The Devil Is At Work

In 1964, Paul Harvey, nationally known radio commentator and syndicated columnist, published the following, titled, “If I Were the Devil”. “If I were the Prince of Darkness I would want to engulf the whole earth in darkness. I'd have a third of its real estate and four-fifths of its population, but I would not be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree. So I should set about however necessary, to take over the United States. I would begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whispers to you as I whispered to Eve, "Do as you please." To the young I would whisper "The Bible is a myth." I would convince them that "man created God," instead of the other way around. I would confide that "what is bad is good and what is good is square." In the ears of the young married I would whisper that work is debasing, that cocktail parties are good for you. I would caution them not to be "extreme" in religion, in patriotism, in moral conduct. And the old I would teach to pray, to say after me, "Our father which are in Washington." Then I'd get organized. I'd educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull, uninteresting. I'd threaten TV with dirtier movies, and vice-versa. I'd infiltrate unions and urge more loafing, less work. Idle hands usually work for me. I'd peddle narcotics to whom I could, I'd sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction, I'd tranquilize the rest with pills. If I were the Devil, I would encourage schools to refine young intellects, but neglect to discipline emotions; let those run wild. I'd designate an atheist to front for me before the highest courts and I'd get preachers to say, "She's right." With flattery and promises of power I would get the courts to vote against God and in favor of pornography. Thus I would evict God from the courthouse, then from the schoolhouse, then from the Houses of Congress. Then in his own churches I'd substitute psychology for religion and deify science. If I were Satan I'd make the symbol of Easter an egg and the symbol of Christmas a bottle. If I were the Devil I'd take from those who have and give to those who wanted until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious. Then my police state would force everybody back to work. Then I would separate families, putting children in uniform, women in coal mines and objectors in slave-labor camps. If I were Satan I'd just keep doing what I'm doing and the whole world will go to hell as sure as the Devil.” (50 years of perfect execution.)

[Psalm 64; Romans 12:2] As we continue to listen to all the experts, believing on them because of their education, and not searching the scriptures to see if what they are saying is the truth according to God’s Word, we are being led down all kind of paths of whimsy. Confusion has led to disbelief and disbelief has led to chaos. Yes, chaos! Without Christ creation would fly apart (Colossians 1:16-17). Look what happened while He was on the cross, taking upon himself the sins of the world, which separated him from his Father (Matthew 27:45-54). Chaos began to set in; darkness, earthquakes and the dead coming to life. We watch the television in horror at what is going on in the world and we ask, why? I tell you chaos is setting in. Our Lord and Savior is being slyly removed from our lives; the schooling of our children, our government, our freedom of speech and our ignorance of the scriptures is separating us from the love of God (2 Timothy 3:1-7; 2 Peter 3:3-14). “…do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27).

Lest We Forget

Memorial Day is another one of those celebrations that have been kicked around to become a “three day weekend” holiday. Originally, and how I’ll always remember it, Decoration Day (Memorial Day) started as a day of remembrance for Civil War dead, to honor Union and Confederate soldiers who had died in the war. It was a time when families traveled to distant cemeteries, to clean up and decorate the tombstones of departed loved ones. May 30th was chosen to be the most appropriate because that is the time of year when the wildflowers and annuals were at their peak in the regions of most of the cemeteries. Memorial Day today is observed to honor all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of our country, their life’s blood. It differs from Veterans Day in November (November 11th) in that, on Veterans Day we acknowledge all veterans, living and departed, that have serviced our country in wartime. Shamefully, in today’s society, both days of honor are more about a day off from work; Memorial Day, the kick-off weekend of the summer. Lest we forget!

Englishman, Laurence Binyon (1869-1943) wrote a well known poem, “For The Fallen” in 1914 for his fellow countryman following the WWI battle at Marne. The forth stanza adorns several war memorials. Although written for the English it could be adopted for any country to memorialize those who have served in war.

“With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England (America) mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit; Fallen in the cause of the free. Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal, Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres, There is music in the midst of desolation, And a glory that shines upon our tears. They went with song to the battle; they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted; They fell with their face to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; They sit no more at familiar tables of home; They have no lot in our labour of the daytime; They sleep beyond England’s (America’s) foam. But where our desires are our hopes profound, Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight, To the innermost heart of their own land they are known, As the stars are known to the night; As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain; As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, To the end, to the end, they remain” Lest we forget!

[Romans 5:6-11] “…at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” “…God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In baptism we share in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection by dying to sin and becoming reconciled to God through our obedience to the Gospel (Romans 6:1-14). Are you willing to give your all in battle for the survival of your soul? (Ephesians 6:10-18) Are you willing to serve in God’s army defending truth the rest of your life? (Colossians 1:21-23; 2 Peter 1:3-11 & Revelation 2:10) Reading God’s Word is like decorating gravesites in honor of the debt we owe our unselfish war dead. Christ also gave his life for everyone, to set men free from sin. May we honor Him, lest we forget!

Fun With Mother Nature

Mother Nature has my little Chihuahua freaked out. It’s her first spring of the year and of course everything is new to her. At least she’s past being mesmerized by the flight of birds and all the noises that come with them. Now it’s flies and snails and beetles and ants. Two things she has recently learned to steer clear of; ants and cats. When one is build low to the ground it’s quite convenient to simply stop for a rest, while in the middle of a good run around the yard, sitting down in the cool damp grass for a moment before continuing. Youngsters don’t know enough to look where their sitting and when it turns out to be in the middle of a camouflaged, grass covered ant hill, well, the rodeo is on. Without a clue as to what was happening, poor Bella was rolling and dragging, and looking for me to rescue her from what ever it was causing all her discomfort. Luckily, they weren’t fire ants. Then, the other day while lunging at the neighbor cat in an attempt to provoke her into some play time, the cat swatted her on the nose and drew blood. To hear the dog tell it, as she was running across the yard yelping and screaming looking for a place to hide, one would thing the cat had hit her with a baseball bat. If that hasn’t been enough fun and injury to contend with, at eight and one half months old she decided it’s time to go into heat and drive the neighbor’s Chihuahua up the fence crazy. Bella is way too little for puppies and the neighbor dog is her litter brother, a bad mix all around. Yep, it’s just like raising kids; only faster.

Years ago there was a whole series of essays circulating from inbox to inbox that started, “Everything I need to know I learned from…” this or that. (www.joke-archives.com/allineed.html) One of my favorites is, “Everything I need to know I learned from trees.” * It’s important to have roots. * In today’s complex world, it pays to branch out. * Don’t pine away over old flames. * If you really believe in something, don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. * Be flexible, so you don’t break when a harsh wind blows. * Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow. * Grow where you’re planted. * It’s perfectly okay to be a late bloomer. * Avoid people who would like to cut you down. * Get all spruced up when you have a date. * You can’t hide your true colors as you approach the autumn of your life. Good logic.

[Psalm 1] “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the way of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and who’s leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” It’s never too late to plant a spiritual garden. Plant some peas: * Peace of mind; * Peace of heart; * Peace of soul. Plant some squash: * Squash gossip; * Squash indifference; * Squash grumbling; * Squash selfishness. Plant some turnips: * Turnip for meetings; * Turnip for worship; * Turnip for others. Plant some lettuce: * Lettuce be faithful; * Lettuce be kind; * Lettuce be patient; * Lettuce really love one another. Plant some thyme: * Thyme for each other; * Thyme for family; * Thyme for friends. Water freely with patience and cultivate with love. Who says nature’s boring?

Mothers

A teacher gave her class of second graders a lesson on the magnet and what it does. The next day in a written test, she included this question: “My full name has six letters. The first letter is M. I pick up things. Who am I?” When the test papers were turned in the teacher was astonished to find that almost 50 percent of the students answered the question with the word Mother. I think it was the “picks up things” that confused them.

Here are some answers from elementary age children about their mother. “Why did God make Mothers?” 1) She’s the only one who knows where the scotch tape is. 2) Mostly to clean the house. 3) To help us out when we were getting born. “How did God make Mothers?” 1) Magic, plus super powers and a lot of stirring. 2) God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts. “What ingredients are Mothers made of?” 1) God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and a dab of mean. 2) They had to get their start from men’s bones. Then they mostly use string, I think. “Why did God give you your Mother and not some other mom?” 1) We are related. 2) God knew she liked me more than other people’s moms like me. “What kind of little girl was your Mom?” 1) My mom has always been my mom. 2) I don’t know because I wasn’t there, but my guess would be pretty bossy. 3) They say she used to be nice. “What did Mom need to know about Dad before she married him?” 1) His last name. 2) She had to know his background. Like, is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer? Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say No to drugs and Yes to chores? “Why did your Mom marry your Dad?” 1) My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot! 2) My grandma says she didn’t have her thinking cap on. “Who’s the boss at your house?” 1) Mom doesn’t want to be boss, but she has to because dad’s such a goofball. 2) Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees stuff under the bed. 3) I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad. “What does your Mom do in her spare time?” 1) Mother’s don’t do spare time. 2) To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long. “What would it take to make your Mom perfect?” 1) My Mom’s perfect; on the inside. 2) Diet. You know; her hair. I’d diet, maybe blue.

[Luke 2: 51b-52] Neal Pryor, Old Testament teacher at Harding University, tells a story from his college days about a buddy of his who stopped by his dorm room one evening. He could tell his friend was in a bit of a funk. And even though he was studying for a test, he could tell he was about to get the whole story. His friend plopped down oon the bed and began to recount the painful details of his girlfriend breaking up with him, his not making the grade in a class, how the cafeteria was out of his favorite flavor of ice cream, and how his pencil seemed to break in every class. Pryor wasn’t sure what to say to all of this. But sitting there staring at the floor, the friend finally said, “At least my mother still loves me.” We know very little about Jesus’ childhood, we do know how his mother cherished her son. “…his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and men.” When others had deserted Jesus, Mary was still there to love and comfort her son (John 19: 25-27). Abraham Lincoln once said that no one is considered poor if they were raised by a godly mother. Let us today, pray and be thankful for the ‘Mary’ in our lives.

Are You Willing To Endure?

Well, the weather we all said we were waiting for so we could get something done around the house has finally arrived and I’ll bet you still aren’t outside working, are you. We tend to blame it on the weather when in reality we simply can’t find a way to schedule a block of time to do what has to get done. It’s funny, I can always find time to do for others while my wife questions when I’m going to get to her job list. Another check mark goes in the positive column for our recent adoption of our dog. She reminds me every day she has to have my undivided attention for play time with her only. That has made me sit back and measure my devotions of time to what I do every day. I’m slowly coming around to the fact that it’s time for someone else to start moving in as I ease into a little more comfortable lifestyle. More time at home doing some things I need to get done. I’m not winding down, just realigning my priorities.
A man arrives home from work one day and knew something was wrong the minute he walked in the door. The familiar aromas of a cooking diner were not filling the house. He could hear his two older children fussing with each other at the top of their lungs and his three-year-old was sitting on the floor crying with big crocodile tears running down her dirty face. The dog was licking what looked like something sticky off her hands. As he headed for the kitchen, he passed by the laundry room where he saw mounds of dirty close piled next to the washing machine. Totally puzzled at what he has encountered it only got worse with the dishes piled in the sink and some still resting on the table. Panic set in with the thought, something is terribly wrong here, as he was rushing to the bedroom in search of his wife. She has always been a devoted wife, mother and housekeeper. He had never seen the house in this sort of disarray before. As he opened the bedroom door he was shocked to see his wife still in her night clothes, lying on the bed, surrounded by snack foods and drinks, watching television. “Honey! What in the world is going on?” he asked. “Are you ill? Has something bad happened I should know about? How can I help?” Turning away from the television for a second she said, “Nothing’s wrong. I just didn’t feel like doing it all today.”

[Hebrews 12:2] It’s hard to endure! Think of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 voyage to the Antarctic. He was only one day’s sail away from the continent when his ship, Endurance, became trapped in ice. For ten months the ship was crushed and destroyed by ice pressure. This forced the crew to abandon ship and camp on the ice for five months. To save his men, Shackleton made two open boat journeys. One of these was a treacherous 800 mile ocean crossing to South Georgia Island, a feat which is considered one of the greatest boat journeys in history. Trekking across the mountains of South Georgia, he reached the island’s remote whaling station, organized a rescue team, and saved the men he had left behind. Talk about a willingness to endure! The apostle Paul, centuries before, displayed the same spirit. He tells the brethren in Corinth, “…we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:12). The most notable example, of course, is Christ. He endured. That was the great achievement of Jesus. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” It can be your joy also.