I Wonder

  

I wonder why people who punish a child for lying will tell the same child, “Just say I’m not home.” I wonder why people can disregard thoughtless things that are said at work, by friends, or in a store, but not if the same things are said by someone at church. I wonder why so many feel free to skip attending worship for things they wouldn’t dream of skipping work to do. I wonder why it’s a compliment when a man is sensitive, but an insult to say he’s emotional. I wonder why people who wouldn’t dream of stealing money from the collection plate think nothing of skipping their contributions toward work for the Lord. Or why do people who expect the church to always be there for them when they are in need, give their money to other organizations instead? Odd, don’t you think? I wonder why those who work the hardest in the church, give the most consistently in serving the needs of others, are the ones who appreciate the church the most – but those who don’t and give the least, find the most fault. I wonder why parents who wouldn’t dream of letting their children decide for themselves whether or not to attend school, go to the dentist or wear decent clothes, think it is proper for them to decide for themselves whether to attend Bible school, church, and youth activities. I wonder why other people’s sins are always so much worse than our own. I wonder why other people’s children are so bad, but our own are so cute when doing the same things. Or why is it the fault of other children’s parents when the children do wrong, but our own do wrong in spite of having taught them better. I wonder why people who say, “I can quit any time I want to,” can’t. Or why do people keep themselves enslaved to a habit in order to prove their independence. I wonder why people who stand before God and vow, “Till death do us part,” later decide that means, “till the going gets tough” or “till I find someone I like better.” I wonder why people apologize to the preacher when he hears them use the Lord’s name in vain. Doesn’t it seem they should be apologizing to God? I wonder how long after death it takes for the atheist to discover they were wrong. I wonder how long it takes for those who decided to “end it all” discover they actually just started it all? I wonder why the fertilized egg of a sea tortoise is deserving of all the protection of law given to an adult sea tortoise, but the fertilized egg of a human, or a live baby unborn has no such rights. I wonder how much time we’d have for things we need to do, ought to do, if entertainment media disappeared. I just wonder about a lot of things, don’t you? I wonder if God doesn’t wonder a lot about us too. I wonder if He’s amused, or if He just sadly shakes His divine head in disgust. I wonder - does God cry?

[Psalm 34:11-16] We all face important decisions. These decisions will often have a great impact on us and our families. It may be a question of what job to take, or where to live, or what school to attend, etc. What should we do? Does God offer any help or guidance in making such decisions? The answer is “yes”! How does God give us guidance? Through the Word. The vast majority of answers are found here. They are positive commands that tell us what we should do. Matthew 28:19 instructs us to teach the gospel to others. One doesn’t have to wonder if God wants us to speak to your neighbor about salvation. There are also negative commands to tell us what to avoid. (Ephesians 4:25-32) God’s Word guides us in righteous living and provides us guidance as to what pleases God. Christians are to be consistent in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). God promises to answer our prayers (1 Peter 3:12). If you don’t believe this will work, then don’t bother to ask of God (James 1:6-8). Through the counsel of others. (Hebrews 3:12-15, Galatians 6:1-5) Others can help in our decision making but remember each one of us must answer for ourselves one day.

Expensive Loyalty

 

The late great comedian Jerry Clower was the size of a professional football player. He once told that his son was the field goal kicker for his high school football team. One day his son had the chance to kick the goal that would give his team the lead and maybe the win, but the kick went wide of the goal. Four rows from where Clower sat, a man jumped up and began heckling and booing loudly. “Who is that kicker? He couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn with a football!” On and on he went, ridiculing Clower’s son. Clower said, “I took all of it I could, and then I made my way through the crowd, sat down next to that guy, looked him straight in the eye, and said, ‘You need to thank Jesus that you’re still alive.’” The guy said, “What do you mean?” Clower answered, “That’s my son you’re ridiculing, and the only reason you’re not dead right now is because I’m a Christian and Jesus won’t let me kill you.”

Clower’s funny words remind me of a serious truth. As lord, Jesus has the authority to tell us how to live our life. How much authority do you allow Jesus to have over you? E.W. Blandley’s hymn has challenged millions of people to think about the depth of their commitment to Christ. “Where He leads me I will follow (repeat two more times), I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way” (the chorus to “Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow”). Even in this day of user-friendly religion and crossless Christianity, those who read the Bible can still hear Jesus saying, “Take thy cross and follow, follow Me.” Get real – do you allow Jesus to have the final word, even when what you want to believe or how you want to behave is very different from what He demands?

An epitaph on the tombstone of an old English soldier who lost his life in battle spoke volumes: “He served King Charles with a constant, dangerous and expensive loyalty.” That soldier was sold out to his king – prepared to pay any price up to and including his very life to honor and obey his king. Myriads have displayed that kind of dangerous and expensive commitment out of love and respect for earthly, human kings and causes. At this very hour tens of thousands of Americans are scattered around the globe, many of them in harm’s way, because of an expensive commitment to our nation and way of life.

[Matthew 3:13-17] Jesus preached what He practiced. He served the father with a constant, dangerous, and expensive loyalty. In the end, of course, His loyalty led to death on a cross. But Matthew reminds us of the commitment that carried him to and held Him on the cross was there in the very beginning of His public ministry.

Jesus’ loyalty to God’s willed Him to submit to baptism at the hands of John the Baptizer – “a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Luke 3:3). John was clearly conflicted about baptizing the sinless Son of God (Matthew 3:14), but Jesus insisted saying, “…for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (v.15). The result of Jesus’ commitment to go all the way in doing God’s will is seen in verse 17 as He raised up out of the water after John baptized Him. “Suddenly a voice came from heaven saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’”

From baptism by John to death on a cross, Jesus didn’t balk at anything God asked and/or directed Him to do. How about you? Jus how expensive is your loyalty to Jesus? Have you followed Him in baptism and the new life of obedience that follows it (Romans 6:1-4)? “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Faith and obedience throughout our life will bring about the goal of eternal life.

Extremes Are Harmful

 

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. As they lay down for the night, Holmes said, “Watson, look up and tell me what you see.” Watson replied, “I see millions, and millions, and millions of stars.” Holmes asked, “And what does that tell you?” Watson reasoned, “Astronomically, it tells me that God is great and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it tells me that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you Holmes?” Holmes answered simply, “Someone stole our tent.”

Talk about going to extremes! A man in Maine took a Sawzall and cut his neighbor’s garage in half. Since part of the structure was on his property, Gabriel Brawn had a legal right to do it. The overlapping garage hadn’t been a problem for years, as his relationship with the previous neighbor was amiable. After the neighbor died, and the new residents moved in, the conflicts began over a boundary dispute, and the animosity between the two parties escalated. A frustrated Brawn decided to bring the conflict to an end by bringing out surveyors, who concluded that part of the garage was, in fact, on his property. The neighbors had—quite literally—crossed the line. The garage was cut in half, and a privacy fence went up, equipped with surveillance cameras. While extreme, Brawn’s solution seems to have been decisive, as there has been no communication between the neighbors since the severing (Bangor Daily News, July 18, 2020).

In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul describes the church as the “household of God.” And while disagreements have, and will, occur between Christians, severing relationships is not the way to resolve issues. That would be destructive to the household. Jesus made the statement in Matthew 12:25 that “a house divided against itself will not stand.”

Too many times, friendships between disagreeing Christians are severed, broken in half, and seemingly destroyed because of the hurt feelings that go along with the perception of being offended. When turmoil arises between brethren, there is trouble in God’s household.

Here are a few things to consider before decisively (and divisively) taking extreme measures to end those relationships: * Reach out. Romans 12:18 tells the Christian that it is his responsibility to “live peaceably with all.” * Reconcile. Both parties need to make effort in order to bring each other back together. It’s vitally important to remember that the body of Christ is mutilated when its members (1 Corinthians 12:12) aren’t willing to make the effort to forgive each other (Ephesians 4:32). * Repair. In Colossians 3:13, Christians are called to remember that the Lord’s forgiveness serves as an example to model after, in order to bear with each other and forgive each other when one has a complaint against another. * Rebuild. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 instructs us to continue to “encourage each other and build each other up.” Doing so will allow friendships to be rebuilt.

[1 Peter 4:7-8] “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have a fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.” Robert Frost wrote that “good fences make good neighbors.” With Christians, good neighbors make good neighbors. This chapter is pivotal for living a life in Christ! When we become a Christian, we admit that when we lived for “evil human desires,” we made a mess of our life. Now we live for the will of God. This does not mean that He fills us to take control over us (that might be nice if He did!). No, He gives us strength and guidance to “live according to God in the spirit.” Rather than “plunge with the world into the same flood of dissipation,” we remember the cost of purchasing us – God’s Son on the cross – and exert self-control. Being clear minded and self-controlled is love.

Our Great Need for God

 

My generation grew up in a time of advertising jingles and memorable quips to bury the thought of products in the brain to trigger the want-to of buying a product when shopping for goods. I don’t suppose things have changed that much, except for the product and store names. I came across an old tongue in cheek, blast from the past article, using TV commercials to express the importance of God in one’s life. God is like Bayer Aspirin…He works miracles. God is like Ford…He’s got a better idea. God is like Coke…He’s the real thing. God is like Hallmark cards…He cares enough to send His very best. God is like Tide…He gets the stains out that others leave behind. God is like General Electric…He brings good things to life. God is like Sears…He has everything. God is like Alka-Seltzer…Try Him, and you’ll like Him. God is like Scotch Tape…You can’t see Him, but you know He’s there. God is like Allstate…You’re in good hands with Him. God is like VO-5 hairspray…He holds through all kinds of weather. And my favorite: God is like Dial Soap…Aren’t you glad you have Him? Don’t you wish everybody did?

"Random death syndrome" is not a medical term. But the unexplained “crib deaths” of babies, (SIDS) “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,” and the new phenomena, (SADS) “Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome,” used to describe sudden, unexpected deaths, often in young, seemingly healthy individuals, where taxological exams and a clear structural heart issue isn't found during autopsy, are very real.

Of late, we have read of many well-to-do people who have passed from this life into eternity – some of old age, some of illness, some of accident, and some sudden and unexpectedly. Some were men and women of great power, prosperity, and popularity. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on their funerals, and the masses assembled to pay their last respect. I, on the other hand, attended and preached several funerals where there wasn’t hundreds of thousands of dollars spent, and the service was certainly not a media spectacle. Set by today’s standards, none of them represented powerful, prosperous, or even popular people. They were just ordinary people. Yet, in reality, they left this life the same way as those who were highly celebrated by the world. Whether one be rich or poor, death is the great equalizer. Everyone leaves this life the same way they entered it (Ecclesiastes 5:15-16). Thus, it matters not how much power, prosperity, or popularity one has obtained here on earth. What matters most is where one stands with God.

[John 5:28-29] “Do not be marveled at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth – those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

Someone once noted that even if we had… the wisdom of Solomon …the patience of Job …the meekness of Moses …the strength of Samson …the obedience of Abraham …the compassion of Joseph …the tears of Jeremiah …the poetic skill of David …the prophetic voice of Elijah …the courage of Daniel …the greatness of John the Baptizer …and the endurance and love of the apostle Paul, we would still need redemption through Christ’s blood for the forgiveness of sin. We need to realize that we are human, and as such do not have what it takes to sustain ourselves through eternity. We need the power of Christ’s blood shown to us through the Father’s love, as revealed in the Holy Spirit inspired Word.

The abilities and knowledge we have are wonderful and should be used to the glory of God but let us never forget that it is God Himself who sustains us. Let us always remember the great sacrifice it took to purchase our salvation and serve Him in our life accordingly.

Practice, Practice, Practice

 

We have all heard the statement “Practice Makes Perfect.” I don’t know about you, but I never really liked hearing this statement. The reason I didn’t like it was because it usually meant I had to work harder and put more effort into becoming better. This statement has become so common that many times we just dismiss it. However, if we put our pride aside, there is great truth to these words. Let’s put ourselves aside for a minute and really consider these words. We all know that practicing is going to make us better. But why is it so important to practice? For an athlete, this is how one gets stronger, faster, and better in a sport. For a musician, this is how one learns what an instrument can do, how to play it, how to produce the correct sounds, and perform with it in a flawless fashion. But can this statement apply to Christians? Of course it can!

Let’s not be deceived, Christianity is something that must be practiced and fine-tuned. We cannot take a brand-new Christian and expect him to know all the commands of the Bible and follow them perfectly. Not a single one of us, no matter how long we have been Christians, is able to do that. Therefore, we can always use more practice. Practice is how we become more familiar with Scripture. Practice is how we become better members, teachers, preachers, deacons, elders, etc. Practice is how we become better at obeying God’s commands while resisting the sinful desires each of us have. Arthur Rubinstein, the great musician had this to say about practice: “If I omit practice one day, I notice it; if two days, my friends notice it; if three days, the public notices it.”

[Hebrews 4:13] If one stops practicing his Christianity, he will notice first, then his friends and family will notice, and eventually everyone will notice. Even more importantly though, God will notice immediately.

The church is not made up of people who believe they are better than others, but rather it’s made up of those who realize they should be better than they are and must continually strive to do better always. The church is not made up of perfect people, but people who realize they are following a perfect Lord and a perfect law and therefore must do the very best they can. The church is not made up of people who never make mistakes, but those who often acknowledge their mistakes and then forsake them. Never must we seek to justify them or continually make the same mistakes over and over again. The church is not trying to withdraw from everyone but rather to draw everyone into its fellowship and love – those who are willing to walk in the light where God the Father and Christ the Son are found. The church is not trying to set up arbitrary rules to hinder anyone but rather to show the rule of Christ which helps everyone. The church is not trying to take the joy out of life but rather is trying to put real joy into every life it touches. The church is not trying to make one feel ugly but rather it is trying to instill the beauty of holiness in your life. The church is not trying to become the master of one’s life but trying to help you to master yourself. The church is not trying to rob you of your life’s priorities but rather trying to get you to put your priorities of life in order. The church is not trying to separate you from your money; but rather is trying to keep your money from separating you from God.

This life is about seeking God and serving Him (Mathew 6:33; 4:10; 22:37). May we never stop practicing and becoming greater people for the Lord (Ecclesiastes 9:9-10). Let’s think seriously about the apostle Paul’s words recorded in 1 Timothy 4:7, “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.” It’s time to hit the spiritual gym! The stronger and wiser we are in God’s Word the better our life becomes.

The Snooze Button

 

Walking through the hallways of a middle school, the principal noticed a new substitute teacher standing outside her classroom with her forehead against a locker. The newcomer was heard to mutter, “How did you get yourself into this?” Knowing she had been assigned to a difficult class the principal tried to offer moral support, “Are you okay?” he asked; “Can I help?” The substitute teacher lifted her head and replied, “I’ll be fine as soon as I get this kid out of his locker.”

It’s the time of the year that most kids and many teachers dread: Back to School! Soon the vacations, beaches, fishing trips, and picnics will be in the past. While we are tempted to let out a big groan, perhaps we should remind ourselves what a fantastic opportunity lies ahead of us. The Lord tells us that, “… we should let our light shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven” (Mathew 5:16). That means every class meeting, every ball game, and every lunchtime is an opportunity to be a glowing example of Christianity - both student and teacher. After a summer of fun and adventure, it’s difficult to return to the books. As Christians, though, we can look forward to getting back into the public life that allows us to let out Christian lights shine. Be a light for Christ.

It’s also time to renew that ritual of getting out of bed earlier and getting off to school. I use my phone alarm to wake me in the morning and when the sounds it also displays a text giving me an option: “Tap To Snooze.” Tap and I’m good for another ten minutes of comfort and peace. Make it a habit and one finds themselves late for work or school. A person’s use of the snooze button is not “the end of the world” but it tends to start the day off on the wrong foot - raising one’s anxiety level with rushing and hurrying to get going.

[Hebrews 9:27] I want us to think very seriously about the snooze button of our soul – before it is “the end of the world.” Whether we want to admit it or not – our lives are terminal. Furthermore, our time on this earth is relatively short (James 4:14). Also, the end of the earth is definite (2 Peter 3:9-12); 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3; Matthew 24:35-39).

Considering the latter facts, we can be certain there is a lot of uncertainty concerning the “when” of the end of our life. * We are not promised tomorrow. * Many people have died sooner than expected. * And the time of the Lord’s return will not be known until it occurs.

This should motivate us to want to be ready for the end - all the time. “For we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). If at the end, we be found in continual state of sin, Jesus will utter those bone chilling words, “…I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matthew 7:23).

Jesus has sounded the alarm! He has called us all to His gospel to wake up, get up, and stay up. “Therefore, He says, ‘Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light’” (Ephesians 5:14; Isaiah 26:19, 60:1). We “wake up” when we come to the knowledge of truth (1 Timothy 2:4; Romans 10:17). We “get up” when we humbly submit to the truth (Hebrews 11:6; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:10; Mark 16:16). And we “stay up” by “walking in the light (truth) as He is in the light (God’s truth)” (1 John 1:7). Sadly, too many are still hitting the snooze button of their soul. We live everyday thinking, “There’s always tomorrow.” When we breathe our last, we cannot “Tap To Snooze.” When Jesus returns, we cannot “Tap To Snooze.” The time to be ready is now. “Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. …let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love…” (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8). He’s coming! Don’t be snoozing.

The Devil Your Adversary

 

Flip Wilson, comedian and television personality of the 1960’s & 70’s was famous for his humorous quotes about life. “The cost of living is going up and the chance of living is going down.” “I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.” And of course, his most famous, “The devil made me do it!” Do we really know who the devil is?

Satan desires one thing, which is the spiritual demise of all humanity. He wants every soul to end up in Hell with him (Matthew 25:41). Satan accomplishes his mission by getting people to live their lives in sin. Satan “entered in” Judas and caused him to betray the Lord (John 13:27). Satan filled Ananias’ heart to lie to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). Satan deceived Eve to disobey the Lord (Genesis 3:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:14). Jesus told Peter, “…Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail…” (Luke 22:31-32). The devil is always busy trying to devour people with sin (1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 3:8; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 2:11). So, when we sin, is the devil responsible for our transgressions because he caused us to do it?

The devil does tempt us to sin. He even tried to tempt Jesus to sin (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). However, if the devil is responsible for our sins, then why will we one day be accountable for them (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:12; John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:11-12)? It is because the devil cannot “make” us do anything. He only plays a part in our sin by dangling the carrot, so to speak. James wrote, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death (James 1:14-15). The devil only tempts, and it is we who either resist or transgress. This is why God “…will render to each one according to his deeds…” (Romans 2:6-11). We have the ability through Christ (Philippians 4:13) and the responsibility as Christians to “…submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). After resisting, the devil leaves but only until another opportune time (Luke 4:13). Nevertheless, we have “endured” that temptation to sin and will be rewarded for our faithfulness (James 1:12). Furthermore, with every temptation we are given all the help necessary to withstand the devil, as God will not allow any temptation to come upon us beyond our individual power to resist, and also gives each and every one of us a faithful escape out of each temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

[Ephesians 2:2] Yes, the devil rules this world, and he came after Jesus again to tempt Him not to go to the cross (John 14:30). The ruler of darkness of this world is he that we fight our battles with all the day long. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). This active, living being, that is fallen of God, is a threat to us all for he is a liar. “…he was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44). Not only that, but he is the enemy of God and man. Remember the parable of the tares of the field in Matthew 13? The devil is the one that sows the bad seed of Christ. We see how this enemy will be handled at harvest time in that the tares will be bundled up and burned in the fire.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Are you using sound, Biblical judgment and watching for an escape, so the devil’s temptations don’t lead you away from God?

Dandelions

 

The Dandelion. I feel sorry for this plant. We put forth a great effort to kill every one of them that we encounter. The reason we dislike them? Because they grow everywhere we don’t want them to grow. It really isn’t a bad plant. It isn’t poisonous. It is easy to grow. It has a beautiful yellow flower. If you mix up a tasty batter, dip the flower in it and deep fry it, you can eat it. The leaves are good for food. The seeds are good bird feed. Yellow finches enjoy eating them. But I know of no use for the root of the dandelion. But there isn’t much waste of the plant. So why do we not like it?

This past spring I noticed the usual purple wildflowers in my yard. There were also some blue bonnets, but not nearly as many because it was a dry winter and spring. Now that we have received some rain, I’ve noticed a few little white flowers popping up here and there. They’re short lived because we treat them the same as dandelions, generally mowing them down. We have decided grass is what we want in our yards. We fertilize our lawns to stimulate grass growth and poison to destroy the weeds. We have our ideas for a beautiful lawn! These ideas are neither right nor wrong. It’s my lawn – my rules.

[Acts 20:28] “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” The church belongs to Jesus. He bought it with His own blood. He can put in it what He wants. In fact, He decides who is in the church. “…And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47b). The Lord adds to the church. The Lord has described to man who is saved or who can be in the church. The people who were saved in Acts chapter 2 (Peter’s preaching of sin and repentance) were those “…who gladly received his word (and) were baptized” (Acts 2:41). The Lord decided how men were to worship Him in the church. He has given us five avenues of worship to be used by the church: prayer, singing, teaching, partaking of the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of His sacrifice for our sins, and giving as we have prospered. The church is people whom the Lord has added to the church. They are His. He bought them with His blood. He has given His church the avenues of worship which please Him. He has given us the Bible, God’s Word, to guide us in all good works. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Lord has told His church what they are to do in serving Him. Those works are: benevolence, evangelism, exhortation. We have a duty of faith to serve one another (James 2:14-17). And He (Jesus) said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16). “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

You own your lawn and have the right to plant grass, flowers, or whatever you choose in it. Jesus owns the church. He has the right to designate how people get into the church, and what people are to do, or not do, in the church. He has decided what the rules are that His church must follow. I have no right to come into your lawn and sow seeds that you would forbid me to sow. The Lord has the same right in the church. “And He put all things under His feet …to be head over the church …which is His body…” (Ephesians 1:22-23).

Are You An Heir Of Heaven?

In the 1500’s a man by the name of William Tyndale determined the common man in England should have the Bible in his own language. Tyndale set out, against much opposition, to accomplish this very difficult task. A scholar in both Greek and Hebrew, and able to speak in five other languages, he completed his translation of the New Testament into English in 1537. For this effort he was put to death in a most horrible fashion. That’s right! Killed for putting the Bible into the English language, offering God’s Word to the common man. Today the Bible adorns coffee tables, can be found in most every motel/hotel room, and is placed on the dash of cars, but is seldom read and its teachings hardly ever followed. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Yet most continue to walk in spiritual darkness. God sent His Son to bring His Word to light a dying world – another man died that we might be able to read and know that Word. Yet, how many truly care about that Book of books? That Book is the last will and testament of the Son of God. It should be of concern to each of us to find out if we are remembered in that will and what our inheritance would be. Are you an heir?

    An heir is “one who inherits or is entitled to inherit property” (Webster’s Seventh Collegiate Dictionary). Several things are involved in being an heir: 1) the benefactor, 2) the death of the benefactor, 3) the will, 4) the inheritance, 5) the terms of compliance to receive the inheritance, and 6) entitlement as an heir. What do we know about the last will and testament of our benefactor, the Lord Jesus Christ? We know that Christ’s will was not in force until He died. “For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives” (Hebrews 9:16-17). The New Testament (will) of Jesus Christ was activated at His death when He made sacrifice for us and nailed the Old Law to the cross (Colossians 2:13-14). What is our inheritance? HEAVEN! ETERNAL LIFE! An eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:15); and incorruptible inheritance (1 Peter 1:4); heirs of promise – heirs of the kingdom (Hebrews 6:17; James 2:5). To obtain this inheritance we must be “in” Christ. “In Him we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11). And how do we get “into” Christ? “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27); “in Christ” makes us “heirs according to the promise” (v’s 28-29). “Born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5), i.e. baptized into Christ, we become children of God. As children of God, we become heirs of God! “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17). We cannot be delinquent children. We must comply with the terms of His will. We must be faithful. We must be “qualified” (Colossians 1:12). We must “receive forgiveness of sins” and be “sanctified by faith” to receive the inheritance (Acts 26:18). We must be “justified by His grace” to “become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:7). We must “serve the Lord Jesus” to “receive the reward of the inheritance” (Colossians 3:24). We cannot live in sin and expect to receive the inheritance (Ephesians 5:5). “…I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). It will be heartrending for one to discover they have been disinherited and rejected by God (Revelation 20:11-15). 

You Are A Strong Influence

 

Around the turn of the century in rural Texas, an old man crippled with arthritis was very faithful in his attendance at a local church. Twice on Sunday and once on Wednesday night a little girl watched from her bedroom window as the old man, with cane in hand, painfully and slowly made his way down the street to the church building on the corner. One Sunday morning, following an unusually strong overnight winter storm, the little girl ran to her window, looked out and exclaimed to herself, “Surely the old man won’t go to church this morning!” But there he was, right on schedule, plodding very cautiously through the ice and snow. The little girl could contain herself no longer. She had to visit the little church on the corner to see for herself what could possibly be there that would bring the old man out on such an inclement morning. The little girl was impressed with the services that morning and a short time later she became a Christian, as did her whole household.

The rest is history. After finishing high school, she enrolled in a Christian college and while there met a fine Christian young man whom she later married. To this union a son was born who was to become one of the finest gospel preachers that ever lived. During the time that he served the Lord, this man led literally thousands of people to Christ.

The old man went to his reward without realizing just what an impact he had made for the cause of Christ. Because of his godly influence many people will go to heaven to be with him. There can be no greater joy than to reach heaven and to hear some say, “I’m here because you had shown me the way.” It is a fact that we are capable of showing others the way. This can be achieved because of the powerful influence we all have in the ability to openly exert our love and devotion to the Creator while we live on this earth.

[Titus 2:7-8] “…in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” I would pose a question to all of us who are Christians: “Have you ever stopped to consider the influence we may have on those around us?” It has been said many times that if heaven becomes your home you will take others with you because of the influence you have exerted while living here on earth. I believe the opposite of this will also be true. If you are lost you will take those with you into eternal punishment who have followed your earthly example. We are being observed by others many times when we least expect it or are unaware of the presence of others.

The apostle Paul was addressing the Philippians concerning their influence, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” (Philippians 2:14-15). The child of God is to be innocent, even though the world around us is crooked and perverse. By living this way our influence will be as a light. The apostle Paul instructed Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The Christian is to be an example of what a believer truly is. The power of the Christian influence is something that one should never take for granted. Who is it that we are influencing with our Christ-like example? Are we influencing others toward salvation and eternal life in heaven? Or is our lackadaisical attitude of love and devotion toward Christ leading others astray, influencing them toward eternal hell and damnation. This is a question we “Christians” must consider in complete earnestness and honestness.

Know God or No God

 

The world is being duped into believing that equality holds equal footing in every realm of life with a strong footnote on feelings and whom one desires to be at any given moment. Equality has also pushed God, right and wrong, aside, and opened wide the unrestricted practices of evil among humans which the world hasn’t experienced since the days of Noah (Genesis 6:5-8). In the name of equality, righteous living has been forced to step aside without prejudice, in fear of being unjustly punished, to make room for evil to develop as a personal right of thought and action. I thank God for those who are at the front of this battlefield and making a difference by exposing the evil which has been hidden far too long from the naive persons of this world that have been educated through propaganda.

Many go through life making a deliberate choice to ignore God. Any mention of God or Jesus seems to flip a switch in their minds to “Off”. Most do acknowledge a belief in God, but they have no idea as to the nature of God, or what He has said in His Word. There is much confusion that comes from the many different and erroneous doctrines taught in the “religious” world. Many have become convinced that nothing is needed other than a belief in God – but they don’t know God. Yet, there are millions who make a deliberate choice to ignore God because He doesn’t “fit” into their life. Being a follower of Christ demands time which they are not willing to give. It would interfere with their lifestyle, their personal life, their golf game, their sports event, their family life, their work, or some other “god” which they prefer.

Often there are young couples who want to live their own lives and “plan to get religion” when they are older. What they fail to realize is the older they get the more attached they become to the things of this world. And their children will suffer the consequences of being educated by the standards of the world, not the righteous guidance of God’s Word. The world is determined to destroy the family! Life-long worldly habits are hard to change!

[Hosea 4:6] “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest (2 Peter 2:4-10) before Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”

We can ignore God all our life. God gives us that choice which brings with it devastating results at the end of life. The Israelites learned this lesson the hard way. Moses and Joshua tried to impress upon them that God meant what He said as they led them to the promised land, but the people refused to believe and obey God. Today, we have God’s Word that tells us how to reach a far more beautiful “promised land” awaiting us in a place called heaven. But it’s impossible to ignore God and His Word still expecting to get there.

The rich young ruler faced a decision when the Lord told him to go and sell all he had (Luke 18:18-23) – he made a bad decision. Lot faced a decision when Abram gave him the choice as they divided the land for their herdsman (Genesis 13:8-13) - he made a bad decision. Gideon faced a decision when God reduced his men from 32,000 to 10,000, then to 300 (Judges 7:1-22), he made a good decision. Thousands heard the gospel on the day of Pentecost. They faced a decision when the apostles told them of their sins (Acts 2:22-37) – about 3,000 of them made a good decision (Acts 2:38-41). First century Christians faced a decision with the need to grow in service to the Lord, learn more of God’s will for their life, and how to serve one another. Many made excellent decisions as they added to their faith, grew in knowledge, wisely used their time and energy, developed talents to serve the Lord. You have a decision to make about God in your life. “Know God” or “No God”!

Temporal or Eternal - Your Decision

 

There is a charming story concerning the noble statesman, William Ewart Gladstone. Crossing the frontier between France and Belgium, he was interrogated by an officious customs officer: “Have you anything to declare?” “Only a bunch of grapes,” replied the Englishman. The officer countered, “You cannot pass with those grapes, sir. They are dutiable.” “I will pay no duty!” retorted Gladstone. “Then you must leave the grapes behind,” said the customs examiner. “No, I shall pass, grapes and all,” insisted Gladstone. Whereupon, to the astonishment of the officer, he started slowly eating the grapes, until they disappeared. “Now,” he said with a smile, “I shall pass, grapes and all."

If one were to ask a three-year-old if he would rather have a piece of candy now or a new car when he is sixteen, what do you suppose the response would be? We would not be surprised if the child wanted the candy, especially if we had it in hand tantalizing him with the very sight of it. The candy is something the child can see that can give him immediate satisfaction.

However, the car is a distant intangible prospect. Since the car will be “new” when the child turns sixteen, it has not yet been made, and it’s hard for him to imagine exactly what will be available to him in the realm of automotive transportation in thirteen years.  From our experience as adults the decision is a “no-brainer”. We recognize the vast difference in the value of each option. We recognize that in a matter of seconds the candy will be gone, and it’s delight dissipating. Our perspective is different than a child’s.

[Revelation 21:4; 22:2] Our heavenly Father offers the rewards of heaven with no pain nor sorrow, but unending healing and prosperity in the presence of God and the saved.

[Hebrews 11:25] By way of contrast, the pleasures of sin are for a season. The problem for us is that the devil dangles the pleasures of sin before our eyes and invites us to experience the delight right here and now. Though sin is delightful for a season, it soon ends, and the bitter realization of its consequences remain. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are all of this world which is passing away (1 John 2:16). Heaven, however, is described as a city that has foundations whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). Heaven will never pass away; its delights will never languish. It is eternal life (1 Timothy 6:12), eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:10). We cannot see heaven at this moment, neither can we experience being in the very presence of God Almighty, but we can choose to patiently wait for it. Through the Bible we can see God’s perspective of the matter and make the wise choice of heaven.

[2 Corinthians 4:18] “…while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Do we make our decisions based on the here and now? Let us be reminded that the visible things are temporal – they have an expiration date. The eternal things ought to be the basis of our decisions, though they are unseen. The apostle Paul goes on to describe in 2 Corinthians 5, how though we are now in this earthly tabernacle, that is our physical body, we earnestly await the time when we will inhabit our spiritual house that is eternal in the heavens (5:1) and be present with the Lord (5:8). 2 Corinthians 5:7 explains, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Let us walk by faith, by God’s word, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17), which opens up the unseen world of superior blessings, rather than by sight in a temporal world. If we do so, we will patiently wait for the great reward, rather than the devils sugar stick.

The Father of Fathers

 

When the good Lord created fathers, He started with a tall frame. An angel nearby said, “What kind of father is that? If you’re going to make a child so close to the ground, why have you put the father up so high? He won’t be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child into bed without bending, or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping.” And God smiled and said, “Yes, but if I make him child size, who would the children have to look up to?” When God made a father’s hands, they were large and sinewy. The angel sadly shook his head and said, “Do you know what you’re doing? Large hands are clumsy. They can’t handle diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on ponytails, or even remove splinters from baseball bats.” God smiled and said, “I know, but they’re large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of a day – yet small enough to cup a child’s face.” Then God molded long, slim legs and broad shoulders. The angel said, “Boy, this is the end of the week, all right! Do you realize you just made a father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?” God smiled and said, “A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle or hold a sheepy-head on the way home from the circus.” God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had ever seen when the angel could contain himself no longer. “That’s not fair. Do you honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby is crying? Or walk through a small birthday party without stepping on at least three of the guests?” God smiled and said, “They’ll work. You’ll see. They’ll support a small child who wants to ride a pony or scare off some mice at the summer cabin, and display shoes that will be a challenge to fill.” God worked throughout the night, giving the father few words, but a firm, authoritative voice and eyes that could see everything, but remain calm and tolerant.

[Psalm 96:4-9] A little boy asked his father what the highest number was he had ever counted. Replying he didn’t know, the father asked his son for his highest number. It was 973. “Why did you stop there?” wondered the father. “Because church was over.”

I suspect that you have probably sat through worship services where your mind was focused on something just as trivial rather than on God. It’s easy to allow the mind to wander. “I can’t wait to see the ball game this afternoon.” “I wonder what we’re having for lunch?” “I’ve never noticed before that the carpet down there is beginning to unravel a bit.”

Is it any wonder we so often leave the worship assembly with the feeling that it wasn’t very meaningful? Worship should be a time when we are confronted with the majesty and glory of God. As we reflect on God’s power, we realize how much we need Him in our times of weakness. As we reflect on God’s wisdom, we realize how much we need Him in our times of indecision. As we reflect on God’s holiness, we are made aware of our own sinfulness and the need for forgiveness. As we reflect on God’s love, we realize the effort that God has gone to make that forgiveness available. It’s not a ritual we go through every week. It is an opportunity to express our praise to the One who means more to us than all the earth. As we truly worship and praise God from the heart, we become more aware of how much we really want to live close to Him. We leave with the challenge to “be holy as He is holy.” “…Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples, Give to the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.”

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below – always.

Are You an Ant or A Grasshopper?

 

Æsop Fables – “The Ants and The Grasshopper” One bright day in late autumn a family of Ants were bustling about in the warm sunshine, drying out the grain they had stored up during the summer, when a starving Grasshopper, his fiddle under his arm, came up and humbly begged for a bite to eat. "What!" cried the Ants in surprise, "haven't you stored anything away for the winter? What in the world were you doing all last summer?" "I didn't have time to store up any food," whined the Grasshopper; "I was so busy making music that before I knew it the summer was gone." The Ants shrugged their shoulders in disgust. "Making music, were you?" they cried. "Very well; now dance!" And they turned their backs on the Grasshopper and went on with their work. There's a time for work and a time for play. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15)

An atheist was taking a walk through the woods. “What majestic trees! What powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!” he said to himself. As he continued to walk alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. Turning to look, he saw a seven-foot grizzly charging towards him. He ran as fast as he could along the path he was on. Looking over his shoulder he saw the bear was closing in on him. Then, he tripped and fell on the ground! He rolled over to pick himself up and saw the bear raising his giant paw to take a swipe at him. At that instant the atheist cried out, “Oh my God…” Time stopped! The bear froze! The forest became silent! It was then a bright light shone upon the man and a voice came out of the sky saying, “You deny my existence all these years, teach others I don’t exist and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you now expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?” (Matthew 7:21-23) The atheist looked directly into the light. “It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps, could you make the bear a Christian?” “Very well,” said the voice. The light went out, and the sounds of the forest resumed, and the bear slowly lowered his big paw, bowed his head and spoke, “Lord, bless this food which I am about to receive and for which I am truly thankful, Amen”

[Proverbs 6:6-11] I was reminded of these two stories in light of the probability of World War III - not to mention, the overtake of Europe, Great Britian, the great state of Texas and several states in these United States of America, along with Canada and several African countries, being systematically conquered by the cultic regime of Islam. And it seems nobody cares as Americans just go about their business fiddling with what’s important to them – personal ideologies, sports, games, electronic possessions, and money, money, money. Nobody is preparing for the inevitable loss of the freedoms we so richly enjoy at the present time. I’m here to warn y’all, winter is coming! Get some essentials stored up for when the lights go out! Quit fiddling around. Wake up! Look at the world around you!

“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer, or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep – So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man” The ant is truly one of God’s remarkable creations. They are a model of industry, organization, and hard work. Hard-working people are getting more difficult to find. People want to be paid well, but few want to work hard for their money. Far too many of our citizens think the world owes them a living. Be careful – you may just be the one the ant turns away when you’re hungry.

How Important Is The Church?

 

A churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper complaining that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. “I’ve gone for thirty years now,” he wrote, “and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. So, I think I’m wasting my time, and the preachers are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.” This started a conversation in the “Letters to the Editor” column, to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until some wrote this clincher: “I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of these meals, but I do know this – They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today.

There is more than one way to defeat an army. Head-on clashes with the enemy works – if you’re stronger. A sneakier approach is to cut off the enemy’s supply lines. This tactic has been used for centuries. Soldiers need food, medical supplies, and ammunition. If you can find a way to disrupt the flow of these things you have greatly weakened your opponent without even firing a shot. Hungry soldiers don’t fight very well and eating the questionable leftovers are a problem. (Napoleon lost more soldiers from spoiled food than from bullets).

You can be sure that our enemy, the devil, uses the same strategy. God is stronger so head-on attacks are not Satan’s best option. Jesus says about His sheep that since God is greater than all “no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28). With God we are undefeatable! To win the devil has to weaken us up first. I think the best way to do that is to try and cut us off from the source of our spiritual strength. If the devil can distract us when it is time to pray, if he can convince us that more television is more important than the Word, if he can convince us to fill our Sundays with activities that aren’t church then we are going to have problems. You become spiritually hungry and weak when these supply lines are cut off.

Let us all take to heart the words of Jesus! He proclaims, “I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). I’ve picked up many fallen branches in my yard. Separated from the tree they all quickly wither and die. But connected they bear leaves and fruit. We are the same. Connected to God not only do we thrive but we also bring many blessings to others. If we remain in Christ, we spread the light of Jesus wherever we go. So, let’s stay connected. Defend your supply lines so you remain strong. Zealously defend your times of prayer, study, and worship. The One, who is in us, is greater – so as long as we are connected to Him victory is ours.

(Matthew 16:15-18) Jesus promised to build His Church upon the great truth that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God! “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock l will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it". Whatever your understanding of the Church may be, it is easy to see from what the Savior said that it must be important to Him. How important is His Church to you?

What a privilege it is to be a member of the Church (Ephesians 2:19-22)! In the Church we find those with whom we have the most important things in common - fellow citizens of the everlasting Kingdom of Jesus Christ! In the Church we are granted opportunities to grow in grace and to prove our love for God by loving our brethren (1 John 4:20-21)!

The Bible is Right

Willie Cato’s book “His Hand and His Heart” is about the wit and the wisdom, dedication and sacrifice of the beloved Marshall Keeble. “Brother Keeble,” as he was affectionately known, was one of the greatest preachers of the Twentieth Century. Read about this great servant of God, listen to his sermons and learn from his life. In life this giant of a little man touched thousands and, although gone from this world for many years, still impacts lives today. Like Abel, “…he being dead still speaks” (Hebrews 11:4).

Keeble’s preaching was simple, sincere, powerful and practical. He believed in God. He lived a devoted life. He sacrificed and endured much. He loved the truth, and he loved the souls of men. He preached from the heart and thousands responded to the gospel!  Keeble would often say, “The Bible is right! You can leave this meeting and go home mad, but the Bible is right! You can fuss at Keeble all night, but the Bible is right! All men can die and go to Hell, but the Bible is right!”

[Acts 17:32-34] “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, ‘We will hear you again on this matter.’ So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.” Is it not strange how people react to the word of God? When Paul preached at Athens, his message drew different reactions. People react differently to the truth today. Some become angry. Some shrug off the saving message of the gospel. Some rejoice and receive it. One man might say, “I didn’t get a thing out of that message.” Another might say, “That message really helped me.”

Keeble was right! Regardless how people react to it, “The Bible is right!” It is the inspired message of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It will be the standard by which we are judged (John 12:48). One can reject it, neglect it, or “interpret it” (a fancy way of saying change God’s word to fit your life instead of changing your life to fit it), but as Keeble said, “The Bible is right!”  One must hear the word! One must believe the word! One must obey the word! One must proclaim the word! One must defend the word! Why? “The Bible is right!” Keeble knew it, and so do I!

[Genesis 3:9] God called to Adam, “Where are you?” The first question in the Bible involves a man trying to hide from God. No one can hide from God. “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 account” (Hebrews 4:13). If you were asked the question, “Are you with the Lord or against the Lord?” what would you answer? In the great conflict of good versus evil, no middle ground exists. If we are not allied with Christ, then we are a co-worker with the evil one. If you were asked, “Are you a servant of righteousness or servant of sin?” what would your answer be? Jesus said no man can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). To be a servant of righteousness one must obey all of God’s commands; to live in sin is to obey the evil one. Jesus points out that only two roads are open to us and that we must make a choice. Are you among the wise or the foolish? Are you in the church or in the world? The Lord closes the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24-27) placing all people in one of two groups. The wise who hear and do; they will be able to stand at the judgment. The foolish also hear but fail to do; they will be lost at the judgment. All “accountable” beings are in one category or the other.

When the separation takes place at the judgement, will we be among the “sheep or the goats”? (Matthew 25:31-46) “The Bible is right!” Obey and be saved (Acts 2:36-47). 

Who's In Charge?

 

We’ve heard it said, or maybe even said it ourselves, “Nothing good ever happens to me.” We get some unwelcome news, things don’t go as planned, etc., and we immediately respond negatively. I recognize that some folks experience more misfortune than others, and maybe you’re someone who has delt with an overwhelming number of headaches.

I was reading an article written by a woman who was raising a difficult child. In the article she confessed how her faith in God had deepened in the midst of her struggles. She said something that made me stop for a moment and think. She wrote, “I found out God really doesn’t give you more than you can handle. He just makes sure you know He’s the one in charge!” What made me pause was her last statement. I have to admit that this never occurred to me when thinking about life’s challenges. God doesn’t necessarily take away the challenge or even make it easier. The promise is it won’t be more than we can bear. I guess I had always thought that it would become easier. But if we begin to think that somehow, we are handling it by our own strength, then we are not really trusting in God.

[Romans 8:28] Hardships seemed to follow the apostle Paul everywhere he journeyed (2 Corinthians 11:24ff). Job, could easily have won the award for “misfortunate man of the year.” Even David, in in those years before becoming king over all of Israel, faced an onslaught of headaches and pain (1 Samuel 18:1ff). What about Joseph? You think you’ve had it bad? A quick journey with Joseph (Genesis 37-50) will make one realize how truly blessed you are. Speaking of this man Joseph, it would do us well to remember his words to his brothers who had, by their evil deeds, brough about his many sorrows: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20). You read it correctly, “but God meant it for good.” If Joseph’s brothers never sell him to the Midianites, then Joseph never goes to Egypt – he’s never sold to Potiphar – Potiphar’s wife never falsely accuses him of rape, then he is never put in prison – he never meets the baker and butler of Pharaoh, he never interprets their dreams – thus, he never interprets Pharaoh’s dreams – he’s never rewarded and made prime minister – he never wisely administrates for the severe famine coming upon the region – if so, then his family back in Canaan perishes from the famine – thus the Messiah couldn’t come forth from a dead family – Jesus would have never come. If Jesus never came, you would still be dead in your sins and without hope in this world.

 Instead of complaining and being critical of all the misfortune he had endured, Joseph, as he looks back on his life, recognized the providential workings of God and the ultimate good that resulted. We, like Joseph, need to focus more on the big picture and not the big problem before us!

[2 Corinthians 12:7-10] Jesus is calling us to follow Him, bidding us to “take up our cross” and come after Him. Surely that cross has to do with the burdens and challenges we confront as humans in this life. We each carry our own foibles and shortcomings. Who we are and where we come from are always with us. We take these with us in following the Lord. We become victims of our own desires or of circumstances that we cannot control. In all this God helps us in that they will not overwhelm us. This is either because He is in control of what happens, or He gives us the strength to stand.

I like the thought, “He just makes sure you know He’s the one in charge.” Paul wrote about his request to remove his “thorn in the flesh.” The answer was in the power of God being revealed and demonstrated through Paul’s weakness. Reveal God in your weakness.

Busy Mom's

 

Prayer of a Stretched-Out Woman by Alice Cravens Moore.

 

“Lord, I’ve done it again. I have too much to do and too little time. Not only that, Lord, even if I had the time, I wouldn’t have the energy.

Why am I always the one to do everything? Lord, why am I a chronic volunteer? Why couldn’t you have made me fragile-looking and shy? That way no one would ever ask me to do anything or even allow me to whenever I open my big mouth to commit myself.

Why can’t I learn to say, “No” - just once? Lord, I don’t want to say, “Sure,” when they ask me to serve on that committee. That “Sure” just slipped out. When they said, “Can we depend on you to prepare six dozen sandwiches?” Lord, why didn’t I smack my mouth when I said, “No problem!”?

I wish I could scream, “Not in a thousand years,” instead of, “When do you need it?” or “That shouldn’t take much time.”

Lord, enough dust is under my bed and behind the refrigerator to fill the low spot in my back yard, and here I am cutting out 350 bulletin board letters. Lord, I’m tired of being everything to everybody and nothing to myself. There isn’t enough of me to go around anymore.

I’m so worn out, Lord. I’m always on the run, and I’m so cranky that my kids have decided the Wicked Witch of the West is not dead after all.

My husband says I bring it all on myself. No sympathy there. It doesn’t help to know he’s right.

Lord, did Deborah have this problem? Surely Ester had a maid. What queen doesn’t?

Of course, I know the real problem, Lord. I need to understand what is truly important and then push the excess away right out of my life.

Helping my children with Bible school lessons is more worthwhile than deciding which decorations to use for the class party. Preparing my husband’s favorite meal is of more consequence than meeting with some committee for the umpteenth time.

Lord, help me realize that the world won’t end if the beds aren’t made or the floor isn’t mopped. In my heart, I truly know that making snow angels with my children is of more value than planning another congregational “42” party. Playing with the children is more important even than nagging them to clean their rooms.

When Mary followed her Son and stood there as He suffered on the cross, I don’t imagine she thought of all the other places she needed to be or the things she needed to do.

Perspective, Lord, that’s what I need. Help me find it. Teach me to spend my time on the things that matter. Guide me, Lord!

Lord, I’m so glad we had this talk. Now don’t let me forget what was said… Amen.”

 

[Genesis 3:20] “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” Imagine with me some of the possible statements of famous people's mothers to their children – Columbus’ Mother: “I don’t care what you’ve discovered Chris. You still could have written.” Batman’s Mother: “It’s a nice car, Bruce, but do you realize how much the insurance is going to be?” Super Mans Mother: “Clark, your father and I have discussed it, and we’ve decided you can have your own phone line. Now, will you stop spending so much time in all those phone booths?” I remember the one statement my mother said, “Someday you’re going to miss me.” Once their gone, we all miss our mom.

Are We Losing Our Spirituality?

 

Two words, LAUS DEO, are displayed on the aluminum cap atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there. LAUS DEO, two seemingly insignificant unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most powerful nation in the world. So, what do these two words, in Latin, composed of just two syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say, “Praise Be to God!”

Construction began on the monument in 1848 but was not completed until 1888 when it was opened to the public. From the top of this magnificent granite and marble obelisk structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city. Charles L’Enfent formed a perfect cross upon the landscape with the White House to the north and the Jefferson Memorial to the south, the Capital Building to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4, 1848, deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Such was the spiritual mood given by the founders of our nation, a unique constitutional representative form of government. When observing the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation’s capital, one will easily find the signature of God as it is unmistakenly inscribed everywhere you look. As Christians we are reminded of Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Un less the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.”

[1 John 4-4] Over the years poles have been repeatedly taken as to the morality statis of our country and the world. From what the poles show, America’s moral values are in free fall! It is incredible to me how many who come to the church asking for assistance are unabashed about co-habiting with a sexual partner without permission of a marriage license. Few consider it wrong. More consider it wrong for asking.

Let’s be honest about a few facts we cannot deny. Our prisons are overcrowded. Our court system is overloaded. Bibles and prayers have been removed from the classroom. Our churches are not even holding their own while Islam is growing. Blatant immorality is more tolerated in our culture than conservative Christianity. Anti-Christian philosophies such as relativity and naturalism rule the day. The lack of spiritual direction in America has created much larger problems today than what we saw sixty years ago. So, how is this all going to play out? Can it be turned around? Has the slide away from God gone too far?

Only God knows the answers to our troubling questions. However, what we do know is that the true church has always existed in an untoward world. Jesus recognized that His disciples in the first century were “…not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:14-16). John later wrote to the churches for all ages, “Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you” (1 John 3:13).

Let us not be surprised at anything that happens against Christ and His church (not being surprised doesn’t mean that we have to like it). But let us be determined to not surrender without a fight against the forces of darkness that want to bring down Christianity. If respect for the body of Christ and practice of the truth decline in the world, they don’t have to in our personal life. We can remain stronger than the world. We can remain separate from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). By the devotion of each individual, the individual can conquer (Romans 8:37-39) and lead the way for others to follow in the truth of God.

Simply Walking With Jesus

 

In the midst of all the flimflam surrounding religion and religious organizations, the simple message of God’s Word is being lost. Is it possible to simply be a Christian in the 21^st century? Can we avoid being entangled in and weighed down by all the trappings and innovations of man which have found their way into religion over the past 2000 years?

I believe “yes,” and can be accomplished by taking an “island approach” to Christianity. What do I mean by that? Supposed there was an isolated island filled with people who knew nothing of Jesus. Then, one day a chest washed ashore and contained within it a copy of the Bible. The islanders began reading this book with great interest. After months of careful study, they came to the point of faith (believing), turned from their sins, confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, were baptized into Christ, and began worshipping God together and committing themselves to the moral standards contained in the Scriptures. Question: What denomination were these islanders when they obeyed the gospel? What “brand” of Christian were they? It’s a silly question, isn’t it? They would not be a part of any denomination, sect, or party. They would simply be Christians and Christians only. If people on an isolated island can be “Christian Only,” then why can’t all Bible believers be “Christians Only” where they live? The fact is, we can. However, it will require to do what the islanders did …open the Bible, unite on what it teaches, leaving behind those practices and doctrines that are not found therein. (John 17:20-21)

[Luke 24:13-24] On the road to Emmaus is a fascinating story where two of Jesus’ followers were walking along with Jesus after His resurrection, but they did not realize who Hie was. “But their eyes were restrained, so they did not know Him” (v.16). So, were these disciples “blinded”? One might think so, but for what Jesus himself said, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” (v.25). They simply did not believe it. They did not see the Christ, who stood right next to them, because they did not expect to see Him. They were, “slow of heart to believe,” which intensifies His judgment that they were not spiritually alert.

Imagine, walking along side Jesus and not even realize who He is. Conversing with the Master and not conscious that you are speaking with the Savior. I wonder, does this ever happen to us in our walk with Jesus? Do we fail to “recognize” Him in our life? Have we heard His words so often that we dismiss the power and authority of His message? Have we walked with Him so long and He has become so familiar that we are no longer attracted to His presence?

As one proceeds through the book of Mark, allow your heart to fall in love with Jesus once again. If you have taken your eyes away from Him, it’s time to look at Him again. If you have grown complacent in your walk with Christ, it’s time to pick up the pace and move on.

If you have never really looked at Him, it’s time to start looking at the One who brings salvation to all who believe. Allow Jesus to open your eyes, refresh your heart, and revive you to become spiritually alert to his presence in your life on a daily basis.

[Joshua 1:9] Joshua was taking over the leadership of the people of God and knew that Moses left some pretty big shoes to fill. But God gave him the assurance he needed to lead the people into the promised land. He told him, “…Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” We are all on the road to forever; walk with Jesus and he will lead us into the promised land.

PAID IN FULL

 

After living what I felt was a “decent” life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a courthouse. The doors opened, and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around, I saw the “prosecutor.” He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He was definitely the evilest person I had ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me; I felt I knew him. He looked at me and smiled!

The corner door flew open and there appeared the judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. As he took his seat behind the bench, he said, “Let us begin.” 

The prosecutor rose and said, “My name is Satan, and I am here to show you why this man belongs in Hell.” He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and times when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down I sank in my seat. Satan told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about, and I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t look at anyone — even my own attorney. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had changed. Satan finished with a fury and said, “This man belongs in hell! He is guilty of all that I have charged and there’s not a person who can prove otherwise.”

When it was my attorney’s turn, He asked the judge if he might approach the bench. The judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan and beckoned him to come forward. As he got up and started walking, I was able to see him in his full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar. This was Jesus my Lord and Savior representing me.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the judge, “Hi, Dad.” He then turned to address the court. “Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned. I won’t deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished.” Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, “However, I died on the cross to pay the punishment he deserved… so that he might have eternal life. He has been baptized in My Name and his sins have been washed away. He accepted Me as his Savior, so he is mine.”

[Revelation 20:11-15] My Lord continued, “His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand this yet. Your Honor, I ask for mercy and your grace for this man who has lived in faith awaiting the day he receives Your promise of everlasting life.” As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, “There is nothing else that needs to be done. I’ve done it all.”

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips… “This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed.”

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, “I won’t give up, I will win the next one.” I asked Jesus, “Have you ever lost a case?” Christ lovingly smiled and said, “Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, “PAID IN FULL.”

(Jude 20-25) Jesus can and will present you before God, faultless, to be with Him forever.

The Hour Has Come

 

"The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified" (John 12:23). Previously, the time had not been right, but now it was time for Jesus to be glorified through His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. These things were necessary before the gospel could be preached in its fullest sense to the Jews and Gentiles.

(John 12:24) "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain" - As a grain must "die" in order to germinate and ultimately produce fruit, so Jesus must die in order to bear much fruit (i.e., the salvation of lost souls through His blood). Jesus speaks these words to illustrate the fact that only through His death could His work be completed and glory come. In any seed is the germ of life, but only when it is planted (i.e., it “dies" to itself by ceasing to exist as a seed as it opens up and sprouts) is fruit able to be produced. If a seed remains unplanted it will not "die" but instead remain fruitless. Jesus knew it would be difficult for His disciples to accept the idea of Him dying, yet He wants them to understand that such is necessary to fulfilling God's plan. If Jesus had not died, then He would not have born any fruit in the form of saving the lost.

(John12:25) "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (Matthew 16:25). This paradoxical statement simply means that a servant of God who appears to have little concern for the preservation of his earthly life is really guaranteeing himself eternal life in heaven. Certainly, Jesus has His own death in mind, though this is a general principle. On the other hand, if a seed "saved itself," it would remain as one grain until it rots. But, if it gives up its life-germ in good soil, it will multiply itself indefinitely from one planting generation to the next.

(John 12:26) "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also" - Those who are truly faithful to Jesus will follow Him in doctrine, disposition, and duty. Jesus wants His disciples to follow Him in fruit-bearing self-sacrifice. One of the greatest joys of following Jesus is the expectation of being with Him in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8-10). It is foolish to claim to be a servant of Christ while refusing to do His will. The Father will honor those who serve Jesus with the gift of eternal life and the glory of a home in heaven (1 John 2:4).

[John 15:8] “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples.” Christians are attached to Jesus. The Son of God will provide strength and nourishment to Christians, as Jesus is the vine, and we are the attached branches (John 15:1-6). Branches that do not bear fruit will be pruned or removed from the vine, so they do not take away from other branches that are bearing fruit. When a child of God bears fruit, it proves itself. And God is glorified. Apple trees bear apples and prove themselves to be “apple” branches. If it is receiving the proper nourishment, the branch will produce a glorious apple. When the child of God does what one should, one produces fruit that glorifies God. When the world sees these fruits in us, they will glorify God who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). “And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:17-19). Salvation is the fruit of Christ - through His death, burial, and resurrection - fulfilling God’s plan of reconciliation.

How Do You Value Your Soul?

 

A man owned 80 acres of land, some of the best in the county where he lived. The wheat planted was green and looked great, and the price also looked great at $8.50 a bushel. But then, one of his neighbor’s called him on his cell, “Have you seen your wheat? The geese are about to eat all your wheat!” Taking a short trip in his pick-up, he looked and sure enough it appeared 30 of the 50 planted acres had been grazed to the bare ground. Geese were marching across the field ten abreast and the line seemed to be a quarter of a mile long. When he drove his pick-up toward them, they took flight, and the sky blackened. It looked like 10,000 geese (preacher’s count) had all risen at once. He had thought to himself, this year looks like I will make a good profit from my crop. The wheat looks good, my opportunity for marketing at a fair price seems excellent, and I may even be able to make enough to store some until next year. “Wow!” he thought, “relax and enjoy the fruit of your labor.” Then, God sent geese. “Fool!” echoed in his mind (Luke 12:20). God reminded the man of what is mine and what is His. “I give and I take away” (Job 1:21). One never really owns anything. God is in control of everything and generously allows us to use his temporal blessings. If God takes care of the birds of the air, why should one worry about themselves? After all, aren’t we humans greater than animals? “…blessed be the name of the Lord.”

[Revelation 20:12-15] In a sermon titled “When the Books are Opened,” by V.P. Black, he observed the following: “My friends, I say to you without the least fear of exaggeration that many will never realize they are lost until those books are opened. Many will learn when the books are opened that the most important thing in life was not their job; it was not their home; it was not their loved ones; it was not their friends; it was not their money; it was not their property. The most important thing is your soul, and if you don’t learn it in this world, you will learn it when the books are opened.” (“Truths That Lead to Eternal Life” p.164) Obviously, we need to learn the value of the soul before the books are opened on the Judgment Day. On that day, it will be too late to do anything to save our soul. However, we currently hold in our hands the Book that has the power to save our soul. James wrote, “Therefore, lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). Again, I repeat, before the books are opened on that final day, we need to open the Book and learn the value of the soul. The value of our soul is priceless, and Jesus has paid that price.

Concerning the soul, Jesus declared, “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?” (Matthew 16:26). Clearly, Jesus knew the value of the soul. However, in context, the rich young ruler did not (Matthew 19:16-22). I know this because he chose earthly possessions over eternal salvation. Obviously, the majority of people in the world today are making the same mistake as the rich young ruler did. They are laboring for that which perishes rather than that which endures forever (John 6:27). Furthermore, concerning the soul, Jesus declared, “And 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). Sadly, many are more worried about losing their riches in an earthly fire than they are about losing their souls in the eternal fire of hell. Clearly, they have missed the value of the soul. It is my prayer that we will each examine ourselves and make sure that we have put the proper emphasis upon the soul that will never die. One day we will all discover and agree on its value of eternal life or eternal suffering and shame. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

God Expects Us To Deal With It

 

A student came into the Principal’s Office one day with a surprise. “Ex­cuse me, but there’s a snake in the hallway.” “What?” the Principal asked. “Yeah! A snake, right outside your office door!” The Principal opened the door, and sure enough, there was the foot-long garter snake, motionless in the middle of the hallway floor a full 50 feet from the front door. He deftly picked it up (the student said, “Eeewww!”) and took it outside, releas­ing it in a flower bed with the Vulcan gesture and farewell greeting, “Live long and prosper!”

Returning to his office, he began to medi­tate about how often the spiritual Serpent (Revelation 12:7-9) has entered the Christian student center and how often he slithers into the church building, thinking he must be a regular vis­itor at both places. In fact, he’s been sliding into the homes and assemblies of the righteous for eons, inflicting pain, suffering, and death wherever he is not discovered and tossed out. How can we deal with the Serpent more effectively? A sim­ple plan would correspond to what one must do to keep that snake out of every righteous environment. * Prevent the Serpent from entering in the first place. There may be a ne­glected opening through which he en­ters again and again. Find it and stop it up. * Assume that he will be trying to get in or is in already. The Serpent likes nothing better than to sow dis­cord among believers (Galatians 5:16-26) or to cause saints to stumble (Luke 22:31-32). No doubt Christians are tops on his list of in­tended victims. * Look around for him. He may be right out in the open without notice. He may be hiding behind good intentions, competi­tion, or hurt pride. * If you find him, get rid of him imme­diately. The larger snakes grow, the more troublesome they become. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

[Galatians 6:1-2] “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Wilbur Chapman tells of a distinguished minister who preached on sin. One of his leading members came to him and said, “Please don’t talk so plainly about sin. It will give our young ones the wrong idea. Call it a ‘mistake’ if you will.” The preacher took a bottle of strychnine that was marked ‘Poison’ and showed it to his visitor. He said, “I understand what you want me to do. You want me to change the label of ‘Sin’. Suppose I take the label off this bottle and replace it with a label that reads ‘oil of Anise’ or some other mild liquid. Can you see the danger in what you are asking me to do? The milder one makes the label, the more dangerous it makes the poison.” The world hardly recognizes sin anymore. It’s been replaced with far too many politically correct names to mellow its destruction.

Why is it that some people begin to object aloud, and some people are ready to ignore obvious sin? Why is it that when sins are obvious and public we sit and say nothing? Oh, my, did I step on some toes! Why is it that we will stand strong on some obvious sinful situations and say absolutely nothing about others that are even more obvious or egregious? Is it because we have our own man-made rating system of sins. We don’t look at all sin as bad. Some sin we seem to make allowance for. Some sin would require confronting people by which we are intimidated, so we let it slide rather than experiencing personal criticism. There are a lot of reasons we do so, but we aren’t consistent, are we? 

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). God expects us to deal with sin. Ignoring sin is not an option!