It was after the Voice from Heaven said, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased,” that the devil tempted Jesus forty days and forty nights. It was after Joshua’s victory over Jericho that he suffered the humbling defeat by little Ai. The devil will allow us a victory if he thinks he can spoil us by it. After feeding the five thousand, they attempted to make Jesus a king, but He got alone and prayed.
The hour of victory can be a more sever testing than when we experience defeat. We learn a lot from adversity, but little from prosperity. We can be richer by failures sometimes, and poorer by our successes. Many of us can take the barren, cold of winter, but not the heat of summer with its ripe fruits.
The real test of a Christian is seen after they slay their giant. It says of David, the shepherd boy, “David behaved himself wisely.” He was not consumed by pride. He acted as though he had never slain Goliath. His friends did not have to daily listen to him recounting his triumph, feeling obligated to compliment him each time the story was told.
We often tarnish our victories by putting them in a showcase for all to see, and all that happens is that they gather dust. When Paul said, “forgetting those things which are behind,” it included our victories also.
Enjoy your victories, but keep a watch.
May 25, 2009
May 23, 2009
*A Life Worth Living
Many Christians follow the Epicurean philosophy: “Let us eat, drink, and be merry; for tomorrow we die.” They indulge, but they don’t enjoy, in spite of the fact we are told God gave us all things richly to enjoy. Why, then, the emptiness when they are full? the hunger pains after eating? and the sorrow after elation? It is because they have left God out of their lives. Like the man in Ecclesiastes who had it all but found life was not worth living without God.
To de-thrown God is to lose the key of life. All knowledge, mirth, and wealth leave a restless soul, apart from Him. Life is valueless without God. Every blessing becomes boresome, if He is absent. We become cynical, pessimistic, and even fatalistic. God is the Spice of Life, and without this Divine Ingredient, life is bland.
The wise man put God out of his life and lived only for the things “under the sun,” leaving him severely depressed. It’s beholding the One “over the sun” that makes life, and all that’s in it, an enjoyment. When we look into the mirror, we need to see the Creator’s image. If not, you’ll experience the vanity of an unyielded life.
There are those with lost souls, but saved lives; there are those with saved souls, but lost lives; I want a saved soul and a saved life.
To de-thrown God is to lose the key of life. All knowledge, mirth, and wealth leave a restless soul, apart from Him. Life is valueless without God. Every blessing becomes boresome, if He is absent. We become cynical, pessimistic, and even fatalistic. God is the Spice of Life, and without this Divine Ingredient, life is bland.
The wise man put God out of his life and lived only for the things “under the sun,” leaving him severely depressed. It’s beholding the One “over the sun” that makes life, and all that’s in it, an enjoyment. When we look into the mirror, we need to see the Creator’s image. If not, you’ll experience the vanity of an unyielded life.
There are those with lost souls, but saved lives; there are those with saved souls, but lost lives; I want a saved soul and a saved life.
May 22, 2009
Heroes Can Hinder
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord.” This is the personal testimony of Isaiah, as found in the sixth chapter of his book. It was not until his earthly king passed away, that he was able to see his Heavenly King.
Uzziah was, possibly, Isaiah’s hero. And it seems, in this case, that his hero hindered him from seeing the Lord. There is much talk today about young people having godly heroes. I think this can be very dangerous, since we are told that “man at his best state is altogether vanity.”
I believe Jesus Christ is the only hero anyone needs. He is the one Person we will never be disappointed in. Sooner or later, all our earthly heroes are proven to be made of clay.
Hero worship will ultimately leave us standing alone and dejected, at a freshly dug grave in some cemetery .
Uzziah was, possibly, Isaiah’s hero. And it seems, in this case, that his hero hindered him from seeing the Lord. There is much talk today about young people having godly heroes. I think this can be very dangerous, since we are told that “man at his best state is altogether vanity.”
I believe Jesus Christ is the only hero anyone needs. He is the one Person we will never be disappointed in. Sooner or later, all our earthly heroes are proven to be made of clay.
Hero worship will ultimately leave us standing alone and dejected, at a freshly dug grave in some cemetery .
May 21, 2009
We Judgmental Jerks
Like A.W. Tozer, there are some words used in today’s vernacular that absolutely cause me to cringe when hearing them. Such words as: share (it used to be give), awesome (which I personally reserve only for God), and life-style (usually connected with immoral living).
One such word that heads my list of no-no’s is the term judgmental. The world wants to do away with this type of person, so it will leave the field open to live any way one wants, without the nuisance of their conscience nagging them. One man in the Bible beheaded a judgmental prophet thinking to sooth his.
Interestingly, you will find the people who advocate silencing judgmental persons are themselves harshly judgmental of those very individuals they wish to hush-up. Life is made up of checks and balances. Take away judgment and you’re left with a “false balance.”
When the scripture speak of not judging, it is referring to one’s motive. I cannot judge why a person lies, commits adultery, murders, or steals; but I can judge the fact they have done these things. For you to judge a man who staggers as drunk, could be wrong; but you have every right to say, “That man staggers.”
“Only God has the right to judge me,” usually comes from the lips of someone who is in the wrong!
One such word that heads my list of no-no’s is the term judgmental. The world wants to do away with this type of person, so it will leave the field open to live any way one wants, without the nuisance of their conscience nagging them. One man in the Bible beheaded a judgmental prophet thinking to sooth his.
Interestingly, you will find the people who advocate silencing judgmental persons are themselves harshly judgmental of those very individuals they wish to hush-up. Life is made up of checks and balances. Take away judgment and you’re left with a “false balance.”
When the scripture speak of not judging, it is referring to one’s motive. I cannot judge why a person lies, commits adultery, murders, or steals; but I can judge the fact they have done these things. For you to judge a man who staggers as drunk, could be wrong; but you have every right to say, “That man staggers.”
“Only God has the right to judge me,” usually comes from the lips of someone who is in the wrong!
May 20, 2009
The Shocking Truth
My dear friend and mentor, Dr. Joe Henry Hankins used to say, “None of us are as spiritual as we like to think we are.” That is why we loathe crisis situations. Contrary to some people’s thinking, a crisis does not make the person; but rather, it reveals the person.
We’re prone to think more highly of ourselves than we actually are. Many of us go around drunk on self-esteem most of the time. But if God pulled back the shades of our hearts, showing us what is hidden therein, we would all be recluses.
Peter thought, like some of us, that he was a little better, and different from his brethren. But found to his chagrin, he was like the rest of his crowd. His problem was thinking “all men” could, but, never “him.” We need to be careful in thinking what we will, or will not, do (1Cor.10:12).
For those among us who have come to realize the frailty of the flesh through some humiliating experience, I quote the scholarly, yet humble, C.S. Lewis: “One falls so often that it hardly seems worth while picking oneself up and going through the farce of starting over again as if you could ever hope to walk. Still, this seemingly absurdity is the only sensible thing I do, so I must continue it.”
Christian living must be founded upon self-abhorrence and self-distrust because of indwelling sin. (J.I. Packer)
We’re prone to think more highly of ourselves than we actually are. Many of us go around drunk on self-esteem most of the time. But if God pulled back the shades of our hearts, showing us what is hidden therein, we would all be recluses.
Peter thought, like some of us, that he was a little better, and different from his brethren. But found to his chagrin, he was like the rest of his crowd. His problem was thinking “all men” could, but, never “him.” We need to be careful in thinking what we will, or will not, do (1Cor.10:12).
For those among us who have come to realize the frailty of the flesh through some humiliating experience, I quote the scholarly, yet humble, C.S. Lewis: “One falls so often that it hardly seems worth while picking oneself up and going through the farce of starting over again as if you could ever hope to walk. Still, this seemingly absurdity is the only sensible thing I do, so I must continue it.”
Christian living must be founded upon self-abhorrence and self-distrust because of indwelling sin. (J.I. Packer)
May 19, 2009
Another Kind Of Prophet
We hear much today about “Prophets of Doom,” but little or nothing of the “Prophets of Doubt.” The one has to do with the future, the latter with the present. There is a subtle movement abroad today within Evangelical circles that is questioning historic, tried and proved, Biblical truths. But God’s people need exclamation points in their lives, not question marks.
Doubt invariably begins with a question. Interestingly, each time Satan speaks in the Scripture, he starts with a question. And as any Bible student knows, he is the father of doubt. Using the law of first mention, we find him getting our first parents to question God’s Word. HIS PROMISED ENLIGHTENMENT LEFT ADAM AND EVE IN TOTAL DARKNESS!
Intellectual inquisitiveness is fine, as long as one is delving only into “… those things which are revealed belong[ing] unto us and to our children.” But one is way out of bounds when he or she attempts to probe into “The secret things belong[ing] unto the Lord our God!” (Deut. 29:29) That is none of your intellectual business; it is strictly out-of bounds. It’s no-man’s land. Wanting to be a little god will get you into big trouble.
Enjoy the overall scenery; leave the minute details to God.
Doubt invariably begins with a question. Interestingly, each time Satan speaks in the Scripture, he starts with a question. And as any Bible student knows, he is the father of doubt. Using the law of first mention, we find him getting our first parents to question God’s Word. HIS PROMISED ENLIGHTENMENT LEFT ADAM AND EVE IN TOTAL DARKNESS!
Intellectual inquisitiveness is fine, as long as one is delving only into “… those things which are revealed belong[ing] unto us and to our children.” But one is way out of bounds when he or she attempts to probe into “The secret things belong[ing] unto the Lord our God!” (Deut. 29:29) That is none of your intellectual business; it is strictly out-of bounds. It’s no-man’s land. Wanting to be a little god will get you into big trouble.
Enjoy the overall scenery; leave the minute details to God.
May 18, 2009
Your Worst Enemy
The evangelist D.L. Moody said, “No one gives D.L. Moody as much trouble as D.L. Moody.” The old adage, “You’re your own worst enemy,” is true of all of us who belong to Adam’s race. Our enemy is not without, but within. It is called in scripture, “The flesh.”
In spite of the fact that we are distinctly told that the flesh is weak, unprofitable, cannot please God, filthy, corrupt, and that there is no good in it, we are obsessed with persistently trying to improve it. We are continually in a re-modeling program of something God has condemned. Jesus said, “…flesh is flesh”; you can’t change it! Therefore we are to make no provision for it, for it has no inheritance in the Kingdom of God. We are admonished not to “…trust in the flesh.”
Because of the above truths, it is of up-most importance that we take this “Old man” to Calvary each day; and leaving him there on the cross, go by way of the empty tomb, leaving our grave clothes behind. Remember, my dear friend, without a death there can be no resurrection! Unless we daily drop off the old man at Golgotha, there can be no walking in newness of life.
What Saul spared ultimately killed him!
In spite of the fact that we are distinctly told that the flesh is weak, unprofitable, cannot please God, filthy, corrupt, and that there is no good in it, we are obsessed with persistently trying to improve it. We are continually in a re-modeling program of something God has condemned. Jesus said, “…flesh is flesh”; you can’t change it! Therefore we are to make no provision for it, for it has no inheritance in the Kingdom of God. We are admonished not to “…trust in the flesh.”
Because of the above truths, it is of up-most importance that we take this “Old man” to Calvary each day; and leaving him there on the cross, go by way of the empty tomb, leaving our grave clothes behind. Remember, my dear friend, without a death there can be no resurrection! Unless we daily drop off the old man at Golgotha, there can be no walking in newness of life.
What Saul spared ultimately killed him!
May 17, 2009
The Way Out is Up
“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” This Old Testament promise was given to Jeremiah, “while he was yet shut up in....prison.” Similarly, in the New Testament, Paul writes from a Roman dungeon, “Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
The bars of our circumstances do not confine God. Peter was chained between two sleeping soldiers, and an iron gate kept him prisoner. He would have stayed in that condition, “...but prayer was made without ceasing...unto God for him.” It is then that we read, “And his chains fell off,” and that, “the iron gate opened.” The only way to shake this world for God is by the means of prayer. We’re told of the early believers, “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken...” May God, “teach us to pray...” like this. The Lord, not one time, found fault with anyone for asking too often, or too largely. We all have only one problem today, and it’s a prayer problem.
The devil may use circumstances to temporarily shut me in, but he cannot shut me out from my eternal God.
The bars of our circumstances do not confine God. Peter was chained between two sleeping soldiers, and an iron gate kept him prisoner. He would have stayed in that condition, “...but prayer was made without ceasing...unto God for him.” It is then that we read, “And his chains fell off,” and that, “the iron gate opened.” The only way to shake this world for God is by the means of prayer. We’re told of the early believers, “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken...” May God, “teach us to pray...” like this. The Lord, not one time, found fault with anyone for asking too often, or too largely. We all have only one problem today, and it’s a prayer problem.
The devil may use circumstances to temporarily shut me in, but he cannot shut me out from my eternal God.
May 16, 2009
*There's No Back Doors
The Old Testament Tabernacle was designed in three parts: the Outter Court, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. Each had one entrance. The first was known as The Way; the second was referred to as The Door; and the third was called The Veil. In the New Testament, these three descriptive names are attached to the person of Jesus Christ alone.
In approaching God there were no back doors! If you did not come in by the one entrance He ordained, then there could be no communion with, or worship of, God. Jesus himself repudiated every other way, “…no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The right way leads to God, the wrong way leads from God. Crossing the right threshold means entering into the very presence of God Almighty.
The old-time Missions used to have lighted signs high over their buildings reading, “Christ is the Answer.” And He still is, my friend. He is not only the lone answer for salvation, but for all of life’s problems. If you will learn to immediately put Christ into the equation, you will find every problem that arises will have an answer to it; by leaving Him out, you will never get a correct or satisfactory answer.
It is a destructive addition to add anything to Christ. (Richard Sibbes)
In approaching God there were no back doors! If you did not come in by the one entrance He ordained, then there could be no communion with, or worship of, God. Jesus himself repudiated every other way, “…no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The right way leads to God, the wrong way leads from God. Crossing the right threshold means entering into the very presence of God Almighty.
The old-time Missions used to have lighted signs high over their buildings reading, “Christ is the Answer.” And He still is, my friend. He is not only the lone answer for salvation, but for all of life’s problems. If you will learn to immediately put Christ into the equation, you will find every problem that arises will have an answer to it; by leaving Him out, you will never get a correct or satisfactory answer.
It is a destructive addition to add anything to Christ. (Richard Sibbes)
May 15, 2009
It's Darkest Before the Dawn
“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.
Precisely because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments. C.S. Lewis
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.
Precisely because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments. C.S. Lewis
May 14, 2009
A Shave and a Haircut.
Speaking of Samson, the Bible says, “The hair of his head began to grow again.” And referring to David’s men, we’re told that their enemies, “…shaved off the one half of their beards”; to which the King counseled them, “Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown.” In the first instance, Samson brought the shame upon himself; in the latter case, it was someone else that caused the embarrassment.
But no matter, whether your fault or that of another, there is a natural process of time that both must go through. During this waiting period, it is of up-most importance that those who fit into the former category not constantly condemn themselves. As to the second group, bitterness toward the culprits needs to be put away. After forgiving oneself, and, or, others, both need to move on; and make plans for when your time comes again.
And your day will come, but not by constantly setting your clock back; that only delays the natural process. And habitually looking in the mirror to check if things are back to normal will only bring continued frustration. As my Granny used to say, “A watched pot never boils.” Having one’s head completely shaven, or sporting a bread that is only half of what it ought to be, can be overcome. Many of today’s useful and fruitful saints went through the same humiliating experiences.
“But when the fullness of the time was come, GOD...”
But no matter, whether your fault or that of another, there is a natural process of time that both must go through. During this waiting period, it is of up-most importance that those who fit into the former category not constantly condemn themselves. As to the second group, bitterness toward the culprits needs to be put away. After forgiving oneself, and, or, others, both need to move on; and make plans for when your time comes again.
And your day will come, but not by constantly setting your clock back; that only delays the natural process. And habitually looking in the mirror to check if things are back to normal will only bring continued frustration. As my Granny used to say, “A watched pot never boils.” Having one’s head completely shaven, or sporting a bread that is only half of what it ought to be, can be overcome. Many of today’s useful and fruitful saints went through the same humiliating experiences.
“But when the fullness of the time was come, GOD...”
May 13, 2009
Uncle Buddy
In the little paperback book entitled Sunshine and Smiles, the old-time Nazarene preacher, known as “Uncle Buddy” Robinson gives his life story. Like the man himself, his life was an unusual one. And so it comes with no surprise that his sermons and sayings, to say the least, were pleasingly unique.
One of his quaint outlines is on The Three Dispensations of the Trinity. I quote him: “Under the dispensation of the Father, salvation was measured to us by the cup. The Psalmist said: “…my cup runneth over.” Under the dispensation of the Son we had wells of salvation. Our blessed Christ said in John 4:14: “The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.” Under the dispensation of the Holy Ghost we have salvation in rivers. Christ said in John 7:38-39: “He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water…this spake He of the Spirit.”
I was thinking as I read this, how God, throughout the scriptures, always does things “…exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Notice, the cup runs over; the well is an artesian one, forever springing up; and it’s not a river, but rivers that gush forth. This certainly is not just life that God is speaking of, but an abundant life He has promised to each of His children. I wonder if we who are saved and sanctified can truthfully say that we’re also satisfied? If not, why not?
You may not be able to hold much, but you can overflow lots!
One of his quaint outlines is on The Three Dispensations of the Trinity. I quote him: “Under the dispensation of the Father, salvation was measured to us by the cup. The Psalmist said: “…my cup runneth over.” Under the dispensation of the Son we had wells of salvation. Our blessed Christ said in John 4:14: “The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.” Under the dispensation of the Holy Ghost we have salvation in rivers. Christ said in John 7:38-39: “He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water…this spake He of the Spirit.”
I was thinking as I read this, how God, throughout the scriptures, always does things “…exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Notice, the cup runs over; the well is an artesian one, forever springing up; and it’s not a river, but rivers that gush forth. This certainly is not just life that God is speaking of, but an abundant life He has promised to each of His children. I wonder if we who are saved and sanctified can truthfully say that we’re also satisfied? If not, why not?
You may not be able to hold much, but you can overflow lots!
May 11, 2009
*Our Lot in Life
“Thou maintainest my lot.” After Israel conquered the Promised Land, each tribe, except Levi, was assigned a special lot by inheritance. What a joy it is to let God choose our lot in life, instead of acting like the world and fighting for our place in the sun.
Be careful of planting your life somewhere other than where the Lord hath chosen! Jesus warned, “Every plant which my Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” The little saying, “Bloom where you’re planted,” will only blossom if it was God that did the planting.
Wherever the Lord plants us, you can be sure it will be a bed of roses; but He does not promise it will be without its thorns. He delighted to do His Father’s Will, but it, too, was not without its thorns. His promise is that He will maintain, as well as sustain us, wherever He places us. Therefore, “Play the hand you’re dealt.”
Be careful of planting your life somewhere other than where the Lord hath chosen! Jesus warned, “Every plant which my Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” The little saying, “Bloom where you’re planted,” will only blossom if it was God that did the planting.
Wherever the Lord plants us, you can be sure it will be a bed of roses; but He does not promise it will be without its thorns. He delighted to do His Father’s Will, but it, too, was not without its thorns. His promise is that He will maintain, as well as sustain us, wherever He places us. Therefore, “Play the hand you’re dealt.”
May 8, 2009
How to Shirk Responsibility
Refusing to take responsibility for one’s own actions began in the Garden of Eden. Adam was the first to blame a parent for his predicament (Gen.3:12). Since then, it is one of the classic characteristics of the human race. The blame game seems especially popular among this generation of young adults, from their thirties downward. Maybe it’s because those who are older have lived long enough to realize the futility of pointing the finger. Someone said, “You are not responsible for the programming you picked up in childhood. However, as an adult, you are one hundred percent responsible for fixing it.”
The purpose in blaming parents, or others, for one’s miserable life and all the mistakes they’ve made, is so that it does not fall upon them. It is easy to make someone else the scapegoat, excusing everything you have ever done. After all, who wants to accept responsibility for such colossal, and sometimes inexcusable, blunders? The one bad thing about not taking personal responsibility is that you give up the power to change; it leaves one impotent to improve. If you mess up, ‘fess up! The prodigal got out of the pig-sty when he acknowledged it was him, and no one else at fault. It is a terrible thing to grow old blaming parents or others for the way we are. One thing is for sure; this kind of person has never honestly faced the face they see when looking into the mirror!
But, “There is hope in thine end, saith the Lord.” The way to a fresh, vibrant, and meaningful life is found in simply taking personal responsibility. To re-phrase the Gospel song, “It’s not my Father, or my Mother, or someone else, O Lord; but me standing in need.” I heard an old preacher say once, “The secret of David’s relationship with God was that he was a good repenter.”
We have not passed that subtle line between childhood and adulthood until... we have stopped saying "It got lost," and say "I lost it." ~Sidney J. Harris
The purpose in blaming parents, or others, for one’s miserable life and all the mistakes they’ve made, is so that it does not fall upon them. It is easy to make someone else the scapegoat, excusing everything you have ever done. After all, who wants to accept responsibility for such colossal, and sometimes inexcusable, blunders? The one bad thing about not taking personal responsibility is that you give up the power to change; it leaves one impotent to improve. If you mess up, ‘fess up! The prodigal got out of the pig-sty when he acknowledged it was him, and no one else at fault. It is a terrible thing to grow old blaming parents or others for the way we are. One thing is for sure; this kind of person has never honestly faced the face they see when looking into the mirror!
But, “There is hope in thine end, saith the Lord.” The way to a fresh, vibrant, and meaningful life is found in simply taking personal responsibility. To re-phrase the Gospel song, “It’s not my Father, or my Mother, or someone else, O Lord; but me standing in need.” I heard an old preacher say once, “The secret of David’s relationship with God was that he was a good repenter.”
We have not passed that subtle line between childhood and adulthood until... we have stopped saying "It got lost," and say "I lost it." ~Sidney J. Harris
May 7, 2009
*Patient Praying
Today it seems you must choose one of two extremes as a Christian. Either you belong to the activist crowd who take things into their own hands, not taking time to wait on God; or, one who has joined in with those emphasizing the sovereignty of God, who end up sitting on their hands, thinking that waiting on God, is wasted time. These seem to forget that it was a sovereign God who made all the prayer promises.
We need to learn again the art of waiting on God with an assured anticipation. No one who does will ever be ashamed. If we will be victoriously patient in prayer then we will be victorious. Men and women who prayed in the Bible were short on words but long on waiting. By the way, God was never critical of anyone coming too often for His help or asking too largely. We need to follow the widow’s example in Luke chapter eighteen.
The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer that fetched the angel. (Thomas Watson)
We need to learn again the art of waiting on God with an assured anticipation. No one who does will ever be ashamed. If we will be victoriously patient in prayer then we will be victorious. Men and women who prayed in the Bible were short on words but long on waiting. By the way, God was never critical of anyone coming too often for His help or asking too largely. We need to follow the widow’s example in Luke chapter eighteen.
The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer that fetched the angel. (Thomas Watson)
May 5, 2009
*Knots on Our Noggin
Most of us are much more stubborn than we will admit. The way we keep ourselves from looking too bad is by comparing ourselves with someone worse. When it comes to justifying this sin, as well as other taboos in our lives, we find great solace that there is someone worse than what we consider ourselves to be.
Most of our problems stem from a stubborn determination to do our own thing. When Moses told Israel, “Go not up…” We are told, “…they presumed to go up…” And the result: humiliating defeat. Thus came to pass Moses’ words that if in their stubbornness they did go up, “…it [would] not prosper.”
While setting outside on our patio recently, I kept hearing a continual, small, bumping against the skirt of our mobile home. After investigation, I found a small grasshopper attempting to make a way through that metal sheet to get under our house. Though one may admire his persistence, sadly, in the end, it would all be futile. The poor little creature illustrated the proverbial saying about, “Beating your head against a wall.” And so do we, when we stubbornly try to get our own way with God.
Most of our problems stem from a stubborn determination to do our own thing. When Moses told Israel, “Go not up…” We are told, “…they presumed to go up…” And the result: humiliating defeat. Thus came to pass Moses’ words that if in their stubbornness they did go up, “…it [would] not prosper.”
While setting outside on our patio recently, I kept hearing a continual, small, bumping against the skirt of our mobile home. After investigation, I found a small grasshopper attempting to make a way through that metal sheet to get under our house. Though one may admire his persistence, sadly, in the end, it would all be futile. The poor little creature illustrated the proverbial saying about, “Beating your head against a wall.” And so do we, when we stubbornly try to get our own way with God.
*A Tribute to an Old Methodist Preacher
At the beginning of my Christian life I had the privilege of sitting under the ministry of the late Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. For some two weeks the old preacher drove home his Biblical philosophy of life. I can still see him cup his right hand around his mouth and shout out, “Do right if the stars fall.”
Whole messages were built around little, but powerful quips, such as: “You can do what you ought to do”; You’re either master or mastered”; “Keep on keeping on”; “Learn to blame yourself”; and “Finish the job.” Such aphorisms, lived out, can replace a limp backbone with a railroad spike.
A year of this kind of preaching in our pulpits would revolutionize our churches. It would once again produce real men and women who could stand up to any Goliath the devil sent their way. But I’m afraid there are far too many, milquetoast Christians who do not care for this brand of Christianity.
Oswald Chambers says, “Sometimes one must live as if there were no God.” This doesn’t sound spiritual, but there is more to it than meets the carnal eye. Those of us who have gone on in spite of feelings, circumstances, etc. have found God honors such raw courage in His children.
Whole messages were built around little, but powerful quips, such as: “You can do what you ought to do”; You’re either master or mastered”; “Keep on keeping on”; “Learn to blame yourself”; and “Finish the job.” Such aphorisms, lived out, can replace a limp backbone with a railroad spike.
A year of this kind of preaching in our pulpits would revolutionize our churches. It would once again produce real men and women who could stand up to any Goliath the devil sent their way. But I’m afraid there are far too many, milquetoast Christians who do not care for this brand of Christianity.
Oswald Chambers says, “Sometimes one must live as if there were no God.” This doesn’t sound spiritual, but there is more to it than meets the carnal eye. Those of us who have gone on in spite of feelings, circumstances, etc. have found God honors such raw courage in His children.
May 4, 2009
Cowboy Quips
There is something I’ve observed over my 75 years, and that is this: When Western Movies are popular, patriotism seems to be at its zenith. My daughter Leah gave me a book this past Christmas (‘08) that proves my point. The title of the book is, Cowboy Values, Recapturing What America Once Stood For. Its author is James P. Owen. It’s a must read for all patriots, as well as you cowboy fans. The pictures are worth the price of the book.
In his introduction, the writer says, “It’s time for the cowboy to regain his place as a leading American icon.” He goes on to say of this era, “It’s a culture in which character counts above all.” I especially like the line, “Cowboys stand for something—which means they have a clear, unshakable set of beliefs they live by each day.”
The following are some little quips from the book; they’re given in hopes of whetting your appetite, and that you might receive a blessing.
It’s not how you’re buried; it’s how they remember you.
A cowboy finds out how much a mere human can do, and then they do a little more. They reach beyond themselves.
There ain’t a horse that can’t be rode; there ain’t a cowboy that can’t be throwed.
Always tighten your own cinch.
If you’re lookin’ for a helping hand, try the one on the end of your own damn arm. (Sorry, but this is my favorite).
Do what needs doin’; scratch what needs scratchin’.
It ain’t about the hat and the boots.
Never cut what you can untie. (This is my second favorite).
A man who would die for something has everything to live for.
Never say “Whoa” in a tight spot.
A cowboy knows that the best things in life aren’t things.
‘Pard, you’ll do to ride the river with.” (The highest compliment a cowboy can pay to another—I say it of my wife, Salle, who has been at my side some 48 years).
In his introduction, the writer says, “It’s time for the cowboy to regain his place as a leading American icon.” He goes on to say of this era, “It’s a culture in which character counts above all.” I especially like the line, “Cowboys stand for something—which means they have a clear, unshakable set of beliefs they live by each day.”
The following are some little quips from the book; they’re given in hopes of whetting your appetite, and that you might receive a blessing.
It’s not how you’re buried; it’s how they remember you.
A cowboy finds out how much a mere human can do, and then they do a little more. They reach beyond themselves.
There ain’t a horse that can’t be rode; there ain’t a cowboy that can’t be throwed.
Always tighten your own cinch.
If you’re lookin’ for a helping hand, try the one on the end of your own damn arm. (Sorry, but this is my favorite).
Do what needs doin’; scratch what needs scratchin’.
It ain’t about the hat and the boots.
Never cut what you can untie. (This is my second favorite).
A man who would die for something has everything to live for.
Never say “Whoa” in a tight spot.
A cowboy knows that the best things in life aren’t things.
‘Pard, you’ll do to ride the river with.” (The highest compliment a cowboy can pay to another—I say it of my wife, Salle, who has been at my side some 48 years).
May 3, 2009
Salutations and Such
Paul’s prison epistle to the Colossians ends with “The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds.” Most all of the Apostle’s letters were dictated; but generally the salutations were by his own hand. Like our own signature at the end of a letter, it lent authority and credence to the correspondence.
I imagine as the old saint reached out his hand to take the quill, he became conscious of the weight of the chain around his wrist, and the Roman guard to which the other end was attached. It was a reminder of his confinement for Christ. And so in three simple words he makes a prayer request “Remember my bonds”. He took it that they were a thinking people; he did not have to spell it out for them. They certainly would understand all the implications.
I have found that those who are devoted to Christ and His cause are bound to something or someone and, if they could, would choose rather to be free. But how few of us realize that in our “dungeon of darkness”, like Paul of old, we do our greatest work; thereby becoming a great blessing to others.
Blessed chain that binds one to the Will of God!
I imagine as the old saint reached out his hand to take the quill, he became conscious of the weight of the chain around his wrist, and the Roman guard to which the other end was attached. It was a reminder of his confinement for Christ. And so in three simple words he makes a prayer request “Remember my bonds”. He took it that they were a thinking people; he did not have to spell it out for them. They certainly would understand all the implications.
I have found that those who are devoted to Christ and His cause are bound to something or someone and, if they could, would choose rather to be free. But how few of us realize that in our “dungeon of darkness”, like Paul of old, we do our greatest work; thereby becoming a great blessing to others.
Blessed chain that binds one to the Will of God!
May 1, 2009
The King's English
Grammarians tell us that the first person pronouns, I and me, are always placed last in compound constructions. But you will not find this so in “The King’s English.” Throughout God’s inspired writings we find Him breaking with this rule. For example, when speaking to Abraham, He says, “And I will make my covenant between me and thee.” Again in the New Testament, Jesus sets aside our so called “proper English” in His conversation with Peter. In the story about Peter finding a piece of money in a fish’s mouth for the purpose of paying their taxes, our Lord says, “…give unto them for me and thee.”
You may have proper sentence structure but with an improper life. My, Me, and I, never come before, Thee, Thou, and Thy. The “Great Grammarian” wrote, “…He is before all things.” We should not only have the right sentence structure, but our lives should be structured according to Him and not the world. That is, He always comes before me. And I don’t give a care what the grammarians say!
You may have proper sentence structure but with an improper life. My, Me, and I, never come before, Thee, Thou, and Thy. The “Great Grammarian” wrote, “…He is before all things.” We should not only have the right sentence structure, but our lives should be structured according to Him and not the world. That is, He always comes before me. And I don’t give a care what the grammarians say!
The Song Says it All
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
I wonder, when was the last time any of us came to our devotional time with any thought of obeying what we read? It seems the main thing for most of us is getting our required reading in for that day. As long as we can boast that we read our Bible through X amount of times in any particular year, that’s all that matters. We mistakenly believe this is all that is necessary to be blessed of God and to make one happy.
But the little book of James tells us that only those who obey the Word are blessed (Ja.1:21-25). And Jesus told His disciples, “Happy are ye if ye do them.” God’s top priority is unquestioning obedience to His Word. Some pseudo-sacrifice will not suffice with the Lord. You can’t buy Him off, no matter how impressive the gift. Saul found it’s possible to sacrifice without obeying; but it is impossible for one to obey and not offer up an acceptable sacrifice.
I close with a quote from the prolific pen of C.S. Lewis. “The Father can be well pleased in that Son only who adheres to the Father when apparently forsaken. The fullest grace can be received by those only who continue to obey during the dryest in which all grace seems to be withheld.”
I wonder, when was the last time any of us came to our devotional time with any thought of obeying what we read? It seems the main thing for most of us is getting our required reading in for that day. As long as we can boast that we read our Bible through X amount of times in any particular year, that’s all that matters. We mistakenly believe this is all that is necessary to be blessed of God and to make one happy.
But the little book of James tells us that only those who obey the Word are blessed (Ja.1:21-25). And Jesus told His disciples, “Happy are ye if ye do them.” God’s top priority is unquestioning obedience to His Word. Some pseudo-sacrifice will not suffice with the Lord. You can’t buy Him off, no matter how impressive the gift. Saul found it’s possible to sacrifice without obeying; but it is impossible for one to obey and not offer up an acceptable sacrifice.
I close with a quote from the prolific pen of C.S. Lewis. “The Father can be well pleased in that Son only who adheres to the Father when apparently forsaken. The fullest grace can be received by those only who continue to obey during the dryest in which all grace seems to be withheld.”
Apr 30, 2009
*Loose Ends
“…troubled about many things.” How like Martha some of us are. If we do not tie up all the loose ends, it leaves our stomachs in a knot.
The quicker we realize and accept the fact that there will always be things left undone, the happier and more content we will be. There is no way on earth to get all our ducks in a row. At least one will always be out of place.
The story is told of a little girl who cried when she learned to tie her shoe. Asked why she was crying, she replied, “Now I’ll have to do it the rest of my life!” Tying our shoes is the beginning of a lifetime of tying up loose ends.
The quicker we realize and accept the fact that there will always be things left undone, the happier and more content we will be. There is no way on earth to get all our ducks in a row. At least one will always be out of place.
The story is told of a little girl who cried when she learned to tie her shoe. Asked why she was crying, she replied, “Now I’ll have to do it the rest of my life!” Tying our shoes is the beginning of a lifetime of tying up loose ends.
Apr 29, 2009
What School Did You Attend?
"Now…Peter and John…were unlearned and ignorant men…” Not illiterate men, by any stretch of the imagination. Between these two “ignorant” fishermen, they wrote seven books of the New Testament! The absence of a formal education does not cancel out the presence of intelligence. They had not graduated from the approved rabbinical school of their day, but, though unlicensed and unapproved, they were attending “St. Mary’s Seminary” (sitting at Jesus’ feet).
Their Teacher came with the highest credentials in the universe. He was the incarnation of all wisdom and knowledge. Those in the schools of higher learning could not figure out how Christ obtained His education “How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?” And of His oratory they said, “Never man spake like this man.”
The intelligentsias of this world, along with the religionists, still “marvel” at such people. They’re without formal education, college diploma, or university training; yet, when they speak, people’s hearts are strangely moved and blessed. Talk to them about politics, education, philosophy, etc., and they may know little or nothing. But mention Christ, and you’re in for a lengthy, enlightening, and enjoyable time. It is apparent that such people “…have been with Jesus.”
Education is good; just don’t let it go to your head!
Their Teacher came with the highest credentials in the universe. He was the incarnation of all wisdom and knowledge. Those in the schools of higher learning could not figure out how Christ obtained His education “How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?” And of His oratory they said, “Never man spake like this man.”
The intelligentsias of this world, along with the religionists, still “marvel” at such people. They’re without formal education, college diploma, or university training; yet, when they speak, people’s hearts are strangely moved and blessed. Talk to them about politics, education, philosophy, etc., and they may know little or nothing. But mention Christ, and you’re in for a lengthy, enlightening, and enjoyable time. It is apparent that such people “…have been with Jesus.”
Education is good; just don’t let it go to your head!
Apr 26, 2009
This Plagiaristic World
A good definition of the word plagiarism is, “To take another’s writings and ideas and pass them off for your own.” Most certainly, all of us have assimilated a wealth of material from others in our lifetime. But this knowledge is now an unconscious part of us. It is when we are consciously aware of taking another’s writings and ideas, taking the credit for it ourselves, that we become frauds; or to put it more bluntly, literary thieves. I’m sure Ralph Waldo Emerson had a tongue-in-cheek when he wrote, “All my best thoughts were stolen by the ancients.”
This world knows full well that its judicial laws (Deuteronomy), plots for movies and books (the hero on the white horse), along with its quaint sayings, (“the patience of Job”), have been stolen from God’s Word. Why will they not own up to this fact? Simple, then they would have to recognize that everything else in this life was received from their Creator. As John said, “A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven.”
We Christians are also sometimes guilty of plagiarizing God. That is, taking credit for something that was first His idea. We pass it off as if it originally came from us (Eccl.1:9). We have a problem admitting, “It is God which worketh in [us] both to will, and to do of his good pleasure.” Or as Paul puts it in another place, “What hast thou that thou didist not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
God uses those He can trust with His Glory. (A.W. Tozer)
This world knows full well that its judicial laws (Deuteronomy), plots for movies and books (the hero on the white horse), along with its quaint sayings, (“the patience of Job”), have been stolen from God’s Word. Why will they not own up to this fact? Simple, then they would have to recognize that everything else in this life was received from their Creator. As John said, “A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven.”
We Christians are also sometimes guilty of plagiarizing God. That is, taking credit for something that was first His idea. We pass it off as if it originally came from us (Eccl.1:9). We have a problem admitting, “It is God which worketh in [us] both to will, and to do of his good pleasure.” Or as Paul puts it in another place, “What hast thou that thou didist not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
God uses those He can trust with His Glory. (A.W. Tozer)
Apr 25, 2009
Parental Respect
“And the Lord had respect unto Abel…But unto Cain…he had not respect.” God’s love is unconditional, but it is not so with His respect; that must be earned. Today, it seems not to matter to some of the Lord’s children whether they have His respect or not. He does not mete out His respect indiscriminately, but only, rather, to those who merit it. And who are these meritorious marvels? To be sure, they are not to be found in some elite group. They come from all sorts of spiritual backgrounds. But each has one characteristic that qualifies them for God’s smile: they are obedient to His revealed Will.
In our text, we have two grown children who were brought up in the same environment, had identical teaching, and saw the same example, yet the one chose to go his own way. No doubt, like many in our time, he felt his father’s faith was no longer relevant. Some adult children mistakenly believe their sibling or siblings, who receive their father’s and mother’s respect, are the parents pet. And as a result, like Cain of old, end up with a hateful spirit. But this is far from the truth. It’s just that those who live out the parental principles they were taught while at home are the recipients of their parent’s respect.
I have found those who care nothing about having God’s and their parent’s respect, are void of any self-respect. When children are small, they’re to obey their parents but when grown, they’re to honor them. And the best way to honor them is by living out their parent’s godly principles in their own daily lives. Not necessarily to the letter, but most certainly in the spirit. This does not take away individuality from one’s life, but it does add respectability.
In our text, we have two grown children who were brought up in the same environment, had identical teaching, and saw the same example, yet the one chose to go his own way. No doubt, like many in our time, he felt his father’s faith was no longer relevant. Some adult children mistakenly believe their sibling or siblings, who receive their father’s and mother’s respect, are the parents pet. And as a result, like Cain of old, end up with a hateful spirit. But this is far from the truth. It’s just that those who live out the parental principles they were taught while at home are the recipients of their parent’s respect.
I have found those who care nothing about having God’s and their parent’s respect, are void of any self-respect. When children are small, they’re to obey their parents but when grown, they’re to honor them. And the best way to honor them is by living out their parent’s godly principles in their own daily lives. Not necessarily to the letter, but most certainly in the spirit. This does not take away individuality from one’s life, but it does add respectability.
A Walking Wonder.
(Read Psalm 71)
As a new convert, I was privileged to sit under the ministry of a godly old evangelist named Lester Rolloff; it was in a two week tent revival. I remember that over the platform hung a sign with large, red letters, reading, “PRAISE GOD ANYHOW.” The thought being, no matter our circumstances or condition, we should praise God anyhow.
In Psalms 71, the Psalmist is reviewing his life before God, taking us from his birth, youth, and to his mature years. He thought possibly because of his old age that he might be exempt from certain troubles, but realized such reasoning was only wishful thinking. He found the wise man to be right when he said, “There is no discharge in that war.”
The turning point in the Psalm is in verse 14 where he says “I will…yet praise thee more and more.” That is, he would add praise to praise; his praise would be over and above the previous praise: it would be praise upon praise; it would increase; he would accumulate praise; store it up if you please! The old man was a walking wonder (v7).
An hour of praises is worth a day of fasting and mourning! (John Livingstone)
Apr 23, 2009
A New Tense in English
There are present, past, past perfect, present perfect, future, and future perfect tenses. A.W. Tozer was an outstanding wordsmith; in fact, I think he came up with some new ones of his own, along with their definitions. If you’ll permit me, I want to present a new tense; at least I think it is. What about a past present tense?
I’d like to believe it was a past present tense when Jesus said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” We need to follow our Lord’s example in this respect, and assign the devil to a place in the past, while we’re living in the present. Anything or anybody behind us is part of the past. Remember, the cause of Lucifer’s fall was because he wanted to be first in line. How humiliating for the epitome of pride to be sent to the back of the line.
Whenever the devil comes to tempt you, leave him in the dust!
I’d like to believe it was a past present tense when Jesus said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” We need to follow our Lord’s example in this respect, and assign the devil to a place in the past, while we’re living in the present. Anything or anybody behind us is part of the past. Remember, the cause of Lucifer’s fall was because he wanted to be first in line. How humiliating for the epitome of pride to be sent to the back of the line.
Whenever the devil comes to tempt you, leave him in the dust!
Apr 22, 2009
*Grace That Runs Well
"For the grace of God... [teaches] us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." Like a car battery, grace has a negative and positive side. It will not run on just one effectively.
The old-school grace preachers majored, for the most part, on the negative. But the new-school emphasizes, almost entirely, the positive. The former ends up with a grace-less grace; and the latter sadly ends with a grace that's disgraceful. Grace is limitless when it comes to what a person has done, but it has its limits as to what a person can do.
Grace never condemns, neither does it condone, it simply caresses.
The old-school grace preachers majored, for the most part, on the negative. But the new-school emphasizes, almost entirely, the positive. The former ends up with a grace-less grace; and the latter sadly ends with a grace that's disgraceful. Grace is limitless when it comes to what a person has done, but it has its limits as to what a person can do.
Grace never condemns, neither does it condone, it simply caresses.
Apr 21, 2009
*Plodding Along
Keep on keeping on. This quaint little saying may sound overly simplistic, but in many instances, it has made the difference between success and failure. The only way to reach your goal is to keep plodding along. Interestingly, the word “plod” comes from an old English one meaning, “to paddle.” Only by perseverance did the snail reach the Ark, says Spurgeon.
Edison considered each of the hundreds of failures he experienced in perfecting the light bulb to be another step closer to achieving his dream. He certainly proved the cliché to be true that says, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
If you’re ready to throw in the towel, I beg you to stop, wipe the sweat from your brow and keep on fighting. It’s always too soon to quit. The torments of an unattained idea are not easy to live with. Be resolute; don’t let anything or anyone discourage or deter you.
Keep plodding on through the mud of difficulty, knowing that when you’ve reached your goal, He will be there to wash your feet.
Edison considered each of the hundreds of failures he experienced in perfecting the light bulb to be another step closer to achieving his dream. He certainly proved the cliché to be true that says, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
If you’re ready to throw in the towel, I beg you to stop, wipe the sweat from your brow and keep on fighting. It’s always too soon to quit. The torments of an unattained idea are not easy to live with. Be resolute; don’t let anything or anyone discourage or deter you.
Keep plodding on through the mud of difficulty, knowing that when you’ve reached your goal, He will be there to wash your feet.
Apr 20, 2009
*Help's On the Way
“For he shall deliver…him that hath no helper." We say, “God helps those who help themselves.” I believe this little quip, if it’s kept in context. But what happens when a person can't help himself? For example, the impotent man at the Pool of Bethesda—he would certainly fall into this category. When we find ourselves in such a condition, it is a comfort to be able to say with the writer of Hebrews, "The Lord is my helper…I will not fear."
There will be times in your Christian life when you find yourself experiencing temporary paralysis. All your inward, spiritual, vital organs will be functioning; but, in spite of this, it seems you are unable to move, or to help yourself. Like Israel at the Red Sea, you are paralyzed by circumstances. What is one to do at such a crucial time? Simply "stand still,” and know that help is on the way. Remember, Jesus always shows up when He's needed. "But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his son…"
If Christ is your helper, you're never helpless.
There will be times in your Christian life when you find yourself experiencing temporary paralysis. All your inward, spiritual, vital organs will be functioning; but, in spite of this, it seems you are unable to move, or to help yourself. Like Israel at the Red Sea, you are paralyzed by circumstances. What is one to do at such a crucial time? Simply "stand still,” and know that help is on the way. Remember, Jesus always shows up when He's needed. "But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his son…"
If Christ is your helper, you're never helpless.
Apr 16, 2009
*Dead Issues
I, for one, do not believe in shooting a dead horse. The only sensible thing to do in such a case is to bury the four-legged creature. When something no longer has life, it is wise to walk away, leave it in the grave yard, and go on with your own life. Some waste precious years trying to breathe life into dead issues that will never be resurrected.
Many of us need to hold a funeral, and bury those things we have been hugging to our bosoms so dearly. That is, those things that have, “given up the ghost,” as they say. The mother of Sisera waited, anticipating life, when there was only death.
When we no longer have control over things, when we can no longer do anything about them, they need to be committed to the grave. And as I have often said, “throw away the shovel.” The devil will have you spend your life among dead things. Ask the maniac of Gadara. But Jesus told him to get back to the living. “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
Many of us need to hold a funeral, and bury those things we have been hugging to our bosoms so dearly. That is, those things that have, “given up the ghost,” as they say. The mother of Sisera waited, anticipating life, when there was only death.
When we no longer have control over things, when we can no longer do anything about them, they need to be committed to the grave. And as I have often said, “throw away the shovel.” The devil will have you spend your life among dead things. Ask the maniac of Gadara. But Jesus told him to get back to the living. “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
Apr 14, 2009
Playing on the Battlefield
There is no place in God’s army for cowards! The Psalmist tells us, “The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.” And what did the Lord think of such cowering cowardice? We are told God, “...chose not the tribe of Ephraim,” but rather, “he chose David,” the courageous shepherd boy (Psl. 78:9,67,70).
If I were an artist, and had to depict the Church today, I’d draw a picture of children playing on a battlefield. We no longer want to fight; we want to have fun. In the political world, they speak of “detente”. This is a French word meaning, “slacking the bow strings.” Christians are no longer aggressive warriors, but have settled down to a life of passivity. We have made a treaty with the devil of co-existence, and peace through compromise.
Satan knows he has but a short time. He is making a last ditch effort to defeat the purpose of God. Jesus promised, “...the gates of hell shall not prevail against [His Church].” Gates do not move; we are to storm the devil’s domain. David ran to meet his giant. The devil is to flee from us, not the opposite.
Let us put on the whole armor of God, take our position on the high ground, and, as children of the Kingdom of Light, attack the kingdom of darkness. May we bring back our churches, children, and ministries that have been taken captive by Apollyon. As we enter his dark domain, interceding in prayer for the deliverance of those bound by Satan, let us boldly say with the shepherd lad of old, “I come to you in the name of the Lord.”
Tis better to be at war with the devil than to be at peace with him!
If I were an artist, and had to depict the Church today, I’d draw a picture of children playing on a battlefield. We no longer want to fight; we want to have fun. In the political world, they speak of “detente”. This is a French word meaning, “slacking the bow strings.” Christians are no longer aggressive warriors, but have settled down to a life of passivity. We have made a treaty with the devil of co-existence, and peace through compromise.
Satan knows he has but a short time. He is making a last ditch effort to defeat the purpose of God. Jesus promised, “...the gates of hell shall not prevail against [His Church].” Gates do not move; we are to storm the devil’s domain. David ran to meet his giant. The devil is to flee from us, not the opposite.
Let us put on the whole armor of God, take our position on the high ground, and, as children of the Kingdom of Light, attack the kingdom of darkness. May we bring back our churches, children, and ministries that have been taken captive by Apollyon. As we enter his dark domain, interceding in prayer for the deliverance of those bound by Satan, let us boldly say with the shepherd lad of old, “I come to you in the name of the Lord.”
Tis better to be at war with the devil than to be at peace with him!
Apr 13, 2009
*Second-Guessing God
“And Moses said, The people, among whom I [am], [are] six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month. Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them? And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.” Num.11:21-23
How like Moses we all are. God gives us a promise, and then we immediately begin figuring out the way in which He will accomplish it. This fault in His followers is also seen among the early New Testament believers. You’ll recall the primitive church had gathered together to pray for Peter’s deliverance from prison; and when their request was granted, they had a problem believing it. Why? They were accustomed to getting big prayers answered on a daily basis. Therefore it should have been no surprise when Peter knocked at the gate. Their problem lay not in the fact that God would, but rather in the way He would bring it about.
Moses imagined God would fulfill His promise through bulky animals of the earth or either with the innumerable fishes of the sea. He never thought of the little birds (quail) of heaven being the answer to their predicament. Naaman was another who fell into the trap of attempting to anticipate God. When it was revealed to him the unorthodox, but natural way in which God would take care of his dilemma, he became very upset. The reason for his distress is found in his words, “I thought.” He had a pre-conceived idea of how it ought to be done.
We say today, “You wait and see.” Concerning God’s promises He says, “Thou shalt see now.”
How like Moses we all are. God gives us a promise, and then we immediately begin figuring out the way in which He will accomplish it. This fault in His followers is also seen among the early New Testament believers. You’ll recall the primitive church had gathered together to pray for Peter’s deliverance from prison; and when their request was granted, they had a problem believing it. Why? They were accustomed to getting big prayers answered on a daily basis. Therefore it should have been no surprise when Peter knocked at the gate. Their problem lay not in the fact that God would, but rather in the way He would bring it about.
Moses imagined God would fulfill His promise through bulky animals of the earth or either with the innumerable fishes of the sea. He never thought of the little birds (quail) of heaven being the answer to their predicament. Naaman was another who fell into the trap of attempting to anticipate God. When it was revealed to him the unorthodox, but natural way in which God would take care of his dilemma, he became very upset. The reason for his distress is found in his words, “I thought.” He had a pre-conceived idea of how it ought to be done.
We say today, “You wait and see.” Concerning God’s promises He says, “Thou shalt see now.”
Apr 10, 2009
Alone or Lonley
“It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely”; so said Albert Einstein. This painful plague invades the lives of the great and intellectual, as well as those in the lower stations of life. I think there is a difference between “alone-ness” and loneliness. One can be alone without being lonely. Intermittent periods of the former can be advantageous to a Christian’s growth, but never can this be said of the latter condition. Loneliness is the first thing God said was not good.
Loneliness has been described as being one of the most desolate words in the English language. Another has said, “It’s the disease of the decade.” Many things can contribute to this dreaded desolation. Aging, divorce, widowhood and the immobility that sickness brings, are just a few reasons. Whatever the cause, it leaves its victims with an inner ache, a vacuum, a craving for satisfaction, and an insatiable longing to be loved.
What is the cure for this toxic torment? Man has a two-fold need—fellowship with God and companionship with others. The first is met when the lonely person lays hold, by faith, on Jesus’ promise, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” The second is fulfilled when we ourselves fill in the blank space in the lonely person’s life and become an intricate part of it. Remember, “It is not good that the man [or woman] should be alone.”
Man loves company even if it is only that of a small burning candle. ~Georg Christoph Lichtenberg
Loneliness has been described as being one of the most desolate words in the English language. Another has said, “It’s the disease of the decade.” Many things can contribute to this dreaded desolation. Aging, divorce, widowhood and the immobility that sickness brings, are just a few reasons. Whatever the cause, it leaves its victims with an inner ache, a vacuum, a craving for satisfaction, and an insatiable longing to be loved.
What is the cure for this toxic torment? Man has a two-fold need—fellowship with God and companionship with others. The first is met when the lonely person lays hold, by faith, on Jesus’ promise, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” The second is fulfilled when we ourselves fill in the blank space in the lonely person’s life and become an intricate part of it. Remember, “It is not good that the man [or woman] should be alone.”
Man loves company even if it is only that of a small burning candle. ~Georg Christoph Lichtenberg
Apr 4, 2009
Heaven
“Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old” (11Sam.19:31-39). It is hard for me to believe that in just a little over four short years, I too will enter the ranks of the octogenarians. Because of this fact, I, like Barzillai, am very aware of my home going. My next big and final stop is Heaven. I find nearing Heaven’s gate, the entrance to that celestial eternal city, to be very exciting! And I believe any true saint who is a robust thinker will find it so! But just what can a Christian expect upon his or her departure from this world?
Well the first thing we will experience after our soul leaves the body (Gen.35:18a) is angelic beings transporting us to Paradise (Lk.16:2): when we arrive, we’ll be given some kind of temporary housing for the soul until we get our new resurrected bodies (11Cor.5:1-4). Remember Moses’ body was buried (Deut.34:5-6), but on the mountain, when speaking to Jesus, he had some kind of body that was recognizable (Matt.17:1-8). Then this transitory body, with our soul within, will be clothed with a white robe (Rev.6:9-11).
Best of all, we will immediately be in the Lord’s presence (11Cor.5:6,8). Ah, yes, our last breath here will be our first breath there. The intermediate state is a conscious one, else how would the thief on the cross know he was with the Lord that very day (Lk.23:42-44). And we can be assured we’ll never be bored; for what two lovers were ever bored with each others presence?
Dear Blood-washed saint of God, you need never dread death. On the Cross, our Lord defeated it. He took away its fear (Heb.2:14-15), taste (2:9), and the sting (1Cor.15:55). As someone has said, “The grave is only an underground pathway to heaven.”
AT MY BIRTH, THE WORLD REJOICED AND I CRIED; AT MY DEATH, THE WORLD WILL CRY AND I WILL REJOICE!
Well the first thing we will experience after our soul leaves the body (Gen.35:18a) is angelic beings transporting us to Paradise (Lk.16:2): when we arrive, we’ll be given some kind of temporary housing for the soul until we get our new resurrected bodies (11Cor.5:1-4). Remember Moses’ body was buried (Deut.34:5-6), but on the mountain, when speaking to Jesus, he had some kind of body that was recognizable (Matt.17:1-8). Then this transitory body, with our soul within, will be clothed with a white robe (Rev.6:9-11).
Best of all, we will immediately be in the Lord’s presence (11Cor.5:6,8). Ah, yes, our last breath here will be our first breath there. The intermediate state is a conscious one, else how would the thief on the cross know he was with the Lord that very day (Lk.23:42-44). And we can be assured we’ll never be bored; for what two lovers were ever bored with each others presence?
Dear Blood-washed saint of God, you need never dread death. On the Cross, our Lord defeated it. He took away its fear (Heb.2:14-15), taste (2:9), and the sting (1Cor.15:55). As someone has said, “The grave is only an underground pathway to heaven.”
AT MY BIRTH, THE WORLD REJOICED AND I CRIED; AT MY DEATH, THE WORLD WILL CRY AND I WILL REJOICE!
The Deeper life
I am sometimes asked, “Do you believe in the deeper life?” I generally answer with a smile, “I certainly don’t believe in a shallow one!” But like many things in Christianity today, you have to qualify what you mean by “Deeper Life.” Like Baptists (which I am), there are many variations.
Let me first state the kind of “Deeper Life” I am not. I do not belong to a small elite group that has found a truth that God hasn’t let the rest of the Body of Christ in on. Nor do believe I become someone else other than myself. And most certainly, I do not accept I am to remain passive, putting all the responsibility on God.
What I do adhere to is cooperation in the Victorious Christian Life. Paul states it clearly: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” It is not Christ without “I”—it is not I without “Christ”—it is “I” with “Christ.” It is, “The Sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.”
A young preacher asked missionary George Muller to pray God would get him up each morning at 5 a.m. for devotions; to which the old man replied, “No, I’ll not pray that, but if you promise to put one foot to the floor, I will pray He’ll help you put out the other.”
Let me first state the kind of “Deeper Life” I am not. I do not belong to a small elite group that has found a truth that God hasn’t let the rest of the Body of Christ in on. Nor do believe I become someone else other than myself. And most certainly, I do not accept I am to remain passive, putting all the responsibility on God.
What I do adhere to is cooperation in the Victorious Christian Life. Paul states it clearly: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” It is not Christ without “I”—it is not I without “Christ”—it is “I” with “Christ.” It is, “The Sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.”
A young preacher asked missionary George Muller to pray God would get him up each morning at 5 a.m. for devotions; to which the old man replied, “No, I’ll not pray that, but if you promise to put one foot to the floor, I will pray He’ll help you put out the other.”
Mar 30, 2009
The Secret
A great preacher of the past tells an interesting story. He had struggled for years to find fulfillment in his Christian life, but to no avail. He had tried all the formulas and steps that he had been taught or had read about. But none of these worked for him.
While at a conference on the “deeper life,” he heard an old English Bible teacher announce that the next morning he was going to preach on the subject, “The Secret of Living the Christian Life.” The preacher could hardly sleep that night for the excitement. The next morning he was the first in the outdoor tabernacle. He had pen and paper ready in order to take down every point. When the old man stepped to the podium, he looked over his glasses perched on the end of his nose and surveyed his audience. The thirsty soul waited, with great anticipation. Finally the elder said, “You have come this morning to hear the secret of how you can live an overcoming and abundant Christian life.” Then, with a quaint smile, he said, “The secret is Jesus.”
Simple? Yes—yet profound. This simple secret many of God’s people have not yet gotten hold of. It is Jesus—Jesus—Jesus. Christianity is Christ. He’s the first and the last and all in between. He is all in all. “And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only” (Matt.17:8).
It is a destructive addition to add anything to Christ. (Richard Sibbes, Puritan)
While at a conference on the “deeper life,” he heard an old English Bible teacher announce that the next morning he was going to preach on the subject, “The Secret of Living the Christian Life.” The preacher could hardly sleep that night for the excitement. The next morning he was the first in the outdoor tabernacle. He had pen and paper ready in order to take down every point. When the old man stepped to the podium, he looked over his glasses perched on the end of his nose and surveyed his audience. The thirsty soul waited, with great anticipation. Finally the elder said, “You have come this morning to hear the secret of how you can live an overcoming and abundant Christian life.” Then, with a quaint smile, he said, “The secret is Jesus.”
Simple? Yes—yet profound. This simple secret many of God’s people have not yet gotten hold of. It is Jesus—Jesus—Jesus. Christianity is Christ. He’s the first and the last and all in between. He is all in all. “And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only” (Matt.17:8).
It is a destructive addition to add anything to Christ. (Richard Sibbes, Puritan)
A Special 'INSIDE ISSUE' Report
When I was a young “preacher boy,” just starting out, a dear pastor friend who’s now with the Lord gave me the following advice: “You’ll always be servant to whomever or whatever dominates your thoughts, talk, or time.”
I’ve observed, much to my chagrin, many well intentioned saints allowing a common man in the White House to fill their daily lives, rather than the Precious One who came from His Father’s House.
In this country, elected officials are supposed to be servants to the people. But you’ll be hard pressed to find such a creature today. Interestingly, our King, Jesus Christ, made Himself a servant to servants (Jn.13:4-5).
You will not find Caesar or Nero dominating Jesus, His Disciples, or Paul’s daily lives. The politics of that day played a small part in the life of Jesus’ followers, compared to their consuming passion for their lovely Lord.
He is to be the center of our attention and conversation; if He is, then we will truly become one of Christ’s cherished jewels (Mal.3:16-17). I don’t know about anyone else, but I want to be one of His rare jewels, not a cheap marble.
Let each of us ask ourselves the question, “Around whom does my life center?”
I’ve observed, much to my chagrin, many well intentioned saints allowing a common man in the White House to fill their daily lives, rather than the Precious One who came from His Father’s House.
In this country, elected officials are supposed to be servants to the people. But you’ll be hard pressed to find such a creature today. Interestingly, our King, Jesus Christ, made Himself a servant to servants (Jn.13:4-5).
You will not find Caesar or Nero dominating Jesus, His Disciples, or Paul’s daily lives. The politics of that day played a small part in the life of Jesus’ followers, compared to their consuming passion for their lovely Lord.
He is to be the center of our attention and conversation; if He is, then we will truly become one of Christ’s cherished jewels (Mal.3:16-17). I don’t know about anyone else, but I want to be one of His rare jewels, not a cheap marble.
Let each of us ask ourselves the question, “Around whom does my life center?”
Mar 25, 2009
The Greatest Hindrance to Prayer
Most any serious book on prayer will contain at least one chapter on “Hindrances to Prayer.” I myself, in years past, have preached on the subject more than a few times. But I have come to see that with many of us, the one main hindrance in our prayer life is majoring on what is hindering us. The best place to find out what is hampering us, is in prayer itself; Jesus said, it’s at the altar of prayer that we remember our wrongs (Matt.5:23).
I find the two central elements that encourage me to pray are expressed by David in Psalms; “O thou that hearest prayer…”; and, “Moses and Aaron…and Samuel…they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.” David believed in a prayer hearing and prayer answering God. It is important to note that the three men he mentions, along with himself, had much to be desired in qualifying them as worthy recipients of answered prayer.
I had an old evangelist friend, now with the Lord, who used to say, “Just pray!” Stop worrying about crossing your t’s and dotting the I’s. God knows where you’re at in your Spiritual life; no one else does. A sincere humility and well meaning intentions in the heart go long way with God (1Kgs.8:18). I believe there is something going on between each genuine child of God and their Heavenly Father, which the other kids know nothing about! Like, “Benjamin’s mess was five times so much as any of theirs.” There’s no understanding or explaining it, there are times when the biggest “messes” get the biggest “mess.” I think it’s called GRACE!
We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us. — C.S. Lewis
I find the two central elements that encourage me to pray are expressed by David in Psalms; “O thou that hearest prayer…”; and, “Moses and Aaron…and Samuel…they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.” David believed in a prayer hearing and prayer answering God. It is important to note that the three men he mentions, along with himself, had much to be desired in qualifying them as worthy recipients of answered prayer.
I had an old evangelist friend, now with the Lord, who used to say, “Just pray!” Stop worrying about crossing your t’s and dotting the I’s. God knows where you’re at in your Spiritual life; no one else does. A sincere humility and well meaning intentions in the heart go long way with God (1Kgs.8:18). I believe there is something going on between each genuine child of God and their Heavenly Father, which the other kids know nothing about! Like, “Benjamin’s mess was five times so much as any of theirs.” There’s no understanding or explaining it, there are times when the biggest “messes” get the biggest “mess.” I think it’s called GRACE!
We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us. — C.S. Lewis
Mar 23, 2009
Leaning on Broken Reeds
Anyone who is at all familiar with my writings knows of my strong belief in the use of means; whether it is physical, psychological or Spiritual. I adhere to whatever method necessary to get the job done. My issue is with those who have been made to walk on their own, but who continually go back to their dependence of the crutches they used before getting on their feet again. You know, a return to weak and beggarly elements (Gal.4:9); a return that puts them in bondage again (addicted to the means, if you please).
David didn’t have a sex-therapist to consult: James and John couldn’t attend any anger-management classes: and the drunken Corinthians lacked a local AA meeting to attend. What did these poor, helpless souls do without a re-hab to run to? First, they called their problem by the right name, sin; second, they admitted no one else was to blame for the mess they made; third, they repented, the kind of repentance that brought a real, lasting change; fourth, they got back around Spiritual people in a local church; and last, but not least, they ministered to others, their lives no longer habitually centered on themselves and their problems.
If we were as dependent on God’s ordained means (Bible-prayer-local church), we would not be so addicted to the worlds for help!
David didn’t have a sex-therapist to consult: James and John couldn’t attend any anger-management classes: and the drunken Corinthians lacked a local AA meeting to attend. What did these poor, helpless souls do without a re-hab to run to? First, they called their problem by the right name, sin; second, they admitted no one else was to blame for the mess they made; third, they repented, the kind of repentance that brought a real, lasting change; fourth, they got back around Spiritual people in a local church; and last, but not least, they ministered to others, their lives no longer habitually centered on themselves and their problems.
If we were as dependent on God’s ordained means (Bible-prayer-local church), we would not be so addicted to the worlds for help!
Mar 21, 2009
Principles Are the Principal Thing
Our title is not just a play upon words. Principles are fundamental truths one lives by; whereas principal means chief or first in rank. Therefore, having a set of beliefs that govern your life is of the highest priority. For a Christian, these principles are to be gleaned from the Bible. The old Methodist evangelist, Bob Jones, Sr., used to refer to them as “Eternal Principles.”
If one’s principles are not based upon the unchanging Word of God, they will be like a weathervane spinning this way and that; whatever way the winds of convenience blow will be the direction in which they face. Times, like the weather change; but Godly principles do not adjust to the times in which one resides. In the game of life, at the end of the day, only Bible principles win out.
It is not difficult to spot an unprincipled man or woman. Invariably, you will find they have no core beliefs or moral values. You might say they are empty vessels. But just as evident will be the man or woman who holds to Scriptural principles. You will find them to be rock solid in their code; you cannot intimidate, scare, threaten, or buy them off! They will give on non-essentials, but never on their principles. As Thomas Jefferson said, “In matters of principle, stand like a rock, in matters of taste, swim with the current.”
If one’s principles are not based upon the unchanging Word of God, they will be like a weathervane spinning this way and that; whatever way the winds of convenience blow will be the direction in which they face. Times, like the weather change; but Godly principles do not adjust to the times in which one resides. In the game of life, at the end of the day, only Bible principles win out.
It is not difficult to spot an unprincipled man or woman. Invariably, you will find they have no core beliefs or moral values. You might say they are empty vessels. But just as evident will be the man or woman who holds to Scriptural principles. You will find them to be rock solid in their code; you cannot intimidate, scare, threaten, or buy them off! They will give on non-essentials, but never on their principles. As Thomas Jefferson said, “In matters of principle, stand like a rock, in matters of taste, swim with the current.”
Mar 19, 2009
Misunderstood Maturity
Contrary to the belief of many, age and growth do not automatically carry with them maturity; and may I add, neither does change. The former is illustrated in a child’s body that grows and ages into that of an adult, while the brain remains adolescent. Admittedly, there’s growing and aging, but certainly no maturing! As to change, well, I may change something greater for that which is lesser, such as a diamond for a marble. In most, if not in all such cases, we would classify this change as a result of immaturity.
We have a generation of professing Christians who believe white-washing, sugar-coating, and accepting fornication, drunkenness, drug taking, and cultic life-styles as the norm, are growth; but this is a twisted and deformed type of growth, without mature thought. Going backward only advances one to the Stone Age. True Spiritual maturity discerns between good and evil. And the authority in distinguishing the two is the Word of God (Heb.5:13-14). To condone wrong is to categorize you with the immature.
The late great English preacher, C.H. Spurgeon, told a story of an Irishman who, when asked how he got on at the meeting of a small separatist church said, “Oh, it was lovely; none of us knew anything, and we all taught each other.” Enough said! `
We have a generation of professing Christians who believe white-washing, sugar-coating, and accepting fornication, drunkenness, drug taking, and cultic life-styles as the norm, are growth; but this is a twisted and deformed type of growth, without mature thought. Going backward only advances one to the Stone Age. True Spiritual maturity discerns between good and evil. And the authority in distinguishing the two is the Word of God (Heb.5:13-14). To condone wrong is to categorize you with the immature.
The late great English preacher, C.H. Spurgeon, told a story of an Irishman who, when asked how he got on at the meeting of a small separatist church said, “Oh, it was lovely; none of us knew anything, and we all taught each other.” Enough said! `
Mar 18, 2009
It's God's Moral Compass or Collapse
“…every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” When you have no moral authority, this is always the result. Man becomes a god unto himself, making the rules for his conduct anyway his depraved mind deems best for his satisfying the flesh. Man’s moral code invariably ends in justifying lying, fornication, hatred, envy, drunkenness, and all uncleanness. It’s referred to as “The New Morality,” and its chief promoter is “The New Age” movement. Actually, it’s as old as the devil. He makes this morality acceptable by tagging new names to old sins. When men go by their own moral compass, they end up going in different directions, none of which lead to God.
C.S. Lewis writes, “The most dangerous thing you can do is to take any one impulse of your own nature and set it up as a thing you ought to follow at all costs. There is not one of them which will not make us into devils if we set it up as an absolute guide.” He goes on to remind us that “moral collapse follows upon spiritual collapse.”
God’s Commandments are concrete. Grace doesn’t obliterate the Law; it’s the icing on the cake. The great Grace preacher, Paul, mentions believers adhering to every one of the Ten Commandments, with the exception of observing the Sabbath. When man leaves God’s moral code, he sets up his own civilized morality, which ultimately turns into savage morality. Today’s Christianity has an anything goes philosophy. Animals have no moral code of conduct either.
Therefore, let us endeavor to keep His Commandments, for as John tells us, they are not grievous. Again, sighting the insightful Lewis, “One of the worst things about a moral relapse—to me—is that it throws such a shadow back on the time before during which you thought you were getting on quite well. Having found oneself—for the hundredth time—back where one started, it seems obvious that one has never really moved at all: and what seemed progress was only a dream, or even the irrelevant result of circumstances or physical condition.”
“The road to the promised land runs past Sinai.” C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis writes, “The most dangerous thing you can do is to take any one impulse of your own nature and set it up as a thing you ought to follow at all costs. There is not one of them which will not make us into devils if we set it up as an absolute guide.” He goes on to remind us that “moral collapse follows upon spiritual collapse.”
God’s Commandments are concrete. Grace doesn’t obliterate the Law; it’s the icing on the cake. The great Grace preacher, Paul, mentions believers adhering to every one of the Ten Commandments, with the exception of observing the Sabbath. When man leaves God’s moral code, he sets up his own civilized morality, which ultimately turns into savage morality. Today’s Christianity has an anything goes philosophy. Animals have no moral code of conduct either.
Therefore, let us endeavor to keep His Commandments, for as John tells us, they are not grievous. Again, sighting the insightful Lewis, “One of the worst things about a moral relapse—to me—is that it throws such a shadow back on the time before during which you thought you were getting on quite well. Having found oneself—for the hundredth time—back where one started, it seems obvious that one has never really moved at all: and what seemed progress was only a dream, or even the irrelevant result of circumstances or physical condition.”
“The road to the promised land runs past Sinai.” C.S. Lewis
Mar 17, 2009
Lame Excuses
I once heard an old evangelist preach a message from Luke chapter fourteen on, “Two morons and a henpecked husband.” He said anyone who would buy a piece of land without seeing it, or a person who bought five yoke of oxen before proving them, would have to be moron. And to refuse eating with a king because of your wife…well, the only word to describe him is henpecked.
Many today are like these three men who, “…all with one consent began to make excuse.” Are not our reasons for not dining with Deity just as flimsy? Be careful, lame excuses will leave you without a leg to stand on. We need to face ourselves. It is not, “I cannot,” but rather, “I will not.” Billy Sunday said, “An excuse is the skin of a reason stuffed with a lie.” You’ll find people who good at excuses are usually not good for anything else.
Let’s face it, like the men in our story, those who make excuses to God have self-interests at heart. But God does not excuse our excuses! And by the way, their empty seats were filled by others. God always has someone in the wings waiting.
Many today are like these three men who, “…all with one consent began to make excuse.” Are not our reasons for not dining with Deity just as flimsy? Be careful, lame excuses will leave you without a leg to stand on. We need to face ourselves. It is not, “I cannot,” but rather, “I will not.” Billy Sunday said, “An excuse is the skin of a reason stuffed with a lie.” You’ll find people who good at excuses are usually not good for anything else.
Let’s face it, like the men in our story, those who make excuses to God have self-interests at heart. But God does not excuse our excuses! And by the way, their empty seats were filled by others. God always has someone in the wings waiting.
Mar 14, 2009
*Needless Worry
The area in which we live here in Northern California was one of Mark Twain’s favorite stomping grounds. There is a cabin near by in which he spent a winter. His short story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, was written about a town ten minutes from us. One of my favorite axioms of the old winsome wit is, “I have been through some terrible things in life, some of which actually happened.”
Following the crucifixion of our Lord, some ladies prepared spices and ointments for His body. They had rested on the Sabbath, but very early in the morning on the first day of the week they made their way toward the tomb. One of their concerns was who would roll away the great stone from the door of the sepulcher. But their worry was all in vain; the Lord had already taken care of it. When they arrived “They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.”
The spices and ointment they so lovingly prepared were as useless as their anxiety about the removal of the stone. How human they were, how like us! How we too worry about things the Lord has already taken care of. The angel gently reproves them for their short memories: “He is not here; for he is risen, even as he said.” Whenever we worry, we can be sure we have forgotten His Word with the promises within. In the face of insurmountable odds, they were expected to believe His Word; and so are we!
My grandson, Joseph, is lead singer for the Southern Gospel group, The Perrys. He wrote a song entitled, “He’s Already There.” The women at the tomb would say, “Amen!” to that.
Following the crucifixion of our Lord, some ladies prepared spices and ointments for His body. They had rested on the Sabbath, but very early in the morning on the first day of the week they made their way toward the tomb. One of their concerns was who would roll away the great stone from the door of the sepulcher. But their worry was all in vain; the Lord had already taken care of it. When they arrived “They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.”
The spices and ointment they so lovingly prepared were as useless as their anxiety about the removal of the stone. How human they were, how like us! How we too worry about things the Lord has already taken care of. The angel gently reproves them for their short memories: “He is not here; for he is risen, even as he said.” Whenever we worry, we can be sure we have forgotten His Word with the promises within. In the face of insurmountable odds, they were expected to believe His Word; and so are we!
My grandson, Joseph, is lead singer for the Southern Gospel group, The Perrys. He wrote a song entitled, “He’s Already There.” The women at the tomb would say, “Amen!” to that.
Mar 12, 2009
How Do You See Yourself?
God took us from the hole of the pit and set us in heavenly places. Every saint has one of two choices in envisioning themselves; they can look at the very worse part of their life, or the very best.
Some prefer to dwell among earthly tombs, while others choose to hang out around the Heavenly Throne. Old Bob Jones Sr. said, “The Christian who builds his or her life on their past is doomed to fall.”
It’s not what you were; it’s what you are that counts. The important thing is not how others see you, but how God sees you “In Christ.” And that is “…holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.”
The prodigal’s filthy rags were hid beneath the father’s best robe.
Some prefer to dwell among earthly tombs, while others choose to hang out around the Heavenly Throne. Old Bob Jones Sr. said, “The Christian who builds his or her life on their past is doomed to fall.”
It’s not what you were; it’s what you are that counts. The important thing is not how others see you, but how God sees you “In Christ.” And that is “…holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.”
The prodigal’s filthy rags were hid beneath the father’s best robe.
Mar 11, 2009
A Devine Peek Behind Closed Doors
“[A]nd 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 King 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’d 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 unseen to everyone but God!
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 King 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’d 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 unseen to everyone but God!
Remember, the most important part of your life is the part that only God sees.
Mar 10, 2009
A Sea of Faces
“…a great multitude, which no man could number…stood before the throne, and before the Lamb.” There is only a singe Face that stands out in Heaven. All the rest are a sea of faces. He is one above many, not one among many. There are no solos in Heaven, just a great choir. We will be, as the saying goes, “a little fish in a big pond,” or, like a small pebble in a big ocean. In Glory, all will be “just one of the guys.” So we might as well get used to it now.
The most important part of maturing is growth from self-centeredness. One is not mature until he or she has both the ability and willingness to see themselves as one among many. We are each special to Him, but no more so than the most insignificant saint. C.S. Lewis writes, “I would prefer to combat the ‘I’m special’ feeling, not by the thought I’m no more special than anyone else, but by the feeling, ‘Everyone is as special as me.’”
A person wrapped up in his or her self makes a small package.
The most important part of maturing is growth from self-centeredness. One is not mature until he or she has both the ability and willingness to see themselves as one among many. We are each special to Him, but no more so than the most insignificant saint. C.S. Lewis writes, “I would prefer to combat the ‘I’m special’ feeling, not by the thought I’m no more special than anyone else, but by the feeling, ‘Everyone is as special as me.’”
A person wrapped up in his or her self makes a small package.
Mar 9, 2009
The Question of Tribulation
No matter what one’s prophetic position, I find most, if not all, hold to the belief that toward the end time, there will be unprecedented dark days, many believe the duration of which will be seven years. I personally have some reservations on this teaching (Matt.24:21-22).
There are basically three popular positions concerning this seven (?) year tribulation period. The first is known as pre-tribulationist; the second group holds to a mid-tribulation; and the last are post-tribulationist.). The pre-trib. teaches all the elect will be taken out of this world just prior to this time of trouble; a secret rapture, if you please. The mid-trib. group say Christians will go through the first half of the trib. and then be caught up. The post-trib. holds that the Church will go through all the Tribulation Period. (We will not discuss the partial-rapture crowd).
The most important question is not which of these three or any other is the right position; the crucial question is: are you and I ready for either? No matter which teaching proves to be the right one? There are people in each of these camps fighting for their particular pet doctrine who are not prepared, even if their position is the valid one. Holding the right position does not guarantee the person holding it is right.
To be forewarned is to be forearmed!
There are basically three popular positions concerning this seven (?) year tribulation period. The first is known as pre-tribulationist; the second group holds to a mid-tribulation; and the last are post-tribulationist.). The pre-trib. teaches all the elect will be taken out of this world just prior to this time of trouble; a secret rapture, if you please. The mid-trib. group say Christians will go through the first half of the trib. and then be caught up. The post-trib. holds that the Church will go through all the Tribulation Period. (We will not discuss the partial-rapture crowd).
The most important question is not which of these three or any other is the right position; the crucial question is: are you and I ready for either? No matter which teaching proves to be the right one? There are people in each of these camps fighting for their particular pet doctrine who are not prepared, even if their position is the valid one. Holding the right position does not guarantee the person holding it is right.
To be forewarned is to be forearmed!
Mar 4, 2009
*Weighing the Options
One of my two favorite Puritan writers, Richard Sibbes (the other being Thomas Watson) writes, “Satan gives Adam a piece of fruit, and takes away Paradise. Therefore in all temptations let us consider not what he offers, but what we shall lose.” It’s possible to get what we want, but lose what we have.
Esau got his bowl of soup, but he lost God’s blessing. Samson got his desire, but he lost the power of God. And Israel got the meat they longed for, but it soon became loathsome to them. In each of these cases, “[God] gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.”
As the great old preacher said, “Never sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate.” All good things come in time. We need to learn to patiently wait for them. For some of us, it is closer than we think. The mailman is next door, heading our way, with a bundle of “goodies from God.”
Esau got his bowl of soup, but he lost God’s blessing. Samson got his desire, but he lost the power of God. And Israel got the meat they longed for, but it soon became loathsome to them. In each of these cases, “[God] gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.”
As the great old preacher said, “Never sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate.” All good things come in time. We need to learn to patiently wait for them. For some of us, it is closer than we think. The mailman is next door, heading our way, with a bundle of “goodies from God.”
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