Looking At The New Year

Twenty-eighteen is upon us and we have no idea what lies ahead. Everyone will look at the new year in many different ways. • A day yet to dawn. • A battle yet to be fought. • A mountain yet to be climbed. • A journey yet to be begun. • A chapter yet to be written. • A book yet to be read. • A blank sheet yet to be filled. • A new territory yet to be explored. • A meal yet to be consumed. • A race yet to be run. • A game yet to be played. • A task yet to be undertaken. • A present yet to be opened. • A sea yet to be crossed. • A story yet to be told. • A conversation yet to unfold. • A sermon yet to be preached. • A plan yet to be set in motion. • A walk yet to be taken. • A building yet to be constructed. Seize it; live it well! May the Lord bless you and grant you peace throughout this year.

The new year doesn’t have to end the joy of gift giving. Her are some gifts anyone can give to anybody throughout the year: THE GIFT OF PRAISE - Appropriate mention right in front of the other fellow, of superior qualities or of jobs and deeds well done. THE GIFT OF CONSIDERATION - Putting yourself in the other’s shoes, providing genuine understanding of his side of the case. THE GIFT OF CONCESSION - Humbly saying at just the right point, “I am sorry, you are right, and l am wrong.” THE GIFT OF GRATITUDE - Never forgetting to say “thank you,” and never failing to mean it. THE GIFT OF ATTENTION - When the other fellow speaks listen attentively. If directed to you personally, meet his eye squarely. THE GIFT OF INSPIRATION - Plant seeds of courage and action in the other person’s heart. THE GIFT OF PERSONAL PRESENCE - In sickness, in trouble, or in great joy, there is nothing quite equal to your personal expression of sympathy or congratulations. Resolve to give these gifts each day. You will be pleasantly surprised at what you will receive in return.

[Deuteronomy 30:19-20] After Moses had spoken to the people of their renewal of their covenant with God and what entering into the promised land should mean to them he said: “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life...” Entering this new year we too should take time to renew our covenant with God and study his words of grace more closely: “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). Jesus told His disciples, just before His death, when they were afraid, “...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). In this world each one of us has trouble, trials, and temptation. We will never be without these things, in this world, and we never know how difficult the next thing we face can be. We cannot remove all the tribulations of this world from the lives of people we love. What can we do? We can offer our brothers and sisters a word of kindness, appreciation, and encouragement. When we do this, we are carrying out a very valuable (even priceless, if you will) part of God’s purpose in us. The timely word, the silent prayer, The look of love that’s all too rare, The open heart willing to share - These things matter. A promise kept, the accepting smile, The will to go the extra mile, Desire to forgive and reconcile - These things matter. Eternal life, before we die, On God, by faith, we fully rely, To do his will, and never deny - These things matter. (J. Randal Matheny) Happy New Year! – “Live long and prosper.”

Twas The Night Jesus Came

Merry Christmas everyone! Blessings to you and your family. May you all know the joy of the true reason for this season – the Savior who is Christ the Lord.

“Twas the Night Jesus Came” by Pepper D. Basham (©2009): Twas the night Jesus came and all through the town, Not a person would guess, The Messiah came down,. The earth gave no warning to speak God’s intent, But this magical night I would never forget. The streets were all busy with strangers from far; No time to hear singing or see the bright star. As my young friends and I kept our watch o’er the flock, We had no idea we’d soon get a shock. When out of the darkness there rose such a light, I sprang from the hilltop to gaze at the sight. An angel came shining as bright as noon-day, More fearsome and brilliant than I’ve words to say. At first he said, softly, “There’s no need to fear.” Which I found hard to do since this host first appeared; But he said, “Be of Joy! I bring you great news! Your Savior is born, there is no time to lose. This babe wrapped in cloths has no crib for his bed, But rests his sweet head in a feed-trough instead.” And then other angels, more than I can know, Rejoiced through the dark with their songs and their glow. Like millions of stars dancing down to the earth, They lifted their voices in praise of his birth-Singing, “Glory to God” Through the stillness of night “and peace to all men,” then they flew out of sight. It didn’t take long to break out of our shock, We ran down the hill leaving our field and flock, And found the sweet baby inside a damp cave, But could this be Christ – the whole world to save? The donkeys and horses had left a foul smell. The straw was all muddy, the manger as well. But everything was as the angel had said, A babe wrapped in cloths in a crude manger bed. Then I know – it was clear. Where else would he be? The Teacher and Healer to make the blind see. The Savior who’d carry the sins of us all, Where else would show love than an old cattle stall? This baby, The Christ, would clean up all our messes. He’d take on our curses and give us His blessings. So as I adored Him, God’s Son, the true Light, God seemed to be whisp’ring to all a ‘good night’.” Jesus, the gift of unequaled quality and value for everyone.

[Isaiah 53] We have no physical record of what our Lord looked like as a human walking this earth. All the paintings and pictures we see of Jesus, from birth to death, are of ones imaginative interpretation. The only recorded descriptions of our Lord are found in the book of Isaiah (v. 1-3): “Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem” and in Philippians 2:7-8 “...made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man...” and Hebrews 2:14-18 “...he had to be made like his brothers in every way...” also Hebrews 4:14-15 “...one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.” God is Love (1 John 4:16) and perfect love is sinless. God so loved the world (you and me) he gave us his Son (John 3:16)! Why? Now we have no excuse for our sinfulness (John 15:22) and strive to become like Jesus (love); plus we now have a loving God who understands our iniquities for He also has suffered the pains and temptations of life. Human love and compassion translates grace and peace.

God's Perfect Days

It’s December! For many, especially children, “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” God’s Word speaks of it as a perfect time. “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons” (Galatians 4:4-5). As the expression goes, “Hind-sight is 20/20” and obviously, God, as the Master Strategist, selected the moment He did to send His Son into the world to redeem us and make us His own for His most excellent reasons. We can only examine the instant the angel announced the good news of great joy to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night and ask - why then? Of course, history from that point, if God had never been born a man to die for man’s sin, would have been entirely different. If Jesus were to come today, into this postmodern climate, he would have found little to no faith at all on the earth and the quirky religion of the ancient Hebrews forgotten. No, the time was perfect, but before the time could fully come, God needed to establish a promise through Abraham, a people through Israel, and a placeholder through Moses. Through the Remnant had to arise synagogues, the Greeks - a language, and the Romans - roads, the Pax Romana (a time of peace under Roman rule), and the cruel execution method of crucifixion. Do you know that His plan was purposeful and planned for you before creation? (Ephesians 1:3-7)

[Psalm 32] It is also the time of the year when we hear the slogan, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” How do you feel about that slogan? I take issue! Jesus is not only “the reason for the season” but for devoted Christians, Jesus is “the reason for all of life” – our spiritual lives! Paul reminds us that we “died” and “were raised with Christ,” an allusion to our repentance and baptism (Colossians 2:11-12). We should “seek those things which are above” and our minds set “on things above.” Our lives are “hidden with Christ in God.” Christ is “our life” (Colossians 3:1-4). A “season” may be long enough for those of a secular mindset, for those who give a little thought to Jesus this time of the year. But to God’s faithful a “lifetime” is not long enough to serve the Lord we love! He is not “the reason for our season” - He is “the reason for our surrender.” We should rejoice every day that God sent His Son into the world to save us - the story of His birth being a part of that grander scheme. Many are enamored with the story of Jesus’ birth because a babe in a manger makes no demand upon their lives. They can have God without obligation. They can talk about His birth, sing a carol or two and then walk away! The emphasis of the gospel, however, is on the Lordship of Christ, not the birth of Christ. In the first sermon to the Jews, Peter declared that Jesus is “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). In the first sermon to the Gentiles he declared that Jesus is “Lord of all” (Acts 10:36). His birth is only the beginning of the story! The ultimate “perfect day” will be the day of redemption that is prepared for the righteous. The path that has the small gate and  narrow road is the only way that leads to “life” and few are looking for it (Matthew 7:14). The plan for man’s salvation from sin has been made complete by God through Jesus and his atoning sacrifice of life for the redemption of our sins. Paul walked the walk and looking forward to his reward encourages all who do the same will be rewarded on that “perfect day” (2 Timothy 4:8). Surrendering to Him as Lord is the story! Wise men still seek Him! Wise men surrender to Him as Lord! Is Jesus your Lord and Savior today?

Secure In An Unsafe World

WWII General Omar N. Bradley has been quoted as saying, “We live in a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants, in a world that has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. We have solved the mystery of the atom and forgotten the lessons of the Sermon on the Mount. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about dying than we know about living.” Truer words have never been said.

It seems, as the story goes that during the Civil War (1861 - 1865) in this country, there was a young man from a border state between the Union and the Confederacy. This young man was asked if he favored the cause of the Union or that of states’ rights. His reply was that he was not going to take sides but was going to steer a course of seeking peace with both. In order to show his lack of animosity toward either side he dressed to fit the part. That is, he put on a blue blazer to represent the good old USA and a pair of gray pants to show his appreciation for the cause of the South. Sometime later he was found dead with a mini-ball from a southern rifle through his blue blazer and a union bullet in his thigh, shot through his gray pants. A fictional story most likely but a scenario most folks today are emulating in hopes everything is going to be okay with the world. Neutrality and globalism will only lead to a Godless dictatorship with no liberty.

[Psalm 20; Psalm 46] How can we be secure living in an unsafe world? The Psalmists tells us through their own experiences: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). That’s where we can find true security and peace. In Psalm 46, we are reminded of three things – First: Our Security is in God, not in this world. We have only one source of security - God. When hurricanes or wildfires or earthquakes occur, when wars break out or governments fail, health deteriorates, or friends betray, God is our only security. Despite all of our advances, our world is no safer today than it was when Psalm 46 was written. We need to turn to God, to find rest for our souls. The psalmists wrote, “Be still, and know that I am God...” (Psalm 46:10). The Bible also says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm” (Psalm 20:7-8). Second: Our Security comes from our Faith, not from our circumstances. The writers of Psalm 46 were able to feel secure, not because of circumstances but because God was with them. God is within the city, and therefore it will not fall (Psalm 46:5). And, “The Lord Almighty is with us...” (Psalm 46:7). Our faith in the presence of God gives us hope and security. There are those who live in great prosperity with lots of money and possessions (good circumstances) yet, their lives are consumed with worry and fear. “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever” (Psalm 125:1). Third: Our Security is in Eternity, not in the Present. “Come and see the works of the Lord...” (Psalm 46:8a). The fact is, ultimately, God wins. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). God works in all the situations of our lives to bring about His good. As Christians, we understand that there is evil in the world. But we also know that God is in the world and He is much stronger than evil. With God by our sides, we can overcome the worst of circumstances, and we are assured of a home beyond this present reality. Put on the Armor of God and stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-18).

It's Your Choice

Wally and Dallas each bought a horse and rode them during the summer. When winter came they didn’t want to pay to have them stabled, instead decided to release them in a pasture and get them in the spring. Wally said, “How are we going to know which horse is which when we pick them up?” Dallas answered, “I know! We’ll cut the mane of my horse and the tail off your horse. That way we can identify them in the spring.” Of course the hair grew back which led to a dilemma when it came time to retrieve the horses. “Now what do we do”, asked Wally.  Dallas thought and concluded, “Well, their both good horses. Why don’t we just flip a coin for them. Heads, I’ll take the white one.”

If you accidentally drop a chicken nugget onto the floor, do you eat it? “Five-second rule!” is the usual reply, meaning that if you pick it up within five seconds, it’s ok to eat it. Germs and bacteria will not have had time to latch onto that tasty nugget. Science has again spoiled our fun. Researchers at Rutgers University have shown “that bacteria can contaminate food that falls on the floor instantaneously.” Another website (www.kidshea1th.org) made the recommendation about dropped food: “When in doubt, toss it out.” Not all bacteria will make you sick, the article admits, but some have the potential to mightily disrupt your digestive system. Parents would do well to tell their children that the five-second rule is just not true. It’s your choice – Choose wisely.

A young psychology student went into the army. Drawing KP duty, he decided to test a long-held theory of his concerning the pow­er of the positive. He was given the job of passing out apricots at the end of the chow line. Now if you have ever tasted army apri­cots, you will understand why very few sol­diers eat them. They taste like they have been packed in diesel fuel. He asked the first few men that came by, “You don’t want any apricots, do you?” Ninety percent said, “No.” He then tried the positive approach with this question, “You do want some of these delicious apricots, don’t you?” About half answered, “Uh, yeah, I’ll take some.” Finally, he tried a third test based on the fundamental “either/or” selling technique. He asked, “One dish of apricots or two?” In spite of the fact that soldiers don’t like army apricots, forty percent took two dishes, and fifty percent took one! It’s your choice – Choose wisely.

[1 Corinthians 1:26-31; James 4:4-10] Jesus doesn’t use “selling” techniques in His offers to mankind; however, He does present choices. He said in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” When asked if there are few who will be saved, He replied saying, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to” (Luke 13:24). The choice is ours. Will we strive to enter by the narrow door or will we go in the way of destruction? Thus, in the words of Joshua, “...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fa­thers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). And in the words of Elijah, “How long will you wavier between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). God chose to send his Son to save us from our sins (1 John 4:10). It’s your choice – Choose wisely.

It's Sunday!

One December, Joe and Bill built an ice skating rink in the middle of a field for all their neighbors to enjoy throughout the winter months. A shepherd leading his flock decided to take a shortcut across the big rink instead of going around. The sheep, however, were afraid of the ice and wouldn’t go across it. The shepherd began tugging at them in an attempt to perhaps drag them across the ice one by one. “Well, would you look at that,” said Joe to Bill. “That guy’s trying to pull the wool over our ice!”

Many phrases inspire quick responsive behavior on the part of others. “Fire! * Run! * Help! * Dinner! * Free Television! * Incoming! * Snake!” Right alongside these declarations “After Thanksgiving Sale” must reside. Each year, prior to Thanksgiving the advertisements come pouring out. Shopping men and women dutifully take note, writing down all the particulars or saving the printed ads. Many literally write down a schedule of where they need to be minute by minute and what they specifically need to obtain in each location of every store. They know the prices, shapes, sizes, and colors of their objectives. Their priorities are established. It is not unusual to see long lines of people waiting early in the morning hours before stores open whether it is cold, dark, or rainy. Not only do these folks come early, they stay late! Busy throughout the day, they are driven like no other time in their life. Take deep breathes and always be kind to everyone.

[Psalm 122:1] “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” How energized do you feel when you hear the phrase “It’s Sunday!”? Let us consider another moment – Sunday morning. Sunday morning is a time when the Church gathers as was the example in the early Church (Acts 20:7). At that time, they sang hymns to God (Colossians 3:16) and partook of communion as Jesus had commanded them to remember Him (I Corinthians 11:23-26). The Christians encouraged one another at these assemblies (Hebrews 10:25) and they also gave cheerfully a collection to further the Word of God and aid needy saints (I Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). In the midst of this gathering, Christians also received the Word of God which was able to save their souls (2 Timothy 4:2). Sunday morning truly offers great treasure! Praising God, glorifying God in obedience, remembering the Savior of mankind, aiding others and enjoying their fellowship, and partaking of spiritual nourishment to make one complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). “It’s Sunday!” or “After Thanksgiving Sale!” - Which of these phrases brings more organization, excitement, and involvement to the Christian? Do they plan ahead their interaction on Sunday? Do they have their Bibles in hand? Is their frame of mind prepared to glorify God, or be a spectator? Do they engage in the singing with voices bright and reverence, with cheer on their faces? When the congregation is viewed, does it appear everyone is at nap time, a funeral, bored out of their mind, disinterested? Does the Christian come early to be with his spiritual brothers and sisters? Does he stay late or find opportunity throughout the day to engage in the work of God rain or shine? Where is your heart? Are you excited day by day as the coming of Jesus grows nearer (I Peter 1:13)? Is this what drives your behavior above all other aspects of your life? There are many phrases which may ignite your behavior such as “After Thanksgiving Sale, and 75% off”, but may “It’s Sunday, let us pray, and study with me” be among the phrases that ignite your heart, soul, strength, and mind above all things. Jesus is our greatest gift.

Repeating History

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a little tired of all the saber-rattling between the sexes and the various closet skeletons being thrown about. I’m totally confused as to the purpose of such actions because the implications are so numerous. Is it for fame, fortune, defamation of character, revenge or just plain retribution? Lord knows we all have a skeleton or two in our closet, and personally, I gave the key to my Lord many years ago never wanting anyone to get in and never more wanting to hide anything again. It’s things we all have to live with personally and pray they remain safeguarded in our closet. When someone breaks in and drags a skeleton out I have to think a righteous life is not being lived and the Lord is giving chance to confession and repentance. Not all accusations are true, just outrageous malicious character attacks, and through prayer the Lord will eventually bring the perpetrator to face the truth and humble them. It is so sad that we have to witness these sandbox squabbles when there is so much more at stake in this country. God is being uprooted and America is dying at the hands of the disseminator

 George Santayana (December 16. 1863 in Madrid, Spain – September 26, 1952 in Rome, Italy) was a philosopher, essayist, poet and novelist. In his book “The Life of Reason” (1905-1906) Vol. I, “Reason in Common Sense” he writes: “Happiness is the only sanction of life; where happiness fails, existence remains a mad and lamentable experiment.” * “That life is worth living is the most necessary of assumptions and, were it not assumed, the most impossible of conclusions.” * “Fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim.” * “Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Vol. II, “Reason in Society” he writes: “The highest form of vanity is love of fame.” * “When men and women agree, it is only in their conclusions; their reasons are always different.” (Wikiquote.com) Sad to say, we are repeating history.

[2 Kings 21:12-15] Just insert a few modern day “Promised Land” locales and we could be looking at the wrath of God in this country. “Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of America, says: ‘I am going to bring such disaster on Washington, D.C. and the United States that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. I will stretch out over Washington, D.C. the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab. I will wipe out Washington, D.C. as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. I will forsake the remnant of my inheritance and hand them over to their enemies. They will be looted and plundered by all their foes, because they have done evil in my eyes and have provoked me to anger from the day their forefathers came out of England until this day.’” It’s really not that far fetched when we look at the historical facts of the fall of Rome and other like kind empires we are emulating, thinking our way of life is better, and this time we’re going to get it right in spite of God’s truth. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisee’s, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence ...First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside will be clean” (Matthew 23:25-26). Have you privately confessed your sins before God cleaning the inside of your closet?

Still In The Spirit

Last Sunday morning, November 5, 2017 I attended worship as I have done for many, many years. Our congregation is by no means a large one, as some measure large, but we are dedicated to the Word of God and daily strive to live the righteous life taught within the pages of the Bible. The morning had been uneventful and after I finished teaching my Sunday school class I rehearsed the songs I was to lead the congregation in during the worship hour. The morning lesson was “Kinds of Sin” – our disobedience toward God, selfish desires, lawlessness and such. But we have a Savior, God’s Son, who gave his life to redeem us from our sins, which have separated us from God. The wages of sin is death, a debt we ourselves are not willing to pay, but Jesus took our place, paid our debt for our sins through His death, as the sin offering to God for our transgressions. Through Christ we can be reconciled into God’s favor to receive grace and mercy and forgiveness for our sins – to be a child of God. The song following the lesson was, “Out of My Bondage” (W.T. Sleeper 1887) a song portraying the willingness of one to leave the world of sin and to seek Jesus for a better life, now and forever. Our closing song was titled “Redeemed” by Fanny J. Crosby (1882). I picked this song to celebrate, that in spite of myself falling short of God’s expectations on a daily basis and the evils of the world that draw me away from His love and mercy and forgiveness, I know through confession, repentance and belief in what Jesus has done for me, I am saved and on my way to be with God forever. “Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child and forever I am. Refrain: Redeemed, redeemed, Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed, redeemed, His child and forever I am. 2) Redeemed, and so happy in Jesus, No language my rapture can tell; I know that the light of His presence, With me doth continually dwell. 3) I think of my blessed Redeemer, I think of Him all the day long: I sing, for I cannot be silent; His love is the theme of my song. 4) I  know I shall see in His beauty, The King in whose law I delight; Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps, And giveth me songs in the night. 5) I know there’s a crown that is waiting, In  yonder bright mansion for me; And soon, with the spirits made perfect, At home with the Lord I shall be.” Little did we know, as we were singing that song, twelve miles away evil of the highest level was ending the earthly lives of 26 God-fearing people, hurtling them into eternity without any warning. From the unborn to the age of 77; boys, girls, men, women, teens, and babies all departed this world in a matter of minutes. It is still hard to fathom the depth of pain family and friends are experiencing. Even I have been touched by the loss of friends in this tragedy and this coming week will be solemn with funerals and going home celebrations. Pray for them.

[James 1:2-5; 1 Peter 1:3-9} “No Jesus – No Joy; Know Jesus – Know Joy” The “Fruit of the Spirit” is: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control (Galatians 5: 23-26). The communities of Sutherland Springs and surrounding area, despite this senseless act, have all remained in the Spirit. The evil one hasn’t even been able to steal their joy. Christians will continue to love and trust God no matter what happens in this life because they know God loves them. Whether we depart this world of natural causes or in conflict with evil, God will be there waiting for us. “...You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:13-17).

God's Word Changes Life

In one of the offices at work we have a ductless air conditioning system just for that room. It was sort of a novelty for me when we installed it two years ago as I had never used such a system before. Unlike a window or through-the-wall A/C unit, ductless requires only one two inch hole through the wall for refrigerant tubing and electrical wires. Everything else is wall mounted inside and out, a really neat system, and it works great too. Well, like most things today, this unit operates with a remote control only and it quit working the other day. The display on the remote just kept dimly flashing random numbers and commands and nothing was happening with the A/C unit. I deduced the remote has gone bad or, most likely, the batteries were weak. I tested the batteries and sure enough they needed replacing. I installed two new batteries right out of the package aaaannd – it was doing the same thing! OH NO! Now it looks like a bad remote control! Hoping maybe some coffee or soda had found its way into the pushbuttons and circuit board, I took it apart to clean it but found no evidence of an accidental drowning. Before placing too much blame on the remote I again deduced that even with new batteries the remote was doing the same thing. So, I tested the batteries again and found one of the new batts was DOA right out of the package! One more new battery and all was good.

[2 Corinthians 4:16-18] The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could. One day the grandson asked, “Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don’t understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?” The grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water.” The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, “You will have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was “impossible to carry water in a basket,” and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, “I don’t want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You’re just not trying hard enough,” and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, “See Papa, it’s useless!” “So you think it is useless?” The old man said, “Look at the basket.” The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean. “Son, that’s what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out.” That is the work of God in our lives; to change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His Son (2 Corinthians 3:18). Take time to read a portion of God’s Word each day. “All scripture is God-breathed...” (2 Timothy 3:16) and life changing.

You Are Of Great Value

The baseball World Series holds a little more value for me this year with a Texas team in the running for the championship. It holds a lot of value for the people of Houston as they are in desperate need of something good in their life in the midst of recovering from the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Houston Strong! GO ‘STROS!

How much would you pay for a baseball? Not a baseball made of gold—one made of leather with red stitching just like any other baseball. You can get a whole bag of baseballs from a place like Wal-Mart for about $20. So what is the maximum you would pay for a baseball? What if I told you the ball had been used in a Major League Baseball game? What if I told you the ball had been hit for a home run? What if I told you the ball was Mark McGwire’s 70th home run from the 1998 season? Well, someone paid $3 million for that particular baseball. Why? What made that ball so valuable? It was deemed valuable because of the person with whom it was connected. The source matters!

A few years ago, Anne Marie Haldenstein was asked what the actual value of a human body was. Utilizing her chemistry background (PhD), she listed the elements in the body and researched their 2011 market values. She concluded that the average human was worth about a dollar, and if you could tan the skin (hide), you could raise that total to $4.50 or $5.00. Recently, Dr. James Farris cited a new study which places the value of a human at 43 million dollars. The difference is not inflation, but in things Anne Marie never thought to consider. Bone marrow, DNA, antibodies, reproductive components, and organs are in great demand and therefore quite expensive. However, there are aspects of our humanity that can’t be price tagged. How do we establish values for dreams or talents? How much is a person worth who discovers a cure for cancer? What is the love for your spouse or child worth? The place we hold in the hearts of those around us truly makes us irreplaceable and therefore - priceless.

[Matthew 6:25-34] What makes the Bible different from any other book? It is from God. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). What makes the Church different from any other institution? It is from God. “...And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead...so he might have the supremacy” (Colossians 1:15-20). Why are we so special? What makes mankind different from the plants and animals? We are made in the image of God. ...“Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…so God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:26-27). Because God exists and has created, there are numerous things that become valuable and important just because they are from God. “and, once made perfect, he (Jesus) became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9). In all of this discussion, we have failed to address the most crucial part of humanity: the eternal soul that God has placed within each of us. Jesus asked his disciples two probing questions in Mark 8: 36-37 “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Each of us possesses an eternal soul which possesses divine qualities. The source matters! We are each a treasure and of great value to God. Let’s start acting like it!

Are You An Heir?

My brother is settling into my deceased sister’s house in Houston, which was her wish for him to do after her passing. It’s not an inheritance to my brother, as that went to my nephew, but it opened the door for him to rent it for as long as he wants it. Well, it’s been a year and he still hasn’t moved everything from California to Texas yet, which he admittedly confessed to me last weekend – he should have made this move a long time ago. He is currently on his last round trip, and on his way west stopped by my house and stayed for the annual Peanut Festival Parade, then in his usual manner refocused on the bigger picture, got in his truck, and headed for the west coast, not to return until the end of next month. It amazes me how death can dramatically change the lives of the living.

You’ve probably never heard of her, but, Henrietta Garrett of Philadelphia passed away in 1930 at the age of 81. Only two of the less than a dozen people who attended her funeral on the wet gloomy day in November could be classed as relatives. She was a woman unknown to fame and the world. Later, in the 1950’s, the probate court broke the news that this woman had no children and had no will. It was learned that at her death she left a fortune of seventeen million dollars. Only then did thousands rise up to call her blessed. In the twenty-five years that had passed, the estate had grown to thirty million dollars, and twenty-six thousand people then claimed to be heirs. It seemed that everyone wanted a piece of the Garrett Snuff fortune and would do most anything to be heir. (For those of you who are younger, snuff was a powdered tobacco inhaled through the nose by users). As in most cases of this type, even today, the lawyers got most of the money.

[1Peter 1:3-5] While most of us will never see that kind of money, we nevertheless can have a greater claim. Have you considered what it means to be a child of God? Jesus gave His life on the cross for us – In His Word He tells us to live for Him. If you ask, most claim to believe in God – but we must not only believe in God, we must believe God! The words of the apostle Paul read: “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are God’s children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:16-17).

Some years ago Paul Harvey reported that a poll indicated just 27.4 percent (about 20% today) of the people in this country attend worship services at least once a week. That’s less than one-fourth! There are many legitimate things such as illness, health, necessary work, and other things that can prevent us from attending worship. Yet, some seem more concerned with business, entertainment, sports and “what I want to do” than they are in the precious gift of eternal life offered through our Lord and Savior. Worship is a time to strengthen our faith, grow in knowledge, and learn more about both His love and His wrath. God wants us to worship Him (John 4:23) and we should be anxious to honor and praise Him as we assemble together each Lord’s Day. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Then we will someday stand at the throne of God and joyfully sing, “How Beautiful Heaven Really Is”! & “What a Day That Will Be”! That’s the destiny of Christians – to be glorified with Christ! The will is probated (Hebrews 9:11-28) and you can lay claim to glory. Are you an heir?

Leftovers

At the risk of appearing snobbish or ungrateful, I’ve got a confession to make: I don’t like leftovers, i.e. cold food in need of being reheated. I always have the best of intentions to pull last night’s meal out of the refrigerator, throw it in the microwave, nuke it, and consume it, but I fail to do so time and time again. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’ve eaten my fair share of leftovers, but I can’t honestly say that I enjoy eating leftovers. The food never seems to taste or look the same. It lacks something after sitting in the refrigerator.

When President Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. on April 14, 1865, the inventory of items on his person, for some reason, just don’t seem to fit the profile of the highest ranking official of the United States of America. I don’t know why, but at first the items just didn’t seem to have that savory appeal I expected. Then it dawned on me the items only go to prove Lincoln was just a man with important employment status. Take note and see what I mean: The items consist of one pair of gold-rimmed spectacles with sliding temples and one of the bows was mended with string; one pair of folding spectacles in a silver case; an ivory pocket knife with silver mounting; a watch fob of gold-bearing quartz, mounted in gold; an oversize white Irish linen handkerchief with "A. Lincoln" embroidered in red cross-stitch; a sleeve button with a gold initial "L" on dark blue enamel; and a brown leather wallet, including a pencil, lined in purple silk with compartments for notes, U.S. currency, and railroad tickets. The wallet held a Confederate five-dollar bill and eight newspaper clippings. The clippings were from papers printed immediately before Lincoln's death, containing complimentary remarks about him written during his campaign for reelection to the Presidency. The Confederate five-dollar bill may have been acquired as a souvenir when Lincoln visited Petersburg and Richmond earlier in the month. Given to his son Robert Todd upon Lincoln's death, these everyday items, which through association with tragedy had become like relics, were kept in the Lincoln family for more than seventy years. They came to the Library of Congress in 1937 as part of the gift from Lincoln's granddaughter, Mary Lincoln Isham. Leftovers to be looked upon by generations, but never used again.

[Philippians 2:1-4] With respect to your Christian walk, do you realize that God is not interested in your leftovers? In fact, Jesus says that we are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Among other things, this means that God should come first in every aspect of our lives. Indeed, we should NOT give God our leftover love (Matthew 22:37-38), time (Ephesians 5:15-16), thoughts (Philippians 4:8), service (Galatians 5:13), or money (Proverbs 3:9). In the mind of God, such leftovers lack something. Being content with giving God the leftovers reveals something about the person who has this attitude. John said, “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:9-10). God loved us all so much in the midst of our sin that He took the initiative by sending His Son into the world to die in our place (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). God gave us His very best; in return, He expects the same. Indeed, contentment in giving God the leftovers exposes an ungrateful, selfish attitude. Leftovers are fine when it comes to nourishing our physical bodies. At times, leftovers are unavoidable, even necessary. However, with respect to God and our spirituality, a life of leftovers is unacceptable, especially when we take into account the example of His Son (Philippians 2:5-11).

Giving Of Life In Love

Amid the death and carnage of our country’s worse mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada on the night of October 1, 2017, acts of true heroism abounded. Here are three of their stories: * A Mandalay Bay hotel employee took a bullet to his back as he bravely shielded his wife from the gunfire during the Vegas massacre. William King, 38, was shot when the gunman unleashed on the Route 91 Harvest festival where he had been with his 26-year-old wife Kimberly. The Las Vegas father had been protecting his wife when the bullet struck him, tore through his body and exited his chest. It missed his heart and lungs by centimeters. As the panic set in around them, King held his bullet wound with one hand and grabbed his wife with the other as he forced her to run from the gunfire. The couple had been right in the middle of the crowd when the gunman unleashed a barrage of bullets. * Sonny Melton, 29, was at the Route 91 Harvest festival with his wife, Heather Melton. Heather Melton said her husband saved her life while gunfire was hitting the crowd. “He saved my life. He grabbed me and started running when I felt him get shot in the back,” she said. “I want everyone to know what a kindhearted, loving man he was, but at this point, I can barely breathe.” Melton is from Big Sandy, Tennessee. He was a registered nurse who worked at the emergency room and ICU at Henry County Medical Center. He also assisted his wife in surgery. * Jack Beaton had travelled to the festival to celebrate his 23rd wedding anniversary. But the night turned to tragedy when the shooting started, with the much-loved dad reportedly jumping in front of his wife Laurie to save her from the hail of bullets. His son wrote a tribute on Twitter, saying his dad was a “true hero”. * The 58 lives taken that night came from all walks of life, every one of them loved, and every one of them will be missed by someone.

[John 15:9-14] One of the darkest chapters of the Civil War is “The Palmyra Massacre.” In 1862, the Confederate Army released 45 Confederate prisoners from a Union stronghold and arrested a Union sympathizer, Andrew Allsman. Union Provost Marshal William R. Strachan re-took the post and demanded that Allsman be returned or 10 Confederate POWs would be executed. (This would be considered a war crime today.) The Confederacy didn’t give in to the blackmail. Ten men were escorted from the prison and forced to sit upon their own coffins. A hundred spectators gathered to gawk at the gruesome scene. The officer in command now stepped forward, and gave the word of command. The firing squad did their work. One of the ten men originally on the list of prisoners to be executed received a last-minute acquittal. The reprieved man was William T. Humphrey. You see, another soldier came forward, explaining that he was unmarried and without a family. He asked permission to take the place of Humphrey, stating that perhaps it would be better for a single man to die than a man with a family. If you go to that soldier’s grave, you will find a tombstone with this inscription: “This monument is dedicated to the memory of Hiram Smith. The hero who sleeps beneath the sod here was shot in Palmyra, October 17, 1862 as a substitute for William T. Humphrey, my father.” Hiram Smith paid the ultimate price for another. Likewise, Jesus paid the ultimate price for you. And the cross is his monument. “...For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45). Someone died that you might live. We have been redeemed (Titus 2:11-14) Amen!

It's Time For Serious Prayer

I wonder how many people actually know that our country is dying? It’s becoming more apparent every day that anti-capitalism and anti-Christian factions are breaking down the American society and destroying its culture all in the name of “neutrality”. Everything seems to be the fault of the government and the only solution offered up is, “We need bigger government”. Those who are working hard to maintain our Constitution of equality are being called “fascists” by an organization, “ANTIFA” (Anti-fascist) whose leaders are admittedly Marxist-fascists and Neo-communists – does this make sense? The only thing in their way to totally voiding the Constitution of the United States is the Christian culture, which means we’re living the 1930’s of Germany all over again. Laws are already being written in parts of this country to silence the Christian and the persecution of God-fearing people has only just begun. Get on both knees and pray.

She went to Sunday school when she was small and learned all about God. After she was married she decided to go again and take her children. She couldn't persuade her husband to go, but the children and she went regularly for a year. Then she skipped a Sunday. And soon she skipped two or three. Then they went only on special days. Soon she joined a bowling team that competed on Sunday. She could go to church and Sunday school, but she would have to give up her bowling. Bowling won the battle. Not long ago in a courtroom she heard a judge say, “Twenty years!” He was pronouncing sentence on her 21-year-old son — a punishment for a robbery which ended in the death of a man. The sentence might have been less, but her son took a sneering, defiant attitude all through the trial, ridiculing every officer and official in the courtroom. But the crowning, shocking climax came when the judge sternly asked, “Young man, don't you believe in God?” Her son laughed and said, “God? Who’s that?” Every person in the courtroom turned to look at her. If only she had those years to live over she would attend Sunday school and church faithfully and make sure her children attended as well.

[Galatians 5:16-26] There is a wonderful transformation that takes place in the heart and mind of one who follows Jesus. Jesus’ disciples turn from darkness to light, and shift from serving sin to serving the Savior. This wonderful change produces peaceable fruit. No longer do we seek revenge or look to get even for every wrong suffered. Pardon and forbearance replaces vengeance and vitriol. Kindness supplants cruelty. This is the natural response for one who has received the good blessings that Jesus offers. It amazes me how the loving lamb changes our minds and actions to gentler, calmer and sweeter expressions of His own great love. Rufus McDaniel penned these meaningful words that echo this thought: “What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought; Since Jesus came into my heart. I am happy, so happy, as onward I go; Since Jesus came into my heart.” It is a great blessing to be in the family of God who truly want what is best for each other. It is delightful to be part of a group offering friendship and fellowship to people with which they might not always agree. In the body of Christ is found people with the “mind of Christ” i.e. people who are humble, loving, caring, giving, kind, and compassionate. The child of God will spend his time in prayer for those who are his enemies. He will seek to go a second mile to share God’s love. Please, take time to thank God for your blessings, pray for the forgiveness of you sins and forgive others with grace

Focus On Jesus

Oh! It’s the end of the world! Some of our more “educated” theologians tend to get bored with the Bible because they can only see a physical attachment to it and have totally missed out on the spiritual message given by God. So, they attempt to convince the gullible world that they have delved deeper into the book and found hidden coded messages never before discovered by man in an attempt to become a prophet of special knowledge from God to the world. The Greek word for this type of theology is, “hogwash”! The recent activities of natural disasters around the globe have played right into the hand of one David Meade, a self-proclaimed Biblical numerologist, and others, with his prediction that the end will come this day September 23, 2017. The only problem with his theory is the fact that his Planet X, which is suppose to hit the earth and destroy it, hasn’t come into view yet. It didn’t pop out from behind the sun during the “great eclipse” on its journey to the earth. Ooooo, I don’t know if I can stand the pressure of such knowledge this man has gathered from the Bible. The Word of God is not coded nor sugar coated, but simple, true and straight forward. The message is one of salvation for sinful man, and that’s all. I wonder if he used the rest of the book to help prepare his neighbors and friends for eternity. Personally, I have no idea when the end will come – “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). But, if asked, I would guess it will come on a Lord’s day, Sunday, the first day of the week, maybe too logical for the educated to think about. For me it would be a great way to start a new week – the Lord’s Day - forever and ever.

[Philippians 2:7-8; John 1:14] Henry David Thoreau once spent a whole day in Walden Pond up to his neck in water. He wanted to experience the world as a frog sees it. He shared the experience, but not the reality. Thoreau did not become a frog! Jesus did not swoop down and survey the human condition from a safe distance. He emptied himself. He laid aside his celestial robes to put on the simple clothes of a man. Divinity clothed himself in humanity. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus borrowed ...a place for his birth (Luke 2:7) ...a house to sleep in (Matthew 2:11) ...a boat to preach from (Luke 5:1-3) ...an animal to ride on (Luke 19:28-36) ...a room to meet privately with his friends (Luke 22:7-13) ...and a tomb to be buried in (Matthew 27:57-60). He who owned it all had nothing for His own! Jesus left ...His purse to Judas (John 12:3-6) ...His supper to his followers (Matthew 26:26-28)  ...His clothes to the soldiers (John 19:23-24) ...His mother to John (John 19:25-27) ...His body to Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:38) ...His peace to the disciples (John 14:25-27) ...His Gospel to the world (Mark 13:10) ...His presence with God’s children (1 John 3:16-20) ...His crown for me (2 Timothy 4:8). When Leonardo DaVinci was almost finished with his famous painting, “The Last Supper”, a friend commented on how incredibly moving the painting was – especially the silver cup on the table, “My eyes were immediately drawn to it.” DaVinci became so angry he painted over it blotting it out. The focus of the painting was to be Jesus, not the cup! Anything that distracted from Him had to be removed from the huge fresco. What is the focus of your life? Is your life centered on Christ? Paul wrote, ”For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:2).

Serving Wholeheartedly

There are those who are still wholeheartedly doing all they can to help hurricane victims in both Texas and Florida. In countless cases their love and compassion for their neighbors and complete strangers has been above and beyond what anybody could ask for. Individuals and group volunteers, from the smallest to the largest non-profit organizations, local, state and federal agencies have all focused on the suffering of humanity in a God-like manner which I pray is noticeable worldwide as peace and love.

[2 Chronicles 25:1-2]  “Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years; ...he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.” I can’t see into your heart, but God can, and He gives us a peak into the heart of Amaziah. He “did what was right” on two occasions. First in keeping with the Law of Moses, Amaziah did not kill the sons of the people who had murdered his father (verses 3, 4). Second, Amaziah listened to God’s prophet and sent the mercenary soldiers back to their homes (verses 5-10). But Amaziah’s “heart was not loyal” to the Lord. Two examples are given. First he brought back the gods of the people Seir and “bowed down before them” and “burned sacrifices to them” (verse 14). Second he refused to listen when God’s prophet rebuked him for his sin (verses 15, 16). People can do the will of God but not have a loyal heart. They may worship God because they know God desires that we worship Him (John 4:23); but then not worship Him according to truth (John 4:24). People may do what is right as long as it pleases them, but when faced with their error their disloyal heart stops their ears to the truth of God’s word. Is your heart right with God, or are you like Amaziah? Do you walk the walk or just talk the talk? A missionary’s wife was once teaching some children about the value of giving. She quoted Acts 20:35 where Paul was teaching the Ephesian elders, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’.” One young boy soaked in every word and then decided to live out her teaching, but he had no money to purchase a gift for her. Then he had an idea. A few days later the boy brought the teacher a seashell necklace. It glistened with iridescent beauty. The woman was taken aback. “Where ever did you find such beautiful shells?” the teacher asked. The youth told her that he walked to the coast of the country to a certain spot where these shells could be found. The teacher knew that it would have taken the young man hours upon hours through difficult and dangerous terrain to walk to the sea. “It’s so beautiful,” she said, “but you shouldn’t have gone all that way to get this gift for me.” The boy smiled and simply said, “Long walk part of gift.” Certainly we can use this touching story to remind ourselves of the “long walk” of Christ that was a part of God’s gift to man. Jesus was “chosen before the creation of the world” (1 Peter 1:20) to come to the earth, walk upon it, live, die, and rise again for the sake of helpless mankind. His trip was difficult and dangerous, but it was all a part of God’s “...eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:11). Jesus did this willingly and lovingly. He endured hardship, ridicule, shame, and mistreatment – all for us (Hebrews 2:17; 12:2-3). If we were to ask Him, “Why all this trouble, why did you do it this way?” he would smile and say to us, “The long walk was part of the gift.” The blessed walk with God.

Is Jesus In Your Sight?

I continue to be amazed at the congealing of every level of society to become one class of cooperative support to aide their fellow man in his time of deepest need following Hurricane Harvey. Businesses from large corporations to mom and pop, have sacrificially given all they can to provide basic sustenance to those displaced from their homes. Utility companies through emergency co-ops have provided expert field workers to rebuild infrastructures. Churches and many other non-profits are gathering and supplying refugee families with clothing and household goods, anything to help folks get started with some sort of normal life again. It’s all going to take a long time for our Gulf Coast to rebuild, and now another hurricane is tearing at the fabric of our nation as it enters Florida. Pray for those who will be impacted by this storm and pray they become one to survive and rebuild . Pray we all become a stronger people through our love and grace for one another and that we continue to grow stronger as “One Nation Under God” for tomorrow.

“If from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, and one can be known by the quality of the fruit produced, then it is reasonable to conclude that both the words spoken and the deeds done are indicative of the person’s heart. People are able to see this and judge. People of maturity can understand this, but people full of sin (or self) are quick to point out that one, especially one guilty of sinful behavior. It is interesting that these are the same people who look upon the Lord and faithfully proclaim they would NEVER deny Him, but their lives have denial written all over them. The deeds we do, the words we speak, and the thoughts we think reflect correctly on (or against) the Lord’s influence on our lives.” Ron Thomas, Bulletin Digest, September 2016

[Luke 9: 2-4] “...A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.” Have you ever wanted to see something really bad but couldn’t because your view was obstructed? A friend of mine once told me that several years ago he had the opportunity to see an Ohio State vs. Michigan football game live and in person. Unfortunately, the tickets he had purchased were in the nosebleed bisection of the Horseshoe, and he was only able to see half the field of play. No matter how he positioned himself in that seat, he could not see the action going on below him. Only the scoreboard and the roar of the crowd kept him informed as to who was winning and losing. Luke, by pen of inspiration, depicts a man who had a desire to see Jesus but couldn't because his view was impeded. Isn't this true, even today? Many, like Zacchaeus, want to see and know Jesus but find it difficult because their vision is obstructed; that is, there seems to be something always standing between them and the Lord. Riches impede the vision of many (Matthew 19:21-22; 1 Timothy 6:10). For others their vision is obstructed by false teachers and the traditions of men (Colossians 2:8; Matthew 15:13-14). Worldliness keeps many from truly seeing the Lord (2 Corinthians 4:4). Time and or convenience constricts the vision of some (Acts 24:25). What is keeping you from truly seeing and knowing Jesus? May we, like Zacchaeus, have a desire to seek Him above all else (Matthew 6:33). May we be willing to cast off all fears and climb to new heights, setting our affection on Him instead of on things here below! (Colossians 3:1-2)

Show No Favoritism

A little girl, age 3, was riding in a taxi with her mother when she pointed to the driver and asked, “Mommy, why is he so black?” The mother noticed that the man’s shoulders stiffened at the question. She hastily searched for the right words that would satisfy both the driver and her daughter. “God makes people as He makes flowers in the garden, so the world will be more colorful. Some are white, some brown, some black, some yellow and there are all shades in between. That makes us all the more interesting to look at, don’t you think?” The little girl nodded, for this made sense. As they left the cab the black driver said to the mother, “Ma’am, when my little girl gets big enough to ask why some people are white, I’ll know what to tell her now. Thank you.” Oh, what a wise mother that woman was! She created light instead of darkness; trust instead of suspicion.

Shortly after a Cub’s game, Yusuf Dale, a blind man carrying a cane, was standing near the curb outside Wrigley Field in Chicago. He tried repeatedly and unsuccessfully to ‘flag down’ a taxi in order to travel home. Casey Spellman, from Indiana, was a stranger to Yusuf and was standing nearby with her friends. As she was talking with her friends, she noticed Yusuf’s failures to obtain a ride. Casey walked over and asked him if he needed some help. He graciously accepted the help. After a few minutes of waiting and pleasant conversation, a cab pulled up to the curb. They exchanged goodbyes and hugs. Unbeknownst to Yusuf and Casey, Ryan Hamilton was on a rooftop nearby, watching the situation unfold. Ryan was so impressed by Casey’s actions that he took pictures and posted them to social media. He was appreciative of Casey’s act of kindness, even though he did not know her name. Both she and Yusuf were later identified when the pictures went “viral.” I have often thought that the modern day concept of “reality” is invalidated when, in so-called “reality shows,” at least one of the participants knows the camera is present. The awareness of that camera invariably affects subsequent actions. Casey, as far as I know, had no such knowledge; she apparently just wanted to help. She was not acting for a camera and was surprised when made aware of the photos.

[James 2:8-13]  “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’, you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law and are lawbreakers...” When the national media showed up in ‘God’s Country’ looking for the whiners and complainers, and the bashing of government for the lack of support, they couldn’t find any. When they looked to report on the looting and all the crime turned amuck because of the lack of police presence, they couldn’t find it. In several cases reporters were told if they weren’t here to help, go away! Jesus knew that some people of his day did kind things, in the presence of other people, that they normally would not do. Further, he knew that some of those same people did those things in order to be praised by others. Speaking of such people, he said, “...I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full...” (Matthew 6:1-4). Hundreds of thousands of Texan’s saw an immediate need to help and rescue their fellow Texan’s following Hurricane Harvey, which now millions continue to support this very day and will into the future, not for the glory, but out of compassion and love. No news here, we’re just being Texan’s. There’s no sitting around waiting for someone else to do it. We practice our creator’s compassion and love, “...For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:5-11).

The Storms of Life

I went to bed Friday night knowing that today and tomorrow would be challenging to the soul, hour by hour. Harvey has been knocking on my back door for about twelve hours and everyone forecasting the weather has no idea what is going to become of this historical storm, except it’s going to die a hard death some time next week. The storm is south-east of where I live and is producing big wind, but little rain with the promise of a lot more. Being on the west side of the storm is always best, but in the Houston area, the east side of the storm, where my brother lives, is getting super high wind and drowned in rain. The immediate forecast for our area is that it will remain a strong tropical storm, turn west, and come right over the top of where I live, which could produce a very interesting night and first-day-of-the-week scenario to deal with. At the moment, all we can do is wait and see what will happen as the storm is beginning to march right at us.

[Psalm 107] “...Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.” We all face many storms in our life – some strong and severe, while others are viewed as just a little bump in the road. Nobody’s life is a bed of roses nor is it without pain and sorrow. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he reminds them, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God ...if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. ...And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:4-9). Likewise he wrote to the church in Ephesus, “...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:15-21). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the story of the wise and foolish builders. He took the example of real life and applied it to man’s spiritual well-being. Building a house on a foundation of sand will not stand when the storms of life beat upon it, but a house build on a rock foundation can stand strong against the winds and tumult the world can throw against it. When we rely only on our self to resolve the troubles of life, we often find it to be a struggle we weren’t prepared to take on. But, if we build our life upon the rock foundation of God’s truth and faithfulness, every day, relying not on our own understanding, but on His guidance, found in his Word, we receive trustworthy answers to our life’s little troubles, as well as grace and comfort through our major disappointments and failures (Matthew 7:24-27). “One day Jesus said, ‘Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.’ So they got into a boat and set out” (Luke 8:22-25). You know the story – Jesus curled up in the bow of the boat and took a little nap. “...A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.” Now some of Jesus’ followers are fishermen and know how to handle a boat, even in a storm, but this one must have been a whopper, enough to scare them all. They went to Jesus, probably astonished he was sleeping, and woke him, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up, rebuked the wind and the ragging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ‘Where is your faith?’ he asked his disciples.” - They were amazed. When a person truly comes to an understanding of what God can do – they are always amazed. Do you wait until all is about to be lost before you wake up Jesus? Do you tell him to go back to sleep until you need him again, or does your faith in him keep him awake, alive and active in your life daily? Wake Him, today!

Blind and Lost

The Blind Men and the Elephant by John Godfrey Saxe (1816-1887): It was six men of Hindustan, To learning much inclined, Who went to see the Elephant (Though all of them were blind); That each by observation, Might satisfy his mind. The First approached the Elephant, And happening to fall, Against his broad and sturdy side, At once began to bawl: "God bless me! but the Elephant, Is very like a WALL!" The Second, feeling of the tusk, Cried, "Ho, what have we here, So very round and smooth and sharp? To me 'tis mighty clear; This wonder of an Elephant, Is very like a SPEAR!" The Third approached the animal, And happening to take, The squirming trunk within his hands, Thus boldly up and spake: "I see," quote he, "the Elephant, Is very like a SNAKE!" The Fourth reached out an eager hand, And felt about the knee "What most this wondrous beast is like, Is mighty plain," quote he: "'Tis clear enough the Elephant, Is very like a TREE!" The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear, Said: "E'en the blindest man, Can tell what this resembles most; Deny the fact who can, This marvel of an Elephant, Is very like a FAN!" The Sixth no sooner had begun, About the beast to grope, Than seizing on the swinging tail, That fell within his scope, "I see," quote he, "the Elephant, Is very like a ROPE!" And so these men of Hindustan, Disputed loud and long, Each in his own opinion, Exceeding stiff and strong, Though each was partly in the right, And all were in the wrong!

It’s amazing how well this timeless parable fits the situation we find ourselves in this very day in the United States of America. Our government, schools and work-place are being taken over by idealists who are already terrorizing the rest of the world and will soon induct our country with fear we have never known before in our history. While our “leaders”, secular and spiritual, are blindly groping about this invading elephant, arguing over what it is and what might we ought to do about it, it is wandering about dividing and conquering the blind who are being led around by the blind. It seems true investigation and research into any given subject, with eyes wide open, is simply too time consuming anymore and dealing with facts is much harder than simply stating ones own opinion, and calling it fact. If we continue down the road following a pack of self-righteous, politically correct sissy’s, you can bet we’re going to lose everything everyone has ever fought for to make this country free. It seems we don’t have any leadership, in government, in our courts, on our jury’s, in our schools or in our pulpits, willing to stand up and speak the truth in defense of the rights of its citizens. United we’ll stand – Divided we’ll lose it all.

[Psalm 119:129-136] As John Saxe said of the blind men: “Each in his own opinion exceedingly stiff and strong, though each was partly in the right, and all were in the wrong!” A partial view of the Bible is like that. Prejudice blinds many a person to the whole truth. When we are blind to God’s will for man we become poor leaders – simple as that! “...There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness (“I’m a Christian”) but denying its power...” (2 Timothy 3:1-9) The whole world is headed into an apostate state, and without God, lost forever.

Friends

A job posted on Craigslist: “$40K a Year to Attend Harvard University as Me.”  Requirements include a 4.0 GPA in high school or a 3.5 GPA in college. Only males need apply, since, as the listing tells us, “I have a male name.” The lucky person tapped for the gig doesn’t have to do much other than “attend all classes, pass all tests, and finish all assigned work while pretending you are me.” Don’t worry about having to actually get into the Ivy League school: “I’ve already taken care of that,” he says. Could you ever call such a person as this, friend? Would you ever buy a friend?

A well-known speaker started his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?” Hands started going up. He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this.” He proceeded to crumple up the $20 bill. He then asked, “Who still wants it?” Still the hands were up in the air. “Well,” he replied, “What if I do this?” He dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. “Now who wants it?” he asked. Hands went into the air. “My friends, with this demonstration, we have learned a valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It is still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. Nevertheless, no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you.” Could you ever call such a person as this, friend? You can’t buy this kind of friend.

The coffee friend I have spoken of several times has been taken from this world due to illness. He was diagnosed with lung cancer and the prognosis was grim - terminal in three months - and thus it was so. I preached his funeral this past Wednesday morning and with the family, committed him to eternal rest in the family plot. Bill is a one of a kind friend I will miss. It is rare to befriend a person who will literally treat you like family and never ask or expect anything in return. We would do anything for one another if asked and trust our devoted time to be worthy. We shared in the core values of what righteous living meant without being too judgmental of others, because we both remember and still pray daily for forgiveness of our own imperfect life. Like me, Bill had fallen in life several times, been crumpled by others, dropped and stepped on, and sometimes made to feel worthless. Neither of us ever gave up, only pressed forward in life. I guess that’s why we could be friends in the best of ways, yet keep out of one another’s business, just be friends and confidants. I’ll miss him for sure, but I have an order in for the Lord to send me another good friend, someone who knows righteous living, one I don’t have to buy.

[Proverbs 27:19] “As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.” ‘“...Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend” (James 2:14-26). “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). It matters not what kind of life we have led or sins we have committed, God will accept us into His kingdom, if we truly believe, repent and obey His commands. God values our souls no matter how “crumpled” we may be. Sins are forgiven in the waters of baptism, forever.

Working and Watching

I think my precious little dog, Bella, is harboring the spirit of an extra-terrestrial fugitive being sought after by inter-galactic bounty hunters. She has recently displayed fear in certain sounds like never before. Wind in the trees making rustling and whooshing sounds, and thunder. I woke up the other night with her shaking nervously right next to my face – must be rain coming, I thought. Then the smoke alarm went “BEEP” (weak battery) and she jumped. This happened several times and I had to get up to remove the battery in order to get back to sleep. What really tipped me off was the “Si-Fi” alert sound on my phone for in-coming text messages. It sounds weird, like a laser gun or something, and she runs scared every time it sounds off. I don’t know. Naw – Can’t be!

[Luke 12:35-40] “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes...” After more than 100 years brother Charles Hodge remains one of the most famous preachers in our brotherhood. He is reported to have baptized more than any other man in the late 19^th and 20^th centuries. His quips, answers and comments are still quoted in many sermons today. Near the end of his life, Brother Hodge wrote: “As I come to the end of my ministry and life, I have never been more committed to Scripture! What an awesome privilege simply to possess a Bible! Our hands must tremble in reverence as we hold our Bibles (Isaiah 66:5). Is the Bible the Word of God? This question must be answered. We must teach our children this. What good is a “talking God” without “listening ears”? The need of the world is to listen to God. The Old Testament is full of “...But they would not listen.” “...Thus saith the Lord.” “...It is written.” Start with the Bible; Stick with the Bible; Stay with the Bible! . . . . “Oh earth, earth, earth, Hear the Word of our Lord! (Jeremiah 22:29).” — Gospel Advocate, August 2007. Greatly are these words of brother Hodge needed in the brotherhood and in world today! Far too many are like the Israelites after the death of the last judge following Israel’s deliverance from Egypt: “In those days there was no king in Israel‘ everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21 :25). Doesn’t that sound like the world today? Why do we expect God to hear and answer our prayers, if we refuse to listen to Him? Jesus said, “the sheep follow Him (Good Shepherd), for they know His voice” (John 10:4). Watching is also an important spiritual exercise denoting a perpetual state of vigilance and readiness (Matthew 26:41; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Colossians 4:2). It denotes a constant condition of soberness (2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 4:7). The following are some whom the Lord will NOT find working and watching: * The Slothful: The slothful person spends much time in bed (Proverbs 26:14). The lazy and lukewarm are reminded to watch and repent (Revelation 3:2-3; 19). * The Sleeping: The disciples slept while Jesus suffered (Mark 14:37). Some are still sleeping while the Body of Christ suffers (Ephesians 5:14). Paul admonishes, “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). * The Side-tracked: Distractions can destroy us. A distracted pilot can take hundreds to their death. A distracted driver can lose his own life and cause others to lose theirs. A diversion is the oldest trick in the world (Genesis 3). It is still being used today by criminals and the devil. Our eyes must be taken off the world and focused squarely on the Lord (1 John 2:15-17; Hebrews 12:1-2).When Jesus comes, will He find you working and watching? Are you ready for Him?

Ticks & Sins

The summer reminds me of a season when all my spare time was spent in the out-of-doors. My mother started the whole thing by not allowing her children to spend but very little time in the house, and then it had to be pouring down rain or a howling blizzard in progress. I did Boy Scouts and camping for many years and family camping into the mid 70’s. Then it seems the whole world wanted to get in on the fun and it wasn’t fun anymore. The serenity and solitude was lost in the sea of people crowding in all around our campsites with noise and drunken excessive expletive exploits that neither spouse nor children need be exposed to, so ended the tent weekends. Of course some trips were cut short due to weather, but more likely, accident of some sort. One such ER trip was for a friend who hooked his water-ski in the shallows while gliding into shore, at about a hundred mile an hour, landing on the beach, dislocating his shoulder and cracking his collarbone. Another run was needed when my son ran through an unmarked sand-covered fire-pit being used to bake potatoes and cook something else. Anyway, the bottom of his bare feet got cooked pretty badly. Some quick thinking with a bucket and some ice stopped the burning on our journey to the ER. All was well in a couple of weeks. Bugs and fishing hooks, cuts and burns were always a part of camping and all-in-all still one of life’s better experiences. My son and one of his son’s are active in Scouting and enjoy their regular encounters with nature. In fact his whole family regularly gets out-of-doors.

[Luke 18:9-14] Ever had a tick on you? Ticks are small blood sucking mites. They spend a good bit of time just waiting in bushes, grass and woods for a victim – you! Once you happen by, they jump on and attempt to quickly crawl to a protected spot on your body. Then they sink their mouth parts into your flesh and begin to feed on life blood. If undetected, a tick will fill itself full and then drop off, often leaving its host inoculated with some sort of harmful or debilitating disease such as spotted fever, relapsing fever, Lyme disease, tularemia, encephalitis or rickets. The tick is a lot like many kinds of sin:  * It may get on you when it is small and almost undetectable. * It doesn’t demand much sacrifice, but it may cause a little irritation. * Once embedded, it’s hard to get off. * It gets bigger the longer it stays on you. * It can leave you very seriously ill. Some advice for dealing with ticks and sins: * DON’T WALK IN PLACES THAT ARE INFESTED. “Be very careful then how you live - not as unwise, but as wise...” (Ephesians 5:15). * EXAMINE YOURSELF DAILY. “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). * HAVE OTHERS EXAMINE YOU, AND HELP EXAMINE THEM TOO. “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today’, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:12-13). * IF ONE GETS ON YOU, GET IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. “Therefore confess your sins to each another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). * IF YOU REALIZE YOU ARE GETTING SICK, SEE THE DOCTOR. Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32). Thank-You Jesus!

Don't Be Afraid - Don't Be discouraged

As an automotive and small truck mechanic for many years I prided myself in returning vehicles to their owner in like manner I received it or even better. Of course it was repaired, which made it better, what I meant is, if I saw something in need of repair and determined it would only take a minute or two at no cost to me or the customer, I did it, most of the time without mention. I always made sure and instructed any employees to clean up thoroughly at the completion of any job and always double check for lingering tools and parts left in and around vehicles. Very rarely, but inevitability, a small tool would come up missing, seemingly with the ability to vanish into thin air never to be seen again. Then there were a few times when on a test drive a faint clink-catty-clank sound would start from under the hood and travel along the floorboard to the rear bumper as a wrench would bouncing between the highway pavement and the bottom of the vehicle. If it was big enough and rested on the highway I found the elusive wrench but if it landed in the grass and weeds along side, someone else found it. I have also found wrenches that didn’t belong to me and sometimes found the owner to be fellow mechanics. Some people might not understand but our wrenches are like children and we hate to lose them.

[Psalm 26:2-3; Galatians 6:1-10] A surgeon was very selective with the people he wanted to work with. It was the first day on the job for a young nurse and the surgeon decided to issue a test. As the young nurse assisted the surgeon during a procedure, she noticed a problem. “You’ve only removed eleven sponges, doctor,” she said to the surgeon. “We used twelve.” “I removed them all,” the doctor declared. “We‘ll close the incision now.” “No,” the nurse objected. “We used twelve sponges.” “I’ll take full responsibility,” the surgeon said grimly, “Suture!” “You can’t do that!” blazed the nurse. “Think of the patient.” The surgeon smiled, lifted his foot, and showed the nurse the twelfth sponge, and said, “You’ll do.” It can be difficult to stand up for what is right, especially when we meet resistance. As for the young nurse, she was willing to risk disapproval and possibly even her job to stand up for what was right. Thankfully, she was working for a person who also valued integrity. It takes courage to expose ourselves and come under the heat of the spot light. In John 12:42-43, we see some people who weren’t willing to stand out, “Yet at the same time many even among the rulers believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” Which do we love more, God’s approval or man’s? It feels really good when people like us, praise us, and agree with us. Many people are even willing to sacrifice their morals and ethics in order to lay low and run with the crowd. It can be scary to be disliked, made fun of, and disagreed with. It can be hard to stand up for honesty and integrity as Christians, especially when those around us do not. Moses told all Israel and Joshua before his death, “...Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you ...Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:1-8). People may dislike or disagree with us, but only one approval really matters anyway; God’s. When we stand with God - God will stand with us. Therefore, let’s be courageous Christians and pursue God’s approval above all others. God hates to lose one of his children on the highway of life (2 Peter 3:1-18). Amen.