The Wisdom of the Wise

“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom.”

(1 C or. 12:8)

I once held the view God’s gifts to His church in this present age are functional and nonfunctional. Of course, once this position is adhered to, it becomes a pick and choose situation.  In each case, a church selects the gifts their particular assembly or denomination believes to be operative today, thereby creating a schism in the Body of Christ. I’d like to call attention to just one of these gifts: wisdom.

Now it is important to understand there are general truths in the scriptures and specific ones. Example: James speaks of wisdom available to all, but Paul speaks of a particular kind of wisdom given to certain individuals of God’s own choosing. Wisdom such as the wise woman of Tekoah had, and the poor wise man in Ecclesiastes. We are not speaking here of common sense, for the gift of which we speak is not common to all.

The little cliché, “The wisdom of the wise,” is seen in the life of the Queen of Sheba. This wise woman sought out Solomon, whom God had endued with this special wisdom. Wise is the man or woman who searches out such gifted people. But be careful when seeking them, for they come in a variety of get-ups. Most, if not all, are passed over by the fact of their simple life-style. Remember, the wisest Man who ever lived had only one suit of clothes, hung-out, for the most part, with the poor and common people. And, literally didn’t have a penny to His name.

“Wisdom may come from the lips of a poor man or woman, but it can make you rich.”

2 Cor. 6:10

(rds)

The Faith of the Aged

“By faith Abraham...went out, not knowing whither he went.” 

At seventy-five years, Abram (along with his wife, Sarah, ten years his junior) began a second exciting venture. God can, and does, disturb us at any time of life. He does not ask us if it is convenient. He does it at His own will.

This nomadic life they were entering through the door of faith would cost them. They were to leave their comfortable life style, sacrificing home, loved ones, and friends, not to speak of financial security. He was not a young man thirsting for adventure when this disturbing challenge from God came to him.

I wonder sometimes if I can still pray the prayer of my youth and mean it. “Lord, anytime, any place, doing anything, at any cost.” I hope so.

Petty Prioritives

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

(Matt. 6:33)

Prioritize: to designate or treat (something) as more important than other things. Petty: of little importance; trivial, secondary. Many saints spend a lifetime dilly dallying with Deity, wondering why they do not experience spiritual success and prosperity in their lives, as promised in Joshua 1:8.

In reading the book of Romans recently I was struck by how the spiritual was first and foremost in Paul’s mind, “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established.” (Rom. 1:11). God never takes second place, for anything or anyone . He is always to be first in line!

The young man in Luke chapter nine desired to follow Jesus but wanted to bury his father “first.” Jesus informed him he was to put the Kingdom of God first. As a young man George Beverly Shea had a choice between an operatic career or singing for the Lord; you know the rest of the story.

Our main text teaches us in putting God and His interests first, the “things” we seek after are additives. A good Bible illustration is Solomon. Because his God had top priority in his life, God heaped blessing upon blessings on him, blessings he didn’t even ask for, (1 Kgs. 3:13).

"I will...open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

(Mal. 3:10)

When God is Silent

"Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God."

(Psa. 83:1)

As a young preacher I had an older pastor friend who would remain silent during most conversations, but when he did speak, it was worth listening to. Of course, such a person drove an impetuous novice like me up a wall.

Throughout the Bible, at certain times, we find a muted God. But the silence of God should not be always interpreted as His disapproval; it can mean the opposite. The wise man tells us, “There is a time to keep silence.” And God always follows His own teachings.

In the Old Testament book of Psalms, David spoke much of God’s silence. In the New Testament our Lord, if you’ll pardon the expression, gave the silent treatment to a number of people who came to Him in dire need (Matt.15:22-23). But never did He remain silent indefinitely. Sooner or later He spoke; and when He did, it was not with wasted words. And so it will be with you and me.

Between the two Testaments there is what Bible students refer to as, “The Four Hundred Silent Years.” An interval when God did not speak, though He was actively working behind the scene. Admittedly, that is a long period; kingdoms can rise, decline, fall, and be forgotten in less time. But when He did break His silence, it was worth the wait. For the voice that came from heaven introduced His Son to the world, “This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

"He that hath the Word of Jesus is able to hear His very silence."

(a first-century saint)

Not Too Early To Start Praying

Dear Praying Friends,

This November, the 2nd through the 4th, I will be holding a 3 day meeting in Norfolk, VA. I'll speak once Friday night, twice Saturday (late morning and early afternoon), then twice Sunday morning and once in the early afternoon. I'll return on Monday. I fly out on Thursday the 1st.

Pray I'll have the anointing and that I'll have a safe flight there and back. I have to fly first class for the extra leg room. The reason being the veins they took out of both legs during my heart-attack, to use for my heart. That is an extra expense on the church and I hope to help them, Lord willing.

In case you didn't read it, I've included at the end of this note a letter I wrote my blessed black preacher friend, a few years back.

An Old Disciple

Dear James,

My blessed mother used to say, “If you’re going to send me flowers, do it while I’m alive.” I thought since we are both “kickin” I’d send you a nice spray. The Bible tells us to give honor to whom honor is due. Well I want to do just that. And may I add, I think it to be long overdue!

As I near the fourscore and five mark in my life, needless to say, I have met and observed a great number within the male race. Out of this great host there have been few I met who possessed the manliness, character and unwavering principles that you own. Whenever I think of you, as well as your lovely wife Dee, and the two grown children, James and Alicia, I think of the word class!

I’ve always liked to think of you as Ebedmelech the Ethiopian in the Old Testament. Just as he pulled Jeremiah up from the miry pit, so you have pulled out untold numbers of souls from the mire of this world. Your long ministry in Norfolk, as well as your dear people can attest to this fact.

James, I thank my God for the day our paths crossed, and the great privilege I have had in serving with you as a bond-slave of Jesus Christ. It has truly been an honor for me. It is wonderful to realize our camaraderie will not end here but will continue on there.

In closing, I think of something I recently heard while watching the western movie, “Rooster Cogburn.” John Wayne and Kathryn Hepburn starred. At the end, they parted ways, but as she rode off, she suddenly stopped and rode back. And what she said to the character played by Wayne I say to you dear friend. “Reuben…I have to say you're a credit to the whole male sex, and I'm proud to have ya for my friend.”

Richard

The Beginning

“In the beginning God…”
(Gen. 1:1)

Everything has a beginning, except God. For if He was in the beginning, it only stands to reason He was before the beginning. God has no beginning or end. Man, saved or lost, has a beginning but no end. Animals have a beginning and an end, not including the heavenly creatures. Beginnings are essential if one is to go anywhere  or accomplish anything.

I do not have so much of a problem with doing a thing once begun, my dilemma is in actually getting started. The popular quip of our day “Just do it,” I sometimes think was thought up with me in mind. It is wise to evaluate and think things through, but not indefinitely! Sooner or later we must put shoe leather to it.... and then finish it. Another fault of mine.

I mentioned the following (purported to be) Chinese proverb often in my writings, please allow me the use of it again, for it fits here, “A thousand mile journey was started with one step.” I don’t know about you, but had it been me to be the first one to dip my foot in Jordan, there would have been a slight hesitation; but it was the only way to get from here to there.

“Nothing ever came of something never begun.”

(rds)

Creamy Milk Chocolate

"And He is before all things...in all things He might have the preeminence."

(Col 1:17-18)

If asked to define the word “bittersweet,” most would call to mind a type of chocolate. It contains a combination of both sweet and bitter. As far as I am concerned, it leaves much to be desired to the taste. Personally, I’m an old-fashioned creamy, milk chocolate fan.

Whenever we put anything else into the mixture with Christ, no matter how good its use separately, He loses much of His sweet flavor, and everything becomes bittersweet.  The reason Jesus is so unsavory to many Christians is because they have blended spiritual things with Him. Like John’s “little book,” at first it is sweet to the taste, but when digested, bitter to the stomach.

We hear much talk around the holiday season of how we need to get Christ back into Christmas. But I would contend, we need to get Christ back into His church (Rev.3:20). There is nothing as boring as a church service without Him, in its songs, preaching, praying and testimonies.  As someone has rightly said, referring to Christ’s absence in our lives, “It is like trying to start a car on an empty tank.” Detaching Christ from our services is to reduce them to impotence.

If I were to give my preacher son, Andrew, (or any other preacher) advice when departing this life, it would be, “Make much of Jesus.” As Ian Thomas says, “It is profoundly simple, and simply profound.” A church service does not have to be sensational, but with His presence can have the miraculous!

"Let fire and the cross, let wild beasts, let all the malice of the devil, , come upon me; only may I enjoy Jesus Christ."

(Ignatius 40 B.C.-107 A.D.)

A Most Effective Wor

“Nevertheless, at thy word I will...  ”

(Lk. 5:5)

Peter and the others had toiled tirelessly throughout the long night, only to come up empty. It was a night of fatigue and failure, at the end of which, they could only say of the results from all their effort, “Nothing!”

Yet this humble Fisherman, of men, tells these frustrated professional fishermen to obey His command. And, at their obedience to His command, everything changed. What made the difference? It’s found in one word “nevertheless.” This word always makes history for a child of God. Sometimes, as in David’s case, in the negative sense. But in our setting, positive. As in many, many, other situations.

Vision, renewed strength, and hope, came after their“nevertheless.” The stormy road of obedience invariably leads to the promised pot-of-gold at the end. At the finish of a dull road there is a pleasant surprise awaiting all its travelers. Rugged paths lead to summits. Panoramic vision is the result of toilsome climbing. When all is dark and everything we hold dear is gone, when there is humanly no hope, at the end of each of these things may we always put the addendum: “nevertheless.”It is a most effective word!

“There is even a “nevertheless” after after it says, “THE END. It’s called Eternity!

(rds)

Restless or Resting?

"We which have believed do enter into rest."

(Heb. 4:3)

Hebrews speaks of a threefold rest for the people of God. The past rest of salvation, a present rest in sanctification, and the future rest of glorification. A few have a problem with the first of these; none, to my knowledge, with the last; but untold numbers wrestle with the present rest, the Sabbath of the soul. 

Many do not understand it is a faith-rest life! It is pillowing our head on God's promises in the midst of the worst of storms, like our blessed Lord. Looking at the circumstances that surround us will only bring restlessness and resentment, as it did to the disciples.

We are told in the Old Testament that when the cloudy pillar abode upon the Tabernacle, whether it be two days, a month, or a year, God's people "rested in their tents." They did not worry about the when, where, how, and why of God's plan and will; they simply rested until He gave further direction.

Hudson Taylor found, he tells us, "The Faith Rest Life" comes not by striving after faith, but by resting on the Faithful One!" Once entered by faith we must trust Him, moment by moment, to maintain that rest.  

"A life of faith or frustration, it's ours to choose."

(rds)

Paul, Faith, and Mountains

"Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains..."

(1 Cor. 13:2)

It is plain Paul believed and took literally Jesus's statement in the Gospels concerning faith removing mountains. Just as clear is the fact that he did not believe he possessed such a faith. But studying his long and eventful life we see he used what faith he had.

And that faith got him through a lifetime of severe suffering; brought in needed supplies for both him and his; sustained him during lonely hours; comforted him when grief stricken at his friends' misunderstanding of him; kept him going when seemingly there was no human reason to keep going; and was sufficient at his end to get him through the valley of the shadows.

“The molehill you removed, by faith, may have been your mountain!”

(rds)

IT TAKES US ALL

I pray each of my readers will cease reading this article until they’ve first read the twelfth chapter of 1 Corinthians. It is imperative if you’re to understand this writing.

If this portion of Scripture teaches anything, it teaches it takes us all as members of the Body of Christ to get the job done. There is not one person that is not necessary to the whole. In fact, the most insignificant is the most needful at times.

There is no such thing as “one size fits all” when it relates to gifts, personalities, and callings. As my younger daughter used to say when two things were identical, “They're same-a-likes.” Well, God doesn’t have any such creatures! The much used idiom, “Why can’t you be like them?”, is answered with, "Simply because God did not make us like anyone else." In fact there is no such thing as identical twins.

I cannot tell you the frustration I have caused among family members, friends, and fellow preachers because I refused to fit into their mold. The Bible is filled with misfits. They were as they say, “Round pegs who wouldn’t fit into square holes.” These saints are too voluminous to list. Just pick anyone greatly used of God and you’ll come up with one.

“Two things about carbon copies: 1. There is no originality. 2. They leave you with stains hard to wash off.”

(rds)

COMING UP SHORT

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

(Rom. 6:23)

Years ago I was watching the popular TV show Beverly Hillbillies, for you who can remember that far back. Granny had just paid her bill at the grocery store and was leaving, when the the young checkout clerk yelled, “Mam, you’re a little short.” To which the elderly responded, while rolling up her sleeves, “I may be a little short but I can take you on, sonny.”

In man’s case, it is God who has said we all have come up short. I don’t advise you to challenge Him on this issue. If you do, you’re sure to come up short! I find most all Christians would agree with this truth, concerning the unregenerate. But when you apply it to the saved, many are slow to accept being put into the same category as the non-Christian.

But the wise man tells us, “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecc. 7:20) . We may have a godly new tenant who moved in, but it is still the same old dilapidated house. You can whitewash it if you want, but underneath it is still rotting away. The Pharisees tried a new coat of paint, but the old showed through.

Our humanity limits us in many areas where we would desire to be and do differently. Paul’s statement in Romans chapter seven articulates what all godly saints experience: “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.” Like it or not, we’ll drag that old dead corpse with us everywhere we go, til death or His glorious coming!

“God knows what we would do, if we could do it;  if not for our human frailties.”

(rds)

A GOOD MAN

“ For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.”

(Acts 11:24)

As a novice in the Lord, the young man Saul (Paul) followed this good and godly man, and Paul was the better for it all his life. The same is true of all who follow in  the steps of good men. We have a lot of emphasis today on great men, but little is heard of good men. You can be a great man without being a good man, but you can’t be a good man without being a great man, in the Lord’s sight. We also have the same thing said of Joseph as was said of Barnabas, “There was a man named Joseph...

and he was a good man, and a just, (Lk. 23:50).

The wise man tells us we should “walk in the way of good men,” (Prov. 2:20); and Paul exhorts young Titus to be “a lover of good men,” (Titus 1:8). The Bible has nothing but good to say about good men: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. (Psa. 37:23);  A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD. (Prov. 12:2); A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children. (Prov. 13:22); A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good, (Lk. 6:45).

At times, when I observe the culture that surrounds us I feel like Micah of old, “The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men, (Mic. 7:2). But thank God at such times I am reminded of what God told Elijah, when he thought he was the only one left, “But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal, (Rom. 11:4). There is— and always will be— a few good men left!

The old adage says, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Why not each of us, starting today, flock to “good men.”

THE BEST ROBE

“But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him.”

(Lk.15:22)

It was an outer garment for all to see, the father’s acceptance of his wayward son. The “best” one— not just any robe but a particular one— one they all knew and were familiar with; it was possibly the Father’s very own garment. It was not the worst, which the son deserved, but rather one that proved his Father’s personal acceptance.

Paul tells us the two great requisites for life, that is for the body, are food and raiment (1 Tim. 4:6). This is what the father provided his prodigal son upon his return home: a fatted calf and a robe (Lk.15:22-23). Interestingly, in his return home there was a death and a clothing. Hmmm, now where did I read that before? (Gen.3:21).

To the spiritual mind, the application is plain. Christ is made unto us both food, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever,” (Jn. 6:51) and raiment, “He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, (Is. 61:10). From rags to riches!

“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.”

The Lord Is My Keeper

It has always baffled me how I can trust the Lord to keep my eternal soul, but not my life from day to day. O, how much of Jacob I have in me! Always planning, covering myself, and making sure there is a back door for my safe escape, just in case. I know it is not a pretty sight, but it’s the way we, Jacob’s seed, live.

But praise His name, we’re told, He is the “...mighty God of Jacob.” Jacobs, “Almighty God,” can still turn his kind into princes, but it will take some long hours of wrestling with God for it to happen. But when the morning comes, it will be apparent to all, something happened to this seemingly impossible creature. He has a distinctive walk now that he didn’t have before! He now limps for the Lord!

“I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest [any] hurt it, I will keep it night and day.”

(Isa. 27:3)

He Made This As Well As That

“In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other...”

(Ecc. 7:14)

As I have often written, life can be so simple yet at the same time so perplexing; truly it is paradoxical. This is one reason  the carnal mind has such a problem with the Bible. They try to reconcile one extreme truth from the other at the far end of the spectrum. But friends need not be reconciled. They sit across from one another at the same table, smiling at each other.

God has ordained that both sadness and gladness should make up life. The blessings to make us happy, the burdens to make us humble. Just when we experts think we have the answers to these two seemingly contradictions, the Lord changes the situation; and out goes our formula. As another has said, “You can’t use an outdated road map for a new journey.”

Don’t try to understand the good days and bad days separately;  deal with them together. That is what Romans 8:28 is all about. Whether God gives us a sweet cup or a bitter cup we’re to ”Drink ye all of it.” Don’t attempt to make the bitter sweet; take life as it comes. When joyful, be joyful; when sad, be sad. Don’t try to pretend things aren’t the way they are.

James tells us Job is to be our example in this. You’ll remember Job told his wife they were not only to take the good from God’s hand but the unpleasant things. God has intermingled them. Like day and night and summer and winter, each offsets the other. I like the way Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661) put it, “O, what owe I to the file, to the hammer, to the furnace of my Lord Jesus.”

Those "Little Flocks"

Those “Little Flocks”

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

(Lk. 12:32)

In case some of my readers are not aware, early in my ministry I pastored two separate churches over a twenty year period. A good sized one during the so called Big Church age, followed by a smaller assembly. My wife likened the change it brought in my life to going from an assembly-line worker to a craftsman.

I’m not opposed to large churches, just as long as they are not considered superior to smaller ones; and that they didn’t cut corners to achieve their size. It is important that one realize the Pentecostal Church in Acts was not the norm. In fact it appears they broke off into small companies, (Acts 4:23;15:22). Most, if not all the churches Paul founded, were on a much smaller scale. Also, he never referred to their growth in numbers, but their growth in grace. To ask some Mega- Church pastors the latter question would bring great embarrassment.

Our Lord pastored a “Little Flock,” and He was never ashamed of that fact or apologized for it. Pastor, whether your small flock of sheep meet in a store front, the front room of your home, or a little brick building, don’t you ever let the Nicolaitan “Doctors” and “Reverends,” intimidate you. Noah only had eight in his fold, and they were all family members.

When a young preacher complained to Spurgeon he only had fifty members in his church, Spurgeon replied, “That’s fifty more than you’ll want to give account of at judgment!”

“For who hath despised the day of small things...they shall rejoice...”

(Zec. 4:10)

Prying Into God's Secrets

In this information age, I believe many Christians are sticking their noses into business not belonging to them, and neglecting those things belonging to us. I'm referring to the secret things belonging to the Lord, and to those things God has revealed to us and our children, to do them (Deut. 29:29). No one appreciates someone delving into every little detail of his or her life, nor does our God. Apparently some are not satisfied letting God be God!

We'll never know all the answers, not even in heaven with perfect bodies and intelligence. To have that kind of knowledge you'd be God, and only one creature ever desired that (Isa. 14:13-14). I'm not against theology (the study of God), but we need to be content with what's revealed, and not attempt to open a door God has locked. A place where He keeps all his secrets for Himself. One of the medieval theological arguments was over how many angels could stand on the point of a pin. Ridiculous? Foolish? Stupid? No more than some of our modern day queries. We need to follow darling David's example on things above our pay-grade, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it."

God will not judge us for not knowing the intricacies of His self-imposed responsibilities, but He will for not knowing and doing ours. You know your part. Do it! You can always trust God to keep His end of the bargain. I think sometimes we put the emphasis on God's part to draw attention away from miserably failing to fulfill ours. We need to be careful our inquisitiveness not become iniquity.  

“ He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

They Just Can't Get It

They Just Can’t Get It

When will we ever learn that the Natural/Carnal man or woman just doesn’t get it. And what makes it worse; they never will as long as they remain in their state of stupor. The former (natural) refers to the unregenerate still in their sins; the latter (carnal), to a Christian still living in the flesh.

Both of the above mentioned may be learned in their particular fields of expertise, but as to Spiritual truths, as they say in Kentucky, “They’re dumber than a sack of coal.” For a hog to know and understand a human, it would have to have their spirit. And for mankind to relate to God, they must first have His Spirit.

Unaided by supernatural assistance, he or she will never understand or comprehend the “deep things of God.” With their natural facilities, they may grasp historical truths, and even the “letter,” but never can they know the intimacies of the Lord, or the intricacies of the Word. There must be Spiritual illumination.

What all the world’s intellects, philosophers, and scientific minds can’t decipher, an unlearned, humble, Spirit-filled child of God can! This is why not only God cannot be known or understood by worldlings, but for the same reason, a Spiritual man or woman can’t. Therefore let us try to understand them, since they can’t us. Remember, we’ve been where they’re at, but they’ve never been where we are.

Who Then Is It All About?

This is one of those articles that if you don’t read it to the end, because you’re offended by the beginning, you could be deemed, “willingly ignorant.”

There are many little sayings that have Bible principles hidden within them, while others are as far from the Holy Scriptures as you can get. One such aphorism that falls into the latter category, that make the speaker come off as “spiritual” is, “It’s not all about you.”

Generally, when you hear the above statement, the reference has to do with the poor, suffering, misfortunate, etc. Whenever it is all about us, all agree, we’re dealing with a narcissist. On the other hand, few realize, when one makes it all about others, you’re listening to a humanist.

Neither is it all about us or about others! IT IS ALL ABOUT CHRIST, GOD’S BELOVED SON. His interest is to be our one and only interest. Everything and everyone else will fall into its rightful place when this is initiated. To put others first is to put Christ second.

In the story of Mary anointing Jesus feet both Judas and the disciples wanted to put the poor first. Mary put Him above all others! And what did Jesus think of her act of devotion? He said her act will never be forgotten.

IT’S ALL ABOUT HIM!