“Psssst! I’ve got a secret! If I tell you, will you promise not to tell anyone else?” Have you ever put yourself into a situation like that before? Of course you have. Have you then ever gone on to share the “secret”? Yes, you have, haven’t you! But, it’s what happens after you share the secret that makes you wish you’d kept your mouth shut. It’s hard to not feel superior when in possession of confidential information and it’s harder to control ourselves from wanting to be important. “Letting the cat out of the bag” can, and generally does, cause a lot of trouble, because as the “secret” gets told over and over, it tends to become a vicious rumor, which then has a nasty habit of changing lives. Sharing secrets can ruin friendships, split families, sink ships, lose battles, destroy credibility’s and, who knows, could ultimately change the world. There’s a great responsibility placed on you when “you’re the only one that knows” certain things, so keep it to yourself. The next time someone wants to share a secret, say, “No, thanks.”
The following inscription can be found on a tomb in Westminster Abbey, England. When I was young and free, and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But, it too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If only I had changed myself first, then by example, I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.
[Galatians 5: 13-15] “…love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus shared the same thought in His great sermon and today we teach it to our children as “The Golden Rule”: “Do to others as you would want done to you” (Matthew 7: 12 & Luke 6: 31) Our biggest problem here is we tend to use our knowledge and “secrets” in an attempt to change those around us to become like us and do things our way. If you’re “long in the tooth” at all you already know that attempting to change anyone results in rebellion. Think about how you’ve changed over the years. Did the changes in you come by force or more by training, or greater yet, by example? There is a fundamental truth in our relationship with God, no matter what happens around us, no matter what others may be doing, we can be responsible before God only for ourselves. We have obligations to one another, but in the end, the only true change we control is within our self. So think about this. If I study and work to show myself approved before God what better example could I present? What then will I control, but my own attitudes and actions, how I think and how I will treat other people. I will do right, no matter what those around me do. No matter what happens, I must do what is right – what God expects of me. I will act responsibly. It’s not responsible to always be observing others and not ourselves, expecting others to change but not seek to change ourselves. In the end others may be influenced by me, but it is only my own destiny that I control. Are you having problems with others? Maybe you’re the problem. It is no secret; With God all things are possible.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Wrong Is Wrong!
I guess it’s only natural that, for as long as we live, we’re always seeking friendship and guidance from those a little older, more experienced and wiser. I can only speak for myself, but I think it to be generally true, we go about learning from others more by observation, rather than “one on one” counseling. Everyone, at one time or another, has borrowed from the characteristics of another, whether they be good or bad. “Like father-Like son” and “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” are statements about the character passed from parent to child. As we grow we are influenced by teachers, coaches, co-workers, neighbors, political leaders, movies and theater, TV personalities and on and on. I’m learning more and more every day that even my little non-essential life, in my mind, is influencing someone with a character that could last for generations.
Due to over-crowding in an African animal reserve, several adolescent male elephants were moved to another reserve. Left alone in the new area, gradually the “teenaged” elephants became unruly. They even formed gangs, throwing branches and killing rhinoceroses. The managers of the reserve began to take pictures and keep “rap sheets” on each offender. Such a problem had never before developed. Because they had no correction facilities for these juvenile delinquents, some of them were “put down”. Finally, those in charge decided these young bull elephants did not know how to behave like elephants. They needed role models, and father figures; someone who would bring them under control. Some big bull elephants were shipped in and immediately the youngsters learned who was in control. They got whipped into shape in a hurry, and the killing of rhinos ceased. Isn’t it amazing what a little adult supervision can accomplish.
[Proverbs 29] In a period of loose sagging morals, Satan has provided many rationalizations for improper behavior. Those who would live faithful Christian lives must not be ignorant of his devices. Wrong is Wrong even if you don’t get caught. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good”. (Proverbs 15:3) Wrong is Wrong even if you do it for a good cause. The honorable purpose does not justify the dishonorable deed or action. “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4) Wrong is Wrong even if others are doing worse things. It will be little comfort to you in the Day of Judgment, if you should be lost, that others you knew did things you consider to be worse than your own sins. Wrong is Wrong even if it doesn’t bother your conscience. The conscience can be trained or educated to accept wrong doing, but even an “honest” sin or evil done in sincerity is sinful in the sight of God. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) Wrong is Wrong even if it is commonly considered acceptable. “You shall not follow a multitude in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice. (Exodus 23:2) The Christian should – “Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on.” (Proverbs 4:14-15) “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22) What sort of character are you sharing with the eyes that are watching and wanting to be like you?
Due to over-crowding in an African animal reserve, several adolescent male elephants were moved to another reserve. Left alone in the new area, gradually the “teenaged” elephants became unruly. They even formed gangs, throwing branches and killing rhinoceroses. The managers of the reserve began to take pictures and keep “rap sheets” on each offender. Such a problem had never before developed. Because they had no correction facilities for these juvenile delinquents, some of them were “put down”. Finally, those in charge decided these young bull elephants did not know how to behave like elephants. They needed role models, and father figures; someone who would bring them under control. Some big bull elephants were shipped in and immediately the youngsters learned who was in control. They got whipped into shape in a hurry, and the killing of rhinos ceased. Isn’t it amazing what a little adult supervision can accomplish.
[Proverbs 29] In a period of loose sagging morals, Satan has provided many rationalizations for improper behavior. Those who would live faithful Christian lives must not be ignorant of his devices. Wrong is Wrong even if you don’t get caught. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good”. (Proverbs 15:3) Wrong is Wrong even if you do it for a good cause. The honorable purpose does not justify the dishonorable deed or action. “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4) Wrong is Wrong even if others are doing worse things. It will be little comfort to you in the Day of Judgment, if you should be lost, that others you knew did things you consider to be worse than your own sins. Wrong is Wrong even if it doesn’t bother your conscience. The conscience can be trained or educated to accept wrong doing, but even an “honest” sin or evil done in sincerity is sinful in the sight of God. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) Wrong is Wrong even if it is commonly considered acceptable. “You shall not follow a multitude in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice. (Exodus 23:2) The Christian should – “Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on.” (Proverbs 4:14-15) “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22) What sort of character are you sharing with the eyes that are watching and wanting to be like you?
Saturday, October 21, 2006
White Noise
Well, it’s been five and half years since the first surgery on my vocal cords and just over five since the second. My ENT has me come in every six months for “a look see”, just to keep an eye on the situation. The inspections have been good until this last one which is not favorable. It seems the right cord is showing some thickening for some reason. So anyway, I have to take a test this week to determine why. I’ve just gotten used to having this scope run through my nose down my throat, but he says I’m really going to love having a camera stuffed in my mouth. I can’t wait! I already told him it’s from all the good singing I do that’s making that cord Hulk up. “Do the test” he says.
See if you can figure out the need before the end of the riddle. My tongue was doing gymnastics, trying to solve a desperate problem. It was difficult to concentrate, as this consuming problem plagued my soul. The beast refused to go away, it would not be ignored. Finally, I couldn’t take it another minute. I had tried everything, but did not have what it took to solve the problem …and chase away the beast. I had to drop everything in search of the most valuable tool in all the world for this case. While seeking out this tool, I couldn’t help but think, that giant trees father magnificent buildings, wonderful musical instruments, useful fence posts, pencils, furniture, boxes and hundreds of other useful things, but what I need most in this desperate moment, is its most valuable child, a small wooden sliver, called a toothpick. Ahhh, and when the deed was done, great joy filled my mouth. My soul was calmed and my tongue let out a great sigh of relief. One insignificant popcorn hull had altered my life, significantly.
[Revelation 3:20] Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Frank, a college student, roomed with two, noisy upper-classmen, who made it hard to properly study. To solve the problem he bought a “white noise” machine. The static noise created by the device flooded out the other noises in the apartment allowing Frank to concentrate on his work. One night Frank prepared for an important exam and went to bed early. The next day Frank woke up too late for the exam. Although he had set his alarm, he couldn’t hear it, because the “white noise” blocked it out. Do you hear the Lord knocking? Don’t let the “white noise” of the world block out a chance for you to get closer to Jesus. The static noise of the world has a tendency to dull our ability to catch the call of the Spirit. Turn off the world for a little while each day. Pick up God’s Word for some serious concentrated study. Think about this. You don’t know when you’re going to be called for the final exam. “But Tom, I just don’t feel right approaching God with my miserable life. I need to get my life straight first.” I’ve heard that from a lot of people and I’ll tell you now what I tell them. Your sin and guilt is like that popcorn hull stuck between your teeth. It’s never going to go away until you apply the proper tool for the situation. (Romans 5:1-11) Believing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for our sins, and you become baptized for the remission of your sins through Christ Jesus, you will set the stage for a great relief in your soul, because what’s in the past will be forgiven and no longer held against you. But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Praise be to GOD!
See if you can figure out the need before the end of the riddle. My tongue was doing gymnastics, trying to solve a desperate problem. It was difficult to concentrate, as this consuming problem plagued my soul. The beast refused to go away, it would not be ignored. Finally, I couldn’t take it another minute. I had tried everything, but did not have what it took to solve the problem …and chase away the beast. I had to drop everything in search of the most valuable tool in all the world for this case. While seeking out this tool, I couldn’t help but think, that giant trees father magnificent buildings, wonderful musical instruments, useful fence posts, pencils, furniture, boxes and hundreds of other useful things, but what I need most in this desperate moment, is its most valuable child, a small wooden sliver, called a toothpick. Ahhh, and when the deed was done, great joy filled my mouth. My soul was calmed and my tongue let out a great sigh of relief. One insignificant popcorn hull had altered my life, significantly.
[Revelation 3:20] Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Frank, a college student, roomed with two, noisy upper-classmen, who made it hard to properly study. To solve the problem he bought a “white noise” machine. The static noise created by the device flooded out the other noises in the apartment allowing Frank to concentrate on his work. One night Frank prepared for an important exam and went to bed early. The next day Frank woke up too late for the exam. Although he had set his alarm, he couldn’t hear it, because the “white noise” blocked it out. Do you hear the Lord knocking? Don’t let the “white noise” of the world block out a chance for you to get closer to Jesus. The static noise of the world has a tendency to dull our ability to catch the call of the Spirit. Turn off the world for a little while each day. Pick up God’s Word for some serious concentrated study. Think about this. You don’t know when you’re going to be called for the final exam. “But Tom, I just don’t feel right approaching God with my miserable life. I need to get my life straight first.” I’ve heard that from a lot of people and I’ll tell you now what I tell them. Your sin and guilt is like that popcorn hull stuck between your teeth. It’s never going to go away until you apply the proper tool for the situation. (Romans 5:1-11) Believing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for our sins, and you become baptized for the remission of your sins through Christ Jesus, you will set the stage for a great relief in your soul, because what’s in the past will be forgiven and no longer held against you. But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Praise be to GOD!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Good Coffee
My wife and I went to a Gaither Homecoming concert Friday night. We had been the year before and watch their concerts on TV all the time, and on the way home my wife commented how she didn’t think she was going to enjoy the live concert a second time around, but confessed the spiritual lift it gave her hadn’t weaned at all. We all need a spiritual lift now and again. What do you do to recharge your spiritual batteries?
Here’s a story that’s been sent to me several times that might lift your spirit. A young woman went to her mother to tell her about her life. It seems she would solve one problem in her life and another would jump up. She didn’t know how she was going to make it and was about to give up on life. Her mother led her to the kitchen where she filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first she placed carrots, the second she placed eggs and in the last, coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners, fished out the carrots placing them in a bowl, then the eggs, placing them in another bowl, then she ladled the coffee out into a cup. “Tell me, what do you see?”, asked the mother. “Carrots, eggs and coffee”, replied the daughter. When asked to inspect them closer the daughter noted that the carrots were soft, the eggs were hard inside and after a sip of the coffee the daughter smiled commenting on the rich aroma and great taste. “What does this mean, mother?” Her mother explained that each object had faced the same adversity, boiling water. The carrots went in the boiling water strong, hard and unrelenting, but they came out soft and weak. The eggs went in fragile, a thin outer shell protecting its liquid center, but came out with its insides hardened. The coffee beans were unique, however. After being in the boiling water, they had changed the water. “Which are you?” she asked her daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?”
[Romans 8: 18-39] When adversity comes your way are you like the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and disappointment you wilt, become soft and lose your strength? Or maybe you’re like an egg, with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did you have a fluid spirit, then after a hardship or some other trial, though you may look the same outside, your heart has hardened and your spirit has become tough? Why not be like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings it pain. When the water gets hot, it releases its fragrance and flavor. If you’re like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation surrounding you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are the greatest, elevate yourself to another level. How? Trust in God. (v18) I consider our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Through baptism we receive the Holy Spirit of God to abide within us. Is the Spirit there to condemn us? Not at all! (v26) In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. (v28) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him… (v31) …If God is for us, who (what) can be against us? Pray to God for wisdom and strength in every situation of life, be it comfortable or uncomfortable. You’re born crying, surrounded by smiles. Die smiling, surrounded by tears. Get right with God.
Here’s a story that’s been sent to me several times that might lift your spirit. A young woman went to her mother to tell her about her life. It seems she would solve one problem in her life and another would jump up. She didn’t know how she was going to make it and was about to give up on life. Her mother led her to the kitchen where she filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first she placed carrots, the second she placed eggs and in the last, coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners, fished out the carrots placing them in a bowl, then the eggs, placing them in another bowl, then she ladled the coffee out into a cup. “Tell me, what do you see?”, asked the mother. “Carrots, eggs and coffee”, replied the daughter. When asked to inspect them closer the daughter noted that the carrots were soft, the eggs were hard inside and after a sip of the coffee the daughter smiled commenting on the rich aroma and great taste. “What does this mean, mother?” Her mother explained that each object had faced the same adversity, boiling water. The carrots went in the boiling water strong, hard and unrelenting, but they came out soft and weak. The eggs went in fragile, a thin outer shell protecting its liquid center, but came out with its insides hardened. The coffee beans were unique, however. After being in the boiling water, they had changed the water. “Which are you?” she asked her daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?”
[Romans 8: 18-39] When adversity comes your way are you like the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and disappointment you wilt, become soft and lose your strength? Or maybe you’re like an egg, with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did you have a fluid spirit, then after a hardship or some other trial, though you may look the same outside, your heart has hardened and your spirit has become tough? Why not be like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings it pain. When the water gets hot, it releases its fragrance and flavor. If you’re like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation surrounding you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are the greatest, elevate yourself to another level. How? Trust in God. (v18) I consider our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Through baptism we receive the Holy Spirit of God to abide within us. Is the Spirit there to condemn us? Not at all! (v26) In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. (v28) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him… (v31) …If God is for us, who (what) can be against us? Pray to God for wisdom and strength in every situation of life, be it comfortable or uncomfortable. You’re born crying, surrounded by smiles. Die smiling, surrounded by tears. Get right with God.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
A Proper Attitude
Not long ago I helped a friend of mine correct a few problems on his laptop computer. Since then he’s returned with problems on other computers and together we’ve figured out what needed to be done to fix them. I’ve turned him on to some really good maintenance programs to help keep his computer from giving him more trouble in the future. Things were good, except for a rogue program that just kept popping up now and again, part of his original problem. I instructed him how to get into the computers registry and root out the pesky program remnants, which worked, but that wasn’t enough for him. He got to rooting around in places he didn’t belong and the computer hasn’t run since. To make a long story short, again, I’ve tried every “easy step by step” remedy on the internet to solve the problem and short of hitting it with a hammer or tying it to my bumper and dragging it down the road a few miles, I’ve yet to get it running. With a little finesse I’ve come close, but it looks like a major operation ahead. I’ll let you know.
Too often the solutions we try to apply to situations of life, recommended by “friends” or “experts”, seem to fall short of exactly what we need to solve our problem. Then again sometimes we don’t understand the full scope of the situation and apply the wrong logic. Speaking of logic, that brings to mind common sense, and that brings to mind what some “Emergency 9-1-1” operators have to contend with. Here are few real misguided “9-1-1” calls. Two couples were sharing a motel room and called to proclaim there weren’t enough bath towels. A man called and simply stated, “Please connect me to Switzerland”. A woman called to report she had hiccups that wouldn’t quit. Another called to report a wild mouse running around in her house. A man broke up with his girlfriend and wanted the police to go to her house and report to him the owners of any cars, other than hers , in her driveway. A distraught lady called 9-1-1 to report a fight in a parking lot. When asked to describe the combatants, she said, “I’ll try. There’s one man, and he’s dressed like Elvis. He’s kicking another man, who’s lying on the ground screaming, ‘You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog’!” Blessed are 9-1-1 operators.
[Isaiah 61] In this chapter is Isaiah’s prophecy of what the ministry of the coming Messiah will be. When handed the book of Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus’ home town, Jesus searched to find and read the first part of this chapter, not divided in chapters in those days, and then announced himself to the gathering that He indeed was the Messiah when He said, …“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”. (Luke 4: 14-21) Read farther and you’ll find the crowd forced Jesus out of town to a cliff where they planned to throw him off, but Jesus simply passed through the out of control crowd, “…But passing through their midst, He went His way”. For many years, even following my own baptism, I was seeking to find something in religion that just isn’t there. With all the books and stand-out orators and so-called modern day prophets, I felt lost among the saved. I was walking one way and Jesus was passing me by going the other way. But, I finally applied the proper application to my life, “…seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”. (Matt. 6: 25-34) Then life began to make sense and the troubles of life began to melt away, studying God’s Word and living as it instructs me to do. Life’s 9-1-1? PRAYER! Oh, and stop complaining, and start praising God for once!
Too often the solutions we try to apply to situations of life, recommended by “friends” or “experts”, seem to fall short of exactly what we need to solve our problem. Then again sometimes we don’t understand the full scope of the situation and apply the wrong logic. Speaking of logic, that brings to mind common sense, and that brings to mind what some “Emergency 9-1-1” operators have to contend with. Here are few real misguided “9-1-1” calls. Two couples were sharing a motel room and called to proclaim there weren’t enough bath towels. A man called and simply stated, “Please connect me to Switzerland”. A woman called to report she had hiccups that wouldn’t quit. Another called to report a wild mouse running around in her house. A man broke up with his girlfriend and wanted the police to go to her house and report to him the owners of any cars, other than hers , in her driveway. A distraught lady called 9-1-1 to report a fight in a parking lot. When asked to describe the combatants, she said, “I’ll try. There’s one man, and he’s dressed like Elvis. He’s kicking another man, who’s lying on the ground screaming, ‘You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog’!” Blessed are 9-1-1 operators.
[Isaiah 61] In this chapter is Isaiah’s prophecy of what the ministry of the coming Messiah will be. When handed the book of Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus’ home town, Jesus searched to find and read the first part of this chapter, not divided in chapters in those days, and then announced himself to the gathering that He indeed was the Messiah when He said, …“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”. (Luke 4: 14-21) Read farther and you’ll find the crowd forced Jesus out of town to a cliff where they planned to throw him off, but Jesus simply passed through the out of control crowd, “…But passing through their midst, He went His way”. For many years, even following my own baptism, I was seeking to find something in religion that just isn’t there. With all the books and stand-out orators and so-called modern day prophets, I felt lost among the saved. I was walking one way and Jesus was passing me by going the other way. But, I finally applied the proper application to my life, “…seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”. (Matt. 6: 25-34) Then life began to make sense and the troubles of life began to melt away, studying God’s Word and living as it instructs me to do. Life’s 9-1-1? PRAYER! Oh, and stop complaining, and start praising God for once!
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