“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast...” The third definition of the word “anchor” in Webster’s Dictionary is: “a person or thing that can be relied on for support, stability, or security; mainstay.” This certainly describes the Lord Jesus, does it not? An anchor is the symbol of hope, and the Scriptures tell us He is our Hope. He does for the soul what an anchor does for a ship. Because our Anchor is both sure and steadfast, it enables us to outride the storms of life. No matter how severe the tempest, wild the waves, or boisterous the winds, there is a calm within the veil.
That is our unmovable standing, but our state may present us entirely different. We may be tossed to and fro with the tempest, but, like a buoy in a storm that appears to be movable on the surface, unseen to the naked eye, it is both “sure and steadfast” underneath the tempestuous storm. Our flesh may be weak, but our faith is strong.
Hope is never ill when faith is well. (John Bunyan, Puritan
Jun 30, 2008
Jun 27, 2008
*Mr. Great-heart
“I am this day fourscore and five years old…Now therefore give me this mountain.” Caleb reminds us of Bunyan’s “Mr. Great-heart.” It is said of Caleb, the ageless adventurer, that from the time he was a sprig until he became an old oak, “…he wholly followed the Lord.” He had soared like an eagle in his youth, and run in mid-life without growing weary, but now this advanced, aggressive achiever is going for his greatest victory. He was not retiring; he was re-firing!
“Give me this mountain,” he says to his old friend, Joshua. In old age, though alone, Caleb was still climbing upward. It is said only of this vintage saint that he completely subdued the territory allotted him. He had evicted all his enemies. He had waited over forty years for God to keep His promise to Him, but the wait was well worth it. He is now entering the land of milk and honey, the place where he would go from victory to victory. It can be said of “Caleb’s clan,” winter is on their heads, but spring is in their hearts.
To all you aging saints, let me encourage you to be mountain men, always climbing higher. As one has said, “Wrinkles may be upon our brows, but let them never be upon our hearts.” Let us stay young at heart.
For age is opportunity no less/Than youth itself, though in another dress. (Longfellow )
“Give me this mountain,” he says to his old friend, Joshua. In old age, though alone, Caleb was still climbing upward. It is said only of this vintage saint that he completely subdued the territory allotted him. He had evicted all his enemies. He had waited over forty years for God to keep His promise to Him, but the wait was well worth it. He is now entering the land of milk and honey, the place where he would go from victory to victory. It can be said of “Caleb’s clan,” winter is on their heads, but spring is in their hearts.
To all you aging saints, let me encourage you to be mountain men, always climbing higher. As one has said, “Wrinkles may be upon our brows, but let them never be upon our hearts.” Let us stay young at heart.
For age is opportunity no less/Than youth itself, though in another dress. (Longfellow )
Jun 26, 2008
Cut From the Same Cloth
“To the Jew first…” Some believe the Jews are special in God’s sight and that the Gentile is second-rate. A random reading of Ephesians shows the Gentile was not an after thought with God. They were not “stuck in,” as some teach, after Israel rejected Christ. We are not a fill-in, but part of God’s eternal plan. First does not necessarily mean preference, but simply, in order. A dying patriarch blesses each of his children, according to their ages, not according to his affection, for he loves each the same. Speaking of Jews and Gentiles, Paul says, “…there is no difference…”
God’s love for a Jewish saint of the Old Testament and His love for a Gentile saint of the New, is the same. “Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also.” We are “…joint heirs with Christ.”
There is nothing God ever did for a believing Old Testament Jew that He cannot, and will not, do for a believing Gentile of the New Covenant. He loves us the same; He answers our prayers the same; He leads us the same; and He provides for and protects us the same. As one of my children used to say when she was small, about identical things, “We’re same-alikes.”
The Jew was not God's pet, but a pattern.
God’s love for a Jewish saint of the Old Testament and His love for a Gentile saint of the New, is the same. “Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also.” We are “…joint heirs with Christ.”
There is nothing God ever did for a believing Old Testament Jew that He cannot, and will not, do for a believing Gentile of the New Covenant. He loves us the same; He answers our prayers the same; He leads us the same; and He provides for and protects us the same. As one of my children used to say when she was small, about identical things, “We’re same-alikes.”
The Jew was not God's pet, but a pattern.
Jun 20, 2008
Rearranging the Price tags
I read an interesting story recently. It seems, some thieves broke into a jewelry store, but they didn’t steal anything; they simply rearranged the price tags. By doing this, they put a high price on things of little worth, and made cheap and irrelevant, the items of great value.
Jesus spoke of “weightier maters.” There are some things in the Christian’s life that take priority over others. The Church today has put gym class before math class. When you major on a minor, it’s not long before the lesser becomes the more important.
Many churches are trying to pass off a cheap piece of costume jewelry in place of the “Pearl of Great Price.” The Divine Christ has been devalued, and religious “things” have been elevated to the high-price bracket. No wonder many of our young people (along with their parents) are so shallow and superficial. They cast out the pearls, to be trampled under-foot by the swine; while indoors, they’re playing with their imitation jewelry.
Christ is the required Subject; everything else is electives.
Jesus spoke of “weightier maters.” There are some things in the Christian’s life that take priority over others. The Church today has put gym class before math class. When you major on a minor, it’s not long before the lesser becomes the more important.
Many churches are trying to pass off a cheap piece of costume jewelry in place of the “Pearl of Great Price.” The Divine Christ has been devalued, and religious “things” have been elevated to the high-price bracket. No wonder many of our young people (along with their parents) are so shallow and superficial. They cast out the pearls, to be trampled under-foot by the swine; while indoors, they’re playing with their imitation jewelry.
Christ is the required Subject; everything else is electives.
Jun 19, 2008
Sometimes or All the Time
Jesus said, “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Before returning to Heaven, He told His disciples, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always.” Paul’s personal testimony was that he was “praying always,” and of Epaphras, it is said that he was “always laboring fervently...in prayers.” It is recorded of Cornelius that he “prayed to God alway.”
The little cliché, “All we can do now is pray” may sound spiritual, but when analyzed, it’s anything but that. When you hear this statement, you know you’re listening to a person who believes prayer is their last resort. Let’s face it; most of our problems stem from our having a prayer problem. Prayer is to be first and foremost. It has nothing to do with how we feel. There’s a gospel song that says, “When you don’t feel like praying, pray.”
The little cliché, “All we can do now is pray” may sound spiritual, but when analyzed, it’s anything but that. When you hear this statement, you know you’re listening to a person who believes prayer is their last resort. Let’s face it; most of our problems stem from our having a prayer problem. Prayer is to be first and foremost. It has nothing to do with how we feel. There’s a gospel song that says, “When you don’t feel like praying, pray.”
Jun 18, 2008
The Cesspool Within
One definition of “cesspool is: “a place of filth or immorality.” Jesus said, “From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, [t]hefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blaspheme, pride, foolishness; All these things come from within..” (Mark 7). Thirteen defiling sins, and not one comes from without; all originate in our hearts.
We love to blame people and things for our sin, but the problem is our heart. As someone has so apply said, “At the heart of every problem is the heart.” True, many times, individuals and situations are involved in our sin. But they are not the cause. The cause, says our Lord, lies wholly within us. People and things are only “stir-sticks” that stir up what is already lying dormant in our hearts.
Our hearts are cesspools. They are desperately wicked, and a deceiver lives within. We have blamed everything and everyone for our sins—from the devil, to TV, to our children’s friends, to magazines, to billboards. But they are not the culprits. It’s the person we see in the mirror every morning.
Until you see your heart and your true self, you’ll never appreciate the holiness of God.
We love to blame people and things for our sin, but the problem is our heart. As someone has so apply said, “At the heart of every problem is the heart.” True, many times, individuals and situations are involved in our sin. But they are not the cause. The cause, says our Lord, lies wholly within us. People and things are only “stir-sticks” that stir up what is already lying dormant in our hearts.
Our hearts are cesspools. They are desperately wicked, and a deceiver lives within. We have blamed everything and everyone for our sins—from the devil, to TV, to our children’s friends, to magazines, to billboards. But they are not the culprits. It’s the person we see in the mirror every morning.
Until you see your heart and your true self, you’ll never appreciate the holiness of God.
Jun 17, 2008
Having Your Day
In his excellent little book, The Life of Christ, James Stalker divides our Lord’s ministry into three parts: the year of obscurity, the year of favor, and the year of opposition. The second of these was not all we would think it to be. For one thing, the year that followed would keep most of us from being desirous of popularity. Jesus knew what was in the human heart; He knew the fickleness in man. Full well did He know the ones who shouted “Hosanna,” today would scream, “Crucify him,” tomorrow. Because of this He sought the shadows.
The best work is usually done in secret. Elijah had a public ministry, Elisha a private one; interestingly, the latter did twice the miracles of the former. In the Bible, it seems Closed Door Ministries generally bear the most fruit.
We sometimes use little idioms to describe life. Sayings like “Every man and woman will have their day in the sun,” (that is, your time of deserved recognition and appreciation). But those of us who have experienced “our day in the sun” will tell you, it was not as hot as we thought it would be. It was just that: “a day.” And those days are brief, at best!
Each of us should live not for “our day in the sun”; but rather, “that day before the Son.”
The best work is usually done in secret. Elijah had a public ministry, Elisha a private one; interestingly, the latter did twice the miracles of the former. In the Bible, it seems Closed Door Ministries generally bear the most fruit.
We sometimes use little idioms to describe life. Sayings like “Every man and woman will have their day in the sun,” (that is, your time of deserved recognition and appreciation). But those of us who have experienced “our day in the sun” will tell you, it was not as hot as we thought it would be. It was just that: “a day.” And those days are brief, at best!
Each of us should live not for “our day in the sun”; but rather, “that day before the Son.”
Jun 10, 2008
A "God " of Our Own Making
In the beginning God made man after His own likeness; now, since the Fall, man makes a god after his own likeness. That is, one that suits him. It’s a god of his own making. Like Aaron’s golden calf, we fashion it according to our desires, after our vain imagination.
The pagans of old had a plurality of gods and so do many professing Christians today. Some of the names given to these imitation gods are: the god of money; the god of sex; the god of power; the god of pleasure, etc. The one characteristic of each god is their permissiveness. You can do and be anything you want and still your created god will accept your worship.
But real Christians who worship the One True God can say of these would be Ephesian craftsmen, “Your god is not our God!”
The pagans of old had a plurality of gods and so do many professing Christians today. Some of the names given to these imitation gods are: the god of money; the god of sex; the god of power; the god of pleasure, etc. The one characteristic of each god is their permissiveness. You can do and be anything you want and still your created god will accept your worship.
But real Christians who worship the One True God can say of these would be Ephesian craftsmen, “Your god is not our God!”
Jun 9, 2008
We Are Not in Denial
We hear much about a person being in a state of denial. That is, they are unwilling to admit, or accept, an established fact. Self-denial is not necessarily the same as denying self.
When Jesus said, “Deny thyself,” He did not mean to deny personal self. To attempt this will lead to all sorts of spiritual problems. We must live with self until our termination at death, or transformation at His descent.
We are not to deny the recognition of self, but rather, we are to deny the “rights” of self. The old, Adamic, sinful, egotistical behavior pattern we have been nurturing since birth is to be denied any rights, under our new management.
I will always be me. Attempting to get rid of my personality is a slap in the face to my Creator. The thing that is wrong with me is my fallen nature. But now, with the new nature, I am enabled to squelch all the inherently evil things in my life.
I no longer have to pretend either to be what I am not, or not to be what I am. The so-called secret of the victorious life is not to be found in steps, formulas, or rules, but rather, by simply saying an emphatic “No” to the old nature by the help of the new Divine nature.
When the last Adam reigns in your life, you can deny the first Adam his right over it.
When Jesus said, “Deny thyself,” He did not mean to deny personal self. To attempt this will lead to all sorts of spiritual problems. We must live with self until our termination at death, or transformation at His descent.
We are not to deny the recognition of self, but rather, we are to deny the “rights” of self. The old, Adamic, sinful, egotistical behavior pattern we have been nurturing since birth is to be denied any rights, under our new management.
I will always be me. Attempting to get rid of my personality is a slap in the face to my Creator. The thing that is wrong with me is my fallen nature. But now, with the new nature, I am enabled to squelch all the inherently evil things in my life.
I no longer have to pretend either to be what I am not, or not to be what I am. The so-called secret of the victorious life is not to be found in steps, formulas, or rules, but rather, by simply saying an emphatic “No” to the old nature by the help of the new Divine nature.
When the last Adam reigns in your life, you can deny the first Adam his right over it.
Jun 6, 2008
Used but Useful
Both my wife and I enjoy visiting old bookstores, searching for old and outdated books. Recently, randomly leafing through a used book, I came across an outline that I believe characterizes my ministry these fifty years. You who are familiar with my preaching and writings are aware that both are highly practical. I like to put everyday clothes on naked truths, and shoe leather on doctrine. You know; something you can comfortly walk in on a daily basis.
Let me give you the skeleton of this outline, and then I’ll try to put a little meat on it. It went like this: “Start where you are; use what you have; and do what you can.” As to the first, the Chinese proverb says, “A thousand mile journey is started with one step.” Secondly, if you don’t have a hammer to drive in a nail, use your shoe heel. And thirdly, if you can’t do great things in a great way, do little things in a great way.
With Christ’s enablement, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. No matter the odds or opposition, they can overcome. But we need to begin in the sacred now! Wherever here is, that’s where we need to start. As someone has said, “We live our lives like we have another one in the bank.” The best time to plant a fruit tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now.
In closing let me give you two more thoughts from the little book that blessed me. “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” And this one could be my all-time favorite: “No one can go back and make a brand-new start, but anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending.” Amen and Amen!
Let me give you the skeleton of this outline, and then I’ll try to put a little meat on it. It went like this: “Start where you are; use what you have; and do what you can.” As to the first, the Chinese proverb says, “A thousand mile journey is started with one step.” Secondly, if you don’t have a hammer to drive in a nail, use your shoe heel. And thirdly, if you can’t do great things in a great way, do little things in a great way.
With Christ’s enablement, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. No matter the odds or opposition, they can overcome. But we need to begin in the sacred now! Wherever here is, that’s where we need to start. As someone has said, “We live our lives like we have another one in the bank.” The best time to plant a fruit tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now.
In closing let me give you two more thoughts from the little book that blessed me. “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” And this one could be my all-time favorite: “No one can go back and make a brand-new start, but anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending.” Amen and Amen!
Jun 4, 2008
Correct or Corrupt
I am not as concerned with the outward “fashion of this world,” entering into the Church as I am with its philosophy creeping in. Outward fashions come and go; they pass away. But philosophy is ingrained in the inner-man, and controls all his decisions.
We should not be surprised by anything the world does. After all, the leper cannot change his spots or the Ethiopian his skin. But we should be shocked when the world’s philosophy of political correctness is transferred into our assemblies, and we become “religiously correct” instead of Biblically governed.
I believe this is one of the purposes of the modern-day translators. It seems they believe God needs a vocabulary that fits with their idea of correctness. God must not offend secular man with His sacred Words.
Humanism is deifying man and humanizing God; there seem to be many Christian humanists today.
We should not be surprised by anything the world does. After all, the leper cannot change his spots or the Ethiopian his skin. But we should be shocked when the world’s philosophy of political correctness is transferred into our assemblies, and we become “religiously correct” instead of Biblically governed.
I believe this is one of the purposes of the modern-day translators. It seems they believe God needs a vocabulary that fits with their idea of correctness. God must not offend secular man with His sacred Words.
Humanism is deifying man and humanizing God; there seem to be many Christian humanists today.
Jun 2, 2008
Changeable Christians
“…meddle not with them who are given to change.” There are some changes that are good as well as necessary. For example, all improvement is change. And each of us periodically ought to be experiencing this. But our text is speaking of a different kind of change. It is speaking of one who is “given over” to it. When the Bible uses the term “given over,” it is speaking of dissipation as opposed to moderation.
The root problem with this sort of changeable Christian is discontent. It seems they get weary of the old and are easily captivated by the novelty of the new and untried. They are forever experimenting. Their restless, turbulent spirit makes for “unstable souls.” This type can undo all the good that has been done. They like change for no other reason than change itself. And they are oblivious to how their attitude and actions affect family and friends.
The root problem with this sort of changeable Christian is discontent. It seems they get weary of the old and are easily captivated by the novelty of the new and untried. They are forever experimenting. Their restless, turbulent spirit makes for “unstable souls.” This type can undo all the good that has been done. They like change for no other reason than change itself. And they are oblivious to how their attitude and actions affect family and friends.
Jun 1, 2008
An Arminian Calvinist
“Father, all things are possible unto thee...nevertheless not what I will but what thou wilt.” For years I’ve heard the little cliché, “When you’re praying, pray like a Calvinist (Sovereignty); but when you arise from prayer, work like an Arminian (free-will). I believe we make a grave mistake by doing this. I find the reverse of this little saying is what brings great peace to my heart, banishing all frustrations.
What a joyful time it is in prayer to mull over God’s sweet promises, requesting He perform certain ones on my behalf. Like a bee that goes from flower to flower, I go freely from promise to promise. But when leaving that sacred closet of prayer, as I open the door to enter the world once again, to say in a still, small voice, “Nevertheless, thy will be done.” This is the peace that passes all understanding.
Let your request be known unto God, but leave the choice to Him
What a joyful time it is in prayer to mull over God’s sweet promises, requesting He perform certain ones on my behalf. Like a bee that goes from flower to flower, I go freely from promise to promise. But when leaving that sacred closet of prayer, as I open the door to enter the world once again, to say in a still, small voice, “Nevertheless, thy will be done.” This is the peace that passes all understanding.
Let your request be known unto God, but leave the choice to Him
May 31, 2008
Who's That Knocking at the Door?
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Notice Jesus did not say, “I want you to come out to me,” but rather, “I want to come in to you.” This church was in a sad, deplorable condition. The members were lifeless and filled with blind pride. What made things worse, they were both unconscious as well as unconcerned about the matter.
Out of our Lord’s letters to the seven churches, our text to the Laodiceans is the tenderest. Yet they were the least deserving. We learn from this Scripture that no matter what the state of other Christians may be in our assembly, one soul with a hunger for God may have intimate Divine fellowship in the midst of deadness.
Jesus told His disciples, “I have meat to eat, that ye know not of.” So does the “any man” of the Laodicean church.
Out of our Lord’s letters to the seven churches, our text to the Laodiceans is the tenderest. Yet they were the least deserving. We learn from this Scripture that no matter what the state of other Christians may be in our assembly, one soul with a hunger for God may have intimate Divine fellowship in the midst of deadness.
Jesus told His disciples, “I have meat to eat, that ye know not of.” So does the “any man” of the Laodicean church.
May 28, 2008
Healing the Hidden Hurts
I believe in Scriptural, physical healing, but, at best, it is only a temporary patch on the outward man that’s perishing. Our greatest need is for an inward, permanent healing of the soul. David prayed in Psalms, “Heal my soul.” We are all prone to glory in appearances, but it is in the secret places of the heart that our Lord does His most lasting work.
If we could pull back the veil of the flesh and see the inward lives of each other, how we would pity one another. Our spirits would be bound to our brethren of like passions. We would see hopes that are crushed, strengths that have been drained, faith like the broken wing of a bird that can no longer fly heavenward, and hearts that are shattered. When will we ever learn, the world can fix about anything, but a broken heart.
It says of our Lord, He came “to heal the broken in heart.” Though we are poor replicas of the Great Physician, we are still to emulate His ministry. As miniature physicians, we can bind up the wounds and pour in the oil to those hurting in the hidden places of their lives.
We have a plaque on our wall that belonged to my blessed mother; it reads....
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.
If we could pull back the veil of the flesh and see the inward lives of each other, how we would pity one another. Our spirits would be bound to our brethren of like passions. We would see hopes that are crushed, strengths that have been drained, faith like the broken wing of a bird that can no longer fly heavenward, and hearts that are shattered. When will we ever learn, the world can fix about anything, but a broken heart.
It says of our Lord, He came “to heal the broken in heart.” Though we are poor replicas of the Great Physician, we are still to emulate His ministry. As miniature physicians, we can bind up the wounds and pour in the oil to those hurting in the hidden places of their lives.
We have a plaque on our wall that belonged to my blessed mother; it reads....
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.
May 26, 2008
Painting a Floor.
In Hosea, God’s people are prospering outwardly, but decaying inwardly. This is always the result when we think we can live our lives independent of Him, when His instructions are not heeded. Hosea is a master of imagery. He paints pictures with words. Two of his favorite words are “as” and “like.” For example, “Ephraim’s as a moth,” or “They are like a deceitful bow.”
In chapter seven and verse two he tells us “Now their own doings have beset them about.” That is, they got themselves in a mess they couldn’t get out of. They wanted to do their own thing, and it has now encompassed them so that they cannot escape. Or in other words, “They painted themselves into a corner.” And whenever this happens, all you can do is wait till the paint dries! If you don’t, you’ll make a mess of everything. At such times when we are encircled with such difficulties, it is wise, like the children of Israel at the Red Sea, to “Stand still,” until He commands, “God forward.”
We can do it our way; but, in the end, we’ll have to come back to the “Instruction Manual.”
In chapter seven and verse two he tells us “Now their own doings have beset them about.” That is, they got themselves in a mess they couldn’t get out of. They wanted to do their own thing, and it has now encompassed them so that they cannot escape. Or in other words, “They painted themselves into a corner.” And whenever this happens, all you can do is wait till the paint dries! If you don’t, you’ll make a mess of everything. At such times when we are encircled with such difficulties, it is wise, like the children of Israel at the Red Sea, to “Stand still,” until He commands, “God forward.”
We can do it our way; but, in the end, we’ll have to come back to the “Instruction Manual.”
May 21, 2008
The Best is Yet to Come
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Paul is contrasting our present state with our future glory. And there is no worthy comparison. This spiritual mathematician knew his arithmetic. After balancing out the two columns (today's suffering and tomorrow's glory), the eternal far outweighed the temporal (2 Cor.4:17). Our pain only lasts as long as time, and, for we who are Heaven-bound, there is a time when time shall be no more. When our human clock stops, so does the pain. Then, only endless glory.
Dear saint, if we are following the steps of the Man of Sorrows, then we will experience the same as we trod His path. The order is: first the cross then the crown. He left us an example to follow, and the way we get from one to the other is the way He did. "For the joy that was set before him endured the cross."
When speaking of the saints' future state, "You ain't seen nothin' yet!"
Dear saint, if we are following the steps of the Man of Sorrows, then we will experience the same as we trod His path. The order is: first the cross then the crown. He left us an example to follow, and the way we get from one to the other is the way He did. "For the joy that was set before him endured the cross."
When speaking of the saints' future state, "You ain't seen nothin' yet!"
May 20, 2008
*Rightness
It is never too late to make things right…to do right…to be right. Never look at your clock and imagine it’s too late for you. Look at God’s timepiece. It has no hands on it.
Nothing can keep a person from righting things, if they have a mind to. The only thing that can prevent them is themselves. Advanced years cannot stop one; look at the old patriarch, Abraham. Depraved sins committed can’t keep you back; read the story of the wickedest man in the Bible, Manasseh. Broken, ruined relationships can be restored; remember Jacob and Esau. And even at the brink of eternity, things can be turned around; don’t forget the thief on the cross.
If you want to make things right…do right…and be right. Be assured God will do right toward you, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” It’s never later than you think when it has to do with rightness in your life.
As a young preacher I remember sitting under the ministry of the old Methodist Evangelist, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. I can still see him cup his hand around his mouth and shout, "DO RIGHT IF THE STARS FALL."
Nothing can keep a person from righting things, if they have a mind to. The only thing that can prevent them is themselves. Advanced years cannot stop one; look at the old patriarch, Abraham. Depraved sins committed can’t keep you back; read the story of the wickedest man in the Bible, Manasseh. Broken, ruined relationships can be restored; remember Jacob and Esau. And even at the brink of eternity, things can be turned around; don’t forget the thief on the cross.
If you want to make things right…do right…and be right. Be assured God will do right toward you, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” It’s never later than you think when it has to do with rightness in your life.
As a young preacher I remember sitting under the ministry of the old Methodist Evangelist, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. I can still see him cup his hand around his mouth and shout, "DO RIGHT IF THE STARS FALL."
May 19, 2008
*Skimpy Shelters
“Be it far from thee...this shall not be unto thee.” I have the same problem as Peter. I’m like an old mother hen. I like to overly protect those dear to me. I don’t want them to suffer any hardship or hurts, not realizing these things often are a part of God’s will for their lives. To such carnal reasoning our Lord says, “Thou savourest not the things that be of God.”
Attempting to shield our loved ones from God’s dealings with them, we become amateur providences and skimpy shelters. Trying to prevent the Lord’s workings in the lives of others, we do not realize it brings an obstruction between us and our God. Satan provokes us and then delights when we play God in the lives of other people. It is better to stay out of the Lord’s dealings with those close to us. “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?” says the Lord.
Too many of us are like Job’s wife; we want to spare our loved ones any suffering. But we need to wait and see “the end of the Lord.”
Attempting to shield our loved ones from God’s dealings with them, we become amateur providences and skimpy shelters. Trying to prevent the Lord’s workings in the lives of others, we do not realize it brings an obstruction between us and our God. Satan provokes us and then delights when we play God in the lives of other people. It is better to stay out of the Lord’s dealings with those close to us. “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?” says the Lord.
Too many of us are like Job’s wife; we want to spare our loved ones any suffering. But we need to wait and see “the end of the Lord.”
May 18, 2008
*To Appropriate is Appropriate
Two of Webster’s definitions for the word “appropriate” are 1) proper; 2) to take for oneself; so it is appropriate... to appropriate. When it comes to spiritual blessings, it is proper to take them for one’s own self. How I thank God for bringing this great truth into my Christian life while I was still an infant in Christ.
I have noticed many sincere and godly saints who spend a lifetime praying for certain things without ever receiving them. Why is this? Because God does not give us what we already have. In cases of spiritual blessings, I need to appropriate them, not pray for them. I may need to pray for a car or finances—anything I need and do not already have—but not for something I already possess.
For example, He has already given me His peace; for me to pray for it would be futile. I need to appropriate the peace I already have. I’m reminded of how God had already given Israel the land, but told Joshua they must go in and appropriate it by faith (Josh. 1:3). Interestingly enough, Paul tells New Testament believers in Ephesians 1:3 that God “...hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places…”
It’s a “done deal.” All I have to do is take them for my own. “According to your faith be it unto you,” says the Lord Jesus.
I have noticed many sincere and godly saints who spend a lifetime praying for certain things without ever receiving them. Why is this? Because God does not give us what we already have. In cases of spiritual blessings, I need to appropriate them, not pray for them. I may need to pray for a car or finances—anything I need and do not already have—but not for something I already possess.
For example, He has already given me His peace; for me to pray for it would be futile. I need to appropriate the peace I already have. I’m reminded of how God had already given Israel the land, but told Joshua they must go in and appropriate it by faith (Josh. 1:3). Interestingly enough, Paul tells New Testament believers in Ephesians 1:3 that God “...hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places…”
It’s a “done deal.” All I have to do is take them for my own. “According to your faith be it unto you,” says the Lord Jesus.
May 17, 2008
*Morbid Anticipation
“…be strong, and be of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.” David adopts Moses’ words to Israel to exhort his son. Solomon had a vast undertaking lying before him in the future. And so this experienced, wise father admonishes him to “…dread not.” My own definition of this word would be “a morbid anticipation.”
How can we dread an unknown future, if we truly believe all things are working for our good? As one old-time missionary said, “My future is as bright as the promises of God.” Certainly, this agrees with the wise little saying, “I don’t know what my future holds, but I know who holds my future.”
This is why Jesus instructs us, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow.” To do so paralyzes a person in the present. Take my word for it, I ashamedly confess I know from experience. When we are controlled by dread, we cease to be controlled by Deity. We need not dread. God knows all about our tomorrows, and He has planned for each of them.
C.S. Lewis writes, “Happy work is best done by the man who takes his long-term plans somewhat lightly and works from moment to moment. The present is the only time in which any duty can be done or any grace received.”
How can we dread an unknown future, if we truly believe all things are working for our good? As one old-time missionary said, “My future is as bright as the promises of God.” Certainly, this agrees with the wise little saying, “I don’t know what my future holds, but I know who holds my future.”
This is why Jesus instructs us, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow.” To do so paralyzes a person in the present. Take my word for it, I ashamedly confess I know from experience. When we are controlled by dread, we cease to be controlled by Deity. We need not dread. God knows all about our tomorrows, and He has planned for each of them.
C.S. Lewis writes, “Happy work is best done by the man who takes his long-term plans somewhat lightly and works from moment to moment. The present is the only time in which any duty can be done or any grace received.”
May 15, 2008
*The Supernatural
“[T]he water was made wine...this beginning of miracles did Jesus...” There is a term used among Bible students known as “the law of first mention.” That is, the way anything is used originally, it almost always remains that way thereafter. We find this truth in Jesus’ first miracle.
In our Lord’s “beginning of miracles,” He uses all natural means to perform the supernatural. I have not looked up the dictionary meaning of the word “supernatural.” But it seems to me, generally speaking, that the Bible’s definition would be, “The supernatural is the natural with God in it.”
Therefore, it behooves each of us not to be too quick in ignoring and passing up the scrub bushes in your lives. God may be in one of them. Moses found this to be true.
In our Lord’s “beginning of miracles,” He uses all natural means to perform the supernatural. I have not looked up the dictionary meaning of the word “supernatural.” But it seems to me, generally speaking, that the Bible’s definition would be, “The supernatural is the natural with God in it.”
Therefore, it behooves each of us not to be too quick in ignoring and passing up the scrub bushes in your lives. God may be in one of them. Moses found this to be true.
May 14, 2008
*Aspiration / Inspiration
From the story of the Pharisee and the Publican we find that spiritual progress is not in moral attainments, but in having a sense of need. The Laodicean Christian has need of nothing. What can God give the man who has everything? The Pharisee was self-satisfied, the Publican, dissatisfied.
God is looking for hungry hearts to fill. He bypasses bloated, boastful egos. An inward, overwhelming sense of need beats an outward, superficial decor every time. The Pharisee had gained an inch before men, but the Publican had passed him by a mile in God’s sight.
The Christian life is not validated by possessing, but by a sense of want. The measure of our want determines our poverty or communion with our Lord. The self-satisfied have no cravings, but God promises to fill the hungry soul. When aspiration dies, inspiration ceases.
A crock pot with a treasure within is better than an ornamented vase that is empty.
God is looking for hungry hearts to fill. He bypasses bloated, boastful egos. An inward, overwhelming sense of need beats an outward, superficial decor every time. The Pharisee had gained an inch before men, but the Publican had passed him by a mile in God’s sight.
The Christian life is not validated by possessing, but by a sense of want. The measure of our want determines our poverty or communion with our Lord. The self-satisfied have no cravings, but God promises to fill the hungry soul. When aspiration dies, inspiration ceases.
A crock pot with a treasure within is better than an ornamented vase that is empty.
May 12, 2008
Christians in the Cluches of Cults
In a ministry that spans some fifty years I have never preached on individual cults. I am not opposed to others doing it; it just seemed to me like bobbing for apples. You know, there is always another one popping up. Therefore, like the Treasury Department teaches its agents, I’ve taught people to know and be familiar with the real thing. As a result it is not difficult to spot a counterfeit.
False religions feed upon shallow saints who do not have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. These professing Christians, as my Granny used to say, jumped “from the frying pan into the fire.” That is, most, if not all, came from cultic type, man-centered Evangelical or Fundamental churches. They simply exchanged one cult leader for another. And believe me; the latter is more dangerous and deadly.
It’s one thing to be in a church with cultic characteristics, but it is quite another to be in a real cult. The acid test between the look-alike and the genuine cult is to simply ask the question, “What think ye of Christ?” If the answer is not, “He is God,” then you are in a full-fledged cult. Read 11Peter 2:17-22 for a description of these devils. Notice in Jude 12, their gatherings are called Love Feasts.
Intellectual fads invariably lead to false fables.
False religions feed upon shallow saints who do not have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. These professing Christians, as my Granny used to say, jumped “from the frying pan into the fire.” That is, most, if not all, came from cultic type, man-centered Evangelical or Fundamental churches. They simply exchanged one cult leader for another. And believe me; the latter is more dangerous and deadly.
It’s one thing to be in a church with cultic characteristics, but it is quite another to be in a real cult. The acid test between the look-alike and the genuine cult is to simply ask the question, “What think ye of Christ?” If the answer is not, “He is God,” then you are in a full-fledged cult. Read 11Peter 2:17-22 for a description of these devils. Notice in Jude 12, their gatherings are called Love Feasts.
Intellectual fads invariably lead to false fables.
*The Faith Life
“…the life which I now live…I live by…faith.” Paul lived his Christian life in the present. He was not a “use-to-be-er” or an “I’m-gonna.” This realist did not live in a fantasy world. He was always present. And this life he lived was lived by faith. It was the “now faith…” that the writer of Hebrews spoke of. Past faith is ineffective; future faith is untried; present faith is all that really works.
If we are justified in Christ, then this life of faith the Apostle lived is to be emulated by us. For we are told, “The just shall live by faith.” Our lives are to be lived in a conscious (or unconscious) moment by moment trust in God. Without such a faith, it is impossible to please Him.
Faith only grows by using it!
If we are justified in Christ, then this life of faith the Apostle lived is to be emulated by us. For we are told, “The just shall live by faith.” Our lives are to be lived in a conscious (or unconscious) moment by moment trust in God. Without such a faith, it is impossible to please Him.
Faith only grows by using it!
May 9, 2008
*The Carpenter
“Is not this the carpenter..?” The people of Jesus’ day associated Him with the general work force. Our Lord wore work clothes for some thirty years.
The first men Jesus called were not from the universities, but summoned while laboring on the job. Many times scholars are hostile to simplicity. Stained glass is beautiful, but it doesn’t let the light in like plain glass does. Our Lord likes transparency, not obscurity.
By selecting laboring men, Jesus forever put His approval on the working man. When a king wears workmen’s attire, it becomes royal apparel. If only everyday Christian workmen would realize they are wearing the regal garments of our Lord.
In a day when the clergy and “full-time” Christian workers are exalted above the laity, it is important for the working man to realize he is not a second-class Christian.
“Every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.”
The first men Jesus called were not from the universities, but summoned while laboring on the job. Many times scholars are hostile to simplicity. Stained glass is beautiful, but it doesn’t let the light in like plain glass does. Our Lord likes transparency, not obscurity.
By selecting laboring men, Jesus forever put His approval on the working man. When a king wears workmen’s attire, it becomes royal apparel. If only everyday Christian workmen would realize they are wearing the regal garments of our Lord.
In a day when the clergy and “full-time” Christian workers are exalted above the laity, it is important for the working man to realize he is not a second-class Christian.
“Every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.”
May 7, 2008
*Out of Options?
“…all hope…was then taken away.” “…hope thou in God.” Sometimes we hear it said that there are no more options. But that is not so if you’re a child of God. All options are not gone if you have God. It can never be said of a Christian, in any circumstance, that they are out of options.
The world thought Israel at the Red Sea, Joseph in the pit, Daniel in the lion’s den, the Jews in captivity, and our Lord on the Cross, had no options. But they, as always, were sorely wrong. Truly, it could be said of these and others like them, “It ain’t over till it’s over!” When the devil whispers, “There is no way out,” the believer can shout, "There is a God in heaven.”
And this Great God of ours promises through His Prophet Isaiah, “I…will make a way…”
“No option” is the world’s opinion…not God’s.
The world thought Israel at the Red Sea, Joseph in the pit, Daniel in the lion’s den, the Jews in captivity, and our Lord on the Cross, had no options. But they, as always, were sorely wrong. Truly, it could be said of these and others like them, “It ain’t over till it’s over!” When the devil whispers, “There is no way out,” the believer can shout, "There is a God in heaven.”
And this Great God of ours promises through His Prophet Isaiah, “I…will make a way…”
“No option” is the world’s opinion…not God’s.
May 6, 2008
Clothe Him with the Best Robe
I stand in awe at how God can undo our mistakes and correct our shortcomings. He keeps His children from embarrassing situations whenever possible. He goes to great lengths to make us look good before others. Simon Peter’s life bears this out.
With well intentions, he steps out for God, but immediately Peter begins to shamefully sink. But Jesus instantly lifts him up and with him, walks back to the boat, where the others sit and gaze in amazement. God will never let anyone sink whose motive is, “...bid me come unto thee…”
How often we, like Peter, have caused unnecessary hurt to others, while trying to defend the Person of our Lord. We, also, must be careful how we use the “sharp two-edged sword,” lest it be used in an inappropriate and unscriptural way. But, thanks be unto God, when we do fail, our Lord is still able to touch and heal Malchus’ ear!
And what are we to do with those human limitations of ours? Put them in the hands of a limitless God! You’d never know the unlearned and ignorant fisherman preached those grammatically flawless sermons in the book of Acts. Or that he could write two letters in which the finest English teacher would find no place for corrections, but would instead leave an “A+” on his work.
He not only clothes ours sins, but our flaws, too.
With well intentions, he steps out for God, but immediately Peter begins to shamefully sink. But Jesus instantly lifts him up and with him, walks back to the boat, where the others sit and gaze in amazement. God will never let anyone sink whose motive is, “...bid me come unto thee…”
How often we, like Peter, have caused unnecessary hurt to others, while trying to defend the Person of our Lord. We, also, must be careful how we use the “sharp two-edged sword,” lest it be used in an inappropriate and unscriptural way. But, thanks be unto God, when we do fail, our Lord is still able to touch and heal Malchus’ ear!
And what are we to do with those human limitations of ours? Put them in the hands of a limitless God! You’d never know the unlearned and ignorant fisherman preached those grammatically flawless sermons in the book of Acts. Or that he could write two letters in which the finest English teacher would find no place for corrections, but would instead leave an “A+” on his work.
He not only clothes ours sins, but our flaws, too.
May 4, 2008
*From Captivity to Freedom
When Christ sets captives free, it does not always mean from their afflictions, but rather, in them. On many occasions, God allows His people to be taken captive for their own good. He says through the prophet Jeremiah concerning Judah’s Babylonian captivity, “I have sent [you] out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans, for [your] good.” One of the many profitable results of this captivity is that Israel never again worshipped idols, even to this day.
David said, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted.” Joseph could echo an “Amen” to this. His abasement was his advancement. Jacob was willing to have a bone out of joint, and limp all his life, that he might walk with God. Manasseh traded his proud, golden crown, for iron chains. The result of this captivity was that “when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord, and humbled himself greatly, and the Lord was entreated of him.” The three Hebrew children could praise God for the fire. It was the flames of adversity that burned off the things that bound them. They were free in the fire. All the above providential afflictions seemed to be prejudicial, but, in reality they were beneficial.
Our “prison” ultimately becomes our palace
David said, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted.” Joseph could echo an “Amen” to this. His abasement was his advancement. Jacob was willing to have a bone out of joint, and limp all his life, that he might walk with God. Manasseh traded his proud, golden crown, for iron chains. The result of this captivity was that “when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord, and humbled himself greatly, and the Lord was entreated of him.” The three Hebrew children could praise God for the fire. It was the flames of adversity that burned off the things that bound them. They were free in the fire. All the above providential afflictions seemed to be prejudicial, but, in reality they were beneficial.
Our “prison” ultimately becomes our palace
May 3, 2008
Praise is the Addemdum
There are many who stand before God and cry, “God be merciful,” who will never stand in the presence of men and cry, “God be praised.” A plea for deliverance should be followed with a psalm of praise. You can either be with the nine who never returned to give thanks or a companion of the one who did. “Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness.”
Many blessings become stale because they are not followed by telling them to others. It’s like the Dead Sea with no outlet. Un-told blessings lose their freshness. It would be wise for us to follow the four lepers’ advice, “We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace…now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king’s household.”
We are to tell the story of our deliverance to the enslaved that they too, like Peter, may find the “iron gate” swing open, and so find freedom.
Don’t be ungrateful for His many graces.
Many blessings become stale because they are not followed by telling them to others. It’s like the Dead Sea with no outlet. Un-told blessings lose their freshness. It would be wise for us to follow the four lepers’ advice, “We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace…now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king’s household.”
We are to tell the story of our deliverance to the enslaved that they too, like Peter, may find the “iron gate” swing open, and so find freedom.
Don’t be ungrateful for His many graces.
May 1, 2008
*The Mole and the Mountain
"The mountains…and the little hills." These two have their place, but only the one in problematic situations. At such times, you want to minimize, not maximize. The reason most of our problems are so gigantic is that we are the creators of them. It seems we are always sitting behind the wheel of our bulldozers, piling up more debris, to make a mountain out of what began with a little hill.
We are experts at manufacturing mountains. We make mountains out of our molehills; but He can make molehills out of our mountains, though He only accomplishes this when He hears us first say, in faith, to the mountain, "Be thou removed…"
A big problem or a big God…which?
We are experts at manufacturing mountains. We make mountains out of our molehills; but He can make molehills out of our mountains, though He only accomplishes this when He hears us first say, in faith, to the mountain, "Be thou removed…"
A big problem or a big God…which?
Apr 29, 2008
*Sooner or Later
“Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate.” The first coming of God’s dear Son was “in the fullness of the time.” And so it will be when He appears a second time. We are told it will be “in his times…” And what will He show us at this appearing? That Jesus Christ is the “only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.”
Someday Jesus Christ is going to show this old world who is really boss. All will be under His absolute, sovereign rule. Now there is only a small remnant of us who willingly submit; but then “every knee shall bow.” Yes, the time is drawing nigh that all of the earth’s kings and lords, along with their subjects, will be under Christ’s rule and authority, paying Him the homage due His blessed and holy name.
Sooner or later all will bow to His sovereignty. This being the case, the sooner is the better.
Someday Jesus Christ is going to show this old world who is really boss. All will be under His absolute, sovereign rule. Now there is only a small remnant of us who willingly submit; but then “every knee shall bow.” Yes, the time is drawing nigh that all of the earth’s kings and lords, along with their subjects, will be under Christ’s rule and authority, paying Him the homage due His blessed and holy name.
Sooner or later all will bow to His sovereignty. This being the case, the sooner is the better.
Apr 28, 2008
The Despair of Perfection
I tend to be a perfectionist. Because of this, I can be a burden both to myself and those around me. In a world where everything, and everyone, is imperfect, such people as me can spend their lives in misery unless they learn to adjust.
No one in the Bible claimed to be perfect. In the Old Testament, Job says, “...if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” Paul tells us in the New Testament, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect...” If one could be perfect, that would do away with the doctrine of progressive sanctification, while ridiculously stating, by its claim, that you no longer need the blood of Christ in your daily life.
Though they would never say so publicly, this is where much of the so-called “deeper life” teaching leads one. Be careful of such teachings. Remember the first person in the Bible that promised that if you followed his teaching, “ye shall be as gods.”
When the Bible speaks of a Christian being perfect it simply means at a particular stage in your spiritual growth. For example, a husband may make a table for his wife, and seeing it in its early stage, she might say, “its perfect!” But she also says this after the sanding process, the staining, and then, finally, when the finishing touches are put on it. That is how the Scripture can use the term, “more perfect,” and be correct. How can perfect be more perfect except it be at different stages and time intervals?
David said, “I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad…” Christ is the only, truly Perfect One, and yet He gives each of us an “exceeding broad” space to move about in. God help us to do the same with our family and friends.
No one in the Bible claimed to be perfect. In the Old Testament, Job says, “...if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” Paul tells us in the New Testament, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect...” If one could be perfect, that would do away with the doctrine of progressive sanctification, while ridiculously stating, by its claim, that you no longer need the blood of Christ in your daily life.
Though they would never say so publicly, this is where much of the so-called “deeper life” teaching leads one. Be careful of such teachings. Remember the first person in the Bible that promised that if you followed his teaching, “ye shall be as gods.”
When the Bible speaks of a Christian being perfect it simply means at a particular stage in your spiritual growth. For example, a husband may make a table for his wife, and seeing it in its early stage, she might say, “its perfect!” But she also says this after the sanding process, the staining, and then, finally, when the finishing touches are put on it. That is how the Scripture can use the term, “more perfect,” and be correct. How can perfect be more perfect except it be at different stages and time intervals?
David said, “I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad…” Christ is the only, truly Perfect One, and yet He gives each of us an “exceeding broad” space to move about in. God help us to do the same with our family and friends.
Apr 26, 2008
*Visiting the Fruit Stand
“[The] Lord is…longsuffering to us-ward.” The “us-ward” here is referring to God’s people—His elect, if you please. And who among the Lord’s children knew more about God’s suffering long with them than His number one problem child? How comforting to find two thousand years later that when we stepped into Peter’s sandals, we’d find the same God bearing long with all our shortcomings.
And how thankful we should be to our families, loved ones, and friends, for putting up with us. Even during the times when we can’t even stand ourselves, and are apt to give up, they don’t write us off as a lost cause. Oh, the gratitude we owe them for suffering those long days, weeks, months, and, yes, even years, with us.
Jesus’ admonition to the “us-wards,” is to “Go, and do likewise.” When visiting the Spirit’s fruit stand, take away with you a large bag of long-suffering. The taste is out of this world!
And how thankful we should be to our families, loved ones, and friends, for putting up with us. Even during the times when we can’t even stand ourselves, and are apt to give up, they don’t write us off as a lost cause. Oh, the gratitude we owe them for suffering those long days, weeks, months, and, yes, even years, with us.
Jesus’ admonition to the “us-wards,” is to “Go, and do likewise.” When visiting the Spirit’s fruit stand, take away with you a large bag of long-suffering. The taste is out of this world!
Apr 25, 2008
*How Will You Die?
A philosopher asked a young man if he would like to be rich or virtuous. He answered that he would like to live like a rich man, but die as a virtuous man. And so it is with many Christians today. They want to live like the worldly and enjoy the pleasures of sin, but when it comes to dying they want to die like the godly.
Balaam was such a man. He said, “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his” (Num.23:10). But if you’ll check his life, he didn’t want to live like the righteous, only to die like them.
Common sense would teach us that if godliness is so desirable at death, why should we not pursue it in life? Godliness is needed now as much as it will be at death.
If my testimony is not, “For me to live is Christ,” then to die is not gain.
Balaam was such a man. He said, “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his” (Num.23:10). But if you’ll check his life, he didn’t want to live like the righteous, only to die like them.
Common sense would teach us that if godliness is so desirable at death, why should we not pursue it in life? Godliness is needed now as much as it will be at death.
If my testimony is not, “For me to live is Christ,” then to die is not gain.
*The Remnant
Throughout the Bible, and down through Church history, whenever the mass of God’s people, like Lot of old, went away from the Lord, there was always a small segment of devotees, as Abraham, who drew near unto God. This small group that swore its allegiance only to the Lord is referred to as the remnant. The word is defined as 1) a remaining small part or number; 2) a fragment or scrap.
Elijah felt he was left alone among the throng of God’s people who had grown cold and indifferent to spiritual things, especially God Himself. But the Lord revealed to him that there were still seven thousand like himself who refused to bow the knee to the powerless, permissive, popularized religion of their day.
Paul’s words are as applicable to us today as they were true then. “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” I pray you are rejoicing in the ranks of the remnant.
Elijah felt he was left alone among the throng of God’s people who had grown cold and indifferent to spiritual things, especially God Himself. But the Lord revealed to him that there were still seven thousand like himself who refused to bow the knee to the powerless, permissive, popularized religion of their day.
Paul’s words are as applicable to us today as they were true then. “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” I pray you are rejoicing in the ranks of the remnant.
Apr 17, 2008
*Christianity: Fact or Fiction
“Nicodemus…said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him…” Socrates said, “An unexplained life is not worth living.” God doesn’t mind if you put Christianity under a microscope. That is, as long as we’re willing to lay aside our preconceived ideas. As C.S. Lewis said, “In coming to understand anything, we must reject the facts as they are for us, in favor of the facts as they are.” Many come to God for His agreement, rather than His answers.
The book of Job records over four hundred questions. It is perfectly legitimate and Scriptural to ask God a question…but not to question God. These are two entirely different things. I personally, question unquestioning people. Those who say we are to simply have faith and not question, live in a dunce’s dungeon. God’s order is fact, faith, and feeling. It is, therefore, proper and right to investigate the facts before stepping out by faith.
Biblical faith is built on historical fact.
The book of Job records over four hundred questions. It is perfectly legitimate and Scriptural to ask God a question…but not to question God. These are two entirely different things. I personally, question unquestioning people. Those who say we are to simply have faith and not question, live in a dunce’s dungeon. God’s order is fact, faith, and feeling. It is, therefore, proper and right to investigate the facts before stepping out by faith.
Biblical faith is built on historical fact.
Apr 16, 2008
The Best Medicine
“Then was our mouth filled with laughter.” If the Christian life does anything for a person, it balances him out. It is not all fun and games, as some would have us believe. But, on the other hand, it is not a sour-looking long face either. God made the mouth so that it can turn up or down. Left to itself, it’s neutral. Our attitude determines which way it goes. And, certainly, I understand the influence of circumstances at times.
If anyone has the right to laugh, it is those who have been delivered from being held in long captivity. Spiritual laughter can cause our enemies to take notice so that they testify among themselves, “The Lord hath done great things for them.” The laughter of God’s people is what convinced their adversaries.
“A merry heart doth good like a medicine,” says the wise man. Sometimes it is not medication we need but merriment. We have a plaque hanging on a wall in our home that reads, “He who laughs, lasts.” Maybe today some of us need to get with friends and have an old-fashioned belly laugh. It would do us all good.
Some of the most memorable times in life are those in which we shared laughter with friends.
If anyone has the right to laugh, it is those who have been delivered from being held in long captivity. Spiritual laughter can cause our enemies to take notice so that they testify among themselves, “The Lord hath done great things for them.” The laughter of God’s people is what convinced their adversaries.
“A merry heart doth good like a medicine,” says the wise man. Sometimes it is not medication we need but merriment. We have a plaque hanging on a wall in our home that reads, “He who laughs, lasts.” Maybe today some of us need to get with friends and have an old-fashioned belly laugh. It would do us all good.
Some of the most memorable times in life are those in which we shared laughter with friends.
Apr 15, 2008
*Taken Away or Given Away
“…your joy no man taketh from you.” If this be true, and it is, then, any joy lost was willingly surrendered, not taken. Man can take just about everything we possess; but it is impossible for him to rob us of our joy. It remains ours until such time as we choose to freely relinquish it to some circumstance or individual. Our joy is one of the few things that spiritual thieves cannot break through and steal.
Paul had his freedom taken and was confined, but he still had joy in the jailhouse. They thought they had emptied old John of all life’s pleasures, but in that aged, earthly vessel remained his treasured “fullness of joy.” And when Habakkuk was stripped of all life’s blessings, he stood and testified, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Now we understand a little better the words “as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing.”
You can’t rob a Christian of his joy; but he can relinquish it.
Paul had his freedom taken and was confined, but he still had joy in the jailhouse. They thought they had emptied old John of all life’s pleasures, but in that aged, earthly vessel remained his treasured “fullness of joy.” And when Habakkuk was stripped of all life’s blessings, he stood and testified, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Now we understand a little better the words “as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing.”
You can’t rob a Christian of his joy; but he can relinquish it.
Apr 14, 2008
*The Second Time Around
“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” This promise was not made to Jeremiah when he was at his pinnacle, but while he was in prison. And so it is with us. God’s sweetest promises come our way when we are shut-up and imprisoned by circumstances. But though we may be shut in, God cannot be shut out from us. No locks or bars can keep Him from His elect.
When dire events frown upon us, Deity smiles. And why not, for nothing is too hard for Him. Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. Things were going from bad to worse for His prophet. And it was then that God made His bold promise, one which He was more than capable of performing.
During these tough times our testimony should be that of God’s old friend. “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”
“The word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah the second time.” If we don’t get it the first time, God always makes sure we get a second chance. (Jonah 3:1)
When dire events frown upon us, Deity smiles. And why not, for nothing is too hard for Him. Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. Things were going from bad to worse for His prophet. And it was then that God made His bold promise, one which He was more than capable of performing.
During these tough times our testimony should be that of God’s old friend. “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”
“The word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah the second time.” If we don’t get it the first time, God always makes sure we get a second chance. (Jonah 3:1)
Apr 12, 2008
*For Better or for Worse?
Never expect a person, young or old, to accept your life-style if it be not better than the one they are already living. Such an offer would be ludicrous. If you can’t present a life that is better, then I would suggest getting one you can recommend. Equal, or inferior to, is not an incentive for change. I’m convinced most who desire others to adopt their way of living do so because, as the old saying goes, “Misery loves company.” It is a characteristic of cults or carnal Christians.
A life that is not filled with peace, joy, purity, and righteousness, is not living, it is only existing. Jesus’ desire for us is just not a life but an abundant life. Why would any sane person want to trade sergeant’s stripes for the bare sleeve of a private when they had opportunity to have a general’s star placed on their collar?
A life that is not filled with peace, joy, purity, and righteousness, is not living, it is only existing. Jesus’ desire for us is just not a life but an abundant life. Why would any sane person want to trade sergeant’s stripes for the bare sleeve of a private when they had opportunity to have a general’s star placed on their collar?
Apr 10, 2008
Stop and Listen
“Amen and Amen.” To deny that God emphasizes certain numbers in His Book is to close one’s eyes to Divine light. For example, seven is completion or perfection; forty, probation or trial. There is a symbolism attached to these, as with other numbers in the Scriptures. And so it is with the number two. It stands for union. “They shall be one flesh,” is how God describes the union of two people in marriage.
This can be true also of the head and the heart. They are to be one in agreement. When there is conflict between the two, it is time to stop any endeavor until each can say “Amen” to the other. To be established, the Bible says it must be “in the mouth of two witnesses.” For instance, the Word of God and the Spirit of God always agree as one. It takes two wings to fly, and you’ll never get off the ground in any endeavor unless there are two internal voices that say, “Amen and Amen."
This can be true also of the head and the heart. They are to be one in agreement. When there is conflict between the two, it is time to stop any endeavor until each can say “Amen” to the other. To be established, the Bible says it must be “in the mouth of two witnesses.” For instance, the Word of God and the Spirit of God always agree as one. It takes two wings to fly, and you’ll never get off the ground in any endeavor unless there are two internal voices that say, “Amen and Amen."
Apr 9, 2008
Those Little Big Things
“…the Lord was not in the wind…the Lord was not in the earthquake…the Lord was not in the fire…but…in…a still small voice.” Certainly, it must be admitted, whatever else our Lord was teaching His prophet, one thing was that, if not careful, we can miss God in the small things of life, while looking for Him in the bigger ones.
There used to be a worldly song entitled, Little Things Mean a Lot. If we fail to see God in the compassionate touch of a loved one, the beauty of a little flower, the smile of a child, or in a small get-well card from a friend, we have missed seeing our great God in these little things.
Remember, God came into the world in the form of a little baby. He hailed from a small town, and He pastored a little flock. When Jesus saw things like small fishes, the lilies of the field, and a little lad, He knew little is much when God is in it. Let’s be sure not to look for God in the wrong places.
Little things God is in are better than one big thing He is not.
There used to be a worldly song entitled, Little Things Mean a Lot. If we fail to see God in the compassionate touch of a loved one, the beauty of a little flower, the smile of a child, or in a small get-well card from a friend, we have missed seeing our great God in these little things.
Remember, God came into the world in the form of a little baby. He hailed from a small town, and He pastored a little flock. When Jesus saw things like small fishes, the lilies of the field, and a little lad, He knew little is much when God is in it. Let’s be sure not to look for God in the wrong places.
Little things God is in are better than one big thing He is not.
Apr 7, 2008
*It's Never Too Late
“This is a desert place, and the time is now past.” Time and place create no problem for God. He, rather, uses them as opportunities to manifest His glory. The situation is never too bleak or the hour too late for Him to work. When we are ready to give up and disperse, He is ready to give out and dispense.
It’s never too late when we put God in the equation. Ask aged Sarah, as she holds her new born child. Ask Mary and Martha at their brother’s graveside. Ask all those blind, lame, deaf, and dumb, who thought their time had come and gone. We need to remember, our cheap timepieces always run five minutes faster than God’s precision “Big Ben.”
It’s never too late when we put God in the equation. Ask aged Sarah, as she holds her new born child. Ask Mary and Martha at their brother’s graveside. Ask all those blind, lame, deaf, and dumb, who thought their time had come and gone. We need to remember, our cheap timepieces always run five minutes faster than God’s precision “Big Ben.”
Apr 5, 2008
*A Sacred Sedative
The little wall plaque says, “Prayer changes things.” But even more importantly, it changes me. There is such a thing as predestined circumstances, which all the prayer in the world cannot and will not change. But though some things in life are as settled as cement, God intended for his children to be as supple as a good leather glove. And it’s only by prayer we become pliable.
I’m afraid one of the undesirable traits I received from my mother, who raised me, was to be a habitual worrier. Rather than sing, “Why worry when you can pray,” my natural temperament would be to change the lyrics to, “Why pray when you can worry.” God’s sacred sedative for such people is to be found only in prayer. It’s our divine tranquilizer.
Portions of two of my favorite songs say it better than I ever could: “Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” And the second is like unto it, “Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.”
I’m afraid one of the undesirable traits I received from my mother, who raised me, was to be a habitual worrier. Rather than sing, “Why worry when you can pray,” my natural temperament would be to change the lyrics to, “Why pray when you can worry.” God’s sacred sedative for such people is to be found only in prayer. It’s our divine tranquilizer.
Portions of two of my favorite songs say it better than I ever could: “Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” And the second is like unto it, “Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.”
Apr 4, 2008
A Coveted Compliment
Oswald Chambers, describing his dear and respected friend, Duncan MacGregor, used just three words: “Character, character, character.” This is just about as high a compliment one can be paid, other than their love for God.
Contrary to what some low people in high places may say, character counts. We hear a lot today in religious circles about a person’s faith, as if it were the pinnacle, not realizing it’s foundational. Peter tells us, “Add to your faith...” We are to be cultivating character as we grow in the Lord. It’s a continuous process that culminates in Heaven.
Until Christians once again begin to honor their commitments, pay their debts, show appreciation, clock in on time, along with a list of other Godly character traits, we will never convince this world that we are made out from a different fiber. They’ll be content with their own garments.
The best collateral is character.
Contrary to what some low people in high places may say, character counts. We hear a lot today in religious circles about a person’s faith, as if it were the pinnacle, not realizing it’s foundational. Peter tells us, “Add to your faith...” We are to be cultivating character as we grow in the Lord. It’s a continuous process that culminates in Heaven.
Until Christians once again begin to honor their commitments, pay their debts, show appreciation, clock in on time, along with a list of other Godly character traits, we will never convince this world that we are made out from a different fiber. They’ll be content with their own garments.
The best collateral is character.
Apr 3, 2008
Fear of the Fire
Strange how two people can look at the same thing but see it differently. Israel saw only a devouring fire on the mount and kept their distance. Moses saw God in the fire and entered into the midst of it. There is no cause to fear the fire when God is in it.
The “fiery trials” spoken of by Peter always do three things: first, they loose us from our bondage; second, they give us an awareness of our Divine Companion; and third, they bring glory to God. The three Hebrew children are an illustration of these three truths.
Isaiah promises, “...when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” And so it was with the courageous three in Daniel. The king’s testimony of them was, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth man is like the Son of God.”
It’s that fourth Man Who makes the difference in the fiery trials of life. When old John on Patmos describes this fourth Man he says, “...his feet [were] like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace,” (Dan.3). No wonder we are told “...glorify ye the Lord in the fires.”
When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie
My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
The “fiery trials” spoken of by Peter always do three things: first, they loose us from our bondage; second, they give us an awareness of our Divine Companion; and third, they bring glory to God. The three Hebrew children are an illustration of these three truths.
Isaiah promises, “...when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” And so it was with the courageous three in Daniel. The king’s testimony of them was, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth man is like the Son of God.”
It’s that fourth Man Who makes the difference in the fiery trials of life. When old John on Patmos describes this fourth Man he says, “...his feet [were] like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace,” (Dan.3). No wonder we are told “...glorify ye the Lord in the fires.”
When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie
My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
Apr 2, 2008
Chained or Changed
The wise man tells us it is not wise to say the former days were better. Even if we could go back, in order to forget present unpleasantries, we’d also have to forfeit the nice things we have experienced. And anyway, who wants to start over in the first grade? To begin again from where you are is the thing to do. Or, as the Hebrew writer says, “Let us go on…”— not back. The way it was is not as good as the way it can or will be.
Like it or not, we all change, whether for better or worse. I’ve observed that those who live pulling the scab off a painful past only get worse and worse. And those who relive the “good old days” are destined to miss the glorious days that lie ahead. Yesterdays can be a ball and chain that holds us back today.
To hear someone say of another that he or she is the same, and that they never change, is not a compliment, unless it refers to their principles. Only God doesn’t change; you cannot improve on perfection. But we still need a lot of work. We’re on the assembly line all our lives. It is at the end of it we get the perfect product.
Like it or not, we all change, whether for better or worse. I’ve observed that those who live pulling the scab off a painful past only get worse and worse. And those who relive the “good old days” are destined to miss the glorious days that lie ahead. Yesterdays can be a ball and chain that holds us back today.
To hear someone say of another that he or she is the same, and that they never change, is not a compliment, unless it refers to their principles. Only God doesn’t change; you cannot improve on perfection. But we still need a lot of work. We’re on the assembly line all our lives. It is at the end of it we get the perfect product.
Apr 1, 2008
To Be or Not To Be
Shakespeare’s To Be or Not To Be is still a relevant question, especially among God’s people. Today, whether it be the local paper, or the local pulpit, it seems what you do is more important than who you are.
The “how-to” books promote doing, not being. We do not want to take the time to become some-one. We are too busy doing some-thing. God is preeminently interested in who we are. The world, and religion, is only impressed by what we have accomplished.
“Being” is so important because it flavors all we do. This is why, when God judges His people according to their works, it will not be on the basis of what size it was, but “what sort it was.” What we have done will be traced back to who we are. All works are birthed by motive.
When I stand before my God, I care not if my spiritual resume is void of great accomplishments; but I do pray it will say, “He was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost.”
The “how-to” books promote doing, not being. We do not want to take the time to become some-one. We are too busy doing some-thing. God is preeminently interested in who we are. The world, and religion, is only impressed by what we have accomplished.
“Being” is so important because it flavors all we do. This is why, when God judges His people according to their works, it will not be on the basis of what size it was, but “what sort it was.” What we have done will be traced back to who we are. All works are birthed by motive.
When I stand before my God, I care not if my spiritual resume is void of great accomplishments; but I do pray it will say, “He was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost.”
Mar 31, 2008
Bobbing For Apples
“Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.” I have a little philosophical tidbit I try to live by. I’ve mentioned it on more than one occasion in the Journal. It goes like this: There is nothing perfect; there is nothing lasting; and you’ll never get it all together. Each of these causes my type of temperament much frustration, the last one probably more than the first two.
Life is like bobbing for apples. There will always be something popping up that demands our attention. When one is taken care of, there will be another to take its place. It is vicious cycle that will keep us dizzily going round and round, if we allow it. It is only outside the circle that we can see the whole. As long as we stay on this merry-go-round, we’ll get nowhere.
George McDonald writes: “No man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow’s burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear.” This agrees with Jesus’ teaching to take care of what’s at hand and to not overly concern ourselves with what will pop up in the near future (Matt.6:34).
Life is like bobbing for apples. There will always be something popping up that demands our attention. When one is taken care of, there will be another to take its place. It is vicious cycle that will keep us dizzily going round and round, if we allow it. It is only outside the circle that we can see the whole. As long as we stay on this merry-go-round, we’ll get nowhere.
George McDonald writes: “No man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow’s burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear.” This agrees with Jesus’ teaching to take care of what’s at hand and to not overly concern ourselves with what will pop up in the near future (Matt.6:34).
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