Daily Bread

Heirs of God

2012-02-29T10:21:00.002-08:00

Jean Paul Sarte once wrote, "Man can count on no one but himself. He is alone, abandoned on earth in the midst of his infinite responsibilities, without help, with no other aim than the one he sets himself, with no other destiny than the one he forges for himself on this earth."

That's one view of life…a rather dismal view. If this is the backdrop against which life is painted then there is no purpose, no reason beyond just the few years that we spend here. This is all we have and all there is. This view casts us as orphans into a strange and foreign place.

But there is another view…a contrasting view. We're not orphans on our own, but we can be adopted into the family of God. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans chapter 8, "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him" (vs. 14-17).

The fact that Christians are adopted into the spiritual family of God provides a sense of security, and acceptance, and well-being.

Spiritually speaking, there is only one of two families to which we belong – the family of God or the family of Satan. Jesus declared, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon" (Matt. 6:24). He put it another way in this statement, "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters" (Matt. 12:30). True discipleship is not a "both-and" proposition; it is an "either-or" one. Either one is a servant of the Lord or he is not. There is no in-between. Have you obeyed the gospel of Christ in being baptized and, thus, been adopted into the family of God? If not, why not?

Shooting Arrows

2012-02-22T09:49:00.001-08:00

The poet has written,

I shot an arrow into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where.
But long years after in the heart of an oak,
I found my arrow still unbroke.

Once you shoot that arrow, you might lose track of where it is, but that doesn't mean that it ceases to be. And years later you might find it "in the heart of an oak."

There's another mystery. When I share my hopes, my dreams, my thoughts with another person and the years pass, I might forget or lose track, but that doesn't mean those thoughts no longer exist.

When you share life with a friend, it lasts and endures and might even show up again, like that arrow.

Solomon said, "Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days" (Eccl. 11:1). A person never knows the ultimate impact of a thought or deed. At first it might not even by noticed, but later it has a tremendous effect. No wonder the apostle Paul urges us to "be careful how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise" (Eph. 5:15).

I breathed a song into the air,
It fell to earth I knew not where.
But long years after in the heart of a friend,
I found my song from beginning to end.

Tomorrow

2012-02-15T00:25:00.000-08:00

I don’t want to live in the future, but I do want to be optimistic and hopeful. I want to believe in tomorrow, and to see the potential that it holds, and to face it with joy and confidence.

James gives us a word of caution about tomorrow. "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow, we shall go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.' Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, ' If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that'" (James 4:13-15, NASV).

Tomorrow doesn't have to be viewed with arrogance and confidence that it will occur. Neither does it have to be viewed with fear, and dread, and anxiety. That’s not much of a way to face tomorrow…or to live today.

I can anticipate tomorrow with a sense of eagerness – not living in the future, or even trusting the future – but allowing a sense of "what’s coming" to give a special flavor and meaning to the now of "today."

A little red-headed orphan in the musical Annie offers this optimistic view. "The sun'll come out tomorrow, So ya gotta hang on 'til tomorrow, Come what may! Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya Tomorrow! You're always a day away!"

Remember that counting time is not nearly as important as making time count.

Snoopy

2012-02-09T06:25:00.001-08:00

If you are like me, one of the first sections of the newspaper I read is the comic strip section. I enjoy reading the comics because you will find in many of them a humorous, yet penetrating, perception on life. Some are just plain funny.

You take Snoopy, the lovable and affable dog. He is a brave soul. He has a good heart and goes after what he wants with "gusto.” Sometimes his quests backfire on him and he gets into more trouble than he bargained for.

But Snoopy is always trying to be something that he is not – and it creates problems. Sometimes he tries to be a ferocious lion in the jungle. His attempts to do so are not really that convincing. At other times he pretends to be a WWI pilot soaring in the heavens and conquering every foe as he sits atop of his doghouse with his pilot’s hat on. There are times when he portrays himself to be a tennis ace capable of defeating any opponent.

It’s fun to read about his fantasies, but it isn’t real. Aside from the fun of playing, Snoopy needs to be Snoopy…a lovable dog. He’ll be accepted and loved just as he is by those around him.

When I start playing games with my life and try to pretend to be something or someone whom I am not, I need to look at Snoopy and see how he looks in his fantasy world. The possibility of change resides in every person. The apostle Paul recognized that by God’s grace he was what he was (1 Cor. 15:10). That’s one thing, but to pretend to be something we are not is another thing altogether. That’s just plain hypocrisy.

It’s good to have dreams and hopes, but Snoopy needs to be Snoopy (not a lion, or a flying ace, or a tennis pro). And I need to be me and you need to be you.

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A Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

2012-02-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

In the book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, a little boy, Alexander, has one of those days when nothing goes right.

He wakes up in the morning and the gum in his mouth has dropped out and is in his hair and on his bed.

He gets out of bed and trips over his skateboard. While dressing, his sweater falls into a sink full of water.

After a terrible day at school, he has a horrible visit with the dentist, and a no good stop at the shoe store.

At supper, his mom served lima beans and spinach. Yuk! There was kissing on TV and Alexander hates kissing. His bath water was too hot and he got soap in his eyes. He had to wear his railroad-train pajamas to bed – he hates them!

It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day for Alexander. Do you ever feel like Alexander? And, what do you do? Perhaps it’s time to laugh.

Sometimes it helps to maintain a sense of humor in the midst of unfortunate circumstances. Solomon said, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones” (Prov. 17:22). It is said that humor strengthens your immune system, boosts your energy, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When it is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.

Have you had a good laugh today?

A Chinese Proverb

2012-01-25T09:04:00.000-08:00

You’ve heard the old Chinese proverb: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step.” When we look at where we are and where we want to be, it can be overwhelming and discouraging because the distance between them may seem to be so vast. If it appears that there is such a great chasm between them, we might take the easy way and just put off or dismiss beginning to do something about it. After all, where do I start? When I have so far to go, where do I begin?

The old proverb offers the answer. It’s simple and it’s profound at the same time. I begin with one step. Oftentimes our problem is that we want to bite off more than that, don’t we?

It is not by happenstance that the Christian life is described as a walk (2 Corinthians 5:7). It is not a sprint, but a walk. It is not a mad dash, but a steady and progressive walk. We are urged to “walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

So, where am I today? And, where do I want to be tomorrow – and next year? What can I do and where can I begin? I can begin today, right now, with one step.

The Safest Place

2012-01-18T11:33:00.000-08:00

The safest place in the world is said to be an underground vault in Iron Mountain, just up the Hudson River from New York City. It was formerly a mine shaft, but now has vaults which are lined with thick walls of concrete and steel. The vaults are covered with two hundred feet of solid rock on all sides. Many large New York banks and national corporations use it to store important records and other valuables. It is even supposed to be safe from atomic attack. PEOPLE WANT SECURITY!!!

I recall that Daniel felt safe in the lion's den. However, the king who had him thrown into the den was unable to sleep that night (Daniel 6:18). The three Hebrews, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, were thrown into a blazing furnace of fire with no effect on their body, their hair was not singed, their trousers undamaged, and they didn't even have the smell of fire upon them (Daniel 3:19-27). Paul and Silas were falsely charged, beaten with rods, and thrown into prison; yet, they prayed to God and sang hymns of praise (Acts 16:22-25). The great security of each of these men was their relationship with God. Isaiah wrote, "The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace because he trusts in Thee" (Isaiah 26:3).

Have you feared anything today? --- like admitting you were wrong? --- like sharing your faith with someone who might lash back at you? Can there be any place safer than where you are doing the will of God?

"O Lord, if someone misunderstands my intentions today…if I make a mistake and someone cuts me down…if someone close to me is critical, keep me from being afraid. Please live in me so that true love will be my only response to them. Thank you for the victories before they happen. Through Jesus --- Amen."

Everything Except the "Moo"

2012-01-11T07:40:00.001-08:00

Consider this long list of things --- they all have something in common: insulin, glue, fertilizer, dice, buttons, violin strings, soap, chewing gum, piano keys, etc., etc. These are only a few of the products made from a steer. The fats are used in explosives, toothpaste, candy, cosmetics and soft drinks. Even the horns, skin, ligaments and tendons produce a gelatin used in ice cream, cream cheese, desserts and photographic film. A 1,000 lb. steer provides only about 432 lbs. of beef, but every part of the animal except its "MOO" can be used for something.

There’s no telling what kind of tremendous IMPACT for good would happen in a community if the potential of every God-fearing person was put to use. Why would we ever say we don’t have what it takes? Consider these words from 2 Corinthians 9:8: "God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work." All this is ready for you and me today, if we are ready. The response we need to make is to love God supremely and obey Him. We need to have a willingness to use what He has given us so that our efforts for good can be multiplied.

Don't Be A Chameleon

2012-01-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

A chameleon is a funny creature. You put him on red and he becomes red; on green and he becomes green. He adapts and fits in; wherever he is. The story goes that a chameleon was put on a plaid blanket and he exploded. He was trying to be "everything" and his body was tugged in different directions.

Now, it’s good to be pleasant and accommodating, but I don’t want to be the kind of person who would be anything or do anything depending on the circumstances in which I find myself. Rather than having my surroundings change me, I would rather influence and change my surroundings. That’s a better and higher way to live.

The apostle Paul said, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2). Phillips' translation renders this passage, "Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God remold your minds from within."

So, I don’t want to be like the chameleon – red on red, blue on blue, "this" or "that," depending on the group with which I associate or the situation in which I find myself. It’s all right for a chameleon, but not for a person.

Life Is Tough When You Don't Have Reverse

2011-12-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

Wendy Bagwell tells a story about picking up a new Volkswagen at the docks in one of our coastal cities in order to avoid paying the shipping charge. He drove his new car off the docks without receiving any instructions concerning the operation of the vehicle. He knew how to drive and that was all he figured he needed to know. At lunch time, he pulled up to a restaurant, turned off the ignition and went inside to eat. When he came back from lunch he jumped into the car and discovered that he couldn’t find reverse. Finally he had to push the car out into the street by hand in order to continue on his way.

Of course Wendy's Volkswagen did have a reverse gear. He just didn't know how to find it, but think how frustrating it would be to own a car that wouldn't back up. You wouldn’t buy a car without reverse even if the manufacturer were willing to knock a thousand dollars off the sticker price.

Unfortunately many people who wouldn't think of owning a car without reverse try to conduct human relations without reverse. Marriages break up and friendships are severed simply because stubborn people won’t back up. We dig our feet in the ground and just absolutely refuse to say things like, "I was wrong," or "I'm sorry," or "It's my fault, why don’t we just back up and start over?" The Bible identifies the source of this destructive behavior trait and warns, "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov. 16:18). The passage implies that you need reverse in your relationships as much as you need it in your car.

Jesus had an opportunity to emphasize this lesson to the apostles. He talked about the importance of forgiving others who have wronged you. The apostle Peter asked him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven." In other words, for the sake of maintaining good human relations you need a reverse. You must not allow pride and stubbornness to stand in the way of a positive relationship with others.

The apostle Paul demonstrated this great quality in his life. John Mark, who traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, for reasons unknown to us, left them in the middle of their work and returned home to Jerusalem. Later, when they were preparing to embark on their second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them. Paul adamantly refused to do so and there was such a sharp disagreement that these two servants of God separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him to the island of Cyprus; while Paul took Silas as his traveling companion. Evidently, Mark proved himself to be a wonderful servant of Christ in later years. So convincingly did he do so that, in his last letter, Paul instructed Timothy to bring Mark with him "for he is very useful to me for ministry" (2 Tim. 4:11). Paul did not hold Mark’s past mistake against him forever, but was willing to forgive and reestablish a relationship that had been severed.

For the sake of maintaining good relations with others, don’t forget to use "reverse."

A Most Excellent Way

2011-12-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

Jonathan Swift once remarked, "We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another." In the great "love" chapter of the Bible, the apostle Paul urges Christians to develop the quality of love (1 Cor. 13). Love is the "circulatory system" of the body of Christ. Paul wrote these words in the context of having to deal with many of the problems faced by the Corinthian congregation. Many of their problems were due to a lack of love. Notice some of them: abuse of miraculous gifts, division, envy, lawsuits, to name only a few.

One of the characteristics of love is its enriching quality. Paul reminded them that the exercise of spiritual gifts is nothing without love (13:1-3). Love is like mortar that fuses bricks together. It is one of the supreme evidences of genuine discipleship (Jn. 13:35). It is the essence of being God-like (1 Jn. 4:8).

Another characteristic of love is its edifying quality (13:4-7). Love doesn’t tear down; rather, it builds up. Love puts up with much that is not pleasant. It manifests kindness for which every heart hungers. Love is the opposite of envy which ultimately destroys the one whom it possesses. It keeps its chin up and not its nose. Love does not have an inflated opinion of itself. It is polite and courteous to all. It practices good and gentle manners. Love is not prone to violent anger or exasperation. Though injured, love governs passions, restrains tempers, and subdues feelings. It does not love the wrong, nor does it love the fact that wrong has been done. Love is optimistic.

Another characteristic of love is its enduring nature (13:8-13). Miraculous gifts such as prophecy, tongues, and knowledge were only temporary. These gifts assured the truthfulness and certainty of the gospel message (Heb. 2:3). Now that the message has been confirmed there is no longer any need for them, but there will always be a need for faith, hope, and love in every generation.

What Is Death?

2011-11-28T10:44:00.000-08:00

In recent years there has been the spawning of a new academic specialty – thanatology, a study about death. Some invaluable work has been done in this field that has been of great help to those whose loved ones have died.

The Bible has much to say about death. It records a variety of ways in which people have passed from this world. For instance, James, the son of Zebedee, was killed with the sword. Absalom, the son of David, was pierced with darts. Achan was stoned by his peers. The aged Eli fell backward off a stool and broke his neck. The earth swallowed Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. The handle of Abner’s spear killed Asahel, the fleet-footed brother of Joab. Samson perished under the rubble of Dagon’s temple.

Secular records relate that the apostle Paul was beheaded, Peter was crucified upside down, Thomas was pierced with darts in India, and James, the Lord’s brother, was thrown from the pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem.

No one knows the circumstances under which he will die. One may die peacefully having reached old age. He may die tragically or in much pain. Regardless, unless Jesus returns before we die, all of us are going to die (Hebrews 9:27).

What is death? Some teach that it is annihilation or cessation of existence. The Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection because they were not convinced that man has a spirit (Acts 28:8; Matthew 22:23). Jesus told them they were ignorant of the scriptures and of the power of God (Matthew 22:29). He said that God is the God of the living, not of the dead (Matthew 22:31-32).

Death is a consequence of sin. It was introduced to the world as a result of Adam and Eve’s sin and is presently experienced by mankind (Romans 5:12).

Death is a power that is stronger than woman’s charm and beauty. It is more powerful than position and prestige. It is stronger than earthly might or money. It invades all cultures, all social strata, every race and language, the good as well as the evil.

Death is a mystery from the viewpoint of our nature. None want to die. We take preventive measures to delay it, though it will occur some day.

Death is an enemy (1 Corinthians 15:25-26). Yet, there is a sense in which it is a blessing for the child of God. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones” (Psalms 116:15). Heaven even announces, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord…” (Revelation 14:13).

Death is a tragedy for the unprepared for they will be consigned to hell “…where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:48).

Enoch and Elijah are the only two people who have escaped the throes of death. Unless Jesus comes first, we shall all die. When or under what circumstances we shall die is unknown. How long one lives is unimportant, but it does matter for whom one lives. This world is not a playground but a schoolroom. A person cannot live wrong and die right. Time is the stuff of which life is made…use your time wisely!

Thankfulness

2011-11-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

During his illustrious career a lawyer was credited with saving 78 people from being executed in the electric chair. Yet, not a single one of them ever thanked him for his effective work. A philanthropist who had given away millions of dollars was heard to say, "Don’t look for gratitude except in the dictionary." Ingratitude is a problem that stalks across our land today.

Jesus experienced the same lack of gratitude when he healed 10 men afflicted with the incurable disease of leprosy (Luke 17:11-19). Only one of them returned from presenting themselves to the priest to express thanks to the Lord for his cure. The apostle Paul said that ingratitude would be characteristic of people "in the last days" (2 Tim. 3:1-2).

A wealthy woman once expressed to her doctor that she was constantly frustrated by a restless desire for more. The doctor wisely replied, "These are usual symptoms of too much ease in the home and too little gratitude in the heart." Material prosperity is not the only cause for ingratitude among some. Forgetfulness is as well. God lamented the fact that the nation of Israel had forgotten him (Jeremiah 2:32) which led to her downfall. Francis Schaeffer once observed, "The beginning of men's rebellion against God was, and is, the lack of a thankful heart." Tennyson Guyer has written a poem entitled, The World Is Mine, that will perhaps help us reflect on how blessed we are during this Thanksgiving season.

Today upon a bus I saw a girl with golden hair;
She seemed so gay, I envied her,
And wish that I were half so fair;
I watched her as she rose to leave,
And saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch,
But as she passed--a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;
I have two legs--the world is mine.

Later on I bought some sweets.
The boy who sold them had such charm,
I thought I'd stop and talk awhile.
If I were late, t'would do no harm.
And as we talked he said,
"Thank you, sir, you've really been so kind.
It's nice to talk to folks like you
Because, you see, I'm blind"
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;
I have two eyes--the world is mine

Later, walking down the street,
I met a boy with eyes so blue.
But he stood and watched the others play;
It seemed he knew not what to do.
I paused, and then I said,
"Why don't you join the others, dear?"
But he looked straight ahead without a word,
And then I knew, he couldn't hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;
I have two ears--the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go;
With eyes to see the sunset's glow;
With ears to hear what I would know,
I am blessed indeed. The world is mine;
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.

After Death - What Then?

2011-11-16T06:57:00.000-08:00

Does man cease to exist? Is his body buried never to be seen again? Does he come back in another form – either human or animal – and continue to live on earth? Is man of a dual nature – physical and spiritual? Does his spirit continue to live in another state to wait for the time when it will rejoin his body at the great resurrection day? If that is the case, where does his spirit go following his physical death? Are the dead in a state of consciousness? Are they aware of activity on earth? These and many other questions flood the mind when reflecting upon this subject. Especially do these questions fill our minds when we attend a funeral.

The concept of life after death is not based on scientific discovery or philosophical conclusions. The study belongs to a realm of experience of which science knows nothing. No one has ever crossed the dreaded gulf that separates time from eternity and returned to bring tidings of their experience on the opposite shores of mortality. A few have made this phenomenal trip from an earthly life, to death, and back to earthly life again, but no one in the Bible has their experience recorded. While the Old Testament furnishes sufficient information to conclude that man continues to live on the other side of the grave, it is the New Testament that sheds further light on the subject.

There are eleven occurrences of the word Hades in the New Testament. One of the most familiar references is made by Jesus in the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 16:19-31). Both were in Hades, but one suffered while the other was comforted. Death, then, is not the cessation of life; it only marks the change from one state to another. When physical death occurs, the spirit separates from the body and continues to live in Hades even though the body is buried in the earth (Jas. 2:26).

What Is Heaven Like?

2011-11-08T05:18:00.000-08:00

There beats within the heart of most everyone a desire to know what heaven is like as well as a yearning to go there. Even pagan religions have some convictions about a realm of existence beyond this world. A variety of concepts about heaven exists among the major cults. Every religious group associated with what is referred to as “Christendom” believes in heaven. The Bible is the only book that can give us reliable information about it.

In heaven there is an abundance of room. Jesus said there are many dwelling places there (Jn. 14:2). The city is laid out foursquare; its length and width and height are equal (Rev. 21:16). There will be plenty of comfortable space for all the redeemed. Stocks and bonds and other investments rise and fall in value with the economic climate of the time, but that which is invested in heaven never deteriorates; neither will it ever be destroyed. Thieves will not be able to rob us of its possession (Mt. 6:20). In the presence of God is fullness of joy (Psa. 16:11). The most beautiful singing known to man will be heard by the redeemed as they sing the new song of victory, triumph, and deliverance (Rev. 5:9; 14:3; 15:3). All the trials and tribulations of this earth will be over and, at long last, sweet deliverance from the presence of sin is experienced. The redeemed will have eternal rest from their constant struggle against temptation in this life (Heb. 4:9; Rev. 14:13). They will have an abiding possession (Heb. 10:34) “which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away” (1 Pt. 1:4). No disease will enter to ravage and destroy it. Time will no more deeply furrow the brow. Sickness and old age will no longer bend the back or diminish the mind. Heaven’s “walls and gates” will never crumble. Its infrastructure will never deteriorate. All things are new there (Rev. 21:5). The redeemed will be free from any sad experiences in heaven. There will be no tears, mourning, crying, pain, or even death (Rev. 21:4; Lk. 20:36). Death will be swallowed up in victory (1 Cor. 15:54). There will be no need for physicians and surgeons to practice their occupations there. Hospitals will not even exist. Funeral processions and cemeteries will not be seen along its streets. Heaven is the “beautiful home of the soul” prepared by the Lord (Jn. 14:1-3).

A Woman And A Fork

2011-11-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her preacher and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the preacher was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

"There's one more thing," she said excitedly.

"What's that?" came the preacher’s reply.

"This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The preacher stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.

“That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.

"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the preacher.

The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!'

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder ‘What's with the fork?’ Then I want you to tell them: ‘Keep your fork, the best is yet to come.’"

The preacher's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the preacher heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the preacher told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.

He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.

Show your friends how much you care. Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be their time to "Keep your fork."

Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share ... being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.

Confusing Messages

2011-10-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

There are a number of confusing messages being widely propagated in the world today. Many of these are promoted by well-meaning people who apparently have not considered the logical consequences of their messages. Let’s consider some of these messages.

Drink responsibly. Is this possible? One loses his sense of responsibility when he drinks. Yet, this is the message regularly given in advertisements. By suggesting that a person drink moderately, you are still recommending him to drink. A far wiser counsel is found in the book of Proverbs when it speaks of the affects of alcoholic beverage: At the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper” (Prov. 23:32). A person should make every effort to avoid any amount alcoholic beverages. How can a person be demonstrating responsibility when he is purposely consuming a beverage specifically designed to rob him of his good sense?

Here is another confusing message: Don’t drink and drive. This slogan is widely heard during the holiday season, the high school prom, and other similar events. It serves as a reminder that due to a person’s drinking he loses his alertness and places himself and others in danger if he gets behind the wheel of an automobile. A “designated driver” is recommended; that is, someone who has refrained from becoming inebriated in order to drive the others home. Does this mean that it is okay to drink as long as someone has been designated as the driver for you? That is confusing, because the consumption of alcoholic beverage is just as injurious to one’s health as it is to one’s alertness. In fact, there are spiritual concerns as well. The apostle Paul said that drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

Another confusing message is this one: Don’t drink or smoke if you are underage. Are we suggesting that while this is forbidden behavior for minors, it is okay for adults? The truth of the matter is that drinking and smoking are not safe for children or adults. They cause serious health issues. What kind of message is an adult sending to a child when the adult who drinks or smokes tries to correct the child engaging in these same harmful activities? Jesus describes such behavior as hypocrisy and urges us “…to take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Mt. 7:5). In other words, he is saying that we should straighten out our lives in order to be the proper example to others.

Another slogan that is very confusing is this: Practice safe sex. This slogan became prominent when AIDS became a widespread problem in the 1980’s. Parents and schools alike began teaching children to practice “safe sex.” However, if one practices “safe sex,” he must practice sex. Sexual promiscuity not only has physical dangers associated with it; but has emotional and psychological difficulties, also. The only true way to remain safe from sexually transmitted diseases and psychological disorders associated with immorality is to abstain from it. God knew exactly what he was doing when, through the apostle Paul, he instructed, “Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body” (1 Cor. 6:18). Safe sex involves the unmarried abstaining from immoral behavior and those who are married remaining faithful to one another.

Truly, some familiar slogans are confusing when honestly analyzed. The good news is that the gospel of Christ is not confusing.

The Seed

2011-10-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

The source of this story is unknown to me; but, as it was shared with me, I shall share it with you. A successful Christian business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over his business. Instead of choosing one of his directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together. He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you."

The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued, "I am going to give each one of you a SEED today -- one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."

One man, named Jim, was there that day, and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost, and he planted the seed. Every day, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew.

Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure. Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened.

Jim felt sick at his stomach. It was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed. A few felt sorry for him.

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"

All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the financial director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will fire me!" When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed. Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down, except Jim. He looked at Jim, then he announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive! His name is Jim!"

Jim couldn't believe it. "Jim couldn't even grow his seed! How could he be the new CEO?" the others said. Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead! It was not possible for them to grow! All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive!"

     •  If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
     •  If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
     •  If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
     •  If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment.
     •  If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective.
     •  If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
     •  If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
     •  If you plant faith in God, you will reap a harvest.

So, be careful what you plant; it will determine what you will reap.

The Lamb of God

2011-10-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

Jesus is eternal, yet He clothed Himself with human nature for a while and walked among us. In so doing, He experienced the frailties and limitations of mankind. He thirsted, was hungry, grew tired, experienced pain, and was limited by time and space. It is amazing that, though Jesus was involved in the creation of the universe (John 1:1-4) and enjoyed a glorious relationship with the other two members of the Godhead, He left heaven and came to earth and lived as a human being for 33 years. His story remains the most intriguing and compelling story in history.

We are introduced to Him at a very critical moment in history. Adam and Eve had sinned against God by eating the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil that was in the midst of the Garden of Eden. At that moment the blight of sin was introduced to the human race and God cast Adam and Eve out of the garden. Their sin carried the penalty of death, both physically and spiritually. However, in His mercy and compassion for man, God promised a Deliverer who would inflict a fatal blow to Satan, man's adversary (Genesis 3:15). This Deliverer was Jesus Christ.

Every event recorded in the Old Testament proved that man needed a deliverer. He found it impossible to live above sin. At one point, man's wickedness became so great that God was grieved that He had made him (Genesis 6:5-6). He sent a flood upon the earth and destroyed all human life except that of righteous Noah and his family. The animal sacrifices that man was instructed to offer as atonement for his sins were totally inadequate. It is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sin (Hebrews 10:4). Not even the Law God gave Israel on Mt. Sinai could deliver man from sin (Acts 13:39), for that law demanded perfect obedience and man is incapable of living such a life.

This situation produced a real dilemma. The cry of man’s soul became, "How can I, a sinful creature, escape suffering the consequences of my sins?" The blood of animals offered upon a thousand altars could not accomplish that need. Neither could he escape the condemnation of sin by observing the Law of Moses because he could not keep it perfectly. If we listen carefully, we can hear that same cry of the human soul today.

The answer to the cry is found in Jesus Christ alone. "In none other is there salvation; for neither is there any other name under heaven given among men wherein we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Jesus willingly left the place of glory and honor in heaven with His Father and came to this earth as a bond-servant and was made in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:5-7). He was born to poor parents in a stable. Yet, He has made many spiritually rich. He never owned a piece of real estate where He might lay His head. Yet, He has comforted many and provided them rest for their soul. He was not a world traveler. Yet, He has affected the world as no other person has ever done. He allowed Himself to be ill-treated by man and become the object of scorn. He was shamefully treated and ultimately crucified on a cross. Why? Because, being a sinner, man could not save himself. Jesus died in our place. What a Savior!

The Main Problem

2011-10-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Ken Joines of Memphis, TN, reminded me of a statement Jesus made, "…a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15). Ken observed that we have not fully bought into that truth yet. We have problems! Big ones!! There are economic problems; social, educational, domestic, and moral problems. Yet, there is one main problem that underlies all the others.

Today poor people in American enjoy things that were far beyond the reach of even kings only a few generations ago. We have radios, TVs, cell phones, and computers. We produce far more grain than we eat or sell. We're able to produce more of nearly everything than we can use. Everything, that is, except human servants. We need more doctors, nurses, and teachers than the schools can turn out. Is there something amiss in a nation that can produce more "things" than we can use or sell and yet fail to produce even the minimum requirements in human servants? Most of us drive nicer cars, live in better houses, and wear nicer clothes than our grandparents did. But the nagging question is: Am I a better person than my grandparents were?The fact of the matter is that you cannot measure spiritual and moral progress by the fine houses in which we live or the number of possessions we have obtained.

A disturbing contradiction is taking place. At a time when we are producing more of everything than we need, crime is higher, divorce is more prevalent, out-of-wedlock births are higher, and pornography and juvenile crimes are off the charts. One out of every thirty-one people is an alcoholic. Strangely, we shoot mad dogs but license the liquor dealer! We claim to be the most civilized nation on earth and yet more than 50 million children receive no kind of religious training. They are tossed on a stormy sea of moral relativism, unable to make simple choices between right and wrong.

What keeps a nation strong and secure? Well, if Congress could do it, ancient Tyre would be with us today. If political machinery could do it, Rome would not have fallen. If military power could do it, Germany would not have failed. Solomon said, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). Goodness has been and will continue to be our strength. America is on the verge of ceasing to be good and the responsibility to do something about it is ours, whether we like it or not. Each of us is a commanding officer in the war on crime and sin.

We've spent astronomical sums of money on science and technology. Yet, not one social or moral problem has ever been solved by them. We have assumed that if we just raise the standard of living we will improve the quality of people. Wrong! Our job is not just to teach a child how to walk, but where to walk. Merely making environmental improvements will not change us. When we teach our children to believe that we are just highly evolved animals, they will behave like animals. They will have no purpose or foundation in life. On the other hand, when we teach them that man was created by God and was made in His image, we provide them a sense of dignity and a moral foundation upon which to build a good life, not just make a good living.

Ethics In An Unethical World

2011-09-28T00:59:00.000-07:00

A friend recently said to me, "You don't know whom to trust anymore." He was not only referring to the economic woes on Wall St. among some of our major financial institutions, but to the small businesses and financial establishments on the local scene, as well. Among the things which have contributed to these woes are the unethical practices of some. False advertising is used to promote a product. Inaccurate weights and measures are used in selling goods. Businesses cut corners in order to compete for customers. Some seem to be intent on fleecing the public for their personal gain. Such conduct makes everyone suspicious of the other.

The health of our entire economic community, as well as our personal relationships, is built upon high ethical standards. When you take your car to a repairman, you want to have confidence in the mechanic and know he will do the work you have requested. You don't want to be told about work that in reality doesn’t need to be done. In like manner, employers have a right to expect an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. Who would want to be operated on by a surgeon who cheated his way through medical school? Neither do we want officers who cheated their way through a military academy to command our fighting men.

I'm convinced that business ethics should be taught in our colleges and universities throughout the country. Future business leaders need to be taught a value system that increases profits by producing a quality product and by building greater customer satisfaction and confidence. Primarily, however, the establishment of a good value system begins in the home. Children learn their values from their parents. Honesty and integrity is not instilled in children when they see their parents turn in false income tax forms or refuse to pay their debts. A mother who misrepresents the age of her children in order to get a discount is not teaching them honesty. A father who turns back the speedometer on his car before selling it sets an example of dishonesty.

The apostle Paul said in Romans 12:17, "Provide for things honest in the sight of all men." This statement is not only good advice for business dealings, but its practice is essential to spiritual vitality. Solomon said in Proverbs 11, "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight." The greatest statement on ethical conduct was related by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. He simply said, "However you want people to treat you, so treat them" (Matthew 7:12). The practice of this principle would eliminate dishonesty and promote respect for one another. Unethical practices do not need to be employed in order to make a living. Neither do they need to be used to transact business profitably. In fact, when people see that they are being dealt with in a fair and honest way, they will not only come back but tell others, which will greatly improve business.

Undoubtedly, if world leaders treated each other as they would like to be treated, international relations would improve dramatically. If CEOs and other leaders of some of our major corporations had practiced this principle, we might not be facing the financial difficulties we are facing today in America. Treating others as you would like them to treat you is not only good business sense, it’s just good common sense.

In the Absence of God

2011-09-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

On the CBS Early Show a few years ago, Jane Clayson asked Anne Graham, "How could God let something like this happen?" She was referring to the tragic results of Hurricane Katrina as it came ashore on the Gulf coast. Miss Graham gave a classic response, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we’ve been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out." Miss Graham correctly observed that, at least a small but vocal segment, of American society has been seeking to remove the influence of God from our community.

On another CBS program, Ben Stein concluded that this trend started when the atheist, Madeleine Murray O'Hare, complained that she didn’t want prayer in our schools, and we said okay. Later, someone else said that we should not read the Bible in school. And we said okay. Then, Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn’t spank our children when they misbehave because their personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem. And we said okay. Stein commented, "Now we’re asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don’t know right from wrong, and why it doesn’t seem to bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves."

The character of our children of tomorrow is greatly shaped by what they learn from us today. When people deny the existence of God and, thus, seek to remove any reference of Him from society, it isn’t that they no longer believe in something, but they believe in almost anything. Stein observed that it is strange how people believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Messages sent over the internet spread like wildfire, but people hesitate to send messages regarding the Lord. Lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Dysfunctional relationships are often glamorized on television while normal family relations are portrayed as abnormal.

Is it any wonder that the very moral foundation of our nation is crumbling? The psalmist wrote, "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalms 11:3). God's word, the Bible, is the only viable moral compass for mankind; yet, it is being attacked as being outdated, impractical and unreliable. Frankly, it's wearisome to listen to the vocal minority who loudly protest the Bible's influence in our society. It’s also frustrating to see spineless politicians who willingly give them a listening ear.

Jesus taught us by precept and example how to live the greatest and most productive life we could ever experience. He came to earth that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). He taught us how to get along with one another, how to build strong families, and how to enrich our character. He went about doing good and healing those oppressed of the devil (Acts 10:38). Jesus willingly died on the cross, not in order to obtain glory from men as a martyr, but that He might provide the hope of eternal life. It is the tragedy of all tragedies for any society to seek to remove His influence from their midst.

In the absence of God men will believe almost anything.

Thinking About Love

2011-09-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

Allen Webster in the excellent publication, House to House/Heart to Heart, provides the following information about the word "love." According to Amazon.com, there are at least 32,507 books currently in print with the word love in the title (over 145,000 that deal with the subject of love). There are more than 11,000 popular albums/CDs with love in the title. A Google search of the Internet reveals that there are at least 121,000,000 Websites that use the word love as one of their key words.

Love, it seems, is on the mind of everyone. And, why not? Love cements a relationship between a man and a woman when they decide to get married. Their love for one another deepens through the years and, truly, they become as one. Love motivates parents to provide for their children and educate them. When they are physically or emotionally injured, loving parents suffer with them. When children succeed in life or accomplish a significant task, parents rejoice with them. Behind every kind and benevolent deed is love; or, at least, it should be.

Have you considered the fact that there are different kinds of love? For instance, there is the kind of love that is based on mere physical attraction. Unfortunately, some marriages are entered into with no deeper love than this and the results are disastrous. Physical attraction alone is no foundation for a lasting and meaningful relationship. Genuine love is far greater than physical attraction or emotional attachment. It involves more than just a feeling; it includes action as well.

There is no greater illustration of that kind of love than God’s affection for man. Consider these statements from the Bible. "But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). This passage reminds us that even when we are rebellious against God, He loves us. He demonstrated that love by sending His Son to die for us. The "golden text" of the Bible describes it this way: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son" (John 3:16). Through the gift of His Son, God has provided an opportunity for us to be in a saved relationship with Him. In Matthew 7:13-14, we learn that not everyone will be saved. The lost condition of man, however, is not due to God's failure to love him and provide an opportunity for him to be saved. The apostle John declared, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:10).

Of the fact that God loves us, we can be certain. The important question is, "Do we love God?" It is not enough to declare with our lips that we love God. The proof of that love must be demonstrated by action. Jesus said, "If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). John stated in the inspired text, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments" (1 John 5:3). One's love for God will change the nature of his language from vulgarity and profanity to purity and praise. His conduct will change from immorality to virtue. His attitude will change from selfishness, vengefulness, and bitterness to servant hood, forgiveness, and kindness. His emphasis will change from "getting ahead in life" to making a life.

Discipline in the Home

2011-09-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

One of the favorite vacation spots for my wife and me is Gatlinburg, TN. We try to spend a few days each year in this vacation mecca. We enjoy the beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere. We spend much of our time walking the main street of Gatlinburg and visiting the various shops. We enjoy meeting people from various sections of our country who choose this as one of their vacation areas. In fact, there are people from foreign countries who visit, as well. It is always a time of refreshing relaxation for us.

On one of our trips, when we were eating at a local restaurant, there was a disturbance at a nearby table. A mother and two of her children were at this table. The oldest appeared to be about eight or ten years old. Evidently, he was being instructed by his mother to do something to which he objected. The child became rather vocal in his resistance and finally hit his mother in the face with a closed fist. We were shocked that a child would treat his mother with such disrespect, especially at such a tender age. We were shocked even further when the mother did absolutely nothing to correct the child for his gross misbehavior.

I'm afraid that what we witnessed is more commonly practiced in homes across America than we like to imagine. Children are growing into adulthood with little or no guidance. They are frequently left to fend for themselves in the development of their character and, more often than not, with tragic results. They grow up having little respect for authority; consequently, they are constantly in trouble at school, have difficulty socializing with their peers, and end up in trouble with the law. More than likely the lifestyle they have developed is perpetuated when they try to establish their own home and rear children. As a result, society’s ills continue to increase in an ever-widening circle.

The administration of proper discipline is one of the fundamental responsibilities God has placed in the hands of parents. He intends that our children be given proper guidelines in life so that they can discern between right and wrong conduct. "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him" (Prov. 22:15). God has said, "Train up a child in the way he should go…" (Prov. 22:6). Part of the training necessarily involves proper discipline.

Here are some ground rules for disciplining your children. Keep your word. Make no idle threats or promises. Do not harangue. It is hard to find the off-switch on some mothers and fathers once they get started scolding. Be just. Children have an acute sense of fair play. If punishment is involved, make it fit the situation. Teach your child that forgiveness is real; that you have been the recipient of forgiveness yourself. Whenever you can, as the child grows older, discuss situations which reflect on life’s values so that he can construct his own value system. The exercise of proper discipline is not the same as abuse, but is a God-ordained way of teaching children acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Discipline yields a harvest of righteousness in our lives and in the lives of our children. It is the password to freedom; it gives delight to the heart.

What Happened Under A Juniper Tree

2011-08-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

The prophet Elijah was undoubtedly a man of deep devotion, unquestioning obedience, daring faith, and true humility. In spite of these noble qualities, there was one instance of complete breakdown, humiliating failure and defeat. That incident is recorded in 1 Kings chapter 19. It is recorded that he cowardly fled 100 miles from the presence of the wicked queen Jezebel who sought to kill him and sat down under a juniper tree. He was overwhelmed in self-pity, discouragement and depression. Fear and alarm gripped him. He just wanted to get away from everyone else and be alone. His was a self-imposed isolation. He was at "wit's end" and he even wanted to die. He felt he was the only faithful servant of God remaining in Israel. However, God told him there were 7,000 in Israel who had not yet given over to idolatry.

What contributed to Elijah's condition? For one thing, he was overstrained mentally. He had experienced 3 ½ years of terrific tension in his efforts to encourage Israel to be faithful to God. He was exhausted physically. He traveled a 100-mile cross-country trek from the presence of wicked Jezebel. More significantly, he was out of touch spiritually. He took his eyes off the Lord and looked at his circumstances, especially the threats of Jezebel. He had an unbalanced view of things.

Do you ever get discouraged, become depressed and despondent? Do you ever find yourself in the grip of despair? Does fear ever possess you? Does doubt sometimes assail you? Do you ever experience the feeling that nobody understands? At some point in life, all of us have likely experienced these feelings. That was Elijah's experience also. Perhaps the perspectives God shared with Elijah to overcome his despair will be helpful to us as well.

The cure that the Divine Physician prescribed Elijah involved giving attention to the needs of his body. The Lord’s angel provided food and water. God knows our frame and that we are but dust (Psa. 103:14). He knows we need proper rest, food and plenty of fresh air for our emotional and physical health.

Since Elijah's mental outlook was distorted and unbalanced God challenged him to face up to his fears and problems. Despondency has a knack for picking its facts. Even little problems become greatly exaggerated in our minds. But, emotional strength is not gained by constantly feeding the distortions. Expand your vision to see the big picture rather than the small view that only contributes to your discouragement.

God then gave Elijah a wonderful vision of His power, glory and tenderness (1 Kgs. 19:11-13). When we take our eyes of faith off the Lord and focus on our problems it will contribute to depression, fearfulness and self-pity. "Hope in God" is the antidote for despair (Psa. 42:11). Through the psalmist God tells us, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psa. 46:10). No matter how deep and serious the problems may be in our lives, God cares and is able to help us do something about them. "Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord" Psa. 27:14). Don't ever give up. Place your trust in the Almighty who is able to see you through any trial.

Change the Bottom Button

2011-08-22T08:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been embarrassed by the discovery that the buttons on your coat or shirt were in the wrong holes because you missed the first button? I’ve had that experience more than once in my life. It is especially embarrassing when you are attending an important meeting or are being introduced to someone for the first time.

Have you ever had a similar experience in some of the important relationships in your life? Perhaps some of the great challenges in your life did not turn out right because you started out wrong. Maybe you got off on the wrong foot with your employer on your first day at work. Perhaps you don’t command the influence you would like or you don’t produce the results you should because you missed the first button. Perhaps you started out on the wrong foot with a neighbor and now you rarely speak to one another. It may be that your marriage is not satisfactory because you started out wrong. Your home relationships are not what they should be because earlier you made some serious mistakes and it is now difficult to overcome them.

It’s so easy to blame circumstances, or education, or society, even our in-laws, or just about anything else, isn’t it, for the mess we find ourselves in right now? One of the best ways to handle the messes we get ourselves into is to openly and honestly admit our mistakes. Come clean with our own conscience and with other people and seek to do right.

Jesus Christ made this promise, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you" (Matt. 6:33). Now, that is the real answer to the problem; that’s starting out in the right button hole.

Long ago, king Solomon was invited by God to, "Ask what I shall give you." Solomon could have requested wealth, power, prestige, and honor among men. But, he asked for none of these. Instead, he asked that he might have an understanding heart that he might properly govern the people of Israel and discern between good and evil. It pleased God that Solomon had asked for this and he said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold I now do according to your word…I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days." Solomon started out right. He put God and others before himself.

That's the answer for you and me as well. In order for us to start out right so that we can end up right, we must put God first. Doing so will make us better employees, better neighbors and friends, better husbands and wives, and better children.

The wonderful thing about serving God is that we may mess up and get "our buttons" out of order, but we can start all over and he will help us get it right. We can never exhaust his grace or diminish his love for us. He is willing to forgive and help us start anew.

It's amazing what can happen when we make God the priority of our lives! Seek his way, his wisdom, and his strength – FIRST! No matter how tangled or twisted or complicated our lives become, things have a way of turning out much better when we put God in the first button-hole.

Who Are We?

2011-08-16T00:32:00.000-07:00

The rhetoric used by the retired preacher of a church where our president once worshipped was in the news a few years ago. The Chicago church where he preached is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Some have wondered if we in the churches of Christ are associated with that particular religious organization. Since the expression "Church of Christ" is used in the title of their religious group, I can understand the confusion. However, plainly and simply stated, we do not have any ties to them. The leaders of that church are fully capable of articulating who they are and I will leave that to them. However, in brief fashion, I would like to share with you some things about the churches of Christ.

We are a people who believe explicitly in the deity of Jesus Christ. In fact, the Bible teaches that prior to one's baptism, he must confess his faith in Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 8:37). Every person in the churches of Christ has made that confession publicly. That affirmation of faith is the foundation upon which the Lord's church is built. When the apostle Peter confessed, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," Jesus responded, "Upon this rock I will build my church" (Matt. 16:16, 18).

We believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God and our only authoritative guide in religious matters. The apostle Paul said, "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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). This passage points to the source of the Bible as being from God and to the sufficiency of the Bible as our guide in life. Manuals of faith, creedal statements, and synod and council decisions are mere human documents that do not possess the same authority or inerrancy as God’s inspired revelation, the Bible. The Bible alone should be man’s religious guide. We must "learn not to go beyond the things which are written"(1 Cor. 4:6).

In the churches of Christ we believe in the non-denominational nature of the Lord’s spiritual body, the church. We are not part of a denominational organization with a central office or headquarters. Each local congregation is self-governing under the headship of Jesus Christ (Col. 1:18). Protestant denominations began in the 16th century, but the Lord’s church began in the 1st century (Acts 2:47). We have no political agenda that we are trying to promote; rather, prayers are made "for kings and all that are in high places" regardless of the system of government under which we live (1 Tim. 2:1-2). We advocate a moral standard that honors and respects our Creator and recognizes the dignity of our fellow man.

We recognize the God-given right of man to make his own choices in life, but we seek to fulfill the divine command to "preach the gospel to the whole creation" (Mk. 16:15). When this life is over and man faces God in the judgment, he will be assigned one of two destinies: either heaven or hell. Jesus is the Savior only of those who obey Him (Heb. 5:9). With the concern and urgency of dying men speaking to dying men and eternity hanging in the balance, we serve God.

Some Important First Things

2011-08-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

There is a certain excitement about "first things." Most of us find it easy to remember our first day at school. Our parents probably remember the first time we walked and the first words we spoke. Many of you probably remember your first date. Because they are among the first things we did, we place them among our primary memories.

There is another use of the word "first" that suggests priority. Setting proper priorities in life is one of the biggest problems we face. It is important to assess the value of things in order not to give first place to secondary matters. We often make the mistake of "majoring in minors and minoring in majors." An examination of the New Testament book of Matthew reveals some priorities we need to establish.

The first priority for our consideration is, First the spiritual, then the temporal. Jesus said that we should seek the kingdom of God above everything else (Matt. 6:33). Connected with this admonition is the promise that God will provide our daily needs. God knows all about our material needs – food, drink, clothing, and shelter (Matt. 6:31-32). He is willing to supply them according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19); however, there should be in our life a spiritual emphasis that is superior to our quest for material interests.

Another priority is, First judge yourself before you attempt to correct your brother. Jesus urged us to cast the beam out of our own eye before we criticize another person’s shortcomings (Matt. 7:3, 5). How blind we often are to our own faults, and how quickly we observe the faults and failings of others! The Searcher of hearts urged us to be careful of our attitude toward others. It is much more profitable to mend and restore than to criticize and tear down.

Matthew 8:21-22 provides a third priority for our consideration: First, what Christ wants and then what you want. A man came to Jesus and requested permission to bury his father before following the Lord. At first, it may have seemed compassionate for the Lord to have granted his request, but Jesus knew the man's heart. He knew he was just making an excuse to delay his commitment. We frequently do the same thing. We say that we will become a disciple of Jesus provided we are given the opportunity of doing "our own thing" first. A self-centered person goes his own way instead of the Lord's way. There is only one answer to each of the following questions: Why do you continue that doubtful habit? Why do you pursue that harmful relationship? Why do you allow that crooked method in business? Why do you continue to use profanity? Why do you still visit undesirable places? Why do you not obey the gospel of Christ? The answer to each of these questions is the same. At this time, you do not want to put the Lord’s will first in your life.

Jesus chastised the hypocritical Pharisees for outwardly conforming to God’s will while they inwardly neglected submission to His will (Matt. 23:25-26). The Christian life is not just an outwardly reformed life; it is primarily an inwardly cleansed life. When the inward cleansing is thorough, the outward transformation is soon evident. God does not want merely outward confession, but He desires inward possession.

Global Warming

2011-08-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

The debate continues. Extremes are evident. Politicians are divided. The panic button is being pushed. Whom shall we believe? Is there not a middle ground somewhere? I am referring to the current debate on global warming. Books have been written on the subject. A movie has been made to warn people of the impending danger associated with global warming. A former vice-president of our nation has been awarded the Nobel Prize for his efforts to warn us of global warming if we continue to destroy the purity of the very air that we breathe. Yet, there are reputable scientists and meteorologists who strongly disagree with several of his arguments and conclusions. They explain that we are in a cycle of weather changes that has been going on for centuries. And here I sit as a novice and endeavoring to understand matters that are often too great for my finite mind.

This year the drought seems to be more widespread and severe than usual. Our water supply has diminished significantly. Farmers have experienced serious crop failure. Cattlemen are having great difficulty in finding food for their stock because the pastures have burned up due to the lack of moisture. Could we not understand that such might be possible as we consider the reasons for changes in our weather? I know that as humans we do pollute our environment. We all have witnessed this fact. It is good that we are becoming more aware of this problem.

While not trying to diminish the need to clean up our polluted land, water and air, I want to mention another 'global warming' that the world in general has very little interest in. We go about our everyday activities without considering the fact that there is coming a time when this life will come to an end. We buy and sell and get gain without fully realizing that life is like a vapor that lasts only for a short time (James 4:13-17). Many scoffers reason that since there was a yesterday there will also be a tomorrow and things will continue as they have since the beginning of time. But read very carefully the words of the apostle Peter in 2 Peter 3:7: "The heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly." He continues by saying, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn" (2 Peter 3:10-12).

Sin is the pollution of the soul. And unless a person has this stain removed from his soul by the cleansing blood of the Lamb of God, our Savior Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:5), he will suffer the inevitable consequence of eternal condemnation. Now this is the 'global warming' that we should be prepared for by "renouncing ungodliness and worldly passions" and living "self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:12, 13).

More Is Better?

2011-07-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

The television commercial portrayed a young family looking wistfully at a pleasure boat. The problem was that they didn't have enough money to purchase the boat. It was at this point that a particular bank was mentioned as the institution that would provide the needed money to the family through a generous loan. The next scene depicted the happy family driving off in their car pulling the newly purchased pleasure boat. Then the statement was made that "more is better" and for one to come and borrow the money from this bank in order to buy whatever one desired. But, is more, better? Not necessarily so.

It seems that in every age there are those who equate happiness with material possessions. Yet Jesus warned against this idea when he said, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15). There are some who hear the gospel of Christ, but the "cares, riches, and pleasures of life" choke out the influence of the gospel before it has a chance to bear fruit (Luke 8:14). The church in Laodicea placed too much emphasis on material wealth. They thought they were rich and had need of nothing, but Jesus described their true condition as being " wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17). These brethren were rich in the world's goods but poor toward God.

We all need to learn that material wealth can never bring satisfaction, even if we had enough money to purchase everything that our hearts desired. Solomon illustrates this truth. He had everything a person could hope for in the way of material gain; yet, when viewed from the perspective of eternity he wrote that material prosperity was vain and a mere grasping for the wind; that there was no profit under the sun (Ecclesiastes 2:8-11). Later, from the deep reservoir of his own experience, he wrote the following, "He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity" (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

The possession of material things does not insure peace of mind, contentment, and happiness. Such qualities of the heart come about because of one's right relationship with God. Paul wrote that "godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (I Timothy 6:6-8). The wise man of Proverbs wrote in chapter 15:16, 17, "Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred." Again in Proverbs 13:7, "There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches." More is not always better. A person can be rich as far as material possessions are concerned, yet poor toward God. It is much better to be " rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God" than to have everything in the world. Everyone can be happier in this life if this great lesson is learned at a young age. Individuals should seek salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ and "lay up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:18, 19).

Teddy

2011-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Several years ago there was an elementary teacher named Mrs. Thompson who greeted her fifth grade class on the first day of school. Seated on the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard. Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. In the passing days her frustration with Teddy grew to the point that she actually took delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers.

The school where she taught required the teachers to review each child's past records. She put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise. At first Teddy's teachers gave him a glowing report, but things got progressively worse. Teddy's mother was seriously ill and finally died when he was in the third grade. His fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class."

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery store. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After the children left, she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class.

A year later she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Teddy went on to graduate from high school, third in his class. Four years later he graduated from college with the highest of honors. He continued his schooling until he received a medical degree. Through the years he kept in touch with Mrs. Thompson assuring her that she was the best teacher he ever had.

One spring Mrs. Thompson received a letter from Teddy saying that he had met this girl and they were going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson’s ear, "Thank you, Mrs. Thompson, for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference." Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."

Are you making a difference in someone else's life?

How Quickly the Gate Opens

2011-07-15T01:34:00.000-07:00

An old farmer from the country went to the big city hospital to visit a dear friend. He was told he would have to park in the visitor's parking lot. He was surprised when he drove up to the entrance that the little gate lifted immediately. He drove right in and parked his car in the shade. He made his visit, returned to his car and drove to the exit, but it didn't open. It required money to get out. He paid the fare and mumbled to himself as he drove away, "Maybe they changed my oil and rotated my tires while I was there."

This example accurately illustrates sin. It is so easy to get involved in sin and is very difficult to get out from under a sinful lifestyle. Habits are easy to start and so difficult to break. Satan has always said you can get in now and pay later. Not only does he get the original price back, but with higher interest. The momentary, fleeting pleasure of sin is all the bait the Devil needs with some people. Many people sink into the quagmire of evil without realizing how deadly Satan's slimy pit can be.

It reminds me of how quickly the gate opened for David's sin with Bathsheba. He saw her beauty. He sent for her. She came. He committed fornication with her. Then he sent her home, thinking all was well. It would cost him dearly to get out of this parking place. She was found with child from that little night of fun. David committed more sin to cover his tracks. He had her husband, Uriah, killed on the battlefield. David and Bathsheba lost the child they conceived. There was also shame and suffering that came from this sin.

Sin is like a chameleon. That lizard-like mocker can change its colors to meet its surroundings. Such subtlety with regard to sin has overwhelmed many casual souls. Sin is dangerous because the Devil is shrewd and man is gullible.

The Devil causes sin to have a certain allure, but those who nibble at the bait are never really satisfied. The pleasures of sin are deceptive, temporary, high-priced and eternally a poor bargain. They only produce remorse, corruption and heartache.

Young people, how quickly the gate opens for the first cigarette, or that chew of tobacco, that first beer, or that first act of sexual immorality, but it could cost an arm and a leg, or a heart and a lung. You could end up paying the maximum cost – your life and your soul. Sin hides the truth and makes promises that are never kept. Sin is a dead-end street and a hollow, empty, senseless shell.

Let us not be deceived into thinking that just because there is no price at the entrance, there will be no price at the exit. We need to pay attention to Paul's words to the Galatians in Galatians 6:7, "Be not deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." Indeed, there is a high cost to low living. The pleasures of sin are just not worth the price that has to be paid. However, the joys of Christianity are too glorious to miss.

Musical Instruments or No Musical Instruments - Does It Make Any Difference?

2011-07-07T00:46:00.000-07:00

The April 1, 2006 edition of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer in Columbus, GA included an article about recent efforts of some in the churches of Christ and the Independent Christian Church to reconcile with each other after 100 years of separation. The two religious groups were first recognized as being separated by the U.S. religious census in 1906. One of the major reasons for the split was over the use of instruments in worship. The Independent Christian Church embraced the use of the instrument in worship; whereas, churches of Christ did not regard their use as being authorized in the New Testament.

The question on the minds of many is, "Does it really make any difference whether or not an instrument is used in worship to God? Should religious people be divided over something as insignificant as instruments?" Undoubtedly, unity is a biblical and noble quest. Jesus prayed for it (John 17:20-21). The apostle Paul commended it (1 Corinthians 1:10). But, at what price should it be attained?

The issue of instruments being used in worship is far greater than the instrument itself. It really has to do with the issue of authority. In religious matters, the only two choices available to us is divine authority or human authority. There is no other. Either the use of instruments in worship is from man or it is from God. If from God, then to oppose their use or to divide over it is ungodly and unspiritual. If from man, then their use amounts to spiritual haughtiness and rebellion.

Divine authority for any action settles the matter whether we accept it or not. The proper question to ask is, "Where does God authorize the use of instruments of music in worship in the New Testament?" Such authorization is nowhere to be found! That settles it and makes all the difference in the world!

The Destruction of Jerusalem

2011-06-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

Matthew chapter 24 has been described as the biggest problem in the gospel. Much confusion exists regarding this chapter because of the tendency on the part of many to refer to all the discussion within it to the Second Coming of Christ. Some have even attributed error to the statement of Jesus in verse 34, "Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass away, till all these things be accomplished." It is the consensus of many that Christ and the apostles were mistaken. Seemingly, no thought is give to the idea that the exegesis of scholars is at fault.

An examination of this chapter in its proper context will clarify many difficulties. The larger context is found in John the Baptist's statement regarding the eventual downfall of Israel (Matthew 3:7-10). Jesus further pointed to the conversion of the Gentiles and the cutting off of the Jewish nation because of their lack of faith (Matthew 8:10-12). In His conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well Jesus related to the time when worship would not be confined to a particular geographical location (John 4:21). The Jewish nation would become like a barren fig tree and would be cut down (Luke 13:6-9). He severely denounced the empty religion of the Jewish leaders (Matthew 23:1-36) and concluded with a tender and moving lamentation over their spiritual destitution (Matthew 23:37-39).

The immediate context of the Lord's prophecy was prompted by the disciples' questions regarding the destruction of the beautiful temple in Jerusalem (Matthew 24:1-3). They mistakenly associated the overthrow of the temple with the end of the world and they wanted to be informed in advance of the signs that would accompany the final coming ( Matthew 24:3). Jesus responded by discussing two comings and two ends of two worlds. The first judgment would fall upon Jerusalem and would mark the end of Judaism. The final judgment would mark the end of the world at which time Jesus would come again, not as a Savior but as a Judge.

Note the signs that would precede judgment upon Jerusalem (Matthew 24:4-28). There would be misleading signs (Matthew 24:4-14) such as false Messiahs (vs. 5). There would also be wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation (vs. 6-7), famines, earthquakes, natural calamities (vs. 7-8), and persecutions (vs. 9-13). The gospel would also be preached to the world before the temple would be destroyed (vs. 14).

Jesus said that when you see the "abomination of desolation," identified as the Roman army in Luke 21:20, you will know the time for Jerusalem ’s destruction is near (Matthew 24:15-28). Its destruction will be extremely horrible and devastating (Matthew 24:29-31). It would occur within the lifetime of those who heard Him speak on this occasion (Matthew 24:32-35). In 70 A.D. the Roman army under General Titus besieged Jerusalem just as Jesus prophesied.

However, by way of contrast the end of time would not have any specific signs that would accompany it. Life will be carried on as usual when suddenly, without advance warning, Jesus will come again ( Matthew 24:36-52; -cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3). Man needs to stand in readiness for that great day to come at any moment.

What Is the Church of Christ?

2011-06-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

The definitions of words and phrases are critical to good communication. It is often the case that words translated from one language to another lose something in the translation. An example of this is the explanation an American provided a foreign news correspondent regarding the fact that he missed a plane that was hijacked after take-off. He told the reporter that he guessed the man upstairs was looking after him. The newsman recounted the story with these words in his report: "The lucky American had an accomplice stationed on top of a nearby building who was able to warn him of what was taking place so that he could avert getting on the plane."

Some have questioned our affiliation with the organization known as the United Church of Christ. Others have inquired about our relationship with the National Council of Churches of Christ. The truth of the matter is that the Lord’s church has absolutely no affiliation with either of these organizations. Some brethren among us have used poor terminology with reference to their own identity. They have described themselves with such language as, "I'm a church of Christ-er," or have referred to a minister of the gospel as a "Church of Christ preacher." Even though one may do so innocently, such language places the Lord’s church in the position of being one denomination among many. The identity of the Lord’s church is discovered by properly employing biblical teaching to the research.

Consider the etymology of the term "church." The word refers to a "called out assembly." As such it has been used to refer to a political body (Acts 19:39), a riotous mob (Acts 19:32, 41), or a religious body (1 Corinthians 11:18). The Lord’s church is composed of those who have responded to the call of the gospel by being obedient to it (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

Reflect on the negative parameters. The Lord's church is not a material building composed of brick and mortar (Acts 17:24-25; 1 Peter 2:5). The church is not an extension of Old Testament practices. Jesus’ death on the cross took away the old law and established the new covenant (Galatians 3:22-25; Colossians 2:14). Neither is the Lord's church a denominational part of the whole of Christianity; that is, it is not a fragmented part of the whole. The church of our Lord IS Christianity (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). Jesus promised to build only one church (Matthew 16:18) and only one was constructed (Ephesians 4:4; 1:22-23). The various denominations that have arisen over the years are the result of man’s efforts, not God's!

Examine the biblical comparisons that are made. The church is described as a body (Colossians 1:18). Christ is the head of the body and all members are subject to Him (Ephesians 5:23). Within the body there is diversity (1 Corinthians 12:4-6) as well as coordination (1 Corinthians 12:15-17). Likewise, members of the body have a mutual concern for each other (1 Corinthians 12:25). The church is called a family (1 Timothy 3:15). Since the church is God's house, is it possible for one to be a child of God and not be in His church? To ask the question is but to answer it. Furthermore, the church is described as the bride of Christ (Romans 7:1-4); 2 Corinthians 11:1-2). Do you suppose Christ would be married to more than one bride? If denominationalism were true, wouldn’t He be guilty of spiritual adultery? Perish the thought! The church is also described as a kingdom. The synonymous use of the terms church and kingdom prove this (Matthew 16:18-19). Jesus said His kingdom would be established in the lifetime of the generation contemporary with Him ( Mark 9:1). In the early 60's A.D. Paul wrote that he was in the kingdom (Colossians 1:13). All who presently obey the same gospel Paul obeyed can likewise be in the same kingdom of which he was a part. Hence, the kingdom is not something yet to be established as advocated by premillennialists, but is now in existence. The church is called the flock of God (1 Peter 5:2). In his touching speech with the elders of the Ephesian congregation, Paul stated that the church (God’s flock) was purchased with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). Here's a question for consideration: Can the blood of Jesus save one without being a part of the group His saving blood purchased?

It is imperative that we reject the husks of human opinion and embrace the truth of heaven's instructions. Why not obey the gospel of Christ and become a member of the church of our Lord Jesus Christ?

What Are the Ingredients of Spiritual Growth?

2011-06-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

          A physician once stated that the secret to a long life was to drink eight glasses of water each day. There is no doubt that following this advice would greatly aid the longevity as well as the quality of one's life. One could wish that the secret to a strong spiritual life would be so easy, but it isn't. However, in Phillipians chapter three Paul does provide some food for thought. In this chapter, Paul reveals his spiritual biography. He points to his past in verses 1-11. There we see "Paul, the accountant." He refers to his present in verses 12-16 where we see "Paul, the athlete." Finally, he describes the future in verses 17-21 and pictures himself as an "alien" in the world.

          We focus our attention on verses twelve through fourteen where Paul unfolds some ingredients essential for spiritual development.

          Dissatisfaction (3:12-13a). Though he was a religious giant, Paul was dissatisfied with his spiritual progress. He realized his personal shortcomings and wanted to advance for the sake of the kingdom. When a person becomes satisfied with his spiritual stature he signals the end of spiritual growth. The church at Sardis was satisfied with their spiritual reputation, but Jesus described them as being dead (Rev. 3:1). Laodicea felt satisfied with their status, but, in reality, they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked (Rev. 3:17). Paul's spiritual maturity was shown in the recognition of his own immaturity. So is ours.

          Devotion (3:13b). "One thing" is an important phrase. The self-righteous rich young ruler lacked "one thing" in obtaining the true riches (Mk. 10:21). The man blind from his birth did not know many things, but he said, "One thing I do know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see" (Jn. 9:25). The Psalmist requested "one thing" of the Lord: that he dwell in the house of the Lord all his life (Psa. 27:4). An ingredient essential for spiritual growth is having singleness of purpose. Just as an athlete succeeds by oncentrating on his goal so the Christian develops by focusing upon his eternal quest. A river that is allowed to overflow its banks becomes a swamp, whereas, one that is properly channeled becomes a power. The spiritually developing life is a focused life.

          Direction (3:13c). Paul did not allow his checkered past of opposition to the church hinder his current service to the Lord. In order to grow Christians must break the power of the past by living for the future. Like Paul, we need to accept God's offer of forgiveness and forget the past (Acts 22:16).

          Determination (3:14). This verse captures the idea of intense endeavor. The picture is that of a hunter eagerly pursuing his prey. A person does not become a winning athlete by listening to lectures in his field of competition, or by watching movies, reading books, or cheering at games. He must get on the field and perform. It may be that one of the reasons why some do not grow spiritually is because the price of success is too great for them. However, the incorruptible crown awaiting the faithful is worthy of relentless pursuit.

The Bible: God's Miracle Book

2011-06-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

The Bible is unique in that it does not include a haphazard collection of writings. It is an organic whole. Anyone who reads the Bible carefully will quickly realize that there is a unified plan behind the arrangement. There is a unity about the Bible that is nothing less than marvelous. It is inspired, authoritative and entirely trustworthy. What are the grounds for believing this? Consider the following:

The Wonder of its Formation. The 66 books of the Bible were written by about forty different writers who lived in different countries, spoke different languages and came from different backgrounds. Among the writers were a king, a doctor, a herdsman, a tax gatherer, a scribe, a fisherman, etc. Their material was written over a period of 1600 years, so there was no collusion among them. Yet, when these 66 books are placed together there is perfect unity and harmony between them. What is the explanation? Only one – the Bible is God’s miracle book.

The Claim of its Writers. God is the author of the Bible, but He employed many human writers. These writers claimed to be writing down the words of the Lord when they used such phrases as, “Thus saith the Lord.” This expression occurs hundreds of times in the Bible. Paul said, “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16; cf. 2 Peter 1:21). How can the fact that the biblical writers claimed to write under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit be explained? In this way: the Bible is God’s miracle book.

The Accuracy of its Statements. A view held by some is that the Bible is full of errors; however, what appear at first glance to be discrepancies are cleared away after careful investigation. There is not one single proven inaccuracy in the whole Bible. It is flawless historically, geographically, genealogically, scientifically, psychologically, typologically, and verbally. What is the reason for this amazing accuracy? The Bible is God’s miracle book.

The Fulfillment of its Prophecies. Biblical prophecy is not just a guess or a mere prediction based upon present knowledge, but it is history written in advance. For instance, there are over thirty Old Testament prophecies relating to Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Every one of them was fulfilled when he died on the cross. What is the explanation of this prophetical accuracy? It is this: the Bible is God ’s miracle book.

The Insistence of its Message. There is one message that is found throughout the Bible. It is the message of God’ s great love for sinful humanity as evidenced by the gift of his Son who provides salvation to all who will obey him (cf. Romans 5:8; Hebrews 5:9). How do you account for the fact that there is one basic message running through the whole book? The explanation is this: the Bible is God’s miracle book.

Thank God, the Bible is inspired and serves as an authoritative guide for man. It is absolutely trustworthy because it is God’s miracle book. Let us love it, believe it, learn it, practice it, defend it, and pass it on to others.

Six Gallons Each Day

2011-05-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

The television reports of the conflict that occurred a few years ago in Kuwait gave new insight into the biblical account of Israel’s exodus from Egypt in the days of Moses. The scenes that were portrayed on television of what the Arabian desert was like helps us understand certain parts of the wilderness in which the Jews wandered for forty years. The two deserts are located close to each other and conditions in each of them are almost identical.

One of the first news reports coming out of “Operation Desert Shield” told of an American general who instructed his soldiers to drink at least six gallons of water every day to avoid dehydration. There was talk of transporting barges filled with fresh water to seaports just so the demands for water could be met.

Using the figure of six gallons for each soldier each day, consider just how much water the Israelites in the Old Testament would have needed as they trekked across the wilderness for forty years. Instead of the 50,000 soldiers the United States had in Saudi Arabia, Moses had 603,550 men of war with him in the Sinai Peninsula. This number only included those “…from twenty years old and above—all who are able to go to war” (Numbers 1:3). It did not include those from the tribe of Levi (22,000), the aged or infirm men, the wives most of them must have had, nor the children. Assuming that 95% of the men were married and each had at least three children the total number that left Egypt would have exceeded three million. If six gallons is a true figure (and who can argue with a general!), the daily requirement for the Israelites would have been 18,000,000 gallons of water each day for forty years! When you consider the fact that water was needed for other purposes, including water for their animals, the numbers become astronomical. Yet, “…they did not thirst when He led them through the deserts. He made the water flow out of the rock for them; He split the rock, and the water gushed forth” (Isaiah 48:21).

The miracles associated with the exodus of Israel from Egypt show how great our God is. He who cared for them cares for us!

The Anchor of the Soul

2011-05-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

The poet writes, “Hopelessness is wringing the lifeblood out of multitudes of people.” It’s true. We are haunted by hopelessness. It kills our spirit and chokes any sense of optimism or anticipation. It leads to suffering, loneliness, despair, and suicide.

When we lose hope we lose will-power. We are left empty and afraid. In the final analysis no hope can come from the government in Washington. It cannot come from educational achievement or business success, either.

Without hope we grope in darkness. It is like the blind leading the blind. Lost hope is the undertaker’s best friend. It was Sir Thomas Lipton of England, a multimillionaire and winner of many boat races, who shortly before dying, said: “I’d give up every trophy in my collection for the one I haven’t got” – that is a hope of heaven and eternal life. It is hope that cheers the child of God for “…the righteous hath hope in his death” (Prov. 14:32). It is hope that serves as a sure and steadfast anchor of the Christian’s soul (Heb. 6:19). Hope is the stimulus to action and the incentive to achievement. How strong is your hope?

Chameleon

2011-05-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

A chameleon is a funny creature. He changes color depending on his surroundings. He adapts and fits in – wherever he is.

The story goes that a chameleon was put on a plaid blanket and he exploded… he was trying to be “everything” and his body was tugged in different directions.

Don’t be like a chameleon and try to be all things to all people, depending on the group you’re with or the situation you’re in. It will destroy you.

Honesty

2011-04-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

(This story first appeared in an old issue of Sports Illustrated, then published in Glad Tidings, and later appeared in the bulletin of the Huntingdon church of Christ.)

The game was played in Wellington, Florida. In it, a seven-year-old first baseman, Tanner Munsey, fielded a ground ball and tried to tag a runner going from first to second base. The umpire, Laura Benson, called the runner out, but young Tanner immediately ran to her side and said, “Ma’am, I didn’t tag the runner.” Umpire Benson reversed herself, sent the runner to second base, and Tanner’s coach gave him the game ball for his honesty.

Two weeks later, Laura Benson was again the umpire and Tanner was playing shortstop when a similar play occurred. This time Benson ruled that Tanner had missed the tag on a runner going to third base, and she called the runner safe. Tanner looked at Benson and without saying a word, tossed the ball to the catcher and returned to his position.

Benson sensed something was wrong. “Did you tag the runner?” she asked Tanner. His reply, “Yes.” Benson then called the runner out. The opposing coaches protested until she explained what had happened two weeks earlier. “If a kid is that honest,” she said, “I have to give it to him.”

It may be that no Christian characteristic has suffered more in our society than honesty. It’s lacking in the workplace, it’s lacking in many of our marriages, it’s lacking in our government, and sometimes it’s even lacking in our churches. Like Diogenes of ancient Greece, we sometimes feel the urge to take our lantern and begin our search for an honest man.

There is something about Christians that should stand out like a neon sign on a dark night. Jesus wants His people to be known as a people of truth. We should establish a reputation, like Tanner, for speaking the truth even when it would benefit us to do otherwise. Then, and only then, will those around us trust what we say without hesitation, without wondering whether or not we really mean what we say.

"Teddy"

2011-04-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

The school where she taught required the teachers to review each child’s past records. She put Teddy’s off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise. At first Teddy’s teachers gave him a glowing report, but things got progressively worse. Teddy’s mother was seriously ill and finally died when he was in the third grade. His fourth grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is withdrawn and doesn’t show much interest in school. He doesn’t have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class.”

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy’s. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery store. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children’s laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, “Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to.” After the children left, she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class.

A year later she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Teddy went on to graduate from high school, third in his class. Four years later he graduated from college with the highest of honors. He continued his schooling until he received a medical degree. Through the years he kept in touch with Mrs. Thompson assuring her that she was the best teacher he ever had.

One spring Mrs. Thompson received a letter from Teddy saying that he had met this girl and they were going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson’s ear, “Thank you, Mrs. Thompson, for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference.” Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back, “Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn’t know how to teach until I met you.” Are you making a difference in someone else’s life?

The Home

2011-04-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

The home is the foundation of our society. As the home goes, so goes the nation. If moral, ethical, and spiritual values are well entrenched in the home, the nation exists on a sure foundation. A nation’s strength is not in its military might, its economic vitality, or its system of government, but in its practice of righteousness. Solomon declared by the inspiration of God, “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). Instruction in right and wrong conduct should clearly be taught in the home. The right should be upheld and the wrong should be opposed. Honesty, morality, proper treatment of others, justice, and integrity needs to be ingrained in children. Cruelty, lying, immorality, disrespect, and injustice should be opposed.

What are some things we need to do to strengthen our homes and make them a productive and happy environment? I know it may sound trite and “politically incorrect” to some people, but family devotions in which spouses, parents, and children read the Bible and pray together would go a long way toward stabilizing the home. A nation upon its knees in prayer and Bible study is the most awe-inspiring and powerful force in the world. The devil trembles when he sees this happening. A greater emphasis on the Bible in the home will improve husband-wife relationships and parent-child relationships, as well. It would develop a healthy respect for the law and enable us to have the wisdom to pass laws that would be just.

A four-fold platform for the health of any nation is related in 2 Chron. 7:14: humility, prayer, seeking God, and turning from its wicked ways. No mention is made of armament, financial power, intellectual prowess, or material prosperity. In the words of a Frenchman, “America is great because America is good; when she ceases to be good she will cease to be great.”

Abortion's Impact

2011-04-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

Several years ago a panel of Florida judges upheld a $108,800 fine against a man who poached 1088 turtle eggs from a state park. The public defender argued that an egg isn’t a turtle until it hatches; but the prosecutor affirmed that 80-90% of marine turtle eggs are fertile, and therefore each egg must be considered a unit of marine life. The judges agreed with the prosecutor and fined the man $100 for each egg poached! It is legal lunacy to argue that laws protecting unhatched marine turtles are perfectly alright, but laws protecting the life of unborn humans are unconstitutional.

Consider this: more Americans have died because of abortion than have died in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, both World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and the current war in Iraq and Afghanistan combined! More babies are killed every day in America than the total number of people killed in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Where is the outrage? Why isn’t there an enormous public outcry over such an immense loss of life? A most perplexing aspect of this is that so many people who support abortion oppose capital punishment. How can people demand that killing an innocent unborn child is legal and out of the same mouth argue that executing convicted murderers should be outlawed? Groups like the National Organization of Women and the ACLU support the continued legalization of abortion on demand and oppose the death penalty. They argue that since life begins at birth it is not the taking of human life to abort an unborn child. The Bible affirms differently in Jeremiah 1:5 and Luke 1:41. Human life begins in the womb and to abort a child before birth is the shedding of innocent blood and that, the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:17).

Try as one might to justify this barbaric practice, abortion does not meet God’s approval. Friends, when we can open a newspaper or turn on a television and learn of people protesting the execution of convicted murderers and rapists while “protecting” a woman’s “right to choose,” we have it all backwards. May God help us to stop calling evil good and good evil before it is too late. To prevent an unwanted pregnancy, stop engaging in immoral activity! There are other alternatives besides abortion for those who find themselves in an unwanted pregnancy. God’s mercy is extended to those who may seek his forgiveness for their lack of mercy when they aborted a child. Abortion is wrong, but God is merciful.

Forgiveness

2011-04-12T04:00:00.001-07:00

Some people’s idea of forgiveness involves merely overlooking a matter, at least for a short period of time. They “bury the hatchet,” but leave the handle sticking out just in case they need to resurrect the matter that supposedly has been forgiven. They leave a matter buried as long as it is to their advantage to do so, but are quick to recall it when they feel they can use it as leverage. In such cases, true forgiveness has not taken place.

Thankfully, God doesn’t treat man in that fashion when He forgives him of sin; otherwise, we would forever be under the condemnation of an omniscient God. Jeremiah prophetically pointed to the forgiveness provided man through Jesus Christ when he spoke of our sins and iniquities no longer being remembered by God (Jer. 31:31-34). The inspired writer of Hebrews declared the basis for divine forgiveness when he said, “Apart from the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Heb. 9:22). Jesus shed His blood at Calvary to become man’s sin bearer. We deserve eternal condemnation in the eternal flames of hell, but obedient man does not suffer that fate because of God’s mercy. We appropriate the blood of Jesus when we are buried with Him in baptism (

Rom.

6:3-4). Baptism is the culminating action of obedience that washes away our sins (Acts 22:16).

There is a direct relationship between our receiving forgiveness from God and our willingness to forgive our fellowman. If we don’t forgive those who wrong us, neither will God forgive our sins against Him (Mt. 6:14-15). Forgiveness lifts heavy burdens from life; whereas, harboring malice and ill-will compounds problems rather than solves them. Forgiveness involves forgetfulness and no longer resurrects old wounds. Is there someone in your background whom you have not forgiven? If so, such an attitude will do you more harm than the other person.

Wisdom From Above

2011-04-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

In the entrance hall of Rockefeller Center in New York City there are four large murals that depict the progress of mankind. The first painting is a picture of primitive man laboring with his hands in an attempt to survive in his alien environment. In the second scene, he has become the inventor of tools, and the comforts of his civilization are multiplying. The third mural shows man to be both master and servant of the machine, and the vast forces of the material world are under his direction and control. The last picture shows Christ delivering the Sermon on the Mount, and reaching up toward Him are struggling masses of men, women, and children. Underneath the mural are these words:

Man’s ultimate destiny depends not on

whether he can learn new lessons or make new

discoveries or conquests, but on his

acceptance of the lesson taught him close to

2,000 years ago.

This is the artist’s way of saying that true wisdom for man is adjustment to, and acceptance of, God’s revealed truth. It lies in seeing himself, the creature, in right perspective to God, the Creator, and in acting accordingly. Truly, we must seek the qualities possessed by Christ Himself who is “the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24).

Jealousy

2011-04-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

Jealousy is a work of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21) which is ruinous to the character of man. It is a sin of disposition which is both mean and wicked. The difference between jealousy and envy is that jealousy fears to lose what it has while envy is pained at seeing another have. Both are a malicious spirit that seeks to deny or destroy the good it sees in others. Solomon declared that “…jealousy enrages a man, and he will not spare in the day of vengeance” (Prov. 6:34).

Man’s history is clouded with fits of jealousy that have wreaked havoc. Cain was jealous of his brother Abel and murdered him (Gen. 4:1-8). Sarah’s jealousy of Hagar motivated her to treat Hagar harshly (Gen. 16:1-6). King Saul’s jealousy of David blinded him to the admirable qualities David possessed which could have been utilized for the benefit of the nation of Israel (1 Sam. 18:8-30). The brother of the prodigal son was unable to rejoice in the recovery of his fallen brother because of jealousy (Lk. 15:25-32).

Jealousy has no cultural, racial, social or economic barriers. It has afflicted all people and been the ruin of many. It has divided families, destroyed friendships, ruined health, split churches and afflicted many preachers. Jealousy acts as a wedge to destroy harmony and unity between preachers and elders, the elders and the congregation, as well as between fellow elders. Indeed, it has a destructive power about it that is difficult to overcome. “Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, but who can stand before jealousy?” (Prov. 27:4). The apostle James stated that “…where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing” (Jas. 3:16).

Jealousy is a manifestation of spiritual immaturity (1 Cor. 3:3). It will dwarf, wither, and shrivel the soul and fill one’s life with hatred and bitterness and make life miserable and wretched. To love is to rejoice in another’s good and to seek his welfare; this is Godlike. To be filled with jealousy is to have the murderous hatred of Cain who slew his brother; this is satanic. Be Godlike!

The Status of Marriage Today

2011-04-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Literature is saturated with articles describing the plight of the American style of marriage and family. From many different sources editors, educators, sociologists, anthropologists, politicians, and ministers are voicing their concern. If one is not convinced that difficulties exist, he has not been reading, or has not been in touch with people, or is an idealist!

People today are concerned about marriage and the family. Changes are taking place in the family structure and in the permanency of marriage. It has been said that “throwaway marriages” have become part of the fabric of American society. Divorce is now in the background of most people.

The attitude that many take toward marriage was heard in the office of a marriage counselor when a young woman said, “When I got married I was looking for an ideal, but I got an ordeal and now I want a new deal!” A cartoon in the Los Angeles Times pictured a preacher performing a wedding, and instead of the usual, “till death do you part,” he said, “till divorce do you part.” This is not entirely unreal.

As a consequence of the breakdown of this social institution, people are groping, more or less blindly, to find alternatives to marriage. Living together without marriage, living in communes, extensive child care centers, serial monogamy (with one divorce after another), new divorce laws which do away with the concept of guilt – have all been tried as alternatives and, alas, have been found wanting.

The problem is not with the institution of marriage; it lies with the individuals who enter that relationship and their attitudes toward it and one another. There is another alternative to the problems of marriage other than the ones which have already been suggested and it is this, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it” (Psalms 127:1). Building our marriages on the principles set forth in the Bible will contribute to the permanency and joy of the home. For too long many have turned to other sources than the Bible for guidance in the establishment and maintenance of the home. Read the Bible, pray, and worship God together.

Daily Bread: Unashamed of the Gospel

2011-04-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

Daily Bread: Unashamed of the Gospel: "The vast efforts of the apostle Paul at preaching the gospel took him to many cities and villages throughout the world. One city to wh..."

Unashamed of the Gospel

2011-04-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

The vast efforts of the apostle Paul at preaching the gospel took him to many cities and villages throughout the world. One city to which he had not traveled when he wrote the book of Romans was Rome. His failure, however, was not due to any embarrassment he felt regarding the message or his role in proclaiming it. He wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16).

The word “gospel” is an encompassing word which includes the virgin birth, sinless life, vicarious death, powerful resurrection, and promised second coming of Christ. It is the good news of all that God has done for the salvation of lost man. It refers to every aspect of the Christian life regulated in the New Testament. Some viewed this message as foolishness and were ashamed of it (1 Cor. 1:18). Paul was not among them. He was not ashamed of the source of the gospel (God), its subject (Christ), its revealer (the Holy Spirit), nor of the high ideals and philosophy of life held out by the gospel. He was not ashamed of the hope or goal of the gospel (eternal life). Though such may be demeaned and ridiculed by the undiscerning, there is no justifiable reason why Christians should be apologetic of the gospel of Christ. Wherever it is proclaimed, this gospel is charged with power. It creates faith, reveals God’s righteousness, brings fulfillment of hope, and intervenes in the lives of men. Paul had seen the gospel bring a man to his knees in Philippi, turn a demented girl into a rational person, purify a wicked and corrupt people in Corinth, and establish congregations all over Asia and Europe. He had literally seen the gospel turn the world upside down (Acts 17:6)!

What Then?

2011-04-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

(The writer of the following is unknown.)

When all the great plants of our cities
   Have turned out their last finished work;
When our merchants have sold their last yard of silk,
   And dismissed the tired, weary clerk;
When our banks have taken in their last dollar
   And declared their last dividend;
When the Judge of the world says, "Closed for the night,"
   And asks for a balance - WHAT THEN?

When the chorus has sung its last anthem
   And the preacher has said his last prayer;
When the people have heard their last sermon
   And the sound has died out on the air;
When the Bible lies closed on the altar
   And the pews are all empty of men,
When we all stand facing the record
   And the Great Book is opened - WHAT THEN?

When the actor has played his last drama
   And the mimic has made his last fun;
When the film has flashed its last picture
   And the billboard displayed its last run;
When the crowds seeking pleasure have vanished,
   And gone out into darkness again,
When the Trumpet of all Ages is sounded
   And we all stand before God - WHAT THEN?

When the bugle's last call sinks in silence
   And the long, marching columns stand still;
When the Captain has given his last orders,
   And they've captured the last fort and hill,
When the flag has been hauled from the masthead,
   And all wounded soldiers have checked in;
When a world that rejected its Savior,
   Is asked for a reason - WHAT THEN?

Watch Your Language

2011-03-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

The power of speech is one of the greatest powers God has given us. With the tongue, men can praise God, pray, preach the gospel, and lead the lost to Christ. What a privilege! What a challenge! But with that same tongue he can tell lies that ruin another person’s reputation or break a person’s heart. The ability to speak words is to possess the ability to influence others and accomplish great tasks. Speech also possesses the ability to tear down, destroy, dishearten, and accomplish much evil. It can be full of strengthening grace or it can be full of venomous poison. It can ennoble one’s character; it can also taint it. When we are careless with our tongues, we are being careless with our souls. Christians are urged to always let their speech be characterized by grace (Col. 4:6). There are several sins that can be committed with the tongue.

GOSSIP. One reason why gossip is so destructive is the rate of speed with which it travels. God warned Israel that they were not to be slanderers among the people (Lev. 19:16). A gossiper is often the source of the destruction of friendships (Prov. 16:28; 17:9). Superior people usually talk about ideas; average people talk about things; little people too often talk about others. Some of God’s great soldiers have been shot in the back with the arrows of rumor, slander, and false charges. “My brethren, these things ought not to be this way” (Jas. 3:10).

PROFANITY. George Washington said, “The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it.” Television, radio, movies, videos, the printed page, and the internet are filled with the “verbal vomit” of people who have no respect for God or man. What a tragedy! Corrupt speech is not to exude from man’s mouth (Eph. 4:29).

EUPHEMISMS. These are words considered less offensive than profanity; nonetheless, they are just as wrong. Some examples of euphemisms are: gosh, golly, gee, darn, doggone, heck, confounded. Out of ignorance Christians sometimes use these words that are just as offensive to God as profanity. In the judgment we shall give account of our speech (Mt. 12:36). Let us be careful that our speech is pure, seasoned with salt (Col. 4:6).

Golden Opportunities

2011-03-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

(The following appeared in a recent bulletin of the Huntingdon church of Christ, Huntingdon, TN. The author is unknown.)

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” ( 2 Cor. 4:17).

In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. He hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock.

Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway.

The peasant learned what many of us never understand. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

Two Pathways and Two Destinies

2011-03-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.

- Proverbs 4:18-19

These words of Solomon place before us a vivid contrast between “the path of the righteous” and “the way of the wicked.” They tell us that from God’s standpoint there are only two classes of people in the world --- the righteous and the wicked. To which class do you belong?

The righteous are in the minority; the wicked are in the majority. In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus stated that there would be many on the “broad way” that leads to destruction in contrast to the few on the “narrow way” that leads to life.

The righteous are in the light; the wicked are in a state of darkness. Christians are in the light because their source of light is Jesus (John 8:12). They have been translated out of darkness into light (Colossians 1:12-13). The spiritual condition of every man who is without Christ is extremely dark and bleak (2 Corinthians 4:4).

The path of the righteous gets brighter; the way of the wicked gets darker. The experience of the Christian is that of walking in the light (1 John 1:7) which increases in brightness through the years. In contrast, the wicked stumble because they are in the darkness.

The righteous have a glorious prospect; the wicked have a terrible prospect. The righteous await a home prepared for them by the carpenter of Israel (John 14:2-3). The wicked have a bleak future ahead with no hope of escaping (Matthew 8:12). On which road are you traveling --- the road that has a glorious prospect, or the road that has a terrible prospect?

The Power of Prevailing Prayer

2011-03-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

It is said that the apostle James had knees that were worn hard by his constant habit of kneeling in prayer. If this is true, we have the testimony of a man who had proven the power of prayer in his own life. He practiced what he preached. He wrote, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16, KJV). The inference of these words is that there is a kind of prayer that avails little or nothing and could be described as ineffective, vain, and useless. Perhaps you have felt at times that your prayers were ineffective or powerless. Could your prayers have been characterized by the following?

Prayer with a wrong motive cannot prevail. Selfish prayer is the reason why some do not receive that for which they ask (James 4:3). Maybe the reason why your prayers don’t prevail is because they are so self-centered that God is crowded out. If sin is practiced, prayer cannot prevail. If we knowingly harbor sin in our life, God will not hear us (Psalms 66:18).

An unforgiving spirit will hinder prayer. “If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15, ESV). An unwillingness to be reconciled to another hinders prayer (Matthew 5:23-24). Maintaining a proper relationship with a brother in Christ is a priority if we expect God to hear our prayers. We cannot be right with God and remain estranged from our brethren.

A wrong family relationship hinders prayer (1 Peter 3:7). If our relationship with members of our family is not all that it should be, prayer is obstructed. When a husband and wife regularly join hands in prayer, they remain joined together in life.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” May we take this admonition to our hearts and be encouraged to pray effectively to God’s glory!

Read A Book and Raise A Child

2011-03-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

There is probably no job that requires more tact, wisdom, understanding, and love than the responsibility of raising children properly. There are many ingredients that combine to make for a successful effort in child-rearing. One ingredient is the administration of proper discipline. The goal of parental discipline should be the eventual capability of self-discipline by the time a child reaches adulthood. Perhaps it is in the area of discipline that many parents feel they have failed their children the most.

I will have to admit that I possessed “wiser” insights into disciplining children before I became a parent. To exercise proper discipline is not easy for parents. My children are now grown and have families of their own, but I will probably never graduate from the “School of Fatherhood.”

The subject of discipline provokes more discussion and the greatest differences of opinion among parents than just about anything else regarding parenting. It is a subject that can create guilt problems for parents who have already raised their children. It can also create frustration for parents who are in the process of raising theirs. One thing for certain, you will not find all the answers to raising children by reading a book --- unless it is THE BOOK! Permit me to share some principles of discipline that are found in the Bible.

Discipline is a proof of parental love. “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24, ESV). Dr. James Dobson wisely wrote, parents should “…identify the rules well in advance; let there be no doubt about what is and is not acceptable behavior…Discipline and love are not antithetical; one is a function of the other” (Dare To Discipline, pg. 29).

Don’t wait until it is too late before you decide to exercise discipline. “Discipline your son while there is hope” (Proverbs 19:18). Some parents wait until the child has already established a rebellious spirit before deciding that discipline needs to be implemented. By then “the twig is bent” and it is extremely difficult, though not impossible, to change the child.

Proper discipline will not hurt a child. “If you strike him with a rod, he will not die” (Proverbs 23:13). This passage is not recommending physical abuse; neither is it suggesting that physical punishment is the only method of child training. However, parents need to understand that crying is not a barometer of pain and neither are tears an indication of successful discipline.

Discipline is not a mechanism for releasing parental anger (Ephesians 6:4). What exasperates children most is not discipline, but unjust accusations, unfair punishment, nagging, sarcasm, or short-fused anger.

Parents, read God’s book and practice what it teaches. It will make you a better parent.

Six Gallons Each Day

2011-03-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

One of the first news reports coming out of “Operation Desert Shield” told of an American general who instructed his soldiers to drink at least six gallons of water every day to avoid dehydration. There was talk of transporting barges filled with fresh water to seaports just so the demands for water could be met.

Using the figure of six gallons for each soldier each day, consider just how much water the Israelites in the Old Testament would have needed as they trekked across the wilderness for forty years. Instead of the 50,000 soldiers the United States had in Saudi Arabia, Moses had 603,550 men of war with him in the Sinai Peninsula. This number only included those “…from twenty years old and above—all who are able to go to war” (Numbers 1:3). It did not include those from the tribe of Levi (22,000), the aged or infirm men, the wives most of them must have had, nor the children. Assuming that 95% of the men were married and each had at least three children the total number that left Egypt would have exceeded three million. If six gallons is a true figure (and who can argue with a general!), the daily requirement for the Israelites would have been 18,000,000 gallons of water each day for forty years! When you consider the fact that water was needed for other purposes, including water for their animals, the numbers become astronomical. Yet, “…they did not thirst when He led them through the deserts. He made the water flow out of the rock for them; He split the rock, and the water gushed forth” (Isaiah 48:21).

The miracles associated with the exodus of Israel from Egypt show how great our God is. He who cared for them cares for us!

Repentance or Re-adjustment?

2011-03-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

A man once went to the doctor complaining of an ulcer. The doctor asked if there might be some undue stress in his life that would cause such a problem. He answered, “Yes, I’m having an affair with a woman in another city. I drive there twice a week in my old pick-up to see her and it keeps breaking down on the way home and I have to continually devise excuses to tell my wife why I am late.” The doctor suggested that he needed to make some hard decisions about his personal priorities if he was to ever get well. About six months later the patient came back completely cured. The doctor asked if had made some change in his life. The man replied, “Yup, got me a new pick-up.”

Many people try to solve their problems caused by sin with a re-adjustment rather than with repentance. The major difficulty with that approach is that re-adjustment doesn’t solve anything; it only delays the consequences. The message of Jesus is one of genuine repentance (Mt. 4:17) which is a change of heart that results in a change of life. It requires openness and honesty with self and God. Repentance is a direct challenge to man’s will power. Perhaps that is the reason why it is not only a neglected command of God, but one that is among the hardest to obey.

How are you handling the sins of your life? Are you repenting, or are you attempting some kind of re-adjustment? Think about it.

Criticism

2011-03-22T10:16:00.001-07:00

Have you ever been the victim of unjust criticism? How did it make you feel? Have you participated in carping criticism? Have you noticed that some people seem to be born in the “objective case” and “kickative mood”? They rarely see anything positive in anyone or anything. They are forever complaining about or criticizing something. They never seem satisfied. Criticism is one of Satan’s major weapons to impede progress. Criticism divides a man’s power and prevents his being a force for anything. A saying that was often repeated by people of the previous generation was that if you punch a dog in the nose long enough, he will stop wagging his tail. In other words, if you criticize a person long enough and severely enough it will eventually wear him down and discourage him from making real progress. It has the effect of knocking all the gumption and power out of a person.

Criticism is something that we cannot avoid entirely, even when we may be doing the right thing. In fact, sometimes people are criticized for doing the right thing by those who have no interest in righteous conduct. Abraham Lincoln’s philosophy toward criticism is revealed in these words: “If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how, the very best I can and I mean to keep on doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, then what is said against me won’t matter. If the end brings me out wrong, then ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.”

Lincoln was right. We need to rise above criticism and not allow it to prevent us from doing the right thing. Rather than being guilty of unjust criticism, we need to be as complimentary as possible. Compliments never hurt people; in fact, more people die from broken hearts than swelled heads.

The Best Daddy That Ever Lived

2011-03-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

The late Dwight L. Moody told the story of a man whose small son was dying of an incurable illness. He held his father's hand, who asked him, "Son, you are not afraid of death, are you?" The son replied, "I hate to leave you, but when I die I will go to heaven where Jesus lives." "Yes, my son," said the heartbroken father. The glazing eyes of the dying child sparkled as he gripped the hand he was holding, and with his last breath murmured, "When I get to heaven, the first thing I will do will be to walk right up to Jesus, and tell him, 'I had the best daddy that ever lived.'"

A great father sets a godly example before his children. This provides a solid foundation for the child to emulate in his own life. He loves them with all his heart and shows it by spending time with them. He listens to them when they are young so they will talk to him when they are older. He establishes some reasonable and clearly defined guidelines and limitations so they will learn to respect all authority. Just as a mother bird pushes the young fledgling out of the nest that he may learn to fly, so a wise parent will prepare his child for the time in his life when he must stand on his own. It hurts to see our children experience the bumps and knocks of life without interfering, but it has to be done. It is necessary for their maturation. The ultimate goal of parents is to work themselves out of a job.

Perhaps the greatest and most difficult responsibility of fathers is that of leading their children. To the child, a parent is the greatest person in the world, and he will follow the parent in whatever direction he is led. A six-year-old child took a pair of scissors and cut off the hair on top of his head because he wanted a bald spot like his Daddy's. He was later disappointed when his hair grew back and his Daddy's didn't. Our children are wanting to follow our steps. Where are we leading them?

Which Way?

2011-03-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

A man visited New York City for the first time and became turned around and confused. One evening during the rush hour, he stopped at a newsstand in the heart of Times Square and asked the vendor which direction was north. “Look, buddy,” he replied in a loud and annoyed voice, “We got uptown, we got downtown, and we got cross-town. We don’t got north.”

While that is poor English, it does depict our modern religious scene in America. In far too many cases, religion has lost its bearing. Some churches seem like enterprises, and others seem like concerts. Still others seem caught up in ritualism or in displaying their righteousness before men. One has to wonder where the cross is in all this. Where is north?

New Testament Christianity is first and foremost centered on Christ and him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2). Jesus said, “If I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (Jn. 12:32). Crucifixion on a cross was meant by the Romans to be a horrible and shameful death, reserved for the vilest criminals. While the Lord’s crucifixion was the darkest moment in the annals of human history, it was the brightest moment in divine history in making human redemption possible. Without it we would have no hope, only gloom and despair.

We must go back to the cross and stand firm, not moved by the culture of our day or the pressure to compromise our faith for popularity. We must not give in to any substitution of the Christian faith. It is the death of Christ that should be emphasized, not entertainment, social reforms, political interests, or business ventures. It is the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified that is the attraction force that brings men out of a life of sin into a life of righteousness. The Lord did not come to take men out of the slums, but to take the slum out of men.

More Is Better?

2011-03-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

The television commercial portrayed a young family looking wistfully at a pleasure boat. The problem was that they didn’t have enough money to purchase the boat. It was at this point that a particular bank was mentioned as the institution that would provide the needed money to the family through a generous loan. The next scene depicted the happy family driving off in their car pulling the newly purchased pleasure boat. Then the statement was made that “more is better” and for one to come and borrow the money from this bank in order to buy whatever one desired. But, is more, better? Not necessarily so.

It seems that in every age there are those who equate happiness with material possessions. Yet Jesus warned against this idea when he said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).

We all need to learn that material wealth can never bring satisfaction even if we had enough money to purchase everything that our hearts desired. Solomon illustrates this truth. He had everything a person could hope for in the way of material gain; yet, when viewed from the perspective of eternity he wrote that material prosperity was vain and a mere grasping for the wind; that there was no profit under the sun (Ecclesiastes 2:8-11). Later, from the deep reservoir of his own experience, he wrote the following, “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). More is not always better. The possession of material things does not insure peace of mind, contentment, and happiness. Such is obtained only by having a right relationship with God.

The High Cost of Low Living

2011-03-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

A chameleon, that lizard-like mocker, can change its colors to meet its surroundings. Sin is like that. Such subtlety with regard to sin has overwhelmed many casual souls. Sin is dangerous because the Devil is shrewd and man is gullible.

The Devil causes sin to have a certain allure, but those who nibble at the bait are never really satisfied. The pleasures of sin are deceptive, temporary, high-priced and eternally a poor bargain. They only produce remorse, corruption and heartache.

The entrance gate to a parking lot opens quickly and one is able to enter without paying, but there is a price to be paid at the exit, In like manner, the gate quickly opens for the first cigarette, or that chew of tobacco, that first beer, or that first act of sexual immorality, but it could cost an arm and a leg, or a heart and a lung. You could end up paying the maximum cost – your life and your soul. Sin hides the truth and makes promises that are never kept. Sin is a dead-end street and a hollow, empty, senseless shell.

Let us not be deceived into thinking that just because there is no price at the entrance, there will be no price at the exit. We need to pay attention to Paul’s words to the Galatians in Galatians 6:7, “Be not deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Indeed, there is a high cost to low living. The pleasures of sin are just not worth the price that has to be paid. However, the joys of Christianity are too glorious to miss.

How Quickly the Gate Opens

2011-03-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

An old farmer from the country went to the big city hospital to visit a dear friend. He was told he would have to park in the visitor’s parking lot. He was surprised when he drove up to the entrance that the little gate lifted immediately. He drove right in and parked his car in the shade. He made his visit, returned to his car and drove to the exit, but it didn’t open. It required money to get out. He paid the fare and mumbled to himself as he drove away, “Maybe they changed my oil and rotated my tires while I was there.”

This example accurately illustrates sin. It is so easy to get involved in sin and is very difficult to get out from under a sinful lifestyle. Habits are easy to start and so difficult to break. Satan has always said you can get in now and pay later. Not only does he get the original price back, but with higher interest. The momentary, fleeting pleasure of sin is all the bait the Devil needs with some people. Many people sink into the quagmire of evil without realizing how deadly Satan’s slimy pit can be. The apostle Paul warned us about being outwitted by Satan and admonished us not to be ignorant of his designs (2 Cor. 2:11, ESV).

Ganglioneuropathy

2011-03-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

(The following is taken from an article written by Mike Underwood and has been edited for the sake of brevity)

It sounds terrible, doesn't it? Well, it is! It is a disease that destroys the nervous system of the human body. In other words, if a person has this disease he can't feel pain, his nerves aren't allowed to send messages to the brain to tell it that some part of the body is in pain. WOW! That sounds like a great disease to have, doesn't it? Wouldn't it be nice not to ever have to experience pain again? When the doctor gave us a shot - no problem. Dental office visits would become just a time of relaxation in a comfortable laid back chair. Broken hips, contractions, busted lips, dog bites, bee stings, sitting on the practical joker's tack - all become as painless as eating cotton candy. But at what cost? What would happen if a person who had this disease laid his hand on a hot stove? He wouldn't feel the pain, but the hand would still burn and infection would eventually set in. Or what if he got cut on the back of his leg and never knew it? If the cut was bad enough he could bleed to death without ever knowing he was injured.

I don't know anyone who has this disease in the body. But there are many who have ganglioneuropathy of the soul. It doesn't bother them or hurt them when they sin. Oh, it used to hurt. It would pain their conscience something terrible. But now that this disease has set in, nothing seems to bother them any more. The wound caused by missing worship services has long been calloused. It doesn't hurt any more when they use the Lord's name in vain. Telling a lie is just as natural as breathing anymore. The conscience has been seared over as with a hot iron (1 Tim. 4:2).

Some might think this is a great disease - not having to feel guilt anymore. But, again we must ask the question, "At what cost?" If sin no longer bothers you, then spiritual ganglioneuropathy is fatal. CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN (Mk. 2:17).
Don't let your soul's "nervouse system" be destroyed.

The Love of God

2011-03-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

The grandest truth in inspiration was penned by the apostle Paul, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Before He suffered one of the most horrible deaths known to man, Jesus was ridiculed, mocked, spat upon, and beaten; yet He endured all of it for the joy of redeeming man from the penalty of sin (Heb. 12:2). Such deep love is incomprehensible to finite man. Frederick Lehman tried to capture its depth in a song he wrote entitled, “The Love of God.” Verse three was written by someone else and was penciled on the wall of a narrow room in an insane asylum by a man said to be demented. The profound lines were discovered when they laid him in his coffin.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made,

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

And every man a scribe by trade;

To write the love of God above

Would drain the ocean dry;

Nor could the scroll contain the whole,

Though stretched from sky to sky.

"I Can Sleep When the Wind Blows"

2011-03-10T16:46:00.000-08:00

Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops.

As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. “Are you a good farm hand?” the farmer asked him. “Well, I can sleep when the wind blows,” answered the little man.

Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man’s work.

Then one night the wind howled loudly as it blew from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand’s sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, “Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!”

The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, “No sir. I told you I can sleep when the wind blows.” Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm.

To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

When you’re prepared spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?

The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm. We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God. We don’t need to understand everything; we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the middle of storms. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (Jn. 14:27).

Just A Mouse Story

2011-03-07T06:50:00.000-08:00

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. “What food might this contain?” the mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap. Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse sounded the warning. “There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!”

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, “Mr. Mouse I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it.”

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, “There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!” The pig sympathized, but said, “I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers.”

The mouse turned to the cow and said, “There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!” The cow said, “Wow, Mr. Mouse. I’m sorry for you, but it’s no skin off my nose.”

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer’s mousetrap--alone. That very night a sound was heard throughout the house – like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer’s wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer’s wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital. After treatment she was returned home, but she developed a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup’s main ingredient. But his wife’s sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer’s wife did not get well; she died. So many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them. The mouse looked upon it all with great sadness from his crack in the wall.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn’t concern you, remember – when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. Remember, each of us is a vital thread in another person’s tapestry; our lives are woven together. The Bible says, “For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself” (Rom. 14:7).

It Was Only A Quarter

2011-03-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted the invitation of a church in Houston, Texas to be their minister. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it." Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet."

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change." The driver, with a smile, replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday."

When the preacher stepped off the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter." Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is an example of how much people watch us as Christians and will put us to the test! Always be on guard and remember that you carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself "Christian."

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character; it

becomes your destiny.

How To Stop Church Gossip

2011-03-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

Matilda, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose into other people's business. Several members did not approve of her extra curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence. She made a mistake, however, when she accused Frank, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told Frank (and several others) that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing. Frank, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn't explain, defend, or deny... he said nothing.

Later that evening, Frank quietly parked his pickup in front of Matilda's house...walked home...and left it there all night!

You gotta love Frank!

Encouragement, Thou Art A Jewel

2011-03-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

Little Johnny comes home from school with his report card in hand and a big smile on his face. You know it must be good by just observing his body language. Sure enough, you open it up and see that he has received straight “A’s.” You are so proud of him and you tell him so. You pat him on the back and perhaps take him out for a special treat at his favorite eating place.

Tim has excelled in basketball and is the star player on his school team. He leads them to the tournament championship. You commend him for his superb play and remind him that the team probably could not have done so well without him.

All parents like to see their children achieve well in school and in the sports arena. We find it a pleasure to encourage children like Johnny and Tim who do so well. But, wait a minute! Is this encouragement or mere praise? Suppose Johnny didn’t bring home straight “A’s.” Suppose Tim played in a losing cause instead of winning the championship? Would we have been just as quick to compliment them? It’s my observation that there is a difference between praise and encouragement. Praise says that I am proud of you for what you do. Encouragement says that I am proud of you for who you are. Praise leaves the subtle message to children that they have to excel in order to receive parental commendation. If they don’t perform well, their parents will remain silent. On the other hand, encouragement conveys respect and appreciation to children even though they may not finish at the top. This builds character and confidence. As a parent, do you encourage your children, or do you praise them only when they excel?

O the Depth and the Riches

2011-03-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

One of the most familiar and best-loved parables the Lord told is that of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15). It is a story replete with rebellion, desperation, ingratitude, immorality, rejection and, above all, genuine love and the reconciliation it produced. A father’s youngest son demanded his inheritance before his father even died. He ungratefully took the money, went to another country, threw off parental restraints and “squandered his estate with loose living” (Lk. 15:13). His older brother accused him of devouring it with harlots (Lk. 15:30). When his money ran out and a severe famine occurred his so-called friends abandoned him as well. He was reduced to the lowly and despicable task of feeding pigs. He became so hungry that he even desired to eat food the pigs ate. Fortunately, he came to realize his sad plight and determined to return home. While he was still some distance from home his father recognized him and ran to meet him, embraced him and kissed him. The father brought the best robe and put it on him, signifying that he was receiving him back with honor. He put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet indicating that he was being received as a master and heir, not a slave. In the parable Jesus was painting a mental picture of God’s great love for sinful men who are penitent.

Parents would do well to emulate that kind of tender and compassionate love for their children. It would eliminate child abuse, hateful speech, inconsiderate “put-downs,” and other forms of mistreatment. Children function much better where there is an environment of genuine affection and love. Their behavior may not always be what we parents would desire, but we should love them anyway.

You're "Gonna" Mess Up

2011-03-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

A poor farmer had reached the “end of his rope” and he was in hopeless financial straits. His crops had failed and there was no money left to feed his family or keep up the farm. He had no more credit left. He decided that the only thing he could do was rob a bank. Desperate measures to be sure, but he was a desperate man. He had never robbed a bank before, but he drew up a plan. He found an old rusty pistol, a bag to put the money in, and wrote a note which said, “Don’t mess with me; this is a stick up.” He was very nervous as he entered the bank. He went up to the teller’s window, gave the teller his gun and said, “Don’t stick with me; this is a mess up.”

Most parents can identify with the farmer’s nervousness. In one way or another, all of us “mess up” from time to time. We try hard not to make a mistake, but invariably our humanness evidences itself and we foul up. Children are usually pretty resilient and are able to handle the mistakes parents make provided there is a consistently good example set before them. Typically, they learn far more from our lifestyle than they do our words. God complimented Abraham when He said concerning him that he would “command his children after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice” (Gen. 18:19, NASV). Like every parent, there were times when he “messed up,” but he was a good parent and a devoted servant of God. You can be a good parent as well, even though you occasionally mess up, provided you set before your children a consistent godly example for them to follow.

Attitude of Three Hairs

2011-02-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

There was once a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today," so she did and had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw she only had two hairs on her head.

"Hmmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today," and she did just that and she had a grand day.

The next morning she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw she had only one hair left on her head.

"Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and it was a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there was not a single hair left on her head.

"YEAH!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Remember, you may not be able to control what someone says about you, or does to you, or some of the situations that life throws at you, but you can certainly control the way you react.

A Child's Perspective

2011-02-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what could be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"

"It was great, Dad."

"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yes," said the son.

"So tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them."

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing?

Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

God Won't Ask

2011-02-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

There are some things God won’t ask on the judgment day.

God won’t ask what kind of car you drove. He’ll ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.

God won’t ask the square footage of your house. He’ll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

God won’t ask about the clothes you had in your closet, He’ll ask how many you helped to clothe.

God won’t ask what your highest salary was. He’ll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

God won’t ask what your job title was. He’ll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

God won’t ask how many friends you had. He’ll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived. He’ll ask how you treated your neighbors.

God won’t ask about the color of your skin. He’ll ask about the content of your character.

I wish that I could give credit to the individual who wrote these thought-provoking statements, but I can’t. I received them from an email that was sent to me.

First, Cast Out the Log

2011-02-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

The following article was written by Barry Haynes of the Northwest church of Christ in Lawton, OK. I gave it the title above. I hope you enjoy and profit from it.

A wife frantically called her husband because she saw a report on the news about a driver that was going the wrong way down the highway he usually used. When the husband picked up the phone, she warned, “Honey be careful, there is one crazy person driving on the wrong side of the road.” He agitatedly replied, “One! There are dozens of them!” It is hard to be unbiased when we look at ourselves. Sometimes we are a bit too hard, but more often than not we have an attitude of arrogance. We are right even if it means the world is wrong. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:3, “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” Before we jump to how everyone else is wrong, it might be a good idea to check ourselves first.

Did You Remember To Light Your Candle?

2011-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

This article was written by Alan Smith of Fayetteville, NC.

A circus owner walked into a restaurant to see everyone crowded around a table watching a little show. On the table was an upside down pot and a duck tap dancing on it.

The circus owner was so impressed that he offered to buy the duck from its owner. After some wheeling and dealing they settled for $10,000 for the duck and the pot.

Three days later, the circus owner runs back to the restaurant in anger, "Your duck is a rip-off! I put him on the pot before a whole audience and he didn't dance a single step!"

"So?" asked the duck's former owner, "did you remember to light the candle under the pot?"

Well, that might be one reason that someone would put a lighted candle under a pot, but that's not what candles are for! As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, candles are meant to "give light to all who are in the house." In like manner, our Christian lives are to "shine before men" (Matt. 5:16-17). The reason is that we are to be a positive influence on others around us. We sometimes speak of a "secret Christian" as if that's a possibility. The truth is, unless our lives are reflecting the light of Jesus Christ, we're not living Christian lives at all. If we don't influence the world around us for Christ, the world will influence us.

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth)" (Eph. 5:8-9).

Did you remember to light your candle?

A Million Dollar Mistake

2011-02-21T03:25:00.000-08:00

The following article was written by Larry D. Black.

John Barrier pulled his pickup truck into the U.S. Bank of Washington parking lot in Spokane. Dressed in his usual shabby clothes he paid a quick visit to his broker, cashed a check at the bank, and went outside to drive away. The parking lot attendant informed Barrier there was a 60 cent parking fee, but parking was free if he could get the ticket stamped by someone in the bank. Barrier had been a customer for thirty years so he ran inside to get the ticket validated. Inside the teller took one look at Barrier's grubby clothes and refused to stamp the ticket. She said the bank only validated tickets when a customer made a transaction, and cashing a check was not one. After talking with a bank manager, Barrier was again refused. So he politely said, "Fine. You don't need me, and I don't need you." He then withdrew all his money - a million dollars - and took it down the street to another bank!

The Hebrews epistle says, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels" (Hebrews 13:2). Nearly every time the church assembles visitors are present. How do we receive them? Do we show respect for some and ignore others? Let me suggest that you read the first few verses of James 2. Do we go out of our way to make visitors feel welcome and wanted? If not, they may, as John Barrier, say, "Fine. You don't need me, and I don't need you," and as he did, they may withdraw and go down the street. For the church, such a loss will always be more than a million dollars, because a soul is at stake (Matthew 16.26).

How Excellent Is Thy Name

2011-02-18T04:15:00.000-08:00

A young boy was walking along enjoying a very beautiful day. The sky was blue, the sun was bright and warm, the grass was green – it was a beautiful sight. As he walked along whistling, he stumped his toe. It hurt a little so he stopped to look. He found that he had hit an old silver dollar that was stuck in the ground. He pulled the silver dollar out and shined it up, put it in his pocket, and kept walking.

But now, there was a big change. Now, he didn’t whistle. Now, he didn’t see the sky or feel the warmth of the sun. Now, he didn’t notice the grass. Now, he was unaware of the beauty around him. Now, he didn’t look up. He kept his eyes low on the ground. Now, he was looking for another silver dollar. And looking down cost him an awareness of what was really there.

“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens… When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou has ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him?...O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” (Psalms 8:1,3-4, 9).

Dealing With Depression

2011-02-16T22:24:00.000-08:00

In the Peanuts comic strip, Charlie Brown comes up to Lucy who is seated behind her lemonade stand. She is offering psychiatric help for five cents. Charlie asks her if she can cure depression. Lucy says, “Sure.” Charlie asks, “Can you cure deep down, bottom of the barrel depression?” Lucy says, “Sure. All for the same five cents.”

Now I don’t know her secret, but if she really had a five cent cure for depression, the world would line up at that lemonade stand. Depression is something we all occasionally experience to one degree or another. It is a devastating illness that affects the whole man physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I don’t have a five cent cure, but I believe there is a way to cope with depression. There’s no easy way out, but we can begin to deal with it, even learn from it.

Just for today – just for now – here’s a start. Instead of an inward look, take an outward look. Instead of focusing on the negatives of life, turn your attention to the positives and be grateful. Paul said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV).

Dirty Money

2011-02-15T23:59:00.000-08:00

The following article appeared in the Feb. 13 bulletin of the Huntingdon church of Christ where Dan Winkler preaches. The author is unknown, but I thought it would be of interest to others. The title is one that I gave it.

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?” When hands started going up, he said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this.” He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill.

He then asked, “Who still wants it?” Still the hands were up in the air. He replied, “What if I do this?” He dropped it on the ground and ground it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. “Now, who still wants it?” Still the hands went into the air.

He concluded, “My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by who we are and whose we are.”

“Therefore do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31).

Does Honesty Pay?

2011-02-15T03:23:00.000-08:00

Dr. Bob Reccord tells of an experience he learned about while in the business world. A major institution that ranked among the Fortune 500 was working to make an unheard-of move. They were going to promote a thirty-eight-year-old vice president to president. The man was an impressive businessman who wooed and awed the board of directors. Upon completing the final interview process, the board broke for lunch, with plans to offer this man the prestigious position of president after they all returned from lunch. This young man went to lunch alone at a cafeteria, but was unintentionally followed by several of the board members who stood in line behind him. When the young man came to the bread section, he placed two three-cent butters on his tray and covered them up with his napkin. As he checked out he never revealed the hidden six cents’ worth of butter. When everyone returned to the boardroom for what was to be a joyous occasion, the mood had dramatically changed. The promising young man was not only denied the helm of the company but was fired from his position as vice president – all because of six cents’ worth of butter.

Integrity and honesty, unfortunately, are in short supply these days; nonetheless, they should be pillars upon which life is built. “Provide for things honest in the sight of all men,” Paul wrote (Rom. 12:17). A trigonometry teacher once told his class, “I’m giving you two tests today – one in trigonometry and one in honesty. I hope you pass both of them. But if you can pass only one, be sure it’s the test in honesty, because there are a lot of good men who don’t know any trigonometry, but there are no good men who are not honest.”

"True Blue" Christianity

2011-02-14T03:28:00.000-08:00

Addison Mizner was a famous architect and builder of the early 20^th century who designed and built houses for the rich in south Florida. He was noted for his unusual designs. For instance, on one occasion he built a two-story house without a stairway. A client once inquired about getting a copy of the set of blueprints Mizner was going to use in building a house for him. He wanted to unveil to his friends the rather elaborate house he was having built. Mizner retorted, “Why, the house isn’t built yet! Construction first, blueprints afterward.” Admittedly, it is unheard of to construct a building without a set of blueprints to follow.

Mizner’s response is as much a comment on life as it is on building philosophy. People are often more interested in the product than they are the process. Like the Pharisees mentioned in the New Testament, the exterior finish is more important to them than the interior. They meticulously observe the law or command of God without giving much attention to the proper motivation. However, in order to be pleasing to the Lord a person should obey the Lord while being properly motivated.

Jesus gave the blueprint for proper worship and service in the kingdom of heaven when He instructed, “Be careful not to make a show of your religion before men” (Mt. 6:1, NEB). He illustrated His thesis by referring to three common practices: giving, praying, and fasting (Mt. 6:2-18). Some give to be seen by others that they may bask in the adulation and praise it brings. Hypocrites make prayer a meaningless ritual that is nothing more than an anemic exercise in formality. Pharisees, in particular, fasted twice weekly (cf. Lk. 18:12) in order to demonstrate their superior godliness and deep devotion. They did not comb their hair or wash their face during fasting. They powdered their faces to look haggard and pale. They wore soiled garments so that everyone would know they were fasting. It was all an outward show without any substance to it. “They do all their deeds to be seen by men” (Mt. 23:5).

“Lord, help us follow the blueprint found in Your word that we may worship and serve You in the right way and for the right reasons. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

What Really Counts?

2011-02-11T04:18:00.000-08:00

In early January 1968 the ship USS Pueblo was sent on an electronic surveillance mission off the east coast of North Korea. On January 23, 1968 Pueblo was attacked in international waters by North Korean naval and air forces. Eighty two surviving crew members were captured and held prisoner for 11 months. Earlier the sailors had discarded religious services aboard ship because only two showed up. After their capture by the North Koreans and during their eleven months of imprisonment, that changed dramatically. Spiritual matters became important to them. They reconstructed by memory most of the books of the Bible, the Ten Commandments, and familiar scriptures such as the 23^rd Psalm. They engaged in daily prayers.

What are the most important values in the world? The entertainment media spends many hours and untold amounts of money trying to convince the public that material values are of supreme importance. In an article he wrote several years ago, the gospel preacher, Richard Jones, said that “commercials on television occur every seven minutes and on radio every three minutes brainwashing us to believe that happiness is found by buying it.” It simply isn’t true. Jesus said, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Lk. 12:15, ESV). Jones correctly observed, “A crisis can’t be met because there’s a Cadillac in the garage.”

On one occasion Rudyard Kipling, speaking to a group of college graduates, said, “You spend your time getting an education so that you can get a better job, have nicer clothes, make more money, and enjoy more of the good things of life. But one day you will meet a man who cares for none of these things, and then you’ll know how poor you really are.” Such a man was Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He didn’t own real estate, or travel the world, or invest large sums of money in financial institutions; yet, undoubtedly, He was the wealthiest person who has ever lived on earth. Through Him we have the opportunity of being spiritually enriched (2 Cor. 8:9). Do we have to wait until some crisis occurs in our life before we realize what is really important?

"Lord, Give Me Patience, Right Now!"

2011-02-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

A young minister once asked an older minister to pray that he might have more patience, for he realized he was short in the area of patience. The aged gentleman fell to his knees and began to pray that God would send trouble and difficulties upon the young man. Finally, the young minister tapped him on the shoulder, and whispered, “You must have misunderstood me; I asked that you would pray that I might have more patience, not more trouble.” The older minister replied, “Remember the Scripture says: ‘Tribulation worketh patience’ (Romans 5:3). That is the only way!”

Experiencing trials and tribulations in life can have its benefits. For that reason James said, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (Jas. 1:3-4). The refiner puts gold in the furnace to refine it, not destroy it. Certain fruits are produced only under the strain of severity. For instance, apples do not grow where there is no frost. In like manner, persimmons lose all traces of their bitterness while experiencing the severities of frost. Peonies will not bloom if they have not been frozen. Some of the greatest traits of character are developed only after experiencing trials in life, patience being one of them. So, don’t begrudge trials; rather learn from them and grow.

Building Wisely

2011-02-09T01:28:00.000-08:00

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife, enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go, and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you." The carpenter was shocked. What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then, with a shock we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we'd do it much differently. But we cannot go back.

You are the carpenter. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. "Life is a do-it-yourself project," someone has said. Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the "house" you live in tomorrow. Build wisely!

Heaven and Hell

2011-02-08T01:24:00.000-08:00

There is a heaven to embrace. In heaven there will no longer be any death, no hearse will be seen, no wreaths on doors, no more funeral processions, and no cemeteries. There will be no more mourning, or crying, or pain. Its beauty is beyond man’s comprehension. The apostle John described its walls to be like jasper and its street like pure gold. The foundation stones of the city wall will be adorned with every kind of precious stone. Its twelve gates will be like twelve pearls. There will be no need of the sun or moon for the glory of God is the light thereof. Nothing unclean will ever enter it. No profane people, fornicators, adulterers, murderers, child molesters, homosexuals, liars, drunkards, dope pushers or users, abusive, or church dividers will enter heaven. The redeemed will live in absolute peace and serenity, without fear. Won’t it be wonderful there?

There is a hell to shun. It is a place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. It will be like a bottomless pit where there is the sensation of falling, yet never reaching the bottom. It is a place not just of darkness, but outer darkness; a darkness so thick you feel like you could cut it with a knife. A perpetual fire from which there is no relief will be the experience of hell. The scum of the earth will be its occupants. All liars, murderers, immoral persons, sorcerers, and idolaters will reside there forever with the devil and his angels, along with all hypocrites.

In his February newsletter, Ken Joines, a long-time gospel preacher wrote, “For the obedient believer, this world is the nearest thing to Hell you will ever experience. For the unbeliever, this world is the nearest thing to Heaven you will ever know. This simple truth should cause those of us who believe to persevere and never let our hope grow dim. And it should cause the unbeliever to change the course of his or her life and decide to head for a better world. The longer I live the more certain I am that I would hate to be trapped here forever.” Amen, brother Ken, Amen!!

Christian Character

2011-02-07T03:19:00.000-08:00

Beyond a doubt, the Sermon on the Mount is the greatest sermon that has ever been preached or ever will be. It is far superior to anything that has ever been written or spoken. Its nobility of thought, depth of wisdom, and penetrating insight to life are beyond comparison. Yet, its simplicity of expression is such that anyone can understand it.

At the beginning of His earthly ministry Jesus laid the foundation for genuine discipleship. This sermon has been called the “Magna Charta of the church,” the “spiritual Bill of Rights,” and the “Constitution of Christianity.” It holds a unique fascination to all who read and study it. It presents the quintessence of Jesus’ teaching. The sermon makes goodness attractive and shames our shabby performance.

The beatitudes which are recorded in the first twelve verses of Matthew chapter five describe the kind of character that disciples of Jesus should develop. Each of the eight qualities mentioned begin with the word “blessed.” This word is a much deeper one in meaning than the word “happy.” It is not dependent on outward circumstances such as material prosperity, good health, having many friends, or even the weather. It refers to an inward state which is not altered by outside forces. It is experienced by those who are impoverished in spirit, who mourn over sin, are meek, hunger and thirst for righteousness, who are merciful, pure in heart, are peacemakers rather than troublemakers, and who endure being persecuted for the sake of righteousness. Deep-seated joy is experienced by those who develop these qualities even though the world around them may be experiencing misery and unhappiness.

Listening To The Rain

2011-02-04T03:27:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning at my usual early hour even though it is my day off. Force of habit, I guess. Only this morning there was the sound of rain on the roof. When I woke up I sat on the edge of the bed and turned on the lamp and sat there for a couple of minutes listening to the rain and decided I would lay back down and listen to it some more. It brought back some pleasant childhood memories when the gentle rain would fall on the tin roof of our farmhouse in Mississippi. Occasionally the roof would leak and we would set a pot on the floor to catch the rain. The sound of the rain dripping in the pot only added to the pleasantness of the moment. I suppose if you were an adult, it wasn't very pleasant! When it rained it meant that you wouldn't be plowing in the field, or picking cotton, or pulling corn, or doing the wash in a big black pot outside. It was a relaxing time in which you sat around the house and visited with each other and told stories. I always enjoyed those moments. I still do...just listening to the rain!

Daily Bread: An Awesome God!

2011-02-02T15:26:00.000-08:00

Daily Bread: An Awesome God!: "“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host…For he spoke, and it came to be, he commanded,..."

An Awesome God!

2011-02-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host…For he spoke, and it came to be, he commanded, and it stood firm” (Psa. 33:6, 9). “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it” (Psa. 139:6). “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Psa. 8:3-4). The creative power of God is awesome, indeed. It is beyond the capability of man to begin to understand it. Even more awesome is the desire of the Almighty to redeem man from sin; yet, He is “…not wishing that any should perish, but that all shall reach repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). It was Dwight L. Moody who observed that God first came down to create, then through His Son He came to save. To create, God had only to speak; to redeem, His Son had to suffer on a cross. He made man by His breath; He saved man by the blood of Jesus. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Rom. 11:33).

Daily Bread: Change the Bottom Button

2011-02-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

Daily Bread: Change the Bottom Button: "Have you ever been embarrassed by the discovery that the buttons on your coat or shirt were in the wrong holes because you missed the first ..."

Change the Bottom Button

2011-02-01T18:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a similar experience in some of the important relationships in your life? Perhaps some of the great challenges in your life did not turn out right because you started out wrong. Maybe you got off on the wrong foot with your employer on your first day at work. Perhaps you don’t command the influence you would like or you don’t produce the results you should because you missed the first button. Perhaps you started out on the wrong foot with a neighbor and now you rarely speak to one another. It may be that your marriage is not satisfactory because you started out wrong. Your home relationships are not what they should be because earlier you made some serious mistakes and it is now difficult to overcome them.

It’s so easy to blame circumstances, or education, or society, even our in-laws, or just about anything else, isn’t it, for the mess we find ourselves in right now? One of the best ways to handle the messes we get ourselves into is to openly and honestly admit our mistakes. Come clean with our own conscience and with other people and seek to do right.

Jesus Christ made this promise, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). Now, that is the real answer to the problem; that’s starting out in the right button hole.

In order for us to start out right so that we can end up right, we must put God first. Doing so will make us better employees, better neighbors and friends, better husbands and wives, and better children.

The wonderful thing about serving God is that we may mess up and get “our buttons” out of order, but we can start all over and he will help us get it right. We can never exhaust his grace or diminish his love for us. He is willing to forgive and help us start anew.

It’s amazing what can happen when we make God the priority of our lives! Seek his way, his wisdom, and his strength – FIRST! No matter how tangled or twisted or complicated our lives become, things have a way of turning out much better when we put God in the first button-hole.

Marriage Is Like Christ and the Church

2011-01-31T19:21:00.001-08:00

It seems there are more and more marriages breaking up now than any other time in my life. Divorce is a common experience in today’s society. Sadly, the problem has magnified significantly even among members of the body of Christ. In many instances where the marriage is not terminated by divorce, there is tension, bickering, and unhappiness. The couple may stay together, but they are miserable. This is not the way God intended for married people to live. Marriage was ordained by God for man’s emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual benefit. It can be all of that provided we pattern our marriage relationships after the example of Christ and His bride, the church.

Just as the church is to be submissive to the headship of Christ, so ought wives to have a submissive love for their husbands (Eph. 5:22-24). This would eliminate power struggles in marriage. Christ loved the church with a sacrificial love and died for her (Eph. 5:25). When marriage partners have that kind of love for each other it promotes a serving attitude toward one another rather than a wanting to be served attitude. A husband is to have a caring love for his wife that is unselfish (Eph. 5:28). He nourishes and cherishes his wife in the same way that he cares for his own body. Such promotes kindness and tenderness in a marriage. Spouses are to have an unbreakable love for one another (Eph. 5:31). Many approach marriage with a view that says, “’Til death do us part or something else comes along.” Most all marriages face some bumps along the way. The road isn’t always smooth, but taking the vows of commitment seriously will help us get over the bumps by working together on the problems. In such cases divorce is never considered as a viable option. I am hoping your marriage is one filled with love, joy, excitement, and a sense of purpose as you help one another get to heaven.

"Lord, Give Me Wisdom"

2011-01-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

He could have asked for anything – riches, wealth, honor, victory over his enemies, or long life, but he asked for wisdom to govern the nation of Israel effectively. God not only gave Solomon the wisdom he requested, but riches and honor beyond that which was enjoyed by his predecessors or successors (2 Chron. 1:7-12). Wisdom and knowledge are compatible, but they are not necessarily identical. Knowledge is needed to pass an examination in school, but wisdom is needed to pass the test in life. Knowledge comes by looking around; wisdom comes by looking up. Knowledge comes by study; wisdom is obtained by meditation upon the inspired word. Wisdom teaches a person how to properly apply the knowledge he obtains. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…” (James 1:5). Have you prayed that God would grant you wisdom? Do you regularly and studiously consult God’s book of wisdom, the Bible?

Life Is Tough When You Don't Have Reverse

2011-01-27T16:37:00.001-08:00

Of course Wendy’s Volkswagen did have a reverse gear. He just didn’t know how to find it, but think how frustrating it would be to own a car that wouldn’t back up. You wouldn’t buy a car without reverse even if the manufacturer were willing to knock a thousand dollars off the sticker price.

Unfortunately many people who wouldn’t think of owning a car without reverse try to conduct human relations without reverse. Marriages break up and friendships are severed simply because stubborn people won’t back up. We dig our feet in the ground and just absolutely refuse to say things like, “I was wrong,” or “I’m sorry,” or “It’s my fault, why don’t we just back up and start over?” The Bible identifies the source of this destructive behavior trait and warns, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). The passage implies that you need reverse in your relationships as much as you need it in your car.

Jesus had an opportunity to emphasize this lesson to the apostles. He talked about the importance of forgiving others who have wronged you. The apostle Peter asked him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” In other words, for the sake of maintaining good human relations you need a reverse. You must not allow pride and stubbornness to stand in the way of a positive relationship with others.

The apostle Paul demonstrated this great quality in his life. John Mark, who traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, for reasons unknown to us, left them in the middle of their work and returned home to Jerusalem. Later, when they were preparing to embark on their second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them. Paul adamantly refused to do so and there was such a sharp disagreement that these two servants of God separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him to the island of Cyprus; while Paul took Silas as his traveling companion. Evidently, Mark proved himself to be a wonderful servant of Christ in later years. So convincingly did he do so that, in his last letter, Paul instructed Timothy to bring Mark with him “for he is very useful to me for ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11). Paul did not hold Mark’s past mistake against him forever, but was willing to forgive and reestablish a relationship that had been severed.

For the sake of maintaining good relations with others, don’t forget to use “reverse.”

"The World Is Mine"

2011-01-26T19:18:00.000-08:00

We often fail to be thankful because we fail to be "thinkful." An unnamed poet gave us these beautiful thoughts to help us be more thoughtful and thankful.

Today upon a bus, I saw a lovely maid
     With golden hair;
I envied her, she seemed so gay,
     I wished I were as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
    I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one foot and wore a crutch,
    But as she passed, a smile.
O, God, forgive me when I whine,
     I have two feet, the world is mine!

And when I stopped to buy some sweets,
     The lad who sold them had such charm.
I talked with him, he said to me:
     "It's nice to talk with folk like you,
You see," said he, "I'm blind."
     O, God, forgive me when I whine,
I have two eyes, the world is mine!

Then walking down the street,
     I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play.
     It seemed he knew not what to do.
I stopped a moment, then I said,
     "Why don't you join the others dear?"
He looked ahead without a word,
     And then I knew he could not hear.
O, God, forgive me when I whine;
     I have two ears, the world is mine!

With feet to take me where I'd go,
     With eyes to see the sunset's glow,
With ears to hear what I would know,
     O, God, forgive me when I whine,
I'm blessed indeed ---the world is mine!

Peace For the Troubled Heart

2011-01-25T21:38:00.000-08:00

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27). Most people desire peace. The world's idea of peace, however, is far different from the peace provided by God. The world views peace as the absence of war or distress; spiritual peace is obtained by the presence of God. The world bases peace on its resources; God's peace depends on relationship with the Lord. The peace the world offers depends on personal ability; the Christian depends on spiritual adequacy in Christ. The world enjoys peace in the absence of trouble; Christians enjoy peace in spite of trials because of the presence of power from God. People in the world walk by sight and depend on externals; Christians walk by faith and depend on eternals.

There are several sources for the peace offered by God. The hope of heaven at the end of life's road enables us to bear joyfully with obstacles and battles along the way (John 14:1-6; Romans 8:18). There is no need for Christians to have troubled hearts for the Lord of heaven and earth is in control and He is our Father (John 14:7-11). The avenue of believing prayer is a wonderful medicine to soothe a troubled heart (Philippians 4:6-7). The child of God need not experience a troubled heart because God has not abandoned him and left him hopelessly exposed to the evil one (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14). Many yearn for peace and have never found it. Their souls are tormented with guilt and regret. Do you enjoy the peace that only Jesus can provide?

"...And He Died"

2011-01-25T10:55:00.000-08:00

Jack LaLanne, the fitness guru who influenced millions to eat properly and exercise regularly, died yesterday at the age of 96. His television show and writings changed the lives of people for better. He not only taught good health practices, but he lived by them as well. His motto was, "If God didn't make it, man shouldn't eat it." He blazed a trail that no one had traveled up to that time and changed the eating habits of more than one generation. He was famously quoted as saying, "I can't die, it would ruin my image." I understand what he was trying to say, but, technically, he was wrong about that.

While none of us know the day of our death (Gen. 27:2), it is for certain that we shall die (Heb. 9:27). Even though the people mentioned in Genesis chapter five lived an average of more than 907 years, the phrase, "...and he died," is repeated eight times. While death is a sad experience, it is a common one. We may prolong life by exercising regularly and eating properly, but we cannot avoid death. The important question is, "After death, what then?" Have we properly prepared for eternity?