2025 The Best Year of Your Life

 

Well, the calendar says it’s winter and the only way we can tell in South Texas half the time is the cold water tap actually has cold water coming forth again. I imagine the wintry weather will sneak in eventually and hopefully bring some much-needed rain with it. It’s also time to think about the new year and as always, we tend to make promises to ourselves that generally last about a week. Unhealthy habits are the most often desired to rid from our life and the hardest to rid from our life. I’ve found a sure-fire way to reach that goal. Simple human behavior takes repetitive acts and, experts tell us, in thirty days those acts become a habit. We have in essence incorporated new behavior in our lifestyle. Of course, not all new behavior is negative, but some are very unhealthy, socially, and physically. We tend to recognize unhealthy habits and continually promise ourselves to get rid of them. So, if it takes thirty days to form a habit it only makes sense it’s going to take thirty days to break a habit. I contend it takes thirty-one days because it takes one day to convince oneself to determine they really want to do it. That’s the hard part. Then it’s one day at a time struggling to battle and conquer the goal in mind. Thirty days - that’s all! Good luck!

We have all seen a toddler crawling around a room, eagerly eyeing furniture that can be used for leverage when the time comes for “pulling-up.” We have also seen that toddler reach the “pull-up” stage and move to the walking “without no-holds.” We rightly praise and encourage such behavior. We know that growth is only achieved by going beyond present circumstances. What we sometimes forget is that we (adults) need to grow also. That growth, though it may be imperceptible to the eye, is still real growth.

Let us consider some things we need to move beyond in order for us to grow spiritually. Our achievements will only be as high as our heist goals. If we aspire to be pew-warmers only, that is all we will be. Our minds will not be engaged in the private study of the Word of God and our faith will not be challenged by the Word’s clash with the world in our daily life. We dare not be content with “just being religious.” Here’s a challenge for us: “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1). That ought to raise our goal. Make 2025 the best year of your life with determination, and God’s help.

There is no doubt about it, in this world we will have tribulation (John 16:33), or trouble. Persecution is to be expected (2 Timothy 3:12). Further, physical accidents and health failures occur regularly, as does death. Christians are not immune to any of these things. Therefore, when these occur in our life, we must deal with them in a realistic, optimistic manner. There is no way that will minimize the importance of our own health or the personhood of those we love. However, if we cannot accept the loss of something or someone that/who is truly gone from this life, we will suffer serious mental and spiritual consequences. Make 2025 the best year of your life with determination, and God’s help.

We all have certain limitations. They may be in our physical make-up or circumstances. However, we can move beyond some of those limitations. For example, we may hold a job that pays minimum wages. However, that doesn’t mean that we or the job are insignificant. We can work enthusiastically at any job we may hold (Ecclesiastes 5:1). We can do the best we can with what God has given and be satisfied in the realization that we have done so. Make 2025 the best year of your life. Approach it with determination, and God’s help.

Growth, by its nature, means moving beyond the present circumstance to even better circumstances. If we approach it in that manner, even the most disheartening of circumstances can be faced with courage and optimism. It’s time to go beyond and grow.

Do You See What I See?

 

In 1809 the international scene was tumultuous. Napoleon was sweeping through Austria; blood was flowing freely. Nobody then cared about babies, but the world was overlooking some significant births. William Gladstone was born that year. He was destined to become one of England's finest statesman. That same year, Alfred Tennyson was born to an obscure minister and his wife. The child would one day greatly affect the literary world in a marked manner. On the American continent, Oliver Wendell Holmes was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. And not far away in Boston, Edgar Allan Poe began his eventful, albeit tragic, life. It was also in that same year that a physician named Darwin, and his wife named their child Charles Robert. And that same year produced the cries of a newborn infant in a rugged log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. The baby's name? Abraham Lincoln. If there had been news broadcasts at that time, I'm certain everyone thought taxation was the big news of the day when Jesus was born. But a young Jewish woman cradled the biggest news of all: the birth of the Savior. By Charles Swindoll

[Matthew 25:31-46] You say, had I been there in Bethlehem that night I would have seen. I would have understood. I would have known it was the Christ child. Would you? There is one way of knowing: Ask yourself what you have seen and heard this Christmas Season. * When you watched the 6:00 news did you see chaos and strife, or did you see sheep without a shepherd. * When you went out to do your shopping did you see only hordes of people in the stores, or did you notice the worried expressions on some of their faces - worried because they are facing this Christmas without employment or enough money, and they don't know how they are going to make ends meet. What did you hear this Christmas? * Did you hear only the blast of music and carols, or did you hear the silent sighs of the lonely and the bereaved who may be dreading Christmas because it accentuates their loneliness. * And in the midst of the sounds of honking horns and people arguing over parking places, did you hear faint sounds of laughter because you furnished food and toys for families and children. * So often what you see and what you hear is not dependent upon the event but upon you. If you did in fact hear the cry from the lonely, the laughter of poor children, if you saw the sheep without a shepherd, then, and only then, might you have noticed the events that took place in Bethlehem that night. Brett Blair, Sermon Illustrations.

Long ago, there ruled in Persia a wise and good king. He loved his people. He wanted to know how they lived. He wanted to know about their hardships. Often, he dressed in the clothes of a working man or a beggar and went to the homes of the poor. No one whom he visited thought that he was their ruler. One time he visited a very poor man who lived in a cellar. He ate the coarse food the poor man ate. He spoke cheerful, kind words to him. Then he left. Later he visited the poor man again and disclosed his identity by saying, "I am your king!" The king thought the man would surely ask for some gift or favor, but he didn't. Instead, he said, "You left your palace and your glory to visit me in this dark, dreary place. You ate the course food I ate. You brought gladness to my heart! To others you have given your rich gifts. To me you have given yourself!"

The King of glory, the Lord Jesus Christ, gave himself to you and me. The Bible calls Him, "the unspeakable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:10-15)

Some gifts you can give this Christmas: Mend a quarrel, dismiss suspicion, tell someone, "I love you." Give something away--anonymously. Give as God gave to you in Christ, without obligation, announcement, reservation, or hypocrisy. Merry Christmas.

Please, Don't Squeeze the Skunk

 

In a book by John Haggai entitled, “How to Win Over Worry” the author tells the story of a Mrs. Monroe who resided in Maryland. Mrs. Monroe, a typical mother like any other mother you might meet, had gone to the store and left her children home watching television. When she arrived home and walked into the kitchen carrying her bags of groceries she felt an eerie silence in the house. She looked into the den and saw her five children sitting around in a circle in the middle of the floor with their attention on what was before them. Mrs. Monroe walked in and saw her children playing with five cute little skunks. Startled, she yelled at her children, “Run, children, run!” With that, each child grabbed a skunk and ran in five different directions. As they ran, she screamed even louder scaring the children so badly that each one squeezed their skunk. The moral of the lesson is “Skunks don’t like to be squeezed!”

Maybe we find ourselves in life squeezing the skunk, getting so frustrated with what weighs us down that we act or react in a way that just makes things worse. We’ve all probably been there and, in the end, have a bigger mess to get out of than we had to start.

I start this week’s article with this story as I observe selfish, immature worldly leaders causing stinks all over the world playing with and squeezing skunks that should ought to be left alone. I believe President Ronald Reagan was the one who emphasized the philosophy of “peace through strength.” He meant that the United States was more likely to enjoy a peaceful existence if we maintained a strong defense. The idea is that a strong and mighty military might keep us out of war. Christians, however, can live by the concept of “peace through strength” regardless of their country’s military power. Biblical peace is not the absence of war; rather it is the result of enjoying a right relationship with Almighty God, no matter what is happening in the world. God’s strength brings peace to His saints.

When we have been justified by faith, “…we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). This is “…the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding” and that “will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

[James 5:16] “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” I am persuaded that most people would concede they need to pray more than they do. We all recognize the importance of prayer, so why do we not pray more than we do? I think one reason is that we do not truly appreciate the power of prayer. For faithful Christians, prayer is our connection to our Heavenly Father and His unlimited power and wisdom. The power of prayer was expressed by James in his writing. Notice that the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Prayer itself must also be fervent, that is, it must be continual, sincere, and from a trusting heart. James gave the example of the prophet Elijah who prayed fervently, and God heard his prayer (James 5:17-18). Fervent prayers from a righteous heart are effective, that is, God will answer them according to His perfect will and timetable. We are assured that such prayer “avails much,” which is more than a little. There is real power in prayer! May we forever have faith in God and in the power of prayer.

Pray that God intercedes with wisdom and truth for those who are “squeezing the skunks” and stinking up the world with evil and depravity destroying His perfect creation.

While the world wallows in continuous warfare, the Christian can enjoy peace because of God’s grace. Don’t let the constant evil and worldly unrest rob you of peace, or the knowledge that, “come what may,” my soul is safe in the arms of Jesus. God save us!

Marathons of Life

 

Every year, thousands of seasoned runners from all over the world gather in Australia to take part in one of the most difficult ultra-marathons on the planet. As the name suggests, the Westfield Sydney-Melbourne Ultra Marathon has competitors running from Sydney to Melbourne, a distance of 543.7-miles (875 kilometers). The first man to win this endurance race remains its most famous participant to date – a 61-year-old potato farmer who ran the whole thing wearing overalls and work boots and beat the runner up by 10 hours. When Cliff Young showed up at the starting line for the inaugural edition of the Westfield Sydney-Melbourne Ultra Marathon in 1983, he stuck out like a sore thumb. While all the other participants wore professional running equipment, Young was dressed like he was ready to plow a field. Wearing his everyday farmer’s clothes and the running tag displayed on the back of his shirt, he quickly attracted the attention of reporters present on the scene. “I grew up on a farm where we couldn’t afford horses or tractors, and the whole time I was growing up, whenever the storms would roll in, I’d have to go out and round up the sheep,” Cliff casually told reporters. “We had 2,000 sheep on 2,000 acres. Sometimes I would have to run those sheep for two or three days. It took a long time, but I’d always catch them. I believe I can run this race.”

No one actually believed him, and who could blame them? All the other competitors were in their 20s and early 30s, with years of training and marathon experience under their belts, and here was this 61-year-old man dressed like he had just come from the field, claiming that he was going to finish an 875-kilometer ultra-marathon.

He ran at a slow and loping pace and trailed the pack by a large margin at the end of the first day. While the other competitors stopped to sleep for six hours, Young kept running. He ran continuously for five days, taking the lead during the first night and eventually winning by 10 hours. He said afterwards that during the race he imagined he was running after sheep trying to outrun a storm. The Westfield run took him five days, fifteen hours, and four minutes, almost two days faster than the previous record for any run between Sydney and Melbourne, at an average speed of 6.5 kilometers per hour (4.0 mph). All six competitors who finished the race broke the old record. Upon being awarded the prize of A$10,000 (equivalent to $36,011 USD in 2022), Young said that he did not know there was a prize and that he felt bad accepting it, as each of the other five runners who finished had worked as hard as he did—so he split the money equally between them, keeping none.

[1 Corinthians 9:24-27] “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we (Christians) for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

It has always amazed me to see the resilience of the American labor community. No matter what the atmosphere or the circumstances of the political, social, and/or financial environments are, the economy remains lucrative because of the unfailing workforce behind it. Since this country was founded, even before our Constitutional government was formed, a marathon of sharing goods for labor has existed. It’s what has made America and American’s the envy of the world. Now is the time to defend our strength which comes from God by faithfully standing for the principles and the truths found in God’s Word.

Pray Rejoicing

 

With all the hype and worry that naturally fills any Presidential election year we now find that November has come and gone leaving with a sigh of relief. I have to admit I’ve joined in on the rejoicing of the election outcome though still somewhat optimistic as to the plans and promises of the new administration. I know the country and the world will never be free of evil, but I believe God has heard our prayers and has granted mankind a reprieve from His wrath in exchange for repentance and revival. Prayer is now as, if not more important, than ever all this year to realize a brilliant sunrise on 2025. I was asked how and when and where the best way is to pray. I dug up the following quip about prayer.

"The proper way for a man to pray," Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes, " And the only proper attitude, Is down upon his knees." "No, I should say the way to pray," Said Rev. Dr. Wise, Is standing straight, with outstretched arms, And rapt and upturned eyes." "Oh, no; no, no," said Elder Slow, Such posture is too proud; A man should pray with eyes fast closed And head contritely bowed." "It seems to me his hands should be, Austerely clasped in front, With both thumbs pointing toward the ground," Said Rev. Dr. Blunt. "Las' year I fell in Hodgkin's well Headfirst," said Cyrus Brown, With both my heels a-stickin' up, My head a-pinting down. "An' I made a prayer right then an' there-- Best prayer I ever said. The prayingest prayer I ever prayed, A-standing on my head." The Prayer of Cyrus Brown by Sam Walter Foss.

[1 Thessalonians 5:16-22] “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” Although written to members of the fledgling church, this scripture can be aptly applied to anyone’s plan of revival and/or repentance to receive more of God’s grace.

The Bible speaks a number of times regarding rejoicing. * David once stated, “This is the day which the Lord has made,” and then he added, “We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Why isn’t that just as true today as the day David wrote it? A celebrated writer once wrote, “Every new day is a miracle.” The point: “the Lord did not owe us another day, but He gave it to us.” * In the days of Nehemiah, when the people of God had combined their efforts in a great cause, they were coaxed to rejoice and were reminded: “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Then the people responded with great rejoicing “because they now understood the words that had been made known to them” (Nehemiah 8:12). * Even in the shadow of the hideous cross, Jesus told the disciples, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Of course, they were not glad that Jesus had to suffer so but were to rejoice at the happy results—their redemption (cf. Ephesians 1:7; Romans 3:24-25). * It is recorded of the early church that they “received their food with glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:46, ESV). * In the marvelous book of Philippians, we read that Paul counseled Christians to “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1); and then a chapter later repeated, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). * The Thessalonians were instructed similarly, to “rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). * What a wonderful reason Jesus gave the early disciples to rejoice when He said, “rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

Have we ever thought that when we are told to “rejoice,” that it implies making a conscious effort to do so? Happiness is not automatic—it’s a choice! “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Thanksgiving must be every day.

Whereas - Give Thanks

 

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and – Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26^th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering to Him or sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best. (George Washington, President of the Unites States, October 3, 1789)

[James 2:14-26] No society is greater than its god. Morality depends on one’s perspective of God. When a nation turns from God it is, indeed, in a precarious position. Long ago God sent His prophets to proclaim His message of repentance. Some people listened, others did not. However, if one’s faith in God does not govern behavior and the choices one makes, such “faith” is dead and worthless. Ezekiel spoke God’s message concerning Jerusalem and the way the people lived. Did they have faith in God? Certainly! Did they live as God wanted them to live? Absolutely not! Would their faith, apart from their obedience to God, save them? No! In Ezekiel 22, their sinfulness is laid out before them. They were so consumed by sin that they were not able to discern between the holy and the profane (vss. 23-26). God could not and would not disregard their sinful behavior. God said that Israel was nothing but worthless dross. Any nation that doesn’t have godly leadership is on its way to ruin! Let us who believe have the courage to stand in the gap, pointing the people to God. We are becoming a godless society, where our wants and rights are more important to us than a “thus says the Lord” obedient, just, free, and happy society.

[Ephesians 5:15-21] Give thanks always, for all things, to God, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Loads and Freedoms of Life

 

In a well-functioning society, there has to be co-operation among the citizens, or nothing can be accomplished to better the society. As we have witnessed over the past month, millions of people came together to state their opinion and concern about the governing of our society through the voting for representative leadership. Thankfully, we still have the freedom to do such and the right to express ourselves in the voting booth.

Well-functioning societies are all around us, even right under our feet. Arriving at work one morning last week I observed what appeared to be one hundred mini-ants (call them what you may) crossing the sidewalk carrying a dead cricket. They were actually passing it forward to the ants in front and when relieved of their load the ants in the rear moved to the front of the line to receive the cricket again. Total co-operation to bring their spoil home for a feast. I watched for a few minutes in amazement of the wonder of God.

Some historians estimate that up to one-third of the population of the Roman Empire in the first century was enslaved. Think about it – if you had lived during that time, you had a one in three chance of being a slave. The slave market was obviously a thriving sector of the Roman economy. When a person was a slave, of course, they were complete subject to their master. They had no choice nor opportunity for freedom. And believe it or not, in the days of the Roman Empire, there were some good people who didn’t believe in slavery. They knew what kind of life people would live in slavery, and they wanted to do anything possible to alleviate the problem. Some of these people were rich and would go to the slave market to buy slaves - for only one purpose – to set them free. Because the price of the slave had been paid, the slave could be set free. There was even a word used for this practice in first century times. It was “apolutrosis” which means “release effected by payment of ransom; redemption; deliverance” (Vine Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words).

[Romans 3:24] It is no wonder to a society very familiar with this practice that the apostle Paul used this word in describing Christians as, “…being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…” Paul begins the thought with a reminder in the pervious verse, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). And so, it was with us when we were in sin. We were slaves. We had no choice. We had no opportunity to be free from the penalty of sin. While we were enslaved to sin, we were completely under the control of sin. We were being sold on the open market to the highest bidder. But then Jesus came, had compassion on us, and paid the required price, which was His own sinless life’s blood. Paul confirms this in writing about Jesus, “…whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed…” (Romans 3:25). But we must still accept Him as our new Master. In doing so, Jesus will set us free. We are no longer under the control or penalty of sin. Sin no longer rules our lives, and we are free to escape its deadly grasp. The problem is that some people do not feel like they are free from sin. They continue to live as if Satan is still their master. They let sin control their decisions and lives. In doing so, they are going back to a life of spiritual bondage, disaster, and death. Christian, we need to remember that we have been purchased and set free. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangle again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

Our Constitutional Republic society recognizes the God given rights of life and honors His dos and don’ts for a righteous society. If we all share the loads of life, we’ll be blessed.

Ask Counsel of the Lord

The battle between good and evil is a war that will never end. It appears good has achieved a victory over evil but don’t fool yourself, a battle may have been won but the war rages on. Prayer has delivered on its promise and increased prayer for our Country and Constitution will bring restitution to our government. Don’t stop praying!

A new preacher entered a Sunday school class and asked a question pertaining to the lesson which was in progress. “Who broke down the walls of Jericho?” A boy immediately answered, “Not me sir!” The preacher turned to the teacher and asked, “Is this the usual behavior in this class?” The teacher replied, “I believe this boy is an honest boy, and I really don’t think he did it.” Leaving the room the preacher sought out a deacon to explain what had happened. The deacon said, “I have known both the boy and the teacher for several years, and neither of them would do such a thing.” By this time, the preacher was heartsick and reported the incident to the education committee. A spokesperson stated, “We see no point in making an issue out of this. Let’s pay for the damage and we’ll charge it to upkeep. Anyway, we’re already looking into the possibility of our insurance covering it.”

That’s the type of insane, nonsensical, rhetoric that the new President will be facing as excuses and finger-pointing will abound to explain past behavior and failures. Get ready for several more battles and keep your head on straight for the enemy is sly and devious.

[2 Peter 1:2-11] Soon after Israel’s victories over Jericho and Ai, several of Canaan’s southern city-states formed an alliance and immediately set out to fight against God’s people. The fearful Gibeonites, however, had a different strategy. They chose to deceive Israel into thinking they were somebody that they were not (non-Canaanite inhabitants) with hopes of a peace treaty being struck between themselves and Israel. Their deceptive scheme worked, and it was successful because “they (the Israelite leadership) did not ask counsel of the Lord” (Joshua 9 [v.14]).

Tragically, the masses still today are buying into the falsehoods being uttered by the enemies of truth because they are not asking (seeking) counsel of the Lord. Our failure, as a nation, to seek counsel of the Lord, has had devastating consequences as evidenced by the rapid decline of morality, the ever-increasing number of broken and dysfunctional homes, financial woes, religious division and confusion, etc. Hosea recorded what the Lord said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). God, through His Word, gives us everything we need in all matters pertaining to life and godliness, but the problem is, we, like Israel of old, refuse to seek His counsel. The words of the wise man should suffice as we conclude: “Turn at my rebuke; Surely, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called, and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you distained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge, And did not choose the fear of the Lord, They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. Therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their own way And be filled to the full of their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:23-33). …pray without ceasing… (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22). 

What Happens After the Vote?

(From Edd Sterchi, Bulletin Digest, November 2024) The election will soon be over, and boy oh boy, will I be glad. I simply detest all of the political rhetoric, spinning of the issues, and the constant, incessant, irritating ads! Regardless of whether our favorite candidate wins or not, and regardless of whether we think the country is headed the right or wrong direction, there are some important things we need to remember after all of the dust has settled. We can glean them from the book of Daniel, who definitely had to endure some wicked, ungodly rulers. God is still in control. No matter who is elected, always remember that God is in charge. In the book of Daniel, four times we read that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men” (4:17, 25, 32; 5:21). Daniel 2:21 says it best, “He removes kings and raises up kings.” Remember this: no election by man is going to thwart God’s almighty plan! Regardless of who is in office, God’s Will, will still be done. God will make it so that we can remain faithful to Him. No matter how wicked the political leader, no matter how much the laws are changed for the worse, no matter how oppressive the government, Christians can remain faithful to God. Despite servitude and persecution, Daniel was still able to remain faithful to Jehovah God (Daniel 1:1-8, 6:7-10). God will not let a situation happen to His people in which it is impossible for them to remain faithful to His will. Because God is in control and because He will make it so that we can be faithful to Him, we can rest assured that He will reward our faithfulness. All good things come from God, and God can bring blessings into any situation. When Daniel remained faithful, God blessed him (Daniel 1:9, 15-20; 2:46-48; 4:29; 6:1-3, 22, 28). Regardless of who comes into political leadership and regardless of what laws are or are not created, we can have the certainty that if we remain faithful to God, He will bless us and reward us. So, once the election is over, resolve to be a faithful Christian, a good citizen, and a caring human, and maybe it won’t bother you so much just who did or didn’t get elected! And always remember that God will always be God – nothing will ever change that! “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

[James 2:1-4] The world teaches hate. Turn on the news or any social media and you will be flooded with stories and opinions that drive fear, distrust, and anger. If you are honest with yourself, you know we have all seen prejudice. We are all guilty of prejudice at one time or another, it is almost inevitable. When we see someone, we make a snap judgement. Are they like me or are they different? Based on that judgement we treat them differently. We should see each other as God does. God looks at the heart. He sees us as lost children who have sinned and need salvation. (Romans 3:23). As a Christian, we need to understand the true love that God has for us. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). God expects us to love the way He does. “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all” (Colossians 3:11). “Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right” (Acts 10:34-35).

It does not matter to God if we are tall, short, fat, thin, black, white, brown, red, yellow, American, Palestinian, or if our bodies are whole or broken. God wants us all to repent and turn to Him (2 Peter 3:9). We are blessed to have brothers and sisters around the world of every color, culture, and nationality. Do you love them? Do you righteously fear God? 

Now Is Your Time

In George Washington’s September 17, 1796 farewell address, he cautioned against three interrelated dangers that threatened to destroy the Union: regionalism, partisanship, and foreign entanglements. He warned his countrymen not to let regional loyalties overwhelm national attachments: “The name of American…must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.” At this time, many Americans primarily identified with their state or region, but Washington reminded the citizenry not to allow such attachments to divide them, lest “designing men” convince them that differing local interests made the Union unworkable or unnecessary. In particular, Washington feared that geographic identities would serve as the foundation for the development of political parties. Indeed, this process had already begun with the emergence of the New England Federalists and Southern Democratic-Republicans. While we currently view partisanship as inseparable from the American political process, in the early republic, most condemned parties as divisive, disruptive, and the tools of demagogues seeking power. “Factionalism,” as contemporaries called it, encouraged the electorate to vote based on party loyalty rather than the common good. Washington feared that partisanship would lead to a “spirit of revenge” in which party men would not govern for the good of the people, but only to obtain and maintain their grip on power. As a result, he warned Americans to guard against would-be despots who would use parties as “potent engines…to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government.” The greatest danger to the Union, though, stemmed from the combination of factionalism and external invasion. Washington explained that partisanship “open[ed] the door to foreign influence and corruption” because it weakened voters’ abilities to make reasoned and disinterested choices. Rather than choosing the best men for office, the people would base decisions on “ill-founded jealousies and false alarms,” and so elect those in league with foreign conspirators. To avoid outside interference, Washington advocated a foreign policy based on neutrality and friendly commercial relations with all.

[Ester 4:13-14] And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" That was a bold message to give to a queen! But what does money, title, or position matter before God? No matter who you are you cannot remain silent. Mordecai tells her: it is your job to speak up. Cowardice has consequences. God will punish those who live by fear and reward those who live by faith. Mordecai then asks: why do you think you are where you are? Was it just by chance that you became queen? You are queen because God put you there!

And it isn’t just by chance - you were placed where you are today for a purpose. You were called to be God’s instrument of justice in such a time as this. “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live” (Acts 17:26).

“Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their [party] country” – Charles E. Weller. Because we live in a free country threatened by perverted evil, it is our duty to cast our vote, not for party, but for the preservation of our God given rights which have made this country great for 248 years. Remember, the world, and the Lord, are watching. 

No Good Deed Goes...

 

One day in England a “gentleman of the road” (a hobo) stopped by a restaurant named “St George and the Dragon.” He knocked at the back door and asked if he might have a bite of some leftovers to eat. A very stern lady looked the fellow in the eye and said, “I’ll not give you one crumb! You’re a fit fellow – get yourself a job, you bum!” And then to punctuate her point, she slammed the door in the fellow’s face. The shabbily dressed fellow stood looking at the establishment’s sign for a moment and then knocked, again. The door opened and the same stern lady asked in a hateful voice, “Well, what is it you want now!?” “I was just wondering,” he said, “could I please speak to St George this time?”

There's a wonderful legend about Saint Francis who one day informed his brethren that he planned to go into the nearby village on a preaching mission. He invited a novice to go along. On their way, they passed an injured man and Francis promptly stopped, saw to the poor fellow's needs, and arranged medical care for him. They went on and soon passed a homeless man who was near starvation. Again, Francis stopped his journey and ministered to the hungry, homeless man. So it went, throughout the day: people in need, and Francis lovingly caring for them as best he could until the sun was low in the sky. He told his novice friend it was time for them to return, now, to the monastery for evening prayers. The young man queried, "But, you said we were coming to town to preach to the people." Francis smiled and then said, "My friend, that's what we've been doing all day." 

[Matthew 25:31-46] Those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, took in the stranger, clothed the naked, cared for the sick, and visited the prisoner heard these words from the King, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Paul wrote, Titus 3:8, “…those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” The Hebrews writer stated, Hebrews 6:10, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and do minister.”

Enter the devil, stage left. He and those deceived by him consistently repeat, “No good deed goes unpunished.” And sometimes it seems the devil is right. A godly wife does all she can to live the truth of 1 Peter 3:1-6, but her husband doesn’t respond with love. He intensifies his cruelty and rebellion to God. Godly parents do all they can to live the truth of Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:4, but their children neither appreciate nor internalize godly training. Godly elders attempt to live up to the truth of Hebrews 13:17, but some brethren see them as meddlesome and overbearing. Godly Christians do their best to apply Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1-2, but they are accused of trying to force their religion on others. Sadly, all this happens and Satan gloats when he persuades some that righteousness costs far more than it pays.

Happily, scripture countermands each of the devil’s lies. It’s just not true that “no good deed goes unpunished.” Rather, in this sin-damaged world, it’s more accurate to say that “few good deeds go unchallenged.” Satan opposes good, especially good that’s done in the name of Christ. Why? Because the devil knows that good deeds honor God, help people, and mold Christian character. What the devil opposes, God commends. In God’s divine grace and mercy for the faithful, we can say, “No good deed goes unnoticed” – “No good deed goes unappreciated” and “No good deed goes unrewarded.” We have God’s word on these truths. Love the Lord and no good deed will go unrewarded! Voting is a good deed.

Are You Ready and Willing to Vote?

 

Wabush, a town in a remote portion of Labrador, Canada, has always been completely isolated from the rest of the world. But recently a road was cut through the wilderness to reach it. Wabush now has one road leading into it, and thus, only one road leading out. If someone were to travel the unpaved road for six to eight hours to get to Wabush, there is only one way he or she could leave – by turning around. Each of us, through our wrong choices, arrives in a town called Sin. Once in Sin, we are trapped and doomed to destruction (Romans 6:23), unless we find a way out. As in Wabush, there is only one way out, a road built by God Himself – Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins (Ephesians 1:7). Through his atoning sacrifice, we find our way out of Sin into a Heavenly City (Hebrews 11:16), where there is eternal life and eternal joy. Through the “curtain” of His flesh and His blood shed for our sins, Jesus has opened up a “new and living way” out of Sin into the Most Holy Place (Hebrews 10:19-20). But in order to take that road, one must first turn around. That complete about-face is what the Bible calls repentance, and without it, there is no way out of (town) Sin.

It's time for all good citizens to realize an evil dirt road is being built to a place called Tyranny. Those who are not paying attention are traveling down this road, and don’t even realize it. Our U.S. Constitution is being dismantled word by word. The freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to bear arms and many more God given rights are being reconstituted to shift government powers from the people to destroy the elected representative system – tyranny! It’s time to put down the video games, set sports aside, and get your head out of the sand! It’s time to take a serious look at the candidates running for all kinds of representative electorate from President of the United States all the way down to the local dog catcher. It’s time to vote! It’s time to vote for evil or good representation. It’s time to stand up for righteous Godly living and VOTE! If you do not vote in this upcoming election, and evil wins, it will be too late to save this free country.

Sitting in your recliner watching organized manipulate sports programs, ignorant sitcom TV programing, and obviously orchestrated propaganda news (parroted by all public outlets), is not taking the time necessary to investigate whether our elected representatives are actually representing out values. And I mean take the time to look at several outlets to see which educates you on the issues in the country and around the world.

[ Jerimiah 17:14-18] Whatever you do, don’t talk to me about God’s will and His will to save the country because he loves our country. How about you? Do you love this country enough to vote with a righteous conscience to show God you want to continue in His blessings? If you don’t vote, then your no-vote states that you agree with all the unrighteous evil being peddled throughout this country and around the world. Your vote can stop the evil and turn this country around, headed back to God and the Constitutional Republic established with the God-given rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, far from the evil intents of tyranny and oppression. Otherwise, I believe God will let us have what we want without prejudice, but remember this, one day you will have to answer to God for your no-vote. Revival through repentance along with righteous informed voting is the only action that will bring the blessings of God back to our land. We’re going down a road to destruction! It’s a Satan constructed dead-end road! Turn around and seek God’s favor before it’s too late! Get out and VOTE! Christians can and must save America by voting.

Heal Our Land

 

In the 1914 publication of the 1912 Barnhill-Tichenor Debate on Socialism, in which Henry M. Tichenor, a socialist thinker, and John Basil Barnhill, an anti-socialist writer, debated socialism in a series of essays. In "Indictment of Socialism No. 3," Barnhill listed a series of points. Indictment of Socialism No. 3, By John Basil Barnhill: “When my Sweatbox has failed to effect a cure - and I have rarely known it to fail - I have recourse then to a series of knockout drops, a few of which are here appended: 1. Where the people fear the government, you have tyranny. Where the government fears the people, you have liberty. 2. The surest way to make a scoundrel out of a saint is to give him the power of spending other people's money and Socialism would multiply infinitely such opportunities. (The first one is a quote, often mistakenly attributed to Thomas Jefferson).

Our republic form of government, where the citizen rules over the elected, is constantly be referred to as a democracy, which is that form of government ruled by the popular vote. We do not live in a democracy! Our democracy is not being threatened by anything! But today our republic is being ignored by those who want to rule over the people through “pork-barrel” legislation, non-elected “bullies” and the empowering of NGO’s (Non-Governmental Organizations). The “land of the free and home of the brave” is being trampled on and destroyed by Marxist and Communistic influences silencing the honest, hard-working, capitalistic society America is known for. The tax-paying, voting public is being hoodwinked into believing that there is a better society awaiting them and it can all be done without the Creator. Just start doing whatever feels good to you – damn society.

[Jeremiah 18:1-12] The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?" says the LORD. "Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel! The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it. And the instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it, if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey My voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I would benefit it. "Now therefore, speak to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, 'Thus says the LORD: "Behold, I am fashioning a disaster and devising a plan against you. Return now every one from his evil way and make your ways and your doings good."'" And they said, "That is hopeless! So, we will walk according to our own plans, and we will every one obey the dictates of his evil heart."

Once upon a time American’s allowed the Word of God to form and sustain a republic form of government that was faithful to and obeyed God with fear and its citizens lived moral upright lives. But we are being told that that kind of life in “unsustainable.” Family is burdensome and capitalism is nothing but slavery 2.0. Is this where America is today? "That is hopeless! So, we will walk according to our own plans, and we will every one obey the dictates of his evil heart." (2 Chronicles 7:13-14) God promised once and that promise holds true today. We as a people must repent and pray or lose our country. VOTE!

A "Yes" Face

 

During his days as President, Thomas Jefferson and a group of companions were traveling across the country on horseback. They came to a river which had left its banks because of a recent downpour. The swollen river had washed the bridge away. Each rider was forced to ford the river on horseback, fighting for his life against the rapid currents. The very real possibility of death threatened each rider, which caused a traveler who was not part of their group to step aside and watch. After several had plunged in and made it to the other side, the stranger asked President Jefferson if he would ferry him across the river. The president agreed without hesitation. The man climbed on, and shortly thereafter the two of them made it safely to the other side. As the stranger slid off the back of the saddle onto dry ground, one in the group asked him, “Tell me, why did you select the president to ask this favor of?” The man was shocked, admitting he had no idea it was the president who had helped him. “All I know,” he said, “Is that on some of your faces was written the answer ‘No,’ and on some of them was the answer ‘yes.’ His was a ‘Yes’ face.” Bible.org/illustration; The Grace Awakening, C. Swindoll, Word, 1990, p6.

On his first night in the barracks the new recruit faced a real test. At home, he had the habit of reading the Bible and kneeling down to pray before retiring. In the barracks, he was entirely surrounded by rough fellows, many of them cursing and joking loudly. The new recruit thought it might be wise to go to bed and read the Bible where nobody would notice him. Then he thought and boldly decided, I’m a Christian! I ought to be an example for Jesus before these guys. I won’t pull down my colors. I will do here what I always did at home. So, he took out his Bible and read for a while. Then he knelt down to pray. The barracks became noticeably quiet. After a while, the talk began again, but it was more subdue. No one said anything about the young soldier’s behavior. The next night when he got out his Bible, eight other soldiers got out their Bibles. Within a month every soldier in the barracks would have fought for the lad. They came to him with their questions and their troubles. May you and I have the same level of courage before the Lord and humanity.

[Matthew 5:16] “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.” Sometimes it’s good for us to walk where we’re not comfortable. Comfort is difficult to define. It is generally the feeling we have when we know the people around us, are familiar with the place we are, and know pretty much what is going to happen next. On the other hand, discomfort is that feeling when we don’t know the people, the place, or what to expect. We would rather be comfortable. As followers of Jesus, we need to walk where it isn’t so comfortable. It isn’t comfortable to stand beside someone’s hospital bed, but Jesus needs to be there. It isn’t comfortable to go to the home of someone who has recently died, but Jesus needs to be there. It isn’t comfortable to go to someone who is in distress because of a rocky marriage, a wayward child, or a moral violation, but Jesus needs to be in all these places. So, He sends us. We are the ones to go, not seeking comfort, but giving it. We are the ones to stand in the presence of difficulty so that God will be remembered there. We are the ones who are to be more concerned with the wellbeing of others than we are about our own comfort level. And, truly, this is one of the ways He leads us to a greater adventure. Because of Him we end up going places we would never have dreamed of going, doing things we would have never dreamed of doing, and changing the lives of people we would have never met. God has a way of providing what people need, and often times, they need us. A “Yes” face to offer help and comfort.

Kindness

 

For the past several years, we’ve been hearing a lot of comments on “the graying of America.” According to statistics, American’s are reaching retirement age in startling numbers, and it affects everything from Social Security, to health care, to corporate retirement benefits. The discussions in the media usually center on the problems associated with older age. Believe me when I say older age presents one with new challenges and difficulties and one thing is for sure – the “golden years” and old age isn’t for sissies! Physical abilities decrease, eyesight diminishes, and memory seems to temporarily fail at the most inappropriate times. Sadly, one’s doctor list gets longer than their Christmas card list, time flies, and it seems there’s more to do every day than ever before.

It seems the only time we hear about goodness and kindness is when it’s noted in the news as something out of the ordinary. I personally would like to make a shout out to our community as being one of the friendliest, most courteous, and respectful people around. When it comes to holding a door for someone, or having a door held out of kindness, without fail there is always an exchange of “thank-you and you’re welcome” expressed which makes one want to do it repeatedly. A smile and a “Hello” or “Good Morning” from a complete stranger, or delivered to a complete stranger, can, and has, changed the attitude and outcome of one’s entire day. I just want to say thanks to those who unashamedly express a Godly love for one another in this increasingly demonic depraved world.

[Romans 12:9-21] At a murder trial, a victim’s relative said, “When I lost my brother, I lost someone who never said an unkind word to me!” I have to confess with shame that, if I were her brother, she could not have said that about me. How many of us could have somebody say that about us? Kindness is an integral part of the Christian character. It is linked strongly to our Lord and our God. The kindness of God is mentioned hundreds of times in the Old Testament. Jesus said of our Father, “…For He is kind to the unthankful and evil” (Luke 6:35-36). Paul’s deep analysis of love tells us, “Love suffers long and is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4). And again, Paul reminds us to be, “…kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate)…” (Ephesians 4:32). Paul warned Timothy that the Lord’s servant must be, “…kind to everyone …not resentful” (2 Timothy 2:24). He instructed Titus to tell the older women to teach the younger women to, “…be kind so that no one will malign the Word of God” (Titus 2:5). I wish I could take back every unkind word I have spoken in this life. What about you? We can’t do that, but we can change our present attitude to become a people of respect. Therefore, be Godly in attitude toward one another; Be kind and respectful if you expect to receive kindness and be respected.

One winter morning the old preacher brought out a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of glass, crystal, and plain-looking cheap cups. When those present all had a share of hot chocolate in their hand, the preacher said, “Notice that all the nice-looking, expensive vessels have been taken and used, but not the plain and cheap ones. What each of you really wanted was the chocolate, not the vessel, but each subconsciously went for the best vessel.” Consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money, and position in society are the vessels. They are just tools to hold and contain life. Sometimes, by only concentrating on the vessel, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us. God makes the hot chocolate. Individuals choose the vessel. The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything they have! Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And enjoy your hot chocolate - every day!

Are You For Heaven Certain?

 

We live in a world that is full of doubt and mistrust. People are skeptical and we can see the reason as many high-ranking officials and CEO’s have lied and cheated in their positions on their way to the top. We see many who do not believe there is an absolute truth for all of mankind. It seems ridiculous to many folks to think there is anything that is “sure.” Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines “sure” as: 1) firmly established / steadfast; 2) reliable / trustworthy; 3) admitting of no doubt / certain. So, is there anything that is “sure” anymore? Is there anything that is certain and without doubt?

If you knew that in the next fifteen minutes you would have to stand in front of the Lord to learn your eternal destination, what would your reaction be? Would you be relaxed, sitting comfortably in a chair with no worries and anxiety? Or would you be pacing back and forth, wondering if you were assured a place in heaven, hoping for the best, but unsure about it all? How many of us Christians are confident that we are going to heaven? Whenever I ask that question in a public setting, I am always surprised to learn that many are unsure. Why is that? Why do we not feel assured of our salvation?

We humans are good trash collectors, but we’re not very good garbage collectors. We allow the trash of sin to build up around us, many times to the point of suffocation. We go through life carrying it around on our backs. It weighs us down. It’s rotten and it smells because it’s trash, yet we cannot seem to throw it away. And so, we haul around this burden of guilt; never fully enjoying the benefits of the Christian life. To enjoy the assurance that comes with being a Christian we must be good garbage collectors. We must be able to throw out the trash and not allow it to pile up around us any longer.

Psalm 103:12 reads, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” How reassuring it is that God not only forgives, but He also strikes it from the record; He wipes the slate clean. If God can forgive even the most heinous sin, why can’t we forgive ourselves? We are all sinners (Romans 3:23). We are not good enough and we are not worthy enough to earn an assured place in heaven. But that’s what’s so amazing about God and His grace. We don’t have to be good enough or worthy enough.

[1 John 5:11-13] “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” We just have to be His! Unfortunately, there are many devoted Christians who feel uncertain about their salvation. They feel as though they can never really know for sure whether they have eternal life or not. But we don’t have to feel uncertain about our eternal fate. God gives Christians eternal life, and that eternal life is in His Son. Therefore, when one believes in Jesus Christ and obeys the gospel (Acts 2:37-41; Romans 6:1-11), he receives this precious gift. It is a life that includes all blessedness and fellowship with God and is not broken by physical death. When we clothe ourselves with Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26-27), we become a child of God. We are a part of His family. And by being a part of His family we can rest assured that He will save us if we continue to live in faithful obedience to Him (1 John 1:5-7). “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15, 17). Are you sure you’re going to heaven with Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Love Suffers Long

 

Edmund Morris, in his book, “Theodore Rex,” wrote the following about President Theordore Roosevelt and his wife, Edith (p.451). “Teddy Roosevelt’s attitude toward Edith - beyond the fact that they personified every syllable of the marriage vow - as one of dog-like adoration he looked to her for porch company, for approving pats and hugs, and sometimes, guiltily, for discipline when he had done something wrong. She could bring him up short, during one of his indiscreet monologues, by giving off a special quietness that he could sense within seconds. Roosevelt often outraged her sense of propriety. ‘You only have to live with me,’ she periodically reminded him, ‘while I have to live with you.’”

Her statement brings to mind Bible words about love we don’t often hear in modern music, movies, etc. By the Spirit of God in 1 Corinthians 13:4, the apostle Paul wrote, “Love suffers long…” Some translations say, “Love is patient…,” ad that is certainly true, for the Greek term makrothumei (from makros) means “to be long-spirited, forbearing, patient.” The word also means to “be longsuffering, have long patience, patiently endure.” And so, the King James is right to translate it, “Charity suffereth long…” If it’s the real McCoy, love suffers. And, if circumstances call for it, love suffers long. Important to remember since you have to live with me, and I with you!

[Genesis 29:1-30] (v.20) “So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her.” Jacob no doubt had deep feelings for Rachel, but his love was more than a fleeting and flimsy feeling based on instant gratification. One of the worse things we have come to believe about love is that it is supposed to always feel good, or more pointedly, is supposed to always make me feel good. We talk about “falling in love” like love is an accident that people have no choice and control over. So popular thinking says, if we “fall in” love, we may also “fall out” (and then walk out) of it through no fault of our own. Traditional wedding vows ask the marrying couple to love each other “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness as in health.” Sadly, many love only until suffering sets in, and often very slight suffering at that. Parents, help your children to prepare for a happy, enduring marriage by modeling love that suffers long.

Fred Smith wrote about being in a donut shop in Grand Saline, Texas. “A young farm couple was sitting at the table next to mine. He was wearing overalls and she, a simple gingham dress. After finishing their donuts, he got up to pay the bill, and I noticed she didn’t follow him. But then he came back and stood in front of her. She put her arms around his neck, and he lifted her up, revealing that she was wearing a full-body brace. He lifted her out of the chair and backed out the front door to the pick-up truck, with her hanging around his neck. As he gently put her in the truck, everyone in the shop watched. No one said anything until a waitress remarked, almost reverently, ‘He took his vows seriously.’”

[1 Peter 2:0-24] The cross of Christ reminds us that in any human relationship, true love is willing to suffer long. “But for what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps …who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness - by whose strips you were healed.”

Surviving An Anaconda Attack

 

In the midst of misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, fake news and outright lies, critical thinking must prevail for one to avoid being involved in doing stupid things. The following article comes from amyreesanderson.com/blog - an illustration of – What?

“The other day someone sent me a survival tip on what to do if you encounter an Anaconda, the largest snake in the world - here is what they sent to me: The US Peace Corps train their workers to deal with any kind of eventuality they might meet in the field, and since they work in the jungles of South America, it’s quite possible that they might encounter an Anaconda, the largest snake in the world. A full-grown Anaconda is not just a snake. It is a telegraph pole with a temper! It takes 10 men to carry one - if it is in a good mood. Here are the instructions in one of the Peace Corps’ manuals, posted on the Internet:1) If you are attacked by an Anaconda, do not run. The snake is faster than you are. Don’t try to outrun it. 2) Lie flat on the ground. Put your arms tight against your sides and your legs tight against one another. 3) Tuck in your chin. 4) The snake will come and begin to nudge and will climb about your body. 5) Do not panic. 6) After the snake has examined you, it will begin to swallow you from the feet, always the feet. Permit the snake to swallow your feet and ankles. Do not panic. 7) The snake will begin to suck your legs into its body. You must lie perfectly still. This will take a long time. 8) When the snake has reached your knees, slowly and with as little movement as possible reach down, take your knife and very gently slide it into the side of the snake’s mouth, between the edge of its mouth and your leg. Then suddenly rip upwards, severing the snake through the top of the head. 9) Be sure you have your knife. 10) Be sure your knife is sharp. Of course, if you get to number nine, or even ten, and find you’ve forgotten your knife, or that it’s blunt, the rest doesn’t really matter!”

“After I read it, I had to go online to see if there was any truth at all to this being an actual instruction from the Peace Corp because I frankly didn’t believe it was real, and sure enough it wasn’t. However, in looking it up I found that there was actual advice out there on what to do when you encounter this snake, and it said to run away…and then avoid it! Now that seems like much better advise to me… Because life is full of “anacondas” of different types – temptations of every kind – so when you come upon one of these “snakes” don’t just lie down and wait to be eaten, hoping you have a knife that’s going to be sharp enough to save you…RUN! And do everything in your power to avoid the snakes!!!”

[Hebrews 5:12-14] In the midst of spiritual misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, fake news and outright lies, critical thinking in God’s Word must prevail for one to grow in the faith of God’s grace. “…solid food (the defining truth of God’s Word) belongs to those who are full age (those who faithfully study God’s Word), that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Spiritually, we have enemies out to do us harm. “Be sober (think clearly), be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). So, how are we to survive this onslaught? “…submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:7-8). Look it up! The survival code to guide us from being eaten alive by the evil intents of this world are found in God’s Word. Evil cannot enter into the presence of God, and we must answer one day to His judgement (Hebrews 4:12-13). Failing to resist the evils of this world will keep us separated from God for eternity. Don’t forget your sword (Ephesians 6:13-17)!!!

Putting The Cart Before The Horse

 

When James Garfield, former President of the United States, was principal of Hiram College in Ohio, a parent asked him if the curriculum could be simplified for his son. “Certainly,” Garfield replied, “but it all depends on what you want to make of your boy. When God wants to make an oak tree, He takes a hundred years to do it. When He wants to make a squash, He requires only two months. Do you want your son to be a squash or more like an oak tree?”

The old saying, “Putting the cart before the horse,” has been widely used to clarify priorities, probably lost to our younger generations. It requires thought if not experience. Horses don’t push – they pull. Therefore, even if we have all the right components, if they are not put together properly it is of no practical value. In Romans 1:16 we are told that the gospel is God’s power unto salvation. In Matthew 28:18-20 we are told to spread it. In the first century, people believed it and did it, at least some did. Today, people believe it and do it, at least some do. The wild success of the first century compared to the growth of the church that is mediocre at best today, is a curiosity to me. To help unravel this in my mind I first examine the differences. With few exceptions, first century folks were poor and had nothing but their lives and their mouth. We on the other hand have money, comfort, mass media, postal service, cell phones, computers, etc. From a logical point of view, the success rate of saving souls should be higher in our time – but it isn’t. Churches now have PowerPoint. One doesn’t even have to look at the preacher, nor does he have to look at you. The youth have tons of specialty programs meant to hold appeal. And it seems all they are learning is that churches must have appeal. What about knowledge? The first century church saved souls because they loved souls. They had nothing but the Word and the belief that it was true. That’s all they needed. That’s all we need today. Programs and comfort are great, but that’s not going to get one through the trials of life. There must be enough knowledge of the doctrine and nature of God to create a change in one’s life and therein lies the problem. If the power of God doesn’t cause a change, then one doesn’t have it. Stop trying to make the message appeal to people. “Putting the cart before the horse.” It already appeals to those who are seeking and wanting hope. Christians of the first century died rather than give up that hope and we have trouble getting people to Bible study who will then show up for worship to profess their loyalty.

[Ecclesiastes 12:13-14] James Garfield was a Bible scholar and faithful member of the Lord’s church. He was a preacher and an elder. Before taking the oath of office as President, he spoke these words to his congregation, “Today I step down from the highest office on earth to become your president.” Solomon had looked at every aspect of life before he summarized: “…Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” If we want to have a proper “fear” of God we must have knowledge of Him which can only be achieved through diligence, with the need to be obedient to the rules that have been established. The laws of God are for a reason. What would society be like with no laws of morality to follow? Our lives are better and more fulfilled when we fear our Creator and listen to His direction, carefully following the paths established by Him. Every deed of this life, whether good or evil, will be brought before the Judge at the end of time. Nothing can be hidden from Him, and the law will be administered by a perfect judge. The rewards are great for faithful obedience and so are the penalties for disobedience. Truth!

God Wants Us To Be Happy

 

During World War II, Germany devised a plan to force the British fighter squadrons to be spread thin in “standing patrols,” which would require planes to be in the air flying at all times ready for battle. This process would have caused the hard-pressed British to waste precious high-octane fuel. But the Brits had a secret that could monitor every move of the German bombers. Even when flying at night or emerging from cloud banks, hoping to invoke an act of surprise, German pilots were stunned to discover British attack aircraft waiting in position to engage them in battle. What the Luftwaffe had not realized was that their evil actions were being watched by an invisible and undetected force made possible by a top-secret invention, the cavity magnetron, now known as radar. Even though the German pilots thought they were operating in secret, their every aerial move was made visible by an unseen force.

Today, many people remain comfortable in sin thinking that their actions are cloaked in secrecy. But the Bible teaches that God’s revealing light shines into the far reaches of one’s actions, illuminating both that which is good and that which is evil. Hebrews 4:13 reads: “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.” No matter in what situation one might find oneself, we are always under the unseen but watchful eye of God. On the other hand, the judgment of God need not be feared by one who is in Christ (Romans 8:1). He is not “out to get us.” He is “out to save us!”

[Revelation 22:14] God wants us to be happy. He wants us to be happier than happy. Our God wants us to live a blessed life. Jesus spoke of true happiness (blessedness) as a reality for those who would follow Him faithfully (Matthew 5:3-12; Revelation 1:3; 22:7). However, some use the title of this piece as an attempt to justify sin that they think will bring them pleasure in mind and body or escape from pain. They neglect the fact that God wants us to be happy, but He does not condone sinning in an effort to secure happiness our way! God wants us to be happy, but He does not want us to divorce our spouse for someone else whom we think will make us happy (Matthew 19:3-9). God wants us to be happy, but He does not want us to abandon the purity of His New Testament truth or forsake His church to experience some form of pleasurable feelings (2 Timothy 4:2-4; Luke 11:28). God wants us to be happy, but He does not want us to destroy our body and our influence for Him through addictions and abusive habits (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I could present a lot more about how people use the desire for immediate pleasure or “happiness” as an excuse for sinning, telling themselves and others that “God wants me to be happy,” but maybe these will suffice to get the point across. The pleasure of sin (Hebrews 11:24-26) must never be confused with the happiness of God, even when it is wrapped in religious and social approval. Be happy God’s way, or grimace in the wiles of the evil one.

As children, we thought that there wasn’t anything we couldn’t achieve. And we believed we could become anything. But then we grew older. Life began to beat us down. Victories were fewer than defeats. Health began to wane. And most people begin to ask, “Isn’t there any­thing better to life than this?” The answer is yes. The best is yet to come if we walk with God! “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard or perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, who acts for the one who waits for Him.” (Isaiah 64:4; 1 Corinthians 2:9). He has prepared a place for us without pain, without suffering, without want. There will be only love, ac­ceptance, honor and joy. Bliss awaits.

You Are You

 

Here’s a report from Fatherly.com about a backyard or schoolyard game which children have played from time immemorial: “School districts in Alabama, California, South Carolina, and Washington have banned playing tag, explaining to parents that the classic recess game undermines the lessons about consent and boundaries being taught to young students. Whether these bans represent overreach or educational consistency, they raise the question about whether or not the game, in which children chase peers and touch peers who don’t want to be touched, has aged well.” Seesaws (teeter-totters) are gone. Dodgeball is gone. And now “tag” is gone. Jay Leno commented on the “tag” brouhaha wondering about the last kid to get tagged, “You’re IT!” “And then the game is banned, and this kid is IT for the rest of his life. He’s IT! He’ll always be IT! Class reunion: ‘Oh, yeah, I remember you. You’re IT.’”

I have often thought about the challenges of coaching sports. Coaches are often scrutinized and criticized for the many tough decisions they make. I’m sure it’s a difficult job and all jobs have pros and cons. Regardless of one’s occupation, there are good days and days we wish we could quit. On “bad days,” many coaches begin using foul, profane language when players do not perform up to their standards. I’m sure a lot of parents, grandparents, and players feel that the use of profanity is offensive, rude, and disrespectful. No one is perfect. We all do and say things we shouldn’t (Romans 3:23). But this doesn’t give anyone a “free pass” to use obscene, filthy language. Coaches shouldn’t use profanity because: 1) If using God’s name in vain and using “four-letter” words would help players perform better, some coaches would never lose. Teams want to win. Screaming obscenities to “encourage” players to perform better makes no sense. Often that kind of coach is a losing coach. 2) It demonstrates a lack of self-control. The Bible teaches that we are to be self-controlled and to exercise temperance (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-6). If a coach cannot discipline oneself, how can that coach expect his players to be disciplined? 3) The Bible explicitly commands “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). 4) It sets a bad example for the players. Young people have enough peer pressure from the world. Shouldn’t coaches show more maturity, leadership, and moral character than to set such a poor example for their players? 5) It is not honorable and shows disrespect for others who have been taught not to use such language. Parents, grandparents, and players have more respect for coaches who show honor and integrity, regardless of the score, than for those who throw cussing fits. Some may object to this line of thought: “You have no experience coaching, so you have no right to speak about the conduct of the coaches.” My response: Neither do I have any experience as a thief, but I know stealing is wrong. I have no experience as a murderer, but I know murder is wrong. I can’t think of anything good that comes from cursing on the court or field. Screaming at players draws attention and in a way the coach is playing tag. “You’re IT” until you start playing better, then it’s on to the next player. Because of such coaches and teachers many of us are still carrying around some stigma, some guilt, something we’d like to lay down. We don’t want to be “tagged,” and we don’t want to feel like there’s a bullseye on our back. We want to get rid of it.

[Isaiah 43:1] Jesus was the last one tagged with the sins of the world laid on Him. The good news is that God has removed the IT through Jesus Christ and gave us a U. You’re U. You’re a person. You are loved, not tagged. We can all be winners. Just do your best.

Let Your Light Shine

The following excerpt is from the New York Times opinion column. It was written by novelist Jonathan Safran as part of a commencement address at Middlebury College. His thoughts are interesting and eye opening as to the state of our current culture. “A couple of weeks ago I saw a stranger crying in public. I was in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood, waiting to meet a friend for breakfast. I arrived at the restaurant a few minutes early and was sitting on the bench outside scrolling through my contacts list. A girl, maybe fifteen, was sitting on the bench opposite me, crying into her phone. I heard her say, ‘I know; I know; I know;’ over and over again. What did she know? Had she done something wrong? Was she being comforted? Then she said, ‘Mama, I know!’ and the tears came harder. What was her mother telling her? Never to stay out all night again? That everybody fails? Is it possible that no one was on the other end of the call, and that the girl was merely rehearsing a difficult conversation? ‘Mama, I know,’ she said, and hung up, placing her phone on her lap. I was faced with a choice: I could interject myself into her life, or I could respect the boundaries between us. Intervening might make her feel worse or be inappropriate. But then, it might ease her pain or be helpful in some straight-forward logistical way. An affluent neighborhood at the beginning of the day is not the same as a dangerous one as night is falling. And I was me, not someone else. There was a lot of human computing to be done. It is harder to intervene than no to, but it is vastly harder to choose to do either than to retreat into the scrolling names of one’s contact list, or whatever one’s iDistraction happens to be” As human beings we often find ourselves distracted by so many things. Especially today in our technological society we are often distracted by email, the Internet, text messaging, etc. And what we find is that in our society we have lost the sense of interaction.

“You don’t get much sunshine in here, do you?” remarked a woman to an elevator op­erator as she entered a large department store. “Only what you bring in,” replied the eleva­tor operator. “Some folks carry enough sun­shine around with them to light others up a bit,” she replied. That’s absolutely true! We can take sun­shine with us - a grateful word, an under­standing look, a kind act of service into the life of another, a well-worded note, or a sin­cere greeting from a happy face. All of us are aware of the dark, gloomy days in which we live. One writer put it this way, “Anyone who is looking for a problem just hasn’t been paying attention!” The cynic says, “There is no hope!” The atheist says, “There is no God!” The Lord says, “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The Christian life is a life reflecting the light of Je­sus. Even while reading this article, you may be tired and a little “down in the dumps,” but remembering to bring some thoughtful sun­shine into the life of another. The only sun­shine that a lot of people will ever see will be what “YOU BRING IN!”

[Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16] While that may be all right for some, for the Christian the inability to interact with others can be disastrous. Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go,” to “go into the world” and teach, proclaim, baptize, and make disciples. Such things require interaction. Jesus is relying on His disciples to talk to those who are lost (Luke 19:10) - to tell others about sin (Romans 3:23; 6:23) - and to show them the path that leads to eternal life (Mathew 7:13-14). In our society of cell phones and computers, with all the usefulness those things bring they can also become a distraction that keeps us from doing our duties as Christians and could come at the cost of a soul in the last day. 

Making Decisions

 

What does it take to get your goat? Have you ever wondered where that expression comes from? It has to do with our anger, with becoming upset with someone. It’s amazing to observe the lengths at which the progressive left is willing to go, pushing the buttons of the conservative capitalist, in hopes that one of them will come unglued and do something really stupid in retaliation. How much can you take, before you take some kind of action?

Peter asked this question, in a sense, when he asked Jesus, “How long must I take offence from my brother before I can punch his lights out?” (Matthew 18:21). Peter wanted a number from which he could count down to action. Being offended is a matter of choice, as are many other things in life; it is a decision we make. What offends one may not offend another. I have to decide to be angry with someone. Because I believe someone to be wrong, that they are acting improperly, that they hold to beliefs that are contrary to Bible teaching, must I be angry with them? Should I hate them? Should I slander their name? When I become evil to respond to evil – have I not become evil myself?

[Hebrews 4:11-13] Omniscience, knowing all things, is something the Bible attributes only to God. Since the Bible says that all things that exist were created by God (Colossians 1:16-17), it follows that Satan is a created being. God cannot sin or cause to sin, so it is implied that Satan was created good and chose to do evil. Many have defined evil as the absence or opposite of good. Throughout the whole Bible, Satan is depicted as one who tempts man to sin. If Satan is not omniscient and cannot tell what we are thinking, how does he know how to operate in our individual lives? Matthew, chapter 4, proves he knows the Bible, and the Bible tells us the three major avenues of sin (1 John 2:15-17). He has had the advantage of thousands of years of observation of human behavior. He knows mankind’s basic weaknesses. He also has angels (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:9) and knows what role they play in having his privy to our personal lives, and in observing our lives, and in observing what each of us is prone to do or not do.

Yet, Satan does not ever make us sin, despite what Flip Wilson used to say, “The devil made me do it!” We choose to sin based on our own fleshly desires (James 1:12-15). We sin, not as the result of Satan manipulating the mind, but as the result of giving into sinful lusts. Satan can no more make us do wrong than God will make us do right. We should simply remember that we never have to sin (1 Corinthians 10:12-13). Satan does not whisper in our ear or play with our mind. However, he is actively seeking souls to devour (1 Peter 5:8). The good news is that he cannot do anything unless we allow him into our life. James says we can make him flee from us by resisting him (James 4:7). Satan cannot read your mind! He cannot manipulate your mind! He can only see and use what you reveal to him. Let us be careful to reveal the right sorts of things and thereby protect ourselves from this roaring lion. Decisions define who we are and who’s we are.

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be Kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity in happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may just not be enough; Give the best you have anyway. In the final analysis, it’s all between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway! God will guide you.

God Will Defend Himself

 

What’s the biggest man-made structure? You might be thinking the Pyramids, the Great Wall of China, or One World Trade Center. What do we mean by biggest? Even the term ‘man-made structure’ is problemat­ic. What if we really weren’t planning to make something, does that count? If that’s the case, then the answer might just be Fresh Kills, a garbage dump on Staten Island. The site is 4.6 square miles in area and, when opera­tional, had twenty barges carrying 650 tons of rubbish shipped into it daily. At its peak, the dump was more than 80 feet higher than the Statue of Liberty. It’s not in the re­cord books. Maybe it’s because we don’t want to acknowledge the biggest thing we humans have done is a lot of garbage. Paul wrote: “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8). We like to brag about our accomplish­ments but in reality, all we have here is des­tined for the scrapheap. The greatest thing we get here isn’t what we have; it’s what we get when we leave here. Our faith in Jesus is the only thing that will matter to us in eternity. Everything else won’t amount to much more than a big pile of trash. Is the biggest thing in our lives the Lord, or a landfill?

[2 Timothy 3:1-5] A man named Gideon demolished an altar to Baal. As you can imagine Baal worshipers were not a huge fan of that action. People tend to take slights to their god very personally. Remember what happened when the Ephesians accused Paul of making life difficult for their idol? They shouted for two hours straight (Acts 19:34)! I imagine some people felt the same kind of way toward Gideon when Baal’s altar became a heap of junk. In fact, they were about to throw some rocks or launch some pointy things. But before they do Gideon’s dad comes to Gideon’s defense and says: “If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar” (Judges 6:28-32). This satisfies the people, who figure Baal is going to get him anyway, so why bother with him now? Of course, we know that Baal really is not a god. Gideon didn’t need to fear any giant divine goat looking thing hunting him down. But note this: the people didn’t know that. And because they thought Baal was really a god their rage subsided when they considered that Baal was better able to deal with Gideon than they were.

And now I want you to think about a time when someone slighted your God. Not some false pagan god, I’m talking about the real God. The maker of heaven and earth. Think about the time when someone said something that didn’t sit well with you. Their statement contradicted scripture perhaps. Someone spoke of God with less reverence than what you know is due His name. The righteous anger begins to rise up. Ever happen to you? Did you really let this guy have it for his irreverent words or actions? I would like to make one suggestion that I think can and should temper our anger. I suggest that you know that our God really is God. He can defend Himself. I mean, really. He really can defend Himself. Other than having the ability to create or obliterate universes with a word, God also has legions of angels at His command. I think the most appropriate emotional reaction to those who speak against God isn’t anger. I think it’s pity. These people have no idea who they’re messing with. But they will. So, I suggest pity. Anger is often based on fear - fear of losing what you think is true. But guess what? If you worship God as God you’re right, and you have nothing to worry about. So, teach who you can and always encourage people toward the truth. And if someone doesn’t want to listen, smile, and move on. Our God - our real, alive, powerful God - can defend Himself. (by Doug Wells) Revival is growing in America!