Those in the know tell us the secret in golf is not slicing (causing the ball to curve). They say if you want to get distance, you must, as they call it, “Follow through.” That is, complete your swing, not stopping short. One expert tells us that 90% of all amateur golfers do not follow through.
After over half a century of observing professing Christians, I am convinced that the above ratio could possibly be correct when describing so-called saints today. In the game of life God has placed them in, it seems they always come up short; they never follow through.
As the little poignant saying goes, “If it’s worth starting, it’s worth finishing.” At the end of their lives, both our Lord and Paul gave testimony they’d followed through with what God gave them to do. They went the distance because of the fact they did follow through!
When Jesus said, "Follow me," He expected them to follow through.
Jun 28, 2009
Jun 27, 2009
Let Me Do it Daddy
If it does not endanger the child, and provided it does not incur significant financial loss, it’s a wise father who allows his child to discover life’s great secret, which is, the father is more capable than the child in handling things he or she knows nothing about; even though the youngster is convinced of the opposite; that is, until they learn the hard way, by making a mess of everything.
The child’s problem, like our own with our Heavenly Father, stems from thinking he or she is superiorly qualified in working things out on their own. They actually, but erroneously, imagine they can do better; that they are more competent than their qualified parent.
It is well for each of us as Christians to always remember, when we take things in our own hands, we can only get what we are capable of producing. But when placing them in God’s omnipotent hand, we experience what He alone is able to create. Therefore, when we have made a mess of everything in life, it is a wise child who brings the shattered pieces to their Heavenly Father and says, “Daddy, will you please fix it?”
Once you’ve placed something into God’s hands to fix, don’t hang around trying to help Him!
The child’s problem, like our own with our Heavenly Father, stems from thinking he or she is superiorly qualified in working things out on their own. They actually, but erroneously, imagine they can do better; that they are more competent than their qualified parent.
It is well for each of us as Christians to always remember, when we take things in our own hands, we can only get what we are capable of producing. But when placing them in God’s omnipotent hand, we experience what He alone is able to create. Therefore, when we have made a mess of everything in life, it is a wise child who brings the shattered pieces to their Heavenly Father and says, “Daddy, will you please fix it?”
Once you’ve placed something into God’s hands to fix, don’t hang around trying to help Him!
Jun 25, 2009
*Set Backs
“Woe is me for my hurt!..Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.” If ever a man had set backs, Jeremiah did. He knew there was no escaping them. That let downs were part of the hard facts of life, and that sooner or later our dearest dreams will be shattered and our best laid plans dramatically changed. Some never rise above these and drown in the sea of disappointment. Others view them as character building blessings in disguise.
It’s important to realize a Christian in the will of God, when taking two steps backward, will ultimately take three forward. Like our time change, we may “fall back,” but we also “spring forward.” Many of God’s children, who experience disappointing times in their lives, return to the world. But set backs never excuse us for going back.
It’s important to realize a Christian in the will of God, when taking two steps backward, will ultimately take three forward. Like our time change, we may “fall back,” but we also “spring forward.” Many of God’s children, who experience disappointing times in their lives, return to the world. But set backs never excuse us for going back.
Jun 20, 2009
Armchairs and Wheelchairs
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” You can acquire a much deeper knowledge of God Himself from a sufferer in a wheelchair, than a scholar in an armchair. The latter may know doctrine, but the former knows Deity. The first is meant to lead us to the second. But sad to say, many intellects come short, falling in love with the lesser, and never following on to experience the greater, true love.
A healthy child studying geography may be able to tell you more about the five continents; but the little crippled brother, carried constantly by his parent, knows more about his father. An intellectual knowledge does not guarantee Spiritual intimacy. As J.I. Packer says, “John Owen and John Calvin knew more theology than John Bunyan or Billy Bray, but who would deny that the latter pair knew their God every bit as well as the former?”
God does not condemn intellect, nor does He condone ignorance, but He does highly commend those who know Him out of both these categories. Writing on the subject of scholarship C.S. Lewis pens, “The intellectual life is not the only road to God, nor the safest, but we find it to be a road, and it may be the appointed road for us. Of course it will be so only so long as we keep the impulse pure and disinterested. That is the great difficulty.”
The best combination is an intellectual mind condescending into a devoted heart.
A healthy child studying geography may be able to tell you more about the five continents; but the little crippled brother, carried constantly by his parent, knows more about his father. An intellectual knowledge does not guarantee Spiritual intimacy. As J.I. Packer says, “John Owen and John Calvin knew more theology than John Bunyan or Billy Bray, but who would deny that the latter pair knew their God every bit as well as the former?”
God does not condemn intellect, nor does He condone ignorance, but He does highly commend those who know Him out of both these categories. Writing on the subject of scholarship C.S. Lewis pens, “The intellectual life is not the only road to God, nor the safest, but we find it to be a road, and it may be the appointed road for us. Of course it will be so only so long as we keep the impulse pure and disinterested. That is the great difficulty.”
The best combination is an intellectual mind condescending into a devoted heart.
Jun 13, 2009
To Whom Are You Looking?
“Look unto me…” It’s futile to look unto anyone else. “For vain is the help of man.” True, God can, and does, help man through man. But never can man find help from man alone. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it by looking unto Him. This is the one, absolute condition; and the moment you do, everything falls into place, like looking into a kaleidoscope.
If you need help, “Look unto me,” says the Lord. It’s not difficult or hard; it’s simple and easy. Just look to God. That is, direct your attention to Him, as one we expect aid from. Like a drowning man who casts his eyes upon one standing on the shore who alone is able to save him. We must look to Him in our helplessness if we are to get help.
Oh, dear saint, will you not just now turn your eyes from all others and look only unto Him? Listen to God’s darling, David: “They looked unto him, and were enlightened.”
Everything associated with man is temporal and perishable; with God, eternal and lasting. To whom are you looking?
If you need help, “Look unto me,” says the Lord. It’s not difficult or hard; it’s simple and easy. Just look to God. That is, direct your attention to Him, as one we expect aid from. Like a drowning man who casts his eyes upon one standing on the shore who alone is able to save him. We must look to Him in our helplessness if we are to get help.
Oh, dear saint, will you not just now turn your eyes from all others and look only unto Him? Listen to God’s darling, David: “They looked unto him, and were enlightened.”
Everything associated with man is temporal and perishable; with God, eternal and lasting. To whom are you looking?
Inside Issues within the Body of Christ
In the dedicatory of the King James 1611 Bible the translators wrote, concerning those they knew would oppose their work, “We shall be maligned by self-conceited brethren, who run their own ways, and give liking to nothing, but what is framed by themselves, and hammered on their anvil.”
My oldest daughter, Leah, who lives in Ohio, along with my eleven-year-old granddaughter Skyler, surprised me last week by visiting me for Fathers Day. In passing conversation, Leah mentioned a large Fundamentalist school in the mid-west that is attacking Southern Gospel music as being satanic, and not to be listened to.
In all honesty of full disclosure, I must confess, my grandson, Joseph, is lead singer for the Southern Gospel group, The Perrys. But those who know me best will not be prone to think that would bias my judgment. They consider me to be like Vince Lombardi. When a black player was asked if he was fair to all the team, he answered, “O yeah, Vince treats us all like dogs!”
Those who do not care for contemporary music need to realize it was all contemporary at one time. Isaac Watts’ father thought it blasphemous when his son wrote such songs as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” He believed in singing only the Psalms, saying, “You can’t improve upon King David.”
As I’ve said in previous articles, I find that dogmatists on minor issues end up in the dog house. A good example of not thinking things through is the Fundamental, Separatists, who believe their ladies are modestly dressed. But the Amish believe their attire to be worldly; and 1st Century, Christian women would believe the Amish to be so.
In Revelation, we’re told we “Sing the song of Moses.” But we also sing “A new song.” My test of Gospel music is like my test of any other music; Paul, the singer, says, “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with understanding also.” And this, of course, was done to the Glory of God. Just make sure your heart pants, before your foot pats.
A good rule to go by if you do not like a certain kind of music is, don’t listen to it. I have no right to impose my preference upon others. When people argue that they like the old-time way, they invariably are referring to the immediately previous age. The one that always seemed better than the one in which they now live.
There is no doubt some Southern Gospel is commercialized today. But aren’t profiteering Mega churches and large Christian Schools, also? What of selling “doves” for more than they’re value, in the vestibule of the Temple (books, CD’S, DVD’S, and trinkets)? Be careful when you throw stones; they may boomerang upon your on pate!
As Dr. Bob Jones Sr. used to say, “If an old hound dog comes to town and barks for Jesus, I’m not going to try and stop him.” That’s my sentiment exactly. You might feel differently; and that’s your prerogative. This is just one man’s opinion.
My oldest daughter, Leah, who lives in Ohio, along with my eleven-year-old granddaughter Skyler, surprised me last week by visiting me for Fathers Day. In passing conversation, Leah mentioned a large Fundamentalist school in the mid-west that is attacking Southern Gospel music as being satanic, and not to be listened to.
In all honesty of full disclosure, I must confess, my grandson, Joseph, is lead singer for the Southern Gospel group, The Perrys. But those who know me best will not be prone to think that would bias my judgment. They consider me to be like Vince Lombardi. When a black player was asked if he was fair to all the team, he answered, “O yeah, Vince treats us all like dogs!”
Those who do not care for contemporary music need to realize it was all contemporary at one time. Isaac Watts’ father thought it blasphemous when his son wrote such songs as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” He believed in singing only the Psalms, saying, “You can’t improve upon King David.”
As I’ve said in previous articles, I find that dogmatists on minor issues end up in the dog house. A good example of not thinking things through is the Fundamental, Separatists, who believe their ladies are modestly dressed. But the Amish believe their attire to be worldly; and 1st Century, Christian women would believe the Amish to be so.
In Revelation, we’re told we “Sing the song of Moses.” But we also sing “A new song.” My test of Gospel music is like my test of any other music; Paul, the singer, says, “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with understanding also.” And this, of course, was done to the Glory of God. Just make sure your heart pants, before your foot pats.
A good rule to go by if you do not like a certain kind of music is, don’t listen to it. I have no right to impose my preference upon others. When people argue that they like the old-time way, they invariably are referring to the immediately previous age. The one that always seemed better than the one in which they now live.
There is no doubt some Southern Gospel is commercialized today. But aren’t profiteering Mega churches and large Christian Schools, also? What of selling “doves” for more than they’re value, in the vestibule of the Temple (books, CD’S, DVD’S, and trinkets)? Be careful when you throw stones; they may boomerang upon your on pate!
As Dr. Bob Jones Sr. used to say, “If an old hound dog comes to town and barks for Jesus, I’m not going to try and stop him.” That’s my sentiment exactly. You might feel differently; and that’s your prerogative. This is just one man’s opinion.
Jun 12, 2009
Courageous Cowards
Years ago at a youth camp, a somewhat delicate preacher was trying in his timidly bold way to say that we needed more John the Baptist types. I whispered to my wife, “Its one thing to say we need, and another to be”. As someone has said, “The pulpit can be a coward’s fort.” I’ve labeled these kinds of Christians, “courageous cowards.” They are easy to spot; they hit first, then run away, saying they won the fight; they voice loudly their convictions, but from under their beds; they preach hard, but to an agreeing choir; they’re brave on the firing range, but stay in the fox hole in battle; they like to rattle the lion’s cage, but never enter the public arena with him; and probably worse of all, they speak of the ills of the sick around them, while keeping the cure a secret.
These pseudo courageous souls cannot take being ostracized. When they are, they play the part of an ostrich and hide their head in the sand. In private they flex their muscles in a mirror, but refuse to carry anyone’s burden. They live in their little self-made monasteries called churches, homes, and schools, but never venture out to face the rest of the world. They know nothing about a hands on, up close and personal ministry. Everything is viewed at a distance. They are not comfortable with confrontation.
I’m not advocating a Christian machoism. The truth is, most of England’s early martyrs who were burned at the stake, were indoors men and book worms. What I am saying is that all of us, with the help of God, need face up to whatever needs to be faced. No matter what the personal cost, pain, or results. May God give each of us the courage to keep us from being a courageous coward!
These pseudo courageous souls cannot take being ostracized. When they are, they play the part of an ostrich and hide their head in the sand. In private they flex their muscles in a mirror, but refuse to carry anyone’s burden. They live in their little self-made monasteries called churches, homes, and schools, but never venture out to face the rest of the world. They know nothing about a hands on, up close and personal ministry. Everything is viewed at a distance. They are not comfortable with confrontation.
I’m not advocating a Christian machoism. The truth is, most of England’s early martyrs who were burned at the stake, were indoors men and book worms. What I am saying is that all of us, with the help of God, need face up to whatever needs to be faced. No matter what the personal cost, pain, or results. May God give each of us the courage to keep us from being a courageous coward!
Jun 8, 2009
*Transforming Your Prayer Life
A.W. Tozer tells a story of an old minister, whose Christian life was revolutionized. When asked what brought about this noticeable change, he answered, “I simply promised God I would never again pray a prayer I didn’t mean.”
Some years ago while in Ireland, I picked up an old Welsh hymnal; in it is a children’s song I think conveys the old minister’s sentiment. Here is the first verse of it.
I often say my prayers,
But do I ever pray?
And do the wishes of my heart
Go with the words I say?
I may as well kneel down
And worship gods of stone,
As offer to the living God
A prayer of words alone.
For words without the heart
The Lord will never hear;
Nor will He to those lips attend
Whose prayers are not sincere.
Lord, teach me what I need,
And teach me how to pray;
Nor let me ask Thee for thy grace,
Not meaning what I say.
(John Burton 1803-77)
Some years ago while in Ireland, I picked up an old Welsh hymnal; in it is a children’s song I think conveys the old minister’s sentiment. Here is the first verse of it.
I often say my prayers,
But do I ever pray?
And do the wishes of my heart
Go with the words I say?
I may as well kneel down
And worship gods of stone,
As offer to the living God
A prayer of words alone.
For words without the heart
The Lord will never hear;
Nor will He to those lips attend
Whose prayers are not sincere.
Lord, teach me what I need,
And teach me how to pray;
Nor let me ask Thee for thy grace,
Not meaning what I say.
(John Burton 1803-77)
Jun 7, 2009
*Chips, Scratches, and Breaks.
One great danger facing those who long to be Spiritual is in forgetting that in this life we will always be “earthen vessels.” God in His wisdom, for reasons known only to Him, has seen fit, so to speak, to indwell old, marred, crock pots. Yes, chips, scratches, breaks, and all. The only perfect person He ever inhabited was His lovely Son.
Some of us spend a lifetime running from our humanity, until we come to realize that’s all we’ve got. There “ain’t” nothin’ else we have to offer Him. Since God sent Jesus in human flesh, He more than understands now our cry, “Lord, I’m only human!” Remember, we’re not supermen, just a part of frail humanity.
Though the spirit is willing, the flesh will ever be weak.
Some of us spend a lifetime running from our humanity, until we come to realize that’s all we’ve got. There “ain’t” nothin’ else we have to offer Him. Since God sent Jesus in human flesh, He more than understands now our cry, “Lord, I’m only human!” Remember, we’re not supermen, just a part of frail humanity.
Though the spirit is willing, the flesh will ever be weak.
Jun 6, 2009
He'll Get Around to Yours.
Immediately upon calling His first disciples, Jesus said, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also." Then, later on we're told, “He departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.” Oswald Chambers, commenting on our latter text says, “Jesus comes where He commands us to leave.” The disciples had left all to follow Jesus. He now rewards each of them by coming to their towns. Whenever we put God first, especially in the area of clinging to loved ones, you can be assured that they will ultimately receive a personal visit from Him.
Do not rob those you love of the personal attention of Christ by refusing to let go of them. To be sure, if you put God first above all others, He will get around to seeing them sooner or later. Don’t debate Him; just obey. If you don’t, you’ll only be in the way of His plans for them. Leave all the consequences with Him. The day of their visitation will come, and they will know it when it arrives.
Our time zone is different from God’s. Our calendars are always one day ahead, and our clocks five minutes fast.
Do not rob those you love of the personal attention of Christ by refusing to let go of them. To be sure, if you put God first above all others, He will get around to seeing them sooner or later. Don’t debate Him; just obey. If you don’t, you’ll only be in the way of His plans for them. Leave all the consequences with Him. The day of their visitation will come, and they will know it when it arrives.
Our time zone is different from God’s. Our calendars are always one day ahead, and our clocks five minutes fast.
Jun 5, 2009
A Room Full of Doors
Our Heavenly Father would have His children live a life of faith. Without it, we are told, it is impossible to please Him. The highest respect we can pay God is in believing His Word, no matter what! To stand before Him when all is dark, when stripped of everything we hold dear, and all hope is gone, to say, “I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me,” is the greatest honor one could bestow upon Him.
The way in which the Lord teaches us this vital lesson is to “shut [us] up unto the faith.” He puts us in an impossible situation and shuts every door except one. After weary and worn from trying all the locked doors, in desperation we finally try the door of faith. And when we do, we find that all the time it was the way out, just waiting for us to enter through it. Reach out and turn the knob, you never need a key, it’s always open.
Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And lo, no one was there.
The way in which the Lord teaches us this vital lesson is to “shut [us] up unto the faith.” He puts us in an impossible situation and shuts every door except one. After weary and worn from trying all the locked doors, in desperation we finally try the door of faith. And when we do, we find that all the time it was the way out, just waiting for us to enter through it. Reach out and turn the knob, you never need a key, it’s always open.
Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And lo, no one was there.
Jun 2, 2009
*Divine Set-backs
“Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.” Paul was compelled to leave behind one of his traveling companions because of sickness. This faithful friend was, no doubt, of great help to the Apostle in his missionary journeys. What a set-back this must have been for both Paul and Trophimus. Nevertheless, Paul went on, and his co-worker stayed behind. In spite of the disappointment to both, there was no complaining to God or blaming Him. Their motto was always, “The will of the Lord be done.”
We are told of the remarkable healing powers entrusted to Paul, but neither he nor his sick friend had faith to claim healing. It is written “God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul,” but it was not so in this case. Why? Simply because it was not in God’s plan. Contrary to the teaching of some today, it is not always God’s will to heal or deliver. Paul’s eye problem stayed with him till death; and young Timothy had stomach problems all his life.
Our gifts, powers, and possibilities are subject to the limitations of God’s perfect will. Our prayer should always be, “In sickness and in health, the will of God be done.”Set-backs can’t keep back a person who does not hold back his life from God.
We are told of the remarkable healing powers entrusted to Paul, but neither he nor his sick friend had faith to claim healing. It is written “God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul,” but it was not so in this case. Why? Simply because it was not in God’s plan. Contrary to the teaching of some today, it is not always God’s will to heal or deliver. Paul’s eye problem stayed with him till death; and young Timothy had stomach problems all his life.
Our gifts, powers, and possibilities are subject to the limitations of God’s perfect will. Our prayer should always be, “In sickness and in health, the will of God be done.”Set-backs can’t keep back a person who does not hold back his life from God.
May 27, 2009
No Apology Necessary
My oldest son, Andrew, pastors a church in Santa Cruz, here in California. He has some great one-liners, such as: “If love never fails, why try anything else?”; “Having an infallible Bible doesn’t make us so”; and, “You can’t run from your humanity.” But the one I think could be the most profound of all is, “We need to stop apologizing for the Will of God.” Think of it, we often come across as being apologetic for the blessings of God upon our lives. Many, it seems, live in constant condemnation when blessed above some others.
We feel we need to explain to everyone, almost embarrassingly at times, for the good things that have come our way. If we are blessed, we need not be ashamed before the brethren, but simply stay humble before The Blesser. If, on the other hand, God has seen fit to withhold the “goodies” of life, we need not be bitter, but rather content in whatsoever state we find ourselves. This is a great gain in itself; so says the Apostle.
But this truth goes much deeper than material things. Yes, He makes both the rich and the poor, as the wise man says; but it also covers God’s dealings with His Elect in every area of their lives. We are told He makes one vessel to honor, and another to dishonor; He made the seeing, as well as the blind; what’s more, He makes the deaf and the hearing. To those who would question such things, Jesus says “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?
Therefore, it is not for me to question, but to obey. And if I am obedient, I can know, most assuredly, whatever lot falls to me, He is the disposer of the same. Or as the song writer so ably put it, “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul.” May I ask you a question that Elisha’s servant asked the great lady of Shunem, after the loss of her dearest possession? “Is it well with thee? She answered, It is well.”
You can never lose what you have given to God!
We feel we need to explain to everyone, almost embarrassingly at times, for the good things that have come our way. If we are blessed, we need not be ashamed before the brethren, but simply stay humble before The Blesser. If, on the other hand, God has seen fit to withhold the “goodies” of life, we need not be bitter, but rather content in whatsoever state we find ourselves. This is a great gain in itself; so says the Apostle.
But this truth goes much deeper than material things. Yes, He makes both the rich and the poor, as the wise man says; but it also covers God’s dealings with His Elect in every area of their lives. We are told He makes one vessel to honor, and another to dishonor; He made the seeing, as well as the blind; what’s more, He makes the deaf and the hearing. To those who would question such things, Jesus says “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?
Therefore, it is not for me to question, but to obey. And if I am obedient, I can know, most assuredly, whatever lot falls to me, He is the disposer of the same. Or as the song writer so ably put it, “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul.” May I ask you a question that Elisha’s servant asked the great lady of Shunem, after the loss of her dearest possession? “Is it well with thee? She answered, It is well.”
You can never lose what you have given to God!
May 26, 2009
*A Wise Little Saying
Those who are familiar with our writings know how I appreciate little quips that can be applied to Bible truths. One such aphorism is, “Empty that which is full; fill that which is empty.” We wonder why our lives are not fresh, why they seem to be stagnant. Could this be the explanation? Is this the answer to our blessings breeding worms? (Ex.16:19-20)
The Scriptures are filled with illustrations of God filling that which we empty out. For example, just to site a couple; the widows pot of oil (2 Kgs.4), also the barrel of meal in 1 Kgs. 17. Whenever there is a vacuum for the glory of God, you can be sure He will fill it up again! But he doesn’t fill what’s already full.
Jesus emptied Himself for us; and God, in turn, filled His Son’s life with all the fullness of God. He certainly proved out His own teaching, “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over…” As the cliché goes, “There is more where that came from.”
The Scriptures are filled with illustrations of God filling that which we empty out. For example, just to site a couple; the widows pot of oil (2 Kgs.4), also the barrel of meal in 1 Kgs. 17. Whenever there is a vacuum for the glory of God, you can be sure He will fill it up again! But he doesn’t fill what’s already full.
Jesus emptied Himself for us; and God, in turn, filled His Son’s life with all the fullness of God. He certainly proved out His own teaching, “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over…” As the cliché goes, “There is more where that came from.”
May 25, 2009
*After Victory
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.
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 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.”
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