“…it is required...that a man be found faithful.” Both Isaiah and Jeremiah, though not fruitful, were found to be faithful. Today we are impressed with the first but not so much with the second. In fact, in some churches the former seems to take precedent over the latter. In Paul’s letters, he addresses “...the faithful in Christ Jesus.”
The wise man tells us it is difficult to find a faithful man. But goes on to say, once you have, you will see a person that “…abounds with blessings.”
We are told, “God is faithful.” It is a Godly characteristic to be faithful; therefore we should all strive to emulate Him. The main business of a child of God is faithfulness, above all else.
It is the faithful few that He commends with the coveted words, “Well done…” And this includes those of us who have been faithful over a little, as well as those who have been faithful over much.
When it is most difficult to be faithful, that is when it is most necessary.
May 4, 2010
May 2, 2010
Overemphasis
The devil knows most of us are extremists; “If ones good, two are better.” He is an expert in getting Christian’s to go off the deep end. He wants us to get in over our heads. This way we lose all sense of what’s going on around us. He gets us to put all our eggs in one basket, knowing we’ll give them all our attention; while he fills the other baskets with rotten ones. If he can convince us tunnel vision is best, we’ll sacrifice consciousness of other things of importance for just one thing. He’ll urge us to put something or someone on one side of the scale, and then tempt us to remove the just balance on the opposite side, thereby resulting in overestimating that thing or person’s value.
For example, if you go overboard on Calvinism you become a fatalist. But to go too far with Arminianism you end up being a humanist. And to be overly concerned with the prodigal child, neglecting the good one, you may end up loosing both. “If we pay attention to the Spiritual, the devil will pay attention to the nerves” (Oswald Chambers). Satan relies on your extreme loves and dislikes to drive you in the opposite direction. To the outer limits, if you please. This way you end up in no mans land, and that’s no place to be. One extreme is as bad as the other. The only way to keep your Spiritual sanity is by keeping to the middle ground. I’m not speaking of compromise, but of sound, sensible evaluation of things and people in life. No hang-ups!
All extremes, except our devotion to Christ, are to be guarded.
For example, if you go overboard on Calvinism you become a fatalist. But to go too far with Arminianism you end up being a humanist. And to be overly concerned with the prodigal child, neglecting the good one, you may end up loosing both. “If we pay attention to the Spiritual, the devil will pay attention to the nerves” (Oswald Chambers). Satan relies on your extreme loves and dislikes to drive you in the opposite direction. To the outer limits, if you please. This way you end up in no mans land, and that’s no place to be. One extreme is as bad as the other. The only way to keep your Spiritual sanity is by keeping to the middle ground. I’m not speaking of compromise, but of sound, sensible evaluation of things and people in life. No hang-ups!
All extremes, except our devotion to Christ, are to be guarded.
Apr 29, 2010
A Rose by Any Other Name is Still a Rose
While reading George MacDonald recently I came across one brief line that gave birth to this article. I find great writers say little, but like the small acorn, much comes from it.
The statement MacDonald used that caught my attention was this: “Jesus would not change into another thing what His Father had made into one thing.” That is, He would not change a stone into bread. If God said it is a stone, the Son would not say it is a loaf.
When Jesus changed the water into wine, it was still a liquid substance. When God changes a sinner into a saint, he remains a part of the human race. But I find many of us try to deny this by, as my Son Andrew says, “Running from our humanity.”
When I was associated with the Deeper Life groups I found most, if not all its adherence refused to accept that they were who they were. Paul states it this way, “I am what I am.” Or as my wife wrote in one of her articles, “It is what it is.”
When Jesus spoke of denying self, it was in reference to rights, not recognition. When the Holy Spirit comes into one’s life, his or her principles are converted from ones of depravity to that of Deity. Your tastes, likes, and temperament stay the same, but are now governed by the Divine Nature.
If you want to live a happy, contented life, I would strongly advise you to accept your humanity, live in the Word, obey it the best you can, and take it a day at a time. It will work, if you work it. It works for me!
The statement MacDonald used that caught my attention was this: “Jesus would not change into another thing what His Father had made into one thing.” That is, He would not change a stone into bread. If God said it is a stone, the Son would not say it is a loaf.
When Jesus changed the water into wine, it was still a liquid substance. When God changes a sinner into a saint, he remains a part of the human race. But I find many of us try to deny this by, as my Son Andrew says, “Running from our humanity.”
When I was associated with the Deeper Life groups I found most, if not all its adherence refused to accept that they were who they were. Paul states it this way, “I am what I am.” Or as my wife wrote in one of her articles, “It is what it is.”
When Jesus spoke of denying self, it was in reference to rights, not recognition. When the Holy Spirit comes into one’s life, his or her principles are converted from ones of depravity to that of Deity. Your tastes, likes, and temperament stay the same, but are now governed by the Divine Nature.
If you want to live a happy, contented life, I would strongly advise you to accept your humanity, live in the Word, obey it the best you can, and take it a day at a time. It will work, if you work it. It works for me!
Apr 27, 2010
*Walking on Land
My wife spoke to me recently of a gospel song she heard that gave me the ideal for this article. I wonder if part of Peter’s failure to walk on water stemmed from the fact he had not learned to walk on land. Many Christians want to skip over basic math to trigonometry. They can’t add 2 and 2, yet they somehow think they can figure out life’s more difficult and perplexing problems.
I’m always amused to hear someone whose life is in shambles advise others in the same situation. That is, on how they can build their own unstructured lives. It’s kind of like a blind man instructing another blind man how to build his house. When will we learn, we can’t do great things until we first learn to do little things faithfully. We’ll never be able to walk supernaturally on water till we have learned to walk straight on land.
God will not put the “Super” in front of the “Natural” in our lives unless we do a good job with the latter first.
I’m always amused to hear someone whose life is in shambles advise others in the same situation. That is, on how they can build their own unstructured lives. It’s kind of like a blind man instructing another blind man how to build his house. When will we learn, we can’t do great things until we first learn to do little things faithfully. We’ll never be able to walk supernaturally on water till we have learned to walk straight on land.
God will not put the “Super” in front of the “Natural” in our lives unless we do a good job with the latter first.
Apr 26, 2010
Sheep and Giraffe's
Oswald Chambers writes, “Beware of posing as a profound person; God became a Baby.” In this pseudo-intellectual philosophical, and supposedly enlightened age, it is not difficult to pass one’s self off as being a deep person. Especially impressed are those who have voluntarily chosen to unashamedly adorn a “Dunce’s Cap.” They ignorantly and mistakenly interpret shallow muddy waters as being deep.
Any seven or eight year old child, brought up in a Christian home, can understand the Sermon on the Mount, which was spoken by the ONE who possessed the greatest mind that ever graced this earth. One of the impressive characteristics of this MAN, who was the incarnation of eternal knowledge, was His “Intellectual Simplicity.” He was more concerned with instilling truth in His hearers, than impressing them with it.
Dr. Bob Jones Sr. used to say, “Simplicity is life’s most becoming garb.” Paul feared the intellectual Corinthians would lose sight of the, “simplicity that is in Christ.” Sublime simplicity, that was our Lord! It takes real humility for a great mind to “put the cookies on the bottom shelf,” so to speak. This way, those that are of lesser intellectual stature can enjoy and digest what the great minds feed on. At a zoo, I once saw the giraffes and sheep feed together. The fodder was kept low for the sheep, and all the giraffe had to do was bow his proud neck.
Any seven or eight year old child, brought up in a Christian home, can understand the Sermon on the Mount, which was spoken by the ONE who possessed the greatest mind that ever graced this earth. One of the impressive characteristics of this MAN, who was the incarnation of eternal knowledge, was His “Intellectual Simplicity.” He was more concerned with instilling truth in His hearers, than impressing them with it.
Dr. Bob Jones Sr. used to say, “Simplicity is life’s most becoming garb.” Paul feared the intellectual Corinthians would lose sight of the, “simplicity that is in Christ.” Sublime simplicity, that was our Lord! It takes real humility for a great mind to “put the cookies on the bottom shelf,” so to speak. This way, those that are of lesser intellectual stature can enjoy and digest what the great minds feed on. At a zoo, I once saw the giraffes and sheep feed together. The fodder was kept low for the sheep, and all the giraffe had to do was bow his proud neck.
Apr 24, 2010
Defective Knowledge
“Jesus saith…Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me?” Philip had been with Jesus three years. During this time he had eaten with Him, slept near Him, heard His teachings, and listened to His prayers. But what’s even more important is the fact that this Disciple, along with the others, had seen His Lord raise the dead, cast out demons, heal the sick, walk on water, and tell people their innermost thoughts. Displaying attributes as these (omnipotence and omniscience), could only be ascribed to God Himself.
But in spite of Philip being with Jesus so long a time, he, like so many Christians today, possessed a defective knowledge of Christ. True, he knew Him as the Son of God, but had not yet comprehended Him as God the Son. You might say he had entered the Holy Place: feeding on the Word (Shew-bread); praying (Altar of incense); and enjoying light (Golden candlestick). But he had not yet entered the Holy of Holies, where God alone was! So often, God’s people never grasp the fact these three things are means to take us into God’s very presence, that we might worship Him alone.
Philip had ignorantly requested, “Lord, shew us the Father.” Poor soul, he was asking for something he already had. If you have Jesus, you have God! As Matthew Henry so ably wrote, “Many know Christ, who yet do not know what they might know of him.”
But in spite of Philip being with Jesus so long a time, he, like so many Christians today, possessed a defective knowledge of Christ. True, he knew Him as the Son of God, but had not yet comprehended Him as God the Son. You might say he had entered the Holy Place: feeding on the Word (Shew-bread); praying (Altar of incense); and enjoying light (Golden candlestick). But he had not yet entered the Holy of Holies, where God alone was! So often, God’s people never grasp the fact these three things are means to take us into God’s very presence, that we might worship Him alone.
Philip had ignorantly requested, “Lord, shew us the Father.” Poor soul, he was asking for something he already had. If you have Jesus, you have God! As Matthew Henry so ably wrote, “Many know Christ, who yet do not know what they might know of him.”
Apr 23, 2010
Lasting Relationships
“The Lord be between thee and me for ever.” These words were spoken to David by his good and dear friend, Jonathan. Never was there a human relationship stronger than that of these two inseparable friends. A relationship in which, we are told, “The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David.” It lasted up to the grave and even beyond. This bond was pure, honorable, and godly, linked together by a Man in-between, holding each of their hands.
Contrary to popular opinion, lasting relationships are not held together by: things you have in common; your children; deep feelings; physical attraction; or mutual affirmation (You pat my back, and I’ll pat yours). An enduring union is, if you’ll pardon the expression, glued, mortared, and yes, cemented together, by Jesus Christ. If He joins two spouses, friends, or associates, no one can unknot the tie. Unless, of course, one of the partners grows weary of the MAN-in-the-middle. This Blessed go-between keeps relationships sweet. He works out all differences, while still keeping the duet on key and in harmony.
If one or both in a relationship do not want Jesus Christ to have pre-eminence, then there can never be a lasting relationship!
Contrary to popular opinion, lasting relationships are not held together by: things you have in common; your children; deep feelings; physical attraction; or mutual affirmation (You pat my back, and I’ll pat yours). An enduring union is, if you’ll pardon the expression, glued, mortared, and yes, cemented together, by Jesus Christ. If He joins two spouses, friends, or associates, no one can unknot the tie. Unless, of course, one of the partners grows weary of the MAN-in-the-middle. This Blessed go-between keeps relationships sweet. He works out all differences, while still keeping the duet on key and in harmony.
If one or both in a relationship do not want Jesus Christ to have pre-eminence, then there can never be a lasting relationship!
Born Losers
Through the years, when in the presence of real Spiritual thinkers, I have discussed at length the baffling question, “Are certain people born losers”? With some, it seems no matter how much prayer, time, or help you put into them; they are doomed to a life of defeat. Even those nourished up in the Lord, as Samson was.
Is it that they cannot because they will not; or they will not because they cannot? I have come to believe there is an element of truth in both. Isaiah tells us, “[God] hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see.” But Jesus said, referring to this text, “…their eyes[ they] have closed.” It seems that because they would not, God fixed it so that they could not.
What an awesome thought! It is no light thing trifling with one’s Christian life. Esau treated sacred things flippantly, and afterward, when he saw the folly of doing so, he sought to repent; but we are plainly told he could not. No doubt this was Paul’s concern when he mentioned being a castaway.
We need to get serious about our lives, for we are dealing with a serious God. Is it any wonder the Apostle admonishes us to, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Like all things worthwhile, you have to work at it. And as they say, “It will work if you work it.” So let us all get to work!
Is it that they cannot because they will not; or they will not because they cannot? I have come to believe there is an element of truth in both. Isaiah tells us, “[God] hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see.” But Jesus said, referring to this text, “…their eyes[ they] have closed.” It seems that because they would not, God fixed it so that they could not.
What an awesome thought! It is no light thing trifling with one’s Christian life. Esau treated sacred things flippantly, and afterward, when he saw the folly of doing so, he sought to repent; but we are plainly told he could not. No doubt this was Paul’s concern when he mentioned being a castaway.
We need to get serious about our lives, for we are dealing with a serious God. Is it any wonder the Apostle admonishes us to, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Like all things worthwhile, you have to work at it. And as they say, “It will work if you work it.” So let us all get to work!
Apr 21, 2010
Peeking in Prayer
On more than one occasion, Jesus admonished His followers to, “…watch and pray.” In other words, it’s alright to pray with one eye open. Maybe our children are more scriptural than we realize! :>) For some reason we’ve gotten it in our heads that the watching part is not as important as the praying. I guess the latter seems more spiritual to us. But our Lord tells us we are just as responsible to do the one as the other.
Most certainly, the watchman watches in vain if there is no prayer, but it needs to be emphasized that the prayer is in vain also, if one is not watching. You don’t want to be praying when you’re supposed to be watching, (and vice-versa). If the good man of the house would have been watching, the thief would not have walked away with his goods; so says Jesus. The devil will rob you of everything you hold precious, if all you do is pray.
Peter, like most of us, learned this lesson the hard way. It’s interesting that years after his tragic fall, he warns other believers, “…watch unto prayer.”
Yes, let us pray, but let us also be sure to keep an eye open.
Most certainly, the watchman watches in vain if there is no prayer, but it needs to be emphasized that the prayer is in vain also, if one is not watching. You don’t want to be praying when you’re supposed to be watching, (and vice-versa). If the good man of the house would have been watching, the thief would not have walked away with his goods; so says Jesus. The devil will rob you of everything you hold precious, if all you do is pray.
Peter, like most of us, learned this lesson the hard way. It’s interesting that years after his tragic fall, he warns other believers, “…watch unto prayer.”
Yes, let us pray, but let us also be sure to keep an eye open.
Apr 20, 2010
Raw Christianity
What do I mean when I use the term, “Raw Christianity?” I am simply speaking of those stalwart saints who go on in life without the aid of all the fanfare of today’s modern religious tripe tacked on to them. Those rare, red blooded, unprocessed, natural souls; whom God has stripped and laid bare on His altar of sacrifice for all to behold; as the smell of their sweet savor ascends to the nostrils of God.
These unsung heroes are all around us. Count yourself blessed if you have rubbed shoulders with any of them. And consider yourself even more privileged if the Lord has sorted you out to join their ranks. Who would not count it an honor to stand along side these “living sacrifices?” Suffering in body, forsaken by loved ones, and having lost all that’s precious, they display countenances as “the face of an angel.”
When our Lord said, “Take up your cross,” He was telling us it is a voluntary thing. It is our choice; we can pick it up or put it down. Many today, I’m afraid, have preferred doing the latter. They have elected to follow the fun and games crowd over following the “Lamb to the slaughter.” Whenever one saw an individual carrying a cross in Jesus day, they certainly knew he or she was not headed for an ice cream social! As A.W. Tozer brings out in one of his books on the Cross, the one thing we can be sure of, a cross crucifies its occupant.
Historical Christianity is the story of God’s people triumphing over suffering. And it began with its Blessed Founder!
These unsung heroes are all around us. Count yourself blessed if you have rubbed shoulders with any of them. And consider yourself even more privileged if the Lord has sorted you out to join their ranks. Who would not count it an honor to stand along side these “living sacrifices?” Suffering in body, forsaken by loved ones, and having lost all that’s precious, they display countenances as “the face of an angel.”
When our Lord said, “Take up your cross,” He was telling us it is a voluntary thing. It is our choice; we can pick it up or put it down. Many today, I’m afraid, have preferred doing the latter. They have elected to follow the fun and games crowd over following the “Lamb to the slaughter.” Whenever one saw an individual carrying a cross in Jesus day, they certainly knew he or she was not headed for an ice cream social! As A.W. Tozer brings out in one of his books on the Cross, the one thing we can be sure of, a cross crucifies its occupant.
Historical Christianity is the story of God’s people triumphing over suffering. And it began with its Blessed Founder!
Apr 15, 2010
Deceptive Desires
I do not know the motive of James and John when they desired of the Lord that each might sit next to Him in His Kingdom. I do know we can have deceptive desires. A request can be right, but the motive wrong. James tells us, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” A good cross-reference to this would be Israel in their wilderness journeying, “…they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.”
If we are persistent in our carnal desires, God may grant them to us, but realize this: something else will accompany them. “And he gave them their request; but sent leanness unto their soul.” It is possible to have a full life, but with an empty soul. Read the book of Ecclesiastes if you doubt this. Having what you want doesn’t mean having what you need. For this reason, every prayer should end with, “…nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” After all, Father knows best.
It’s always safe to desire “HIM” above all your desires!
If we are persistent in our carnal desires, God may grant them to us, but realize this: something else will accompany them. “And he gave them their request; but sent leanness unto their soul.” It is possible to have a full life, but with an empty soul. Read the book of Ecclesiastes if you doubt this. Having what you want doesn’t mean having what you need. For this reason, every prayer should end with, “…nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” After all, Father knows best.
It’s always safe to desire “HIM” above all your desires!
Apr 13, 2010
Holiness
One of, if not the most misunderstood words among Christians is the word “holiness.” Not only today, but in past years, it has been both misused and abused. Some believe it to mean sinless perfection; but that cannot be, for holiness is associated with places and things, as well as people. And Paul tells us to, “[Perfect] holiness.” That is, you can improve on it.
The Bible is its own interpreter, dictionary, and commentary, as well as being self-corrective (typographical errors, etc.). We are told in Luke 2:23, “As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord.” When we look up the reference in Ex.13:2 and12, we find these words, “Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, [both] of man and of beast: it [is] mine.” Verse 12, “Thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be] the LORD'S.” Note matrix is also interpreted.
Without going to the Hebrew or Greek, we find holy, sanctify, and set apart, are all synonymous. And all three have to do with ownership, “It is mine...[it] shall be the LORD’S.” A Pharisee was more separated than say, Simon; but the former was not holy, he did not belong to the Lord. The question of holiness is not what you do or don’t do; it’s does He own you?
Many separatist boast of things they’ve given-up for the Lord, who has never given-in to the Lord!
The Bible is its own interpreter, dictionary, and commentary, as well as being self-corrective (typographical errors, etc.). We are told in Luke 2:23, “As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord.” When we look up the reference in Ex.13:2 and12, we find these words, “Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, [both] of man and of beast: it [is] mine.” Verse 12, “Thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be] the LORD'S.” Note matrix is also interpreted.
Without going to the Hebrew or Greek, we find holy, sanctify, and set apart, are all synonymous. And all three have to do with ownership, “It is mine...[it] shall be the LORD’S.” A Pharisee was more separated than say, Simon; but the former was not holy, he did not belong to the Lord. The question of holiness is not what you do or don’t do; it’s does He own you?
Many separatist boast of things they’ve given-up for the Lord, who has never given-in to the Lord!
Apr 12, 2010
Simple, Not Simpleton
“…the simplicity that is in Christ." One of Webster's definitions for simplicity is: "freedom from complexity." The apostle is not advocating Christ's followers be simpletons, but rather to keep their lives uncomplicated. I know many people who complicate the simple. It goes without saying, that these many create many unnecessary problems for themselves.
Studying the life of Christ or that of the early Church, the one thing that stands out above all else is the utter simplicity that governed their lives. Whether it was in their praying, preaching, witnessing, giving, or church services, it was simple. There was nothing complicated about them. I used to tell my staff, "Plan it big, but keep it simple." In our complicated world today, it is wise for all of us to come back to the "simplicity that is in Christ."
“Simplicity is life's most becoming garb.” Bob Jones, Sr.
Studying the life of Christ or that of the early Church, the one thing that stands out above all else is the utter simplicity that governed their lives. Whether it was in their praying, preaching, witnessing, giving, or church services, it was simple. There was nothing complicated about them. I used to tell my staff, "Plan it big, but keep it simple." In our complicated world today, it is wise for all of us to come back to the "simplicity that is in Christ."
“Simplicity is life's most becoming garb.” Bob Jones, Sr.
Apr 9, 2010
The Main Goal
There is no question; we are living in a goal-oriented age. Goals are good if we prioritize them. That is, if at the top of the list we have God as our main goal. Augustine said, “Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee.” Any goal achieved without God will always leave one empty and unfulfilled.
In the beginning, Adam had no goal but God until the devil came on the scene with his competitive goals. Satan subtly tempts Christians to set spiritual goals to get them to take their eyes off God. To mention a few, soul-winning, Bible reading, missions giving, etc. In Pilgrim’s Progress, we see how the devil used every means to turn Christian aside from his one main goal.
It’s true that as we run the race of life, with Christ set before us as our Goal, we may fall from time to time. But as one has said, “Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fall.”
In the beginning, Adam had no goal but God until the devil came on the scene with his competitive goals. Satan subtly tempts Christians to set spiritual goals to get them to take their eyes off God. To mention a few, soul-winning, Bible reading, missions giving, etc. In Pilgrim’s Progress, we see how the devil used every means to turn Christian aside from his one main goal.
It’s true that as we run the race of life, with Christ set before us as our Goal, we may fall from time to time. But as one has said, “Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fall.”
Apr 8, 2010
P.T. Barmum Was Right
“There’s a sucker born every minute.” This phrase is generally credited to P.T. Barmum (1810-1891), an American showman. It’s normally taken to mean there are (and always will be) a lot of gullible people in the world. Christians are constantly warned in scriptures of being deceived. Yet, in spite of this, many are willing to swallow poisonous teaching if some portion of the Bible is an additive in the mixture. I’d remind our naïve friends that the devil can quote the scriptures (Matt.4: 5-6).
Let me site an example of the above. In a recent article in Newsmax, a tel-evangelist and his preacher wife, who preach the Health and Wealth gospel, was interviewed concerning today’s dire economy. During the discussion he made this statement, “You can’t have faith if you don’t first have hope.” Now a person wouldn’t have to have a thimble full of Bible knowledge to see through such a asinine statement as this. The apostle Paul, during a dreadful time said, “I believe God.” But this was said only after it was recorded, “When all hope was taken away.”
Faith brings hope, not the opposite. We are told of Abraham, “Who against hope believed in hope.” When there is no hope that is when faith creates it. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” It does not say, “without hope.” Nothing comes before faith other than the object you’re trusting in. And that is not hope, THAT IS GOD!
Let me site an example of the above. In a recent article in Newsmax, a tel-evangelist and his preacher wife, who preach the Health and Wealth gospel, was interviewed concerning today’s dire economy. During the discussion he made this statement, “You can’t have faith if you don’t first have hope.” Now a person wouldn’t have to have a thimble full of Bible knowledge to see through such a asinine statement as this. The apostle Paul, during a dreadful time said, “I believe God.” But this was said only after it was recorded, “When all hope was taken away.”
Faith brings hope, not the opposite. We are told of Abraham, “Who against hope believed in hope.” When there is no hope that is when faith creates it. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” It does not say, “without hope.” Nothing comes before faith other than the object you’re trusting in. And that is not hope, THAT IS GOD!
Apr 6, 2010
Intellectual Love
When thinking of love we do not generally equate it with the intellectual part of a person, but rather their emotional side. We mistakenly associate love with the heart only and not the head. But Jesus taught His followers that the first and great commandment was not only to love God with all your heart, but also with the entire mind.
There is nothing more dangerous than an ignorant love. I was once at the scene when a six year old boy was hit by a car as he followed some older boys across the street. A passerby had the child lie still until the ambulance arrived. In the mean time, his mother, who lived nearby, rushed to the sight, pushed through the crowd, picked up her son, and pressed him to her bosom, weeping. There is no question that was a display of true love; but had the boy a broken back, that mother’s love would have, at the least, crippled him for life.
Heart love by itself leaves one clueless as to the right actions to be taken in any and all situations. On the other hand, a love that remains in the confines of the head, never traveling a few inches downward, will result in coldness. One cannot allow the heart to rule the head; remember, God warned us that a deceiver occupies a room there. The Bible teaches a two witness principle. Until these two are in perfect agreement, it’s safe to not make any major moves or decisions. It takes two wings to fly.
You can always trust a sanctified mind and a purified heart to be in agreement.
There is nothing more dangerous than an ignorant love. I was once at the scene when a six year old boy was hit by a car as he followed some older boys across the street. A passerby had the child lie still until the ambulance arrived. In the mean time, his mother, who lived nearby, rushed to the sight, pushed through the crowd, picked up her son, and pressed him to her bosom, weeping. There is no question that was a display of true love; but had the boy a broken back, that mother’s love would have, at the least, crippled him for life.
Heart love by itself leaves one clueless as to the right actions to be taken in any and all situations. On the other hand, a love that remains in the confines of the head, never traveling a few inches downward, will result in coldness. One cannot allow the heart to rule the head; remember, God warned us that a deceiver occupies a room there. The Bible teaches a two witness principle. Until these two are in perfect agreement, it’s safe to not make any major moves or decisions. It takes two wings to fly.
You can always trust a sanctified mind and a purified heart to be in agreement.
Apr 5, 2010
A Lesser Prophet
The true prophets and prophetesses were a succession of messengers raised up by God during times of decline and apostasy. They were revivalists and patriots. They spoke to the heart and conscience of the people.
The Biblical meaning of the word is “one who stands in the place of” (Ex. 7:1). They were not only predictive prophets, but non-predictive. All predictive prophecy is prophecy, but not all prophecy is predictive. There were prophets who were foretellers; but there were also those who were forth-tellers.
It is in this latter sense that Paul tells the Corinthian believers that they may all prophesy (be forth-tellers). There are major and minor prophets in the Scriptures, but I like to refer to that small remnant of believers who are going among our nation, calling it back to God, as “lesser prophets.” After all, a lesser prophet is no less a prophet.
As we mingle among the crowds, may we be faithful in forth-telling of God’s longing to have His people return to Him, their only real resting place (Isa.30:15). For all who hear and heed us miniature prophets and prophetesses, it will be to their profit.
“And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.”
The Biblical meaning of the word is “one who stands in the place of” (Ex. 7:1). They were not only predictive prophets, but non-predictive. All predictive prophecy is prophecy, but not all prophecy is predictive. There were prophets who were foretellers; but there were also those who were forth-tellers.
It is in this latter sense that Paul tells the Corinthian believers that they may all prophesy (be forth-tellers). There are major and minor prophets in the Scriptures, but I like to refer to that small remnant of believers who are going among our nation, calling it back to God, as “lesser prophets.” After all, a lesser prophet is no less a prophet.
As we mingle among the crowds, may we be faithful in forth-telling of God’s longing to have His people return to Him, their only real resting place (Isa.30:15). For all who hear and heed us miniature prophets and prophetesses, it will be to their profit.
“And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.”
Apr 4, 2010
The Spice of Life
Christ is the main ingredient in the Christian’s life. He is to be “…all, and in all.” Prayer without His presence is simply spending time alone with yourself. And, be assured, it is not quality time! Without Him, witnessing is just so much jibber-jabber. Bible reading becomes boring if we neglect to see Him on every page. And, if in preaching He is not the main theme, then it is all theatrics, and the poor preacher becomes as a court jester, simply entertaining everyone.
If your life is bland and tasteless, you’ll find after investigation that Jesus is the missing ingredient in it. He is the spice of life! He adds a Divine, Heavenly flavor to everything in life. He can make every bitter thing sweet, when He is put into it (Exo.15:23-25).
As Matthew Henry’s father, Phillip, wrote, “What is a sick man’s all in all? a physician; a condemned man’s? a pardon; a captive’s? a ransom; a hungry man’s? food; a thirsty man’s? drink; a man in debt’s? a surety. This, in all respects, is our condition, and all this He is to us.”
“He who has Christ can have no more, for Christ is all.” (Thomas Watson)
If your life is bland and tasteless, you’ll find after investigation that Jesus is the missing ingredient in it. He is the spice of life! He adds a Divine, Heavenly flavor to everything in life. He can make every bitter thing sweet, when He is put into it (Exo.15:23-25).
As Matthew Henry’s father, Phillip, wrote, “What is a sick man’s all in all? a physician; a condemned man’s? a pardon; a captive’s? a ransom; a hungry man’s? food; a thirsty man’s? drink; a man in debt’s? a surety. This, in all respects, is our condition, and all this He is to us.”
“He who has Christ can have no more, for Christ is all.” (Thomas Watson)
Apr 2, 2010
Life and Death
One of the great lines in the movie Braveheart is, “Every man dies, but not every man lives.” How sad to have been born in this world, but never to have lived, only existed. I can understand this when found in the unregenerate, but in a Christian, it’s beyond my comprehension. How does a professing child of God reconcile his or her miserable life with, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
I have found those who enjoy life most, are those who refuse to let Herculean problems stop them. Unlike Israel of old, who ran from their giant, these brave souls emulate David, who not only ran toward, but dared to defy his Goliath. There is no such thing as a happy coward. To quote another line from a great movie, The Magnificent Seven, “Cowards die many deaths, the courageous die only once.”
Child of God, there is no reason for you to ever run from your Colossus with such promises as these. "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Ro.8:27). “God…always causeth us to triumph in Christ” (11 Cor. 2:14). “For whosoever is born of God overcometh the world” (1Jn.2:4). “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Cor.15:57).
Joshua told the people to “…divide the spoil…with your brethren.” Don’t you want to be a warrior in this world? You’ll never have anything to share with others if you’re not. As the saying goes, “To the victor go the spoils.”
I have found those who enjoy life most, are those who refuse to let Herculean problems stop them. Unlike Israel of old, who ran from their giant, these brave souls emulate David, who not only ran toward, but dared to defy his Goliath. There is no such thing as a happy coward. To quote another line from a great movie, The Magnificent Seven, “Cowards die many deaths, the courageous die only once.”
Child of God, there is no reason for you to ever run from your Colossus with such promises as these. "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Ro.8:27). “God…always causeth us to triumph in Christ” (11 Cor. 2:14). “For whosoever is born of God overcometh the world” (1Jn.2:4). “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Cor.15:57).
Joshua told the people to “…divide the spoil…with your brethren.” Don’t you want to be a warrior in this world? You’ll never have anything to share with others if you’re not. As the saying goes, “To the victor go the spoils.”
Mar 31, 2010
Reading Between the Lines
I have to constantly remind myself that the Bible is a condensed book. What I mean is, I’m prone to forget the fact that there is often a time lapse between events recorded. And of these intervals, many times, we are told nothing. That leaves us, more or less, “to read between the lines.” Meaning simply, read what is implied but not expressed on the surface.
To site just one illustration of this would be the eighteen silent years in Jesus’ life. I’m speaking of that period from being a boy of twelve till a man of thirty. From other scriptures we can assume He regularly attended the Synagogue, learned the carpenter trade, and was an obedient child. But we are not told all the little everyday things that transpired in His life, as well as any crisis events.
This is a very important truth for us to grasp. If we do not, we will try to live “condensed lives.” We’ll try to squeeze everything into one main event, leaving out all the incidentals of life that are so important and necessary. The unimportant is as important to God as the important. Many times, those things never recorded or known of a person’s life tell more about that individual than the highlights.
Life is made up of a lot of insignificant ingredients; leave out just one of them, and it losses its rare taste.
To site just one illustration of this would be the eighteen silent years in Jesus’ life. I’m speaking of that period from being a boy of twelve till a man of thirty. From other scriptures we can assume He regularly attended the Synagogue, learned the carpenter trade, and was an obedient child. But we are not told all the little everyday things that transpired in His life, as well as any crisis events.
This is a very important truth for us to grasp. If we do not, we will try to live “condensed lives.” We’ll try to squeeze everything into one main event, leaving out all the incidentals of life that are so important and necessary. The unimportant is as important to God as the important. Many times, those things never recorded or known of a person’s life tell more about that individual than the highlights.
Life is made up of a lot of insignificant ingredients; leave out just one of them, and it losses its rare taste.
Mar 29, 2010
Your Own Worst Enemy
It was D.L. Moody who said, “No one gives D.L. Moody more trouble than D.L. Moody.” Let’s face it; we are our own worst enemy. A man heard a sermon on praying for your enemies, so he went home, got on his knees, and prayed for himself. There may be more truth than fiction in this story.
As long as we are in this flesh we will have to haul this “old man” with us everywhere we go. A common saying among the deeper life advocates is that we need to get out of Romans chapter seven and into Romans chapter eight. But if you’ll check your Bible, you’ll find the same man that’s groaning in chapter seven is still groaning in chapter eight.
You don’t try to change the “old man,” Jesus says, you’re to “Deny him.” In the movie, A Beautiful Mind, the main character, who was a schizophrenic, after being healed made a great statement, “I still see things, I just don’t acknowledge them.” We should never deny the existence of the old nature, but the recognition of it. Don’t let the old you convince you he is the new you!
After reading such scriptures as: the flesh is weak; flesh is unchangeable; flesh profits nothing; no good thing in the flesh; flesh cannot please God; flesh is filthy; flesh reaps corruption; and flesh wars against all that is holy and good, no wonder we’re told, “Put no confidence in the flesh.”
You can’t reason with it, you can’t satisfy it, and you can’t change it any more than a leper can change his spots or an Ethiopian his skin. Don’t coddle what God has condemned! We need to deal with our “old man” the way Samuel did Agag (a type of the flesh). We’re told, “Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is passed. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the Lord.”
Every morning of a believer’s life should begin with taking your “old man” by the nape of the neck, and drag him, kicking and screaming, to the Cross. And make sure you’re deaf to all his subtle promises and vows to do better, if you’ll only spare him. Remember, what Saul spared slew him in the end.
After Augustine’s conversion a woman of ill repute he had known previously called to him on the street, “Augustine, it is I.” To which he replied, “Yes, I know, but it is not I.”
As long as we are in this flesh we will have to haul this “old man” with us everywhere we go. A common saying among the deeper life advocates is that we need to get out of Romans chapter seven and into Romans chapter eight. But if you’ll check your Bible, you’ll find the same man that’s groaning in chapter seven is still groaning in chapter eight.
You don’t try to change the “old man,” Jesus says, you’re to “Deny him.” In the movie, A Beautiful Mind, the main character, who was a schizophrenic, after being healed made a great statement, “I still see things, I just don’t acknowledge them.” We should never deny the existence of the old nature, but the recognition of it. Don’t let the old you convince you he is the new you!
After reading such scriptures as: the flesh is weak; flesh is unchangeable; flesh profits nothing; no good thing in the flesh; flesh cannot please God; flesh is filthy; flesh reaps corruption; and flesh wars against all that is holy and good, no wonder we’re told, “Put no confidence in the flesh.”
You can’t reason with it, you can’t satisfy it, and you can’t change it any more than a leper can change his spots or an Ethiopian his skin. Don’t coddle what God has condemned! We need to deal with our “old man” the way Samuel did Agag (a type of the flesh). We’re told, “Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is passed. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the Lord.”
Every morning of a believer’s life should begin with taking your “old man” by the nape of the neck, and drag him, kicking and screaming, to the Cross. And make sure you’re deaf to all his subtle promises and vows to do better, if you’ll only spare him. Remember, what Saul spared slew him in the end.
After Augustine’s conversion a woman of ill repute he had known previously called to him on the street, “Augustine, it is I.” To which he replied, “Yes, I know, but it is not I.”
Mar 28, 2010
Opting Out of the Outdated
“He [Hezekiah]…brake in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it.”
Originally, this brazen serpent was by Divine direction, but it had outlived its usefulness. Just because God uses something for a certain time doesn’t mean necessarily He intended for it to be used for all of time. Some things have their day; after that, they are of no more use. The Tabernacle, for example, “which was a figure for the time then present.” Something better was to take its place; the Temple!
Hezekiah refers to this religious relic which had become a spiritual substitute for God, as “Nehushtan” (a piece of brass). Good things used in the past, but that are no longer of any value in the present, should be discarded, lest we end up idolizing them.Tradition can lead to superstition, and, in the end, can paralyze a person from parting with the past. Don't old dear what God discards!
Mar 27, 2010
The Lesser is Blessed Best
“Blessed are they that have not seen, yet have believed.” I’d like to put something to rest once and for all. I’m speaking of those saints who habitually speak of wishing they had lived in Jesus’ day. They constantly chide themselves for what they refer to as their, “little faith,” thinking themselves to be lesser saints. They feel they would’ve had greater faith had they lived when Jesus did. On the contrary, most of the people living then did not believe Him. So, seeing is not always believing.
The Apostles saw Him; John tells us that his hands handled Him; five hundred witnessed His Resurrection; and Paul met Him face to face. But none of these were as blessed as you and I. We may not have had the benefit of seeing His miracles, hearing Him teach, touching His garments, or beholding His resurrected body; yet Jesus tells us those saints living then, and in the future, who never saw Him, are more blessed than those who did. This, no doubt, looks backward and includes O.T. saints as well.
I did not set up these comparative decrees; Jesus did. He put His own stamp of praise-worthiness on those “Whom having not seen [Him], ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” As Matthew Henry writes, “Not to see and yet to believe argues greater industry in searching after truth, and greater ingenuousness of mind in embracing it.”
Belonging to the band of believer’s known as “The Not-Seeners,” is not a bad thing.
The Apostles saw Him; John tells us that his hands handled Him; five hundred witnessed His Resurrection; and Paul met Him face to face. But none of these were as blessed as you and I. We may not have had the benefit of seeing His miracles, hearing Him teach, touching His garments, or beholding His resurrected body; yet Jesus tells us those saints living then, and in the future, who never saw Him, are more blessed than those who did. This, no doubt, looks backward and includes O.T. saints as well.
I did not set up these comparative decrees; Jesus did. He put His own stamp of praise-worthiness on those “Whom having not seen [Him], ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” As Matthew Henry writes, “Not to see and yet to believe argues greater industry in searching after truth, and greater ingenuousness of mind in embracing it.”
Belonging to the band of believer’s known as “The Not-Seeners,” is not a bad thing.
Mar 26, 2010
*Heaven Is Home
When the Bible talks of Heaven, is it speaking in allegorical, figurative, or literal language? Personally, I believe a little of each. Though I do believe the undo attention given to the spiritualization of much of it, is unwarranted. The one thing I am absolutely assured of, even to the point of being dogmatic, is the fact that Jesus Christ literally abides there. It is, and always has been, His Home! As they say, “Home is where the heart is”; and His was always in Heaven.
When as a young man of just seventeen, I served with the military in Korea. There was not a day that passed I did not think about my home, I longed to be there. After my discharge, I arrived back at the old residence. Surprisingly, I found a dilapidated house; I had never noticed what a ramshackle place it was. Then I realized, it was never the place that made it home, it was the person, that precious little lady I called, “Mom.” It was she, the love of my life I longed for, not a crumbling building.
And so it is with our Heavenly Home, Heaven would be Hell without Him! Without Jesus, Heaven would be no more than a waste dump consisting of mounds of gold and expensive jewels. It is the Lover of our souls that makes Heaven Home. As the old gospel song goes, “Where Jesus is, ‘Tis Heaven there.” Is it any wonder Paul said, “To be with Christ…is far better.” The Apostle’s testimony was that of the old Puritan, “Christ stole my heart and ran away to heaven with it.”
Heaven would be dull without Him. But lovers are never bored in each other’s company.
When as a young man of just seventeen, I served with the military in Korea. There was not a day that passed I did not think about my home, I longed to be there. After my discharge, I arrived back at the old residence. Surprisingly, I found a dilapidated house; I had never noticed what a ramshackle place it was. Then I realized, it was never the place that made it home, it was the person, that precious little lady I called, “Mom.” It was she, the love of my life I longed for, not a crumbling building.
And so it is with our Heavenly Home, Heaven would be Hell without Him! Without Jesus, Heaven would be no more than a waste dump consisting of mounds of gold and expensive jewels. It is the Lover of our souls that makes Heaven Home. As the old gospel song goes, “Where Jesus is, ‘Tis Heaven there.” Is it any wonder Paul said, “To be with Christ…is far better.” The Apostle’s testimony was that of the old Puritan, “Christ stole my heart and ran away to heaven with it.”
Heaven would be dull without Him. But lovers are never bored in each other’s company.
Mar 24, 2010
The Christ of the Crisis
I heard an old hill preacher at a camp meeting once say, “You can depend on Jesus showing up whenever there’s a need in your life.” The scriptures amplify this truth over and over again. As the song says, “He’s the Christ of every crisis.” No predicament upsets, frustrates, or causes Him anxiety. He is always in control of every situation.
Things and people have a strange way of changing from bad to good, and from impossible to possible when Jesus arrives on the scene. Mary and Martha can attest to this, as well as those attending the marriage in Cana. Legions of people both in Bible times and history can testify to the fact that Jesus Christ conquered every crisis arising in their lives.
The one necessary crisis in a saint’s life that will take care of all other crises is a complete abandonment to Jesus Christ! It is then, and only then, that He becomes Lord of every crisis in one’s life. The disciples found in the midst of a “great storm,” by taking Jesus into the ship there was suddenly “a great calm.” And so will it be with you, dear child of God.
Jesus can make “what might have been” a living reality.
Things and people have a strange way of changing from bad to good, and from impossible to possible when Jesus arrives on the scene. Mary and Martha can attest to this, as well as those attending the marriage in Cana. Legions of people both in Bible times and history can testify to the fact that Jesus Christ conquered every crisis arising in their lives.
The one necessary crisis in a saint’s life that will take care of all other crises is a complete abandonment to Jesus Christ! It is then, and only then, that He becomes Lord of every crisis in one’s life. The disciples found in the midst of a “great storm,” by taking Jesus into the ship there was suddenly “a great calm.” And so will it be with you, dear child of God.
Jesus can make “what might have been” a living reality.
Mar 23, 2010
You're As Good As Your Word
A person is no better than his or her word. In olden times a man didn’t have to sign a paper, but simply say a word to seal an agreement. God keeps His Word to us, and He expects us to keep our word to Him (and to one another).
Moses tells us if a man or woman makes a promise to God “he [she] shall not break his [her] word.” And the wise man in Ecclesiastes reminds us to perform what we promise God. Far too many Christians make “Fox-hole” promises, but they soon forget. God doesn’t!
Someone asked me if I was going to renew my wedding vows to my wife on our fiftieth anniversary. My answer was, “No, I meant them the first time.” We need to mean business with God. It’s a serious thing dealing with Deity; it’s not to be taken lightly, consequences follow all who do.
A promise made is a debt unpaid. ~Robert Service
Moses tells us if a man or woman makes a promise to God “he [she] shall not break his [her] word.” And the wise man in Ecclesiastes reminds us to perform what we promise God. Far too many Christians make “Fox-hole” promises, but they soon forget. God doesn’t!
Someone asked me if I was going to renew my wedding vows to my wife on our fiftieth anniversary. My answer was, “No, I meant them the first time.” We need to mean business with God. It’s a serious thing dealing with Deity; it’s not to be taken lightly, consequences follow all who do.
A promise made is a debt unpaid. ~Robert Service
Mar 21, 2010
Busy or Rushed
“Come ye yourselves apart...and rest a while.” Someone has said, “If you don’t come apart and rest, you’ll come apart.” There is a legitimate indictment that can be brought against many Christian leaders today for not encouraging those under them to heed our Lord’s admonition to His weary followers. Instead, some, as Pharaoh of old, command, “Let there be more work laid upon the men.” In most cases, this is done because of the fact that a very small percentage does the work in any church or Christian organization. Hence, those who do labor are left to do the work of two or three people.
Beware, child of God that you do not get more on your plate than you can “eat.” If so, one of two things will happen: either there will be things left untouched, or you will try to consume it all and become sick of the very thing you should enjoy.
Some practical sayings we need to ponder and apply are: “Duties never conflict”; “His reach exceeds his grasp”; His eyes are bigger than his stomach”; “We are to be busy but never rushed”; “He bit off more than he could chew”; and, “The overly committed are committing spiritual suicide.” Martha’s problem was in her “many things,” rather than the Lord’s “one thing.”
You may have a lot of irons in the fire, but you can only use one at a time.
Beware, child of God that you do not get more on your plate than you can “eat.” If so, one of two things will happen: either there will be things left untouched, or you will try to consume it all and become sick of the very thing you should enjoy.
Some practical sayings we need to ponder and apply are: “Duties never conflict”; “His reach exceeds his grasp”; His eyes are bigger than his stomach”; “We are to be busy but never rushed”; “He bit off more than he could chew”; and, “The overly committed are committing spiritual suicide.” Martha’s problem was in her “many things,” rather than the Lord’s “one thing.”
You may have a lot of irons in the fire, but you can only use one at a time.
Mar 20, 2010
While You're Waiting
In the scriptures we find such terms as, “… the people waited…,” and, “Now while Paul waited…” I have often said that waiting on God is the most difficult thing for me in my Christian life. Waiting to hear medical results, for a wayward child to return to the fold, the results of a job interview, an answer to prayer, etc., all these can tax your patience to the limit.
Jesus told His disciples to, “Tarry ye …until.” That is, wait for God to work. But we are not to sulk during such times, go into a fit of hysteria, or sit with folded hands. We are to do the next thing. The best way to pass time is by not looking at the clock, but forgetting it. Or as the little proverbial saying goes, “I was so busy, that I forgot the time.” For such people, time slips by fast.
My blessed Kentucky mother used to say, “A watched pot never boils.” I’ve observed that water seems to boil faster for those women, who after putting a pot of water on the stove to boil, busy themselves with other things. You’ll noticed in the Bible that miracles never came to anyone who was looking for them, but to those who were busy doing their, “…duty of every day.” Taking the next step could bring the answer you have been waiting for!
“Tarry at a promise till God meets you there. He always returns by way of His promises.” (D.L. Moody)
Jesus told His disciples to, “Tarry ye …until.” That is, wait for God to work. But we are not to sulk during such times, go into a fit of hysteria, or sit with folded hands. We are to do the next thing. The best way to pass time is by not looking at the clock, but forgetting it. Or as the little proverbial saying goes, “I was so busy, that I forgot the time.” For such people, time slips by fast.
My blessed Kentucky mother used to say, “A watched pot never boils.” I’ve observed that water seems to boil faster for those women, who after putting a pot of water on the stove to boil, busy themselves with other things. You’ll noticed in the Bible that miracles never came to anyone who was looking for them, but to those who were busy doing their, “…duty of every day.” Taking the next step could bring the answer you have been waiting for!
“Tarry at a promise till God meets you there. He always returns by way of His promises.” (D.L. Moody)
Mar 19, 2010
*I Never Knew That
“…ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge.” I’ve met scores of knowledgeable men, though the years, who didn’t know the slightest thing about their wives. They were completely ignorant to their needs, moods, feelings, fears, hopes, desires, and problems. One of the most debasing things a man can say to his mate is, “I never knew that.” No husband’s education is complete if he doesn’t know his wife. He should make a lifetime study of just knowing her.
Any educator or student realizes you fail if you don’t know your subject. Knowing your wife is a major, not a minor. You can’t get by without a passing grade on this subject. You’re headed for failure if you don’t know this important subject.
A knowledgeable husband knows his wife’s physical needs as well as the spiritual ones. “He that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.” There used to be a secular song entitled, “Little Things Mean A Lot.” It doesn’t take a lot to please a good wife, if she knows some thought has gone into what her husband does for her.
A man can’t know the needs of his wife who is always thinking of his own.
Any educator or student realizes you fail if you don’t know your subject. Knowing your wife is a major, not a minor. You can’t get by without a passing grade on this subject. You’re headed for failure if you don’t know this important subject.
A knowledgeable husband knows his wife’s physical needs as well as the spiritual ones. “He that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.” There used to be a secular song entitled, “Little Things Mean A Lot.” It doesn’t take a lot to please a good wife, if she knows some thought has gone into what her husband does for her.
A man can’t know the needs of his wife who is always thinking of his own.
Mar 17, 2010
Something Out of Nothing
“Things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Two great truths we need to keep ever before us: God can make something out of nothing; He can also make nothing out of something. This is true of nations, families, churches, and individuals. In this article, I want speak on the former of the two—God making something out of nothing.
Where once there was nothing, all of a sudden, there is something. While we look at people and things and see nothing, God sees something. This is especially true of broken and ruined lives. How many times have we looked upon loved ones and friends and thought, there is nothing that can be done? But when God looks, He replies, “There’s something I can.”
It’s reported that Michelangelo, gazing once upon a huge rock, said of it, “I see an angel in that rock and I’m going to deliver him.” Thank God He saw something in us, when others saw nothing!
Where once there was nothing, all of a sudden, there is something. While we look at people and things and see nothing, God sees something. This is especially true of broken and ruined lives. How many times have we looked upon loved ones and friends and thought, there is nothing that can be done? But when God looks, He replies, “There’s something I can.”
It’s reported that Michelangelo, gazing once upon a huge rock, said of it, “I see an angel in that rock and I’m going to deliver him.” Thank God He saw something in us, when others saw nothing!
Mar 16, 2010
"All We Can Do Now Is Pray"
In times of crisis, how often each of us have used or heard the words in the title of this article. I wonder, had we started with prayer in those desperate times, if we would not have had to tie it on as an addendum? Prayer is without doubt the most necessary of all Christian duties, and without argument, the most neglected.
God’s answer to a nation in chaos is:
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will .forgive their sin, and will heal their land”; Again, “Thus saith the LORD …unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away …Build ye houses, and dwell [in them]; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them”; Again, “And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace”; “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made …For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.”
Political rallies, preaching, books, discussion groups, debates, Christian’s in office, and even voting, along with our incessant complaining, will never bring about national tranquility and peace. God Almighty said it was to be found in prayer! If the above mentioned acts were remedial, our Nation would have been healed long ago.
Our sickness is sin sickness, not the worlds, but our own. Most churches have yielded to the Canaanitish and Babylonish cultures of old, imitating their reasoning, immorality, nose jewels, markings in the flesh, along with their music, drunken partying, and dress. The Church no longer is in the world; the world has moved into the church. And that is when the old ship Zion sinks.
I don’t want to be a Jonah, but I personally have little confidence that our nation will ever return to the God of our fathers. I hope to God I am wrong! But it is not without cause I make this disheartening statement. Truthfully, how many do you think would show up at your church for on-going prayer meetings for our nation? And even worse is the fact that many of us wouldn’t attend more than once, if then. After all, we do not pray and fast for loved ones and those close to us in dire need; so why would we pray for God to change a wicked nation? As Ezra of old I say, “O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God.” What a sad state I am in!
Our problem is not in the White House, it’s in God’s House!
God’s answer to a nation in chaos is:
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will .forgive their sin, and will heal their land”; Again, “Thus saith the LORD …unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away …Build ye houses, and dwell [in them]; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them”; Again, “And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace”; “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made …For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.”
Political rallies, preaching, books, discussion groups, debates, Christian’s in office, and even voting, along with our incessant complaining, will never bring about national tranquility and peace. God Almighty said it was to be found in prayer! If the above mentioned acts were remedial, our Nation would have been healed long ago.
Our sickness is sin sickness, not the worlds, but our own. Most churches have yielded to the Canaanitish and Babylonish cultures of old, imitating their reasoning, immorality, nose jewels, markings in the flesh, along with their music, drunken partying, and dress. The Church no longer is in the world; the world has moved into the church. And that is when the old ship Zion sinks.
I don’t want to be a Jonah, but I personally have little confidence that our nation will ever return to the God of our fathers. I hope to God I am wrong! But it is not without cause I make this disheartening statement. Truthfully, how many do you think would show up at your church for on-going prayer meetings for our nation? And even worse is the fact that many of us wouldn’t attend more than once, if then. After all, we do not pray and fast for loved ones and those close to us in dire need; so why would we pray for God to change a wicked nation? As Ezra of old I say, “O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God.” What a sad state I am in!
Our problem is not in the White House, it’s in God’s House!
Mar 14, 2010
Unchallenged Faith
“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” According to Peter, all Christians are to be “apologists,” (one who defends The Faith). But from my observation, most of today’s professing Christians are instead, apologetic. And rightly so, for to know only what you believe, but be unable to tell the inquirer why you believe it, well, I think you do owe him or her a sincere apology.
Far too many saints are like the man who was asked what he believed. “Well,” said he, “I believe what my church believes.” When asked what his church believed, he replied, “O, they pretty much believe what I believe.” Going in circles like this gets a person nowhere. An unchallenged faith is a fool’s faith. True Christianity can afford to be scrutinized; you can put it under the microscope. It’s the real thing, not “Fools gold,” (the name given to iron pyrites, which looks a little like gold but is worthless).
We need more, to use the true sense of the word, “Free thinkers.” You can always spot those who are bogged down in their own little religious sect. They only run with and read after their own kind. They cannot intelligently represent the whole of historic Christianity, only what their small camp adheres to. Characteristically, when their beliefs are intellectually and scripturally challenged, they will quickly pick up their marbles and go home, leaving behind their echo, labeling you an apostate or heretic. How sad that so many threw away their head and kept only their heart when saved. Any bird knows, it takes two wings to fly.
Thinkers are always a threat to tyrants!
Far too many saints are like the man who was asked what he believed. “Well,” said he, “I believe what my church believes.” When asked what his church believed, he replied, “O, they pretty much believe what I believe.” Going in circles like this gets a person nowhere. An unchallenged faith is a fool’s faith. True Christianity can afford to be scrutinized; you can put it under the microscope. It’s the real thing, not “Fools gold,” (the name given to iron pyrites, which looks a little like gold but is worthless).
We need more, to use the true sense of the word, “Free thinkers.” You can always spot those who are bogged down in their own little religious sect. They only run with and read after their own kind. They cannot intelligently represent the whole of historic Christianity, only what their small camp adheres to. Characteristically, when their beliefs are intellectually and scripturally challenged, they will quickly pick up their marbles and go home, leaving behind their echo, labeling you an apostate or heretic. How sad that so many threw away their head and kept only their heart when saved. Any bird knows, it takes two wings to fly.
Thinkers are always a threat to tyrants!
Mar 13, 2010
Rhetorical Rhetoric.
A rhetorical question is one where no answer is expected whereas rhetoric can relate to showy language that is empty on insincere. A good example of this is seen in the Garden of Gethsemane when Peter cut off Malchus’ ear. Just prior to this act we’re told, “[Peter] said unto Him, Lord, shall [I] smite with a sword? And [Peter]…smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.” This is what I like to call “rhetorical rhetoric.”
Most all of us are guilty of asking God an important question, then acting before we have the answer? We need to follow Paul’s example. He once asked, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do”? then waited three long days in the dark until God sent the answer and enlightened him. Years ago, when I was a pastor, our church sang a little chorus: “I believe the answer’s on the way, I believe the Lord has heard me pray, “Cast not away your confidence,” saith the Lord my God.”
“Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
Most all of us are guilty of asking God an important question, then acting before we have the answer? We need to follow Paul’s example. He once asked, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do”? then waited three long days in the dark until God sent the answer and enlightened him. Years ago, when I was a pastor, our church sang a little chorus: “I believe the answer’s on the way, I believe the Lord has heard me pray, “Cast not away your confidence,” saith the Lord my God.”
“Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
Keeping Focused
Jesus constantly reminded His followers that the reason for whatever they did was to be, as He put it, “For my sake.” Some twenty times He used this term. Any other intent is headed for the ash heap (1Cor.3:13). Motive is everything with God. Why you do what you do is the real issue.
When called upon to forsake both people and things, it is not as difficult when done for His sake. It’s paradoxical, I know, but we find by losing. When asked to turn our backs on everything we hold dear for His sake, invariably we meet them again as we go in God’s direction (Mk.10:29-30). It is kind of like a boomerang effect. What we give up for God has a way of coming back to us after a time (Job 42:10b,12).
There used to be a secular song years ago called, “Three Little Words.” Well, the three little words that make all the difference in our relationship with God are “for you Lord.”
When called upon to forsake both people and things, it is not as difficult when done for His sake. It’s paradoxical, I know, but we find by losing. When asked to turn our backs on everything we hold dear for His sake, invariably we meet them again as we go in God’s direction (Mk.10:29-30). It is kind of like a boomerang effect. What we give up for God has a way of coming back to us after a time (Job 42:10b,12).
There used to be a secular song years ago called, “Three Little Words.” Well, the three little words that make all the difference in our relationship with God are “for you Lord.”
Mar 12, 2010
*Torn Garments
“And rend your heart, and not your garments…” The custom of the ancients was to rend their clothes as an expression of something extraordinary happening to them. One of these special occasions was when they repented of their sins. Rending their garments was to be an outward sign of an inward act. It was to manifest abhorrence for what they had done. It was meant to signify that they were “cut to the heart,” so to speak. A prototype, if you please, of our “altar calls” today.
Matthew Henry says of our text, “The sign without the thing signified is but a jest, and a mockery, and an affront to God.” I’m fearful much of our external show of repentance today is just that—external. It is only skin deep. Like Esau of old, it never really reached our hearts. No amount of outward show can substitute for inward sorrow. David knew this. In his blessed Psalm of repentance he penned, “…a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
When we rend our hearts, God will rend the Heavens.
Matthew Henry says of our text, “The sign without the thing signified is but a jest, and a mockery, and an affront to God.” I’m fearful much of our external show of repentance today is just that—external. It is only skin deep. Like Esau of old, it never really reached our hearts. No amount of outward show can substitute for inward sorrow. David knew this. In his blessed Psalm of repentance he penned, “…a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
When we rend our hearts, God will rend the Heavens.
Mar 10, 2010
Surprised By God
“And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed.” What a surprise it was to see Joseph’s face. Jacob had given up all hope of that ever happening, much less seeing Joseph’s children. One of the most exciting things in life is the element of surprise. From early years to old age, it plays a great part in our lives. Do some of us remember when we were young and the surprise parties? And what a pleasant surprise for the old gray-haired saint in the hospital or rest home who gets a visit from their children or grandchildren.
God knew how wonderful surprise was to His children, and so He didn’t leave it out of their spiritual lives. He delights to surprise us. As you know, and have experienced, there were surprises in the commencement of our conversion; there is a continuation of these surprises throughout our Christian lives; and I am convinced, at the conclusion, and throughout eternity, we will see surprises that are unimaginable.
It’s exciting each day to have an expectancy of the possibility of God surprising us. Our Heavenly Father, no doubt, like our earthly fathers, loves to see the expression on our faces and the joyful excitement that a surprise brings. Just think; some of us are going to be surprised by God today!
“Jesus rarely comes when we expect Him; He appears where we lest expect Him, and always in the most illogical connections.” (Oswald Chambers)
God knew how wonderful surprise was to His children, and so He didn’t leave it out of their spiritual lives. He delights to surprise us. As you know, and have experienced, there were surprises in the commencement of our conversion; there is a continuation of these surprises throughout our Christian lives; and I am convinced, at the conclusion, and throughout eternity, we will see surprises that are unimaginable.
It’s exciting each day to have an expectancy of the possibility of God surprising us. Our Heavenly Father, no doubt, like our earthly fathers, loves to see the expression on our faces and the joyful excitement that a surprise brings. Just think; some of us are going to be surprised by God today!
“Jesus rarely comes when we expect Him; He appears where we lest expect Him, and always in the most illogical connections.” (Oswald Chambers)
Mar 8, 2010
Close to the Cross
It was Evangelist D.L. Moody who said, “Never get further than a day away from the Cross.” It was here Jesus made a fool out of the devil (Col.2). The Cross was no afterthought with God. Jesus was God’s Lamb “…slain from the foundation of the world.” And our Lord well knew it. For, in reference to this historical event, He said, “…for this cause came I into the world.” God does not want us to forget it. This was His purpose in establishing the Lord’s Supper. It is God’s forget-me-not. “This do in remembrance of me.”
There are shadows of the Cross throughout the Old Testament. We see its form in the Passover on every Israelites door, where the blood was applied to the lintel and the two side posts. The placing of the furniture in the Tabernacle displayed a perfect cross. When Jacob blessed the second-born, he did it by crossing his hands. And in the motions of the wave and heave offerings, who could miss seeing it?
Years ago, after a village meeting in Alaska, the pastor was flying me back to the Anchorage airport in a small 2-seater plane. We ran into a snowstorm so bad that I couldn’t see the wings for the blinding snow. I asked how he knew where we were going. He pointed to the instrument panel, showing me a little cross-like needle, then replied, “Just keep your eyes on the cross; it will keep us safe and on course.”
Christians’ crosses are all made out of different materials; the one thing they all have in common is that they crucify the possessor.
There are shadows of the Cross throughout the Old Testament. We see its form in the Passover on every Israelites door, where the blood was applied to the lintel and the two side posts. The placing of the furniture in the Tabernacle displayed a perfect cross. When Jacob blessed the second-born, he did it by crossing his hands. And in the motions of the wave and heave offerings, who could miss seeing it?
Years ago, after a village meeting in Alaska, the pastor was flying me back to the Anchorage airport in a small 2-seater plane. We ran into a snowstorm so bad that I couldn’t see the wings for the blinding snow. I asked how he knew where we were going. He pointed to the instrument panel, showing me a little cross-like needle, then replied, “Just keep your eyes on the cross; it will keep us safe and on course.”
Christians’ crosses are all made out of different materials; the one thing they all have in common is that they crucify the possessor.
Mar 6, 2010
Who’s Doin’ the Talkin?
“Jesus answered him, Sayest this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?” A good, practical question, is it not? Especially for this parrot age in which we live. People, who do not think for themselves, do not speak for themselves. I remember asking a pastor’s wife once what she believed about a certain text, and her reply was, “Let me ask my husband and see what we believe.” This is what I call “secondhand religion.” To hear, “Polly wants a cracker,” sounds cute, but you can be sure it’s not an original thought with that bird.
Handed down tradition doesn’t mean its true, only that each generation has accepted it as such. There are movements today, as well as in Bible times, where one dare not challenge an individual’s doctrinal beliefs, nor their personal convictions. These puppets have a famous little cliché they use, which sounds profound at first, but is discovered to be shallow upon examination. It goes something like this: “I’ve always believed and done things the same way all my Christian life.” Is it any wonder their lives are boring, as well as they themselves?
It’s a good thing Apollos didn’t have this pathetic philosophy (Acts 18:24-28). Eternal truths never change, but these are few in comparison to man-made rules handed down to us, like the Jews of old, by well meaning folk. Believe what you will about secondary issues, but Paul tells us to make sure we are “…fully persuaded in our own mind.” You’re not to adhere to what your guru tells you, but what God has shown you personally. It’s called the priesthood of all Believers. I find those sure of themselves can go it alone. But the uncertain want those around them to adopt their pattern of life so as to make them feel more secure in their set of beliefs and convictions.
Old dogs can learn new truths, if they don’t let the other aged dogs intimidate them!
Handed down tradition doesn’t mean its true, only that each generation has accepted it as such. There are movements today, as well as in Bible times, where one dare not challenge an individual’s doctrinal beliefs, nor their personal convictions. These puppets have a famous little cliché they use, which sounds profound at first, but is discovered to be shallow upon examination. It goes something like this: “I’ve always believed and done things the same way all my Christian life.” Is it any wonder their lives are boring, as well as they themselves?
It’s a good thing Apollos didn’t have this pathetic philosophy (Acts 18:24-28). Eternal truths never change, but these are few in comparison to man-made rules handed down to us, like the Jews of old, by well meaning folk. Believe what you will about secondary issues, but Paul tells us to make sure we are “…fully persuaded in our own mind.” You’re not to adhere to what your guru tells you, but what God has shown you personally. It’s called the priesthood of all Believers. I find those sure of themselves can go it alone. But the uncertain want those around them to adopt their pattern of life so as to make them feel more secure in their set of beliefs and convictions.
Old dogs can learn new truths, if they don’t let the other aged dogs intimidate them!
Mar 5, 2010
*Held in Time
When I was a boy and attended the movie theater, the order was something like this: first, a newsreel, followed by a serial (like the Green Hornet), then the main attraction. The newsreel was entitled, “Time Marches On.” Time doesn’t stand still, yet many have not realized this in their lives as yet, or maybe they just stubbornly refuse to acknowledge it. People such as this are cemented in their pasts.
I’ve met scores of souls that were, so to speak, held in time. That is, they’re imprisoned in a self-concocted time capsule. There is a point in their personal history they have been unable to move past, or either decline to do so. They occupy their little prison cell with the likes of bitterness, grudge, and hatred. These undesirables are counted as close friends. Bosom-buddies, who occupy most of their waking hours.
They can never move on with their lives for the chain that holds them. A chain of their own making and to which they have the key, but will not use it. They choose to wallow in the mire of self-pity thinking those on the outside will visit them, listening to their same old sad stories year after year. But it is not long before they find the visitor’s seat unoccupied, and they’re left to stew in their own wretchedness alone.
Once you turn the key of faith, you can go on your way singing, “My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.”
I’ve met scores of souls that were, so to speak, held in time. That is, they’re imprisoned in a self-concocted time capsule. There is a point in their personal history they have been unable to move past, or either decline to do so. They occupy their little prison cell with the likes of bitterness, grudge, and hatred. These undesirables are counted as close friends. Bosom-buddies, who occupy most of their waking hours.
They can never move on with their lives for the chain that holds them. A chain of their own making and to which they have the key, but will not use it. They choose to wallow in the mire of self-pity thinking those on the outside will visit them, listening to their same old sad stories year after year. But it is not long before they find the visitor’s seat unoccupied, and they’re left to stew in their own wretchedness alone.
Once you turn the key of faith, you can go on your way singing, “My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.”
Mar 3, 2010
Worldly Husbands
“But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.” The same is said of the wife’s relation to her husband, but I’ll let my wife write on that one. What I’m concerned with is us husbands. I’m a little put out by these guys that want nothing to do with anything that smacks of the secular, or to use their term, “worldliness.” Bud, you should have thought of that before you married! If you wanted to serve God and please only Him, you ought to have joined a monastery. Worldliness has to do with affections, “Love not the world”; our affections are to be in heaven. But we’re told we can legitimately and spiritually use the world, just not abuse it. All ground is holy ground to the child of God. There is no secular and sacred to him or her.
It is written that the first Tabernacle was “worldly.” That is, God used something the world used, but with a different purpose and motive. You know, the same way we drive cars, wear suits and ties, go to the same stores for food as the world does; but with a different intent: to glorify God. “Duh!” To not do most of the things the world does would mean, “Ye [must] needs go out of the world.” Remember, Heaven is the most extravagant and materialistic place you will ever see or be in. God didn’t put us here on earth to be miserable; He gave us all things to enjoy. So says the Apostle. Yes, we are in the world, but not of it. But that doesn’t change the fact that we are in it.
I’d remind some of you husbands who imagine yourself to be some kind of “Spiritual Giant,” not to be so heavenly minded that your wife finds you to be of no earthly good. This world is God’s Inn which we have stopped at on our way home. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” Enjoy all the facilities He has put at your disposal. Some of you dedicated, godly, sanctified husbands need to forget your quest for personal “holiness” and hone in on making the wife of your youth “happy!” Sometimes it’s wiser to take her to a restaurant instead of a revival; buy her a bouquet of flowers in place of a new Bible; and in place of a camp meeting, how about a romantic get-away. Someone says, “But my wife doesn’t like those things”. Well then, I’d like to ask her what planet she came from. Evidently she has never been wooed by a real Christian man. Get to it fella’s, be a little worldly. God said it was ok!
When Christ chose the two elements for the Lord’s Supper, He used things the world used, but abused.
It is written that the first Tabernacle was “worldly.” That is, God used something the world used, but with a different purpose and motive. You know, the same way we drive cars, wear suits and ties, go to the same stores for food as the world does; but with a different intent: to glorify God. “Duh!” To not do most of the things the world does would mean, “Ye [must] needs go out of the world.” Remember, Heaven is the most extravagant and materialistic place you will ever see or be in. God didn’t put us here on earth to be miserable; He gave us all things to enjoy. So says the Apostle. Yes, we are in the world, but not of it. But that doesn’t change the fact that we are in it.
I’d remind some of you husbands who imagine yourself to be some kind of “Spiritual Giant,” not to be so heavenly minded that your wife finds you to be of no earthly good. This world is God’s Inn which we have stopped at on our way home. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” Enjoy all the facilities He has put at your disposal. Some of you dedicated, godly, sanctified husbands need to forget your quest for personal “holiness” and hone in on making the wife of your youth “happy!” Sometimes it’s wiser to take her to a restaurant instead of a revival; buy her a bouquet of flowers in place of a new Bible; and in place of a camp meeting, how about a romantic get-away. Someone says, “But my wife doesn’t like those things”. Well then, I’d like to ask her what planet she came from. Evidently she has never been wooed by a real Christian man. Get to it fella’s, be a little worldly. God said it was ok!
When Christ chose the two elements for the Lord’s Supper, He used things the world used, but abused.
Mar 2, 2010
Looking In All the Wrong Places
I’m sure most of my readers have either read or heard the old proverbial story, Acres of Diamonds. But just in case someone may have missed this challenging tale, allow me briefly re-tell it. An African farmer, who heard of millions of dollars in diamonds, sold his farm and went to the diamond line. After searching the continent for years, this poor discouraged man threw himself in a river and drowned. But unknown to this wretched creature, the new owner of his property had discovered diamonds, acres of diamonds. Some were actually as large as an egg. This farm came to be known as The Kimberly Diamond Mines, the richest in the world.
Prodigals who what they have and travel to some far country in search of greener pastures, invariably find it scorched to the roots. Some people don’t have enough sense to know you don’t give up something wonderful in exchange for something worse. There are those who search the world over for happiness, something under their own noses from the beginning. Someone has said, “Happiness is wanting what you have.” Paul tells us that a godly life along with contentment is a great gain. I have found those who are habitually searching for something better or different from the blessings they already possess, end up on the short end of the stick every time.
Of unattainable longings, sour is the fruit. (C.S. Lewis)
Prodigals who what they have and travel to some far country in search of greener pastures, invariably find it scorched to the roots. Some people don’t have enough sense to know you don’t give up something wonderful in exchange for something worse. There are those who search the world over for happiness, something under their own noses from the beginning. Someone has said, “Happiness is wanting what you have.” Paul tells us that a godly life along with contentment is a great gain. I have found those who are habitually searching for something better or different from the blessings they already possess, end up on the short end of the stick every time.
Of unattainable longings, sour is the fruit. (C.S. Lewis)
Mar 1, 2010
*Reality's Indelible Mark
“God of our fathers, living still.” The best inheritance I can leave my children is the personal witness of my knowledge of God. To pass along to them who He is and what He has done for me. When they have beheld God as a living reality in my life, they will never be able to erase that from their memory.
They can travel to the four corners of the earth. They can turn their backs on all that is right. They may even, as the disciple of old, deny with their lips that they know Him, but in the deep recesses of their hearts, they know and are assured their father’s God is living still.
Sometimes Jacobs have to leave their father’s house before they can really know their father’s God.
They can travel to the four corners of the earth. They can turn their backs on all that is right. They may even, as the disciple of old, deny with their lips that they know Him, but in the deep recesses of their hearts, they know and are assured their father’s God is living still.
Sometimes Jacobs have to leave their father’s house before they can really know their father’s God.
Feb 28, 2010
What More Can He Say?
“How long dost thou make us to doubt…tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not. ” Or as we would say today, “How many times do I have to tell you? What else can I say?” The song writer penned it this way, “What more can he say than to you he hath said, To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled.”
Notice it is not, they didn’t know what He said, it’s they did not believe what He said. Doubt resulted in their unbelief; as it will in us! You can tell someone the same truth a thousand times, but to no avail, if he or she refuses to believe it. The author of Hebrews depicts this type, “The Word…did not prophet them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Our disbelief is often the cause of God’s seeming inactivity. “And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” You can be sure, unbelief shot-circuits every desired blessing in one’s life.
In John’s gospel, chapter nine, we have a good illustration of those who incessantly ask questions, but with no intention of believing the truthful answer, no matter how many times it’s given them. The religious crowd had asked the blind man repeatedly how he was made to see, and always the answer was the same, “A man that is called Jesus.” (By the way, that’s always the answer!) Finally in exasperation, after constant quizzing, “He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again?”
Don’t tell me, “A man is as good as his word”; then you doubt God’s!
Notice it is not, they didn’t know what He said, it’s they did not believe what He said. Doubt resulted in their unbelief; as it will in us! You can tell someone the same truth a thousand times, but to no avail, if he or she refuses to believe it. The author of Hebrews depicts this type, “The Word…did not prophet them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Our disbelief is often the cause of God’s seeming inactivity. “And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” You can be sure, unbelief shot-circuits every desired blessing in one’s life.
In John’s gospel, chapter nine, we have a good illustration of those who incessantly ask questions, but with no intention of believing the truthful answer, no matter how many times it’s given them. The religious crowd had asked the blind man repeatedly how he was made to see, and always the answer was the same, “A man that is called Jesus.” (By the way, that’s always the answer!) Finally in exasperation, after constant quizzing, “He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again?”
Don’t tell me, “A man is as good as his word”; then you doubt God’s!
Feb 26, 2010
God's Feeble People
“For he knoweth our frame: he remembereth that we are dust.” It is for this reason we are told our Heavenly Father pities His children. For our frames were not made of steel nor our dusty substance from iron ore. Why would our Creator make His creatures with such frail frames as bone and feeble flesh from dust? The answer is found in just one word: dependence. God intended for man to always look to Him for his every need. He was not created to go it alone, but to always look to his Divine Helper.
When Jehovah formed man out of the dust of the ground, and framed his body, He knew its limitations and how much he could bear. Because of this, we can be assured He will never put upon us more than we can handle. Contrary to what we sometimes think, we can always carry those heavy packages our Father places in our arms. If we can’t, it is proof we are carrying something He didn’t place there.
The only thing God will ever weigh us down with is an “eternal weight of glory.” All else is but “light affliction”(2Cor. 4:17).
When Jehovah formed man out of the dust of the ground, and framed his body, He knew its limitations and how much he could bear. Because of this, we can be assured He will never put upon us more than we can handle. Contrary to what we sometimes think, we can always carry those heavy packages our Father places in our arms. If we can’t, it is proof we are carrying something He didn’t place there.
The only thing God will ever weigh us down with is an “eternal weight of glory.” All else is but “light affliction”(2Cor. 4:17).
Feb 25, 2010
Immaturity and Insecurity
I am no psychologist, nor have I delved into the subject extensively. But having spent a lifetime studying people, and the last fifty two years soaking up what God has to say about mankind, I do profess to be a little familiar with human behavior.
Something I have observed in others, as well as my own life is the twin plagues of immaturity and insecurity. I’ve discovered a child can be immature without necessarily being insecure. But I have also noted that when an adult has insecurities, immaturity is always present. This is true both in the physical and spiritual realms.
The only answer to insecurity is maturity. And the latter does not come overnight; it is the result of growth. It is a process of feeding the intellectual with wholesome, challenging literature, and, of necessity, nourishing the soul with the Word of God (2 Tim.4:13b).
They say, “You can’t stay a baby all you life,” but I’m afraid some sadly do.
Something I have observed in others, as well as my own life is the twin plagues of immaturity and insecurity. I’ve discovered a child can be immature without necessarily being insecure. But I have also noted that when an adult has insecurities, immaturity is always present. This is true both in the physical and spiritual realms.
The only answer to insecurity is maturity. And the latter does not come overnight; it is the result of growth. It is a process of feeding the intellectual with wholesome, challenging literature, and, of necessity, nourishing the soul with the Word of God (2 Tim.4:13b).
They say, “You can’t stay a baby all you life,” but I’m afraid some sadly do.
Feb 24, 2010
We Called Her "Granny"
“The memory of the just is blessed.” She was my mother-in-law, but more important, she was my friend. When I wanted to marry her daughter, most all the family was opposed to it because of the age difference (ten years). To this day I remember that sweet saint saying to me, “I don’t know why they’re against it; I think you’re a nice boy.”
That was close to fifty years ago. Since then she has gone on to meet her Lord that she loved so dearly. She had Alzheimer’s, and forgot her loved ones, but not the Lover of her soul.
If I were to characterize “Granny” with one word, it would be contentment. No matter what environment she was in, this precious soul was always calm. And this attribute had its effect on those present, especially on me. How I thank God she passed this serenity down to her daughter. It has helped keep this wild man sane these many years.
I miss you, Granny. I’m looking forward to seeing you in the near future. It will be wonderful to be in that land with you, where there is only peace and calm.
That was close to fifty years ago. Since then she has gone on to meet her Lord that she loved so dearly. She had Alzheimer’s, and forgot her loved ones, but not the Lover of her soul.
If I were to characterize “Granny” with one word, it would be contentment. No matter what environment she was in, this precious soul was always calm. And this attribute had its effect on those present, especially on me. How I thank God she passed this serenity down to her daughter. It has helped keep this wild man sane these many years.
I miss you, Granny. I’m looking forward to seeing you in the near future. It will be wonderful to be in that land with you, where there is only peace and calm.
Feb 22, 2010
Living the Christian Life
I believe I can say without reservation that I have studied and meditated on the topic of Christian living more than any other subject in the Bible. No doubt because of the previous life I lived. My one main goal was, and still is, as Francis A. Schaeffer so ably put it, “How then shall we live?
The Christian life is just that: life. And just as there are daily duties to perform in this physical life, so it is in the spiritual realm. It isn’t mystical, but practical. In the early years of my Christian life I could not see this; but then I discovered the Puritans’ writings. And after standing on their shoulders, I was able to see clearly.
Paul feared the believers of his day were leaving “the simplicity that is in Christ.” My concern is that today’s Christian is leaving the simplicity of Christian living. It is not some deep, profound, secret. It’s simply acknowledging His right to Lordship in your life each new day; then follows Bible reading, confession, prayer and praise.
That’s it, there ain’t no more! The rest will take care of itself. Doing your daily chores will please your Father and will bring an inner satisfaction and peace to you. The one great descriptive word of the early Christians in Acts was, “And they continuing daily.” The Christian life is not “a one-time fix.” It’s, “Let us go on.”
We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action. ~Frank Tibolt
The Christian life is just that: life. And just as there are daily duties to perform in this physical life, so it is in the spiritual realm. It isn’t mystical, but practical. In the early years of my Christian life I could not see this; but then I discovered the Puritans’ writings. And after standing on their shoulders, I was able to see clearly.
Paul feared the believers of his day were leaving “the simplicity that is in Christ.” My concern is that today’s Christian is leaving the simplicity of Christian living. It is not some deep, profound, secret. It’s simply acknowledging His right to Lordship in your life each new day; then follows Bible reading, confession, prayer and praise.
That’s it, there ain’t no more! The rest will take care of itself. Doing your daily chores will please your Father and will bring an inner satisfaction and peace to you. The one great descriptive word of the early Christians in Acts was, “And they continuing daily.” The Christian life is not “a one-time fix.” It’s, “Let us go on.”
We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action. ~Frank Tibolt
Feb 21, 2010
*Honest to God
The prayer preceding all prayers, states C.S. Lewis, should be, “May it be the real I who speaks.” How often do we speak to God in prayer, as the Irish say, “From the teeth out.” That is, there’s no meaning behind our words.
Jeremiah said to God, “O Lord, thou hast deceived me.” This is the way he felt down deep, and he told God so. He was honest before the Lord. And why shouldn’t he have been; there is nothing hid from the Omniscient One.
David also was not one to play-act in prayer. Listen to him as he boldly addresses an all-knowing God, “…give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned [disguised pretention1Kgs.14:2,6] lips.”
Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to tell God just how you feel about your lot in life. No one ever came to Him with an honest complaint who didn’t go away completely satisfied. Instead of saying “Honest to God,” let’s be it.”
Jeremiah said to God, “O Lord, thou hast deceived me.” This is the way he felt down deep, and he told God so. He was honest before the Lord. And why shouldn’t he have been; there is nothing hid from the Omniscient One.
David also was not one to play-act in prayer. Listen to him as he boldly addresses an all-knowing God, “…give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned [disguised pretention1Kgs.14:2,6] lips.”
Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to tell God just how you feel about your lot in life. No one ever came to Him with an honest complaint who didn’t go away completely satisfied. Instead of saying “Honest to God,” let’s be it.”
Feb 20, 2010
The Eyes of the Beholder
“But made himself of no reputation…” Strange, is it not, that many of us are willing to pay any price to get a reputation, while He paid the ultimate price and lost His? An honorary degree was bestowed upon me years ago, which I was most proud of. Then one day it dawned upon me that they called Him a devil and called me Doctor. Needless to say, I dropped the title.
The religious crowd ruined His reputation, but they couldn’t touch His character. Character is what a man is; reputation is what people think a man is. The former is a life; the latter is a label. A missionary once told me, “The first pre-requisite for being used of God is ruined reputation.
“Reputation is in the eyes of man; character is what you are in the sight of God.”
The religious crowd ruined His reputation, but they couldn’t touch His character. Character is what a man is; reputation is what people think a man is. The former is a life; the latter is a label. A missionary once told me, “The first pre-requisite for being used of God is ruined reputation.
“Reputation is in the eyes of man; character is what you are in the sight of God.”
Feb 19, 2010
*Broken and Blessed
A broken pitcher allowed the light within to shine out; a broken net was the door of freedom for the fish; a broken roof was the means of a miracle; broken loaves fed a multitude. The broken alabaster box left its fragrance lingering long after it was broken; broken pieces of a ship were what those in a storm held to, to get them to safety; and our Lord’s broken body is to be remembered by His people continually.
God has an affinity for broken things. Listen to the man after His own heart: “I am feeble and sore broken.” Again: “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.” And again: “Thou delightest...in...a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God...” Could anything be plainer?
“Lord, bend that proud and stiff-necked I,
Help me to bow the head and die;
Beholding Him on Calvary,
Who bowed His head for me.
God has an affinity for broken things. Listen to the man after His own heart: “I am feeble and sore broken.” Again: “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.” And again: “Thou delightest...in...a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God...” Could anything be plainer?
“Lord, bend that proud and stiff-necked I,
Help me to bow the head and die;
Beholding Him on Calvary,
Who bowed His head for me.
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