith always carries us through and keeps us aimed in the right direction, for that I’m thankful. We’re a low maintenance couple, happy with, and proud of, the possessions we’ve been blessed with to steward for a short while. We’re the couple songs are written about. We were literally two ships passing in the night, running our own course of life without the love and security of a helpmate. I’m far from being a romantic and Paula has a hard time making a decision about anything, so I guess when she insisted we go to the judges chambers to get married, I must have said or done something right. We have no debt to speak of, although she still works because health insurance would be difficult for me to obtain since my illness a few years back. But, not too many years from now we’ll be “boomer seniors” when the whole insurance scene completely flips, throwing life into a brand new fit of turmoil. Paula will watch over that, and maybe I’ll write a book.
The children begged for a hamster, and after the usual fervent vows that they alone would care for it, they got one. They named it Danny. Two months later, when mom found herself responsible for cleaning and feeding the creature, she located a prospective new home for it. The children took the news of Danny’s imminent departure quite well, though one of them remarked, “He’s been around here a long time – we’ll miss him.” “Yes” mom replied, “But he’s too much work for one person, and since I’m that one person, I say he goes!” Another child offered, “Well, maybe if he wouldn’t eat so much and wouldn’t be so messy, we could keep him.” But mom was firm. “It’s time to take Danny to his new home now”, she insisted. “ Go get his cage.” With one voice , in a tearful outrage the children shouted, “Danny? We thought you said daddy!!”
[Genesis 2: 19-25] One day the wind and the sun were arguing about which of them was strongest. “Look” said the wind, “I’ll prove to you that I’m more powerful. See that man down on earth? Let’s each exercise our power, and whoever can make the man shed his coat fastest will be acknowledged as the most powerful.” “Fine” the sun replied, smiling. “You go first.” So the wind howled as he huffed and puffed. Pulling out all the stops, the harder he tried, the more the man pulled his coat closer to him to shield himself from the cold. Finally the wind died down, exhausted from his efforts. Then the sun began to shine, gently but persistently, until the man began to unbutton his jacket. Before long, he had shed not only his coat, but rolled up his long sleeves as well. The wind had to admit he was beaten. Selfishness and unkindness are like that wind. While there’s a certain kind of power in them, they do not have the power of love and kindness, which can open the hearts of people just as the suns’ rays can cause people to shed their overcoats. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I can honestly say this. I know I’ve blown a lot of wind in the direction of my wife over the years, but what I got in return was mostly sunshine. I’m thrilled that my God is big and powerful enough to put me with a good woman whose sunshine has shed me of some pretty selfish ways. I’m also thrilled that the sunshine of Jesus’ love has shed me of the sins I’ve committed against my God.

Nouns And Adverbs

Tis’ the season to be good and kind to others less fortunate than yourself. I have a hard time understanding why it’s only for a month out of the year though. People have needs all year ‘round, but seem to be invisible in the sunshine of summer. You’ll seldom hear me boast or brag about anything, but I’ve got to tell you, it doesn’t take much to bring a smile to a deeply discouraged life. I’ve seen such things as a little food, some clothing, a ride to a doctor’s appointment or a simple conversation of encouragement, begin the recovery process of a lost lifestyle. I also know you can’t help a little today and expect everything to be o.k. tomorrow. Don’t get me wrong now. If your heart is touched by someone in need, do what you can to help, and when you reach your limitations, find a service or program to continue your good work, but follow up on the progress. There’s no better medicine or encouragement, than to show you really care.
The school system in a large city had a program to help children keep up with their school work during extended stays in the city’s hospitals. One day a teacher who was assigned to the program received a routine call asking her to visit a particular child. She took the child’s name and where he was located, then spoke briefly with the child’s regular class teacher. “We’re studying nouns and adverbs in his class right now,” the regular teacher said, “and I’d be grateful if you could help him understand them so he doesn’t fall too far behind.” The program teacher went to see him that afternoon. No one had mentioned to her that the boy had been badly burned and was in great pain. Upset at the sight of the boy, she stammered as she told him, “I’ve been sent by your school to help you with nouns and adverbs.” When she left she felt she hadn’t accomplished much. Arriving at the hospital two days latter with another lesson for the boy a nurse confronted her asking, “What did you do to that boy?” The teacher felt she must have done something wrong and began to apologize. “No, no,” said the nurse. “You don’t understand what I mean. We’ve been worried about that little boy, but ever since your visit his whole attitude has changed. He’s fighting back and responding to treatment. It’s as though he’s decided to live.” Two weeks later the boy explained that he had given up all hope until the teacher arrived. Everything changed when he came to a simple realization. He expressed it this way. “They wouldn’t send a teacher to work on nouns and adverbs with a dying boy, would they?”
[John 6: 25-59] The teacher, with good intentions, was tending to the boys’ growing mental needs so as not to fall behind his peers, but unintentionally, the teacher touched his spirit with hope. And that’s what it’s all about. I can’t perform miracles in other peoples lives, and if I could I’m not sure I’d want to, because I’d probably tend to try to make them just like me. Tend to the body of others, but don’t neglect the spirit, for it’s the spirit that brings life to the body. Yes, I understand that we’re all going to the grave one day, and personally, I going with a happy heart and a spirit full of life, because I’ve been obedient to the will of God. Ease the hurts of life the best you can in others with a loving, caring spirit and you might just be rekindling a dying spirit. Remind, or teach them of Jesus, and the promise of life eternal in the love of our heavenly Father. Life isn’t fair, but with a healthy spirit eating of the bread of life, I’ll be strong in the Lord.

Giving Thanks

Is it that time of year again? It seems like we just did this only a couple of months ago! The season for thanks and for giving is upon us once again. A time when we count our blessings and share with others. It’s a time of the year when, if you’re like me, we reminisce of times past and the way things used to be. The further back in time we go the more comfortable life seemed to be for us and there’s a longing for “the good old days” in our heart. We think on family and of Thanksgivings past, celebrated in fanfare far different than any other family gathering of the year. It didn’t matter if the family was rich or poor, with just a little effort and ambition some sort of special celebration was put together for this day of thanks. I pray your family enjoys a great day together.
Can you remember when it took the TV five minutes to warm up; nobody had a purebred or “designer” dog; when a quarter was a decent allowance; all your male teachers wore a necktie and the female teachers wore high heels and a dress; and laundry detergents had free glasses and dishes hidden inside their box? Do you remember when gasoline was 19¢ a gallon? Included in the price you would get your windshield cleaned, oil checked and gas pumped, every time, without asking. You didn’t have to pay for air or water, and you got trading stamps! Do you remember Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Laurel and Hardy, Howdy Doody, The Lone Ranger, Nellie Bell, Roy and Dale, Trigger and Buttermilk? Can you remember when being sent to the principal’s office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited you when you got home? Well, longing for the good old days or not, I doubt any one of us would want to return any time soon, with the exception of longing for the gasoline prices. We certainly have a lot to be thankful for.[1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18] On November 23rd Americans will once again celebrate a national day of thanksgiving. It’s a day that’s been set aside to give thanks unto God for our great heritage and the many blessings He bestows upon us. For many, Thanksgiving has simply become a day off from work. It’s a time to overeat, enjoy parades and ball games, and visit friends and relatives. However, for the child of God, every day is truly Thanksgiving Day. In the scripture passage Paul admonished, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks”. So, what should the child of God give thanks for? GIVE THANKS FOR: God’s goodness and mercy (1 Chronicles 16:34); God’s holiness (Psalm 30:4); God’s creation (Psalm 75:1); God’s deeds (Psalm 105:1); God’s righteous judgment (Psalm 119:62); our food (Matthew 15:36); the body and blood of Jesus (Matthew 26:26-28); the victory found in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57); the care and compassion of others (2 Corinthians 8:16); God’s unspeakable gift – Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 9:15); our brethren (Ephesians 1: 16); all things (Ephesians 5:20); the church (Colossians 1:12-13); all men (1 Timothy 2:1); civil authorities (1 Timothy 2:2); the hope of heaven (Revelation 11:16-17). Paul concluded “…for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” [Matthew 6:25-34] Jesus teaches we are not to be anxious for the things we don’t have, but to seek the kingdom of heaven and all we need will be supplied. Winston Churchill said, “People occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off like nothing happened.” Stumbling over the truth of God’s Word, is worth your thanks, and praise.

Me, Myself

“Psssst! I’ve got a secret! If I tell you, will you promise not to tell anyone else?” Have you ever put yourself into a situation like that before? Of course you have. Have you then ever gone on to share the “secret”? Yes, you have, haven’t you! But, it’s what happens after you share the secret that makes you wish you’d kept your mouth shut. It’s hard to not feel superior when in possession of confidential information and it’s harder to control ourselves from wanting to be important. “Letting the cat out of the bag” can, and generally does, cause a lot of trouble, because as the “secret” gets told over and over, it tends to become a vicious rumor, which then has a nasty habit of changing lives. Sharing secrets can ruin friendships, split families, sink ships, lose battles, destroy credibility’s and, who knows, could ultimately change the world. There’s a great responsibility placed on you when “you’re the only one that knows” certain things, so keep it to yourself. The next time someone wants to share a secret, say, “No, thanks.”
The following inscription can be found on a tomb in Westminster Abbey, England. When I was young and free, and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But, it too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If only I had changed myself first, then by example, I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.
[Galatians 5: 13-15] “…love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus shared the same thought in His great sermon and today we teach it to our children as “The Golden Rule”: “Do to others as you would want done to you” (Matthew 7: 12 & Luke 6: 31) Our biggest problem here is we tend to use our knowledge and “secrets” in an attempt to change those around us to become like us and do things our way. If you’re “long in the tooth” at all you already know that attempting to change anyone results in rebellion. Think about how you’ve changed over the years. Did the changes in you come by force or more by training, or greater yet, by example? There is a fundamental truth in our relationship with God, no matter what happens around us, no matter what others may be doing, we can be responsible before God only for ourselves. We have obligations to one another, but in the end, the only true change we control is within our self. So think about this. If I study and work to show myself approved before God what better example could I present? What then will I control, but my own attitudes and actions, how I think and how I will treat other people. I will do right, no matter what those around me do. No matter what happens, I must do what is right – what God expects of me. I will act responsibly. It’s not responsible to always be observing others and not ourselves, expecting others to change but not seek to change ourselves. In the end others may be influenced by me, but it is only my own destiny that I control. Are you having problems with others? Maybe you’re the problem. It is no secret; With God all things are possible.

Wrong Is Wrong!

I guess it’s only natural that, for as long as we live, we’re always seeking friendship and guidance from those a little older, more experienced and wiser. I can only speak for myself, but I think it to be generally true, we go about learning from others more by observation, rather than “one on one” counseling. Everyone, at one time or another, has borrowed from the characteristics of another, whether they be good or bad. “Like father-Like son” and “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” are statements about the character passed from parent to child. As we grow we are influenced by teachers, coaches, co-workers, neighbors, political leaders, movies and theater, TV personalities and on and on. I’m learning more and more every day that even my little non-essential life, in my mind, is influencing someone with a character that could last for generations.
Due to over-crowding in an African animal reserve, several adolescent male elephants were moved to another reserve. Left alone in the new area, gradually the “teenaged” elephants became unruly. They even formed gangs, throwing branches and killing rhinoceroses. The managers of the reserve began to take pictures and keep “rap sheets” on each offender. Such a problem had never before developed. Because they had no correction facilities for these juvenile delinquents, some of them were “put down”. Finally, those in charge decided these young bull elephants did not know how to behave like elephants. They needed role models, and father figures; someone who would bring them under control. Some big bull elephants were shipped in and immediately the youngsters learned who was in control. They got whipped into shape in a hurry, and the killing of rhinos ceased. Isn’t it amazing what a little adult supervision can accomplish.
[Proverbs 29] In a period of loose sagging morals, Satan has provided many rationalizations for improper behavior. Those who would live faithful Christian lives must not be ignorant of his devices. Wrong is Wrong even if you don’t get caught. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good”. (Proverbs 15:3) Wrong is Wrong even if you do it for a good cause. The honorable purpose does not justify the dishonorable deed or action. “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4) Wrong is Wrong even if others are doing worse things. It will be little comfort to you in the Day of Judgment, if you should be lost, that others you knew did things you consider to be worse than your own sins. Wrong is Wrong even if it doesn’t bother your conscience. The conscience can be trained or educated to accept wrong doing, but even an “honest” sin or evil done in sincerity is sinful in the sight of God. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) Wrong is Wrong even if it is commonly considered acceptable. “You shall not follow a multitude in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice. (Exodus 23:2) The Christian should – “Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on.” (Proverbs 4:14-15) “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22) What sort of character are you sharing with the eyes that are watching and wanting to be like you?

White Noise

Well, it’s been five and half years since the first surgery on my vocal cords and just over five since the second. My ENT has me come in every six months for “a look see”, just to keep an eye on the situation. The inspections have been good until this last one which is not favorable. It seems the right cord is showing some thickening for some reason. So anyway, I have to take a test this week to determine why. I’ve just gotten used to having this scope run through my nose down my throat, but he says I’m really going to love having a camera stuffed in my mouth. I can’t wait! I already told him it’s from all the good singing I do that’s making that cord Hulk up. “Do the test” he says.
See if you can figure out the need before the end of the riddle. My tongue was doing gymnastics, trying to solve a desperate problem. It was difficult to concentrate, as this consuming problem plagued my soul. The beast refused to go away, it would not be ignored. Finally, I couldn’t take it another minute. I had tried everything, but did not have what it took to solve the problem …and chase away the beast. I had to drop everything in search of the most valuable tool in all the world for this case. While seeking out this tool, I couldn’t help but think, that giant trees father magnificent buildings, wonderful musical instruments, useful fence posts, pencils, furniture, boxes and hundreds of other useful things, but what I need most in this desperate moment, is its most valuable child, a small wooden sliver, called a toothpick. Ahhh, and when the deed was done, great joy filled my mouth. My soul was calmed and my tongue let out a great sigh of relief. One insignificant popcorn hull had altered my life, significantly.
[Revelation 3:20] Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Frank, a college student, roomed with two, noisy upper-classmen, who made it hard to properly study. To solve the problem he bought a “white noise” machine. The static noise created by the device flooded out the other noises in the apartment allowing Frank to concentrate on his work. One night Frank prepared for an important exam and went to bed early. The next day Frank woke up too late for the exam. Although he had set his alarm, he couldn’t hear it, because the “white noise” blocked it out. Do you hear the Lord knocking? Don’t let the “white noise” of the world block out a chance for you to get closer to Jesus. The static noise of the world has a tendency to dull our ability to catch the call of the Spirit. Turn off the world for a little while each day. Pick up God’s Word for some serious concentrated study. Think about this. You don’t know when you’re going to be called for the final exam. “But Tom, I just don’t feel right approaching God with my miserable life. I need to get my life straight first.” I’ve heard that from a lot of people and I’ll tell you now what I tell them. Your sin and guilt is like that popcorn hull stuck between your teeth. It’s never going to go away until you apply the proper tool for the situation. (Romans 5:1-11) Believing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for our sins, and you become baptized for the remission of your sins through Christ Jesus, you will set the stage for a great relief in your soul, because what’s in the past will be forgiven and no longer held against you. But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Praise be to GOD!

Good Coffee

My wife and I went to a Gaither Homecoming concert Friday night. We had been the year before and watch their concerts on TV all the time, and on the way home my wife commented how she didn’t think she was going to enjoy the live concert a second time around, but confessed the spiritual lift it gave her hadn’t weaned at all. We all need a spiritual lift now and again. What do you do to recharge your spiritual batteries?
Here’s a story that’s been sent to me several times that might lift your spirit. A young woman went to her mother to tell her about her life. It seems she would solve one problem in her life and another would jump up. She didn’t know how she was going to make it and was about to give up on life. Her mother led her to the kitchen where she filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first she placed carrots, the second she placed eggs and in the last, coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners, fished out the carrots placing them in a bowl, then the eggs, placing them in another bowl, then she ladled the coffee out into a cup. “Tell me, what do you see?”, asked the mother. “Carrots, eggs and coffee”, replied the daughter. When asked to inspect them closer the daughter noted that the carrots were soft, the eggs were hard inside and after a sip of the coffee the daughter smiled commenting on the rich aroma and great taste. “What does this mean, mother?” Her mother explained that each object had faced the same adversity, boiling water. The carrots went in the boiling water strong, hard and unrelenting, but they came out soft and weak. The eggs went in fragile, a thin outer shell protecting its liquid center, but came out with its insides hardened. The coffee beans were unique, however. After being in the boiling water, they had changed the water. “Which are you?” she asked her daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?”
[Romans 8: 18-39] When adversity comes your way are you like the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and disappointment you wilt, become soft and lose your strength? Or maybe you’re like an egg, with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did you have a fluid spirit, then after a hardship or some other trial, though you may look the same outside, your heart has hardened and your spirit has become tough? Why not be like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings it pain. When the water gets hot, it releases its fragrance and flavor. If you’re like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation surrounding you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are the greatest, elevate yourself to another level. How? Trust in God. (v18) I consider our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Through baptism we receive the Holy Spirit of God to abide within us. Is the Spirit there to condemn us? Not at all! (v26) In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. (v28) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him… (v31) …If God is for us, who (what) can be against us? Pray to God for wisdom and strength in every situation of life, be it comfortable or uncomfortable. You’re born crying, surrounded by smiles. Die smiling, surrounded by tears. Get right with God.

A Proper Attitude

Not long ago I helped a friend of mine correct a few problems on his laptop computer. Since then he’s returned with problems on other computers and together we’ve figured out what needed to be done to fix them. I’ve turned him on to some really good maintenance programs to help keep his computer from giving him more trouble in the future. Things were good, except for a rogue program that just kept popping up now and again, part of his original problem. I instructed him how to get into the computers registry and root out the pesky program remnants, which worked, but that wasn’t enough for him. He got to rooting around in places he didn’t belong and the computer hasn’t run since. To make a long story short, again, I’ve tried every “easy step by step” remedy on the internet to solve the problem and short of hitting it with a hammer or tying it to my bumper and dragging it down the road a few miles, I’ve yet to get it running. With a little finesse I’ve come close, but it looks like a major operation ahead. I’ll let you know.
Too often the solutions we try to apply to situations of life, recommended by “friends” or “experts”, seem to fall short of exactly what we need to solve our problem. Then again sometimes we don’t understand the full scope of the situation and apply the wrong logic. Speaking of logic, that brings to mind common sense, and that brings to mind what some “Emergency 9-1-1” operators have to contend with. Here are few real misguided “9-1-1” calls. Two couples were sharing a motel room and called to proclaim there weren’t enough bath towels. A man called and simply stated, “Please connect me to Switzerland”. A woman called to report she had hiccups that wouldn’t quit. Another called to report a wild mouse running around in her house. A man broke up with his girlfriend and wanted the police to go to her house and report to him the owners of any cars, other than hers , in her driveway. A distraught lady called 9-1-1 to report a fight in a parking lot. When asked to describe the combatants, she said, “I’ll try. There’s one man, and he’s dressed like Elvis. He’s kicking another man, who’s lying on the ground screaming, ‘You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog’!” Blessed are 9-1-1 operators.
[Isaiah 61] In this chapter is Isaiah’s prophecy of what the ministry of the coming Messiah will be. When handed the book of Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus’ home town, Jesus searched to find and read the first part of this chapter, not divided in chapters in those days, and then announced himself to the gathering that He indeed was the Messiah when He said, …“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”. (Luke 4: 14-21) Read farther and you’ll find the crowd forced Jesus out of town to a cliff where they planned to throw him off, but Jesus simply passed through the out of control crowd, “…But passing through their midst, He went His way”. For many years, even following my own baptism, I was seeking to find something in religion that just isn’t there. With all the books and stand-out orators and so-called modern day prophets, I felt lost among the saved. I was walking one way and Jesus was passing me by going the other way. But, I finally applied the proper application to my life, “…seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”. (Matt. 6: 25-34) Then life began to make sense and the troubles of life began to melt away, studying God’s Word and living as it instructs me to do. Life’s 9-1-1? PRAYER! Oh, and stop complaining, and start praising God for once!

Blessed Are The Poor

Here it is the first of October and the change of the seasons is well under way. Autumn is the opposite of Spring, but both have a lot in common. Weather patterns change from hot to warm or cold to warm. We get more rain than any other time of the year, which still doesn’t add up to a whole lot. Then there are the grasshoppers, crickets, butterflies and birds, birds, birds, all migrating to more compatible regions of the globe. For the past two weeks it’s been the crickets getting into everything and the birds roosting everywhere. I think crickets are born in litters, a million at a time. There’re sneaky little critters, hiding in wait for a door to open and then like an invading army they flood in, hopping every which way, making them impossible to capture. For years the birds seem to like congregating by the hundreds at a certain highway intersection here in town. Even though the field they’ve always gathered in has been developed and paved over, they still use the area. I drive past there early every morning and the remaining trees and parking lot are literally blanketed with blackbirds, all seemingly to be squawking at the same time, sounding like a group of conventioneers on a smoke break. Oh well, in less than a month they’ll all be gone, until the Spring time equinox.
A mother was telling her daughter what her own childhood was like. “We used to ice skate outside on a frozen pond,” she said. “I had a swing made from an old tire that hung from a huge oak tree in our front yard. We rode our pony and we picked wild raspberries in the woods.” The little girl, wide eyed taking this in, listened intently to all her mother told her. At last she said, “I wish I’d gotten to know you sooner!”
[Matthew 5: 3] Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The word blessed means: happy. Well; you say, I don’t understand why the poor are supposed to be happy. Jesus spoke not of the physical person, but the spirit. The poor in spirit are the opposite of the proud, conceited, arrogant and disdainful. Only the poor in spirit will enter the kingdom of God. Maybe if we look at spirit this way. When we say an animal has spirit we look at the animal in two different ways. It is considered to have a mind of its own, self-willed and dominant, (high spirited) or it is dependent, loving and submissive, (low spirited). Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is not for the “high spirited” individual. Commentary, William Barkley, has this to say: “Blessed is the man who has realized his own utter helplessness, and who has put his whole trust in God.” ‘If a man has realized his own utter helplessness, and has put his whole trust in God, there will enter into his life two things. He will become completely detached from things, for he will know that things have not got it in them to bring happiness or security. He will then become completely attached to God, for he will know that God alone can bring him help, hope and strength. The man who is poor in spirit is the man who realizes that things mean nothing, and God means everything.” A Christian, whether rich or poor, must have the spirit of poverty. He must possess his wealth as if he possessed it not. He must be able to resign it at any moment without regret. “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the lord.” (Job 1: 21) Become poor in spirit. Submit yourself to God. It won’t be long before you’ll say, “Lord, I wish I’d gotten to know you sooner.”

Take The Mulligan

Before I sit to write I go over in my mind what I want to say, and believe me, sometimes the original idea is completely gone from the scene by the time I actually start putting my thoughts on paper. I take a “mulligan” so to speak. Now that’s a word popping up in the oddest places lately. “Mulligan” has been a golfing phrase for some time. It’s sort of an unwritten amateur gentleman’s agreement that one mulligan may be taken during a round of play for an exceptionally poor shot. A mulligan is a “do-over”, or a “freebee”. The mulligan gave forgiveness for, and replaced the poor shot. Look it up in a dictionary, and you won’t find it. Its origin is a mystery, but the most popular is this. A well known saloon keeper named Mulligan, used to place a bottle of whiskey on the bar every day, accessible to his patrons on the honor system that they might take one free drink during their visit. Hence, the freebee was on Mulligan and the bottle became known as “the mulligan”. Somehow the mulligan made it to the fairway and is becoming an expression of forgiveness and “second chance” everywhere.
A grandmother was surprised by her seven-year-old grandson one morning when he brought her a cup of coffee he had just made. While watching her with a big smile of accomplishment on his face, she drank what was without a doubt the worst cup of coffee in her life. When she got to the bottom, there were three little green toy soldiers in the cup. She asked, “Honey, what are these army men doing in my coffee?” Her grandson said, “Grandma, it says on TV, ‘The best part of waking up is soldiers in your cup.’”
Another grandma sat next to her daughter as her three-year-old grandson opened his birthday present. He squealed with delight when he discovered the water pistol and headed for the nearest sink for a fill-up. The mother turned to grandma and said, “I’m surprised at you! Don’t you remember how we used to drive you nearly crazy with water guns?” Grandma looked at her daughter and replied with a big grin, “YES!”
[1 John 1: 9] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You can’t take a mulligan until you first admit you’ve done something really poorly and you need to do it over again. God does not grant mulligan’s to those who are not out there playing the course on the straight and narrow fairway. Praise the Lord, God made “mulligan’s” a part of Christianity! Jesus was asked, in the law which of the commandments was the greatest. He replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22: 36-39) How many times has it been you felt you deserved a second chance, but were willing to bet your neighbor didn’t? Peter asked Jesus, “How many “mulligan’s” should I give to my brother that sins against me?” Jesus told him, “…seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18: 21-35) In other words, if the one who sins against you, comes to you asking for forgiveness, give him a mulligan. God’s word teaches me to forgive my neighbor in the same way He forgives me of my confessed sins. God’s grace is overflowing with mulligan’s. If God granted only one mulligan for each life, nobody would enter heaven. The greatest mulligan of all? When we’re finished the game in this mortal sinful world, we get to live an eternal, sinless life.

Can You Hear HIM Now?

I acquired an old IBM laptop computer not long ago for a tank of gasoline. It was pretty messed up, but still functional. Come to find out it had the smallest hard drive in the world trying to compute with the largest operating system. The hard drive was full to the brim with operating programs and no room for doing any work, so it was as slow as a turtle. I was beginning to doubt myself and wondering if I had made a mistake buying this thing. Well, I didn’t have much invested so decided the only corrective action is to upgrade the hard drive to a larger one and that’s what I did, except the new drive didn’t want to cooperate. All my commands to wake up the new drive weren’t working and frustration was setting in. Nothing is more frustrating to me than to work hard at something only to see it going nowhere. It took a little basic review of computer language, typing in different commands and finally the laptop came to an understanding of what I wanted to accomplish. The new drive started accepting data and we’re working together again, at a far greater speed. Just goes to prove, you only get out of something what you put into it. And, you’ve got to know computers before they can serve you.
The young man had lost his job and didn’t know which way to turn, so he went to see the old preacher. Pacing about the preachers study, the young man ranted about his problem. Finally he clenched his fist and shouted, “I’ve begged God to say something to help me! Tell me, why doesn’t God answer?” The old preacher, who was seated across the room answered something in reply, but it was so hushed it was undistinguishable. The young man stepped closer, “What did you say?” he asked. The preacher repeated himself, but again in a tone as soft as a whisper. So the young man moved closer until he was leaning on the chair the preacher was sitting in. “Sorry”, he said. “I still didn’t hear you.” With their heads nearly touching the old preacher spoke once more. “Sometimes God whispers” he said, “so we will move closer to hear Him.”
[Matthew 4: 9-10] The young man in the story was expecting God to thunderously bring about a solution to his problem so he could get on with his life. We all want God’s voice to thunder through the air with the answer to our problems, but it just isn’t that way. Jesus knew the answer when confronted by the Satan as He was tempted to serve himself. The tempter approached Jesus and said, “All these things I will give you if you fall down and worship me.” Jesus replied, “Go Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” We all have one great decision to make in this life; to serve God or serve self. Many say they worship God and not self, because they’ve even obeyed the Gospel, and have become a Christian. But, good intentions go astray and we tend to return to serving self once again. “That’s not true!”, you say. “I attend worship every week.” I ask you, “Why?” Are you attending to give God praise or are you just going through the motions and emotions to satisfy an inner craving you have. Jesus knew He would receive much more from God than Satan could ever give Him. The world is still boisterous and tempting, luring everyone into sin. God is quiet and loving. How will we ever hear what He has to say if we don’t sincerely draw close to Him? God wants to serve you. Your faith and service to Him will open the door to understanding, and answers. But, you’ve got to know God before He can serve you.

Everybody's Got To Be Somewhere

Ever had one of those days when it seems everything is going wrong, but at the end of the day you sit back and discover that because of all the unexpected things that happened, it turned out to be a perfect day? Weird isn’t it? Then, of course, if you’ve had a drivers license long enough you’ve found yourself happy to be running a couple of minutes late when you drive up on an accident which just occurred. It happened to me just the other day. I stopped to just say “Hi” to someone then traveled on. Two blocks away I saw a pick-up run the stop sign at the intersection I would have been at if I hadn’t have stopped for 5 seconds to greet someone. By the way. I also have to admit, having driven long enough, I’ve run right through stop signs, my brain being someplace else at the time. That cold chill of near death runs through the body every time we do stupid things like that. Do you take a moment to thank God for looking after you? I do for sure.
Where was God on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001? First of all God was trying to discourage many from taking one of the four flights with a potential of carrying over 1000 passengers. All together only 266 passengers boarded the flights of demise that fateful morning. God was on each of those four commercial flights giving terrified passengers the ability to stay calm. Not one of the loved ones phoned from any of the high-jacked aircraft reported hearing any screaming in the background. On one of the flights God was giving strength to the passengers, enabling them to try to overtake their high-jackers. God was busy creating obstacles, preventing employees from entering the World Trade Center. Many reported odd things happening, causing them to be late for work that morning. It has been estimated that as few as 20,000 out of 50,000 daily employees were in the two towers when the first plane crashed. God was holding up two 110 story buildings allowing 2/3 of the people in the towers to escape death. Amazing was the fact that neither tower simply toppled over from being impacted by a jumbo jet traveling at over 400 mile per hour. Being without a doubt the worst event witnessed by the world in fifty plus years, I can see God’s love at work in every bit of it.
[Psalm 107] I can’t swear to it, but I think it was the great philosopher, Yogi Berra, who said, “Everybody’s got to be somewhere”. That’s what makes the world go ‘round and I thank God we’re like snowflakes, no two the same. I can quote Yogi on this one: “Baseball is 90% mental. The other half is physical.” Think about those who answered the call that frightful Tuesday morning. Police, Fire and Medical personal who never thought twice about their own safety, only of helping others in their time of peril. These folks have hundreds of hours of training and countless hours of experience, and knowing the risks that lay in front of them as they approached the towers complex, they put their life on hold to do all they could to rescue or save another. Thank God for their courage and their love for their neighbor. And, the next morning you think the whole world is against you because the children won’t get dressed fast enough, or you can’t find you car keys, or the car won’t start, or you have a flat tire, or you hit every traffic light red on your way to work, or you turn back to answer the phone, stop and think, “This is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment.” Let your frustrations melt away in the comfort that God is watching over you and perhaps rescuing you at that very moment.

Shoe Man

I am an advocate of the Sunday Comics for much truth of the condition of mankind can be found there, even though it is with tongue in cheek. Hagar The Horrible, a self-made Viking warrior with a hodgepodge of followers, a teenage daughter, a younger son and a wife who rules the roost, was speaking with his son about the life cycle of a great Viking. “One day you’ll become a great Viking warrior, my son!” he began. “And a Viking is a very special person! His life is filed with adventure, and above all, lots of fun! But a Viking doesn’t spend all his life just having fun.” Where upon the boy perks up, “What else does he do, daddy?” “Well”, Hagar explains, “When he reaches 70 or 75 he begins to slow down a little and take life more seriously.” What’s your life cycle?
I showered and shaved, I adjusted my tie; I got there and sat, in the pew just in time. Bowing my head in prayer, as I closed my eyes, I saw the shoe of the man next to me, touching my own; I sighed. With plenty of room on either side, I thought, “Why must our souls touch?” It bothered me, his shoe touching mine; But it didn’t bother him much. A prayer began, “Our Father…,” I thought, “This man with the shoes, has no pride; They’re dusty, worn and scratched; Even worse, there are holes in the side!” Thank You For The Blessings…”, the prayer went on; I tried to focus on the prayer, but my thoughts were on his shoes again! At the end the shoe man said a quiet “AMEN”. Aren’t we supposed to look our best, when we walk through that door? “Well, this certainly isn’t it”, I thought, glancing toward the floor. And then the songs of praise began. The shoe man was certainly loud, sounding proud as he sang. His voice lifted the rafters, his hands were raised high; The Lord could surely hear, the shoe man’s voice from the sky. It was time for the offering, and what I threw in was steep; I watched as the shoe man reached into his pocket so deep; I saw what was pulled out, what the shoe man put in; I heard a soft “clink”, as when silver hits tin. The sermon really bored me to tears and that’s no lie. It was the same for the shoe man as I saw tears fall from his eyes. At the end of the service, as is the custom here, we must greet new visitors, and show them good cheer. But I felt moved somehow, wanting to meet the shoe man; so after the closing prayer, I reached over and shook his hand. He was old and his skin was dark, his hair was truly a mess; But I thanked him for coming, for being our guest. He said, “My names’ Charlie, I’m glad to meet you, my friend.” There were tears in his eyes, but he had a large wide grin. “Let me explain”, he said wiping tears from his eyes. “I’ve been coming her for months and you’re the first to say ‘Hi’; I know my appearance is not like all the rest, but I really do try to look my very best. I always clean and polish my shoes before my very long walk, but by the time I get here there’re dirty and dusty, like chalk.” My heart filled with pain and I swallowed to hold back my tears, as he continued to apologize, for sitting so near. He said, “When I get here I know I must look a sight, but I thought that if I touched you our souls might unite.” I was silent for a moment, then spoke from my heart, not my head, “Oh, you‘ve touched me”, I said, “And taught me in part, that the best of any man is what’s found in his heart.” The rest I thought, the shoe man would never know; Like just how thankful I really am, that his dirty old shoe touched my soul.
[Acts 17: 24-31] Are you living like tomorrow is Judgment Day? It could be.

How Do You See God?

I suppose the discussions and arguments about how stupid the boss, or someone else in authority is, will never end. I guess at one time or another we’ve all had trouble understanding those ushering instructions into our lives as to how we need to go about doing things. Then we find ourselves in a decision making position and begin to understand just how difficult leadership can be. The prime example most of us got hit up side the head with was having our own children. Yeh, mom & dad all of a sudden became real smart and adopting much of their wisdom became paramount. My son called me the other night just to say he admired me for the years I spent in my entrepreneurial endeavors. That was nice. He’s investigating self-employment, but on a much bigger scale than I would have ever attempted, yet is finding being the boss isn’t going to be easy. Then there are people like Edward (he keeps bugging me to write about him). He can buzz about the restaurant my wife and I frequent, interacting with customers, seemingly goofing off, but watch closely and you’ll find he’s constantly surveying the movement of all the workers ensuring a smooth operation of what he has been assigned to oversee. That’s a good supervisor. How do you see your boss?
Here’s an aptitude test to see if you’re qualified to become a “Supervisor”. 1. How do you get a giraffe into a refrigerator? Answer: Open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe and close the door. This question tests whether you tend to do things in an overly complicated way. 2. How do you put an elephant into the refrigerator? Wrong Answer: Open the refrigerator, put in the elephant and close the door. Correct Answer: Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant and close the door. This tests your ability to think through the repercussions of your actions. 3. The Lion King is hosting an Animal Conference. All the animals attend except one. Which one? Answer: The elephant. The elephant is in the refrigerator. This tests your memory. 4. There’s a river you must cross. But it has been known to be infested with crocodiles. How do you manage the crossing? Answer: You swim across. All the crocodiles are attending the Animal Conference. This tests whether you learn quickly from your mistakes. 90% of professionals tested got all the questions wrong. But many preschoolers tested got several questions correct. Does this mean most supervisors don’t have the brains of a four-year-old? It’s not easy being the boss; don’t be a hindrance, speak nice of the boss.
[1 John 4: 8] What is your image of God? Do you see God seated on His throne in Heaven just waiting for you to mess up so He can zap you with some brimstone and lightning? Perhaps you see God making check-marks next to your name every time you sin. Too many marks and you go to hell. Maybe with all the technology we have at hand you’ve simply outgrown God and just ignore His existence. We are all prodigal and becoming more so every day. We will all experience trials we don’t understand. We will all suffer pain at the most inopportune times. The Apostle John writes, “…God is Love”. Love forgives and forgets. Love helps and encourages. He who puts God first will find God with him at last. God has never asked us to be the best – just do our best. As I strive to manage my life under the authority of God’s Word, I see Him as a caring God, with arms outstretched, waiting for me to return from a distant land. How do you see GOD?

Living Christianity

Sometimes, like this week, I sit to write and find that my brain is in neutral. I’m guessing I must have had a rather quiet week even though I’m always busy. One thing exciting happened Friday evening. Thunder and lightning with about thirty minutes of rain, the first in over two months. Water almost ran down the street. Well anyway, like waiting on the rain, a little patience goes a long way knowing that sooner or later my brain will kick into gear, whereupon I’ll simply start with what I’ve got and go from there. I love sharing a message with you every week and even though I sometimes draw a blank, I will never grow weary in my well doing, sharing my blessed life with others.
This is the story of a missionary attending language classes in China. The first day of class the teacher entered the room and, without saying a word, walked down every row of students. Then, still without saying a word, she walked around the room again. Finally, she stopped at the front of the room to address the class. “Did you notice anything special about me?” she asked. Nobody could think of anything in particular. One student finally raised his hand. “I noticed you have on a very lovely perfume”, he said. The class group-chuckled, but the teacher said, “That is exactly my point. You see, it will be a very long time before any of you will be able to speak Chinese well enough to share the gospel with anyone in China. But even before you’re able to do that, you can minister the sweet fragrance of Christ to these people through the quality of your lives. It is your lifestyle, lived out among the Chinese people, that will minister Christ to them long before you will be able to share one word with them about your faith in Jesus.” The same is true for all who believe in and want to share the saving grace of God’s love. Though you may not be an eloquent speaker, unbelievers you encounter will be ministered to by the Christ-likeness of your daily life, if indeed you live Christ-like.
Walking down the street the preacher noticed a very small boy trying to press the doorbell button on a house nearby. The boy wasn’t tall enough to reach the button. After watching the boy’s efforts for a minute, the preacher decided to assist the youngster. Walking up behind the little fellow and placing a reassuring hand on the child’s shoulder, he then gave the doorbell a solid ring. Crouching down to the child’s level the preacher asked, “And now what, my little man?” The boy replied, “Now we run!”
[Galatians 6: 6-10] (NIV) v.9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (NAS) And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. Where would the Lord find me if He were to return today? What would I be doing? What would I be saying? What would I be thinking? These are questions that should be in the forefront of our minds. Too often we fail to see the urgency of living a Christian life. Yes, it is a life that must be lived, (James 1: 19-27), and not a life that is just talked about. Complacency and the status quo have robbed many Christians of their God-given ability in being a vital asset to the growth of the Lord’s church. The God we serve is too extraordinary for His people to live ordinary lives. Paul writes in Ephesians 2: 10, For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Are you a “talker” or a “doer”? Don’t draw a blank! The Lord is coming!

P.U.S.H.

Eureka! I finally got my wife’s car fixed. Before installing the new computer I took under advisement from some mechanic friends, to look real close for any wiring problems that could have caused my computer problem in the first place, thus avoid repeating the catastrophe. After almost an hour of looking real close, I discovered a pinched wire bundle with some frayed wires. After repairing the wires and installing the new computer everything seems to be just like new again. I’m glad I asked for some advise and followed it, probably saving myself some embarrassment in the long run. I’m also thrilled I didn’t have to pay a huge garage repair bill and my wife is on the road again. Travel safe.
Sitting at his desk, the nine-year-old boy snapped out of yet another day-dream to discover the front of his pants wet and a puddle of water on the floor. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he can’t possibly imagine how this could of happened. It’s never happened before! If the guys find out he’ll never live it down. If the girls find out they’ll never speak to him the rest of his life. The boy puts his head down on his desk and prays, “Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Two minutes from now my life will be over!” He looks up from his prayer and sees a student, Suzie, and the teacher walking toward him. Suzie is carrying a goldfish bowl full of water and just a she arrives at the boys desk she stumbles, tipping over the bowl, pouring out its contents into the lap of the boy. The boy pretends to be angry, all the while saying to himself, “Thank you Lord, Thank-You! Now all of a sudden, instead of being the subject of ridicule, the boy is the subject of sympathy. The sympathy is wonderful, but as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else- Suzie. As the clean-up begins, Suzie tries to help only to be pushed aside. “Haven’t you done enough, you klutz!” reprimanded her classmates. Finally, at the end of the day, as they were waiting for their bus, the boy walks over to Suzie and whispers, “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” Suzie whispered back, “I wet my pants once too.”
[2 Corinthians 6: 14-18] We’re always looking for a way out, always looking for an easier way, always looking to escape expense, failure, illness and even death. We seek advise from friends, family, physicians, bankers, lawyers and psychiatrists. Don’t get me wrong here. There’s nothing wrong with seeking help, but when do you know it’s the right help? When was the last time you prayed and asked God to help and guide you? Too many people are going to tell you prayer and God’s intervention in your life is a bunch of hogwash and I’m going to tell you, you’re not paying attention. Try this for one day. Get up and even though every bone in your body is screaming, thank the Lord for another day. Pray for His help and guidance for the day. Have your mind set that the Lord is going to be active in your life this day. Remove yourself from those activities that separate you from God, you know what they are, and look forward to what He’s going to do. I mean really look. Keep your eyes open for someone or something to change you life in some way. Believe me when I say, if it comes from God it will be good. Don’t get discouraged. I have a sign in my office; P.U.S.H.- Pray Until Something Happens. You can pray anywhere, any-time. God loves you, and wants to help you.

Hope For Rescue

When you’re used to being a two car couple, when one breaks down the other suddenly becomes busier. The computer in my wife’s car went crazy and to make a long story short, I’m having a little trouble acquiring a replacement part. So, my vehicle is doubling-up to handle the workload, but it’s not like it’s a chore or anything on my part, except having to know when I’m suppose to be taking her somewhere. I guess you know my wristwatch alarm is getting a good workout. No big deal. Seems everything we have to do is right here local in town anyway. Well, I placed my faith in a company in Florida which assures me they can help me with my problem and I hope to have my wife’s car back on the road very soon. I also hope the new box of wizardry fixes my brides car.
HOPE: To desire with expectation of obtaining; To cherish a desire; To have confidence; To trust or imagine. Hope: shines when the hour is darkest; motivates when discouragement comes; energizes when the body is tired; sweetens when bitterness bites; sings when all melodies are gone; believes when evidence is eliminated; listens for answers when no one is talking. Hope: climbs over obstacles when no one is helping; endures hardship when no one is caring; smiles confidently when no one is laughing; reaches for answers when no one is asking; presses toward victory when no one is encouraging; dares to give when no one is sharing; brings the victory when no one is winning. John Maxwell from “Think On These Things”
A number of years ago researchers performed an experiment to see what effects hope would have on those undergoing hardship. Two sets of laboratory rats were placed in separate tubs of water. The researchers left one set in the water and found that within one hour they had drowned. The other rats were periodically lifted out of the water then returned. With that happening, the second set of rats swam around in the tub for more than twenty-four hours. Why? Not because they had been given a rest, but because they suddenly had hope! Those animals somehow hoped that if they could stay afloat just a little bit longer, someone would reach down and rescue them. If hope holds such power for unthinking rodents, how much greater should its effects be on our lives?
[2 Corinthians 4:13-18] v.16 “Therefore we do not lose heart (hope), but though our outer man is decaying (drowning in sin), yet our inner man is being renewed day by day (being forgiven of sin).” Most of mankind has yet to admit to being spiritual first and physical second. The physical side of man has no hope what-so-ever, because we’re all going to the grave eventually. Yet, the spirit within the body gives us a constant sense of hopelessness because it’s swimming in a sea of sin, in need of hope that someone will rescue it. We try to rescue our struggling spirit by doing “whatever feels good”, but always fail miserably. (Galatians 5:16-25) V.24 “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Romans 6) Baptism destroys the sinful body and brings out the spiritual body that we may live anew, separated from sin. Why be baptized? V.23 “For the wages of sin is death (physically & spiritually), but the free gift of God (grace) is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Acts 2:38 & Romans 5:1-5) Baptism frees us from the slavery of sin to become slaves of righteousness. (Romans 13:11-14) You have hope in God’s eternal love. Christ will rescue you!

Leaving The Nest

Well, it’s that time of the year when all around the world young people are preparing to leave the nest heading off to colleges and universities. So, I’d like to address them with some thoughts. Most of you have yet come to the realization that all the disciplines, chores and responsibilities (or the lack thereof) you have experienced so far in your young lives are about to come into play. That prepared place of rest found at the end of each day, you will now have to prepare for yourselves. Yes young fledglings, what you are about to start coming home to, you are building for yourself. And, whoever nurtured you to this point is all of a sudden going to become the smartest person you’ve ever known, because the world is immediately going to try to take advantage of you, but echoes of their training are going to help you survive. Self-discipline is now your only defense toward self-preservation. Be very weary of who you listen to, where you go and what you do, for your new found freedoms could overpower your whole life. Remember, things are not always as they seem and the world can be confusing. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple or pine in pineapple. Quicksand works slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren’t sweet, are meat. And, a slim chance and a fat chance are the same, but a wise man and a wise guy are opposite.
The world really isn’t all that confusing. Trust your instincts, use your knowledge with a little common sense, and you’ll live a long and happy life. Look at it this way. Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? See? Life isn’t all that tough. Life is like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. Without college even I know pie are round! Cornbread are square.
[Matthew 16:1-12] I pray for all who will soon find themselves out on their own responsible for themselves, maybe for the first time in their life. Beware! The protection and advise of home may no longer be readily available for counsel. But there are good people where you are going who want to be loving surrogates, serving in your best interest. You are about to go out into the wilderness and just as Jesus was tempted so you will be also. You will be tempted greater than ever before and I also pray you will do as Jesus did and fall back on God’s word for strength. I pray you’ve been working throughout your teen years to grow a faith of your own in a love for God and practicing a righteous lifestyle, because you’re going to need it. If your faith is weak and the temptations are strong, seek out a group of Christians to hang with. Trust me, they’re there. Leaven is about to enter your life in greater quantities than ever before. Be careful who is doing the leavening. Jesus warned His disciples about what the Pharisees and the Sadducees were teaching, which changes the mind as leaven changes dough. There are teachers who don’t think or believe as you do and they will leaven your brain with ideas and ideals that can change your mind about eternal life. Keep God’s word ever before you and the devil will flee from you. Your Father in heaven is always with you.

Best Friends

I always try to share a little of my life with you and try to show that, no matter the circumstance, with God’s love, good will shine through. Last Sunday evening was time for our monthly “care group” gatherings. We don’t have a “formal” worship, but gather in small groups in homes and one group at the annex building of the church. I led the group at the annex with song and a lesson, and other men led the group in prayer. On these nights we also engage in story-telling fellowship, trying to get to know one another a little better on a personal bases, all the while snacking on some finger foods and cookies. Well, we cleaned up, locked up and said our good-byes in the parking lot as we usually do, and headed for home. Ten minutes later I heard the news of an auto accident and the death of one I sat and talked with for the last time. All I could think of was, were my last words with her godly and encouraging? Her presence will be missed.
Fred, a High School freshman, saw a kid from his class walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all his books. Fred thought to himself, “Why would anyone bring home all his books on Friday? He must be a real nerd!” Fred had a big weekend planned so shrugged his shoulders and went on. Then Fred saw a bunch of kids run toward Kyle, knocking his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, landing in the grass about ten feet away. He looked up and Fred saw this terrible sadness in his eyes and his heart went out to him. Fred jogged over to Kyle who was searching for his glasses. As Fred handed Kyle his glasses he saw a tear in his eye and said, “Those guys are jerks. Don’t let them get to you.” Kyle looked at Fred and said, “Hey, thanks.” There was a big smile on his face that showed real gratitude. Fred helped Kyle with his books and discovered Kyle lived near him. They never knew each other because Kyle had attended private school until now. Well, it was the beginning of a new and wonderful friendship as they talked and got to know each other that weekend. Fred helped Kyle carry all his books back to school on Monday and introduced him to many more soon to be friends. Four years later Kyle was valedictorian of the class and Fred calmly assured Kyle he would do just fine with his speech. Kyle cleared his throat and began, “Graduation is a time to thank all those who have helped you along the way thus far. Your parents, teachers, siblings, maybe a coach, but mostly your friends.” Fred sat in total shock as he heard Kyle telling the story of the day they had met and how that very weekend he had planned on killing himself. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn’t have to do it later and was carrying all his stuff home. He looked hard at Fred and gave him a smile, “Thankfully, a friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.”
[Romans 8] I’ve gained a new sense of urgency to save those who are in danger of losing their spirit to the evil powers of this world. Am I seeing into their heart? Am I asking the right questions? Am I showing compassion as Jesus would? Am I being the friend they need? When death snags someone right out from your sight, time seems of the essence concerning lost souls. Lord, make me a servant. Send the lost and hopeless. Help me to understand that yesterday is history, tomorrow is your mystery, but today is a gift to be shared for your glory. Teach me to be a friend to someone in need, every day.

Investigate "Facts"

Are you an investigator or do you just except things as they’re presented? Most of the time I try to investigate things presented to me, as fact, especially if I don’t know too much about the subject. Some “facts” are like “good deals”. If they sound pretty far fetched, they probably are. A lot of “truths” are how wild and vicious gossips get started. I receive a number of emails with little stories people think I might like to use and I really appreciate every one of them, but, every once in a while I’ll get one I feel I really need to investigate the truth in it before I stick my foot in my mouth using it. One such statement that’s been circulating since just after September 11, 2001 I have yet to find any truth to, but it seems to be widely accepted as such. Koran (9:11 ) - For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; And there was peace. There’s no such statement!! The word eagle isn’t found anywhere in the Koran! Look it up! Pipe dreams and facts don’t mix. Investigate and discover the truth.
A father and his small son were out walking one day when the lad asked how it was that electricity could travel through the wires hanging between the poles. “I don’t know” said the father. “I never knew much about electricity.” A few blocks later the boy asked about thunder and lightning. “That too has puzzled me”, came the reply. The youngster continued to inquire about many things, none of which his father could explain. Finally as they were nearing home the boy said, “Pop, I hope you didn’t mind all those questions.” “Not at all”, replied the father. “How else are you ever going to learn?”
[Acts 17] A biblical literacy survey taken, among “Christians”, in 2004 reveled some of the following facts. Fewer than half of the adults surveyed can name all four gospels. Many could not identify more than two or three of the disciples. 60% could not name even five of the Ten Commandments. 12% of adults believe Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife. 50% of graduating High School seniors thought that Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife. A considerable number of respondents to the pole thought that the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham. I supposed I knew my Bible, Reading piecemeal, hit or miss. Now a bit of John or Matthew, Now a snatch of Genesis. Certain chapters of Isaiah, Certain Psalms (the twenty-third), Twelfth of Romans, first of Proverbs; Yes I thought I knew the Word! But I found that thorough reading was a difficult thing to do, And the way was unfamiliar when I read the Bible through. You who like to play at Bible, Dip and dabble here and there, Just before you kneel, a weary, And yawn through a hurried prayer; You who treat the Crown of Writings as you treat no other book, Just a paragraph, disjointed, Just a crude, impatient look. Try a worthy procedure, Try a Broad and steady view; You will kneel in very rapture when you read the Bible through. (Amos Wells) Bible knowledge comes in only one way – READING THE BIBLE! If we are to “give an answer to every man” (1 Peter 3:15) and “speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11) we must devote ourselves to reading the Bible and understanding what it teaches. It’s not just “a” book, it’s “the” book, and if we’re not reading the map, how will we know which way to go? Someone telling you their way?

Under God

Happy Birthday America!! It sort of feels like the ‘70’s doesn’t it? I mean, here we are thirty years down the road and we’re still fighting our neighbors battles all around the globe and at home we’re still being abused by the big oil companies. If zeros were pillows, how many zeros does it take to make a “1” comfortable? Oh well, call it greed, entrepreneurship or the right to pursue happiness; materialism is, always has been and will probably always be the American way, until the well runs dry. Do you remember this math problem? A man falls into a well 100 feet deep, only injuring an ankle. Lucky for him there is a ladder to the top, but his injured ankle impedes his rapid assent to safety. It seems he would climb up two rungs of the ladder then slip back one. The problem to be solved was this. How many steps will it take to climb out of the well if the rungs are 18 inches apart? I don’t know either and don’t really care. He should have been watching where he was walking. Here’s one you might get your kids and their “new math” to help you figure out. If the price of gas climbs 20 cents a gallon every holiday weekend and drops 12 cents a gallon between holidays, how many holidays will pass before gasoline is $5 a gallon? And another thing. I’m sick and tired of hearing about how the rest of the world is paying 5-7 dollars a gallon for gas. Number one: most of the rest of the world runs on diesel fuel and Number two: Texas is bigger than most countries of the world and I need my car! Another thing. Mass transit jus ain’t gonna happen in 80% of the USA. Why? Because I don’t want to go where you’re going at the time you’re going and really don’t want to stay there as long as you intend to stay. So, I’m taking my own transportation, thank-you very much! There; I’ve exercised my right to free speech granted me in the “Bill of Rights” of the constitution of the United States of America, fully clothed and without profanity. (Pardon me, I only get to spread my “Eagles Wings” like this once a year.) Is this a great country “UNDER GOD” or what?
[Isaiah 1] As you read this chapter, see where you can fit America and the Church into the story being told. I think it will surprise you and maybe even frighten you a little. You see, it took the courage of a president to insert the phrase “Under God” into our pledge of allegiance and rightfully so does it fit. I’m thrilled to be a citizen of the greatest country ever known in history and because its foundation is built upon the truths of the living God of all creation, I’m able to sit here and express my faith in the God of the universe while resting upon His promises of centuries ago that “Under God” ones nation will be great and without God a nation will never stand on it’s own for very long. I ask you. Just how long do you honestly think God is going to put up with our nonsense? Year after year God is being pushed out of our lives and we are ever increasingly ignoring His pleads and promises. At the rate of lifestyle change we are observing today, I’m afraid our grandchildren may never enjoy the peace and comfort that comes from knowing God and living a righteous lifestyle. Remember, things got so out of hand in the early 1900’s a depression besieged a Godless lifestyle country. God didn’t do it to U.S. as punishment, we did it to ourselves. The greatest and most prosperous times in this country came during times of Godly revival. Our money says, “In God We Trust”. How many zeros will it take before you find time for trusting God?

Give Simple Directions

It is said that one can become a naturalized Texan. I don’t know exactly how this is done as I’ve never seen anything in writing, but from what I’ve been told, not having been privileged to be Texas born, if one is accepted by the natives and one has spent more years in Texas than anywhere else, one becomes eligible to declare Texan status. This of course is not accepted by all Texans, but seems to be tolerated. Now the first lesson I learned is that the size of Texas is not in any way divulged through its road maps. I grew up with one inch equals ten miles. On a Texas road map one quarter inch equals twenty-five miles, and that’s a big map. My brother, a naturalized Californian, says Texas is the only place in the world where people don’t think twice about traveling thirty miles, one way, just to go to lunch. Verbal directions for getting around are near impossible to follow. “Just down the road a ways” could mean two counties over. And “the fourth gate on the right” may not include the two new ones added over the past year. “It’s the road right where the old school house used to be” never helped me a bit. I’m just happy to be accepted as a Texan and will continue to be as long as I don’t mention that other place too often. (You know, that state where I was born.)
Following a speech, the preacher said to the young reporter covering the event, “When you do your write-up, please don’t mention the anecdotes I used. I may want to use them in other speeches.” The newsman obliged by inserting this line: “The minister told several stories which cannot be repeated here.”
A young preacher came upon a farmer working in his field. Being a zealous soul winner, he inquired about the farmers soul. “Are you laboring in the vineyard of the Lord, my good man?” asked the preacher. “Naw, these is soybeans”, the farmer replied. “You don’t seem to understand”, said the preacher. “Are you a Christian?” “Nope. My name is Jones. You must be lookin’ for Jim Christian. He lives about a mile south of here.” The preacher tried again. “Are you lost?” “Naw! I’ve been livin’ here all my life.” “Are you prepared for the resurrection?” The farmer asked, “When’s it gonna be?” The preacher replied, “It could be today, tomorrow or the next day.” “Well”, said the farmer, “Don’t mention it to my wife. She’ll want to go all three days!”
[1 John 2: 18 – 3: 3] I have yet to meet anyone, who believes in heaven and hell, to tell me they wanted to go to hell after their death. Many have told me they fear they are going to hell when they die and don’t think there’s any way out of it. That’s the point at which a good Christian will begin to witness as to their faith in the saving grace of the living God. Do I start preaching out of the Bible? I think not. The best way I found to convince others that they too can be accepted by God as an adopted child, eligible for all the inheritances promised of God, is to tell them of how the power of God changed my life. I tell them that since I’ve been living according to the teachings of the apostles in God’s word, life has never been so good. I tell them how secure I feel, knowing that my sins have been forgiven and forgotten. Then I begin to explain how simple God’s plan of salvation is. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Know of His death, burial and resurrection. Be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Sprit for the remission of sins. Born again to live according to God’s word and looking forward to Jesus’ return.

Good Roads Ahead

My granddaughter and I took a little trip the first of last week to visit my father for a few hours. I seldom get the chance anymore with a full schedule and the price of gasoline. My trip to his home in Brownsville always includes a stop at Sunny Glen Children’s Home in San Benito with clothes that have been donated to the church. With that stop to unload the van, the trip takes about four and a half hours one way, but over the years it seems to be a little less challenging. The state highway is slowly but surely being converted into an Interstate Freeway, which means there’s always construction somewhere along the way. It seems every time I travel south a new section has been completed or is soon to be, with new bridges that lift you up and over intersecting roads or new stretches of roadway that take you around and off of city streets, eliminating some of the dangers that cross traffic can pose to 70 m.p.h. travelers. It’s still the same amount of miles, a little less time (used to take 5 hours), but a lot less nerve racking.
Upon entering a little country store, the stranger noticed a sign reading, “DANGER! Beware of Dog” posted on the glass door. Inside, he noticed a harmless old hound dog asleep on the floor next to the cash register. He asked the man behind the counter, “Is that the dog folks are suppose to beware of?” “Yep, that’s him,” the man replied. The stranger couldn’t help but be amused. “That certainly doesn’t look like a dangerous dog to me. Why in the world did you post that sign?” “Because,” the owner explained, “Before I posted the sign, people kept tripping over him.”
[Matthew 6: 33] “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” On The Road To Forever is not just some catch phrase for my article, but something I believe in and something everybody ought to be thinking about every day. Each day of our life we are traveling to our Father’s house. Our number one priority in this life ought to be going to heaven. Colossians 3:2 “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” While traveling down this road of life, are you traveling light, or are you dragging so much junk you’re holding up the people around you? Matthew 16: 26 “For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” The highway department is always working on the roads we travel to make them last longer, be smoother, be safer, be more enjoyable and in many cases be faster. While traveling down this road to forever, are you allowing God to build a more comfortable life for you with bridges and bypasses that move you away from the dangers and evils of this world? John 14: 5-6 Thomas said to Him, “Lord we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” Jesus has gone to prepare a place for a prepared people; those who believe, are baptized in His name for the remission of their sins, and continue to live this life following His commands. The place He is preparing will exceed our wildest dreams. 1 Corinthians 2: 9, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” No matter which father I see next, I know at the end of the road, he will be waiting with open arms. Don’t let the world trip you up.

Fathers: New, Grand & Great

Happy Father’s Day! It’s called a holiday, but when compared to Mother’s Day it’s one with very little fan-fair, and I think for most fathers’ that’s just fine with them. I can only speak for myself, but to be pushed to the forefront, even for a day, seems a bit uncomfortable. Fathers are a very important part of family life and the examples set forth by them in everyday life and living mold and shape the lives of their children. For that reason most dads are happy with a quiet day because they simply don’t feel like the hero a special day imposes on them. All men want to be winners at anything they do, but fatherhood is one of those things that leave a lot of unanswered questions as to their success. Personally, I have to confess I’ve lived long enough to feel, though if I could go back I’d do a lot of things different, I can see some of myself in my children’s good lives. Still, I have to admit, I never minded being upstaged by their mother, the real hero.
“An Old Farmer’s Advice” Life is simpler when you plow around the stump; Words that soak into your ear are whispered, not yelled; Meanness don’t jes’ happen over night; Forgive your enemies …it messes up their head; A grudge is heavy, but it don’t take a very big person to carry one; You can’t unsay a cruel word; Every path has a few mud puddles; When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty; The best sermons are lived, not preached; God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts; Laugh every day, it’s like inner jogging; If you worry, you don’t pray …If you pray, you don’t worry; As a child of God, praying is like calling home every day; Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape; He who dies with the most toys …is still dead; Growing old is inevitable …growing up is optional; Do the math …count your blessings; There is no key to happiness. The door is always open; Faith is the ability to not panic.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A GOOD FATHER? Start Early And Work At It Regularly. (Proverbs 19:18) Set aside time for daily contact, practice the art of “being there”. Know How To Play And Work with Your Children. (Proverbs 22:6) Do not wait to involve them in adult games. They may not want to play with you then. The closer the father is with his children as infants, the easier he finds it to develop the relationship of a good parent. Learn How To Communicate. (Proverbs 1:8-9) “I talk to my kids all the time, but they never listen!” Sound familiar? Too often we tend to talk “AT” rather than “WITH” our children. Try to understand the child’s point of view in a given situation and reason with them as to the best solution. Discipline Your Children With Love And Understanding. (Proverbs 29:15,17 & Proverbs 13:24) Reacting to their wrongs with anger or uncontrolled hollering, slapping or unreasonable demands will prompt rebellion. Deal with them as you would want to be handled. If you resent your own actions, so will they. You are the authority of the home. Earn the respect of your children. Do not treat them like slaves who must obey with cringing fright. Above All (Ephesians 6:4) “And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” For all the fathers out there, new, grand and great, thanks for your love, concern, kindness, understanding and discipline, for with your example and guidance the fathers of tomorrow have a road easier to travel. Fathers, seek God’s guidance, for He too is a father and understands. Be proud. YOU, are a hero.

Investagate Your Feelings

Nowadays, things aren’t always as they seem to be. If you’re a reader, be skeptical of everything you read, except for the Sunday Comics and God’s Word, and sometimes I wonder about the comics. All of what we hear today may not be as real as it sounds. FM radio, the greatest thing since sliced bread in the late fifties, is rapidly being deleted after it’s fifty year run by HD Digital broadcasting. The old tunes resounding in the car sound better than ever before. I called the phone company a few weeks ago to report a problem on my line at work. Of course you don’t get to talk to a real person, but then again sometimes it’s better that way. Use to be one had to punch a lot of numbers when answering questions posed by the computer on the other end. Now the computer not only has a more pleasant voice, but recognizes simple human voice responses such as numbers, “yes”, “no” and phrase options given by the computer as possible answers to it’s question. Photographs are another thing. It’s hard to really know if a picture has or has not been altered. I have programs on my own computer that enable me to alter photos, and as an amateur I do pretty good at it. I was sent a NASA Probe photo of the Mars surface landscape. Appearing in the distance on one side someone had overlaid the unmistakable image of a Wal-Mart store. You’ve got to double check your senses nowadays and trusting your feelings is still a good policy for further investigation.
A father was voicing his displeasure at his teenage son’s frequent dating. “Did you go out with that same girl again?” “Yes, Dad,” the boy replied. “And just what did the evening cost?” “Three dollars,” said the teen. “Well, I’m proud of you, son,” the father announced. “But three dollars is not much to spend on a date.” “It was all she had, Dad.”
A Sunday school teacher was teaching her class about the difference between right and wrong. “All right children, let’s take another example,” she said. “If I were to get into a man’s pocket and take his billfold with all his money, what would I be?” Little Johnny raised his hand, and with a confident smile blurts out, “You’d be his wife!”
[Hebrews 2] It’s becoming more evident to me that man just doesn’t have the time, doesn’t want to find the time, to spend preparing for the next life. Maybe it’s because some believe that when you die = Game Over. But I’m beginning to believe that most think they have to prove their worthiness to God through works. If our selfish greed keeps promoting, “You got a lot = You are a lot”…”You got a little = You are a little” philosophy, we’re missing the boat. Somewhere, somehow God got a bad rap in the mind of most men. God is not a mean old man taking names and waiting for the day to come He can punish you for your wrong doings in this life. He proved that by becoming just like us and living life. I like what Max Lucado had to say about Jesus. “Jesus became angry enough to purge the temple, hungry enough to eat raw grain, distraught enough to weep in public, fun loving enough to be called a drunkard, winsome enough to attract kids…radical enough to be kicked out of town, responsible enough to care for his mother, tempted enough to know the smell of Satan, and fearful enough to sweat blood…” I can relate to that man and His resurrection is all I need to know that He is God and there is a life to come. There are no special box seats in heaven. Love for the Father, not works, is the price of admission. Feel a need to investigate the alternatives?

Is That Jesus Knocking?

Well, we finally got a good rain in parts of the countryside. I hope you got some, but I’m afraid it’s too little, too late for some people. I’m sure something good will come from the rain we did receive and we’ll be blessed with more soon. We sure had a few false alarms the past few months with thunder sounding off in the distance only to have the storm fizzle out just a few miles away. But the other day I had no doubt I was soon going to get wet. The wind and thunder demanded attention from every resident as the rain announced its impending arrival. The thunder and the wind tried to out do each other and I’ve got to tell you it started getting a little scary, if you know what I mean. That ugly, destructive weather nobody needs. Maybe it’s just we haven’t had a good thunderstorm in so long I forgot what they felt, sounded and looked like, I don’t know.
A nurse in the pediatric ward, before listening to the ‘little ones’ chests, would plug the stethoscope into their ears so they could listen to their own hearts. Their eyes would always light up with awe. But she never got a response to equal 4 year-old David’s. Gently she tucked the stethoscope into his ears and placed the disc at the other end over his heart. “Listen,” the nurse said. “What do you suppose that noise is?” He squinted his eyebrows together in a puzzled look. Then he tilted his head back staring straight up at the ceiling as if lost in the mystery of the strange tap-tap-tapping deep in his chest. Then his face broke out in a wondrous grin. “Is that Jesus knocking?”, he asked.
[1 Corinthians 15: 12-34] This Lord’s Day is remembered as the Day of Pentecost, the day of what I call “new beginnings”, because this was the day a totally new relationship began between God and mankind (John 14: 26). This is the day the Holy Spirit was given from God to all men of the world (Acts 2: 38), beginning with the twelve Apostles (Acts 2: 1-4; 10: 45). I don’t want to get too technical here, because this can be a lengthy study, but the Jewish Feast days of the time ended up with much meaning to the Gospel. The Passover Feast, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which started the next day, lasting seven days, and the Feast of Firstfruits, which began on the third day, happen to also be the three days we observe the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15: 1-11). The day of Firstfruits is very significant. On Passover, a marked sheaf of grain was bundled and left standing in the field. On the next day, the first day of Unleavened Bread, the sheaf was cut and prepared for offering to God the next day. On this third day the priest waved the sheaf before the Lord as an act of dedicating the harvest to Him. Firstfruits given to God; Jesus also arose from the dead on this day as a “first fruit” (1 Corinthians 15: 20-24). Well anyway, in the Greek, Pentecost means “50” and falls 50 days after Passover (seven Sabbaths plus one day, the first day of the week, the Lord’s Day). The Holy Spirit arrived from heaven with the noise like a violent, rushing wind and there appeared “tongues of fire” which distributed themselves, resting upon the twelve. I often wondered how scary that must have been. Peter preached the Gospel that day, three thousand were baptized receiving the Holy Spirit and were added to the church of our Lord, the beginning of the church. Those who believed Peter were “pierced to the heart”. There is no greater expression of love than for a man to give his life for another. Can you feel Jesus knocking on your heart?

I Can, If I WantTo

For several years now if you catch me watching TV I’ll most likely be enjoying a documentary about something. I’m there because I’m tired of having my intelligence insulted with what’s on the network channels. In hopes of not contradicting myself, I enjoyed two documentaries recently. One about a magician, David Blaine, who works on the streets of the world, without props, pomp or circumstance. He is unbelievably good and is even able to levitate about six inches off the ground, on camera. &Do-do-do-do& Mind over matter? No! Mind over mind. It’s only a trick, but a real good one. Then there’s Kim Peek, the real “Rain Man”. It was his life that was portrayed by Dustin Hoffman in the movie “Rain Man”. Kim is recognized world wide as a “super savant”. A “savant” is a person with extensive knowledge in a certain discipline. Most savants are severely mentally handicapped. Kim is such a person. He is fifty-four years old and his father of eighty tends to his every need, because Kim is unable to function in the world alone. And yet his knowledge memory excels in many fields. Testing shows no bridge between the right and left side of his brain. He actually reads a book two pages at a time, the right eye on the right page and the left on the left, with an average of 98% retention. Yet with all his knowledge, he’s unable to put any of it to intelligent use. At eight months old in 1952, his parents were told to institutionalize him and forget he ever existed for he would never walk, talk or be worth anything to anyone. What say you?
A dog walks into a butcher shop carrying a coin purse in his mouth. He puts the purse down and sits in front of the meat case. “What is it boy?” the butcher asks. “Want to buy some meat?” “Woof!” barks the dog. “Hmmm,” says the butcher. “What kind? Liver, bacon, steak…” “Woof!” interrupts the dog. “And how much steak? Half a pound, one pound…” “Woof!” The amazed butcher wraps up the meat and finds enough money in the dog’s coin purse. As the dog leaves, he decides to follow. The dog enters an apartment house, climbs the stairs to the third floor and begins to scratch at a door. With that the door swings open and an angry man starts shouting at the dog. “Stop!!” yells the butcher. “He’s the most intelligent animal I’ve ever seen!” “Intelligent?” says the man. “This is the third time this week he’s forgotten his key!”
[John 20: 30-31] If I wanted to, I could help make the church the most wide awake and working church in the world. If I wanted to, I could visit members who are sick or homebound and find ways of helping them. If I wanted to, I could attend Bible classes regularly and encourage others to do the same. If I wanted to, I could show more devotion in worship and receive much more good from the services myself. If I wanted to, I could profit more from the sermon by not resenting the truth when it reveals some of my weaknesses. If I wanted to, I could tell others about Christ and His church, and lead them to Him. Of course, this all depends on what I want to do. I have the ability – If I really want to. What Jesus did while on this earth, He did because He wanted to. Jesus brought about such a great change in the thinking of man that time was re-started. How do you use your knowledge of Jesus’ life and of the existence of God? How often do you allow the world to insult your intelligence concerning God’s will for mankind? Jesus is returning for those who are using their knowledge. Do you want to go with Him?