“Thou shalt never wash my feet.” Though I do not believe it to be true in Peter’s case, there are many of us who minister to others who don’t necessarily cherish the thought of being ministered to by someone else, especially if that someone is inferior and lowly in our appraisal. We’d rather choose the one who is to minister to us, that is, if we choose at all. Balaam would never have chosen the instrument to minister and speak the truth to him that God did (2Pet.2:16).
There is something humbling in being ministered to. We do not always like being the recipients. Because of our pride, many of us would rather be the givers. This way, we feel we are no man’s debtor. With our independent spirits, we enjoy giving the impression that we have need of nothing (Rev.3:17). Oh, that more of us were like Apollos! (Acts 18:24-28).
“Every man knows something I do not; therefore every man is my teacher." (Plato)
Jul 31, 2010
Jul 28, 2010
A Personal Physician
“Jesus…said…They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.” The “goody-goody-two-shoes” Christian of our day has missed out on a great blessing, a spiritual intimacy with the Divine Doctor. Just as Dr. Luke “the beloved physician” was the constant companion of ailing Paul, so it can be with our Great Physician and us. But only when we get rid of our Laodacean attitude of “I have need of nothing.” Physicians are not found among the healthy, but the hurting. Their place is among the sick.
John Owen said, “The whole may give the physician a good word, but the sick alone know how to prize him.” He went on to say, “The more we are convinced of our depravity and inability from first to last, the more excellent Jesus will appear.” I have found among believers who give the appearance of being whole, boast of their health. While the sick boast of Him.
While on earth, Christians need daily transfusions from their Great Physician.
John Owen said, “The whole may give the physician a good word, but the sick alone know how to prize him.” He went on to say, “The more we are convinced of our depravity and inability from first to last, the more excellent Jesus will appear.” I have found among believers who give the appearance of being whole, boast of their health. While the sick boast of Him.
While on earth, Christians need daily transfusions from their Great Physician.
The Boomerang Effect
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Showing mercy to others has a boomerang effect to the one who displays it. The world knows little or nothing of this virtue. Mercy is distinctively a Christian attribute. Mercy is something shown to those who have no claim on it, and mercy knows no retaliation.
The merciful person does good to his soul. Not to show mercy, can be disastrous to one’s life. “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shown no mercy.” We all might remember if we got our just deserts it would be anything but sweet! “Never forget, what goes around comes around.”
To show mercy to those who have failed builds up a reservoir for us when we do so, and, be assured, we will do so. To make allowances for others in their misery is doing unto others as we would have them do unto us. The Bible’s admonition is to consider ourselves. For someday, we may be sitting on the other side of the table from them.
A visitor (seeking to console the dying Thomas Hooker): Sir, you are going to receive the reward of your labour. Thomas Hooker: Brother, I am going to receive mercy!
The merciful person does good to his soul. Not to show mercy, can be disastrous to one’s life. “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shown no mercy.” We all might remember if we got our just deserts it would be anything but sweet! “Never forget, what goes around comes around.”
To show mercy to those who have failed builds up a reservoir for us when we do so, and, be assured, we will do so. To make allowances for others in their misery is doing unto others as we would have them do unto us. The Bible’s admonition is to consider ourselves. For someday, we may be sitting on the other side of the table from them.
A visitor (seeking to console the dying Thomas Hooker): Sir, you are going to receive the reward of your labour. Thomas Hooker: Brother, I am going to receive mercy!
Jul 23, 2010
Proof of God
I personally do not know of a greater proof that “there is a God in heaven” than answered prayer. I think Elijah would be inclined to agree with me. You’ll remember, when challenging the unbelieving religious apostates of his day, he said, “the God that answereth…let him be God.” God did, and the result was “when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God.”
Concerning the existence of God, old Dr. Bob Jones used to give a homespun illustration I thought good. He said if he were in a dark room with all the windows and doors shut from the inside, and he asked for a hamburger, then one suddenly was in his hand, he would be a fool not to admit someone or something was present in that room with him. Christian, He is not only a prayer hearing God, but an answering God!
The book of Hebrews tells us it is impossible to please God unless we believe, not just in His existence, but that He answers prayer (Heb. 11:6). When shut-up in prison God told Jeremiah to “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Elijah believed a God who could not answer prayer was a laughable God.
George Muller recorded 50,000 answers to prayers that not one living soul knew of except God and him.
Concerning the existence of God, old Dr. Bob Jones used to give a homespun illustration I thought good. He said if he were in a dark room with all the windows and doors shut from the inside, and he asked for a hamburger, then one suddenly was in his hand, he would be a fool not to admit someone or something was present in that room with him. Christian, He is not only a prayer hearing God, but an answering God!
The book of Hebrews tells us it is impossible to please God unless we believe, not just in His existence, but that He answers prayer (Heb. 11:6). When shut-up in prison God told Jeremiah to “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Elijah believed a God who could not answer prayer was a laughable God.
George Muller recorded 50,000 answers to prayers that not one living soul knew of except God and him.
Jul 20, 2010
Sure, You Can
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” This is not an idle boast but a stated fact. Various experiences throughout this old man’s life helped him form this conclusion. He had a firm confidence that Christ would enable him to perform his daily duties both toward God and man. He believed he could bear any trial, perform any task, subdue any evil in his nature, shoulder any burden, and meet any and all temptations, with the strength he derived from the indwelling Christ.
Paul believed he could do what he ought to do. This was not self-confidence, but God-confidence. There was no doubt in his mind that as long as he abode in the vine, he could draw from its life-giving strength, thereby enabling him to meet life’s responsibilities. He did not look at outward circumstances; he looked inward to Christ.
I’ve known some among the so-called learned, who thought of some others as being “a brick short on top.” Yet I’ve seen these same underdogs excel spiritually over their analysts. It has little to do with our intellect, but it has everything to do with the One who indwells. As one teenager said, “I’ve learned that my “I can” is more important than my “I.Q.”
Christ's commandments are His ennoblements!
Paul believed he could do what he ought to do. This was not self-confidence, but God-confidence. There was no doubt in his mind that as long as he abode in the vine, he could draw from its life-giving strength, thereby enabling him to meet life’s responsibilities. He did not look at outward circumstances; he looked inward to Christ.
I’ve known some among the so-called learned, who thought of some others as being “a brick short on top.” Yet I’ve seen these same underdogs excel spiritually over their analysts. It has little to do with our intellect, but it has everything to do with the One who indwells. As one teenager said, “I’ve learned that my “I can” is more important than my “I.Q.”
Christ's commandments are His ennoblements!
Jul 18, 2010
It's No Trouble
Have you ever called or approached a busy person you wanted help from in a crisis? And have you said to them apologetically, “I hate to trouble you?” Have you noticed those with giant souls always answer, “It’s no trouble at all.”
Jairus’ daughter was at the point of death when her father came to Jesus seeking His help. On the way to Jairus’ home, the Lord stopped temporarily to help another in great need. It was at this interval Jairus’ servants showed up with the discouraging news of his daughter’s demise. And so they added, “…why troublest thou the Master any further?” To which Jesus replied, “Be not afraid, only believe.”
From this story we learn that delays are not denials. Whenever Jesus helps another before us, it is well to remember we never lose by the gain of others. Another important lesson is that our Lord waits in crucial times to show us, man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. When we come to the end of ourselves, it is then we find God. When all hope is taken away, it is then the Lord says unto us, “Only Believe.”
But the central theme of the story is that we are no trouble at all to Christ. Never hesitate to call upon Him at any time and for any thing. If at such times you feel you are a trouble to Him, I assure you, you’ll hear a still, small voice say, “My child, you’re no trouble at all to Me.”
If you’re no trouble to Jesus, then you ought not be troubled!
Jairus’ daughter was at the point of death when her father came to Jesus seeking His help. On the way to Jairus’ home, the Lord stopped temporarily to help another in great need. It was at this interval Jairus’ servants showed up with the discouraging news of his daughter’s demise. And so they added, “…why troublest thou the Master any further?” To which Jesus replied, “Be not afraid, only believe.”
From this story we learn that delays are not denials. Whenever Jesus helps another before us, it is well to remember we never lose by the gain of others. Another important lesson is that our Lord waits in crucial times to show us, man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. When we come to the end of ourselves, it is then we find God. When all hope is taken away, it is then the Lord says unto us, “Only Believe.”
But the central theme of the story is that we are no trouble at all to Christ. Never hesitate to call upon Him at any time and for any thing. If at such times you feel you are a trouble to Him, I assure you, you’ll hear a still, small voice say, “My child, you’re no trouble at all to Me.”
If you’re no trouble to Jesus, then you ought not be troubled!
*The Claims of Christ
I always get a good chuckle when I read an advertisement claiming, “Satisfaction Guaranteed.” Temporal, maybe; permanent, never. If the latter were true, why then would it be necessary to keep going back? “What does not satisfy when we find it, was not the thing we were desiring” (C.S. Lewis).
My wife sings a song, “Only Jesus Can Satisfy Your Soul.” That, my friend, is the only true claim to permanent satisfaction. And what He promises, He is well able to fulfill. As the old preacher used to say, “He saves, He sanctifies, and He satisfies.”
Isaiah posed a question to the elect of his day that we must also answer in ours. Please allow me to paraphrase a little without doing any injustice to the text. “Why spend your life on things which will never satisfy you?” King David, who had everything imaginable to make one happy said, “For [He] satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”
If “Christ is all,” then He is all you need.
My wife sings a song, “Only Jesus Can Satisfy Your Soul.” That, my friend, is the only true claim to permanent satisfaction. And what He promises, He is well able to fulfill. As the old preacher used to say, “He saves, He sanctifies, and He satisfies.”
Isaiah posed a question to the elect of his day that we must also answer in ours. Please allow me to paraphrase a little without doing any injustice to the text. “Why spend your life on things which will never satisfy you?” King David, who had everything imaginable to make one happy said, “For [He] satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”
If “Christ is all,” then He is all you need.
Jul 14, 2010
Only God Can Please God.
My dearest friend, Marvin Clanton, now with the Lord, used to say, “Only God can please God.” This statement went over the heads of most Christians. It was so profound; they didn’t realize the depth of it. They simply passed it off as another one of this strange country preacher’s sayings.
But Marv was only echoing what Paul said to the Hebrews in the Book by that name. In the thirteenth chapter, verse twenty-one, he tells them that God is “working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight.” We see this truth exemplified in faith. Without it, we cannot please God; but we are told it is a gift from God. Hence, only God can please God.
Why then is God not more pleased through our lives by the things He gives us? A good illustration of this is found in Hannah. She was barren, and asked the Lord for a child. She promised to give him back to God if He would only answer her prayer. So the Lord gave this woman something, who had nothing, and she offered it back to Him in appreciation. Thus, God was pleased. In the case of most of us, we keep our “Samuels.”
God’s gifts and blessings are conceived in Heaven, given birth on earth, and are to be presented back to Him in thanksgiving. It is a re-cycling process. David knew this. Speaking to the Lord, he says, “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given them” Mary, the mother of our Lord, said “Amen” to this statement, in the temple, after the birth of Jesus.
All our darling “Isaacs” are from God, therefore, they are to be offered back to Him.
But Marv was only echoing what Paul said to the Hebrews in the Book by that name. In the thirteenth chapter, verse twenty-one, he tells them that God is “working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight.” We see this truth exemplified in faith. Without it, we cannot please God; but we are told it is a gift from God. Hence, only God can please God.
Why then is God not more pleased through our lives by the things He gives us? A good illustration of this is found in Hannah. She was barren, and asked the Lord for a child. She promised to give him back to God if He would only answer her prayer. So the Lord gave this woman something, who had nothing, and she offered it back to Him in appreciation. Thus, God was pleased. In the case of most of us, we keep our “Samuels.”
God’s gifts and blessings are conceived in Heaven, given birth on earth, and are to be presented back to Him in thanksgiving. It is a re-cycling process. David knew this. Speaking to the Lord, he says, “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given them” Mary, the mother of our Lord, said “Amen” to this statement, in the temple, after the birth of Jesus.
All our darling “Isaacs” are from God, therefore, they are to be offered back to Him.
Jul 10, 2010
Slain in the Sun
Our Lord had just performed the miracle of feeding the multitude. They come now to make Him King. What does He do? He goes immediately into seclusion. He flees alone unto a mountain to pray, realizing the danger that exists after great spiritual feats. It is at these times the devil lifts us up with pride, that we might fall into his snare. But our Lord was not “ignorant of his devices.” He shut Himself up alone with His Father.
I find we all are given to prayer up to our successes. But there seems to be a cessation while enjoying our victories. We have a way of remembering God in our battles, but forgetting Him in times of peace. There is sweet communion with Him as we travel, but a parting from His company after we arrive. It is easy for Christians at such times to become “practical atheists.” Our only security after personal achievements is to go alone to our mountain to pray. I must see God at noonday as well as in the night.
After our Lord’s return from His private communion with God, He performs even greater miracles. He had satisfied the hungry; now He stills the storm. If we, like Jesus, remain humble and dependent on God during our triumphs, then it can truly be said of us, “Greater works than these shall ye do.”
It would be well for all to remember, when basking in the sunshine of victory, that destruction can come at noonday, and that the arrow “flieth by day.”
I find we all are given to prayer up to our successes. But there seems to be a cessation while enjoying our victories. We have a way of remembering God in our battles, but forgetting Him in times of peace. There is sweet communion with Him as we travel, but a parting from His company after we arrive. It is easy for Christians at such times to become “practical atheists.” Our only security after personal achievements is to go alone to our mountain to pray. I must see God at noonday as well as in the night.
After our Lord’s return from His private communion with God, He performs even greater miracles. He had satisfied the hungry; now He stills the storm. If we, like Jesus, remain humble and dependent on God during our triumphs, then it can truly be said of us, “Greater works than these shall ye do.”
It would be well for all to remember, when basking in the sunshine of victory, that destruction can come at noonday, and that the arrow “flieth by day.”
Spiritual Muscle
When Paul says, “…bodily exercise profiteth little,” he is not saying it is of no value. The context is in comparison to godliness. In this respect its worth decreases. For we are told “…godliness…is great gain.” Its spiritual muscle we are to be concerned with first and foremost, not physical.
Spiritual Atlas’s are a result of “…exercis[ing] thyself rather unto godliness.” I’ve seen those who proudly flex their manly muscles, but who are constantly penned to the mat by their sins. Samson would be a good example of this.
Not one of us would be impressed with the “little” (the meaning of his name) Apostle Paul’s appearance. For it is said of him that “…his bodily presence [was] weak.” I doubt the 195 stripes on his back, and the scars left from being beaten with rods, and stoned with rocks, left anything to be desired in that blessed body. But Oh, the power that dwelt in that broken, earthen vessel!
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (2Cor.4:7)
Spiritual Atlas’s are a result of “…exercis[ing] thyself rather unto godliness.” I’ve seen those who proudly flex their manly muscles, but who are constantly penned to the mat by their sins. Samson would be a good example of this.
Not one of us would be impressed with the “little” (the meaning of his name) Apostle Paul’s appearance. For it is said of him that “…his bodily presence [was] weak.” I doubt the 195 stripes on his back, and the scars left from being beaten with rods, and stoned with rocks, left anything to be desired in that blessed body. But Oh, the power that dwelt in that broken, earthen vessel!
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (2Cor.4:7)
Jul 8, 2010
Indwelling Sin
Three times in Romans chapter seven the Apostle tells us sin dwells in us. The emphasis today is on the outward results of sin, not the inward reality of it. It is only that person who understands indwelling sin who is useful to and fruitful for God.
Our very nature is opposed to God. Every act of sin shows the old nature being antagonistic toward God. No area of our life is secured without a struggle. When we would do good, evil is always there to fight against it. There is a continual civil war going on within each of us, and it will remain so “till death do us part.” This is why we are to, “put no confidence in the flesh.” We are to have a habitual distrust in ourselves.
In our modern day we no longer blame sinfulness, but replace it with “sickness.” We want external reformation, without the Spirit’s internal regeneration. Outward cosmetic surgery will not change the inward condition of the heart. The Puritan, John Owen, dreamed for “a commonwealth of godliness,” but saw it all collapse. The political aspiration he had for his beloved nation burst like soap bubbles. He saw clearly, in the latter part of his life, that the reality of it all was indwelling sin.
“What shall it profit a man if he [change] the world, and lose his own soul?”
Our very nature is opposed to God. Every act of sin shows the old nature being antagonistic toward God. No area of our life is secured without a struggle. When we would do good, evil is always there to fight against it. There is a continual civil war going on within each of us, and it will remain so “till death do us part.” This is why we are to, “put no confidence in the flesh.” We are to have a habitual distrust in ourselves.
In our modern day we no longer blame sinfulness, but replace it with “sickness.” We want external reformation, without the Spirit’s internal regeneration. Outward cosmetic surgery will not change the inward condition of the heart. The Puritan, John Owen, dreamed for “a commonwealth of godliness,” but saw it all collapse. The political aspiration he had for his beloved nation burst like soap bubbles. He saw clearly, in the latter part of his life, that the reality of it all was indwelling sin.
“What shall it profit a man if he [change] the world, and lose his own soul?”
Jul 4, 2010
*Stay Connected
“For without me ye can do nothing.” That is, separate from me—the expression implies dependence. John Newton writes, “We are never safer, never have more reason to expect the Lord’s help, than when we are most sensible that we can do nothing without Him.”
King David, on four different occasions in Psalms said, “I am poor and needy.” The king, before the King of Kings, saw himself a pauper. Such a poverty of spirit will never be denied before the throne of grace. It is when strong Paul acknowledged his weakness and insufficiency before God that he found the Lord’s all-sufficient strength.
When a Christian lives his life independent of God, he loses his fellowship with God.
King David, on four different occasions in Psalms said, “I am poor and needy.” The king, before the King of Kings, saw himself a pauper. Such a poverty of spirit will never be denied before the throne of grace. It is when strong Paul acknowledged his weakness and insufficiency before God that he found the Lord’s all-sufficient strength.
When a Christian lives his life independent of God, he loses his fellowship with God.
Jul 2, 2010
*Born Procrastinators
“And Moses said unto Pharaoh...when shall I intreat for thee…to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, [that] they may remain in the river only? And he said, To morrow.”
A preacher I knew many years ago had a sermon on this text entitled, “One More Night With the Frogs.” I am sure many of you who are familiar with this story, like me, have wondered about Pharaoh’s choice. Why one more night of misery, when it could have been taken care of then and there? As the old saying goes, “Why put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” When serving as pastor, I used to tell my people, “I’m gonna never did nothin.”
I do not know Pharaoh’s reason for waiting, but I have observed most of us are born procrastinators. Diets started, jobs to be done, apologies needed, sins righted, old debts settled, along with an innumerable list, are generally put off until tomorrow. The little quip, “Tomorrow never comes,” seems to fit our particular situation every time. In spite of Bible admonitions such as, “Now is the time,” and, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow.”
Procrastination is opportunity's assassin. ~Victor Kiam
A preacher I knew many years ago had a sermon on this text entitled, “One More Night With the Frogs.” I am sure many of you who are familiar with this story, like me, have wondered about Pharaoh’s choice. Why one more night of misery, when it could have been taken care of then and there? As the old saying goes, “Why put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” When serving as pastor, I used to tell my people, “I’m gonna never did nothin.”
I do not know Pharaoh’s reason for waiting, but I have observed most of us are born procrastinators. Diets started, jobs to be done, apologies needed, sins righted, old debts settled, along with an innumerable list, are generally put off until tomorrow. The little quip, “Tomorrow never comes,” seems to fit our particular situation every time. In spite of Bible admonitions such as, “Now is the time,” and, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow.”
Procrastination is opportunity's assassin. ~Victor Kiam
*Scars
Scars are generally a reminder of an unpleasant or painful experience. We hear much today about emotional scars. In this psychological age that overemphasizes particularly ugly incidents in one’s life, it is easy to major on a minor. It would be well for us to remember, a scar is only a part of the whole, not the whole itself.
One of Webster’s definitions for the word “scar” is “a mark left by a healed wound, sore, or burn.” By this you can see a scar could be seen as something good also. It is a sign that one has been healed from whatever affliction they have suffered. It is important for we who have emotional and psychological scars to realize the hurt is over, and the unpleasantness is behind us. I might add a scar leaves one tougher. A scar can take more than the sensitive skin around it.
We who bear unsightly scars need not worry about the world around us gawking, with their self-righteous pity, for God has arranged for such things. You see, the Lord is a very good cosmetologist. When He gets through with His procedure, even loved ones lose consciousness of the hideous scars we bear.
What deep wounds ever closed without a scar? ~George Gordon, Lord Byron, Child Harold's Pilgrimage
One of Webster’s definitions for the word “scar” is “a mark left by a healed wound, sore, or burn.” By this you can see a scar could be seen as something good also. It is a sign that one has been healed from whatever affliction they have suffered. It is important for we who have emotional and psychological scars to realize the hurt is over, and the unpleasantness is behind us. I might add a scar leaves one tougher. A scar can take more than the sensitive skin around it.
We who bear unsightly scars need not worry about the world around us gawking, with their self-righteous pity, for God has arranged for such things. You see, the Lord is a very good cosmetologist. When He gets through with His procedure, even loved ones lose consciousness of the hideous scars we bear.
What deep wounds ever closed without a scar? ~George Gordon, Lord Byron, Child Harold's Pilgrimage
Jul 1, 2010
*A Wonderful Word: "Friend"
It has been said, “A friend is someone coming in, when others are going out.” To our dismay, many of us have found this to be true from personal experience. It is these types that are known as fair-weather friends. How we need to hold to and cherish that small circle of genuine friends, of whom it is said stick closer than a brother and love us at all times.
I heard an old preacher once say, “If, when you die, you can count your true friends on one hand, consider yourself blessed.” As I get older, I find myself agreeing with this more and more. As you pass through the fiery trials of life, you’ll find few supposed friends indeed will be in your company on the other side of the furnace. But what a treasure those are who are there to greet you!
David and Jonathan give us a picture of an authentic friendship. In this knitted relationship we see that David needed Jonathan more than Jonathan did David. That is the way I feel toward my few friends. O how much I need them, more than they will ever know!
I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world. ~Thomas A. Edison
I heard an old preacher once say, “If, when you die, you can count your true friends on one hand, consider yourself blessed.” As I get older, I find myself agreeing with this more and more. As you pass through the fiery trials of life, you’ll find few supposed friends indeed will be in your company on the other side of the furnace. But what a treasure those are who are there to greet you!
David and Jonathan give us a picture of an authentic friendship. In this knitted relationship we see that David needed Jonathan more than Jonathan did David. That is the way I feel toward my few friends. O how much I need them, more than they will ever know!
I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world. ~Thomas A. Edison
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