"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell…” This was a Divine interruption. The Holy Ghost cut short Simon’s sermon. To interrupt while another is speaking is considered by us to be bad manners, but when it comes from Heaven, it’s perfectly proper, as well as polite.
In most of today’s churches, there is no place in prepared programs to fit the Holy Ghost into a particular time slot, if He so chooses. Everything is planned ahead of time, and unless there has been previous notification, the services must, and will, go on as planned, at all costs. Nothing or no one must disrupt it…even God.
When preparing your order of service, make sure there’s room for God to interrupt it.
Jan 20, 2009
Jan 18, 2009
Good and Evil
“Overcome evil with good.” There is no other way. Satan cannot cast out Satan. You can’t clean house with a dirty dust cloth. A doctor cannot cut out diseased tissue if his scalpel is defiled. He will only remove the one to leave another. It is health that fights disease.
And so it is in my Christian life. If I would eradicate a vice, I must cultivate a virtue. The best way to get rid of an immoral habit is to replace it with a good one. Instead of earthly evil being my food for thought, I must feed upon, and nourish my mind with, heavenly manna. Don’t feed on “devil’s food,” but on “angel’s food.”
This also applies to the faults and vices of my Christian brethren. I must fight his evils with opposites. If he is harsh and cruel, I must be kind and considerate; if possessive, I must be generous; if loud, I, soft-spoken; if carnal, I, then, must be Spiritual.
From Genesis to Revelation good ultimately and always triumphs over evil.
And so it is in my Christian life. If I would eradicate a vice, I must cultivate a virtue. The best way to get rid of an immoral habit is to replace it with a good one. Instead of earthly evil being my food for thought, I must feed upon, and nourish my mind with, heavenly manna. Don’t feed on “devil’s food,” but on “angel’s food.”
This also applies to the faults and vices of my Christian brethren. I must fight his evils with opposites. If he is harsh and cruel, I must be kind and considerate; if possessive, I must be generous; if loud, I, soft-spoken; if carnal, I, then, must be Spiritual.
From Genesis to Revelation good ultimately and always triumphs over evil.
Jan 17, 2009
A Signed Check
“According to your faith [appropriation] be it unto you.” This principle is found throughout the Bible. It’s not wishing, longing, wanting, or even praying that gets the blessing. It’s appropriation (taking for one’s own). Drab, defeated lives have been transformed by learning the art of appropriating. They turned promises into facts. They stepped out on a promise and trusted God—sink or swim. And those who do, never have to experience either.
In the story of the prodigal son, it says of the father, “He divided unto them his living.” The prodigal may have had a lot of faults, but appropriating what his father had given him was not one of them. This was not so with his elder brother. He accused the father of not even giving him a “kid,” to which his father replied, “Son, all that I have is thine.” Yet, he had not appropriated one kid. The difference was not in bestowal, but in appropriation. We must appropriate what God has given (Josh.1:3 and Eph.1:3).
Jesus has already signed the check. He’s waiting for us to cash it at Heaven’s bank.
In the story of the prodigal son, it says of the father, “He divided unto them his living.” The prodigal may have had a lot of faults, but appropriating what his father had given him was not one of them. This was not so with his elder brother. He accused the father of not even giving him a “kid,” to which his father replied, “Son, all that I have is thine.” Yet, he had not appropriated one kid. The difference was not in bestowal, but in appropriation. We must appropriate what God has given (Josh.1:3 and Eph.1:3).
Jesus has already signed the check. He’s waiting for us to cash it at Heaven’s bank.
Jan 15, 2009
The Virtuious Woman
'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'
Standing the Test of Time
Paul’s principles were in line with the Word of God. He believed people, as well as things, should first be proved before putting one’s stamp of approval upon them. Individuals who live by this scriptural philosophy are many times misunderstood and even criticized as being harsh and unforgiving.
A good example of this is found in the latter part of Acts chapter fifteen. In our story, the Apostle did not want young John Mark to prove himself to Paul, but to his own self. Interestingly, after Mark did prove himself to himself, Paul’s opinion of him changed (2 Tim.4:11).You see, the old man knew it was more important how the young man felt about himself, than how others thought of him.
Time is a good tester! A person or product that has not been proven over a period time is generally not one you would want to put your full confidence in. Just to site one example of this in my own life would be my use of the old 1611 Authorized King James Version of the Bible. You can put T. and P. next to every verse in it. That is, Tried and Proved.
A wait and see attitude is not necessarily pessimistic; it can be pietistic!
A good example of this is found in the latter part of Acts chapter fifteen. In our story, the Apostle did not want young John Mark to prove himself to Paul, but to his own self. Interestingly, after Mark did prove himself to himself, Paul’s opinion of him changed (2 Tim.4:11).You see, the old man knew it was more important how the young man felt about himself, than how others thought of him.
Time is a good tester! A person or product that has not been proven over a period time is generally not one you would want to put your full confidence in. Just to site one example of this in my own life would be my use of the old 1611 Authorized King James Version of the Bible. You can put T. and P. next to every verse in it. That is, Tried and Proved.
A wait and see attitude is not necessarily pessimistic; it can be pietistic!
Jan 14, 2009
Do You Know This Person?
They attend a new church; they meet a new friend; they support a new cause; they begin a new ministry. Everything is great, and nothing that came before these mentioned things can be compared. But when the newness wears off, and they are no longer the center of attention, but now become one of many, a face in the crowd, so to speak, they pack their bags and move on to another church, friend, cause, or ministry. These are vagabond saints. Do you know such a person; have you met them; are you that person?
What is the root cause for this painful problem in the lives of these sad saints? One does not have to dig too deeply to find the source. It is self-absorption! Some definitions of this word are: to be concerned only with ones self; self-centered; excessively self-involved; egomania. Not a pretty picture at all, is it?
The only hope for such a person is to understand what Jesus meant when He said, “Deny thyself.” This is not denying recognition of our humanity, but denying any rights to the Adamic nature. That is, the Adamic syndrome, the sinful, egocentric behavior pattern which has been developing from our birth. The impulse to do anything rather than to obey God.
The “Last Adam” must be put first if we’re to overcome the first Adam.
What is the root cause for this painful problem in the lives of these sad saints? One does not have to dig too deeply to find the source. It is self-absorption! Some definitions of this word are: to be concerned only with ones self; self-centered; excessively self-involved; egomania. Not a pretty picture at all, is it?
The only hope for such a person is to understand what Jesus meant when He said, “Deny thyself.” This is not denying recognition of our humanity, but denying any rights to the Adamic nature. That is, the Adamic syndrome, the sinful, egocentric behavior pattern which has been developing from our birth. The impulse to do anything rather than to obey God.
The “Last Adam” must be put first if we’re to overcome the first Adam.
Double or Nothing
"Ask what I shall do for thee…And Elisha said…a double portion…And he [Elijah] said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless if…it shall be so unto thee." When asking hard things from God, the question of receiving them is on us not on Him. Speaking of God, Jeremiah tells us, "…there is nothing too hard for thee."
The "if'" is on us, not God. Jesus taught this to the father who brought his needy son to Him. The distraught father said, "…if thou canst do anything…" But Jesus placed the little two-letter word back on the father, by saying, "If thou canst believe…" It is not if God can do, but if we can believe.
Elisha had one, top priority; and, not only was this request hard, but he made it doubly so by asking for a "double portion." When we mean business with God, God will mean business with us. Three times Elisha was told to "tarry," and three times, his reply was, "I will not…" Dogged perseverance always gets the hard things in life.
With Elisha it was "double or nothing," and God gave him the former.
The "if'" is on us, not God. Jesus taught this to the father who brought his needy son to Him. The distraught father said, "…if thou canst do anything…" But Jesus placed the little two-letter word back on the father, by saying, "If thou canst believe…" It is not if God can do, but if we can believe.
Elisha had one, top priority; and, not only was this request hard, but he made it doubly so by asking for a "double portion." When we mean business with God, God will mean business with us. Three times Elisha was told to "tarry," and three times, his reply was, "I will not…" Dogged perseverance always gets the hard things in life.
With Elisha it was "double or nothing," and God gave him the former.
Jan 11, 2009
Generational Songs
While browsing churches on the Web recently, I came across one that advertised, “No worship leader, no worship team, no worship songs.” I chuckled to myself and said, “I wonder if they have a worship service?” I’d be the first to admit that some of the modern-day worship songs are both unscriptural and without substance. But is that not also true of the old ones? Songs such as “A Cabin in Glory Land,” and “There’s a New Name Written Down in Glory,” come far short of Biblical correctness.
Many good churches, as my dear mother used to say, “Cut off their noses to spite their face.” The argument is that the old songs are better. But what they’re actually saying is that the songs from their generation which they were brought up with are better. A woman once told my wife after she sang the old, old, song, “Come, Ye sinners,” that she enjoyed it, but preferred the old ones, to the newer ones. It is well to remember, the songs of today will be the old songs in twenty years.
Isaac Watt’s father accused his son of blasphemy when he started writing church music. He believed the Psalms of David were sufficient. In the book of Revelation we have “The song of Moses” (old), and we sing, “A new song.” Jesus tells us, in His treasure box there are, “…things new and old.” My church incorporates in its singing both the contemporary and the traditional, and I, for one, like it!
Many good churches, as my dear mother used to say, “Cut off their noses to spite their face.” The argument is that the old songs are better. But what they’re actually saying is that the songs from their generation which they were brought up with are better. A woman once told my wife after she sang the old, old, song, “Come, Ye sinners,” that she enjoyed it, but preferred the old ones, to the newer ones. It is well to remember, the songs of today will be the old songs in twenty years.
Isaac Watt’s father accused his son of blasphemy when he started writing church music. He believed the Psalms of David were sufficient. In the book of Revelation we have “The song of Moses” (old), and we sing, “A new song.” Jesus tells us, in His treasure box there are, “…things new and old.” My church incorporates in its singing both the contemporary and the traditional, and I, for one, like it!
Dec 3, 2008
When a Little Comma Covers a Long Period
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; Because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted; to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord”, (Isa.61:1-2).
Every writer has his or her own style. For example, I like to use commas. And so did my wife in her writings until she was intimidated by my daughter for using them so often. But she (Leah) doesn’t scare me. Well most of the time, anyway.
In our opening text, the little comma we stopped with covers some two- thousand years. You’ll recall in the synagogue how Jesus quoted this portion from Isaiah’s prophecy, but did not finish it, stopping at the comma (Lk.4:18-20). Why? Because when He said, “This day is this scripture fulfilled,” it would have not been true had he continued on with the verse. For the rest of the text says, “And the day of the vengeance of our God.” You can see the former has to do with His first coming, the latter His second coming.
Thank God, “He closed the book…and sat down.” The first part of the text reaches to our age. He is still binding up the brokenhearted and freeing the captives. May God have mercy in the day of His vengeance.
Every writer has his or her own style. For example, I like to use commas. And so did my wife in her writings until she was intimidated by my daughter for using them so often. But she (Leah) doesn’t scare me. Well most of the time, anyway.
In our opening text, the little comma we stopped with covers some two- thousand years. You’ll recall in the synagogue how Jesus quoted this portion from Isaiah’s prophecy, but did not finish it, stopping at the comma (Lk.4:18-20). Why? Because when He said, “This day is this scripture fulfilled,” it would have not been true had he continued on with the verse. For the rest of the text says, “And the day of the vengeance of our God.” You can see the former has to do with His first coming, the latter His second coming.
Thank God, “He closed the book…and sat down.” The first part of the text reaches to our age. He is still binding up the brokenhearted and freeing the captives. May God have mercy in the day of His vengeance.
Nov 29, 2008
Background or Foreground
“And he is before all things…” Christ is to be first in line, at the head of the pack, if you please. I’m fearful that He is in the background, rather than the foreground, in many of our lives. The former word meaning, “the distant part of a scene; behind or subordinate to something.” The definition of the latter is “nearest the viewer.” It can be said, and rightly so, that scores of Christians today are like the prophets of old who “…stood to view afar off.”
Our relationship with Christ is to be “up close and personal.” What lover wants to court from a distance? You have to be close to Him, if you’re going to cling to Him. Saintly Brainard said, “I want to be so close to Jesus that I can hear His heart beat.” John the Beloved would have said, “Amen” to that statement, for, you remember it was he who leaned his head on Jesus’ bosom. When will we learn, familiarity is not intimacy.
The best way to get close to God is to make over His Son.
Our relationship with Christ is to be “up close and personal.” What lover wants to court from a distance? You have to be close to Him, if you’re going to cling to Him. Saintly Brainard said, “I want to be so close to Jesus that I can hear His heart beat.” John the Beloved would have said, “Amen” to that statement, for, you remember it was he who leaned his head on Jesus’ bosom. When will we learn, familiarity is not intimacy.
The best way to get close to God is to make over His Son.
Nov 13, 2008
Check the Price Tag
"Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.” The reserved, conservative, religious Jews could only surmise that these Spirit-filled disciples had gone over the edge. They had become fanatical. Someone defined the word, when used in Christian circles today, as meaning “someone closer to God than me.”
There is a cost to being filled with the Holy Ghost. The lives of John the Baptist, Stephen, and Paul, along with a host of other humble believers, as well as Jesus, testify to this fact. As a preacher of old used to say, “There is no Pentecost without plenty-cost.” The price tag on a powerful race car is much more than that of a mope-along four cylinder.
All Christians want the power of God until they check the price tag.
There is a cost to being filled with the Holy Ghost. The lives of John the Baptist, Stephen, and Paul, along with a host of other humble believers, as well as Jesus, testify to this fact. As a preacher of old used to say, “There is no Pentecost without plenty-cost.” The price tag on a powerful race car is much more than that of a mope-along four cylinder.
All Christians want the power of God until they check the price tag.
Nov 11, 2008
A Book and It's Author
Recently my wife and older son Andrew drove form our home in Northern CA. to the Los Angeles area. The purpose was to hear and meet an author my wife had been reading after; our son had recommended him to her. The book is entitled, “What’s So Great About Christianity?” The author’s name is Dinesh D’Souza. She was so taken up with the book she would not be satisfied until meeting the writer. She was thrilled when introduced to him by our son.
Is this not the way it should be in the Christian life? We begin by reading the Word of God; and then we are so impressed, we long to know the God of the Word. How sad to see so many Believers today talking about and quoting this Divine Book, who do not know, or have an intimate knowledge of, the One who wrote it? They stop short, spending their entire Christian life in the outer court at the Laver (type of the Word) rather than continuing on and entering the Holy of Holies, where the Glory was. Every time God rends the veil of their lives so they can enter in, they patch the veil back up.
The purpose of knowing God’s Word is that it will ultimately lead one to knowing Him. Toward the end of David’s life he wanted to show his son Solomon the importance of this great find, “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy Father.” This was also Paul’s one great desire. As an old man, he tells the Philippians of this longing, “That I may know him…”
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him. (John Milton)
Is this not the way it should be in the Christian life? We begin by reading the Word of God; and then we are so impressed, we long to know the God of the Word. How sad to see so many Believers today talking about and quoting this Divine Book, who do not know, or have an intimate knowledge of, the One who wrote it? They stop short, spending their entire Christian life in the outer court at the Laver (type of the Word) rather than continuing on and entering the Holy of Holies, where the Glory was. Every time God rends the veil of their lives so they can enter in, they patch the veil back up.
The purpose of knowing God’s Word is that it will ultimately lead one to knowing Him. Toward the end of David’s life he wanted to show his son Solomon the importance of this great find, “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy Father.” This was also Paul’s one great desire. As an old man, he tells the Philippians of this longing, “That I may know him…”
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him. (John Milton)
Oct 26, 2008
Feeding the Feeder
As a new-born babe in Christ, I remember listening to The Old-Fashioned Revival Hour and Radio Bible Class every Sunday morning before church. On the weekdays, it was Back to the Bible. How I was fed through their ministries. Much of my spiritual growth as a Christian I attribute directly to these marvelous ministries.
Though I believe, generally speaking, one should tithe through their local assembly (if they are being fed and nourished from the Word of God), I also preached and practiced the truth that your offerings could prayerfully be given to a ministry, or ministries, that have been a blessing to you.
I am so thankful, as I look back over the years, that I supported some of these ministries on a regular basis. I knew what they did for me, and I dearly wanted them to do the same for others.
How I appreciate now that little handful of faithful friends who financially help us each month. A seasoned preacher told me when I first started out, “You feed God’s people and they’ll feed you.” I call it, “feeding the feeder. I praise God for my “feeders!”
“If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?” (1 Cor. 9:11)
Though I believe, generally speaking, one should tithe through their local assembly (if they are being fed and nourished from the Word of God), I also preached and practiced the truth that your offerings could prayerfully be given to a ministry, or ministries, that have been a blessing to you.
I am so thankful, as I look back over the years, that I supported some of these ministries on a regular basis. I knew what they did for me, and I dearly wanted them to do the same for others.
How I appreciate now that little handful of faithful friends who financially help us each month. A seasoned preacher told me when I first started out, “You feed God’s people and they’ll feed you.” I call it, “feeding the feeder. I praise God for my “feeders!”
“If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?” (1 Cor. 9:11)
Oct 21, 2008
Inside Issues
In the future, from time to time, I will be writing about what I believe to be some serious problems within the Body of Christ (Inside Issues). Mind you, this is only one man’s humble opinion. It comes from an old disciple’s observance of an institution he has dearly loved and been an intricate part of for more than half a century. I’m speaking of The Church of Jesus Christ.
Today I’d like to discuss the Christian and politics. I want to cover this controversial subject a little differently from that which is generally presented. One’s involvement in the political process, I believe, is up to an individual’s conscience before God. My position is that of the little proverbial saying, “Some can, others can’t.” And as far as which of the two is better, I think we could apply Paul’s words to each side, “…neither…are we the better; neither …are we the worse.”
My concern is not with a believer’s involvement in governmental affairs, but their entanglement. Paul warns us, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life.” It seems to me when preachers and churches intertwined with the world, they lost the power of God. When your brand of Christianity is accepted and applauded by this world, you have the wrong sort. Jesus said the world hated Him, and it will hate us. We need to be more concerned with God’s acceptance than the world’s corrupt system.
God said He would have spared Sodom had Lot been a Spiritual influence rather than getting tangled up in their political affairs (Gen.19:9). As D.L. Moody said, “It’s alright for the ship to be in the water, but it sinks when the water gets in the ship.” Separation is not isolation, but insulation without contamination. Even a casual reading of the book of Acts would settle many doubts as to a Christian and politics.
You’ll never straighten out this world with crooked Christians.
Today I’d like to discuss the Christian and politics. I want to cover this controversial subject a little differently from that which is generally presented. One’s involvement in the political process, I believe, is up to an individual’s conscience before God. My position is that of the little proverbial saying, “Some can, others can’t.” And as far as which of the two is better, I think we could apply Paul’s words to each side, “…neither…are we the better; neither …are we the worse.”
My concern is not with a believer’s involvement in governmental affairs, but their entanglement. Paul warns us, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life.” It seems to me when preachers and churches intertwined with the world, they lost the power of God. When your brand of Christianity is accepted and applauded by this world, you have the wrong sort. Jesus said the world hated Him, and it will hate us. We need to be more concerned with God’s acceptance than the world’s corrupt system.
God said He would have spared Sodom had Lot been a Spiritual influence rather than getting tangled up in their political affairs (Gen.19:9). As D.L. Moody said, “It’s alright for the ship to be in the water, but it sinks when the water gets in the ship.” Separation is not isolation, but insulation without contamination. Even a casual reading of the book of Acts would settle many doubts as to a Christian and politics.
You’ll never straighten out this world with crooked Christians.
Oct 18, 2008
Caught in the Middle
The story is told of a young man during the Civil War who wanted to play it safe, so he put on Yankee pants and a Rebel coat. But, to his dismay, he was shot at by both sides. And so, without compromise, I hope to appease both sides of a warring issue, but feel I’m in a no-win position. I speak of the Atonement. Was it universal or particular; was it for all or only the elect?
As much as one side “wrestles the scriptures,” it still comes out, “He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” If you change “the whole world” to mean something else; then you must do it later on in John’s first Epistle when he writes, “The whole world lieth in wickedness.” On the other side of the coin, to deny God has an elect people, you must take a penknife, as Jehudi of old, and cut out great portions of scripture.
And so, is it universal or limited? His atonement is sufficient for all, but only efficient to those who believe. We are to, “…do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Watch these two words in italics as they’re used elsewhere. “[He] is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”
To me, this is the only way you can make a legitimate offer of the gospel to the whole world. For those who believe in a “Limited Atonement” limit God’s love for the world. But, on the other hand, those who detest “Election,” as the old preacher said, “That’s why God didn’t elect you; He knew you wouldn’t like it.”
Well that’s it, and I can already sense some taking aim.
As much as one side “wrestles the scriptures,” it still comes out, “He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” If you change “the whole world” to mean something else; then you must do it later on in John’s first Epistle when he writes, “The whole world lieth in wickedness.” On the other side of the coin, to deny God has an elect people, you must take a penknife, as Jehudi of old, and cut out great portions of scripture.
And so, is it universal or limited? His atonement is sufficient for all, but only efficient to those who believe. We are to, “…do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Watch these two words in italics as they’re used elsewhere. “[He] is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”
To me, this is the only way you can make a legitimate offer of the gospel to the whole world. For those who believe in a “Limited Atonement” limit God’s love for the world. But, on the other hand, those who detest “Election,” as the old preacher said, “That’s why God didn’t elect you; He knew you wouldn’t like it.”
Well that’s it, and I can already sense some taking aim.
Oct 9, 2008
A Divine Invitation
If I understand it right, no one can approach a king on his throne except by the king’s personal approval. Esther realized this when she told Mordecai, “...whoever...shall come unto the king...who is not called...[shall be] put...to death.” That is, she adds, “...except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre.” She went on to say, “...I have not been called to come unto the king these thirty days.”
How I thank God that I can approach my King anytime, day or night—not with fear and trembling, but with full assurance in my heart. I am told I can enter boldly on the basis of the blood of His Son. Jesus is God’s “sceptre of righteousness” which God has reached out to me. Because of this, we have a Divine invitation to approach His throne. “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy (for past failures), and find grace to help (for the present) in time of need.” Yes, there are warnings in the Book of Hebrews, but, overall, it is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, books in the Bible on assurance and comfort for the believer.
Years ago, a man in England named Dr. Barnardo, took in little waifs from the streets of London. He clothed, fed, and gave them a home. One little fellow entered his office on a certain night, requesting help. The doctor asked who had recommended him. The reply from the little urchin was, “I thought these tattered clothes would be recommendation enough.”
Oh, how I thank God I can come to His throne today, knowing my tattered, soiled rags of failures and shortcomings will be recommendation enough for help in my time of need!
How I thank God that I can approach my King anytime, day or night—not with fear and trembling, but with full assurance in my heart. I am told I can enter boldly on the basis of the blood of His Son. Jesus is God’s “sceptre of righteousness” which God has reached out to me. Because of this, we have a Divine invitation to approach His throne. “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy (for past failures), and find grace to help (for the present) in time of need.” Yes, there are warnings in the Book of Hebrews, but, overall, it is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, books in the Bible on assurance and comfort for the believer.
Years ago, a man in England named Dr. Barnardo, took in little waifs from the streets of London. He clothed, fed, and gave them a home. One little fellow entered his office on a certain night, requesting help. The doctor asked who had recommended him. The reply from the little urchin was, “I thought these tattered clothes would be recommendation enough.”
Oh, how I thank God I can come to His throne today, knowing my tattered, soiled rags of failures and shortcomings will be recommendation enough for help in my time of need!
Sep 25, 2008
Doom's Day
“And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them…” The disciples were in the midst of the sea, toiling in the storm. Jesus was on high, praying. It was when His elect were engulfed in darkness, with the wind and the waves raging all about them, that Christ left His place of intercession and came to them, walking on a liquid floor.
Throughout the Scriptures, you find God always showing up at the last minute. You can look for Him when all hope is taken away. He waits till the fourth watch, when it’s the darkest, so that we will not be tempted to say later, “…mine own hand hath gotten me this.”
And so it will be with His Second Coming. The darkest hour of the night is just before the dawn. The morning watch (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.) is when those who are watching can see the “Bright and Morning Star.” As the night intensifies, you can look for “The Star” to show up.
This is not a Doom’s Day approach; it’s about His Glorious Appearing.
Throughout the Scriptures, you find God always showing up at the last minute. You can look for Him when all hope is taken away. He waits till the fourth watch, when it’s the darkest, so that we will not be tempted to say later, “…mine own hand hath gotten me this.”
And so it will be with His Second Coming. The darkest hour of the night is just before the dawn. The morning watch (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.) is when those who are watching can see the “Bright and Morning Star.” As the night intensifies, you can look for “The Star” to show up.
This is not a Doom’s Day approach; it’s about His Glorious Appearing.
Sep 20, 2008
Getting Into Hot Water
Jesus didn’t get into trouble with His Jewish brethren for glorifying God. He got into hot water because He glorified Him at their expense. As long as He didn’t bring them and theirs into the picture, everything was fine. But when He put God before their exalted personalities (Abraham, Moses, etc.) and their religious rituals and rites (the Sabbath, Circumcision, etc.) they went after His scalp.
Not much has changed from those olden times. Many of the brethren today are all for glorifying God, as long as it doesn’t show them up. But, if you take away the outward spiritual tinsel, leaving them bare, with God towering over them, they’ll be looking for a cross to nail you to, also. Characteristically, these personalities and pet projects that are passed off as spiritual, must not be overshadowed by God; He is to take His place at the end of the line.
People such as this can never sincerely pray the prayer of A.W. Tozer: “God, glorify thyself, and do it at my expense.”
Not much has changed from those olden times. Many of the brethren today are all for glorifying God, as long as it doesn’t show them up. But, if you take away the outward spiritual tinsel, leaving them bare, with God towering over them, they’ll be looking for a cross to nail you to, also. Characteristically, these personalities and pet projects that are passed off as spiritual, must not be overshadowed by God; He is to take His place at the end of the line.
People such as this can never sincerely pray the prayer of A.W. Tozer: “God, glorify thyself, and do it at my expense.”
Sep 19, 2008
You Can't Change the Unchangeable
“Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?” There are some things in our lives that will never change. True, God can give both of these a new nature. The Ethiopian eunuch can testify to this as well as the leopard that lies down with the kid. But neither has a change of their skin or spots. They will always remain the same. Some are like Sisera’s mother, anticipating something that is never going to happen.
We need to read again the little “Prayer of Serenity”:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
C.S. Lewis says, “Don’t you think the things people are most ashamed of are those things they can’t help?” I believe this to be true. But I also believe we should be ashamed of those things we can help and refuse to change.
I can’t change the wind’s direction, but I can change my own.
We need to read again the little “Prayer of Serenity”:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
C.S. Lewis says, “Don’t you think the things people are most ashamed of are those things they can’t help?” I believe this to be true. But I also believe we should be ashamed of those things we can help and refuse to change.
I can’t change the wind’s direction, but I can change my own.
Sep 15, 2008
Are Babies in Heaven?
There is a difference of opinion on the above question. The Scriptures are not too clear on the subject. My personal belief is that they are not; my reason for saying this is the same as that of no old people being there: imperfection. What mother going to Heaven before her infant would want it to remain a baby on earth? She would want it to grow and mature. It seems to me we will all be of a perfect age. Our Lord died in the prime of life and stayed that way.
No matter your position on the subject, one thing all of us should agree on is that maturity is one of the great necessities of life. Most all our problems stem from this lack. We hear a lot about growth today in the Christian realm, but Peter tells us that along with growth, there should be knowledge of the Lord Jesus. The result of growth without knowledge is retardation.
Paul told the Philippian believers he had lost everything for the knowledge of Christ. C.S. Lewis said, “The process of growing up is to be valued for what we gain, not for what we lose.”
A person doesn’t know anything until they know Christ intimately. (Col.2:3)
No matter your position on the subject, one thing all of us should agree on is that maturity is one of the great necessities of life. Most all our problems stem from this lack. We hear a lot about growth today in the Christian realm, but Peter tells us that along with growth, there should be knowledge of the Lord Jesus. The result of growth without knowledge is retardation.
Paul told the Philippian believers he had lost everything for the knowledge of Christ. C.S. Lewis said, “The process of growing up is to be valued for what we gain, not for what we lose.”
A person doesn’t know anything until they know Christ intimately. (Col.2:3)
Sep 12, 2008
*Faith's Funeral
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone...For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” A living faith has works; if not, it’s in a coffin. Is it any wonder that we are exhorted to “...be careful to maintain good works.” The judgment seat of Christ is not about the existence of works in a Christian’s life, but the quality of their works. We are to assume all believers have them, of one “sort” or another.
Jesus told His disciples that when men saw their good works, they would glorify the Father in Heaven. Good works are something we can leave behind for our loved ones to remember us by. “Dorcas...was full of good works...and all the widows stood by him [Peter] weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.” And, ultimately, they will follow us to Heaven: “...and their works do follow them.”
If James were living today, I imagine he would have come from Missouri—the “show-me” state. “Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” In other words, James believed we ought to “put-up or shut-up.”
Like a rowboat, the Christian life has two oars—faith and works; take away one, and you go in circles.
Jesus told His disciples that when men saw their good works, they would glorify the Father in Heaven. Good works are something we can leave behind for our loved ones to remember us by. “Dorcas...was full of good works...and all the widows stood by him [Peter] weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.” And, ultimately, they will follow us to Heaven: “...and their works do follow them.”
If James were living today, I imagine he would have come from Missouri—the “show-me” state. “Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” In other words, James believed we ought to “put-up or shut-up.”
Like a rowboat, the Christian life has two oars—faith and works; take away one, and you go in circles.
Sep 10, 2008
*Were or Are?
“And such were some of you." It is not "then"; it is "now." It is not the past; it is the present. It is not what you were; it's what you are that counts with God and is what should occupy our minds. An old Methodist preacher used to say, "A person who builds his life on his past is destined to fall."
Paul only gave his testimony two times in Acts. That's twice in some thirty years, and both times it was given out of necessity. The Apostle's epistles give little space to our being "in Adam" in comparison to our being "in Christ." Dwelling on the former can bring on a state of defeat, but dwelling on the latter brings victory.
Constantly inspecting a corrupt corpse can cause morbidity and depression. Like the man of Gadara, we need to leave the tombs and go among the living. The Prodigal's father said of his son, "This my son was dead, and is alive again." Let us dwell on the "is," not on the "was."
A person can do nothing about who he was, but can, who he is.
Paul only gave his testimony two times in Acts. That's twice in some thirty years, and both times it was given out of necessity. The Apostle's epistles give little space to our being "in Adam" in comparison to our being "in Christ." Dwelling on the former can bring on a state of defeat, but dwelling on the latter brings victory.
Constantly inspecting a corrupt corpse can cause morbidity and depression. Like the man of Gadara, we need to leave the tombs and go among the living. The Prodigal's father said of his son, "This my son was dead, and is alive again." Let us dwell on the "is," not on the "was."
A person can do nothing about who he was, but can, who he is.
Sep 7, 2008
*One Bad Experience
I was a boy of eight or nine and had just finished playing baseball on an extremely hot day. I stopped at the corner ice cream parlor on my way home and got a delicious, creamy, vanilla ice cream cone. After consuming about half of it, while heading for the house, I got horribly sick and brought it all up. From that day, I never ate that flavor again until recent years.
How many of us in life are like this? We spend years blaming others for one bad experience, when all the time, it would never have transpired had it not been for the condition we were in at the time. What is so pitiful about the whole thing is that we could be enjoying that thing or person we blame if we only admitted it was not them or it that was the cause, but us! I now thoroughly love vanilla, but cringe when I think of the wasted years of enjoyment I forfeited by living on one bad experience.
How many of us in life are like this? We spend years blaming others for one bad experience, when all the time, it would never have transpired had it not been for the condition we were in at the time. What is so pitiful about the whole thing is that we could be enjoying that thing or person we blame if we only admitted it was not them or it that was the cause, but us! I now thoroughly love vanilla, but cringe when I think of the wasted years of enjoyment I forfeited by living on one bad experience.
Sep 3, 2008
*Divine Interruption
“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell...” In recounting this event to others, Peter said, “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell…” I am so thankful to say that I have been in such services—services where God interrupted preaching, singing, and even the praying. I was once asked, “What do you do when God gets in it?” My reply was, “I get out of it.”
The Bible teaches order, but not at the expense of God interrupting that order. I am not against bulletins listing the order of the service, but let us be careful we do not organize God out of them. You cannot dictate time to an eternal God.
Let’s be more concerned about our heart’s burning than the Sunday roast.
The Bible teaches order, but not at the expense of God interrupting that order. I am not against bulletins listing the order of the service, but let us be careful we do not organize God out of them. You cannot dictate time to an eternal God.
Let’s be more concerned about our heart’s burning than the Sunday roast.
Aug 31, 2008
*Throw Away Your Catcher's Mitt
“Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And [Jesus] said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you” They could not get Jesus entangled in the affairs of others. He could have given the right answer, but He would have been meddling in business that was not His own. To have gone out on the limb, so to speak, would have had one of the two parties cut it off. When we invade areas that are none of our business, we do it to our own hurt.
In Richard Carlson’s book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…And It’s All Small Stuff, he has a chapter on this very subject. Though his book is not Christian, it has many Christian principles. One of his philosophical quips is “If someone throws you the ball, you don’t have to catch it.” He mentions our tendency to jump on board someone else’s problem and how we assume, because they throw us a concern, we must catch it and respond. He goes on to say, you have a choice; you don’t have to catch the ball. I’ve made up my mind, and I hope you will, too, that I’m not going to play in that game.
There are bodies who are busy; then there are busy-bodies.
In Richard Carlson’s book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…And It’s All Small Stuff, he has a chapter on this very subject. Though his book is not Christian, it has many Christian principles. One of his philosophical quips is “If someone throws you the ball, you don’t have to catch it.” He mentions our tendency to jump on board someone else’s problem and how we assume, because they throw us a concern, we must catch it and respond. He goes on to say, you have a choice; you don’t have to catch the ball. I’ve made up my mind, and I hope you will, too, that I’m not going to play in that game.
There are bodies who are busy; then there are busy-bodies.
Aug 29, 2008
*Free Will
The sovereignty of God and the free will of man have been argued and debated from early Church history. Good and godly men have held opposing views—John Calvin and John Wesley, to name two. In spite of all the endless debates by some of the greatest minds, it is still unsettled. And I believe it will remain so until we get to Heaven and see them as two separate train tracks coming together in an arch.
Admittedly, I do not understand these two seemingly opposite doctrines, but, at the same time, I believe them to be equally true. Having said this let me give you my personal convictions about these twins, and how they relate to my own life.
Five times it is said of Lucifer (Satan) before his fall, “I will...” Of our first parents we are told, “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat.” It seems from the first, that each time someone could exercise their free will, they chose wrongly. Therefore, I am fearful of my free will. I find it best to say, “Not my will, but thy will.”
God works in me both to will and do His will. I’m so thankful He didn’t leave me to work out my own.
Admittedly, I do not understand these two seemingly opposite doctrines, but, at the same time, I believe them to be equally true. Having said this let me give you my personal convictions about these twins, and how they relate to my own life.
Five times it is said of Lucifer (Satan) before his fall, “I will...” Of our first parents we are told, “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat.” It seems from the first, that each time someone could exercise their free will, they chose wrongly. Therefore, I am fearful of my free will. I find it best to say, “Not my will, but thy will.”
God works in me both to will and do His will. I’m so thankful He didn’t leave me to work out my own.
Aug 28, 2008
*A Divine Peek Behind Closed Doors
“…and thy Father, which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” This phrase, I believe, is found three times in Matthew chapter six. And, if it teaches anything, it certainly tells us that what we do behind closed doors, where only God can see us, is of vital importance to our public lives. For it is in the secret place that we determine what the reward will be in public. It seems today there is a great desire to put oneself on public display. And the result is a tragic amount of casualties.
I am sure most of us are familiar with the story when young David was brought before Saul, who questioned whether such a youth was qualified to face the giant, Goliath. When being challenged by Saul for his lack of military experience, as well as his youth, out of necessity, David told of an experience he had had in secret. This young man had fearlessly killed a lion and a bear, single-handedly, while shepherding his flock. We can now understand God rewarding him openly by helping him slay his giant.
Each of us, no matter what our age or maturity as Christians, will have “giants” that we will be confronted with in the public arena of life. Our victories over these will be determined by our personal victories in secret, behind closed doors. Never underestimate the importance of that part of your life that is secret.
Remember, the most important part of your life is the part that only God sees.
I am sure most of us are familiar with the story when young David was brought before Saul, who questioned whether such a youth was qualified to face the giant, Goliath. When being challenged by Saul for his lack of military experience, as well as his youth, out of necessity, David told of an experience he had had in secret. This young man had fearlessly killed a lion and a bear, single-handedly, while shepherding his flock. We can now understand God rewarding him openly by helping him slay his giant.
Each of us, no matter what our age or maturity as Christians, will have “giants” that we will be confronted with in the public arena of life. Our victories over these will be determined by our personal victories in secret, behind closed doors. Never underestimate the importance of that part of your life that is secret.
Remember, the most important part of your life is the part that only God sees.
Aug 26, 2008
*Those Contemptible Contemporaries
“Say not thou...that the former days were better than these.” To some, the past was better than the present, and they believe the future will even surpass that. But to such sad souls the present is the worse time in which anyone could live. I find that people who believe and say this are unwilling to put forth any effort in making the present excel the past. We know this can be accomplished, for we have the past to go on.
To the many who despise and detest anything that smacks of the new or modern I would remind that everything was so at one time. The advantage of the old is that it has had time to be tried and proven. Thus, with age, it has become vintage. Many things that are contemporary and thus viewed as being contemptible now, will someday be cherished by others. Remember, Jesus said, “...the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that...bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” And don’t forget, Jesus is going to “make all things new.” You can sit and reminisce about the past; just make sure you live in the reality of the present, and work to make it better.
The old paths we are to ask for were paved by the contemptible contemporaries of that day.
To the many who despise and detest anything that smacks of the new or modern I would remind that everything was so at one time. The advantage of the old is that it has had time to be tried and proven. Thus, with age, it has become vintage. Many things that are contemporary and thus viewed as being contemptible now, will someday be cherished by others. Remember, Jesus said, “...the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that...bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” And don’t forget, Jesus is going to “make all things new.” You can sit and reminisce about the past; just make sure you live in the reality of the present, and work to make it better.
The old paths we are to ask for were paved by the contemptible contemporaries of that day.
Aug 23, 2008
*Contented Admiration
Those characteristics we admire in others and lack in our own lives, undoubtedly, are the cause of so much emulation among us. We are not content to admire another’s attributes and gift’s; we must have them. Or at least act as though we do. There are things that are unique about each of us that others do not, and will not, ever possess. It’s called individuality. And what a boring, bland world it would be without it.
Each of us has his or her strengths and shortcomings. We all desire to be in possession of the first, but want nothing to do with the latter. But that is not how it works. God ordained that we should complement each other. Another’s strength, undergirds my weakness, and visa versa. In other words, God fixed it so that we should need each other. No man is an island. We all need someone to help us on to God.
Individuality does not mean independence.
Each of us has his or her strengths and shortcomings. We all desire to be in possession of the first, but want nothing to do with the latter. But that is not how it works. God ordained that we should complement each other. Another’s strength, undergirds my weakness, and visa versa. In other words, God fixed it so that we should need each other. No man is an island. We all need someone to help us on to God.
Individuality does not mean independence.
Aug 20, 2008
*He'll Get Around to You
After Jesus called His disciples, He began to teach and preach in various towns. The men who followed Him had left loved ones, livelihoods, homes, and their childhood communities. It would be only human for them to want their friends and families to meet their Master and miracle- worker. Who would not long for Him to do, among their own, what they observed Him doing with others?
God is not forgetful of our devotion and obedience to Him. In Luke’s Gospel, chapter eleven, we are told, “...he [Christ] departed thence to teach and to preach in their [disciples’] cities.” If we are patient, Jesus will always get around to us. We may be sure that what He has been, and is doing in other homes, lives, churches, and cities, we will experience also, if we but follow and obey Him as He ministers to others.
God may start with the first house on the block, but be sure He’ll visit you, in time.
God is not forgetful of our devotion and obedience to Him. In Luke’s Gospel, chapter eleven, we are told, “...he [Christ] departed thence to teach and to preach in their [disciples’] cities.” If we are patient, Jesus will always get around to us. We may be sure that what He has been, and is doing in other homes, lives, churches, and cities, we will experience also, if we but follow and obey Him as He ministers to others.
God may start with the first house on the block, but be sure He’ll visit you, in time.
Aug 18, 2008
Bursting Bubbles
“…every man at his best state is altogether vanity.” Old or young, prince or pauper, wise or a fool—when they have reached the top will find themselves at the bottom. This truth is for all men; none is excluded. Flesh is flesh; therefore, the carnal Christian is included in this cauldron with its sickening stench.
I’m fearful for these carnivorous Christian achievers who mingle among us today. What a surprise it will be when they arrive at their zenith and hear, not “Well done,” but, rather, “Vanity of vanities.” And, if you would like to know what vanity is, it’s what’s left after you break a soap bubble. And, believe me; God knows how to burst our bubbles.
For any Christian “professional,” who may be reading this, allow me to give you my homespun definition of the word: “Professionalism is man at his best without God.”
Achievers never achieve without God.
I’m fearful for these carnivorous Christian achievers who mingle among us today. What a surprise it will be when they arrive at their zenith and hear, not “Well done,” but, rather, “Vanity of vanities.” And, if you would like to know what vanity is, it’s what’s left after you break a soap bubble. And, believe me; God knows how to burst our bubbles.
For any Christian “professional,” who may be reading this, allow me to give you my homespun definition of the word: “Professionalism is man at his best without God.”
Achievers never achieve without God.
Aug 17, 2008
God is Behind the Scene
I do not understand the intricate movements of my watch. Everything seems to move contrary to the other. So it is with God’s dealings in my life, yet I know they all work for my good. When time is no more, I’ll be able to look back and see every movement of my life was for my benefit regardless of how trying the circumstances.
The axe cannot cut without a hand first picking it up, and no instrument can be used against me unless the Lord first gives His approval. In spite of who brings the affliction to us, it is God that sends it. Augustine observes that the Bible did not say, “The Lord gave and the devil took away: but, the Lord hath taken away.” The hand that slaps me across the face could have been torn from its socket by Almighty God when it was first lifted up against me, had He chosen to do so.
May God help us today to see Him behind every affliction in our lives. May we learn to look past the instrument that brings the pain, to Him who works it for our good. In every unpleasant situation, bringing to mind Joseph’s words, “Ye thought evil against me, but God meant it for good.” Amen.
The axe cannot cut without a hand first picking it up, and no instrument can be used against me unless the Lord first gives His approval. In spite of who brings the affliction to us, it is God that sends it. Augustine observes that the Bible did not say, “The Lord gave and the devil took away: but, the Lord hath taken away.” The hand that slaps me across the face could have been torn from its socket by Almighty God when it was first lifted up against me, had He chosen to do so.
May God help us today to see Him behind every affliction in our lives. May we learn to look past the instrument that brings the pain, to Him who works it for our good. In every unpleasant situation, bringing to mind Joseph’s words, “Ye thought evil against me, but God meant it for good.” Amen.
Aug 15, 2008
Letter to a Friend (5 of 5)
To My Four Unique Christian Friends,
I have written to each of you, personally and briefly. Please allow me now, in this last letter, to humbly address all four of you. There are some things I’ve observed in my ministry of over fifty years that I’d like to pass along to you.
Our greatest error and danger today is in seeking to develop the characteristics of the other. The real challenge is to accept one’s own temperament and rely upon the Holy Spirit within to emphasize the unique virtues we possess, while subduing our weaknesses that are inclined to surface from time to time.
Let us always keep before us David’s words in Psalms: “It is he [God] that made us, and not we ourselves.” It was David who refused to go in someone else’s armor. We’d be wise to follow his example.
Marred, yes; discarded, never! (Jer.18:1-6)
I have written to each of you, personally and briefly. Please allow me now, in this last letter, to humbly address all four of you. There are some things I’ve observed in my ministry of over fifty years that I’d like to pass along to you.
Our greatest error and danger today is in seeking to develop the characteristics of the other. The real challenge is to accept one’s own temperament and rely upon the Holy Spirit within to emphasize the unique virtues we possess, while subduing our weaknesses that are inclined to surface from time to time.
Let us always keep before us David’s words in Psalms: “It is he [God] that made us, and not we ourselves.” It was David who refused to go in someone else’s armor. We’d be wise to follow his example.
Marred, yes; discarded, never! (Jer.18:1-6)
Letter to a Friend (4 of 5)
To My Faithful Friend: Melancholic,
It must be very difficult for one with your perfectionist spirit to take constructive criticism from your other “siblings.” Some of the things I’ve heard said about you are: “He is slow to embrace new concepts”; “When he meets resistance, he lacks resilience to come back”; “It never occurs to him that others do not share his ideas”; “He has real difficulty accepting human failure”; “He is so easily hurt, especially by those close to him”; “He has trouble interacting with others when it’s not on the level of his choice”; “And his frequent bouts with depression are difficult to be around.”
You are such a loyal and devoted friend that these things, for the most part, fade into obscurity. The thing that dwarfs all your faults and shortcomings is your intimate relationship with God. The intimacy and devotion are like a love affair. Your depth and dedication to our Lord is exceeded by none. Your lofty conception of God is many times misunderstood by those around you.
When one loves God with all his being, as you do, I find it hard to major on your minor faults. You are in the category with Elijah, Moses, David, and John the Beloved. I don’t think you, or others, should feel too badly about yourself. “Let him that is without sin cast the first stone.”
It must be very difficult for one with your perfectionist spirit to take constructive criticism from your other “siblings.” Some of the things I’ve heard said about you are: “He is slow to embrace new concepts”; “When he meets resistance, he lacks resilience to come back”; “It never occurs to him that others do not share his ideas”; “He has real difficulty accepting human failure”; “He is so easily hurt, especially by those close to him”; “He has trouble interacting with others when it’s not on the level of his choice”; “And his frequent bouts with depression are difficult to be around.”
You are such a loyal and devoted friend that these things, for the most part, fade into obscurity. The thing that dwarfs all your faults and shortcomings is your intimate relationship with God. The intimacy and devotion are like a love affair. Your depth and dedication to our Lord is exceeded by none. Your lofty conception of God is many times misunderstood by those around you.
When one loves God with all his being, as you do, I find it hard to major on your minor faults. You are in the category with Elijah, Moses, David, and John the Beloved. I don’t think you, or others, should feel too badly about yourself. “Let him that is without sin cast the first stone.”
Letter to a Friend (3 of 5)
To My Christian Friend: Choleric,
It seems to me that those whom the Lord has gifted most (as the great Apostle) must all their lives bear a thorn in their flesh. This certainly seems to be true in your case. I understand that an angry spirit has plagued you all your life, along with other gouging unpleasantries. Your ability to inspire is sometimes overshadowed by intimidation. Your lack of patience and disgust with those who show little depth is well known, and those who maneuver and manipulate can provoke you to bitterness. Unlike some of your “siblings,” when you fall, it’s not a short one, but all the way down. All this can make for one lonely person.
Though few, if any, would be willing to carry your negative characteristics throughout life, they covet the attributes you possess. No one can question you genuineness. Personal acclaim and recognition have never been your sole concern. Your militant spirit has given courage to many to fight the good fight of faith. From your kind come heroes, founders, zealots, and achievers. Your principles are unshakable. The total dedication to Christ, with no half-measures, is inspiring to all. And your awareness of God is matched by few.
Your Christian family understands how difficult it must be to carry around all your excess baggage. I know it’s a tremendous burden to you, but, thank you for not allowing your chipped pitcher to keep you from giving us fresh water. We respect you for this.
Your Friend
It seems to me that those whom the Lord has gifted most (as the great Apostle) must all their lives bear a thorn in their flesh. This certainly seems to be true in your case. I understand that an angry spirit has plagued you all your life, along with other gouging unpleasantries. Your ability to inspire is sometimes overshadowed by intimidation. Your lack of patience and disgust with those who show little depth is well known, and those who maneuver and manipulate can provoke you to bitterness. Unlike some of your “siblings,” when you fall, it’s not a short one, but all the way down. All this can make for one lonely person.
Though few, if any, would be willing to carry your negative characteristics throughout life, they covet the attributes you possess. No one can question you genuineness. Personal acclaim and recognition have never been your sole concern. Your militant spirit has given courage to many to fight the good fight of faith. From your kind come heroes, founders, zealots, and achievers. Your principles are unshakable. The total dedication to Christ, with no half-measures, is inspiring to all. And your awareness of God is matched by few.
Your Christian family understands how difficult it must be to carry around all your excess baggage. I know it’s a tremendous burden to you, but, thank you for not allowing your chipped pitcher to keep you from giving us fresh water. We respect you for this.
Your Friend
Aug 14, 2008
Letter to a Friend (2 of 5)
To Phlegmatic, Christian and Friend:
Let me begin by saying how terribly sorry I am for not understanding you better, as well as for having misrepresented you over the years of our friendship. Because it’s your nature to be unemotional and detached, it appeared to me that you were indifferent and passionless in your friendships.
Like most people who judge others, I never looked for your good qualities, only those I ignorantly thought to be inferior. How blind I’ve been to those areas where you excel: your adaptability; your direct approach to solving problems; your sense of duty and responsibility; your obedience; the stabilizing effect you have on people, especially groups; how you never intentionally rock the boat. And I covet the spirit you display in having no need for the attention of others.
In closing, on behalf of our entire Christian family, let me say that we appreciate you more than you can know. We realize now you have a deep love and loyalty to our Lord, and your spirit of “keeping on” when others have thrown in the towel has been an inspiration to the whole household of God.
Your Friend
Let me begin by saying how terribly sorry I am for not understanding you better, as well as for having misrepresented you over the years of our friendship. Because it’s your nature to be unemotional and detached, it appeared to me that you were indifferent and passionless in your friendships.
Like most people who judge others, I never looked for your good qualities, only those I ignorantly thought to be inferior. How blind I’ve been to those areas where you excel: your adaptability; your direct approach to solving problems; your sense of duty and responsibility; your obedience; the stabilizing effect you have on people, especially groups; how you never intentionally rock the boat. And I covet the spirit you display in having no need for the attention of others.
In closing, on behalf of our entire Christian family, let me say that we appreciate you more than you can know. We realize now you have a deep love and loyalty to our Lord, and your spirit of “keeping on” when others have thrown in the towel has been an inspiration to the whole household of God.
Your Friend
Aug 13, 2008
Letter to a Friend (1 of 5)
My Dear Christian Sanguine,
I was going to write you and your three “siblings” together, but I felt that each of you deserves a personal letter. Though I am not into psychology, I know a little of what it has to say about each of you. The interesting thing is that all four of you were found in the Bible before you were ever named. It’s amazing how modern the Old Book is!
Sanguine, I realize at times you are misunderstood by us who are your brethren because of some of your characteristics. Your talkativenesss, impulsiveness, restlessness, etc, can often get on people’s nerves. Some say you’re not a great thinker, and, as a result, are shallow. Say what they will, but I, for one, thank God each time I meet you. You always brighten up my life. Your cheerful spirit, winning smile, and refusal to take offense, bless my soul.
Whatever your shortcomings, they are overshadowed by your childlike faith, your undying gratitude to God for the smallest of blessings, along with your delight in the simple things of life. I honestly do not know what this dull, drab world would do without your smiling face. Stick in there; we all need you.
Your Friend
I was going to write you and your three “siblings” together, but I felt that each of you deserves a personal letter. Though I am not into psychology, I know a little of what it has to say about each of you. The interesting thing is that all four of you were found in the Bible before you were ever named. It’s amazing how modern the Old Book is!
Sanguine, I realize at times you are misunderstood by us who are your brethren because of some of your characteristics. Your talkativenesss, impulsiveness, restlessness, etc, can often get on people’s nerves. Some say you’re not a great thinker, and, as a result, are shallow. Say what they will, but I, for one, thank God each time I meet you. You always brighten up my life. Your cheerful spirit, winning smile, and refusal to take offense, bless my soul.
Whatever your shortcomings, they are overshadowed by your childlike faith, your undying gratitude to God for the smallest of blessings, along with your delight in the simple things of life. I honestly do not know what this dull, drab world would do without your smiling face. Stick in there; we all need you.
Your Friend
Commentaries and Dictionaries
“The holy scriptures...are able to make thee...perfect, throughly furnished…” After all is said and done, it must be admitted the Bible is all we need for doctrine and rule of life. I am not against helps that benefit us as long as we realize the Word of God needs no crutches. Since most of us, at best, are innately lazy, we grow weary seeking and searching for the hidden treasures of the Word. So we spend a lot of time and money on modern machinery, believing we can mine-out its riches the easy way.
I am not contentious over the various translations used by men, but this old man is content that the 1611 KJV he has used for over half a century is God’s Word to the English-speaking world. I go so far as to say it is perfect, without error, preserved by God. It is its own best dictionary and commentary. It interprets itself; it proves itself. Other translations contain the Word, but the old 1611 Is the Word.
I am told the word “inspiration” (2 Tim.3:16), in the Greek, means “God-breathed,” but my A.V. English translation explains the Greek. Psalm 33:6 “By the word of the Lord...by the breath of his mouth.” As to archaic words, the old book is accurate again. The word “spew,” found in Revelation 3:16, is interpreted as “vomit” in Leviticus 18:28,25. The meaning of Christ (“the anointed”) can be found by comparing Psalm 2:2 and Acts 4:26. There be many other things of which I cannot write at this time, such as this Bible being self-correcting concerning publishers’ typographical errors. Our computer does; why not God?
Addendum: Just recently in devotions I got this. I’ve been searching for it for fifty years. The meaning of Holy (Lk.2:23). It means Sanctify (Ex.13:2). And those two words mean Set Apart (Ex.13:12). Got that without the Hebrew or Greek!)
All this is crazy, you say? Maybe so; but if so, don’t forget you are told to comfort this feeble old man!
God has only one Living Word and He has only one Written Word.
I am not contentious over the various translations used by men, but this old man is content that the 1611 KJV he has used for over half a century is God’s Word to the English-speaking world. I go so far as to say it is perfect, without error, preserved by God. It is its own best dictionary and commentary. It interprets itself; it proves itself. Other translations contain the Word, but the old 1611 Is the Word.
I am told the word “inspiration” (2 Tim.3:16), in the Greek, means “God-breathed,” but my A.V. English translation explains the Greek. Psalm 33:6 “By the word of the Lord...by the breath of his mouth.” As to archaic words, the old book is accurate again. The word “spew,” found in Revelation 3:16, is interpreted as “vomit” in Leviticus 18:28,25. The meaning of Christ (“the anointed”) can be found by comparing Psalm 2:2 and Acts 4:26. There be many other things of which I cannot write at this time, such as this Bible being self-correcting concerning publishers’ typographical errors. Our computer does; why not God?
Addendum: Just recently in devotions I got this. I’ve been searching for it for fifty years. The meaning of Holy (Lk.2:23). It means Sanctify (Ex.13:2). And those two words mean Set Apart (Ex.13:12). Got that without the Hebrew or Greek!)
All this is crazy, you say? Maybe so; but if so, don’t forget you are told to comfort this feeble old man!
God has only one Living Word and He has only one Written Word.
Aug 12, 2008
*Dangerous Inventions
The word “invent,” in one form or another, is found eight times in the Bible. It means to create by the exercise of the imagination; to think; to weave; to fabricate; to contrive. Most of the time, it’s used in a bad setting.
As Christians, we need to be conscious that we are not guilty of concocting some new invention in our “laboratories.” Jacob and his mother schemed together, using their own ingenuity, to invent a plan to bring to pass the will of God. Be careful, lest God leave us to our own “witty inventions.”
Amos tells us that when God’s people were not in a right relationship with Him, they “invent[ed] to themselves instruments of music like David.” When we are carnal, we are prone to invent something that mimics the spiritual. We need something to substitute for our lack of spirituality.
Beware that we do not invent something to our own destruction; remember Dr. Frankenstein.
As Christians, we need to be conscious that we are not guilty of concocting some new invention in our “laboratories.” Jacob and his mother schemed together, using their own ingenuity, to invent a plan to bring to pass the will of God. Be careful, lest God leave us to our own “witty inventions.”
Amos tells us that when God’s people were not in a right relationship with Him, they “invent[ed] to themselves instruments of music like David.” When we are carnal, we are prone to invent something that mimics the spiritual. We need something to substitute for our lack of spirituality.
Beware that we do not invent something to our own destruction; remember Dr. Frankenstein.
On Being a Good Listner
A preacher acquaintance of mine was holding a revival. He told the people that if they would bring a friend who had not yet heard him, they would receive a nice gift. The next night, a little boy marched up to him with his friend to receive his much awaited prize. Upon seeing the little guest, the minister commented that he had noticed him there the previous night, therefore disqualifying him, since he had already heard him. The little boy would not be outdone, and said, “Oh, that’s OK preacher; he heard you, but he wasn’t listening to a thing you said!”
How true this is of us, not only with our Lord, but with one another. We hear, but few of us listen. To me, hearing is the information side, but listening is the assimilation part. Listening takes effort, concentration, along with concern. If what we hear is not absorbed, becoming a part of us, then, as Jesus said, it will be “cast out into the draught.” Like young Joshua of old, we hear the sound, but we can’t discern.
We are so interested in what we have to say, it’s hard for us to listen to others attentively. This is derived from a superior attitude. Talkers are not learners; listeners are. I guess this accounts for all the ignorance in the world today. There are a lot of lonely, hurting people who long for someone to listen to them. God help us to not just hear them, but to listen.
“Swift to hear, slow to speak.” So says the Scriptures.
How true this is of us, not only with our Lord, but with one another. We hear, but few of us listen. To me, hearing is the information side, but listening is the assimilation part. Listening takes effort, concentration, along with concern. If what we hear is not absorbed, becoming a part of us, then, as Jesus said, it will be “cast out into the draught.” Like young Joshua of old, we hear the sound, but we can’t discern.
We are so interested in what we have to say, it’s hard for us to listen to others attentively. This is derived from a superior attitude. Talkers are not learners; listeners are. I guess this accounts for all the ignorance in the world today. There are a lot of lonely, hurting people who long for someone to listen to them. God help us to not just hear them, but to listen.
“Swift to hear, slow to speak.” So says the Scriptures.
Aug 10, 2008
*It Doesn't Fit There
One of a child’s first learning skills is fitting different shapes of wooden pieces (squares, ovals, pegs, etc.) into a board with corresponding empty spaces. It seems the most frustrating time is when they realize a square peg doesn’t fit in a round hole, no matter how many times it is tried.
Nothing is more pointless or fruitless than repeatedly attempting the same thing, in the same way, and expecting different results. When will we “grown-ups” learn to cease trying continually to make things fit into our lives that were never meant to be placed there?
Nothing is more pointless or fruitless than repeatedly attempting the same thing, in the same way, and expecting different results. When will we “grown-ups” learn to cease trying continually to make things fit into our lives that were never meant to be placed there?
Aug 9, 2008
*God's Highway to Happiness
“And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people...like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.” So says Isaiah concerning God’s elect who had gotten themselves into a real mess. There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that He could and would do it, for He had done it before. Therefore, they could sing to one another, “It is no secret what God can do/ What He’s done for others He’ll do for you.”
There is always a way out of any and all situations, if we will but look for it and then courageously take it by faith. Most certainly there will be mountains of difficulties on this road as on that of the world’s. The difference is that God removes the mountains for those on His road. Zerubbabel found this to be true. God speaking to this man’s difficulty says, “Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain.”
God can turn gloomy days into glorious ones; it all depends on which road we chose to travel. At the end of God’s highway is happiness!
There is always a way out of any and all situations, if we will but look for it and then courageously take it by faith. Most certainly there will be mountains of difficulties on this road as on that of the world’s. The difference is that God removes the mountains for those on His road. Zerubbabel found this to be true. God speaking to this man’s difficulty says, “Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain.”
God can turn gloomy days into glorious ones; it all depends on which road we chose to travel. At the end of God’s highway is happiness!
Aug 7, 2008
Difference is Divine.
“[He] made the stars also...one star differeth from another star...” We sometimes hear the worn out cliché, when referring to a person who is a strong individualist, “God threw away the mold when he made him.” The inference is that those who are left are all alike. The truth of the matter is, when God made each of us, He threw away the mold. No two people are exactly alike—not even, so-called identical twins. God is a God of variety. Both now on earth and in our resurrection bodies, each will differ from the other.
Only on the human assembly line of life are replicas made. Mankind has an affinity for look-alikes, act-alikes, and think-alikes. As my younger daughter used to say of such people, when she was a little tyke, “They’re “same-alikes.” Paul recognized this truth when he wrote to the Christians at Corinth saying, “For who maketh thee to differ from another?” The simple answer, of course, is: God did.
Let us not allow anyone, especially the religious world, to put us in a man made mold. Be yourself, and don’t be ashamed of it. Put off Saul’s armor, and be the person you are. Something supernatural happens when a person is willing to be their natural self. Read the story of David and Goliath.
Don’t be a carbon copy; be an original.
Only on the human assembly line of life are replicas made. Mankind has an affinity for look-alikes, act-alikes, and think-alikes. As my younger daughter used to say of such people, when she was a little tyke, “They’re “same-alikes.” Paul recognized this truth when he wrote to the Christians at Corinth saying, “For who maketh thee to differ from another?” The simple answer, of course, is: God did.
Let us not allow anyone, especially the religious world, to put us in a man made mold. Be yourself, and don’t be ashamed of it. Put off Saul’s armor, and be the person you are. Something supernatural happens when a person is willing to be their natural self. Read the story of David and Goliath.
Don’t be a carbon copy; be an original.
*Identical Cloth
“I thank thee, that I am not as other men are...” Be careful; words such as these are always associated with a pharisaical spirit, whether they be spoken audibly or a hidden attitude of the heart. The truth is, we are all cut from the same cloth. There is nothing in life that touches another that we are not susceptible to. The Scriptures tell us it is common to all men.
The people of James’ day, like many of us, believed the Patriarchs of old to be in a separate category from them. Thus, James speaks of one such saint as being “a man of like passions as we are.” Peter made the grave mistake that so many of us are making: “Although all shall...yet will not I.” The most dangerous words that can come from our lips are, “How could they do such a thing? I would never do that.” Whenever we see or hear of such things, we need to remind ourselves, “But for the grace of God, there go I.” Paul admonishes believers to consider their own selves, lest they end up in similar circumstances.
We become vulnerable when we vaunt ourselves against another.
The people of James’ day, like many of us, believed the Patriarchs of old to be in a separate category from them. Thus, James speaks of one such saint as being “a man of like passions as we are.” Peter made the grave mistake that so many of us are making: “Although all shall...yet will not I.” The most dangerous words that can come from our lips are, “How could they do such a thing? I would never do that.” Whenever we see or hear of such things, we need to remind ourselves, “But for the grace of God, there go I.” Paul admonishes believers to consider their own selves, lest they end up in similar circumstances.
We become vulnerable when we vaunt ourselves against another.
Aug 6, 2008
The Place to Transact Business
"They were pricked to their heart and said…Men and brethren, what shall we do?” I’ve had scores of Christians through the years tell me they liked preaching that stepped on their toes. I, personally, would rather hear the type that treads on my heart. For men, like Daniel’s image, have feet of clay and are prone to break in pieces when stepped on.
An old preacher advised me years ago to preach to the heart. He said, “When you get a man’s heart, you’ve got the whole man.” Every mother with wayward children knows this, even if we Christians do not. This is what Jesus did; He knew all of life’s issues proceed from the heart.
If you’re going to hit the bulls-eye, you must shoot straight for the heart.
An old preacher advised me years ago to preach to the heart. He said, “When you get a man’s heart, you’ve got the whole man.” Every mother with wayward children knows this, even if we Christians do not. This is what Jesus did; He knew all of life’s issues proceed from the heart.
If you’re going to hit the bulls-eye, you must shoot straight for the heart.
Aug 5, 2008
Cannot or Wil lNot
"I cannot dig.” There are many things in life we cannot do, but any can dig. It does not take a PhD. The most ignorant can do it. Unless one is lame or too feeble, there is no excuse for not picking up a shovel when necessary. It’s not that we are unable, but, rather, unwilling, to involve ourselves in such lowly employment.
“I cannot,” in many cases, is “I will not.” It is not a natural disability, but a moral one that keeps us from the grimiest jobs. Jesus, though a King, washed His disciples’ feet. He was more than willing to do the dirtiest and filthiest of jobs. In fact, he didn’t even have to be told to do it; He volunteered. While the disciples were concerned with who among them was the greatest, He took the place of the lowliest.
When you’re too high for a lowly task, you’re too low for a high one.
“I cannot,” in many cases, is “I will not.” It is not a natural disability, but a moral one that keeps us from the grimiest jobs. Jesus, though a King, washed His disciples’ feet. He was more than willing to do the dirtiest and filthiest of jobs. In fact, he didn’t even have to be told to do it; He volunteered. While the disciples were concerned with who among them was the greatest, He took the place of the lowliest.
When you’re too high for a lowly task, you’re too low for a high one.
Aug 4, 2008
*The Besetting Sin
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” Brethren, not only in the flesh, but in the Lord. An unbelieving heart was the cause of their departing from God, and it will produce the same ruin in us. “Parting is such sweet sorrow,” says Shakespeare, but there is no “sweet” to it, if it is departing from God—it’s just sorrow.
Departure from God exists first in the heart then manifests itself in the life. Indulging in unbelief in any form or subject is the one great source of all alienation from God. To distrust God is to depart from Him.
We feel it is of little consequence whether we have faith or not, provided our conduct is right. But you can have a clean life and behind it hide an evil heart of unbelief. Only the man who lives a life of faith in God is safe, and none else are safe but him.
Till men have faith in Christ, their best services are but glorious sins. (Thomas Brooks, Puritan)
Departure from God exists first in the heart then manifests itself in the life. Indulging in unbelief in any form or subject is the one great source of all alienation from God. To distrust God is to depart from Him.
We feel it is of little consequence whether we have faith or not, provided our conduct is right. But you can have a clean life and behind it hide an evil heart of unbelief. Only the man who lives a life of faith in God is safe, and none else are safe but him.
Till men have faith in Christ, their best services are but glorious sins. (Thomas Brooks, Puritan)
Aug 2, 2008
Count to One-Hundred First
There’s a little home-spun, philosophical proverb that has been around since I was a boy. It goes something like this: Before you say or do anything you might be sorry for later on, first count to one-hundred. That is a wise thing to do, and I’m sure it has helped untold numbers of people.
But something that would have saved me a lot of heartache and grief, had someone thought of it, would have been this: Before you give in to depression, first count one-hundred blessings God has given you. I’m not a psychologist, but it seems to me that depression is basically derived from using a microscope instead of a telescope. It’s zooming in on one particular, minute thing, rather than looking at the big picture.
My darkest days used to be those when I had forgotten all God’s blessings upon my life. During those melancholy times, I’d centered my attention on, and magnify one thing. I could only see the little cancerous cell by itself, and not all the good tissue around it. It is the healthy cells that will help you overcome that individual bad one.
The song writer wrote “Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your blessings, see what God hath done! Count your blessings, name them one by one; and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”
Maybe some of us should take a piece of blank paper and write down one-hundred blessings God has given us. It is one cure for spiritual depression that will work every time.
“If I should count them, they are more than the sand.” (Psalm 139:18)
But something that would have saved me a lot of heartache and grief, had someone thought of it, would have been this: Before you give in to depression, first count one-hundred blessings God has given you. I’m not a psychologist, but it seems to me that depression is basically derived from using a microscope instead of a telescope. It’s zooming in on one particular, minute thing, rather than looking at the big picture.
My darkest days used to be those when I had forgotten all God’s blessings upon my life. During those melancholy times, I’d centered my attention on, and magnify one thing. I could only see the little cancerous cell by itself, and not all the good tissue around it. It is the healthy cells that will help you overcome that individual bad one.
The song writer wrote “Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your blessings, see what God hath done! Count your blessings, name them one by one; and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”
Maybe some of us should take a piece of blank paper and write down one-hundred blessings God has given us. It is one cure for spiritual depression that will work every time.
“If I should count them, they are more than the sand.” (Psalm 139:18)
Aug 1, 2008
It's a Wonderful Life
"...love life, and see good days..." Here Peter is quoting David from the Old Testament. A spiritually healthy Christian loves life, no matter how difficult it may be at times. Certainly, there are brief intervals when the circumstances are such that some would wish to die. Of such were Job, Moses, Elijah, and Jonah. But they soon snapped out of it and changed their minds.
It is the man who sees the world through the natural eye who says, "So I hated life." To such a person, life seems irrational and futile. But the spiritual eye sees that God had a purpose and plan for our inhabiting this planet.
To the child of God who lives by promises rather than explanations, this can be a wonderful life. To be sure, we may not enjoy the prick of the thorns along the way, but the scent of the Rose of Sharon more than makes up for the few hurts we may incur. Just as the woman who travails in birth "remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man child is born," so we forget our sufferings in the presence of the Man, Christ Jesus.
To enjoy life you must first enjoy the Lord.
It is the man who sees the world through the natural eye who says, "So I hated life." To such a person, life seems irrational and futile. But the spiritual eye sees that God had a purpose and plan for our inhabiting this planet.
To the child of God who lives by promises rather than explanations, this can be a wonderful life. To be sure, we may not enjoy the prick of the thorns along the way, but the scent of the Rose of Sharon more than makes up for the few hurts we may incur. Just as the woman who travails in birth "remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man child is born," so we forget our sufferings in the presence of the Man, Christ Jesus.
To enjoy life you must first enjoy the Lord.
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