Is There A Buzzing In Your Ear?

 

This past week was absolutely nuts! Tax Day; Doctor’s Appointments; Finish preparing for a memorial service; Plus, my regular obligations of leading Bible study on Sunday morning and preaching two lessons on Sunday, not to mention my office duties to tend to. What made the week more interesting is when a construction crew one block over cut through the internet cable reminding me how much I rely on that service (yes, the telephone was dead too). That afternoon and the next morning, my cellphone racked up some data serving as a hotspot for my office computer (unlimited data plan finally paid off). By Friday morning it felt like everything was closing in on me but by noon-thirty the plan was coming together and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel (oh, I hope it’s not a train!). I kept circling the wagons to make sure I wasn’t forgetting something – I seem to be good at that. Well, it’s Friday night and all seems to be under control and ready for delivery.

We often fail to consider the gradual, accumulative effect of sin on our life. (Keep reading.) In St. Louis in 1984, a woman noticed some bees buzzing around the attic vent of her house. Since she noticed only a few, (so she thought) she made no effort to deal with them. Over the summer though, the bees continued to fly in and out the attic vent while the woman remained unconcerned, but unaware of the growing city of bees moving into her attic. In a relatively short period of time, nearly the whole attic became a hive. It became so large that her bedroom ceiling suddenly caved in due to the weight of hundreds of pounds of honey and thousands of angry bees. While the woman escaped significant injury, she was unable to repair the damage of her accumulated neglect.

[Psalm 38:1-8] Consider David’s reflection on the heaviness of sin. “Oh Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! For Your arrows pierce me deeply, And Your hand presses me down. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, Nor any health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness. I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are full of inflammation, And there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.”

Instead of neglecting the sin in your life that will one day crush down upon you, seek forgiveness and restoration. For David wrote elsewhere, “I acknowledge my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).

A Bible school teacher had her older teen students bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes to class. For every person that they refused to forgive in their life experience, they were to choose a potato, write that person’s name on it, and put it in the plastic bag. Then they were told to carry the bag with them everywhere for one week, putting it beside their bed at night, on the car seat when driving, on their lap when riding with others, and next to their desk at school. Some of the bags became quite heavy. The hassle of having to lug the bag around made it clear what weight they were carrying spiritually, and how they had to pay attention to it all the time to keep from leaving it in embarrassing places. Naturally, the potatoes became moldy, smelly, and began to sprout in the eyes.

Too often we think of forgiveness as a gift to the other person, and it clearly is for ourselves! To forgive unloads what would otherwise become a heavy, rotten burden. Can you hear a buzzing above your head? Is it time to address it before it becomes too heavy?

It's Right To Be Right

 

Little Tommy’s grandfather was something of a philosopher and never missed an opportunity to pass on his deep insights into the human condition to his grandson. One day grandpa announced in a sober tone, “Tommy, you need to remember that only fools are absolutely certain, but wise men question.” Tommy asked, “Are you absolutely sure about that, grandpa?” With a straight face the old man nodded his grey head and said, “Yes, Tommy, I’m absolutely certain.” Certainty is a hard commodity to come by these days. Ours is an age when it is cool, philosophically, to not be too sure about anything. A fuzzy view of truth has washed over into our moral, spiritual, and religious views in life. The result is that now all ways are viewed as equally valid, except for the view that says all ways are not equally valid. No view is judged as wrong, except for the view that judges some ways are wrong. A world that prides itself on not being certain about anything is absolutely certain, one cannot be absolutely certain about anything.

In 1770 a fiery Boston lawyer (later to become the second President of the United States) John Adams, very unpopular but very successfully defended some British soldiers in court over what is now known as The Boston Massacre. In his argument before the jury, Adam’s said, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”

[The Book of Esther] Sometimes it is hard to challenge a person to do the right thing. Sometimes doing the right thing is very difficult. The decision to stand for the truth may cost one precious friendships, and even family, but it must be done. In Esther we read the account of a man that was King appointed to the highest position of authority, below the king, in Persia. The king commanded all men of a lower position to bow down to him. This man was Haman. Haman plotted to wipe out all the Jews from the land. But there was one God-fearing Jewish man that refused to bow down to Haman named, Mordecai. Mordecai also discovered two of the king’s bodyguards were plotting to kill the king. Mordecai urged Esther, now Queen of Persia, to go to the King and warn him. But unless the king sends for the queen, she could be put to death. Esther knew she had to do the right thing and, even at the risk of her own life, presented herself to the king. We need Esther’s courage to stand for what is right. Although the right thing is sometimes often hard to do, all men, and especially Christians, must do it! The greater risk of the spiritual consequences should outweigh the risk of physical consequences. “…do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Are you surprised? You shouldn’t be. For Christ said the way to heaven is a narrow way, and there are few who will find it (Matthew 7:13-14). Let me encourage you to do the right thing regardless of the cost. Heaven will be worth it! Think about it!

“What if the Lord came tonight, and the way I’ve lived has not been right. What would I give to turn back time, If the way I lived was not in line? If I knew the Savior, but left Him behind, And lived my life as though I were blind; What would my fate be in the end, If I didn’t follow Jesus, my devoted friend? I’ll have to answer for my own fate, for at the last minute it will be too late; If I didn’t take time to fully prepare, And devote my life unto His care. He’s given me time to get it right, And patiently waited both day and night. His coming should be my greatest hour, As He comes for me in a flash of power. God help me prepare for that sweet day, Just help me stay in the narrow way. When life gets hard and I want to flee, I’ll strive to be ready when You come for me.” Author unknown.

Your Words Mirror Your Heart

 

There are many ways we use our words each day. In a recent study researchers found that on average, women speak 16,215 words per day and men speak 15,669 words per day. Some people use very few words, and some people seem to never stop talking, even to talking in their sleep. By the time we are 1 year old, most of us are using words and our vocabulary only grows from there. Most of us use at least some of our words each day in a negative way. Gossiping, lying, backbiting, cursing, telling coarse jokes, and complaining are all ways of spending our words. When we spend our words in these fashions, the cost will often be far more than we ever imagined. We may lose family, friends, spiritual brethren, credibility, the respect of others, and possibly even our own souls. I was shocked to hear Mr. Biden making a national declaration, elevating an ungodly misrepresentation of humanity, declared on March 31, 2009, by the executive director of Transgender Michigan, Rachel Crandall-Crocker (to be celebrated each year), to dedicate Resurrection Sunday as Transgender Day of Visibility, as he had done the three years prior. Mr. Biden, you will rue the day you spit in the eye of God as well as all those you are supporting.

[Matthew 12:36-37] Jesus said, “I say to you that for every idle word that men may speak, they will give an account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words, you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Paul exhorted, “Let no corrupt word come out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). How we use our words each day can have a profound impact on one’s life and the lives around us. We can use these words in a careless even destructive manner, or we can use them in a productive way, to build people up.

If I called you a Nimrod, how would you feel? If you are like most people, you would probably feel insulted. The popular definition for a nimrod is an inept person, an oaf, a moron, an ignoramus. The original name Nimrod really meant to be a skillful mighty hunter. Its origin is found in Genesis 10:8-9: “Cush begot Nimrod; he began to be a mighty one on the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; therefore it is said, "Like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD." How did the mighty hunter become an inept oaf? Well, it’s all Bugs Bunny’s fault. Ok, maybe not all his fault. You see in the popular cartoon featuring Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd, Bugs often times will refer to Elmer Fudd as a “little Nimrod,” a sarcastic reference to the mighty hunter of the Old Testament. The writers might have gotten the joke, but the general public didn’t. They assumed, in their ignorance, the word was an insult and began to use it as such. The new meaning took over.

This doesn't just happen in cartoons, there are numerous examples of people taking Biblical words and concepts and flipping their meaning till the point that more people accept the new definition rather than the Bible one. Words like pastor, grace, and baptism have been corrupted from the biblical meaning to a popular one. Pastors are not a single preacher but the Biblical group of overseers (shepherds) of God’s people (i.e., a congregation) (Acts 20:28). Grace is made into a license to sin (Jude 4). Baptism has gone from a complete immersive burial in water to pouring or just sprinkling (Colossians 2:12).

Words have meaning. If we change that meaning we might as well change the word. Don't fool yourself into thinking you are biblical if you still use a Bible word yet have a different definition than the Bible has. If we genuinely want to be biblical, we must hunt thru the Scripture to see if the things we are taught are really the things that are in Scriptures (Acts 17:11). When it comes to what the Bible says, we need to be a Nimrod, not a nimrod.

O! For A Home With God!

 

He was a Polish youth of sixteen who left his land-locked country, entered the French Merchant Marine, and later worked for sixteen years on British ships in every part of the world. At age thirty-eight he became an English novelist. He completed thirty novels, seven volumes of short stories and three volumes of essays. His name was Josef Korzeniowski – better known as Joseph Conrad. His background served to make him a consummate writer of sea-stories. As intriguing as these stories are, there’s something special in the way he treats landfalls and departures – a journeys beginning and ending.

There is no denying the excitement of departure with its dreams and expectations, but one leaves with one particular destination in mind. One always charts a course aiming for that one destination – maybe an island in the ocean, a single headland upon the coast of a continent, a lighthouse on a bluff, or simply the peaked form of a mountain which appears to float upon the waters. And then it appears on the expected bearing. Landfall!

But, before landfall, Conrad describes in his writings how the spirit of the ship’s commander is stirred. He is not content to stay in his stateroom but is tormented by an unconquerable restlessness. He will “go out on deck and gaze ahead, through straining eyes, as the appointed moment draws nearer.”

In my younger years, beginning my journey as a Christian, I could never understand the restlessness of many elderly saints – the eagerness they seem to have for death. Only now am I beginning to see dimly what they were looking for. Landfall! The journey’s end!

[Revelation 21:4] Heaven must be a wonderful place, where there will be no tears, no pain, no more death, nor no sorrow. Surely everyone who believes in heaven wants to go there. But we hear people say, “It doesn’t matter what you believe, we’re all going to the same place.” Strange as it may seem, we are all going to the same place. We are all on our way to meet God in the judgement! “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement” (Hebrews 9:27). The most important question is: How can I prepare to meet Him, so that God will say to me, “…Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:31-46).

Men say there are many ways to heaven; let each person chose their own way. Jesus taught there is only one way – His way – the way of faith and obedience. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John14:6). Paul wrote: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).

The Hebrew writer states: “And having been perfected, He (Christ) became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him…” (Hebrews 5:9). Jesus said: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16); also “…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). All who continue to live in faithful obedience to the Word of Christ are on the way to heaven, with its dreams and expectations encouraging them to keep their eyes on the horizon for sight of our Lord’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 5:10).

  “O! for a home with God, a place in His courts to rest; Sure in a safe abode with Jesus and the blest; Rest for a weary soul once redeemed by the Savior’s love; Where I’ll be pure and whole and live with my God above.” (Alone at Eve – Thos. R. Sweatmon / Will W. Slater) Are you ready for Judgement Day? It may be coming sooner than you think!

Are You Missing Something?

 

Old man comes into a restaurant, sits at his usual table, and orders the usual — matzoh ball soup. The waiter sits it down in front of him and stands back to watch him enjoy it.  But the man just sits there. "Is there something wrong?" the waiter asks. "I can't eat this soup," the man replies. "Is it too hot?" the waiter asks. "No." "Too cold?" "No." "Too salty?" "No." The waiter calls for the maitre d', and for the chef, and each goes through the same routine: "Too hot?" "Too cold?" "No, no, no." Finally, the chief, at his wits end, says, "Sir, I will taste the soup myself. Where is the spoon?" Says the old man: “A-ha!"

[John 1:1-5] Jesus is eternal, yet He clothed Himself with human nature and walked among us (John 1:14). In so doing, He experienced the frailties and limitations of mankind. He became thirsty, He knew hunger, He grew tired, He experienced pain, and He was limited by time and space. It is amazing that, though Jesus was involved in the creation of the universe and enjoyed a glorious relationship with the other two members of the Godhead, He left heaven and came to earth and lived as a human being for 33 years. His story remains the most intriguing and compelling story in history.

We’re introduced to Him at a very critical moment in history. Adam and Eve had sinned against God by eating the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil that was in the midst of the Garden of Eden. The blight of sin, disobedience, was introduced to the human race. God cast Adam and Eve out of the garden because sin cannot rest in the presence of God. Their sin carried the penalty of death, both physical and spiritual. However, in His mercy and compassion for man, God promised a Deliverer who would inflict a fatal blow to Satan, man’s adversary (Genesis 3:15). This deliverer is Jesus Christ.

Every event recorded in the Old Testament proved that man needed a deliverer. He found it impossible to live above sin. Not even the Law God gave Israel (Moses) on Mt. Sinai could deliver man from sin (Acts 13:39), for that law demanded perfect obedience and man is incapable of living such a life.

This situation produced a real dilemma. The cry of man’s soul became, “How can I, a sinful creature, escape suffering the consequences of my sins?” The blood of animals offered upon a thousand alters could not accomplish that need. If we listen carefully, we can hear that same cry of the human soul today.

The answer to the cry is found in Jesus Christ alone. Paul testified, “…let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands before you whole. This is the stone, which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:10-12).

He was born to poor parents in a stable. Yet, He made many spiritually rich. He never owned a piece of real estate where He might lay His head. Yet, He has comforted many and provided them with rest for their soul. He was not a world traveler. Yet, He has affected the world as no other person has ever done. He allowed Himself to be ill-treated by man and become the object of scorn. He was shamefully treated and ultimately crucified on a cross. Why? Because, being a sinner, man could not save himself. Jesus died in our place. Jesus paid the debt we owed God for our sin by becoming sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) and dying in our place (Romans 5:6-21). What a Savior! One cannot eat of the fruit of the spirit without Jesus in their life. One cannot be forgiven of sin without Jesus in their heart.

Pollination

 

Once upon a time an old man spread rumors that his neighbor was a thief. As a result, the young man was arrested. Days later the young man was proven innocent of all charges. After being released he sued the old man for wrongly accusing him. In court, the old man told the Judge, “They were just comments – didn’t harm anyone.” The judge, before passing sentence on the case told the old man, “Write all the things you said about the young man on a piece of paper. Cut that piece of paper into many small pieces and on your home, I want you to throw those small pieces of paper out of your car window as you drive down the street. Tomorrow come back to hear my sentence on your case.” The next day the judge told the old man, “Before receiving your sentence, I want you to go out and gather up all the little pieces of paper you carelessly tossed out your car window on your way home yesterday.” The old man protested, “I can’t do that! The wind has probably spread them everywhere and I won’t know where to find them!” The judge instructed, “In the same way simple comments may destroy the honor of a man to such an extent that one is not able to fix it. If you can’t speak well of someone, don’t speak at all. We must all be masters of our mouths, so we won’t end up slaves of our words.” The judge continued, “Gossips are worse than thieves because they steal another person’s dignity, honor, reputation, and credibility which can be impossible to restore. So, remember this: When your feet slip, you can recover your balance and stay upright. But when your tongue slips, you cannot recover your words.”

An ambitious farmer, unhappy about the yield of his crops, heard of a highly recom­mended new seed corn. He bought some and produced a crop that was so abundant his as­tonished neighbors asked him to sell them a portion of the new seed. But the farmer, afraid that he would lose a profitable com­petitive advantage, refused. The second year the new seed did not produce as good a crop, and when the third-year crop was still worse it dawned upon the farmer that his prize corn was being pollinated by the inferior grade of corn from his neighbors’ fields. In a lot of ways, we aren’t all that different from the farmer. We look for ways to im­prove our condition. We look for guidance. We try out the newest ideas and advice. We set goals and resolutions. We read self-help books. However, no matter how much we implement improvements, there is something that will always work against us until we do something to fix it. The problem is our neigh­bors’ crops. Confused? Let me explain. The farmer had an opportunity to sur­round his crops with a quality product. Unfortunately, instead of his good crop in­fluencing the bad, the bad crop negatively influenced his good crop through pollination.

[1 Corinthians 15:33] These exact things can happen to us spiritually if we aren’t careful. The Scripture details out the problem, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” and, “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases (Proverbs 26:20). The people we surround ourselves with can do incredible things to build us. They can also do horrendous damage to our good morals. Whether this is through evange­lism or cutting out bad influences, we need good people around us. Don’t think bad friends are impacting you? This is exactly why we are warned to “not be deceived.”

We have little control over the circumstances of life. We can’t control the weather or the economy, and we can’t control what people say about or do to us. But we can control our wellbeing. “The heart of every problem is the problem in the heart.” - Warren Wiersbe

Try A Little Kindness

 

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, when two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit opening. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs they would never get out. The two frogs ignored their comments and tried to jump up out of the pit. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and simply gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and suffering and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out of the pit. When he got out, the other frogs asked, “Why did you continue jumping? Didn’t you hear us?” The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time!

We are at a time in world history when we are more “connected” than ever before (Email, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter [oops!] X, and more). Due to the advances of technology, we are able to do things that previous generations could not have even imagined. Ironically, our ability to connect digitally has not solved our pressing problems such as isolation and loneliness. Sadly, such seems to have actually exacerbated the problem. The world seems lonelier than ever.

Two examples of how desperate our world is for encouragement, fellowship, and belonging: The United Kingdom created a new governmental position. They called it the “Ministry of Loneliness.” The government official is tasked with dealing with the ever-growing problem of isolation. One out of every ten people in the UK say that they feel lonely “always.” This is a problem for many reasons, one of them is health risk. Some studies have shown that isolation is worse for our health than smoking every day. The isolated have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. Second, Japan is experiencing a crime wave, of sorts, among the elderly, especially elderly women. Otherwise, law-abiding senior citizens are resorting to things like petty theft because they are lonely and scared. They have no one to turn to when they need help and they long for the community and stability that jail offers them. They steal something small hoping to get caught and quickly thrown in jail. Let us use these examples from places far away from us – from cultures vastly different from our own – to wake up to and recognize the fact that all people everywhere long to feel like they belong and that they are safe.

[1 Thessalonians 5:11] “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” There is the power of death and life in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21) – An encouraging word to someone who is down can life them up and help them make it through the day. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them (Proverbs 12:6). Let’s be careful of what we say! Speak life to those who cross our path! This is where the Good News of Jesus Christ shines like the beacon of hope that it is! Those who know the love and mercy of Jesus must be about the business of sharing this glorious hope with others. We do not have to be or feel alone. “…be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). We should help others to feel connected to the body of Christ. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works…” (Hebrews 10:24). Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another. May our lips speak words of encouragement instead of disparaging words. Somebody is counting on you to show them kindness and to connect them to Jesus. Their eternal happiness in His love depends on it.

Deception Leads To Destruction

 

Of late, folks have expressed their confusion of what is true and what is false coming out of the mouths of politicians and the news media. The problem is we are awash in the tyrannical world of “propaganda.” The dictionary defines “propaganda” as, “the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person.” During World War II there was a lot of propaganda used by the Axis powers in an effort to demoralize the Allies, making their losing cause look better than it was. Probably every war ever fought (and/or overthrow) involved some sort of propaganda.

How has our everyday life become so confusing? Let’s go back in time just a little to remember our disgust with Hollywood, but simply shrugged our shoulders and went on with our happy lives. Hollywood uses propaganda to aid the cause of global inclusiveness and destroy Godly moralism to enhance a free-for-all of individual thought and action to be expressed no matter how perverse or selfish it may be.

A case in point is the Global Awards back around 2006-07. (These awards come from a Foreign Press Association that passes out awards for what they say are the best movies, television programs, actors, and actresses.) “Brokeback Mountain,” a film about the romance between two cowboys, won four prizes. “Transamerica,” a story about a man’s “sex change surgery,” won an award; and a prize went to “Capote,” a film about gay author Truman Capote. The television show “Desperate Housewives,” a show about dysfunctional and promiscuity, won the award for best musical or comedy series. What message has Hollywood been sending us? The message is this: ‘These movies and television themes are good, acceptable, and normal, and should be rewarded.’ Either Hollywood’s memory is short or its commitment to its obscene agenda is great. Wholesome films like, “Beauty and The Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Remember The Titans,” and “The Chronicles of Narnia” were unrewarded box office smashes, but how did the obscene films do? More people watched the Rose Bowl game than did “Desperate Housewives,” but Hollywood keeps feeding us this garbage!

[Deuteronomy 11:16] “Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside to serve other gods and worship them…” A person who believes something to be true when it’s not, this person has been deceived. 1 Corinthians 3:18 reads, “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.” In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul writes, “Do not be deceived, evil company corrupts good habits.” Hebrews 13:7 reads, “But exhort one another daily while it is called today lest any of you become hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

There are many ways that we can be deceived. The Bible warns us about false teachers. These false teachers can mislead people many times in many ways. To keep from being deceived we must be familiar with the truth. John 8:32 reads, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” God says, ‘My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6). Propaganda and the lack of knowledge, both physical and spiritual, is bringing about the destruction of moral ethics and civil societies. The day of judgment is coming.

Are we living in the “days of Noah” when the Son of Man (Jesus) will return? (Luke 17:22-30). God was ready to destroy man for, “…the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on earth, and He was grieved in His heart” (Genesis 6:5-6). God cleansed the earth with water saving only eight, Noah and his family. The next cleansing comes by fire (2 Peter 3:10-13), and none will survive!

Teach Your Little Lambs

 

At one point during the game, the coach said to one of the young players, “Do you understand what cooperation and what teamwork is all about?” The little boy nodded in the affirmative. “Do you understand that what really matters is not whether we win or lose, but that we play together as a team?” The little boy nodded yes. “Good,” the coach continued. “And when a strike is called, or you’re thrown out at first, you don’t argue, attack the umpire with a bat, or throw dirt in the opposing team member’s faces. Do you understand all that?” Again, the little boy nodded, “Well sure coach. That’s what you taught us.” “Good,” said the coach. “Please go over there and explain all that to your mother.”

I’ve been to a few youth sports games when the above conversation needed to take place. I remember one particular High School football game where one heckler complained about the players and coaches from the stands. Having had his fill of this one parent’s complaints, another voice cried out above all others, “I agree! Y’all are playing like a bunch of High School kids!” It’s sad to see parents act in such an irresponsible manner because you know they are instructing their children (and other’s children) to behave in a similar manner. God has given us who are parents an awesome responsibility – not only to teach our children what is right, but to live in such a way they can see that we are willing to practice what we’ve been teaching them to do.

[Proverbs 22:6] “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Researchers tell us that our ability to greatly influence our children is limited up to about age nine, and that our greatest influence is during the first few years of life. If we wait until our children are troubled teenagers before we decide to become serious about faith in God, we probably will have waited too late to really have a positive impact on their spiritual life. Along this line, several years ago I came across the following poem: “Mary had a little boy; His soul was white as snow. But he never went to Bible school, cause Mary wouldn’t go. He missed the story of the Christ that thrills the childish mind; While other children learned of God this child was left behind. And as he grew from babe to youth, she saw to her dismay; A soul that was once snowy white, became a dingy gray. Realizing now that he was lost, she tried to win him back; But now the soul that once was white had turned an ugly black. She even started back to church, and Bible study too; She begged the preacher, “Isn’t there something you can do?” The preacher tried, and failed, and said, “We’re just too far behind; I tried to tell you years ago, but you would pay no mind.” And so, another soul is lost, that once was white as snow; Bible study would have helped, but Mary wouldn’t go! (Author Unknown)

Moses told the parents of Israel to take the laws which God had given them and “…teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7). It was Jesus who asked, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mom’s and Dad’s, what profit is it to you if you gain the whole world and lose the soul of your children? What would you give in exchange for their eternal life? – career, money, sleep, excuses for being unable to be with them? May God bless those of you who are parents, as you strive to teach your children the love of God, and to love God. Teach them the Bible and lead the family by example - and as a general rule, your children will not depart, when they get older, from what they have learned, from you, and God’s Word.

Not What He Seems

 

An old Native American wanted a loan for $500. The banker pulled out the loan application. “What are your plans for the money?” he asked. “Buy silver, make jewelry, and sell it,” was the response. “What do you have for collateral?” Puzzled, the man says, “Don’t know collateral.” The banker explained, “Well, that’s something of value that would cover the cost of the loan. Have you got any vehicles?” “Yes, 1949 Chevy pick-up.”  “How about livestock?” “Yes, I have a horse.” “How old is it,” “Don’t know, has no teeth,” the man replied. The banker decided to make the $500 loan. Several weeks later the old man comes in the bank, pulls out a roll of money, and pays off the loan. The banker was impressed and tries to convince the man to deposit the rest of his money in the bank. Not sure of the banker’s proposition he asked, “What you got for collateral?”

At Harding University, the mascot is the bison. Its statue seems powerful, aggressive, and intimidating. Some have described this animal’s temperament as unpredictable. It may appear peaceful, concerned, even lazy. Yet, it may attack anything, often without warning or apparent reason. The bison’s head, with its massive skull, can be used as a battering ram, effectively using the momentum produced by 2,000 pounds moving at thirty miles-per- hour! When the bison ran wild, people rated it second only to the Alaskan brown bear as a potential killer, even more dangerous than the fierce grizzly bear. To a casual observer, a grazing bison appears slow and clumsy, but it can outrun, out-turn, and traverse rougher terrain than all but the fleetest horse. The bison can move at speeds of up to thirty-five miles-per-hour, for as long as thirty minutes. One who hunts the bison might find the bison hunting him.

[John 18:36] “…My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” A Roman cohort, likely consisting of 60 soldiers, went with Judas to Gethsemane. There they arrested Jesus, bound Him, and led Him to Annas. One of the officers dealt Jesus a severe blow, just because He suggested that the High Priest seek first-hand testimony about His words from those who heard Him. They convicted Him even before they tried Him. Under Roman law, the Jews were not permitted to execute anyone, so they needed the Roman’s help. Jesus had said that He would die by being “lifted up,” referring to crucifixion. How could His accusers convince Pilate of Jesus’ guilt? They would call Him an “evildoer,” a blasphemer who claimed to be God’s Son and a king. But what kind of king? To Pontius Pilate, Jesus did not appear mighty, or dangerous. Silent and defenseless, He steadfastly and passively endured treatment that no Roman ruler would ever tolerate. They clothed Him in purple and crowned Him with thorns. They blindfolded, struck, spat upon, and mocked Him. “Hail, King of the Jews!” they laughed.

Like the bison, Jesus has frequently been misunderstood and underestimated. He is a King, but of another realm. That will be evident when this world’s kingdoms have all vanished. He is a King, but He does not allow His troops to defend Him with swords. He is a King, but He willingly surrenders to His enemies that He might die to free His subjects from the slavery of sin. How ironic that they chose the life-taker Barabbas instead of the life-giver Jesus. How strange that they preferred the Roman Caesar over the heaven-sent Savior. How amazing that He who seemed so defeated now sits on the throne at the right hand of God, in all power and glory. Trust Him! Obey Him! Love Him! But never underestimate the King of kings! Glorify His Name! (Revelation 15:3-4)

Are You Ready For "Your Time"?

 

An elderly man lay dying on his bed. In death’s agony, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite chocolate chip cookies wafting up the stairs to his room. He gathered his remaining strength and lifted himself from the bed. Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom and with even greater effort forced himself down the stairs, gripping the railing with both hands. With labored breath he leaned against the doorframe, gazing into the kitchen. Were it not for the pain, he would have thought himself already in heaven! There, spread out on the kitchen table, were literally hundreds of his favorite chocolate chip cookies. Was it heaven? Or was it merely one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man? Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself toward the table. His aged and withered hand made its way to a cookie at the edge of the table. But his wife suddenly smacked the back of his hand with a spatula! “Stay out those,” she commanded! “Those are for the funeral!”

She’s not the only one to save something for a funeral that should have been shared long before. It often seems a shame that flowers are sent to a funeral rather than beforehand when they could truly be enjoyed. Many of the comments made at a funeral reflect the realization that we don’t express our feelings adequately to those we love while they were alive: “What a wonderful friend he was!” “I never told her how much I appreciated her and what she meant to me!” “I hope he realized how much I loved him!” If someone means something special to you, don’t save it for the funeral. Share it with that person today.

[Hebrews 9:27] “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement…” A person asked me about this recently. They had heard people say such things as, “It was just their time to go.” There are many folks who believe there is a set time for someone to die. They use this scripture in defense of such a view. However, the original Greek word translated “appointed” in this verse is also translated “laid up” in the three other verses where it is found in the New Testament. The word carries the idea of something reserved or awaiting (Luke 19:20; Colossians 1:5; 2 Timothy 4:8). We have to recognize that this is a general principle since there will be some that will not have died when the Lord returns (1 Corinthians 15:51-53). The Bible teaches that God has placed limits on the lifespan of mankind (Psalm 90:10). The limit of seventy or eighty years is not hard fast, but again, a general principle. Even now, with all our medical capabilities, the average lifespan is still around eighty years. Job said, “Since his days are determined, the number of his months are with You; You have appointed his limits so that he cannot pass” (Job 14:5). Job is not discussing a set number of days for each individual, but that God has placed general limits on how long men can live on this earth. Additionally, consider that if a person has a set time to die determined by the Lord it cannot be changed. However, the Bible teaches: A person can shorten his days; Psalm 55:23, “…bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days…” and Proverbs 10:27, “…But the years of the wicked will be shortened.” A person can lengthen his days; Proverbs 10:27, “The fear of the Lord prolongs days…” and Ephesians 6:1-3, “…honor your father and mother…that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.” We know the length of our life is not fixed because the Bible teaches that one’s behavior effects his lifespan. We don’t know precisely when it will be “our time,” but we can be certain that it will eventually come. Ask yourself, knowing the certainty of it, how should we behave? (Romans 13:11-14) Are you ready? We must all appear before the throne of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Secrets Of Life

 

A certain farmer told each of his children when they were young that there was a “secret” of life, and it was a mystery that he’d reveal when they reached their 12^th birthday. “I will tell you the secret of life then,” he said. On the day the eldest turned 12, the nervous daughter approached her father and said, “So, tell me the secret.” “Fine,” said her father, “but you must promise not to reveal the secret to your younger brothers and sisters.” The girl promised. He said, “The secret of life is this: The cow does not give milk.” His daughter stared in misbelief, “Wait. What?” “You heard me,” he said. “The cow does not give milk; you have to milk it. You have to get up at four in the morning, go to the field, walk through the corral full of manure, tie the tail, hobble the legs of the cow, sit on the stool, place the bucket, and do the work yourself. That is the secret of life: the cow does not give milk. One must milk her, or you don’t get milk.” There is this generation that thinks cows give milk – that things are automatic and free. The mentality of this generation is that if, ‘I wish it, I ask …I obtain.’ It’s used to getting whatever it wants and getting it the easy way. But no, life is not a matter of wishing, asking, and obtaining. The things that one receives are the cumulative effort of what one does. Happiness is the result of effort. Lack of effort creates frustration. So, share with your children at an early age the secret of life, so they don’t grow up with the mentality that the government, their parents, or their cute little faces are going to give them everything they need in life. (Timothy Merrill, HomeTouch, February 4, 2024)

Beekeepers know that a bee’s age is determined by the condition of its wings. Because bees constantly work, their wings get a lot of wear and tear, Young bees have wide, well-formed wings, whereas older bees have narrow, torn, and tattered wings. The bee does not die of old age. It dies when its wings are completely worn out and can no longer work or fly. Near the point of death, the bee points itself away from the beehive and begins to fly, never to return again. The bee literally wears itself out - working!

[James 1:25] Blaise Pascal, the brilliant 17^th century intellectual, who made significant contributions in the fields of science and mathematics, established the groundwork for the development of mechanical calculators and modern hydraulic operations. As a young man, Pascal had a profound experience that changed his life. It motivated him to refocus his studies to theology. Pascal wrote a remarkable prayer that won the praise and admiration of many who were moved by it in facing the many tasks and challenges of life. He prayed: “Lord, help me to do great things as though they were little, since I do them with your power; and little things as though they were great, since I do them in your name.”

The apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), and “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). These admonitions are to encourage us to depend on God for His power and to view every act as the greatest of importance, since it will reflect on His glory. The next time you face a large undertaking, a huge task – remember that God is your strength. And when you encounter a seemingly insignificant one, determine to do it with excellence to the glory of God. Expect great things from God; Attempt great things for God. When your back is against the wall and the odds seem not in your favor, remember …you and God make a majority. There is no task so great that you and God together can’t accomplish. No enemy is so strong that you and God can’t defeat it. Have some works to do? Start it at this very hour. You supply the willingness; God will supply the power. Let us be people who are willing to ‘work our wings off’ in the Lord’s service to the glory of our Creator, God.

Responsibility

A police officer stopped a young lady for speeding and asked her very nicely if he could see her driver’s license. She replied in a huff, “I wish you guys would get your act together. Just yesterday you took away my license and now today you expect me to show it to you!” * Teacher: “Joel, if you don’t shape up and stop clowning around, you will spend the afternoon in my detention class.” Joel: “But I can’t! I have baseball practice this afternoon.” Teacher: “Listen, mister. You have a choice of which bat you’re going to spend the afternoon with. Choose wisely!” * By the time Bobby arrived, the football game had already started. “Why are you so late?” asked a friend. “I couldn’t decide between going to church or going to the football game. So, I tossed a coin,” said Bobby. “But that shouldn’t have taken too long,” said the friend. “Well, I had to pray and toss it 35 times.”

When we talk about responsibility we are not necessarily talking about authority and being subject to it. When talking about authority there is a necessity to talk about those who defy it. The Christian has a duty to be submissive to constituted authority.

CIVIL RESPOSIBILITY * The powers are ordained, not the rulers (Romans 13:1-7). God doesn’t ordain the rulers; He does the power. Defying of governmental powers reflects the attitude of the individual. The form of government does not affect the duty of obedience. Monarchies; Republics; have in them alike the ordination and power of God for the welfare of society. There are, however, limits to this obedience - we ought to obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). When man wants me to do something that is in violation of the will of God, I have no choice but to obey God. Words of this text imply that the duty was already known. What about speed limits? What about if we don’t like the law or if we think they are antique and outdated? Obedience stands until laws are changed.

RESPONCIBILITY TO SELF * Who is the authority in your life (Romans 6:16)? Christianity covers all spheres of our life; civil, social, moral, and spiritual. There are rebels who abuse themselves and dress in unusual ways. They are trying to be different by going against the grain, doing their own thing. Many today are trying to get Christians to confirm to the world. We must be transformed (Romans 12:2). We can only do this through diligent Bible study and prayer. We must be convinced that “…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

RESPONSIBILITY TO GOD * Be careful to maintain good works …works that have the right motives …works that have the right standard. A man can have the right motive, but his works be bad (i.e., supporting the church with ill-gotten gains). Our works should present the right influence (Romans 14:5-8).

RESPONSIBILITY TO STAND AGAINST ERROR * Christians have a responsibility to stand up against error. First, errors must be identified. Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16). What a person says and does reflects whether or not there is error present. The Bible uses the word “heretic” to describe a false teacher. All heretics can be divided into three classes. * The theoretical believer – does not believe what others believe and maintain. * The professional believer – declares his faith every Sunday, then denies it in his life. * The practical believer – is those who are insincere. They do not act according to their own convictions.

Today, responsibility is terribly lacking. Christians should lead the way by taking responsibility for all their actions. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). 

Can It Happen Again?

 

Those of you who are old enough can remember the name Jim Jones, the former leader of the People’s Temple Church. On Saturday, November 18, 1978, a total of 918 members of the People’s temple Church in Jonestown, Guyana committed suicide/murder. Of this number, 294 of the dead were children under the age of 18. I was 28 years old at the time and remember spending over a week talking about the event at work and at church. Though 45 years have passed, I still vividly see in my mind the pictures of hundreds of people lying dead on the ground; arms wrapped around one another, mothers holding their babies, and a father embracing what must have been his wife and children. The question that people asked then, and continually ask to this day is, “How could so many people do such a senseless thing? How could so many people forfeit their life, and the life of their children?” While I still find these questions hard to answer, I do believe I have a better understanding of it today than I had so many years ago.

Jim Jones, the founder of the “People’s Temple Church” was a charismatic leader. In 1952 he left the Methodist church. He claimed to be “the manifestation of Christ principle.” He claimed to heal the sick just like Jesus did. He even claimed to raise the dead just like Jesus did. In fact, he demanded the absolute loyalty of his followers. Being disloyal to him was tantamount to being disloyal to Christ, himself. Jones said: “I have put on Christ, you see. I have followed after the example of Christ. When you see me, it is no longer Jim Jones here. I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ that lives here. Now Christ is in this body. You will not get Christ’s blessing in Jim Jones’ blessing until you walk like Jim Jones, until you talk like Jim Jones, until you act like Jim Jones, until you look like Jim Jones. How long will I be with you until you understand that I am no longer a man, but a Principle. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Light. No one can come to the Father but through me.”

Jones claimed that he was the only way to the Father. Therefore, those who believed in him were willing to unquestionably follow him, even to death. But again, “How can religious people be so mistaken?” I believe the answer can be found in a comment made by the Major in charge of the Army operation to remove the bodies from Jonestown. In disbelief, he said, “There were no Bibles in Jonestown! These people had been weaned away from the Word of God and had learned to trust in the word of a man.”

[Romans 1:18-32] Can such a tragedy happen again? Of course, it can, and in fact is happening this very day. The death and destruction of faith in God is in a slow-motion free-fall. Not through mass suicides, but by the people who are turning away from the Word of God to follow the words of men. “Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man… Therefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen” (v. 22-25). Loyalty to God’s Word can save you from the tragedy of following men to our own physical and spiritual destruction. The World Economic Forum, meeting again this very week, is leading the world down a God-less path of nonsense, sighting the “fact” that the inhabitants of the earth must become, in essence, wiser than God the Creator of the universe, to save the planet from our mindless destruction of it. “…all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17).

Refreshing Others

 

The Houston Airport had a problem. Over and over, a major complaint from its customers was that they had to wait too long for their bags after the flight. So, the executives worked to address the issue. They added new staff, streamlined the process and were able cut wait time from as long as 30 minutes in some cases to an average of only 8 minutes. Still, complaints kept pouring in. They did everything they could to shrink the time, but 8 minutes was about as fast as they were going to get. Yet, irate customers still bemoaned the delay. It was odd because the 8 minutes was well within the standard for most airports, but other locations didn’t face an onslaught of complaints. That's when the administrators realized the real problem. The walk from the disembarking gate to baggage claim at Houston was a short 1-minute walk. In most other airports the journey was an average of 5 to 10 minutes. It wasn’t the 8-minute delay itself that was the problem; it was the fact that people had to stand around doing nothing during that time. When the airport moved the gates and carousels farther apart, making the journey 6 minutes and the idle time only two minutes, complaints disappeared.

Rayden Overbay is a special needs youngster from Yukon, Oklahoma. At 12 years of age, he became somewhat famous because of the terrible way he was treated. A video of him being bullied went viral on social media. He was bullied to such a degree - he felt such shame - that he had written on his arm, “I want to kill myself.” What can be done in such a situation? How can we help someone recover? What is the remedy for the shame that they feel? Being from Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma Sooners football team took it upon themselves to try and make things right. They made him a special guest at one of their home games. Rayden was given a game ball. He was put in front of the entire team, and he was made to feel that he was important and special. Even Jalen Hurts told Rayden that they were brothers and that he always had his back. The young man who had been teased, taunted, and torn down was now praised and elevated. This is what we are told we need to do to properly process and deal with our shame: (1) to be given kind words of praise and (2) to be restored or elevated to a new standing.

[1 John 1:5-10] Now, consider what the Lord Jesus does for repentant sinners who continue to deal with their shame of past sin: “Well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). “The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before His angels” (Revelation 3:5; Hebrews 2:11; 11:16; Zephaniah 3:19). Through Jesus, our Lord and Savior, we are lifted up out of our shameful state of sin. We are praised as part of God’s family. We are placed in a position of glory! Our submission and obedience to Jesus the Christ is the remedy. The blood of Jesus cleanses, washes, makes new and thus is the remedy for sin and shame!

One of my all-time favorite passages of scripture is found in Philemon 7. There, the apostle Paul commended Philemon “For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.” Every Christian could be like that with a little work on the matter of “attitude.” Unfortunately, some who profess to be Christians just never seem to “get it” concerning the importance of having a Christ-like spirit and spend most of their lives “out of sorts,” disgruntled and unhappy. Isn't there enough “doom and gloom” in the world already without Christians adding to it? Are others refreshed when they see you coming? Let your light shine before others.

Making Decisions for 2024

 

I have heard people say that they do not like to call them “New Year Resolutions,” but a “To-Do List” for the new year. I am sure we can all agree that we are great at making resolutions, but we are horrible at following through with them.

Decision-making is easy. It is easy to start a new diet. It is easy to decide to pay off all of one’s loans. Once we have de­cided to put our hand to something, that is the easy part. What is not always easy is following through with your decision.

Most to-do lists revolve around wanting to eliminate a bad habit in our life or the desire to form a new, healthier habit. It is said that most habits are formed during constant practice of a certain task over 28 days. To eliminate that same habit from one’s life takes 30 days. Why the two extra days? After making the decision to change or eliminate a habit it takes two days to convince oneself that you can and must do it and after 28 more days success will be a new part of your life. Stick to it – You can do it!

Likewise, it is easy to start one’s jour­ney to follow Jesus the Messiah. May I be so bold to suggest that following Jesus must become a habit in your life? If you truly believe that Christ offers a better, healthier way of living to you then He must become a part of your life and one must be obedient to His teaching of how to live by studying God’s Word and fellowshipping with God’s people. If one is going to be successful at following Je­sus, we need to heed Jesus’ stern warning about counting the cost. It is foolhardy not to calculate the cost before pursuing any endeavor. Jesus said that following him meant certain hardship. He said, “If you do not bear your cross and come after me, you cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). I not only encourage you this new year to start your journey with Jesus, but also to follow through with your convictions. Start; Stick to it – You can do it! Need help? Let me encourage you to go to WVBS.org (World Video Bible School) for thousands of videos, Bible only, lessons on history and Christian living.

Before we plan for 2024, can we look back at 2023? We apply this strategy with most anything in our lives. It would be­hoove us to apply this to our spiritual lives as well.

Let’s Review! 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 says, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” We should be mindful of the world when it comes to entertainment, our relationships, our goals, and anything that competes for space in our lives. Look­ing back, have we given in to temptation and moved God to second place?

Let’s Reflect! 1 John 2:15-17 says, “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. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever.” What do we see when we turn­around and replay 2023? Did our goals, our desires, and ambitions cloud our walk with Christ?

Let’s Reset! Titus 1:2 says in hope of eternal life which God who cannot lie, promised before time began. We can’t change what’s happened, but we can change what happens next! Summarizing our year should cause us to examine our life. God has promised us eternal life. Are we going to allow our past choices to di­minish our eternal hope? 2024 - With God’s peace and love, who needs anything more? (2 Peter 3:10-18).