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!