Let's Think About Preservation

This article is not written with the idea of trying to convince anyone to embrace my viewpoint. For a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. I realize the truth of the old adage, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” But I, like the old-timers, know you can give them a little salt and make them thirsty. I hope this essay does just that.

The purpose of The Journal, as most of you know, is to get people to think for themselves, to be independent thinkers, if you please. Paul tells us a man needs to be “fully persuaded in his own mind.” It is not learning something new that is so difficult, but unlearning the old. And so often pride, or position, keeps us from giving up the wrong for the right.

Think about it, all true Bible believers accept the fact God has preserved His Word. The question is, Where? When a young novice preacher asked a seasoned scholar this question, the old gentleman pointed to his book shelf and to a long row of translations, replying, “It’s in them.” But, an inquiring mind would wonder, who then is to decide what is, and what isn’t, the Word of God. If you leave it to individuals, even theologians, they all would come up with different opinions. Thus each would have their own private interpretation, which the Bible condemns. “Interpretations belong to God,” says Joseph. Not the Catholic Church or some evangelical Greek or Hebrew scholar.

God preserved the Living Word in one body, using human means, and He without error. He was not the closest thing to the Living Word of God; He was the authentic, 100%, Living Word of God.  

Therefore, we must ask ourselves the question, “Has God preserved His Written Word in one Book, having no error or any such thing?” Can there be a Book in the world that is its own interpreter, dictionary, and corrector of any human mistakes in the compiling of it (like a computer does)? I personally think so. And as Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the book”

God promised to preserve His Words, not just His Word (Psalm 12:6-7). “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” If every Word is not God’s, then whose words are you putting your faith in?
Someone has said, “Inspiration without preservation is irrelevant.” Think about it!

What Am I Here For?

There are times in many of our lives when we ask, in bewilderment, “What am I here for?” Especially during those  intervals when there seems no apparent reason for our existence here.

It’s important during these times to remember, we’re not here for a “what,” but a “who.” That little three-letter word will change one’s whole outlook on life. The “who” may not be visible to you, but you are to them. They need you!

Adam was not created for a “what,” but a “Who,” GOD! Eve was put on earth for a “who,” Adam, not a “what.” Our Creator is not interested so much in “whats,” but He most definitely is in “whos.”

Paul suffered most of his long ministry. He was a weary soul, and had cause to be. He told the Believers at Philippi he longed to depart this life and be with his Lord. But added, “Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

Those of us closer to His House than ours, and you who know nothing but pain, day-in and day-out, need to realize it is more necessary for us to hang-out here awhile longer than to go home. Someone, someplace, somewhere, needs you.

He's Happy To Do It

A few years back, around five in the morning, I was sitting on the edge of my bed and found I didn’t have the strength to stand. My physical malady, they had recently discovered, left me this way at times. As I sat meditating, a scripture overwhelmed my soul, “Thou shalt never wash my feet.” Then it seemed an inner voice said, “You have never allowed me to minister to you.” For the first time in over half a century I acknowledged this was so. Though unconscious, and unintentional, nevertheless it was true.

As Peter, of old, I, also, had ignorantly said, as it were, “Thou shalt never wash my feet,” not realizing that it makes Him happy to do so (John 13:17). With a humility I’ll never know or understand, He still enjoys laying everything aside, condescending, and ministering to my particular need. When this truth gripped my heart I fell to my knees, asking Him to minister to any part or whole of my life, whatever He deemed I needed.

"My Jesus knows just what I need."

The God of the Old Testament

A few years before my conversion, in the mid-fifties, a book came out entitled, “God is a Dirty Bully,” the reference being to the God of the Old Testament. It still was the talk among preachers and the theme of writers, even after my salvation.

But just one scripture from the Almighty’s mouth settles this fallacy, “For I am the LORD, I change not.” He is “The same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Our God is the same God of the two Testaments.

All that the New Testament writers had before then in referencing God was the Old Testament. When they wrote of God’s love, mercy, compassion, grace, longsuffering, etc., it was to the God of the Old Testament they were pointing.

Both Testaments display the “goodness and severity of God.” He’s the God of eternal principles; they don’t fluctuate. The God of Wrath in the Old is also seen there as the God of Love; and the God of Love in the New, as the God of Wrath.

The religious crowd of our day, along with the media, tell us we’re to live according to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Meaning the “Blessed’s” of Matthew chapter six. But what of being cast into“Hell,” in chapter five?

As A.W. Tozer says, “It take two wings to fly.” Many New Testament Christians downplay the Old Testament and the Jew excludes the New Testament. Either way, you’ll never get off the ground. Whenever one says, “It is written,” there needs be a, “Again, it is written!”

The only difference between the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament, is the God of the New Testament has skin on Him~rds

Sooner or Later

Anyone familiar with the history of the Christian Church is aware every age had its devotees who believed their age to be the last. And on the other side of the pendulum, those who believed it was up the road, so to speak, in the distant future. Which is right? Both! We are to live as if our day is the Last Day, but we are to work as if That Day is future.

The truth is, as with most questionable and frictional positions, neither side can take an absolute stand with certainty. So each needs to give their counterpart a little elbow room. For a fact, someday will be the last day; and admittedly it may be sooner than later. But then again, it may be later than sooner.

No matter one’s prophetic outlook, it is clear the PROPHET of all prophets, Christ Jesus, plainly gave the command, to His followers, concerning That Great Day,  “... and [He} said unto them, Occupy till I come.”

There is a danger on both sides of the argument. Those who believe “That Day” is upon us have a tendency to Give Up. And the opposing brethren that believe it is in the distant future, are apt to, Let up!  

Personally, as a dying man clings to life, I am going to fight down to the last breath in my body!

Come and Sit Awhile

I remember my dear old Kentucky Grandma Morrison saying to visiting friends, “Come and sit awhile.” I think it was C.S. Lewis who mentioned in one of his books that there  was nothing any dearer than when two friends would sit around a fireplace and talk.

Sometimes in the dark of night when I think I can’t take any more or go another step, I ask my dear Lord and Friend to come sit awhile with me. I am not a mystic, as such, but in the rocking chair across from me in our dimly lit front room, I sense His still presence.  Josh Groban’s song says it best-

When I am down and, oh, my soul, so weary;

When troubles come and my heart burdened be;

Then I am still and wait here in the silence,

Until you come and sit awhile with me.

Click here to hear Josh Groban sing

Wore Out From the Ordinary

“If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?”

In other words, God says to Jeremiah,  “If you can’t stay up with common everyday soldiers, how do you expect to race with the horses?” And if you get tired of things in ordinary life, when there is no great difficulty, what will you do when you’re overwhelmed? The Lord in our text is showing his man there are greater trials ahead. And if he can’t take the small stuff, what will he do when things really get rough?

The Bible likens life to a race, and who among us will not confess, it’s hard to keep up at times; we seem to be always lagging behind.  But as Elijah of old, if God’s hand is upon us, we can outrun Ahab’s chariot and horses. And like Joshua, when in the path of God’s choosing, we need not fear the swelling of Jordan. God will open a way so we drown not when the overflowing waters cover the banks of our lives.

Young people, life doesn’t get easier as it goes on, but harder. Therefore, when the tough times come we should not ask, “How can I get out of this?” But rather, “What can I get out of this?”

"Q and A" Times

In the life of a Believer there are occasions when God has a Q and A (question and answer) time with us. He doing the questioning and we left to answer. One of the most frequently asked questions, in my life at least, is, “How are things?”  His question along this line is always the same. I’m ashamed to say mine is not. It fluctuates, depending on my circumstances.

The question and answer I refer to is when He asks, “Is it well with thy soul?,” and my answer is not always, “It is well.” Invariably, I answer in the negative whenever I have refused to accept or have forgotten the truth of Romans eight, twenty-eight. “ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

There is no such thing as “bad news” for a child of God in the will of God! No matter what, it works out for our good and God’s glory. So that in the end we say, “He hath done all things well.” Nothing ever takes Him by surprise, He never sleeps, He is always on the job, 24/7. He does things, says the scripture, “according to the good pleasure of His will.” And whatever pleases Him should please us!

“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.”

Never Forget: You're Saved

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls. Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

When your health is gone and the body is suffering pain; when your grown children, in the far country, seem as though they will never return home again; when you can hardly make it financially from day to day; when Satan has unleashed his hounds of hell on you; when friends and loved ones misunderstand your good intentions; when your beloved nation has sunk lower than Sodom; when your precious spouse has been taken from you; when your church has lost its power; when the enemy comes in like a flood; when there is Spiritual dearth throughout the land; in the midst of all this turmoil, DON’T FORGET-YOU’RE SAVED!

SAVED! SAVED FOREVER! SAVED EVERLASTINGLY! SAVED ETERNALLY! Saved, Safe, and Secure in His Hand. Nothing being able to ever separate you from His love, which is in Christ Jesus. No one thing or person can rob you of your salvation. You cannot lose it! But you can lose the joy of it by looking at and yielding to the outward circumstances around you.

While the media, movies, and mankind in general make light of the Word, I unashamedly testify to this cursed world-

“Glory, I’m saved! Glory, I’m saved!

My sins are all pardoned, my guilt is all gone!

Glory, I’m saved! Glory, I’m saved!

I’m saved by the blood of the Crucified One!”

Our Right As Christians

One of the glorious rights we have as children of God is His round-the-clock GRACE. There is no pleading, agonizing, or begging connected to it. We are plainly told to, “...come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” And who gave us this right? our King Himself. You can boldly claim and expect it!

When the king reached out his sceptre to Esther, she boldly entered his presence with confidence. Jesus, says the writer of Hebrews, is God’s sceptre of righteousness. And He has reached it [Him] out to each of us. Therefore, we may boldly say, “I have a right to your grace! You yourself gave me this right.” God likes such boldness in the name of His Son.

Many years ago, a doctor in London took little sick and hungry urchins off the streets, who were recommended by his friends. He asked one such waif who had recommended him. The lad answered, as he clutched his ragged clothes, “Sir, I thought these would be recommendation enough.”

The Force of Words

Job tells us, “How forcible are right words!” Words carry weight. The little quip says, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I’m sure the man standing before the firing squad, when hearing the word, “FIRE!” would not agree! The wise man said, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

There is basically one of three ways you can go when dealing with a powerful word or words. First, simply let it or them stand. Secondly, remove it or them and substitute a less dynamic word in their place. Thirdly, call attention to the fact, its original meaning has been changed to a more bland and acceptable definition.

The word-changers of our day have a favorite word they like to use when justifying their removing of the”stinger,” so to speak, from the bee. They refer to such words as “archaic.” They twist words to fit our sick society and culture. They redefine them so we will not appear as bad as we are. Vital, descriptive words of good and evil are detested by them.

But no matter how the King’s English is “gutted” by this slaughterhouse gang, Shakespeare and yes! our beloved KING JAMES BIBLE (not equating it with the former) will and has outlived them all. They will never strip the “Old Book” of its power or leave it empty of its truth. It unwraps, unmasks, disarms, and engages.

“ For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.”  

Giving Ourselves a Bad Rap

One definition of the little idiom, “They got a bad rap,” simply means to receive undeserved criticism. Taken in this setting, I believe many of God’s dear people, trying to live for Him, have given themselves a bad rap. That is, they bring unjustified charges against themselves.

As undesirable as we may seem to ourselves, God sees something we don’t. Something more than skin-deep. He sees past the surface, the cosmetic, if you please. He goes bone-deep, right through the bone to the marrow, to our inner sanctuary where the soul dwells.

We see outer circumstances, while He sees our inner faith. Read the life of Abraham, how at times he “staggered” like a drunken man. But God says of him in the New Testament, “He staggered not at the promise of God.” And what of the patience of Job, James speaks of? Have you read his life?

As I have said so often, you can have a strong faith with a weak flesh. Our Precious Savior knew this. He told His followers, “The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” While we and others are looking on the “outward appearance,” God, all the time is, “looking on the heart.”

Don’t give yourself such a bad rap concerning your faith; after all you’re still in the game, aren’t you?

Standing Man

In the recently released movie, Bridge of Spies there is a conversation between the American agent, James Donovan (played by Tom Hanks), a recruited spy,  and his Communist counterpart, Rudolf Abel, (Mark Rylance).

Rudolf Abel: “Standing there like that you reminded me of the man that used to come to our house when I was young. My father used to say: ‘watch this man'. So I did. Every time he came. And never once did he do anything remarkable.

James Donovan: And I remind you of him?

Rudolf Abel: This one time, I was at the age of your son, our house was overrun by partisan border guards. Dozens of them. My father was beaten, my mother was beaten, and this man, my father's friend, he was beaten. And I watched this man. Every time they hit him, he stood back up again. So they hit him harder. Still he got back to his feet. I think because of this they stopped the beating. They let him live. 'Stoikiy muzhik'. I remember them saying. '' Which sort of means like uh, 'standing man'... standing man…”

Most, if not all, my readers, along with me, will never do what the world and religion considers great. But for a man or woman to “stand” all their Christian life counts a lot in God’s estimate. God tells His people in His Word“...having done all, to stand. Stand…” That is, when you have done all you know  to do, “STAND.”

I love to read of David’s mighty men. One such was named, Shammah. “These be the names of the mighty men whom David had..Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.” HE STOOD HIS GROUND! Let us stand ours.

The Devil’s “Devil-ution”

A simple dictionary definition of the general meaning of evolution is: any process of formation or growth; development. In Satan’s case, it is not an upward but a downward spiral he is taking. He began in the highest heaven and will ultimately end in the lowest hell with the worms, mankind, who gave him their allegiance in this life. They devolve! Jesus said those who, “go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not.” This is not a private interpretation!

The devil started in the third heaven (God’s abode), but was cast out into the second heaven when he attempted to be like God and take His throne, the second heaven being the sphere of the stars, sun, and moon. Most all prophetic students believe, before Christ’s return there will be a Great Tribulation period, also referred to by a few other terms. At the start or sometime after this event, there will be war in heaven. Michael and his angels will fight against Satan and his angels. Michael wins, and the devil will be cast out on the earth. Then comes the great finale when Jesus, at His return, casts him into the eternal Lake of Fire.

Satan, at present, is the, “Prince and power of the air.” So don’t forget to put on your armor before you pass through the heavenlies to God’s Throne in prayer. You “gotta” fight on your hands when you attempt to pass through his territory!

There's No Back Door

Both the Tabernacle and Temple were without back doors. I believe also the Hebrew homes (and tents), were void of such. The blood was put only on one lintel and each doorpost per dwelling. It seems clear there was only one way in each stated case.

Today our back doors, like the front, are used primarily as an entrance and exit. The difference being, in the former's case, often, it is for the purpose of avoiding recognition. Most of us have, at one time or the other,“Snuck in or out the back door.” A few times, maybe, for surprise.

I said the above to say this, THERE IS ONLY ONE DOOR TO God and HEAVEN! Jesus plainly said, “I am the Door.” Christ teaches no one can come to God or enter Heaven except by and through Him. The children’s song has it right-

“One door and only one

And yet its sides are two

Inside and outside

On which side are you.

One Door and Only One

And yet its sides are two

I'm on the inside

On which side are you?”

Note of interest: My wife was saved as a 9 year old, but had been under conviction for a year previous. When her Sunday School class would sing the above song, she told me, she would not sing, “I’m on the inside.” What about you my friend? Are you singing or living a lie?

Coming-In Out of the Rain

My dear mother was a born and bred Kentuckian. She took great pride in the fact, and didn’t take lightly when some pseudo-intellect would speak disparagingly of “her people,” as she liked to refer to them. In fact, she was an expert on turning the tables on such. Of those who had an education without the knowledge of how to use it she would say, “They ain’t got brains enough to come in out of the rain.”

You can see now why, being brought-up under this kind of philosophy, I am not impressed with those who have heads full of worldly wisdom, but have empty shoes; that is, they don’t know how to put shoe leather to what they know. That great old philosophical and practical evangelist, Dr.Bob Jones Sr., had some timeless sayings, one of which had reference to the 1930’s depression. He would tell the students of his school, “People with Ph.ds stood in soup lines.”

Going through the book of wisdom recently, Proverbs, I was impressed by how wisdom and understanding are so closely connected; as well as throughout the rest of the Bible. It seem to me, possibly, wisdom has to do with what we are to do, wherein understanding has more to do with how we are  to do it (Ex. 36:1). Let me use a simple illustration. One may have the wisdom to foresee a great storm is coming, but lack the understanding of what they’re to do.

I think in many of our cases, we need to cease praying for wisdom and begin praying for understanding. In most incidents, we know what to do, we just don’t know how to do it.

Overwhelmed By the World

Some years ago, while browsing in a Christian bookstore, a title of one of the books caught my attention; the name was, Your God is Too Small. I find this to be true when I feel the world has become too much for me. Whenever the flesh replaces faith in my life, it is then God is dwarfed. Only a Mighty God, not a midget god, can handle this overpowering world.

Paul tells us that “[God]...is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” What then is our problem? We ask too little and think too small. Our mistake is in thinking God is altogether such an one as ourselves (Psl.50:21). Thus we ask according as a man would ask a man, expecting from the Infinite One no more than finite man can provide.

After 2000 years, we are still standing around asking Him, “Lord, if thou canst do anything… help us.” And He is still saying to us, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

A Lifetime of Fear

"...through fear...were all their lifetime subject to bondage." I must confess that in the flesh I am one such person. I do not know if it's because of my natural temperament, bringing up, or both. But it is something I have had to fight all my life. I have a dear friend who is paralyzed from the waist down. As a result, she can neither feel, move, or use her legs. So it is with fear; it paralyzes. Whenever you find fear, you'll find a person frozen in his or her steps.

To be sure, where there is fear, there is no faith. We need to come to the realization that "God hath not given us the spirit of fear." Fearful Timothy had to be reminded of this. True, fear has a basis, at times; but, generally, it is something intangible, or a nameless dread that grips and numbs us. Some of us fear everything— people, past, and future. We live in fear of the unknown, and the result is, "Fear hath torment." That is, a life of agony!  

Is there any cure for this plague of the soul? Thankfully, there is. The writer of Hebrews lets us in on his secret for overcoming fear. "The Lord is my helper...I will not fear." Two things are required: first, a confidence in the Lord's presence, and secondly, a determination of my will.

Jesus’ oft repeated words, "Fear not," only prove most of His followers were given to fear. We’re told, "As they followed, they were afraid" (Mark 10:32). The wise man tells us to, “Be not afraid of sudden fear.” Like the man said, “There is nothing to fear, but fear itself.”

Life's Commentary

I have several good commentaries on my bookshelf, mostly old ones. They can be very helpful, and at the same time hurtful, if not read objectively.

But the greatest commentary on life is the Bible itself. As the old southern black preacher said, “De Bible do shed a lot of light on dem commentaries.”

The Bible is the number one “How To” book on living a full, rich, rewarding life that’s satisfying to the soul. Life is more than just existing; it can be exciting. Even with its trials.

God, in His Word, tells us, “The whole duty of man”; and what the individual who “Loves life, and [would] see good days,” should do. His Book, a bestseller, has all the answers.

God never intended us to simply live life, but to live it on a higher plane. Our Lord told us we can live life one of two ways, with our cup full or overflowing! It’s ours to choose.

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

As I’ve grown spiritually throughout the years, one of the most enjoyable times in my meditation is when reflecting upon the precious, loving relationship between the Father and the Son. But I must be honest and confess, after each session I have to say, using David’s words, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”

The love that existed between God and the “Man Christ Jesus,” none can grasp, now or ever, save only the third person of the Godhead. Jesus told His followers, “The Father hath loved me.” That meant more to Him than anything or anyone, both in time and eternity. And when He uttered those heart rending words, “I love the Father,” I personally do not think God ever experienced a more delightful and joyful moment.

But the wonder of all wonders is a little text I passed over for years, a text that thrills, blesses, and breaks my heart every time I read or think upon it. “[Thou] hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” Oh, think of it! That indescribable, unfathomable, unimaginable love God has for His Son, is the same love He has for you and me. AND IT IS EVERLASTING AND ETERNAL!

Praying Around the Clock

“Instant in prayer”...”Praying Always”...”Continue in Prayer”...”Praying night and day”...”Pray without ceasing.”

Paul most certainly would sing with us, “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” the only change would be he’d sing, “Sweet Hours of Prayer.” It mattered not to him the place, posture, or predicament. He prayed about anything and everything!

For him, any place, anytime, any situation was an appropriate time to lift his heart’s holy hands to his God in prayer. His was literally a life of prayer. He began his Christian life with it and finished it the same way.

Paul’s prayer life, we would say today, was 24/7. Around the clock. He had no problem with such texts as, “Pray without ceasing” any more than if God told him to “breath without ceasing.” For prayer was the essence of his being.

C.H. Spurgeon said, “Pray without ceasing, or else your flower will fade and your spiritual fruit will never ripen. Continue in prayer until the last-moment of your life.”

“Long as they live must Christians pray,

For only while they pray they live.”

What’s Wrong With Just Being A Christian?

I guess when you come right down to it, times really haven't changed that much, especially in the religious arena. In Jesus' day, there were sects known as Pharisees, Sadducees, and a variety of others. You were readily accepted by any one of them if you claimed unquestioning allegiance and adhered to their doctrines.

Today, we have pretty much the same thing. There is Fundamentalism, Evangelicalism, Dispensationalism, and Reformed— all claiming to be just a little bit more right than the others. Within these groups, there is Baptist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Methodist, Church of God, and on and on. Any of these groups will accept you if you are willing to profess belief in their particular doctrines and loyalty to their group.

But, for someone to approach any one of these groups and say, "I am a Christian, I am Blood-bought, I believe in God's inspired Word, and I love all His ransomed children," is, for many, not sufficient. I am ashamed and embarrassed to tell you that they would be looked upon with dismay by some of these groups.

What a shame that there is no place in the ranks of some of the above mentioned groups for a man or woman who only goes by the name "Christian." It seems this name is not good enough for today's elite, enlightened, enslaved religionists. It might be well to remember that "the disciples were called Christians."

The word "Christian" has "Christ" in it; so do true Christians.