Is That Really True?

 

In a tiny coastal Mexican village, a small fishing boat comes into port and ties to a little wooden dock. A nearby vacationing American business executive compliments the lone fisherman on the quality of his catch and asked him how long it took to catch the fish. “Not very long,” answers the fisherman. “Why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more?” inquired the businessman. The village resident explains that these few fish are sufficient to meet his family’s needs. The American then asks, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?” Well,” said the fisherman, “I sleep late, play with my children, and take an afternoon siesta. In the evening I go to the village to see my friends, play the guitar and sing a few songs. I have a full life.” The executive interrupts, “Listen, I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you. You should start by fishing longer every day and then you can sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money a larger boat brings in you can buy a second one and a third one – until you have an entire fishing fleet. Then you can open your own processing plant.” “And after that?” questioned the fisherman. “When the business gets really good,” continued the executive, “you can start selling stock and make millions!” “Millions?” – “Really?!’ exclaimed the fisherman, “And then what?” The smirking executive said, “After that you’ll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take siestas, spend you evenings playing the guitar and singing songs with your friends!”

Two people were sitting on a park bench discussing what had made them both failures. The first said, “I’m a failure because I never took anyone’s advice.” The second one said, “I’m a failure because I took everyone’s advice.” Among the greatest mistakes a person can make are these: 1) Never listen to anyone; and 2) Accept what others say without investigation and thinking for one’s self. In America today, many believe that there are no moral absolutes. Many hold to a philosophy of a moral relativism. How many times have we heard statements like these: “What is right for you may not be right for me;” or, “If it feels good, do it!” or, “Anything goes;” and, “Nothing is right or wrong – there are just differences of opinion.” All of this is the result of the feeling that there is no absolute truth. “You are entitled to your truth, and I am entitled to mine” is the view held by many in the world today. Polls reveal that around 70% of Americans do not believe in moral absolutes. Among “Baby Boomers” the percentage is even higher, at about 80%. Even a whopping 60% of professing Christians said that there is no absolute standard of right and wrong. Is it any wonder moral decay is ruining U.S.?

[1 Timothy 4:1-10] In religious matters God expects us to listen and He also expects us to think for ourselves. The Bereans were commended because, after Paul preached to them, “…they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). Unlike the Thessalonians, and the two persons on the bench, the Bereans took the information they received and “checked up” on the apostle Paul! The message is obvious. Don’t accept anything, secular or religious, just because someone says it is so. Investigate the facts to enable correct thinking to govern your life in your general affairs. Religiously, neither should one accept anything just because someone says it is so, but check for yourself whether or not it is “true to the Word of God”. Jesus is truth and truth will set you free (John 8:32; 14:6). Free from tyranny and sin which separates us from the love of God.

Lord, Prop Us Up

 

“If I should die before I wake,” prayer young Timmy; “If I should die before I wake …If I should die.” “Go on, Timmy,” urged his mother, “You know the rest of the prayer.” “I’ll be right back,” blurted the youngster! Scrambling to his feet, to the surprise of his mother, he ran into the next room. Soon he returned and dropping to his knees beside his bed, rattled off the familiar nightly prayer without a flaw. While tucking little Timmy into bed his mother issued a gentle rebuke for the sudden interruption insisting that he should think about what he was saying when he prayed. “Mom, I was thinking about what I was praying,” said the boy defensively. “That’s why I had to stop! You see, I stood all of Ted’s wooden soldiers on their heads just to see how mad he’d be in the morning. If I should die before I wake I wouldn’t want him to find them that way, so I had to fix them right away.” “…if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). How about you, if you should die before you wake?

Often in his public prayer the elderly deacon was heard to say, “Lord, prop us up on our leanin’ side.” After hearing him pray that plea many times, he was asked about the meaning. “Well, you see, it’s like this… I got an old barn out back of my place. It’s been there a long time; it’s withstood a lot of weather; it’s gone through a lot of storms; and it’s stood strong for many a year. But one day I sort of noticed it was leanin’ to one side a little bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leanin’ side so’s it wouldn’t eventually fall over. Then I got to thinkin’ ‘bout that and how much I was like that old barn. I’ve been around a long time; I’ve withstood a lot of foul weather in my life; I’ve gone through a lot of life’s little storms; I’ve withstood the hard times and I’m still standing too. But I find myself leanin’ to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leanin’ side, ‘cause I figure a lot of us get to leanin’ at times.” Sometimes we do get to leaning toward anger; leaning toward bitterness; leaning toward hatred; leaning toward cussing; leaning toward a lot of things we shouldn’t – so we need to pray, “Lord, prop us up on our leanin’ side,” so we remain straight and tall, ever glorifying God. “…So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! (1 Corinthians 10:12-13). Yes, God is willing to prop you up on your leanin’ side.

[John 8: 23-24] Some years ago, Dalton Key made an observation about sin that bears repeating. “… Most people wouldn’t use the word ‘sin’. The word is too staid, too old fashion, too judgmental. Sin isn’t talked about much these days, even from the pulpit. We hear about ‘faults’ and ‘lapses in judgment’ and ‘failing to live up to our potential’ but the word ‘sin’ rarely surfaces. Folks who used to require repentance now need understanding. Those who in days past were rebuked for sin are now accepted ‘as they are’. Confession has been replaced with counseling; godly sorrow and repentance with therapy” (Dalton Key, “The Dreaded ‘S’ Word”, The Words of Truth, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. 2, 97, p. 3). He’s right. Sin isn’t sin anymore in the minds of most folks. The Bible says, “…all have sinned…” (Romans 3:23), and “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). We may try to ignore it; we may try to explain it away, but sin still exists, and it will cause us to lose our soul, unless our sins are removed through contact with the saving blood of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Romans 6:17-18). What are you doing about the sin in your life, before you never wake?

Give It To God To Clean Up

 

There was not too long ago an expression of self-gratitude going around, “I owned it today; I took a test and totally owned it!” or “During our game today we owned the other team!” Do you remember what that means? It means the one expressing those words of triumph came out on top. They had a highly productive day, or easily passed the test, or won the game with skill and they’re full of pride in their accomplishment. I think we’ve all had that feeling .Wouldn’t it be great if we could “own” the world? I don’t mean in the sense of climbing over it on our way to the top. I’m thinking more in the way of having such an impact on the world that it would become better. About a decade ago National Geographic carried a story about the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia. Between 1908 and 1926 there was 423 million board feet of lumber removed from the once beautiful natural habitat teeming with wildlife. This human impact nearly destroyed that habitat and disrupted delicate migration patterns. Today, a National Wildlife Refuge, the wilderness is once again in pristine condition - as if man had never touched it. The magazine stated that this is a good example “of what nature will do to restore herself and heal herself.” Well, there are “laws of nature” that have been set forth by the Creator and although it was man who scarred Okefenokee, it was God who has healed it. We have here a splendid picture of the hand of God in human affairs. After all, it is God who made nature and set in order those eternal laws which govern life.

[Psalm 51:7] There is another way that God heals the damage done by man. Many lives have been ravaged by sin to the extent that they have nearly lost all hope of ever returning to their pristine state. Think about it for just a moment. Sin dominates our world (Romans 3:23; 5:12). And because sin is destructive (Romans 6:23), the world continues getting worse. But, (to borrow from the song), “There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.” That balm it speaks of is the cleansing blood of Jesus shed at Calvary for our misdeeds. He died for you – personally! Regardless of how deeply you are mired in sin, you may truthfully declare with David, “Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow,” with the assurance that when you give your life to Jesus your sin will be removed to restore your soul to the purity that it possessed when it first entered the world. Man decimated the Okefenokee! Before the swamp could be returned to its natural state by God, man’s co-operation was necessary. He had to stop the depredation that had once ruined it. And if your soul is to return to what it once was, you must co-operate with the Great Healer by renouncing the sin with which you scared its beauty. Your soul is worth saving! Give God a chance to do it! You can “own this” and the power to do so is found in the Word of God. Become the “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). As salt flavors and helps prevent spoilage, we need to help prevent the moral decay taking place in our society. We do this by upholding godly principles of righteousness for worldly things. Become the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16). Light has the wonderful benefit of showing the way before us no matter how dark the world may become. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Light exposes the hidden things of darkness that can cause us to stumble (Ephesians 5:8-14). We are to be the light of the world by reflecting the presence of God and His glory. When the world sees this positive effect in us, they will be able to see God. We can “own” the world if we become salt and light. It begins with ME! Each one of us must take personal responsibility for our lives before God - and those around us.

Leaning On One Another

 

I heard about a road crew that was assigned to work on a particular stretch of highway. After arriving at the worksite, it was determined that they had a problem. A phone-call was made to the office, “Boss, we have a problem; we only have one shovel.” To this the boss replied, “Well… just lean on one another until I get there.”

[Acts 14:21-22] “…strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith; (Paul and Barnabas preached) ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.’” As Christians we should take heed to what the boss told his road crew and learn to lean on one another when we lack the tools to stand strong and/or alone. If you have done any living at all, you know by now that this present world can be a tough place to live - and it ain’t getting any easier! We can surely use some help now and again if we are to survive what this world can throw at us. Do you ever think about what is the real purpose of the church? Is your local congregation only a place to gather for “church services”? According to the book of Acts, the church was not a gathering place, such as a building, but the church (the local congregation - baptized believers are the church of God; the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12: 12-13; 27, Colossians 1:18; 24)) would gather at a certain place. Those who were Christians met together for Lord’s Day worship (i.e. Acts 20:7). The early Christians, in addition to worship, met together to encourage one another (Acts 2:42-47). The Hebrew writer, concerned that some were losing their faith, said, “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). Christians are less likely to fall away when we spend time encouraging one another. I think we can see from the Word of God that Christians gather for worship and to lean on one another until the Lord returns or we depart from this earthly life. If we shared a common goal to build up one another, the church would be better for it. Paul wrote, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Philippians 2:1-2). We live in a world that presents tremendous challenges for everyone, and the Christian is not exempt. Paul sent Timothy, “…to strengthen and encourage you in your faith so that no one would be unsettled in these trials. You know quite well we were destined for them. In fact when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless” (1 Thessalonians 3:2-5). Likewise, until the Lord comes, like Paul, let us lean on and encourage one another (Romans 14:19).

Our world is full of sadness and sorrow. Death comes and takes our loved ones. Financial troubles wreck our future plans. Sickness robs us of what we had envisioned for our lives. If we are not disciplined, we let these things rob us of our happy life. Jesus knew life would be hard on his disciples; it was hard on him too. “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He has robbed death of its power (1 Corinthians 15:50-58); He has promised us an eternal home (Revelation 21:1-5). Be positive and hopeful. Together we can overcome through Him!

Flawless Guides

 

Many years ago, a great meteor shower could be seen from the Southeastern United States. Nothing like this meteor shower had ever been witnessed by those who had the privilege to see it. In fact, it scared people. Those who saw this great event began thinking that the world was about to end. They thought the skies were quite literally falling out of the heavens. On a ship in the same coastal waters, an old grizzled captain told his men not to worry. He told them he had his eye on the North Star and as long as it remained in the sky they would be okay. This old captain had come to rely heavily on the North Star to guide his ship safely across the seas. For many years he had put his faith and trust in that star and he knew he was safe as long as that particular star could be seen. This old captain can teach most of us an important lesson today.

[Psalm 18:30] As long as our great star is still standing, we have nothing to fear. I don’t think we have to ask ourselves who the Christian’s great star is. It is Jesus the Christ. As the North Star points the way for sailors, Christ is directing our path home (John 14:1-6). As the North Star is constant and immovable, Christ remains the same in a world full of change (Jude 3ff). As the North Star stands out in the night sky, Christ stands apart from all other men who have ever lived on this earth (Hebrews 4:14-16). Recognizing Christ in this way is easy, However, it is not enough to simply recognize Christ as our great guide in heaven; we must be willing to put our entire faith in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of the world. Imagine the amount of faith the old captain in our story had in the North Star. When others believed the entire world was collapsing down on them, he knew things were okay because of one star. In today’s world, Christians can become overwhelmed by the very things that comfort us. Often times we lose our faith or our faith becomes severely weakened, when our world begins to crumble around us. At some point in life most of us face many types of health, financial, family or other serious problems. Recently, it seems “storm clouds” have encircled many people due to lost jobs, poor health and the general economic situation in our country. Feeling like the skies are falling down around us it is quite easy to begin counting our problems instead of our blessings. There may be times when we feel we are all alone and overcome by life’s difficulties. God did not promise to take away our troubles, but He did promise he would never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). When trials surround us, He offers comfort and hope through His Word (Romans 15:4). He gives us peace through Christ (Philippians 4:7). If we are in Christ nothing can separate us from God (Romans 8:35-39). When fear and desperation are taking root in your heart, remember the old captain who reassured his crew during the meteor shower… “Keep your eye on the star” (Philippians 3:12-14).

The Master Weaver’s Plan (Author Unknown) “My life is but a weaving, Between the Lord and me; I may not choose the colors– He knows what they should be. For He can view the pattern, Upon the upper side, While I can see it only, On this, the underside. Sometimes He weaves in sorrow, Which seems so strange to me; But I will trust His judgment, And work on faithfully. ‘Tis He who fills the shuttle, And He knows what is best; So I shall weave in earnest, And leave to Him the rest. Not ’til the loom is silent And the shuttles cease to fly, Shall God unroll the canvas, And explain the reason why. The dark threads are as needed, In the Weaver’s skillful hand, As the threads of gold and silver, In the pattern, He has planned.” Romans 12:2 - God’s “…perfect will.”

Thanksliving

 

Remember the “magic words” we were taught as children? Please and Thank-you were two words that, like magic, could seal the deal on many wants and wishes of a child. Those words remain effective for as long as we live, not only in regard to our human relationships, but also, and especially, in regard to our relationship with God. Consider these three aspects: * Receiving with thanks. “Thank-you” is not payment for anything. It is only a statement of appreciation and gratitude for what one has received. * Giving with thanks. A gratuity (a “tip”) is a way of saying thank-you. It is not part of that which is owed for services rendered (“the bill”) and is not required of the one who received the services. But when something extra is given above that which is owed, the one who receives it understands the “thank-you” behind it. * Giving thanks. We should be truly thankful in every situation and circumstance. We can give thanks in everything even if we cannot give thanks for everything. Having a vehicle break-down is nothing to be thankful for, but not breaking down in the middle of the “big city” is definitely something to be thankful for. Being ill is not something to be thankful for, but being in the hands of capable physicians that will promote wellness is. We can give thanks in adversity, and sometimes, since we are strengthened by adversity, we can give thanks for it. Life just doesn’t seem fair at times and when hard-times come or disaster strikes, it takes all our strength to recover. But, we seem to be wiser, more confident and stronger, physically and spiritually, than ever before. We need to look at all of life as a blessing, redefining our blessings in order to understand them and be grateful for them.

[Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18] On November 11, 1620, about 102 settlers aboard the Mayflower arrived in the “New World” and there was nothing to greet them except the harsh reality of a severe New England winter. Within five months over half their number had died of starvation, exposure to the elements, and disease. How amazing it was then, that these “pilgrims” could still find reasons to be thankful, in spite of such hardship. In more modern times, our celebration of Thanksgiving brings to mind warm memories of turkey and dressing, pumpkin pie, family togetherness, and football games on TV. Thanksgiving is a time when we pause to remember how blessed we are as well as to reflect on how we are using those blessings. Sometimes, family members who are full of joy at such occasions might say, “I wish it could be Thanksgiving all year long!” And you know, we ought to make everyday a day of thanksgiving. In our reading of First Thessalonians, the Bible says, “…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I honestly don’t believe that the Pilgrims concentrated all their thankfulness into one single day, and neither should we! God’s Word teaches that we would be a much more joyful people if we would simply learn the habit of being grateful people. 

When was the last time you stopped to assess the day and ponder on the blessings of that day? When was the last time you took the time to compose a short note of gratitude to someone who has blessed you with their life? When was the last time you made it a point to tell just one person in your life something you admire and appreciate about them? When was the last time you prayed just to talk with God? The next time, listen to what you are saying to God. Are your prayers mostly, “I want, I want, I want,” or “Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you”? Jesus said not to worry about our needs because our Heavenly Father knows what we need, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mathew 6:25-34). With Jesus (Titus 2:11) even the poorest of the poor can be grateful. I pray you and yours enjoy a grateful Thanksgiving in these trying times. Pray for our world leaders.

Deception Is Physical Comfort

 

What looks like a Gaboon viper, sounds like a Gaboon viper, and acts like a Gaboon viper? A Gaboon viper, of course. Or, it could also be, a Congolese giant toad. With its two inch fangs, the Gaboon viper is one of the largest vipers in Africa. The Congolese giant toad can only be found in the same habitat as the Gaboon viper. With a body that resembles the head of the viper, in that it is the same color and size, and the toad can also mimic the sound of the hissing snake. When the toad is threatened, it will raise its rear-end, making it look similar to the Gaboon viper getting ready to strike (Science News, October 25, 2019). The toad’s ability to appear to be a Gaboon viper is seemingly an effective defense mechanism in a certainly hostile environment. Looking like a serpent is likely vital to the toad’s survival. Deception is its defense.

[Galatians 6:7-8] “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” On the other hand: *One is deceived if they are a hearer and not a doer of the Word of God (James 1:22); * One is deceived if they say they have no sin (1 John 1:8); * One is deceived when they think themselves to be something when they are nothing ( Galatians 6:3); * One is deceived when they seem to be religious but do not bridle their tongue (James 1:26); * One is deceived when they think they will not reap what they sow (Galatians 6:7); * One is deceived when they think evil company cannot corrupt their good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33); * One is deceived when they think the unrighteous will inherit the Kingdom of God [Heaven, Eternal life with God] (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

[Ephesians 4: 17-32] The Christian of today is ever increasingly finding themselves living in an overall religiously-hostile environment and, if asked, may even admit they at times attempt to appear similar to nonbelievers around them in an attempt to “fit in,” knowing they have put themselves in a spiritually dangerous situation. The Christian trying to fit in with the world around them might try to sound like a sinner by talking like a sinner. However, God’s Word instructs the Christian to, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…” (Ephesians 4:29). Paul instructed the Colossians to, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). The Christian trying to fit in with the world around them might try to look like a sinner. Dressing immodestly is strongly taught against in Scripture (i.e. 1 Timothy 2:9). The Christian trying to fit in with the world around them might try to act like a sinner. “…Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:3). Rather than imitating unbelievers, Christians are called to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1-2). The Congolese giant toad may sound like a viper, look like a viper, and act like a viper, but it’s still a toad. The Christian who tries to sound like a sinner, look like a sinner, and act like a sinner, is in fact, a sinner (1 Corinthians 3:18-23). In an attempt to blend in with the world and be more comfortable, one is only using deception as a defense against possible persecution and humiliation directed at them from unbelievers. “…They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts” (v.18). “…gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth that they will come to their senses…” (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

What Say You?

 

Little Johnny’s teacher asked him to stay after class. She confronted him, “Johnny, I know that you cheated off Suzie on yesterday’s test.” Johnny snapped back, “What makes you think I cheated?” The teacher said, “Well, on the first question - Who was the first President of the United States; Suzie answered George Washington, and so did you.” Johnny replied, “Well that’s an easy one. Everyone knows that answer.” The teacher continued, “But on the second question - What President freed the slaves; Suzie answered Abe Lincoln and so did you.” Johnny piped, “Well so what? Lots of people call him Abe!” Then the teacher sighed and said, “Yes, but on the third question - What President was also a Chief Justice; Suzie put, ‘I don’t know’ and you put, ‘Me either.’” Lots of folks are like Johnny when they are caught in error, they refuse to admit what they have done. God, like Jonny’s teacher, is never fooled. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).

[Psalm 2] Why do the nations conspire and the people plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

As liberality increases and the rulers of the world continue on their trek of a one-world-order, God’s wrath is beginning to boil and will eventually spill over in anger to rebuke those who defiantly ignore him. To continue building this modern day Tower of Babel, the ungodly must break the chains and throw off the shackles of mankind, giving everyone a sense of freedom through the fulfillment of their every want, i.e. abortion, drugs, and free-free-free everything. Well, that will only last just so long in this world before total chaos sets in – then anarchy takes over. In the midst of all this pressure from above, the powers to be, and the pressure below, those who are willing to go along with the “great new deal,” stands the righteous, those who know “…that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). A choice is before each of us – apostasy and walking with the unrighteous, or faith in God Almighty, even though we too may be caught up in His wrath on the unrighteous. What say you?

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the Lord (Psalm 14:1-4; 53:1-4). As we live and are tested throughout life, we can copy the whims of the majority, or follow Jesus, pleasing God. Careful! God is never fooled!

What of America's Future?

 

Once there was a small town on the edge of a great forest and in the forest lived a herd of wild hogs. The hogs ravaged their crops and made a nuisance of themselves in many ways. The men of the town tried to hunt the hogs down, but the hogs were too wary. Unfortunately, the hogs attacked and killed a small child. The people were enraged and called on a famous hunter to help them. His methods surprised them. First, he put a large pile of corn in a clearing at the edge of the forest. After several days he noticed the hogs had finally come and ate the corn. He replaced the corn and the hogs came back for more. For days, he put fence posts up around the corn supply. Then he added wire and a gate. Finally, early one morning as the hogs were feeding, he slipped up on the pen and closed the gate. The people were amazed that he had caught all the hogs. The hunter shrugged his shoulders and said, “Those hogs were mine when they ate their first mouth full of corn. You see, when a critter takes a free handout, it belongs to the one who gave it. “Do not conform to the world! (Romans 12:2) The world said get tattoos, so they did. The world said drink and do drugs, so they did, until they couldn’t remember who they were. The world said dress the way you want, so they dressed to entice lust and were enticed to lust, but the whole world is doing it so what’s the harm? The world encouraged recreational and casual sex, so they did and became sick in heart and body. The world said forsake your wedding vows, let Hollywood help you see the light, and they did as the world was doing. The children were hurt and they cried out for parents that were no longer there for them. The world said push others out of the way, use them and lose them. And they did as instructed only to find themselves alone in a cold dark evil world. Numbers 32:23 still says, “…be sure your sin will find you out.” And remember, the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). I don’t think anyone wants to hear Jesus say, “…Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire… (Matthew 25:34).

[Proverbs 14:34] “Righteousness exalts a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people.” God has NOT promised to always bless America! God has turned from, and punished, other nations when they abandoned righteous ways and increased more and more in their evil ways. The Bible clearly teaches what is right, good and pleasing to our Father in heaven; as well as specifically, and with concise terms, has identified what is evil, wicked, and totally unacceptable to Almighty God. What do we expect America’s future to be when we allow minority groups to dictate when we can bow our heads in prayer, even in public? What do we expect America’s future to be when we remain largely silent while innocent babies are legally slaughtered? What do we expect America's future to be when we tolerate more and more advances of the Hollywood agenda to force the homosexual lifestyle into our homes via the ungodly programming on television? What do we expect America’s future to be when we are passive toward the aggressive actions of others who are forcing garbage, filth, vile and offensive language into our lives almost everywhere we turn? What do we expect America’s future to be if we put men and women in office who do not value and esteem the Holy Bible, have proven they promote and legalize evil practices causing American’s to further abandon God and His holy and righteous ways? “All that is necessary for the forces of evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing” (Edmund Burke). We should be very careful we don’t sell out for some ticket or trade our freedom for a bowl of soup. May God help us to stand up, speak up and plead for America’s future. Did you vote?

Would You Do Something Great?

 

I needed a laugh this past week and thought I would share some of it with you from an article by an anonymous mother of five titled, “Things I’ve Learned From My Children.” * There is no such thing as child-proofing your house. * A 4-year-old’s voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant. * If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42-pound boy wearing pound puppy underwear and a superman cape. * It is strong enough, however, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20 by 20 foot room. * Baseballs make marks on ceilings. * You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. * When using the ceiling fan as a bat you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. * A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way. * The glass in windows (even double pane) doesn’t stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan. * If you use a waterbed as home plate while wearing baseball shoes, it does not leak - it explodes. There’s lots more laughs – Google it!

[Colossians 4:2-6] Given the opportunity, what would you do for God? I feel certain that we have all considered it. What would be the limits? If God called upon you to do so, would you build an ark? Would you leave your homeland? Would you lead His people to freedom? Would you stand down giants, lions, and fiery furnaces? Would you be willing to do what Josiah did? Paul? Peter? Whose task would you be willing to take on if you could? How about this: let’s take on our own tasks! Naaman considered himself a great man and many would have agreed. But Naaman had a problem – one of the worst he could have had – he had leprosy – a virtually incurable disease. However, he desired to be healed and was willing to do anything to be cleansed. Well, almost anything. He was advised to approach a great prophet of God (2 Kings 5:1-8). Initially he was put-off by the fact that Elisha wouldn’t meet with him directly (vs. 9-11). After all, he was a great man and a lowly prophet should cater to him. He was more put off by the “prescription” offered by the prophet – to dip seven times in the nasty Jordon River (vs.12). He felt he did not receive the respect a man of his position should receive and he noted that there were much nicer rivers back home he could use. But reason came from his lowly servants who asked, “If the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it?” Well, of course he would. Naaman went to the prophet prepared to do something great to be cleansed. His problem was that he didn’t realize who really does the great things in life. Many great things begin as seemingly ordinary things. When Andrew went to tell his brother, Peter, that he had found the Messiah (John 1:35-42) he had no idea of who Peter would become because of it. He was simply doing what we would think any loving brother would do. When Tabitha made garments for her less fortunate neighbors (Acts 9:36-39) it never occurred to her that her kindness would forever be memorialized in scripture. She was just doing what she knew to do. If Andrew or Tabitha had been told to do something great would they have done it? In actuality, they did! Without thinking, they did the great things they were called upon to do. So, how about you: “…if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you have not done it?” If you want to accomplish great things you must be willing to do what are considered, ordinary things, things that may seem useless at the time. Remember, Jesus declared that true greatness is not found in self-exaltation. It is found in service to others (Mark 10:42). Let’s strive to do the great things that God has for us to do. You may think it a useless thing to do, but your vote does count! Go! VOTE!

Reputation and Character

 

Sylvia Jasper is nine-two years old, petite, well-poised and dignified. She is up and going each morning by eight, with her hair fashionably coifed and her make-up perfectly applied. (Oh yes, she is legally blind). Her husband of 70 years had recently passed away, making the move necessary. After waiting patiently many hours in the lobby, the director of the modest assisted-living facility she had chosen, introduced herself and greeted Sylvia with a warm welcome. Pleasantries were exchanged and she smiled when the director informed her, “Your room is ready.” As Sylvia maneuvered her walker to the elevator, the director provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet curtains that had been hung on the windows. “I love it!” Sylvia stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented a new puppy. “But, Mrs. Jasper,” said the director, “you haven’t even seen it yet …just wait!” As they rode the elevator Sylvia stated, “That doesn’t have anything to do with it. Happiness is something one decides on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how the furniture is arranged – it is how I arrange my mind. I have already decided to love it. To be happy is a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice: I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work very well or I can get out of bed and be thankful for the parts that still do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open in the morning, I will focus on the new day and all the happy memories I have stored away just for this time in my life.” What a wonderful attitude to have when entering new or difficult chapters of life.

[1 Timothy 3:7; Romans 5:4] What is the difference between reputation and character? William Hershey Davis wrote the following: * The circumstances amid which you live determine your reputation; the truth you believe determines your character. * Reputation is what you are supposed to be; character is what you are. * Reputation is the photograph; character is the face. * Reputation comes over one from without; character grows up from within. * Reputation is what you have when you come to a new community; character is what you have when you go away. * Your reputation is learned in an hour; character does not come to light for a year. * Reputation is made in a moment; character is built in a life-time. * Reputation grows like a mushroom; character grows like the oak. * A single newspaper gives you a reputation; a life of toil gives you character. * Reputation makes you rich or makes you poor; character makes you happy or makes you miserable. * Reputation is what men say about you on the tombstone; character is what the angels say about you around the throne of God.

There was certainly a difference between Jesus’ reputation and his character. His reputation, according to his own people, was that He was out of his mind (Mark 3:21). The scribes from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub,” and “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons” (Mark 3:22). The rulers of the people charged him before Pilate with, “…perverting the nation” (Luke 23:2). Yet, when Jesus had finished the task his Father had sent him to accomplish it could truthfully be said he was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). The false reputation in the eyes of some and His true character were definitely different. It is certainly easier to work on what people think about us than to work on who we are. Edna McCann observed, “No man knows his true character until he has run out of gas, purchased something on the installment plan, or raised an adolescent.” Are you more concerned about your reputation or your character?

Christianity vs. Patriotism

 

Racism; Patriotism; Capitalism; Supremacy; Football; Protests; Christianity. Maybe by now you are all tired of the rhetoric. Some of it has been unkind, some unreasonable, and some just coarse. I pray that you will find the brief thoughts that follow to be none of those things. * I am a Christian first and a Patriot second. I long for the day when God’s people can be as moved and vocal about Jesus as they can be about the country they love. Are we as upset and vocal when the institutions and doctrines of God are disrespected as we are when our nation’s institutions are disrespected? Are we as willing to speak in defense of the cross as we are in defense of the flag? Don’t get me wrong here – love for our country, its founders and the (God guided) writers of our Constitution of freedom and equality, is the glue that holds our Republic together. But don’t forget - we are all aliens in this world and our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:17-21). * Freedom of Speech must be Tempered with Respect. I am thankful for my “freedom of speech” granted me and protected by the 1^st Amendment of our Constitution. But I must keep in mind that this great privilege of freedom must be tempered with respect. For example, I am opposed to the practice of homosexuality, but I will not join myself to groups who share in the same view, when they seek to share that view in a disrespectful way. I, at the same time, must not negate my valid message of love for my fellow man found in the gospel of Christ. Freedom of speech doesn’t license anyone to disrespect others. How and where we exercise our freedom of speech is important (Romans 12:9-21). * Acknowledge the Plight of the Oppressed. We must lose the “get over it already” attitude some people possess. Oppression, injustice, inequality, and discrimination still exists in our country, as it does in most of the world, and to act as if they don’t, because you don’t happen to experience any of them, is ungodly. Godliness lifts the burden from the oppressed, rights the wrongs, and treats all persons equally (Isaiah 1:17; Micah 6:8; Psalm 82:3-4; Matthew 23:23).

[Colossians 3:5-14] It doesn’t take much to get a dog to wag its tail – just a pat on the head, a smile on your face, maybe a bowl of food or a softly spoken word of praise. Children react in much the same way. Kindness has a language all its own and a child is quick to understand it. When considering all my past associations I can recall that some of the roughest characters I’ve known have also been the kindest. As we follow the life of Jesus we are struck by the great consideration with which he treated all persons. No one could doubt his sincerity. For those who knew Jesus intimately, his friendship was a great enveloping love. The fickle crowds turned back to him again and again. The Lord yearned after them as a shepherd after his sheep. Toward his enemies, Jesus evidenced a great and abiding patience. Even toward those whom he condemned he showed no malice. Surely, love suffers long and is kind. What is the flavor of our lives? Do the dogs and even the children slink away when we come near? Are we harsh in our judgments and do we let bitterness creep into our relationships with others? Do we really follow Christ Jesus, our Lord? Jesus told his followers: “A new command I give you - Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). Your love, or the lack thereof, is showing all the time. May your love be such as to glorify God the Father within this evil world lost in sin. Share with all the saving grace of God that awaits everyone baptized into Christ and his resurrection (Romans 6:1-14).

Attitude and Apostasy

 

Many reasonably good people seldom, if ever, “go to church”. Meeting with others to study the Bible, God’s word, and to publicly worship Him is something easily ignored in our busy world. To these, church is where one goes to a wedding or a funeral, but little more. The early Christians didn’t just “go to church” - they were the church. Still today, we are the ekklesia, the “called-out-ones” - called out of the world by the gospel of Christ to be a light to the world. We are a community of believers, commonly referred to as “the body of Christ” and even “the bride of Christ”. In Christ we are bound together in “one body” with one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all “…who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). As such, to not meet with other Christians to encourage one another and jointly express our devotion to the Lord is not considered an option. The Lord said, “…where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Mathew 18:20). His directive for the partaking of the “Lord’s supper” was, “…do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:17-22; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). From the first to today, the church, consisting of penitent baptized believers, “…continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, in the fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:42). Acts 20:7 tells us that, “…on the first day of the week …the disciples came together to break bread.” It wasn’t long before some Christians were becoming neglectful in their assembling together and were admonished, “…let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Christians are not called to be “lone rangers” in our world hostile to God, but to be bound together with brothers and sisters in Christ in a common struggle. Sharing together in worship and in the Word of God should be something much desired by those who love the Lord.

[Psalm 51:7-13] “Do your own thing” seems to be the motto of many people today. But if we look around us and witness the news of everyday events, we know that our society is coming apart at the seams. Our culture shows the sure signs of coming destruction and anarchy because so many people are enslaved to sin and caught up in doing things their own way. The only hope for the survival of our society is a change of attitude and a turning to God by individuals who recognize their need of God’s help in order to live successful lives. Before we can change our bad attitude, we have to admit to it and seek the needed strength to change. Having a good attitude means getting rid of bad attitudes. Paul says it is a process of putting off our enslavement to sinful practices by putting our confidence in the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:8-13). This involves dying to the influence of sin in our lives by realizing that Jesus died in our place, for the wages of sin is death for the sinner (Romans 6:23), so that we could be freed from sin and have life with Jesus (Romans 6:1-14). Many people will not admit they are enslaved to sin, and many have no desire to be servants of righteousness. Noah had a good attitude. He believed God and followed God’s instructions in building the ark which saved eight righteous souls from death when God cleansed the earth of sin (Genesis 7). The church is an ark of sorts. Peter said that mankind is saved today by having an attitude like Noah and obeying God (1 Peter 3:20-21). God is patiently waiting as the church is being built. Apostasy is culturing doom. Are you obeying God?

It's Time To Take A Knee

 

As we enter the last quarter of this troubling year of 2020, the clarity we often relate to 20/20 is yet to be seen by those of even minimal intelligence. Nothing seems to make sense any longer and a dense fog of redundant and irrational societal demands looms over everyone’s future. This year the citizens of the United States of America will exercise their right to vote in a general election of most of the positions in federal and local governments. This election year is a crucial time in the history of the world and most of all our country. One must take the time to investigate the past history and the immediate intentions of every person on the ballot and weigh that information against your expectations for the future of this country and peace throughout the world. Remember this – the U.S.A. citizen voter is the owner of the U.S.A. and those we elect to office are to represent us and protect our way of life, not to dictate and destroy our Constitutional Republic. Above all, one must pray for the survival of our form of government, confess our faults that are tearing down our Constitutional Rights, and ask God for guidance when selecting whom you should vote for. When minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas House of Representatives in January 1996, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:

“Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask Your forgiveness and to seek Your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ‘Woe to those who call evil good,’ but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We confess: We have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it pluralism. We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism. We have endorsed perversion and called it alternative lifestyle. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent to direct us to the center of your will. I ask it in the Name of Your Son, the living Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.” Can you see the shame and truth in this powerful prayer?

[Proverbs 12:12-22] A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest. Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his show "The Rest of the Story" on the radio and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation, again, and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called one nation under God. “If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Every person on the face of this earth is a sinful, greedy soul. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins…” (1 John 1:8-10). Time has come to rally around the voting booth and the cross of Jesus. And failing to take a knee here could result in total chaos and great loss.

God's Guidance and Good Fences

 

In his farewell address of 1796, George Washington famously stated, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to a political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” A couple of years later John Adams said, “We have no government armed in power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion.” We can see the results of unbridled human passions. As we consume the media reports and learn of those advocating anarchy; as we see people beaten and terrorized at “anti-hate” rallies; while we are surrounded by so much turmoil, we seek answers. Anyone claiming to be able to govern one’s self or country without God is confused and mistaken. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12). “I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

[2 Peter 1:3-9] An old classic western song pleads, “Don’t fence me in.” All of us like our freedom, but at the same time we recognize a need for fences. They keep ours in and there’s out, give us privacy, offer protection, beautify and enhance value, establish ownership and identify boundaries. Though they restrict freedom in some ways, in others they also offer freedom and protect it! Let us make a spiritual application as we consider various kinds of fences. * Barbed Wire Fence: Don’t carelessly grab hold of this fence. It is a no-nonsense fence that intends to establish boundaries to keep stuff in or out. It establishes ownership and protects that which is owned. The Word of God is a barbed wire fence (John 12:44-50; Revelation 21:24-27). * Spite Fence: This fence is designed to send a hateful message. Hard-hearted persons, void of God’s love, who display hate and vengeance toward others fall into this category (1 John 4:20-21). * Storm Fence: Here is a rugged fence intended to establish boundaries, protect ownership, keep out undesirables, and withstand the weather’s efforts to tear it down. It is built to stand through all kinds of hardship. Christians should be like this (1 Corinthians 15:58). * Farm Fence: Again we have a simple but rugged fence built to last, establish boundaries, to keep stock in and intruders out. It is practical and functional, doing its job day in and day out. It is another portrait of what Christians should be (Luke 9:23; 2 Timothy 4:1-5). * Privacy Fence: Its basic message is KEEP OUT! It is anti-social and discriminate. Narrow minded persons who would bind where the Bible does not, fit this category (Romans 16:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20). * Electric Fence: The primary function of this fence is to limit access in or out. It will deliver a shocking experience to anyone who touches it and will certainly discourage them from crossing the boundary it establishes. The Bible functions in this way. Entrance into or exit from the kingdom of God is governed by its precepts (John 8:32; 17:17; Acts 2:38-47; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27). * Landscape Fence: This fence has no functional purpose other than to look good and enhance beauty. It is entirely superficial, is not really built to last, and is often changed on a whim. It is very liberal, establishing no boundaries and protecting nothing. Those who profess to be Christians outwardly but are not inwardly, and who would loose where God has bound are like this fence (James 2; Philippians 1:17). Tearing it all down; “burning it down”; destroying what God has established will only lead to chaos and compromise outside of God’s love and protection.

Contentment and Happiness

 

A story is told of the time when Abraham Lincoln (before he was President) was walking through town with two of his young sons. The two boys were crying and visibly unhappy. A friend stopped Mr. Lincoln and asked him what was wrong with the two boys, to which he supposedly replied, “Exactly what’s wrong with the whole world… I have three walnuts and each boy wants two!” To some degree we can all identify with this story. We live in a world that is consumed with consuming. Even though Jesus taught that life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions (Luke 12:15), we continue to live as though it does. We know what it is to be always spending but never satisfied. Years ago, the comic Flip Wilson used to do a satirical bit of comedy known as “The Church of What’s Happening Now.” More recently, a theologian by the name of Mark Buchanan wrote a short piece titled, “The Cult of the Next Thing.” ‘I belong to the Cult of the Next Thing. It’s dangerously easy to get enlisted. It happens by default – not by choosing the cult, but by failing to resist it. The Cult of the Next Thing is consumerism cast in religious terms. It has its own litany of sacred words: more, you deserve it, new, faster, cleaner, and brighter. It has its own deep rooted liturgy: charge it, instant credit, no down payment, deferred payment, no interest for one year. It has its own preachers, evangelists, prophets, and apostles: ad men, pitchmen, and celebrity sponsors. It has, of course, its own shrines, chapels, temples, and meccas: malls, super- stores, club warehouses. It has its own sacraments: credit and debit cards. It has its own ecstatic experience: the spending spree. The Cult of the Next Thing’s central message proclaims, “Crave and spend, for the Kingdom of Stuff is here.”’

[Philippians 4:11-13] “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it means to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Rather than being content with what we have, we always crave something more. The fact is, if we needed different “things” or gifts to enable us to glorify God, he would provide them for us (Matthew 6:25-34). Instead of saying, “If I only had this” or “If I only had that,” God is calling upon us to glorify Him right now! God expects us to serve Him in our current situation with what we have right now. Like Paul, may we all be satisfied and content with what our God has provided for us. May we all be completely satisfied with God for He is all we need for life and happiness. Solomon wrote: “For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? For all his days are sorrowful, and his work grievous; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity. There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment more than I? For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This is also vanity and grasping for the wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:22-26). On Judgement Day… “God will give to each person according to what he has done”  (Romans 2:5-11). The conclusion of the whole matter: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Possibly The Last Generation

 

As we continue daily to quantify the overnight evolutionary developments of our whacko society, I hear it repeatedly said in discussions of disbelief, “We just haven’t been paying attention,” and I have to agree that most people are so wrapped up in themselves they haven’t been paying attention to the facts of life surrounding them. While browsing through my written materials I came upon this article written in mid 2010 by Jay Lockhart titled “The Last Generation” and was amazed how right on he was.

‘Our nation is in trouble. Morally, religiously, economically, and politically – we are in trouble. When the Constitution, the document upon which the Republic was built, is called a “living document,” i.e., it must change with the culture to be politically correct, and is no longer interpreted but ignored by some in high places, we are in trouble. When the morality of the nation is at an all time low and the national debt is at an all time high, we are in trouble. When “Congress shall establish no religion” is interpreted to mean that God is removed from the fiber of our nation, we are in trouble. Will this be the last generation of Americans who were a part of the greatest nation on earth? The church is also encountering difficulties in many places, here and abroad. From the outside, the church ever faces the temptation to be overly influenced by the culture. This is called the “Emergent Church” movement. Becoming like the world silences the voice of conviction that should characterize the church. The church is in the world and does its work in the world, but must be carefully separated from the world. We are not to conform to this world but are to have a transforming influence in the world. From the inside we face the “Change Agent” movement which seeks to remake the church into a denomination. “Change Agents” have affected countless congregations as well as administrators and teachers on the campuses of Christian colleges and universities. If this movement has its way, we wonder if this is the last generation to stand strong upon Biblical truth and to call for restoration of the New Testament Christianity. This is certain: the church will be here when Jesus comes. Not even the power of death can defeat it (Matthew 16:18). However, local churches or individual members must make a choice. Where are the churches at Corinth, Philippi, Thessalonica, Colosse, and what happened to the seven churches of Asia? We may continue to exist, but will we exist as a church that seeks to be the church of the New Testament? In our families, the most influence in the lives of children are their parents. If today’s young people are as strong or weak spiritually in the coming years as their parents are today, we wonder if this is the last generation that will seek to be the church of the New Testament. We look to the future optimistically but realistically and wonder what the future holds for us. It’s worth pondering. Could this be the last generation to hold to the real, the true, and the lasting in the matters affecting us nationally, religiously, and domestically?’ Did you think this way ten years ago?

[Genesis 6:5-13; Deuteronomy 27, 28, 29; 2 Peter 2:1-3:18] The world is in a mess and personally I believe the lawlessness and apostasy of the generation roaming the earth today is going to bring about the return of our Savior and the destruction of God’s glorious creation. I may not see the Lord coming in the air but I know I will share in His resurrection because I’m not going to forsake the church, even if I have to take her underground. I pray I will never see that day but I do think there are folks alive right now who will. What will tomorrow bring? It doesn’t matter, because I know God is still on the throne and is in full control of His creation no matter what man thinks or does to oppose.

How Do You Picture God?

       

        Have you ever written a letter to a manufacturer to commend or complain about a product? Here’s one from a consumer to a pharmaceutical company: “Dear Sir, You do well manufacturing over-the-counter pain relievers, cold and flu medications, and allergy relief medicines. The mixtures used in your wonderful medications make it possible for people to get out of bed and fight off headaches, muscle pain, allergy symptoms and the like. I have noticed those meds work wonders Monday thru Friday and especially well on Saturdays. But people who take these same meds on Sunday don’t seem to get any relief. Their sniffling and aches and pains linger, and are unable to attend Sunday school or worship. Is it possible for you to examine your products and add an ingredient that will enhance their effectiveness to include Sunday as well?”

[Revelation 21:3-4] When you think of God, what comes to mind? A little girl was busy with her crayons marking a large piece of paper with lots of color when her mother asked her what she was drawing. She said, “I’m drawing a picture of God.” During the discussion that followed her mother insisted that no-one knows what God looks like. Not deterred in the least the little girl said, “They will when I’m finished!” My understanding of God has changed through the years. When I was a boy I saw Him through the eyes of an innocent little boy. When I was in my teens I saw Him through the eyes of one who had been conditioned to behave in a way that was acceptable to God. I realized at times that I was not always behaving according to those standards and felt guilty. When I thought of Him, judgment and punishment came to mind. When I was twenty, believing I would eventually meet Him, I began to think seriously about Christianity and was baptized in the spring of 1973. Our understanding of God is important because it determines how we respond to Him. Do you remember the parable the Lord told about the talents? The one talent man hid his talent because, according to Scripture, “…I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed. And I was afraid…” (Matthew 25:24-25). The one talent man’s response was based on fear and a wrong understanding of his Master. He saw Him as impossible to please. What about you? How do you see the Lord? Do you see him hard, demanding, and impossible to please? If so, you will never have confidence before Him. Although the Lord is not to be trifled with, He is merciful and His grace is sufficient. He, in spite of our sin, loves us. The proof of His love was the death of Jesus on the cross. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us…” (1 John 3:16). Our sin would condemn us, but through Jesus the penalty for sin has been paid (Hebrews 9:28). Therefore, how should we see the Lord, especially Christians? We are to see Him as our heavenly Father. We are to realize, because He loves us, He does not treat us as a parent would respond to a spoiled child. He expects us to live disciplined lives and to obey Him because it is in our best interest to do so. It is His desire that we know Him, and we know Him through the Bible, His written Word. We should spend our lives preparing ourselves to meet Him on the other side. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-2). Remember, how you picture the Lord is how you will respond to Him. Let your understanding of Him be based on the Word of God. “God is Love” (1 John 4:7-21). No God; No Love - Know God; Know Love. Amen!

 

Persistence

 

Bjorn Borg was one of the greatest tennis players that ever laced up a pair of sneakers. The former World Number One player from Sweden won 11 grand slam singles titles, five consecutive Wimbledon single titles and four consecutive French Open titles. He won 41% of the Grand Slam singles tournaments he entered. He had the highest career winning percentage of any male player (82.72%) in the history of the sport. When asked the secret of his success Borg responded, “My greatest point is my persistence. I never give up on a match. However down I am, I fight until the last ball. My list of matches shows that I have turned a great many so-called irretrievable defeats into victories.” Calvin Coolidge said, “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.” He was right! James Whitcomb Riley said, “The most essential factor is persistence – the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come.” He was right! Thomas Carlyle said, “Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements and impossibilities. It is this that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.” He was right! What is persistence? Forget all the fancy definitions! To persist is to keep on keeping on! A persistent person is one who refuses to give up; one who continues tenaciously; one who is steadfast, determined and insistent. Bertrand Russell said, “No great achievement is possible without persistent work.” He was right!

[Hebrews 6:10] You will not find the word “persistence” in the Bible! You will find the idea of “persistence” on nearly every page – especially in the epistles as they stress practical Christian living. Consider these points: * We must “stand fast in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13). We must “stand fast in one spirit” (Philippians 1:27). We must “stand fast in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1). * We are to “hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). We must “hold fast the pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13). We must “hold fast our confession” (Hebrews 4:14). * James wrote, “Indeed, we count them blessed who endure” (James 5:11). We must “endure persecutions and tribulations” (2 Thessalonians 1:4); “hardship” (2 Timothy 2:3); “affliction” (2 Timothy 4:5); “chastening” (Hebrews 12:7); and “grief” (1 Peter 2:19). The Master said, “he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). We must stand fast! We must hold fast! We must endure! That sounds like persistence to me! Woody Hayes, the legendary coach at Ohio State University, taught his players that the key to success on the football field was to “paralyze resistance with persistence.” The same is true on the field of life – the Christian life! “Paralyze resistance with persistence.” Keep on Keeping on!

Even in the midst of God’s wrath, i.e. more than a dozen, out of control, woodland wildfires in California, legislators, the governor, district judges, county attorney’s, city mayors and councils are doing everything they can to deny Christians the right to assemble and worship in spite of the fact congregations are, and have been without complaint, following the medical mandates prescribed by the state. I implore you to investigate this for yourself. Liberty Counsel is a not for profit legal defense with lawyers defending folks all across this nation being stripped of their rights and denied their religious freedoms. Don’t take my word for it – go to lc.org and read about the atrocities being suffered by AMERICAN citizen’s right here in the United States by elected government offices. The entire congregation of the Harvest Rock Church in Pasadena, California has been threatened with fines and jail if they assembly for worship.

While Men Are Sleeping

 

The dog days or the dog days of summer are the hot, sultry days of summer. They are historically the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius, which Hellenistic astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck. These dog days are today taken to be the hottest, most uncomfortable part of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Well, I don’t know how your luck has been running, but it sure has been hot – the longest consecutive run of one hundred degree days we’ve had in a long time. But, I noticed early this morning, while escorting my little Chihuahua, Bella, on her daily excursion of doggie duties, the days are beginning to wane with the lack of light on the horizon at six or six-thirty. I had to giggle to myself in the thought that in the midst of our one hundred degree days, in just a few short weeks I’ll be doing the same thing except the pre-sunrise temperature won’t be eighty but more like sixty – then we can start griping about the cold for five months.

[Isaiah 29:13-21] “…but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away” (Matthew 13:25). While men sleep - the enemy has come and sown weeds among the good wheat – abortion has become an acceptable means of population control; homosexuality has become an acceptable lifestyle; sex outside of marriage has become a common behavior; teenage pregnancy has reached epidemic proportions; our society has become addicted to drugs, pornography, gambling, and alcohol, all of which develop into huge health problems – not a peep; men are still asleep. Individualism, pluralism, secularism, and apathy supplant congregations rendering the church impotent, totally incapable of doing anything about our moral crisis – because men are sleeping on it. No one seems to know what is right or what is wrong any longer. Sadly, most people don’t think there is any right or wrong, and those who do, don’t seem to care one way or another. So, everyone is doing what feels good to them at the moment, and what will make them feel good about themselves later on. While men sleep - the weeds are growing rapidly and numerously.

 “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. That is why it is said: ‘Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you’” (Ephesians 5:11-14). Look around! What used to be done in secret, in the dark, behind closed doors, is now in the open for even the blind to see. How scary will the nightmare become before men wake up? While men sleep - America is becoming a Godless nation, forbidding even the mention of God in public education and public affairs. Will our national motto, “In God We Trust” become obsolete? While New Testament Christians sleep - false religions are sprouting up all over this nation and around the world and like Israel of old mankind is abandoning their Creator to worship their Baal’s. Don’t you think it’s past time we awaken out of our sleep? New Testament Christians once turned the world upside down by preaching Jesus Christ. The days are getting shorter, light is lacking and love is growing cold. Christ’s return is going to surprise the majority of mankind as the blind continue to follow the blind. “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:13). Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead! Christ will give you light, and love that will never grow cold.

Hang On To The Truth

 I sometimes feel we’re living in this make-believe world where nobody knows the truth any longer and those who do aren’t willing to share it – shades of “A Few Good Men” – “You can’t handle the truth!” I don’t need to know everything, but when it is obvious that outright blatant lies are stripping a free society of its rights - chaos ensues.

If you are my friend, if you are concerned about my soul, give me the truth. Do not flatter me. Do not praise my virtues while remaining silent about my vices. Do not fear the truth will offend me. Do not treasure our friendship and our friendly relations above telling me the truth. Do not think that ignoring my sins, you can help me. Do not think that being blind to my sins will prove yourself charitable. However I may react to it, whatever may be my attitude toward you after you have done it – Give Me the Truth! For the Truth and only the Truth can make me free from the shackles of sin, strengthen me in the pathway of righteousness, and lead me to heaven’s joy. If I am wavering, weak, lukewarm, indifferent, neglectful; if I have been overtaken in a trespass; if I have been drawn into the pleasures of the world; if I have left my first love; if I have been led astray by error; or if I have done none of these, but simply need to grow in knowledge and be edified, Give Me the Truth! Truth is the guide that doesn’t waver or need excuse.

[Proverbs 23:22-23] “Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it – wisdom, instruction and insight as well.” * Three things in life that, once gone, never come back – Time, Words, and Opportunity. * Three things in life that may never be lost – Peace, Hope, and Honesty. * Three things in life that are most valuable – Love, Faith, and Prayer. * Three things in life that are never certain – Dreams, Success, and Fortune. * Three things in life that make life worthwhile – Hard work, Sincerity, and Commitment. * Three things in life that can destroy a soul – Lust, Pride, and Anger. * Three things in life that are truly constant – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. * When it comes to truth, we must always be buyers and never sellers. Truth is a long-term investment that is worth everything one has. It is an investment that will pay extraordinary dividends as long as one holds on to it. But the moment one sells it; the instant one decides to get rid of it, it will be the most costly mistake they could ever make. Unfortunately, truth is so little valued in this day and age. Today, people hold opinions rather than convictions; people follow personal feelings rather than Biblical precedence. They exalt cultural standards over what God has authorized. We live in a time where truth is being sold like it is nothing more than a cheap trinket at a weekend garage sale. Nowadays the prevailing attitude is MY truth versus YOUR truth. What might be true for you may not be true for me and vice versa. Everyone’s measure is different based on their set of circumstances. How many times have we seen the truth bent, twisted or sold to fit a person’s ideology? Scripture never refers to my truth or your truth, but rather refers to The Truth! ‘To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”’ (John 8:31-32). Jesus identified God’s Truth as The Truth, and himself as the teacher of God’s Truth. Therefore, the issue is not whether truth exists, or if it is simply relative based on certain circumstances; the issue is not whether there is such a thing as absolute truth. God settles all of those questions and, surprisingly, doesn’t ask for our opinion on the matter. The real issue still stands – how do we respond to truth? Are we buyers or sellers?

Darkness - The Absence Of Light

There is a time, we know not when, a point we know not where, that marks the destiny of men to glory or despair. There is a line by us unseen, that crosses every path; the hidden boundary between God’s patience and His wrath. To pass that limit is to die, to die as if by stealth; it does not quench the beaming eye, or pale the glow of health. The conscience may be still at ease, the spirit light and gay; that which is pleasing still may please and care be thrust away. But on that forehead God has set indelibly a mark, unseen by man, for man as yet is blind and in the dark. And yet the doomed man’s path below may bloom as Eden bloomed; he did not, does not, will not know, or feel that he is doomed. He knows, he feels that all is well, and every fear is calmed; he lives, he dies, he walks in hell, not only doomed but damned. Oh! Where is that mysterious bourne by which our path has crossed; beyond which God himself has sworn, that he who goes is lost. How far may we go on in sin? How long will God forbear? Where does hope end, and where begins the confines of despair? The answer from the skies is sent: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:7-19).

[1 John 1:5-10] There are myriad examples of darkness and light in the Bible. Satan, evil, sin, ignorance, and apathy are all correctly depicted as darkness. God, Jesus, power, truth, and righteousness are depicted as light. “…God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1: 5). Where does power lie in both light and darkness? There are many sources of light. The sun, a lightbulb, a candle, the stars, lightning, and all have some source of power. Darkness, on the other hand, just has one source, and it is not even of itself. The only way to attain it is to subtract or remove light. Thus, no one can go out and purchase a darkness machine; neither can one turn up the darkness to an intensity as to quench the light. Therefore, light has power and darkness does not. The only power darkness can ever hope to attain is that given to it by one who desires it; “…men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:16-21). All shades of man’s character conform and comply proportionately with the degree in which they love light or darkness. An acceptance of Jesus the Christ as God’s own son, and follower of his doctrine, inherently creates a light in one’s self, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light…” (Ephesians 5:8). Now the evil one wants to quench that light in you and he is very good at what he does. We know the evil one cannot overcome the light of God any more than a dark room can overcome a flashlight or the night can overcome the day. We must let the sun go down or the batteries to weaken. And it usually doesn’t happen suddenly. Satan has been meddling in God’s relationship with man since the time of Job and is enjoying this pandemic immensely. Go to church – but not all the time. Give – But not too much. Do – But just a little. Now you’re not as bright as you once were. Your vision is impaired. Thing’s aren’t as clear; but your eyes adjust. You can still get by. You go to church, but only when you haven’t been for a while. You still give and do things, but only when you go to church. The light within you dims more. You can still see for your eyes have adjusted again, but now you can no longer tolerate bright light. The purity of God’s light and of his glory that once drew you toward Him now causes you to turn away. Darkness is the natural occurrence when light is not present. “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?” (Luke 9:25). Man’s self-centered “rights” are powered by his own dark depraved mind and not of the love and the light of God.

Accepting The Truth

I thought this little ditty would be a good start to my article this week. It is titled “Psychiatric Folk Song” written by Anna Russell: “I went to my psychiatrist to be psychoanalyzed; To find out why I killed the cat and blackened my husband’s eye. He laid me on a downy couch to see what he could find; And here’s what he dredged up, from my subconscious mind. When I was one, my mommy hid my dolly in a trunk; And so it follows, naturally, that I am always drunk. When I was two, I saw my father kiss the maid one day; And that is why I suffer from kleptomania. At three I had a feeling of ambivalence toward my brothers; And so it follows, naturally, I poisoned all my lovers. But I am happy now I have learned the lesson this has taught: Everything I do that’s wrong is someone else’s fault!” Is pointing fingers and protesting the “new norm”?

A pencil maker told the pencil five important lessons just before putting it in the box: 1) Everything you do will leave a mark. 2) You can always correct the mistakes you make. 3) What’s most important is what’s inside of you. 4) Throughout your life you will undergo painful sharpening, which will only make you better. 5) To be your very best, you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the hand that holds you. We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities. Only you can fulfill the purpose you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think your life is insignificant and cannot be changed. Like the pencil, always remember the most important part of who you are is what’s inside of you. “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27).

[Acts 7:51-60] Have you ever had a discussion where the truth seemed more confusing than the lie? If you have, you know that awkward, discombobulating feeling that arises because something you have believed for an extended period of time - even a lifetime - has been proven to be false. It can be quit overwhelming. It is natural that our instinctive response is defensive, even hostile. “Who do you think you are?” and “How dare you judge me!” are phrases on the tip of the tongue. In the heat of the moment one might even rationalize, “That can’t be right.” Should one utterly reject the “preposterous idea” while in a “confused” state of mind, or should one recognize this feeling of “confusion” as a mental flag that moves one to openly reconsider a conviction, no matter how deeply held it might be? We often become emotionally attached to what we believe and it is rarely pleasant to be proven wrong. This explains the initial defense response. However, the real quality of a heart is seen after the initial emotional roller coaster ride ends. Will we stay “confused” by the truth or will we embrace it, giving up the lie? We can fear and procrastinate like Felix (Acts 24:24-25). We can shoot the messenger, as we reject “his truth” and “gnash at him with our teeth” (Acts 7:54; 57-58). We can be moved by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14-15). We can even remain in a perpetual state of “confusion” and have God reinforce “our lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)! On the other hand, we can simply receive the “love of the truth” (Acts 2:29-41). Momentary confusion at having a conviction disproven is understandable. Choosing to reject the truth or remain “confused” is simply inexcusable. Your choice will demonstrate the quality of your heart (Matthew 13:18-23). I cannot change others, But I can change me; I must learn to focus, Being the best I can be. When I change my outlook, And improve through and through; Amazingly I find, That others get better too.

Are You In Awe Of God?

This COVID-19 pandemic is beginning to sound like an Abbott and Costello skit, “Who’s On First” or Costello’s ingenious mathematics proves to Abbott “13 x 7 = 28” and “28 divided by 7 = 13”. We all know better, but we’re laughing and saying, “Right”.

“My family will never go hungry.” A famous athlete was talking about the millions of dollars he had made in his career. In one way we can appreciate his concern for his children and the way he had managed his money. He hadn’t neglected his family or squandered his wealth. But it was tragic that he used frequent profanity in the same interview that had to be edited. Instead of being humble and thankful before God he was arrogant and irreverent. How do people like this become so wealthy? Indirectly, it is because God has made this country so prosperous. But the public directly empowers them. Actors, singers, and athletes entertain us and we are eager to pay them. Then we wonder why they act like they do. Wealth gives people a false feeling of security. One country singer said he had more money than his grandchildren could ever spend, but where is the humility and fear of God in all this? Where is the awe of God today when people use His name so thoughtlessly (Oh my God – omg)? Where is the awe of God today when homosexuality, abortion, etc. are not just accepted, but encouraged in our society (Romans 1:18-32)? Where is the awe of God today when honesty and integrity are thought of as archaic words? Where is the awe of God today when tradition and entertainment are preferred over scripture and truth? Where is the awe of God today when lying and slander among God’s people carry no accountability? Where is the awe of God today when every excuse under the sun will suffice to justify us from fulfilling our responsibilities to God: to worship, pray, give, commune, study, teach, serve, fellowship, etc.? God knows the future and you’re definitely going to be in awe of it.

[Hebrews 12:25-29] Jesus told about a rich man who made a good profit. That man planned to live many years off what he had accumulated. He said to himself, “You have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19). He had his retirement all laid out before him. But God told this successful businessman he was a fool (Luke 12:20). That very night he died. He was not a fool because he waited too long to enjoy his money. He was a fool because he assumed his things were really his, and he was an even bigger fool because he waited too long to prepare to meet God. It is not wise to get our hopes up too high because life can change quickly, drastically, and permanently. There were women in Israel that were so high class that they wouldn’t walk barefoot outside. Moses said those same women would get so hungry one day that they would eat their own children (Deuteronomy 28:56-57). That happened when the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem. War can bring a country with all its pride and wealth to its knees. One of the frustrations we must bear is seeing people who think “their houses shall continue forever” (Psalm 49:10-13). This is even harder when people pride themselves in the control they think they have over their very small part of the world. But God tells us not to fret. The Lord will “bring down high looks” (Psalm 18:27). Meanwhile, let us humbly say, “If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (James 4:15). Standing in awe of God is not just a song we sing or prayer we offer; it’s not just a tingly feeling toward God. It’s an attitude of a humble heart bowing before the Almighty that responds with real life actions of service to Him. Are you in awe of God? We must turn our hearts again to God in prayer, before God’s wrath is realized.