For years people have studied the Bible and religion. Many have degrees upon degrees. There seems to be no end to the various areas of study folks have pursued.
Things like “Ecclesiology”, the study of church architecture or art; “Numerology”, the study of numbers; “Theology”, the study of God; “Apocrypha”, the fourteen books of the Septuagint that are rejected in Judaism and regarded by Protestants as not canonical; although eleven of them are fully accepted in the Roman Catholic canon; “Septuagint”, a translation into Greek of the Old testament, made several centuries before Christ; “Pseudepigrapha”, a group of early writings not included in the Biblical canon or the Apocrypha; some of which were falsely ascribed to Biblical characters; “Gnosticism”, a system of belief containing ideas derived from Greek philosophy, Oriental mysticism and Christianity stressing salvation through knowledge.
“Josephus”, the writings of a Jewish historian; “Linguistics”, the science of language; “Rabbinic”, a language from the writings of Rabbis in the early middle ages; “Epigraphy”, the deciphering ancient inscriptions; “Papyrology”, a study and translation of ancient manuscripts written on papyrus.; “Archaeology”, a study of life and culture of ancient peoples; “Hermeneutics”, the study of Biblical exegesis; the science of interpretation; “Hellenistic”, a study of the history, language and culture of the ancient Greeks; “Semitics”, the study of Jewish culture, language and literature; “Eschatology”, end times theology; “Theism”, the belief in a god; “Atheism”, the belief in no god; and the list goes on…….and on…..and on…….
Hours upon hours of study; we’ve done all we can to complicate a very simple thing. Jesus said’ “…Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein” (Mark 10:15 and Luke 18:17)
The deepest, most profound and complicated theology in the scriptures can be stated in only three words, “Jesus loves me”. He knows everything I’ve ever done, everything I’ve ever said, and everything I’ve ever thought, and He loves me anyway. Which is also our example for loving others; it matters not what they have done or said or thought, we’re to love them anyway.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation….For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”. (Romans 10:9,10 &13)
It’s just that simple.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sharing
Sharing with others is optional only for hermits. If you are around others, you are sharing with them, intentional or not. You share your bad mood, your bad attitude, your anger; or you share your good mood, your joy, or your love. You have no control over what I share with you, and I have no control over what you share with me. We can however, control what we share with each other. Did I really want you to share in that anger, frustration, hatred and such like; or do I sincerely wish I had instead shared love, joy and peace?
Do I enjoy seeing you happy or sad?
Can we avoid sharing the works of the flesh; anger, hatred, strife and the like; (Galatians 5:19-21)?
Can we be sure we share only love, joy, peace and other fruit of the spirit. (Galatians 5:16-26)?
With God’s help I’m sure going to try.
Do I enjoy seeing you happy or sad?
Can we avoid sharing the works of the flesh; anger, hatred, strife and the like; (Galatians 5:19-21)?
Can we be sure we share only love, joy, peace and other fruit of the spirit. (Galatians 5:16-26)?
With God’s help I’m sure going to try.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
In Christ
“Therefore If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”. (II Cor. 5:17) If this is true, and I believe with all my heart that it is, then why do we see Christians still doing the “old things”? The Apostle Paul said, “for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that I do” (Romans 7:15)
It’s because a man can have Christ “in him” and not be “in Christ”. We can have Christ in our hearts and not have Him in our heads. We pray and draw closer to God emotionally, in our hearts, but we need to be asking Him to get in our head; to give us the “Mind of Christ”. Then we will be “in Christ” and those old things will truly pass away.
It was the “facts” about Christ that first drew us into an intimate relationship with Him. The “feelings” came later. He started off in our heads and we had to make a conscious decision before He moved into our hearts. Afterwards we begin to direct our attention to the feelings more and less toward the facts. We need to get back to asking Christ into our heads.
It’s because a man can have Christ “in him” and not be “in Christ”. We can have Christ in our hearts and not have Him in our heads. We pray and draw closer to God emotionally, in our hearts, but we need to be asking Him to get in our head; to give us the “Mind of Christ”. Then we will be “in Christ” and those old things will truly pass away.
It was the “facts” about Christ that first drew us into an intimate relationship with Him. The “feelings” came later. He started off in our heads and we had to make a conscious decision before He moved into our hearts. Afterwards we begin to direct our attention to the feelings more and less toward the facts. We need to get back to asking Christ into our heads.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Never Surrender: Book Review
This autobiography by LTG (Ret) William G. (Jerry) Boykin and published by FaithWords, provides an inside view of U. S. Army Special Forces and Delta Force. From pursuing Escobar in Columbia, and arresting Noriega in Panama; to Vietnam, a failed rescue in Iran, Black Hawk down in Mogadishu, Sudan, Grenada, Waco and Washington, Boykin’s career has been an action packed adventure. For those of us whose knowledge of these crises has been limited to news reports, it’s exciting and informative to get an insider’s view of the action.
Most impressive through it all is Boykin’s unfailing faith as an evangelical Christian. Nearing the end of his career, back home in the friendly confines of America, he experiences his toughest personal battle. Because of his outspoken Christian beliefs, he is labeled an intolerant extremist and un-American and is attacked by the news media calling for his removal. By standing strong and remaining faithful Boykin is ultimately exonerated of any wrong doing. This personal battle of his was just what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 5:11 & 12; “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
This is an easy reading, exciting, educational and inspirational book that I recommend highly.
Most impressive through it all is Boykin’s unfailing faith as an evangelical Christian. Nearing the end of his career, back home in the friendly confines of America, he experiences his toughest personal battle. Because of his outspoken Christian beliefs, he is labeled an intolerant extremist and un-American and is attacked by the news media calling for his removal. By standing strong and remaining faithful Boykin is ultimately exonerated of any wrong doing. This personal battle of his was just what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 5:11 & 12; “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
This is an easy reading, exciting, educational and inspirational book that I recommend highly.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
By the Book
I’ve heard many times about how impossible it is to fire a Civil Service employee. However, having spent 37 years in supervision and management in the Postal Service, I know from experience that it’s not true. I never failed in an attempt to remove an employee who refused to perform. The cumbersome process we had to use was intended to protect employees from over zealous supervisors and unjustified removal. Supervisors had to document their case and build a file of progressive discipline leading up to the removal. The system was tedious, but it worked.
When our employees transferred between units, their discipline file followed them. Subsequently, when you received a new employee you could build on the progressive discipline efforts initiated by prior supervisors. I once had a carrier transfer into the Briarcliff Branch accompanied by a very thick discipline folder. I was surprised, with his history of disciplinary actions, that he was still employed. His discipline history was mostly minor infractions that did not hinder service nor pose a threat to others; most seemed to be the result of boredom or possibly an employee who was under employed. I decided to give him an opportunity to start over with a clean record, hoping that this would improve his attitude and performance. I explained my intent to him and purged his discipline record. His performance as a carrier at Briarcliff was exemplary and within a few years he was promoted to supervisor; and subsequently a Branch manager. All this man needed was a little encouragement and a chance to start over.
The phrase, “by the book” was common, and clearly understood by all. It was a safe way to operate, but it was often abused by leaders without compassion for people, or who did not want to make a decision or were afraid to take chances. The most effective leaders understood that it is not possible to write rules for every possible circumstance, and that every situation can not be resolved with a black or white answer. There are a lot of gray areas, many exceptions which should be made and situational flexibility that must be exercised. One of the worse phrases ever developed in this country is “zero tolerance”. A zero tolerance policy undermines the authority of judges and courts and removes humanity from workplace decisions. Every situation and event is different and should be dealt with individually.
I’m glad God doesn’t build a file on us……I’m glad our sins are removed as far as the east is from the West……I’m glad we can “start over” every day with a new heart and a fresh start.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9)
When our employees transferred between units, their discipline file followed them. Subsequently, when you received a new employee you could build on the progressive discipline efforts initiated by prior supervisors. I once had a carrier transfer into the Briarcliff Branch accompanied by a very thick discipline folder. I was surprised, with his history of disciplinary actions, that he was still employed. His discipline history was mostly minor infractions that did not hinder service nor pose a threat to others; most seemed to be the result of boredom or possibly an employee who was under employed. I decided to give him an opportunity to start over with a clean record, hoping that this would improve his attitude and performance. I explained my intent to him and purged his discipline record. His performance as a carrier at Briarcliff was exemplary and within a few years he was promoted to supervisor; and subsequently a Branch manager. All this man needed was a little encouragement and a chance to start over.
The phrase, “by the book” was common, and clearly understood by all. It was a safe way to operate, but it was often abused by leaders without compassion for people, or who did not want to make a decision or were afraid to take chances. The most effective leaders understood that it is not possible to write rules for every possible circumstance, and that every situation can not be resolved with a black or white answer. There are a lot of gray areas, many exceptions which should be made and situational flexibility that must be exercised. One of the worse phrases ever developed in this country is “zero tolerance”. A zero tolerance policy undermines the authority of judges and courts and removes humanity from workplace decisions. Every situation and event is different and should be dealt with individually.
I’m glad God doesn’t build a file on us……I’m glad our sins are removed as far as the east is from the West……I’m glad we can “start over” every day with a new heart and a fresh start.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9)
Sunday, October 5, 2008
I Don't Understand
I have sons who are computer savvy and on many occasions they have attempted to explain something about the computer to me, without success. I’m usually more confused when they finish that I was in the beginning. I’ve also had grandsons attempt to instruct me in the proper use of my DVD player, and the accessories on my cell phone without much success. I sometimes feel that the modern conveniences have left me in the dark ages. It’s good I’m retired and don’t have to understand, I can just call them when I have a problem. I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be to them when they can’t get through to me or make me understand; they must wonder how I’m able to find my way in out of the rain all by myself.
I’m glad the Lord understands the limitations of this finite mind. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8&9) When Habakkuk the prophet questioned God he was told “I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told to you”. (Habakkuk 1:5) Knowing we are unable to understand as He does, many things are not revealed to us. “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law”. (Deuteronomy 29:29)
God’s plan for our life has been presented to us simply so that a child can understand, but we insist on trying to complicate things. We need to remember the acronym, “KISS (keep it simple stupid)”. He gave us the law in ten simple commandments that a child can understand, and we have managed to expand them into thousands of thousands of laws, many that even our lawyers can’t understand.
In the Old Testament, the prophet Micah said, “what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8) Jude, the brother of James, identified only seven (7) duties for Christians; study the Bible; pray in the Spirit; watch for the second coming; keep yourself holy; be charitable; win souls; and hate sin. (Jude 20-23)
I think we would be better off if we left the secret things in God’s hands and focused our attention on following our simple instructions.
I’m glad the Lord understands the limitations of this finite mind. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8&9) When Habakkuk the prophet questioned God he was told “I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told to you”. (Habakkuk 1:5) Knowing we are unable to understand as He does, many things are not revealed to us. “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law”. (Deuteronomy 29:29)
God’s plan for our life has been presented to us simply so that a child can understand, but we insist on trying to complicate things. We need to remember the acronym, “KISS (keep it simple stupid)”. He gave us the law in ten simple commandments that a child can understand, and we have managed to expand them into thousands of thousands of laws, many that even our lawyers can’t understand.
In the Old Testament, the prophet Micah said, “what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8) Jude, the brother of James, identified only seven (7) duties for Christians; study the Bible; pray in the Spirit; watch for the second coming; keep yourself holy; be charitable; win souls; and hate sin. (Jude 20-23)
I think we would be better off if we left the secret things in God’s hands and focused our attention on following our simple instructions.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Wait on the Lord
Throughout the Bible we are told to wait on the Lord. Psalms 47:7 is clear, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself…..”
Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…...” Again in Romans 12:7 we are told, “…..let us wait on our ministering…..”
Webster’s Dictionary defines wait as to stay in a place or remain in readiness; a second meaning is to serve food at a meal. The meaning in Psalms is obvious, it’s saying to stay in place and remain ready. I’m not so sure about the verses in Isaiah and Romans; I believe wait in those verses involves service to the Lord. It reminds me of the old cliché, “Good things come to he who waits so long as he works like a dog while he waits”. It’s clear the Lord wants us to watch and wait, but I don’t believe He wants us to wait in a sitting position.
Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…...” Again in Romans 12:7 we are told, “…..let us wait on our ministering…..”
Webster’s Dictionary defines wait as to stay in a place or remain in readiness; a second meaning is to serve food at a meal. The meaning in Psalms is obvious, it’s saying to stay in place and remain ready. I’m not so sure about the verses in Isaiah and Romans; I believe wait in those verses involves service to the Lord. It reminds me of the old cliché, “Good things come to he who waits so long as he works like a dog while he waits”. It’s clear the Lord wants us to watch and wait, but I don’t believe He wants us to wait in a sitting position.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Mind of Christ
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 2:5) In this particular verse Paul was referencing humbleness and an attitude of servitude, but it is also applicable in so many other aspects of our lives. I’m thinking of discouragement and allowing ourselves to be overcome by our circumstances.
Sometimes I let “things”, “people”, “circumstances”, “situations”, “conditions”, “tasks”, “responsibilities”, “problems”, or other temporary events overwhelm me and discourage me; Even to the point of despair; I become afraid and apprehensive; I lose my courage and confidence. In my mind I want to give in, or give up to the elements. At such times I certainly do not have “the mind of Christ”, and my attitude is certainly not pleasing to Him.
There are two verses that comfort and encourage me through these events.
Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on things that are true and honest, just and pure, lovely and of a good report. Get your mind off your problems, stop meditating and concentrating on your circumstances and count your blessings.
Joshua 1:9 says, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest”.
Sometimes I let “things”, “people”, “circumstances”, “situations”, “conditions”, “tasks”, “responsibilities”, “problems”, or other temporary events overwhelm me and discourage me; Even to the point of despair; I become afraid and apprehensive; I lose my courage and confidence. In my mind I want to give in, or give up to the elements. At such times I certainly do not have “the mind of Christ”, and my attitude is certainly not pleasing to Him.
There are two verses that comfort and encourage me through these events.
Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on things that are true and honest, just and pure, lovely and of a good report. Get your mind off your problems, stop meditating and concentrating on your circumstances and count your blessings.
Joshua 1:9 says, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest”.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Our Part
Jesus said, “Take ye away the stone”; John 11:39. Then in verse 43 he said, “Lazarus come forth”. With those two statements he raised Lazarus from the dead.
A couple of thoughts jumped into my mind. First, how precise Jesus had to be with his words. If he had said, “Come forth” and forgot to say “Lazarus”, that graveyard would have looked like a new plowed field.
Then, since a word from Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, don’t you know how easily He could have ordered that stone to remove its’ self? Why did he tell those around him to remove the stone?
Every promise from God requires an action on our part. If we’ll do “this”, He’ll do “that”; He requires our participation in the fulfilling of all promises.
“Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do”, Deuteronomy 29:9
“If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods…..and serve Him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines”; I Samuel 7:3
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”; II Chronicles 7:14
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved”; Romans 10:9
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”; Romans 9:13
If it seems the Lord is not listening or is not responding to our prayers, we need check out our side of the equation and see if we’re doing our part.
A couple of thoughts jumped into my mind. First, how precise Jesus had to be with his words. If he had said, “Come forth” and forgot to say “Lazarus”, that graveyard would have looked like a new plowed field.
Then, since a word from Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, don’t you know how easily He could have ordered that stone to remove its’ self? Why did he tell those around him to remove the stone?
Every promise from God requires an action on our part. If we’ll do “this”, He’ll do “that”; He requires our participation in the fulfilling of all promises.
“Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do”, Deuteronomy 29:9
“If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods…..and serve Him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines”; I Samuel 7:3
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”; II Chronicles 7:14
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved”; Romans 10:9
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”; Romans 9:13
If it seems the Lord is not listening or is not responding to our prayers, we need check out our side of the equation and see if we’re doing our part.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Holy Spirit
Is the Holy Spirit “with” us, or “in” us; or “upon” us? Various expressions are used in the scriptures. Luke 1:15 says that John the Baptist was “filled” with the Holy Ghost. Mark 1:8 says you will be “baptized” with the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:44 says the Holy Spirit fell “upon” all them which heard the word. John 14:16 tells us that the Holy Spirit will abide “with” us forever.
I believe the Holy Spirit has been “with” us always. He was with the children of Israel during their flight from Egypt in the form of a pillar of a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). and
The Holy Spirit has been “in” all believers since His coming at Pentecost to form the church, the body of Christ (Acts 2:4). and
The Holy Spirit is “upon” us at our discretion, when we yield ourselves to Him.
However, this verbal is much less important than the reality of His presence. Jesus said, “…..the Spirit dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:17)…”He will guide you into all truth”…..”He will show you things to come” (John 16:13)…..”He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance”. (John 14:26)
He is our comforter, our teacher, our reminder, our constant companion, and prays for us when we don’t how we should pray for ourselves.
I believe the Holy Spirit has been “with” us always. He was with the children of Israel during their flight from Egypt in the form of a pillar of a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). and
The Holy Spirit has been “in” all believers since His coming at Pentecost to form the church, the body of Christ (Acts 2:4). and
The Holy Spirit is “upon” us at our discretion, when we yield ourselves to Him.
However, this verbal is much less important than the reality of His presence. Jesus said, “…..the Spirit dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:17)…”He will guide you into all truth”…..”He will show you things to come” (John 16:13)…..”He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance”. (John 14:26)
He is our comforter, our teacher, our reminder, our constant companion, and prays for us when we don’t how we should pray for ourselves.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Freedom
We hear and talk a lot about our freedom and how much we value it. Hundreds of thousands have died ensuring and defending our freedom. President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to be effective January 1, 1863 freeing the slaves in all territory still at war with the Union. We’ve been through two world wars and many skirmishes in the name of democracy and freedom. When I think of how quickly we sometimes freely surrender our freedom, it makes me wonder how much we really value it.
Jesus said that to commit sin puts us in bondage to sin. John 8:34, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” Whatever we submit to becomes our master.
Our other option is to be a slave of righteousness. Salvation means a change of masters, a change of bondage. Where we once served sin, we should now be committed to a life of righteousness and freedom. John 8:36, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed”. True freedom can only be found is bondage to Christ.
Jesus said that to commit sin puts us in bondage to sin. John 8:34, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” Whatever we submit to becomes our master.
Our other option is to be a slave of righteousness. Salvation means a change of masters, a change of bondage. Where we once served sin, we should now be committed to a life of righteousness and freedom. John 8:36, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed”. True freedom can only be found is bondage to Christ.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Aging
Does it seem to you that old folks draw closer to God? Is it because of fear that they are nearing death? Or is God’s way of preparing them to leave this world? Is it all part of God’s perfect plan?
Psalms 84:7 tells us that man goes from strength to strength…..from physical strength to spiritual strength….. then, appears before God. Paul tells us in 2Cor 4:16, “though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”
Someone once said that trying to ensure long lasting physical health is like trying to stem the tide with a pitchfork”. Our bodies keep ticking away in inevitable decline. We have a graphic picture of aging in the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes. Pleasures are few (vs1); hands tremble, back bows, teeth fallout, eyes grow dim (vs3); sleep becomes light, hearing fades (vs4); fears increase, muscles weaken, desires fail (vs5); possessions break (vs6); dust returns to the earth (vs7).
The conclusion of the whole matter (vs13&14) is fear God and keep His commandments; the significance is not found in the number of our days, but in what God says about how we have used them. The senses fade, then the body and then the mind. Gradually stripped of everything that props us up; our wealth, health, independence, dignity, beauty, and all of the above; we are left with more and more of God, and are more and more ready to meet Him face to face.
Psalms 84:7 tells us that man goes from strength to strength…..from physical strength to spiritual strength….. then, appears before God. Paul tells us in 2Cor 4:16, “though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”
Someone once said that trying to ensure long lasting physical health is like trying to stem the tide with a pitchfork”. Our bodies keep ticking away in inevitable decline. We have a graphic picture of aging in the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes. Pleasures are few (vs1); hands tremble, back bows, teeth fallout, eyes grow dim (vs3); sleep becomes light, hearing fades (vs4); fears increase, muscles weaken, desires fail (vs5); possessions break (vs6); dust returns to the earth (vs7).
The conclusion of the whole matter (vs13&14) is fear God and keep His commandments; the significance is not found in the number of our days, but in what God says about how we have used them. The senses fade, then the body and then the mind. Gradually stripped of everything that props us up; our wealth, health, independence, dignity, beauty, and all of the above; we are left with more and more of God, and are more and more ready to meet Him face to face.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Joy
I was surprised at my own reactions while watching the recent Olympics on television. I watched sports I only vaguely knew existed and athletes I never heard of, and found myself swept away with the excitement and emotion of the moment. I experienced exhilarating joy over victories and shared tears of happiness at award presentations. It was especially exciting when the cameras would focus on the faces of the athletes’ family members.
Because worldly joy relies on surroundings, conditions, other people and circumstances; disappointments and losses can often rob us of our joy and cause sadness. We can be deflated from ecstatic happiness by harsh words, aches, pains, discomforts or inconveniences. Christian joy should not rely on worldly circumstances; it should be there even when we are disappointed, inconvenienced, hurting, or alone. In John 16:22 Jesus said, “And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you”. In Psalms 30:5, David said, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”.
1 Thessalonians 4: 16 & 17 tells of our Lord’s second coming, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord”.
If I can get so pumped up and excited over something as temporal as the Olympics that occur every four years; I cannot imagine what the joy will be like when I hear the shout of the archangel.
Because worldly joy relies on surroundings, conditions, other people and circumstances; disappointments and losses can often rob us of our joy and cause sadness. We can be deflated from ecstatic happiness by harsh words, aches, pains, discomforts or inconveniences. Christian joy should not rely on worldly circumstances; it should be there even when we are disappointed, inconvenienced, hurting, or alone. In John 16:22 Jesus said, “And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you”. In Psalms 30:5, David said, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”.
1 Thessalonians 4: 16 & 17 tells of our Lord’s second coming, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord”.
If I can get so pumped up and excited over something as temporal as the Olympics that occur every four years; I cannot imagine what the joy will be like when I hear the shout of the archangel.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Prayer
Sometimes a seemingly innocuous statement turns out to be extremely profound. Such was one I heard; “God has no ego problem”. It was said in reference to why He gave us the Ten Commandments; that it wasn’t for His benefit, but ours. I’ve found this also applies to our prayer life.
They say that prayer changes things, and it does, but even more important, prayer changes me. When I kneel in prayer I remember that for every little problem I have, there are ten thousand blessings. I remember that for every minus in my life there are a multitude of pluses.
I’m reminded that life is not all about me, and that I’m here to serve, not be served. I’m reminded that I’m to be longsuffering and forgiving regardless of how I’m treated. I’m reminded that I’m to love others “anyway”. Jesus knows everything I’ve ever done, everything I’ve ever said, and even everything I’ve ever thought, and He loves me “anyway”. And that’s how I’m to love others. Regardless of how they talk to me, how they treat, disrespect or abuse me, I’m to love them anyway.
When I rise from prayer, the circumstances have not changed, people around me have not changed and my problems have not suddenly disappeared. What’s changed is my attitude and how I can approach and deal with those circumstances.
When Jesus set the example and taught us to pray, it was not because He needed to hear from us, although He does want that, but it is for our benefit. He knew how badly we would need to talk to Him and have our attitudes adjusted everyday.
I know a person that’s always smiling. Every time you see them they are pleasant, cheerful, smiling. Of this person, someone else once commented that such a countenance is not natural.
I agree, it’s not natural, it’s heavenly.
They say that prayer changes things, and it does, but even more important, prayer changes me. When I kneel in prayer I remember that for every little problem I have, there are ten thousand blessings. I remember that for every minus in my life there are a multitude of pluses.
I’m reminded that life is not all about me, and that I’m here to serve, not be served. I’m reminded that I’m to be longsuffering and forgiving regardless of how I’m treated. I’m reminded that I’m to love others “anyway”. Jesus knows everything I’ve ever done, everything I’ve ever said, and even everything I’ve ever thought, and He loves me “anyway”. And that’s how I’m to love others. Regardless of how they talk to me, how they treat, disrespect or abuse me, I’m to love them anyway.
When I rise from prayer, the circumstances have not changed, people around me have not changed and my problems have not suddenly disappeared. What’s changed is my attitude and how I can approach and deal with those circumstances.
When Jesus set the example and taught us to pray, it was not because He needed to hear from us, although He does want that, but it is for our benefit. He knew how badly we would need to talk to Him and have our attitudes adjusted everyday.
I know a person that’s always smiling. Every time you see them they are pleasant, cheerful, smiling. Of this person, someone else once commented that such a countenance is not natural.
I agree, it’s not natural, it’s heavenly.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Word Power
We need to be careful when judging folks, or assuming what or who people are based on names, labels, tags or titles. Words often mean entirely different things to different people. I’ve been a Baptist all my life, but a Baptist today can be anything from Anglican to Pentecostal.
For most of my life, the word gay meant impetuous, joyous, lively, merry, happy or lighthearted; or in reference to colors it meant bright or brilliant. Now it almost exclusively refers to a homosexual. That’s quite a change from my original teaching.
Liberal use to mean belonging to the people, not restricted; it also meant giving freely, generous, large or plentiful, not restricted, broad-minded, tolerant. Liberal can refer to democratic or republican forms of government as distinguished from monarchies or aristocracies. Politically today, liberal means someone that wants to spend it all, or give it all away, someone who is wasteful. However I still want my government to be liberal when it comes to old folks and children. Often I hear conservative preachers say liberal like it was a profane word, but they still want us to be liberal with our tithes and offerings. And I believe the good Samaritan in Luke 10 was very much a liberal.
The word amateur has been misused over the years to the point that it has lost its original meaning. By definition, an amateur is someone who does something simply for the enjoyment of it. In today’s way of thinking, if you get paid for doing something, you’re a professional, so you must be really good at it. Subsequently, you would do a better job than an amateur. We all know from experience that that isn’t necessarily so. I’m reminded of the old joke about the Titanic being built by professionals while the Ark was built by an amateur. Jesus didn’t choose the wise, mighty, or noble by human standards (1 Cor. 1:26). He sought those willing to follow Him. Things are much the same today, God is still looking for “amateurs,” those compelled by love who will serve Him for the sheer joy of it.
For most of my life, the word gay meant impetuous, joyous, lively, merry, happy or lighthearted; or in reference to colors it meant bright or brilliant. Now it almost exclusively refers to a homosexual. That’s quite a change from my original teaching.
Liberal use to mean belonging to the people, not restricted; it also meant giving freely, generous, large or plentiful, not restricted, broad-minded, tolerant. Liberal can refer to democratic or republican forms of government as distinguished from monarchies or aristocracies. Politically today, liberal means someone that wants to spend it all, or give it all away, someone who is wasteful. However I still want my government to be liberal when it comes to old folks and children. Often I hear conservative preachers say liberal like it was a profane word, but they still want us to be liberal with our tithes and offerings. And I believe the good Samaritan in Luke 10 was very much a liberal.
The word amateur has been misused over the years to the point that it has lost its original meaning. By definition, an amateur is someone who does something simply for the enjoyment of it. In today’s way of thinking, if you get paid for doing something, you’re a professional, so you must be really good at it. Subsequently, you would do a better job than an amateur. We all know from experience that that isn’t necessarily so. I’m reminded of the old joke about the Titanic being built by professionals while the Ark was built by an amateur. Jesus didn’t choose the wise, mighty, or noble by human standards (1 Cor. 1:26). He sought those willing to follow Him. Things are much the same today, God is still looking for “amateurs,” those compelled by love who will serve Him for the sheer joy of it.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Down Home
A Common expression in my life has been, “that’s down home”. It refers to anything that’s very familiar, something we did growing up, something Mama used to say, something we used to eat, etc; anything that involves a de ja vu or raises a vivid memory can be said to be “down home”.
To me, a “down home” chapter in the Bible is Psalms 51; which was David’s prayer after Nathan the prophet exposed David’s sin with Bathsheba by relating the parable of a rich man taking “his little ewe lamb” from a poor man.(2 Sam.12:1-15).
David confesses his sin (vs4), “Against thee and thee only have I sinned and done this evil”; pleads for forgiveness, cleansing and restoration (vs10), “Create in me a clean heart. O God; and renew a right spirit within me”; (vs12),”Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation”.
We are reminded that (vs17), “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart”; and (vs19), “Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness
Another “down home” chapter is Luke 15, which includes the parable of the prodigal son.
Jesus’ famous story about the Prodigal Son is a good example of my personal spiritual experience. This young man had it all, born into a solid family with all the comforts and security, but wanted to experience more of life. “And when he came to himself” (vs17), he found himself among the swine, he said I will return to my father. His father welcomed him home and said this is my son who was lost and now is found. The story ends with a party and banquet honoring a good for nothing son who had sullied the family reputation.
No one can drift so far away that they will not be welcomed home by our Father, and no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
To me, a “down home” chapter in the Bible is Psalms 51; which was David’s prayer after Nathan the prophet exposed David’s sin with Bathsheba by relating the parable of a rich man taking “his little ewe lamb” from a poor man.(2 Sam.12:1-15).
David confesses his sin (vs4), “Against thee and thee only have I sinned and done this evil”; pleads for forgiveness, cleansing and restoration (vs10), “Create in me a clean heart. O God; and renew a right spirit within me”; (vs12),”Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation”.
We are reminded that (vs17), “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart”; and (vs19), “Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness
Another “down home” chapter is Luke 15, which includes the parable of the prodigal son.
Jesus’ famous story about the Prodigal Son is a good example of my personal spiritual experience. This young man had it all, born into a solid family with all the comforts and security, but wanted to experience more of life. “And when he came to himself” (vs17), he found himself among the swine, he said I will return to my father. His father welcomed him home and said this is my son who was lost and now is found. The story ends with a party and banquet honoring a good for nothing son who had sullied the family reputation.
No one can drift so far away that they will not be welcomed home by our Father, and no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
You are Unique
I’ve never been real happy about the way I look. Most folks I know feel the same way. Everyone wants to be a little taller or a little shorter; a little heavier or a little slimmer; wish their nose was smaller or straighter; wish their skin was a little lighter or a little darker. I don’t guess you could find many folks that think they’re perfect.
We were chosen before the foundation of the world; predestined according to the good pleasure of His will; and accepted in the beloved (Eph. 1:4-6). We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14). Paul said, By God’s grace I am what I am (I Cor. 15:10).
If we are accepted and chosen by Him, why do we have a hard time accepting ourselves? Folks in the cosmetic business are getting rich selling products to make you look younger or prettier or different. Daily we see folks trying to lose weight or gain weight, exercising or working out, being pierced, tattooed, undergoing liposuction, plastic surgery or other means of changing their appearance.
By God’s design you are an absolutely unique person, a Christ redeemed human being who can never be replaced or duplicated.
Accepting Jesus’ free gift of salvation frees us to accept ourselves. We need to thank God that we are ourselves and can never be anybody else.
If the Lord has accepted us, surely we can learn to accept ourselves.
We were chosen before the foundation of the world; predestined according to the good pleasure of His will; and accepted in the beloved (Eph. 1:4-6). We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14). Paul said, By God’s grace I am what I am (I Cor. 15:10).
If we are accepted and chosen by Him, why do we have a hard time accepting ourselves? Folks in the cosmetic business are getting rich selling products to make you look younger or prettier or different. Daily we see folks trying to lose weight or gain weight, exercising or working out, being pierced, tattooed, undergoing liposuction, plastic surgery or other means of changing their appearance.
By God’s design you are an absolutely unique person, a Christ redeemed human being who can never be replaced or duplicated.
Accepting Jesus’ free gift of salvation frees us to accept ourselves. We need to thank God that we are ourselves and can never be anybody else.
If the Lord has accepted us, surely we can learn to accept ourselves.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Chain Reaction
On Saturday morning, April 21, 1855 in the back stockroom of a shoe store in Chicago, Illinois; a shoe salesman and Sunday school teacher named Edward Kimball led another young shoe salesman to the Lord. On that morning Dwight L. Moody accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior.
Subsequently young Moody became an evangelist and stirred F. B. Myer to become a soul winner. Meyer brought Wilbur Chapman to the Lord, and Chapman, along with Billy Sunday, held a revival where Mordecai Ham was saved.
Dwight Moody founded the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, training thousands of young preachers.
It was Mordecai Hamm who won Billy Graham to the Lord and Graham became possibly the greatest evangelist of all time.
Could Edward Kimball have dreamed of the avalanche he was starting when he witnessed to that young shoe salesman on that Saturday morning? Can you imagine what could result the next time you witness to someone about the Lord? God has promised that His Word will not return void.
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11
Let’s be bold in sharing the Lord with others.
Subsequently young Moody became an evangelist and stirred F. B. Myer to become a soul winner. Meyer brought Wilbur Chapman to the Lord, and Chapman, along with Billy Sunday, held a revival where Mordecai Ham was saved.
Dwight Moody founded the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, training thousands of young preachers.
It was Mordecai Hamm who won Billy Graham to the Lord and Graham became possibly the greatest evangelist of all time.
Could Edward Kimball have dreamed of the avalanche he was starting when he witnessed to that young shoe salesman on that Saturday morning? Can you imagine what could result the next time you witness to someone about the Lord? God has promised that His Word will not return void.
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11
Let’s be bold in sharing the Lord with others.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
You are what you say
We become what we say; if we tell a lie, we become a lie; if we talk trash, we become trash; if we talk holiness, we become holy. One of the worse things about telling a lie is trying to remember what you said, and having to live every day with someone you cannot trust. Saying something aloud reinforces it in our mind; that’s why actors and speakers practice aloud; that’s why we are told to confess the Lord to others. Jesus said’ “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned”. (Matthew 12:37)
If we speak positive things, things that are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely; these things become a part of us and we become them. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think (and speak) on these things.”(Philippians 4:8)
The Bible has much to say about how we talk: I Timothy 4:12 says to be examples of believers; in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith and in purity. “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”(Proverbs 15:2 ). “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.”(Psalms 34:13) “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”(Proverbs 21:23)
You become every word you speak, so be sure everything you say is true and reflects the fruit of the Spirit. (Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance….. Galatians 5: 22& 23)
If we speak positive things, things that are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely; these things become a part of us and we become them. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think (and speak) on these things.”(Philippians 4:8)
The Bible has much to say about how we talk: I Timothy 4:12 says to be examples of believers; in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith and in purity. “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”(Proverbs 15:2 ). “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.”(Psalms 34:13) “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”(Proverbs 21:23)
You become every word you speak, so be sure everything you say is true and reflects the fruit of the Spirit. (Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance….. Galatians 5: 22& 23)
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Right Thinking
Have you ever been visiting with an old friend or relative and got to jaw-boning about old times, old experiences and old war stories? And then later you think back on the visit and remember things you said that you wished you had not said, or stories you told you wished you had not told. Stories about things you should have been ashamed of back when they happened, and even more embarrassed to re-tell now? I wonder what makes us this like this? I suppose its ego or pride or one-upmanship, trying to best a story told by someone else. It’s happened to me more than once, and every time I promise myself that it won’t happen again; I’ll not drag out my dirty linen and wave it in the air boastfully; then it happens again. It’s like the old competitive spirit comes out and you have to try and best the last story told.
Proverbs (23:7) says that as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. James (1:14&15) says that every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed; then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Our thoughts lead to actions; sin starts as a thought. It’s important that we put more effort into “right thinking”, and into keeping our mind on the right things. Paul told the Philippians(4:8) to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. That would sure tone down the war stories, wouldn’t it? He also told the Philippians(3:13&14) to forget those things that are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before; to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. There should be no room for glorying in the past, good or bad.
I Timothy 4:12 tells us that we are to be examples in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. It’d be hard to tell a raunchy war story while meeting this requirement.
I need to line up my lips and life, I need to walk the talk, I need to concentrate on right thinking; Maybe you do too………………
Proverbs (23:7) says that as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. James (1:14&15) says that every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed; then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Our thoughts lead to actions; sin starts as a thought. It’s important that we put more effort into “right thinking”, and into keeping our mind on the right things. Paul told the Philippians(4:8) to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. That would sure tone down the war stories, wouldn’t it? He also told the Philippians(3:13&14) to forget those things that are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before; to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. There should be no room for glorying in the past, good or bad.
I Timothy 4:12 tells us that we are to be examples in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. It’d be hard to tell a raunchy war story while meeting this requirement.
I need to line up my lips and life, I need to walk the talk, I need to concentrate on right thinking; Maybe you do too………………
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Much More
There is an expression frequently used in the Bible when discussing Christ, our relationship to Him, and what He wants for us. That expression is “much more”. God has declared that the salvation He has provided is “much more” than enough to meet all our needs. We need to claim this promise, not question it.
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not "much more" clothe you, O ye of little faith? (Matthew 6:30)
Now unto him that is able to do "exceeding abundantly above" all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (Ephesians 3:20)
[He is able and willing; to do above what we ask or even think].
Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into bans; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you not "much better" than they? (Matthew 6:26)
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how "much more" shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11)
How can we even consider the possibility of our prayers not being answered?
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not "much more" clothe you, O ye of little faith? (Matthew 6:30)
Now unto him that is able to do "exceeding abundantly above" all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (Ephesians 3:20)
[He is able and willing; to do above what we ask or even think].
Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into bans; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you not "much better" than they? (Matthew 6:26)
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how "much more" shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11)
How can we even consider the possibility of our prayers not being answered?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Oath of Office
“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and, that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.” That’s the oath that everyone serving in our military services must take; there are no exceptions, no choices or conditions, no modifications. Similar oaths are required for law enforcement personnel, postal employees, and other occupational fields. There are no opportunities to pick and choose which parts you will obey and which parts you will ignore. You surrender unconditionally to obey or you understand that you will pay the consequences.
The scriptures also call us to obedience. If an oath of office were required for Christians it might go something like this: “I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Word of God against all enemies, within and without; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and, that I will obey the High Priest and the prophets appointed over me according to the ordinances and commandments found in God’s Word, the Holy Bible. So help me God.”
I wonder if we would take our call to obedience any more serious.
The scriptures also call us to obedience. If an oath of office were required for Christians it might go something like this: “I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Word of God against all enemies, within and without; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and, that I will obey the High Priest and the prophets appointed over me according to the ordinances and commandments found in God’s Word, the Holy Bible. So help me God.”
I wonder if we would take our call to obedience any more serious.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Book Review- The Shack
“The Shack”, a novel by William P. Young (Windblown Media, Los Angeles) tells the story of Mackenzie Allen Phillip’s period of “Great Sadness” and his eye-opening experience with the Holy Trinity. Mack’s youngest daughter, Missy, is abducted and brutally murdered on a family camping trip, thus beginning his “Great Sadness”. Mack responds to an unusual invitation to meet with the Holy Trinity at the scene of the crime. What he learns there addresses age old questions such as, “How can a God of love allow such great suffering and pain?” And “Where is God when children are suffering?” You’ll want to share this book with many folks in your life who have experienced pain and suffering, it’s an enlightening view of our lives from God’s perspective. I recommend the book, and I suggest a box of Kleenex nearby.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
God's Plan
God did not create us to be defeated, discouraged, and frustrated, wandering through life without joy, peace, and contentment. God’s plan for our lives never includes downtime or valleys…..we bring these on ourselves. God’s plan is for us to soar from victory to victory regardless of our circumstances. Acts 16:22-25 tells of Paul and Silas being beaten and thrown into prison with their feet in stocks, there they rejoiced and sang praises to God. If Paul and Silas can have victory in beatings and stocks and prison, we should be able to experience our disappointments without losing our joy. The Bible teaches us that, “…..in all things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37); and “…..we know that all things work together for good to them that love God……” (Romans 8:28).
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Fear
Are you fearful? Of what? Why? Should you be?
Jesus had a lot to say about anxiety and fear. (Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:4-7) Some of the things He said not to worry about included; your life and those that kill the body; food, drink, and clothes. He said, ”but seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” You were also given dominion over the beasts of field, the fowl of air and the fish of sea (Psalms 8:4-8).
Moses said, “Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, not forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
We’re told that approximately 6.3 million people have some type of specific phobia; Hydrophobia=fear of water; Nyctophobia=fear of darkness; Acrophobia=fear of heights; Claustrophobia=fear of confined places, etc. That’s a large number of people living in fear. With God, there is no need for us to lead a life of fear; He’s the one who created the heavens and earth and told the wind and waves to be still. God tells us that He “hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2Timothy 1:7) If you feel fearful you can be assured it’s not of God. You can also be assured that God will help you overcome your fear. John said, “And this is the confidence that we have in him that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of him.” (I John 5:14-15)
Jesus said. “…..if ye have faith, and doubt not…..whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:21-22); “Therefore I say unto you; What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:24)
I recently read this somewhere, and it’s worth repeating here; “If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthy. And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day. If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 700 million people in the world. If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world. If your parents are still alive and still married, you are very rare. If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair.”
God is out front, He’s already in tomorrow. Its tomorrow and what it may bring that often causes fear, and God is already there. All the tomorrows of our life have to pass Him before they can get to us. “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”(Psalms 34:4).
To go through life fearful is casting doubt upon the truthfulness and trustworthiness of the Lord. God is good and no promise of His has ever failed, or can ever fail; “For the Lord thy God is a merciful God; he will not forsake thee…..” (Deuteronomy 4:31)
Jesus had a lot to say about anxiety and fear. (Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:4-7) Some of the things He said not to worry about included; your life and those that kill the body; food, drink, and clothes. He said, ”but seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” You were also given dominion over the beasts of field, the fowl of air and the fish of sea (Psalms 8:4-8).
Moses said, “Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, not forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
We’re told that approximately 6.3 million people have some type of specific phobia; Hydrophobia=fear of water; Nyctophobia=fear of darkness; Acrophobia=fear of heights; Claustrophobia=fear of confined places, etc. That’s a large number of people living in fear. With God, there is no need for us to lead a life of fear; He’s the one who created the heavens and earth and told the wind and waves to be still. God tells us that He “hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2Timothy 1:7) If you feel fearful you can be assured it’s not of God. You can also be assured that God will help you overcome your fear. John said, “And this is the confidence that we have in him that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of him.” (I John 5:14-15)
Jesus said. “…..if ye have faith, and doubt not…..whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:21-22); “Therefore I say unto you; What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:24)
I recently read this somewhere, and it’s worth repeating here; “If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthy. And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day. If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 700 million people in the world. If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world. If your parents are still alive and still married, you are very rare. If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair.”
God is out front, He’s already in tomorrow. Its tomorrow and what it may bring that often causes fear, and God is already there. All the tomorrows of our life have to pass Him before they can get to us. “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”(Psalms 34:4).
To go through life fearful is casting doubt upon the truthfulness and trustworthiness of the Lord. God is good and no promise of His has ever failed, or can ever fail; “For the Lord thy God is a merciful God; he will not forsake thee…..” (Deuteronomy 4:31)
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Book Review- "Monday Night Jihad"
“Monday Night Jihad” by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn (Tyndale House Publishers) is the first of what I hope will be many novels by these authors. The story evolves around Riley Covington, a Second Lieutenant in the USAF Special Ops who, after his tour of duty, returns to his dream career as a professional football linebacker. When a radical group brings terrorism to his home stadium, Riley reverts to his secondary profession with Special Ops to help track and stop them. It’s a great suspense story with some strange twists that will keep you on edge, and then adds some “on target” comments about current sportscasters/commentators that will make you giggle. Elam is a veteran NFL Pro-Bowler who was recently traded by the Denver Broncos to the Atlanta Falcons. Yohn is the director of adult ministries with the Fellowship Community Church. They have combined to paint a very scary and realistic scenario which will make you realize how vulnerable we all are to acts of terrorism. I look forward to their second novel which is due out early next year.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Do we know when our time has come?
I had been to Bulldog ballgames with Jim Stone many, many times and we always stopped at Poss’ BBQ to eat on the way into Athens. Jim would spend money on something he really wanted, but by and large was very tight with a buck. At Poss’ he always, without exception, ordered the cheapest thing on the menu which was, as I remember, a hash sandwich. This Monday night we were headed for a basketball game against Kentucky, and Jim ordered a filet steak. I didn’t think much about it until later that night. We were sitting in Jim’s living room talking with Virginia, his widow; Jim had died of a massive heart attack on the way home from the game. One of the first questions Virginia asked was about his last meal; it was strange she would ask, strange also that Jim changed that night.
Aaron knew when his time had come: (Numbers 20:26) “And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.”
In the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:20), Jesus said. “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee”; obviously this rich man did not know his time had come.
Moses knew when his time had come: (Deuteronomy 32:48-50) “And the Lord spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying, Get thee up into this mountain…..and die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people:”
Joshua knew when his time had come: (Joshua 23:14) “And behold, this day I Am going the way of all the earth”.
King Hezekiah knew when his time had come: (II Kings 20:1) “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the Prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.” Hezekiah subsequently pleaded with God and was granted 15 more years, see verses 2-6
God says because we forsake Him and go backwards, He will stretch out his hand and destroy us; for He is weary of our repenting (Jeremiah 15:16). For Christians, I believe this is the destruction of our physical bodies. In answer to the original question, “Do we know when our time has come”; the answer is a definite “sometimes”, and I think also that sometimes we may know why.
Aaron knew when his time had come: (Numbers 20:26) “And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.”
In the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:20), Jesus said. “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee”; obviously this rich man did not know his time had come.
Moses knew when his time had come: (Deuteronomy 32:48-50) “And the Lord spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying, Get thee up into this mountain…..and die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people:”
Joshua knew when his time had come: (Joshua 23:14) “And behold, this day I Am going the way of all the earth”.
King Hezekiah knew when his time had come: (II Kings 20:1) “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the Prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.” Hezekiah subsequently pleaded with God and was granted 15 more years, see verses 2-6
God says because we forsake Him and go backwards, He will stretch out his hand and destroy us; for He is weary of our repenting (Jeremiah 15:16). For Christians, I believe this is the destruction of our physical bodies. In answer to the original question, “Do we know when our time has come”; the answer is a definite “sometimes”, and I think also that sometimes we may know why.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Fishing
All are not called for the same purpose or the same vocations. Ephesians 4:11 says, “And He gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers;” If we were all preachers then where would the preachers get their shoes, clothes, and groceries? Who would provide their medical and dental needs, who would keep their automobiles running? We need laymen, we need cobblers, doctors, tailors, barbers, dentists, merchants and mechanics. We need plumbers, musicians and entertainers too.
Whatever our vocation, all Christians are called to be fishermen. Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Fishing for men is somewhat like fishing for fish in that you have to catch them before you can clean them; except with men one never gets thrown back.
Jesus said, “…..him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out”. (John 6:37)
Jesus calls us to be fishers of men. It matters not where you fish, because every pond needs to be fished. But if you follow Christ, you must fish.
Whatever our vocation, all Christians are called to be fishermen. Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Fishing for men is somewhat like fishing for fish in that you have to catch them before you can clean them; except with men one never gets thrown back.
Jesus said, “…..him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out”. (John 6:37)
Jesus calls us to be fishers of men. It matters not where you fish, because every pond needs to be fished. But if you follow Christ, you must fish.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Close Calls
When I was 16 years old I was driving my Daddy’s new Ford home from school one afternoon. I had several of my buddies in the car with me and was showing off. Driving way too fast, I topped a hill on a two lane rural highway only to see a school bus unloading children about 100 yards ahead. About 50 yards ahead was a small dirt and gravel road off to the right. To avoid hitting the bus and running over a dozen or more children, my only option was to try to make the turn into the dirt road. It all happened so fast, I can’t begin to describe how I made that turn. It was a miracle the car did not roll over, that I did not hit the bus or any children, and that we were not all killed. All I can surmise that God’s hand was on us and his mercy spared us in a close call.
I was forty nine years old Labor Day Weekend in 1988 as I walked around a hot and crowded arts and craft show with my wife. When I began to have mild chest pains I looked around for available assistance and saw an ambulance parked at the top of a hill near the restrooms. Without mentioning the chest pains I steered us toward the restrooms. After using the restroom and resting briefly in the shade, the pains went away; assuming indigestion, I made no mention of them. However, the pains returned the following Thursday night with a vengeance and we went to the doctor on Friday morning. After an EKG, he sent me immediately to Saint Joseph’s Hospital for consultation with cardiologists. I was admitted to the hospital and for the next six days underwent a series of tests. On Wednesday evening the cardiologist advised me that they would do a catheterization on Thursday and let me go home on Friday. If surgery was needed, they would schedule it in a few weeks since they were backlogged at that time. After the test Thursday, I was advised that by-pass surgery was scheduled for the following morning. I protested the timing, reminding the cardiologist that I was told I would go home Friday and come back in a few weeks if surgery was needed. He smiled and patted my hand patronizingly and said “we’re not sure you have a few weeks”. I think for the first time in my life I suddenly faced my own mortality. The surgery was successful and in a few weeks I was back to my normal routine; once again God had allowed me to escape a close call.
One summer I was late leaving Atlanta, driving to a convention in Florida. Driving much too fast down Interstate 75, I encountered a gentleman in a new BMW who was evidently running late also. We were making very good time, running side by side when we encountered a jack-knifed tractor trailer blocking the Interstate ahead. A State Trooper was already on the scene. When I tried to stop the car, it slid all over the road and rocked back and forth on two wheels. The BMW had similar problems. When we finally stopped, we had rubbed off each other, damaging the paint, but no serious damage had occurred. Only a miracle kept us from hitting each other, rolling over, or hitting the wreck in the road ahead. Once again, God had spared me in a close call.
After a work-out session in late September 2007 I noticed a heartbeat in my lower abdomen. I don’t know a lot about anatomy, but I was sure my heart should be higher in the body. I consulted with my physician who sent me for a cat scan where they discovered a large aortic aneurysm in my abdomen. I was rushed through the preliminaries for admission to the hospital for surgery. The aneurysm was successfully repaired on October 8th. The surgeon told me they usually operated on these aneurysms when they reached 5cm and mine was over 9. He added that this was the largest aneurysm he had seen outside of an autopsy. Had it gone un-repaired, within a few months it could have been fatal for me. Once again God had allowed me to escape a close call.
These close calls come readily to mind; I don’t know how many more there may have been that I’ve forgotten, or how many others of which I was never aware. I remember reading about multiple incidents of people being late for work for various reasons on 9/11 and being spared when their building came down. Matthew 10:29-31 tells us that the very hairs of our head are numbered and not a sparrow falls to the ground without our Father’s notice. It also tells us not to fear because we are of more value than many sparrows. The Lord works in mysterious ways; the next time you’re stuck in traffic or have a flat tire, remember it’s possible that you are being spared a much worse fate if you had not been delayed or inconvenienced.
“I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”(Martin) With God’s eye on us, we need not fear anything on this earth.
We make schedules and plans; but remember Proverbs 16:9; “A man’s heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps.” Unexpected inconveniences can be opportunities, look around for why God has you there at that time.
I was forty nine years old Labor Day Weekend in 1988 as I walked around a hot and crowded arts and craft show with my wife. When I began to have mild chest pains I looked around for available assistance and saw an ambulance parked at the top of a hill near the restrooms. Without mentioning the chest pains I steered us toward the restrooms. After using the restroom and resting briefly in the shade, the pains went away; assuming indigestion, I made no mention of them. However, the pains returned the following Thursday night with a vengeance and we went to the doctor on Friday morning. After an EKG, he sent me immediately to Saint Joseph’s Hospital for consultation with cardiologists. I was admitted to the hospital and for the next six days underwent a series of tests. On Wednesday evening the cardiologist advised me that they would do a catheterization on Thursday and let me go home on Friday. If surgery was needed, they would schedule it in a few weeks since they were backlogged at that time. After the test Thursday, I was advised that by-pass surgery was scheduled for the following morning. I protested the timing, reminding the cardiologist that I was told I would go home Friday and come back in a few weeks if surgery was needed. He smiled and patted my hand patronizingly and said “we’re not sure you have a few weeks”. I think for the first time in my life I suddenly faced my own mortality. The surgery was successful and in a few weeks I was back to my normal routine; once again God had allowed me to escape a close call.
One summer I was late leaving Atlanta, driving to a convention in Florida. Driving much too fast down Interstate 75, I encountered a gentleman in a new BMW who was evidently running late also. We were making very good time, running side by side when we encountered a jack-knifed tractor trailer blocking the Interstate ahead. A State Trooper was already on the scene. When I tried to stop the car, it slid all over the road and rocked back and forth on two wheels. The BMW had similar problems. When we finally stopped, we had rubbed off each other, damaging the paint, but no serious damage had occurred. Only a miracle kept us from hitting each other, rolling over, or hitting the wreck in the road ahead. Once again, God had spared me in a close call.
After a work-out session in late September 2007 I noticed a heartbeat in my lower abdomen. I don’t know a lot about anatomy, but I was sure my heart should be higher in the body. I consulted with my physician who sent me for a cat scan where they discovered a large aortic aneurysm in my abdomen. I was rushed through the preliminaries for admission to the hospital for surgery. The aneurysm was successfully repaired on October 8th. The surgeon told me they usually operated on these aneurysms when they reached 5cm and mine was over 9. He added that this was the largest aneurysm he had seen outside of an autopsy. Had it gone un-repaired, within a few months it could have been fatal for me. Once again God had allowed me to escape a close call.
These close calls come readily to mind; I don’t know how many more there may have been that I’ve forgotten, or how many others of which I was never aware. I remember reading about multiple incidents of people being late for work for various reasons on 9/11 and being spared when their building came down. Matthew 10:29-31 tells us that the very hairs of our head are numbered and not a sparrow falls to the ground without our Father’s notice. It also tells us not to fear because we are of more value than many sparrows. The Lord works in mysterious ways; the next time you’re stuck in traffic or have a flat tire, remember it’s possible that you are being spared a much worse fate if you had not been delayed or inconvenienced.
“I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”(Martin) With God’s eye on us, we need not fear anything on this earth.
We make schedules and plans; but remember Proverbs 16:9; “A man’s heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps.” Unexpected inconveniences can be opportunities, look around for why God has you there at that time.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Book Review
I recently read “My Grandfather’s Son” by Clarence Thomas (HarperCollinsPublishers). This is an autobiography by Justice Thomas and pays homage to his Grandfather, Myers Anderson. Thomas was born in a community called Pinpoint, in Liberty County, south of Savannah, Georgia and reared primarily by his Grandparents. He tells of the values instilled into him by his Grandfather, and how he drifted away from them only to return to them as he matured in wisdom. It’s a success story beginning with poverty and hunger and ending with appointment to the United States Supreme Court. The road leads through Holy Cross College, Yale Law School, a period of radical rebelling, and two marriages. I found it especially interesting and enlightening. It was written by a contemporary; I too lived through this social period in Georgia; and followed some of the story in the media as it was occurring. I recommend the book; it increased my already significant esteem for Justice Thomas, and is captivating, quality reading.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Personal Testimony
God blessed me by allowing me to be born into a Christian home, with Christian parents that loved the Lord, each other, and my sisters and me. They worked hard, teaching us right from wrong and setting the right examples for us. I was exposed to the Gospel at an early age and gave my heart to Jesus while still a young boy. I’ve been a Christian for almost as long as I can remember, but I’ve not always lived and acted like it.
Jesus’ famous story about the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 is a good example of my spiritual experience. This young man had it all, born into a solid family with all the comforts and security, but wanting to experience more of life. My favorite verse in the story is Luke 15:17, “And when he came to himself.” When he came to himself and found himself among the swine, he said I will return to my father. His father welcomed him home and said this is my son who was lost and now is found. The story ends with a party and banquet honoring a good for nothing son who had sullied the family reputation. No one can drift so far away that they will not be welcomed home by our Father, and no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
I can’t point to a specific event or time in my life when “I came to myself”. There was no dramatic incident that changed my life. I was unhappy and God spoke to my heart and said come back to me and I will give you peace and return your joy. I did and He did. I began reading my Bible and studying every day and the more I learn the more I want to learn.
I can’t imagine starting a day without talking with God and reading His Word, and praising Him for the multitude of blessings He has poured out on me and my family. God is good !
Jesus’ famous story about the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 is a good example of my spiritual experience. This young man had it all, born into a solid family with all the comforts and security, but wanting to experience more of life. My favorite verse in the story is Luke 15:17, “And when he came to himself.” When he came to himself and found himself among the swine, he said I will return to my father. His father welcomed him home and said this is my son who was lost and now is found. The story ends with a party and banquet honoring a good for nothing son who had sullied the family reputation. No one can drift so far away that they will not be welcomed home by our Father, and no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
I can’t point to a specific event or time in my life when “I came to myself”. There was no dramatic incident that changed my life. I was unhappy and God spoke to my heart and said come back to me and I will give you peace and return your joy. I did and He did. I began reading my Bible and studying every day and the more I learn the more I want to learn.
I can’t imagine starting a day without talking with God and reading His Word, and praising Him for the multitude of blessings He has poured out on me and my family. God is good !
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Complaining
Why are some people so unhappy ? It’s hard to find someone today that doesn’t have a list of complaints. The Bible has much to say about complaining, and none of it is good. Numbers 11:1 says, “And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord”. This has not changed, it still displeases the Lord to hear us complain. Exodus 16:7 says, “…..he heareth your murmurings against the Lord…..”.
Recently I read where someone was questioning why political polls showed 67% of the people were unhappy with the direction the country was headed and wanted change. This individual wondered, “If folks were unhappy because we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day,
7 days a week? Or is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This is in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents, and neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of our people unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S, yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.”
We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times each day, and be thankful and appreciative. It’s not hard to understand why the Lord is unhappy with, “…..murmurers and complainers, walking after their own lusts;…..” (Jude 16). And why we are instructed to “Do all things without murmurings and disputings” (Phil 2:14) and why Jesus said, ““Murmur not among yourselves” in John 6:43
Recently I read where someone was questioning why political polls showed 67% of the people were unhappy with the direction the country was headed and wanted change. This individual wondered, “If folks were unhappy because we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day,
7 days a week? Or is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This is in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents, and neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of our people unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S, yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.”
We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times each day, and be thankful and appreciative. It’s not hard to understand why the Lord is unhappy with, “…..murmurers and complainers, walking after their own lusts;…..” (Jude 16). And why we are instructed to “Do all things without murmurings and disputings” (Phil 2:14) and why Jesus said, ““Murmur not among yourselves” in John 6:43
Sunday, March 2, 2008
I'm Thankful
Have you ever tried to list the all things for which you are thankful?
I’m thankful for a Mama that insisted I show “gumption”, and a Daddy that insisted that I have “Backbone”. Webster’s defines gumption as shrewd practical common sense with courage and initiative. Backbone to Daddy was guts, courage, masculinity, gentlemanly manners, and all that is associated with being a man.
I’m thankful for the simplicity of the gospel; that the deepest, most complex and profound theology in the scriptures can be expressed in only three words; “Jesus loves me”. He knows everything I’ve ever done, everything I’ve ever said, and every thought I’ve ever had and He loves me anyway. For this I’m very thankful.
I’m thankful for my parents, my sisters, and my heritage. I’m thankful for my wife, my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; my entire family. I’m thankful for a wife who cares and loves me enough to nag me to death sometimes. I’m thankful for a son that’ll put his own life on hold to move in and take care of me when I can’t take care of myself. I’m thankful for a grandchild that calls “just to see how ya’ll are doing”.
I’m thankful for the comfortable life God has given me here on this earth. To wake up in a comfortable and warm bed; have a hot cup of coffee, take a hot shower, put on clean clothes. Most of God’s creatures don’t have it so good. I’m thankful for the last can of soup in the pantry and the last pair of socks in my drawer, even the ones with the holes. It’s so easy to lose our attitude of gratitude.
I’m thankful for the medical profession and the way they can relieve pain; and for surgeons that can go inside of us and fix things.
I’m thankful for a Preacher that preaches the Bible and for southern gospel music. I’m thankful for a son that reinforces my faith by demonstrating his own and a friend that is always there for me.
I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness and love, His patience and forgiveness, His healing touch, the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life; and for answered prayer, especially when He allows me to witness it.
Most of all I’m thankful He chose me, loved me, and saved me; I’m thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ.
I’m thankful for a Mama that insisted I show “gumption”, and a Daddy that insisted that I have “Backbone”. Webster’s defines gumption as shrewd practical common sense with courage and initiative. Backbone to Daddy was guts, courage, masculinity, gentlemanly manners, and all that is associated with being a man.
I’m thankful for the simplicity of the gospel; that the deepest, most complex and profound theology in the scriptures can be expressed in only three words; “Jesus loves me”. He knows everything I’ve ever done, everything I’ve ever said, and every thought I’ve ever had and He loves me anyway. For this I’m very thankful.
I’m thankful for my parents, my sisters, and my heritage. I’m thankful for my wife, my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; my entire family. I’m thankful for a wife who cares and loves me enough to nag me to death sometimes. I’m thankful for a son that’ll put his own life on hold to move in and take care of me when I can’t take care of myself. I’m thankful for a grandchild that calls “just to see how ya’ll are doing”.
I’m thankful for the comfortable life God has given me here on this earth. To wake up in a comfortable and warm bed; have a hot cup of coffee, take a hot shower, put on clean clothes. Most of God’s creatures don’t have it so good. I’m thankful for the last can of soup in the pantry and the last pair of socks in my drawer, even the ones with the holes. It’s so easy to lose our attitude of gratitude.
I’m thankful for the medical profession and the way they can relieve pain; and for surgeons that can go inside of us and fix things.
I’m thankful for a Preacher that preaches the Bible and for southern gospel music. I’m thankful for a son that reinforces my faith by demonstrating his own and a friend that is always there for me.
I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness and love, His patience and forgiveness, His healing touch, the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life; and for answered prayer, especially when He allows me to witness it.
Most of all I’m thankful He chose me, loved me, and saved me; I’m thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, February 25, 2008
How Big is God
Don’t tell God how big your storm is; you tell your storm how big your God is…..
The Bible teaches us that the heavens were created by God for His pleasure. Hebrews 1:10, “And Thou Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:” Revelations 4:11, “Thou art worthy O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they were created.” The Bible compares the stars in the sky, in multitude, to the sand on the seashore (Hebrews 11:12).
Scientists tell us that compared to other celestial bodies in outer space the earth is like a tiny speck of dust in a huge room with all the other specks of dust around it; or like a single grain of sand amid all the sand on all the beaches of the world. They tell us that if the earth were to fall out of its orbit and spin away into space, it would create no more disturbance than the dropping of a pea into the ocean.
Webster’s says a Light Year is a unit of distance that light travels in a vacuum in one year, or approximately 6,000,000,000,000 miles. That distance exceeds my capacity to comprehend. Then I read where the Hubble telescope took a picture of the M104, Sombre Galaxy which is 28 million light years from earth, contains 800 billion suns and in size is 50,000 light years across. How big is that? How big is the God that created it?
Why would we ever doubt that God can relieve any predicament of the human soul, and has the means and power to meet every human need? What fools we would have to be to think that our resources could run dry. God help us understand that our demands could never exceed Your supply.
The Bible teaches us that the heavens were created by God for His pleasure. Hebrews 1:10, “And Thou Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:” Revelations 4:11, “Thou art worthy O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they were created.” The Bible compares the stars in the sky, in multitude, to the sand on the seashore (Hebrews 11:12).
Scientists tell us that compared to other celestial bodies in outer space the earth is like a tiny speck of dust in a huge room with all the other specks of dust around it; or like a single grain of sand amid all the sand on all the beaches of the world. They tell us that if the earth were to fall out of its orbit and spin away into space, it would create no more disturbance than the dropping of a pea into the ocean.
Webster’s says a Light Year is a unit of distance that light travels in a vacuum in one year, or approximately 6,000,000,000,000 miles. That distance exceeds my capacity to comprehend. Then I read where the Hubble telescope took a picture of the M104, Sombre Galaxy which is 28 million light years from earth, contains 800 billion suns and in size is 50,000 light years across. How big is that? How big is the God that created it?
Why would we ever doubt that God can relieve any predicament of the human soul, and has the means and power to meet every human need? What fools we would have to be to think that our resources could run dry. God help us understand that our demands could never exceed Your supply.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Follow the Leader
Like many small towns, my hometown of Hapeville Georgia was divided down the middle by rail road tracks. When we went to the Post Office, to church, to school or to Wilder’s Ice Cream Parlor, we had to cross the rail road tracks. In those days, many trains went through every day and waiting at the crossing for a train to pass was a common, everyday experience. Initially, this was scary for a little fellow because the trains were so big, fast and loud. But quickly it became nothing more than waiting at a traffic light for the cars to stop.
When I was 10 or 11 years old, some older friends taught me this neat trick of placing a penny on the track in front of the train. After the train passed, you found the penny and it would be smashed flat. The penny came out oval shaped, looking something like a little copper football. We would carry this smashed penny around as a lucky coin.
For some reason, it seems we were not supposed to put the penny on the track until the train was in sight; I don’t know why this was, except it made the whole experience more exciting. It would take a second or two to get the penny balanced on the track, and then you ran as fast as you could to get out of the way of the train. One day Anthony slipped in the gravel and fell by the tracks, escaping the train by only inches.
We proudly told the story of how Anthony was almost killed by the train when explaining the game to new-comers. I guess it made us seem braver or gutsier or something, but it proved to be my undoing one day when Mama heard me telling the story to Charles. Mama did not find the game to be exciting, fun or intelligent and I was banned from the game for life.
I tried to convince Mama that it was a safe game and explained how “everybody was doing it”, but she didn’t buy it. I couldn’t guess how many times I tried to justify something I wanted to do by telling Mama “everybody else is doing it”, only to hear her say “if everybody else jumped off a bridge would you jump too” ? She never was one to go with the crowd.
Mama believed like Ezra (10:11), “…..separate yourselves from the people of the land…..”
“Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord…..” (II Cor. 6:17)
“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil….” (Exodus 23:2) As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. (Col. 2:6).
We all want to be popular and have people to like us, and sometimes it seems the best way to achieve that is to follow the leader and blend in. But following Christ has never been about blending in.
When I was 10 or 11 years old, some older friends taught me this neat trick of placing a penny on the track in front of the train. After the train passed, you found the penny and it would be smashed flat. The penny came out oval shaped, looking something like a little copper football. We would carry this smashed penny around as a lucky coin.
For some reason, it seems we were not supposed to put the penny on the track until the train was in sight; I don’t know why this was, except it made the whole experience more exciting. It would take a second or two to get the penny balanced on the track, and then you ran as fast as you could to get out of the way of the train. One day Anthony slipped in the gravel and fell by the tracks, escaping the train by only inches.
We proudly told the story of how Anthony was almost killed by the train when explaining the game to new-comers. I guess it made us seem braver or gutsier or something, but it proved to be my undoing one day when Mama heard me telling the story to Charles. Mama did not find the game to be exciting, fun or intelligent and I was banned from the game for life.
I tried to convince Mama that it was a safe game and explained how “everybody was doing it”, but she didn’t buy it. I couldn’t guess how many times I tried to justify something I wanted to do by telling Mama “everybody else is doing it”, only to hear her say “if everybody else jumped off a bridge would you jump too” ? She never was one to go with the crowd.
Mama believed like Ezra (10:11), “…..separate yourselves from the people of the land…..”
“Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord…..” (II Cor. 6:17)
“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil….” (Exodus 23:2) As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. (Col. 2:6).
We all want to be popular and have people to like us, and sometimes it seems the best way to achieve that is to follow the leader and blend in. But following Christ has never been about blending in.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Angels
Angels
Pop was into his eighties and driving a Ford almost as old as him. I had tried numerous times to get him to buy a newer car, but he always said it was foolish to buy anything new at his age. He said he didn’t even buy green bananas. He was alone and southbound on busy Interstate 75 when the Ford died and stranded him between exits. Because of his age and arthritis, he didn’t ambulate so well and was pretty sure he could not walk to the next exit. Of course he didn’t have a cell phone because “at his age he didn’t need any new fangled, wireless telephones”.
He was telling me the story a few days later and I expressed concern, saying something brilliant like, I bet you were upset and worried. Pop said no, he really didn’t worry he just talked it over with the Lord. Within minutes a pick-up truck with two young ladies in it pulled in behind him on the side of the Interstate and asked if they could help. He told them the situation thinking maybe they could give him a ride somewhere or send help for him. One of the young ladies was a mechanic and the other was her sister. They were in town from Florida for a NASCAR race.
Pop’s angels made emergency repairs to the old Ford and then drove it to a nearby dealership for permanent repairs. Only after receiving assurance from the dealership that Pop would be going in about an hour did his NASCAR angels leave him.
The Bible teaches us that the Angels of God are given the wisdom to know all things that are in the earth. They excel in strength to do His commandments and hearken unto the voice of His Word. They are Spirits sent forth to minister to believers. Angels are exceedingly numerous, inconceivably powerful, and are concerned about the physical well being and safety of believers. Although angels are spirits, we are given numerous examples of them being visible in human form.
I believe there are “full-time” and “part-time” angels. I believe there are angelic spirits from God that are full-time angels. Then I believe God gives all believers the opportunity to be “part-time” angels. Something like a “weekend angel permit” to help others in need.
We need to be alert to our “weekend permit” opportunities, and make good use of them or God could give these privileges to others who will appreciate them. If we lose these opportunities, we also lose the blessings that come from them. The Bible says, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly: and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully……God loveth a cheerful giver”. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”…..“Give and it shall be given unto you……”. These promises are for physical, emotional and spiritual needs; they are financial, material, help in the time of need, comfort in time of sorrow or loneliness, and wise advice in times of decisions. They apply to all phases of our lives, cash in on them. Pop did.
Pop was into his eighties and driving a Ford almost as old as him. I had tried numerous times to get him to buy a newer car, but he always said it was foolish to buy anything new at his age. He said he didn’t even buy green bananas. He was alone and southbound on busy Interstate 75 when the Ford died and stranded him between exits. Because of his age and arthritis, he didn’t ambulate so well and was pretty sure he could not walk to the next exit. Of course he didn’t have a cell phone because “at his age he didn’t need any new fangled, wireless telephones”.
He was telling me the story a few days later and I expressed concern, saying something brilliant like, I bet you were upset and worried. Pop said no, he really didn’t worry he just talked it over with the Lord. Within minutes a pick-up truck with two young ladies in it pulled in behind him on the side of the Interstate and asked if they could help. He told them the situation thinking maybe they could give him a ride somewhere or send help for him. One of the young ladies was a mechanic and the other was her sister. They were in town from Florida for a NASCAR race.
Pop’s angels made emergency repairs to the old Ford and then drove it to a nearby dealership for permanent repairs. Only after receiving assurance from the dealership that Pop would be going in about an hour did his NASCAR angels leave him.
The Bible teaches us that the Angels of God are given the wisdom to know all things that are in the earth. They excel in strength to do His commandments and hearken unto the voice of His Word. They are Spirits sent forth to minister to believers. Angels are exceedingly numerous, inconceivably powerful, and are concerned about the physical well being and safety of believers. Although angels are spirits, we are given numerous examples of them being visible in human form.
I believe there are “full-time” and “part-time” angels. I believe there are angelic spirits from God that are full-time angels. Then I believe God gives all believers the opportunity to be “part-time” angels. Something like a “weekend angel permit” to help others in need.
We need to be alert to our “weekend permit” opportunities, and make good use of them or God could give these privileges to others who will appreciate them. If we lose these opportunities, we also lose the blessings that come from them. The Bible says, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly: and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully……God loveth a cheerful giver”. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”…..“Give and it shall be given unto you……”. These promises are for physical, emotional and spiritual needs; they are financial, material, help in the time of need, comfort in time of sorrow or loneliness, and wise advice in times of decisions. They apply to all phases of our lives, cash in on them. Pop did.
Monday, January 21, 2008
An Open Letter to my Grandchildren
So You Have a Baby
What does it mean; this little human life? You’ve created a living person who may live 80 or 90 years or longer, walk, talk, make decisions, maybe make significant and lasting contributions to civilization and mankind, maybe be a career criminal. You will see this little one’s personality emerge much earlier than you expect. This little person may have many children and grandchildren and pass your genes on for years. Someone said that our children are our messages to the future. They will tell others who will never know us who we were.
So you have a baby, congratulations, you have assumed serious responsibilities that will last for the rest of your life. When you are in your 80’s and this child is in its 60’s, you will still feel the same responsibilities you feel today. For sure you are responsible for food, clothing and shelter, the basic needs; also for training, education and rearing into adulthood. You need to teach good manners, social skills and responsibilities. The responsibilities you have assumed are great, no doubt, but they pale when compared to the happy times and joys you will experience. When that little one first recognizes you or your voice and smiles, your heart will melt and run out your eyes.
I know it’s awesome to try and think of this little one living 80 or 90 years or longer. But it’s even more awesome, and almost overwhelming, when you remember that you have created a living soul that will live for ever, and ever, and ever. That 80 or 90 years is just a wisp of time compared to forever. As you train this child to live their short while on earth, don’t neglect to prepare and teach them to make their decision about eternity. The world will teach them more than they need to know about sin, so it falls to you to expose them to the gospel. Jesus said, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
What does it mean; this little human life? You’ve created a living person who may live 80 or 90 years or longer, walk, talk, make decisions, maybe make significant and lasting contributions to civilization and mankind, maybe be a career criminal. You will see this little one’s personality emerge much earlier than you expect. This little person may have many children and grandchildren and pass your genes on for years. Someone said that our children are our messages to the future. They will tell others who will never know us who we were.
So you have a baby, congratulations, you have assumed serious responsibilities that will last for the rest of your life. When you are in your 80’s and this child is in its 60’s, you will still feel the same responsibilities you feel today. For sure you are responsible for food, clothing and shelter, the basic needs; also for training, education and rearing into adulthood. You need to teach good manners, social skills and responsibilities. The responsibilities you have assumed are great, no doubt, but they pale when compared to the happy times and joys you will experience. When that little one first recognizes you or your voice and smiles, your heart will melt and run out your eyes.
I know it’s awesome to try and think of this little one living 80 or 90 years or longer. But it’s even more awesome, and almost overwhelming, when you remember that you have created a living soul that will live for ever, and ever, and ever. That 80 or 90 years is just a wisp of time compared to forever. As you train this child to live their short while on earth, don’t neglect to prepare and teach them to make their decision about eternity. The world will teach them more than they need to know about sin, so it falls to you to expose them to the gospel. Jesus said, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Thursday, January 10, 2008
More Mama Said
If there are a hundred members in your church, I bet there are only a half dozen or so that will sweep the floors, cut the grass and clean up the cemetery. The Bible says to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only; Mama said not to just stand around and pray when there’s work to be done.
There are only two kinds of people in this world; everyone is either a taker or a giver. Takers are generally looking for something for nothing while givers are generally trying to lend someone a helping hand. Mama said I was raised to be a giver and to stay away from takers cause they will bleed you dry and then get mad at you when you run out.
Once Mama caught me looking at an attractive young lady too long and too intense and told me I’d better keep my eyes straight ahead. I tried to explain that it was like admiring beautiful flowers, just because I liked to look at them, it didn’t mean I wanted to pick them. But she said I’d best save that tale for someone that didn’t know me. Mama said the best way to avoid forbidden fruit was to stay out of the devil’s orchard.
During a discussion about sin, little white lie sin or really bad sin, and which sins might be worse than others, Mama said that sin is not a smorgasbord you can pick and choose from. It’s like soup, and when you drink it you get it all.
Pop always had a head-full of dreams about things he wanted to do, places he wanted to go, and things he wanted to buy, including big recreational vehicles, property in Florida and in the mountains, and exotic vacations. When he went too far with his dreams, Mama would bring him back to earth. Mama said that every decision we make and action we take is based either on Pride, Greed, Lust, Prejudice, or God’s Will. We need to make sure our decisions and actions are based on God’s Will for our life.
Sometimes I find myself praying for things I don’t really feel down in my heart, especially when it involves forgiving someone or giving up bad habits. Mama said God hears your words, but He listens to your heart.
When I was about twelve I decided that smoking cigarettes would make me tough, bad, cool, or whatever it was I wanted to be at that age. I was making about eight dollars a week from my paper route so it was no problem for me to drop a quarter into a vending machine and get a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes. I got two pennies change back, stuck down in the cellophane on the pack.
I knew Mama would never approve of me smoking, so I got a large tomato can and hid my cigarettes behind the garage. I would lay the cigarettes and matches on the ground and turn the can upside down over them. By stepping on the can and pushing it into the ground over my stash, it would hide them and also protect them from the rain. When I left for school each morning I would take a short cut through the back yard, pick-up my cigarettes, and proudly puff away as I walked to school. Any cigarette not completely smoked would be carefully extinguished and the butt placed in my pocket for later. This thrifty habit proved to be the Achilles Heel of my scheme when Mama called me to the washing machine one day to explain the loose tobacco she had found in my shirt pocket. She was hurt that her son would stunt his growth by smoking cigarettes (we didn’t know about cancer back then). Mama cried, and I promised faithfully never ever to do such a thing again. Many times I have said I was sorry for something I did or said. Then I went out and did it again. I was not so sorry I had done it as I was that I got caught. Mama said that real repentance was being sorry enough to stop doing it.
Did you ever feel like some of God’s commandments and rules were designed to keep you from having fun or a good time? God has no need to show you who is boss or to demonstrate his power. Everything He says is for your own good and benefit, to ensure your eternal home in heaven, and to improve the quality of your life on earth. Mama said God doesn’t have an ego problem.
As a homemaker, wife and mother, especially during the years she had three teenagers at home, Mama must have had many exasperating and frustrating days when nothing seemed to go right, as we all do. But Mama never shared her frustrations with us; she would smile and said: “Jesus knows my deepest need, He knows my every care. My Lord has promised to be near, and all my burdens share.”
Mama said that God wants a son/daughter relationship with you. Your prayers should not be a wish list, or a turning to God as a last result when you are sick or in trouble. Your daily prayers should be an intimate conversation with God about your life; praise and thanksgiving for your blessings; and His direction for your future.
Mama said the deepest, most complex and profound theology in the scriptures can be expressed in only three words; “Jesus loves me”. He knows everything I’ve ever done, everything I’ve ever said, and every thought I’ve ever had; and He loves me anyway. I don’t understand this, but I’m sure thankful for it.
They say that time is relevant, how long five minutes is depends on which side of the bathroom door you are on. We think of 80 or 90 years being a long life and then we read in the Bible of Methuselah fathering a child when he was 187 years old and living to be 969 years old. But even Methuselah’s long life was just a brief wisp of time as compared to eternity. Mama said it’s awesome to realize that during this brief time we spend on earth, we get to personally decide where we will spend eternity. Eternity is for ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever…….
Have you ever resisted attacking a situation or problem that subsequently went away by its self? Mama said that many times the smartest thing to say or do is nothing.
God said despise not, judge not (Romans 14:3) Mama said a person that does a certain thing should not despise one that does not do it; and a person who does not do a certain thing should not judge one who does it. The Bible says, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14: 12).
God created the Garden of Eden for Adam, but He expected Adam “to dress and keep” it. (Genesis 2:15) Mama said God expects us to maintain things He gives us too. If He gives you a house, He expects you to keep it clean and painted, if He gives you shoes He expects you to keep them clean and polished, if He gives you a car He expects you to keep it maintained and washed. The same principle applies to everything God gives you.
When Mama was on her deathbed at the Henry Medical Center, we prayed with her and tried to encourage her, but she would turn it around and comfort us. The last words I ever heard my Mama say were, “All is well in my Father’s house”, as she smiled and patted my hand.
There are only two kinds of people in this world; everyone is either a taker or a giver. Takers are generally looking for something for nothing while givers are generally trying to lend someone a helping hand. Mama said I was raised to be a giver and to stay away from takers cause they will bleed you dry and then get mad at you when you run out.
Once Mama caught me looking at an attractive young lady too long and too intense and told me I’d better keep my eyes straight ahead. I tried to explain that it was like admiring beautiful flowers, just because I liked to look at them, it didn’t mean I wanted to pick them. But she said I’d best save that tale for someone that didn’t know me. Mama said the best way to avoid forbidden fruit was to stay out of the devil’s orchard.
During a discussion about sin, little white lie sin or really bad sin, and which sins might be worse than others, Mama said that sin is not a smorgasbord you can pick and choose from. It’s like soup, and when you drink it you get it all.
Pop always had a head-full of dreams about things he wanted to do, places he wanted to go, and things he wanted to buy, including big recreational vehicles, property in Florida and in the mountains, and exotic vacations. When he went too far with his dreams, Mama would bring him back to earth. Mama said that every decision we make and action we take is based either on Pride, Greed, Lust, Prejudice, or God’s Will. We need to make sure our decisions and actions are based on God’s Will for our life.
Sometimes I find myself praying for things I don’t really feel down in my heart, especially when it involves forgiving someone or giving up bad habits. Mama said God hears your words, but He listens to your heart.
When I was about twelve I decided that smoking cigarettes would make me tough, bad, cool, or whatever it was I wanted to be at that age. I was making about eight dollars a week from my paper route so it was no problem for me to drop a quarter into a vending machine and get a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes. I got two pennies change back, stuck down in the cellophane on the pack.
I knew Mama would never approve of me smoking, so I got a large tomato can and hid my cigarettes behind the garage. I would lay the cigarettes and matches on the ground and turn the can upside down over them. By stepping on the can and pushing it into the ground over my stash, it would hide them and also protect them from the rain. When I left for school each morning I would take a short cut through the back yard, pick-up my cigarettes, and proudly puff away as I walked to school. Any cigarette not completely smoked would be carefully extinguished and the butt placed in my pocket for later. This thrifty habit proved to be the Achilles Heel of my scheme when Mama called me to the washing machine one day to explain the loose tobacco she had found in my shirt pocket. She was hurt that her son would stunt his growth by smoking cigarettes (we didn’t know about cancer back then). Mama cried, and I promised faithfully never ever to do such a thing again. Many times I have said I was sorry for something I did or said. Then I went out and did it again. I was not so sorry I had done it as I was that I got caught. Mama said that real repentance was being sorry enough to stop doing it.
Did you ever feel like some of God’s commandments and rules were designed to keep you from having fun or a good time? God has no need to show you who is boss or to demonstrate his power. Everything He says is for your own good and benefit, to ensure your eternal home in heaven, and to improve the quality of your life on earth. Mama said God doesn’t have an ego problem.
As a homemaker, wife and mother, especially during the years she had three teenagers at home, Mama must have had many exasperating and frustrating days when nothing seemed to go right, as we all do. But Mama never shared her frustrations with us; she would smile and said: “Jesus knows my deepest need, He knows my every care. My Lord has promised to be near, and all my burdens share.”
Mama said that God wants a son/daughter relationship with you. Your prayers should not be a wish list, or a turning to God as a last result when you are sick or in trouble. Your daily prayers should be an intimate conversation with God about your life; praise and thanksgiving for your blessings; and His direction for your future.
Mama said the deepest, most complex and profound theology in the scriptures can be expressed in only three words; “Jesus loves me”. He knows everything I’ve ever done, everything I’ve ever said, and every thought I’ve ever had; and He loves me anyway. I don’t understand this, but I’m sure thankful for it.
They say that time is relevant, how long five minutes is depends on which side of the bathroom door you are on. We think of 80 or 90 years being a long life and then we read in the Bible of Methuselah fathering a child when he was 187 years old and living to be 969 years old. But even Methuselah’s long life was just a brief wisp of time as compared to eternity. Mama said it’s awesome to realize that during this brief time we spend on earth, we get to personally decide where we will spend eternity. Eternity is for ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever…….
Have you ever resisted attacking a situation or problem that subsequently went away by its self? Mama said that many times the smartest thing to say or do is nothing.
God said despise not, judge not (Romans 14:3) Mama said a person that does a certain thing should not despise one that does not do it; and a person who does not do a certain thing should not judge one who does it. The Bible says, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14: 12).
God created the Garden of Eden for Adam, but He expected Adam “to dress and keep” it. (Genesis 2:15) Mama said God expects us to maintain things He gives us too. If He gives you a house, He expects you to keep it clean and painted, if He gives you shoes He expects you to keep them clean and polished, if He gives you a car He expects you to keep it maintained and washed. The same principle applies to everything God gives you.
When Mama was on her deathbed at the Henry Medical Center, we prayed with her and tried to encourage her, but she would turn it around and comfort us. The last words I ever heard my Mama say were, “All is well in my Father’s house”, as she smiled and patted my hand.
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