“Master, we saw one…and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not.” The disciples had a problem with anyone who was not just like they were. It was not good enough that they had their own ways; they wanted to impose them upon everyone else. They could not grasp the fact that anyone not like themselves could be used of God.
Because a man or a woman took a Nazarite vow, must everyone else do it also? Should other families adhere to the tradition of the Rechabites passed down by their father? Can all believers meet the standards laid down for church officers in the New Testament? Any spiritually intelligent, thinking person, knows that the answer to these questions is an emphatic, “No!”
Since all of us come way short in one area or the other in our lives and ministry, we would be wise to give others a little elbow room; room to breathe in if you please. Some people’s standards would suffocate an angel.
In essentials, UNITY; in non-essentials, LIBERTY; in all things, CHARITY. (St. Augustine)
Aug 24, 2009
Aug 23, 2009
The Mighty Victor
In past years, I have been asked by some belonging to a certain “Deeper Life” group, if I had the victory. My answer, I’m afraid, to their dismay was, “I don’t always have the victory, but I always have the Victor.”
This is why the old Divines used to say, “When you fall, shout the victory.” They knew victory is not something you get, but rather something you have, a present possession, if you please.
We are told, “The gift of God is eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ.” But it is also written, “Thanks be unto God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
If you truly have Christ dwelling within, you have eternal life. To doubt it only means you don’t enjoy it. And so it is with victory. Defeat doesn’t change the fact you have the Victor within. The old Divines were right!
When an Olympic contestant, representing the U.S.A., wins the gold, we say, “We won, we’re the victors.” Actually we didn’t do anything but simply bask in the victory another won for us. HALLELUJAH!
This is why the old Divines used to say, “When you fall, shout the victory.” They knew victory is not something you get, but rather something you have, a present possession, if you please.
We are told, “The gift of God is eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ.” But it is also written, “Thanks be unto God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
If you truly have Christ dwelling within, you have eternal life. To doubt it only means you don’t enjoy it. And so it is with victory. Defeat doesn’t change the fact you have the Victor within. The old Divines were right!
When an Olympic contestant, representing the U.S.A., wins the gold, we say, “We won, we’re the victors.” Actually we didn’t do anything but simply bask in the victory another won for us. HALLELUJAH!
Aug 22, 2009
Greatness in Overalls.
It says of both John the Baptist and Jesus that they were great in the sight of the Lord. Though certainly not in the eyes of the world, God visualized them as such. In their case, greatness was in the eyes of the beholder.
The lesser is not necessarily void of greatness. In fact it can be equal. “God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night.” When Jacob blessed Pharaoh, carnality saw only the lesser blessing the greater. But the spiritual eye saw the opposite.
We need to be couscous as Christians that we do not equate greatness with position. It’s not rank, but relationship that determines greatness with God. As C.S. Lewis says, “One is sometimes (not often) glad not to be a great theologian; one might easily mistake it for being a good Christian.” Greatness and goodness do not always walk in the same shoes.
I’ve seen greatness in overalls behind a plow, in an apron washing dishes, and in a thousand and one other disguises that the world does not, and cannot, perceive. It would be well for each of us who profess to be God’s kin, to remember that the lesser in His Kingdom is the greater.
The lesser is not necessarily void of greatness. In fact it can be equal. “God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night.” When Jacob blessed Pharaoh, carnality saw only the lesser blessing the greater. But the spiritual eye saw the opposite.
We need to be couscous as Christians that we do not equate greatness with position. It’s not rank, but relationship that determines greatness with God. As C.S. Lewis says, “One is sometimes (not often) glad not to be a great theologian; one might easily mistake it for being a good Christian.” Greatness and goodness do not always walk in the same shoes.
I’ve seen greatness in overalls behind a plow, in an apron washing dishes, and in a thousand and one other disguises that the world does not, and cannot, perceive. It would be well for each of us who profess to be God’s kin, to remember that the lesser in His Kingdom is the greater.
Aug 20, 2009
A Life in the Fetal Position
The picture of an unborn babe in the womb has always fascinated me. In its fetal position the child is in the same posture as a person in prayer. On the other hand, just as interesting, when one is dying, he or she reverts back to that original fetal position.
Is God telling us we are born to pray? That all our life, from our birth into His Kingdom, to the very end of our existence on earth, we are to pray? The first thing said of Paul at his birthing into God’s family was, “behold he prayeth.”
We cannot be on our knees physically every moment. But the “knees of our heart” can be bent to the Lord throughout the day. We are told to “continue in prayer,” and to be “instant in prayer”; “Praying always.” David tells us that “he gave himself to prayer.” When we do this consensually, each day, the Holy Spirit will carry on this ministry for us, even when we are not conscious of it. Proof is seen at different intervals, when, for no reason at all, we break out into prayer, or when a sudden emergency arises and our first words are, “Oh God...”
We do not know how or what to pray for. Therefore, let us give ourselves over to the indwelling Spirit, who will fulfill the ministry of prayer through us. Allow Him to carry out His intercessory work in each of us today—even when we’re not aware of it, except for the groanings within us that cannot be uttered.
God can pick sense out of a confused prayer. (Richard Sibbes)
Is God telling us we are born to pray? That all our life, from our birth into His Kingdom, to the very end of our existence on earth, we are to pray? The first thing said of Paul at his birthing into God’s family was, “behold he prayeth.”
We cannot be on our knees physically every moment. But the “knees of our heart” can be bent to the Lord throughout the day. We are told to “continue in prayer,” and to be “instant in prayer”; “Praying always.” David tells us that “he gave himself to prayer.” When we do this consensually, each day, the Holy Spirit will carry on this ministry for us, even when we are not conscious of it. Proof is seen at different intervals, when, for no reason at all, we break out into prayer, or when a sudden emergency arises and our first words are, “Oh God...”
We do not know how or what to pray for. Therefore, let us give ourselves over to the indwelling Spirit, who will fulfill the ministry of prayer through us. Allow Him to carry out His intercessory work in each of us today—even when we’re not aware of it, except for the groanings within us that cannot be uttered.
God can pick sense out of a confused prayer. (Richard Sibbes)
Aug 19, 2009
A Promise and a Prayer
The last promise of the Bible is made by Jesus, “Surely I come quickly.” And the last prayer in the Bible comes from John the Beloved, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” There are only two important days on the Christian’s calendar: “today” and “that day.” Primitive believers looked and longed for His return. One of their greetings was, “Maranatha” (The Lord Cometh).
It seems today with all the bickering, dogmatism, and controversy associated with His Coming that many have lost the blessing of the Blessed Hope. I personally have never known of a bride awaiting her bridegroom’s arrival, who was overly concerned with the particulars of that event. That is, the type of luggage, transportation, friends, etc. that will accompany him. She only cares her lover is coming; all else is incidental.
If you cannot pray, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus,” then one of two things is wrong. Either your life is not in tune with Heaven, or your interpretation of prophecy needs fixin’.
Precisely because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments. (C.S. Lewis)
It seems today with all the bickering, dogmatism, and controversy associated with His Coming that many have lost the blessing of the Blessed Hope. I personally have never known of a bride awaiting her bridegroom’s arrival, who was overly concerned with the particulars of that event. That is, the type of luggage, transportation, friends, etc. that will accompany him. She only cares her lover is coming; all else is incidental.
If you cannot pray, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus,” then one of two things is wrong. Either your life is not in tune with Heaven, or your interpretation of prophecy needs fixin’.
Precisely because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments. (C.S. Lewis)
Aug 18, 2009
The Saul Syndrome
“Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” When Saul heard this saying, we’re told it, “displeased him.” He was willing for David to have come close, possibly even to equal him, but never to excel him. This is what I like to call the “Saul Syndrome.” This cancerous trait is still among us.
The test of true spiritual humility is seen in one’s attitude when another is of greater blessing than they themselves. I have noticed the “lesser- blessers” try to hold the greater back. I guess they are fearful that the people will say that they have been a blessing, but the latter has been ten times that.
Though the front door be closed to them, back door blessers are just as effective.
The test of true spiritual humility is seen in one’s attitude when another is of greater blessing than they themselves. I have noticed the “lesser- blessers” try to hold the greater back. I guess they are fearful that the people will say that they have been a blessing, but the latter has been ten times that.
Though the front door be closed to them, back door blessers are just as effective.
Aug 16, 2009
Let Me Dream On
Years ago an old-time evangelist and his wife were traveling to a meeting by bus. One of the stops was at a little mountain store in the Carolinas. The preacher’s wife, looking out the window, noticed a humble country woman hanging up her wash. She jokingly said to her husband, “Vance, she doesn’t know the rest of the world exists,” to which he replied, “For goodness sake, don’t tell her!”
Until recent years, God’s plain people were content with simply believing heaven was a place with streets of gold, gates of pearl, a river of life, etc. But nowadays they are being told that all these things are to be taken spiritually; that they are figurative, and not meant to be taken literally. The one thing wrong with this is that none of these know-it-alls replace the common people’s hope with anything better.
The word scholar is derived from the Latin word, schola, meaning “school.” The Bible’s definition, as well as the dictionary’s is, “a student or pupil” (1Chron.25:8). Maybe some of the so-called scholars of our day ought to go back to school and continue their learning.
I have photographs of beautiful, breathtaking places where I’ve been, but not one picture captures what the reality was really like. Dear saint of God, don’t you worry your pretty little head about it. If heaven is not all you thought it to be, it will still surpass your fondest dream. So, dream on!
Nothing is more contrary to a heavenly hope than an earthly heart. (William Gurnall).
Until recent years, God’s plain people were content with simply believing heaven was a place with streets of gold, gates of pearl, a river of life, etc. But nowadays they are being told that all these things are to be taken spiritually; that they are figurative, and not meant to be taken literally. The one thing wrong with this is that none of these know-it-alls replace the common people’s hope with anything better.
The word scholar is derived from the Latin word, schola, meaning “school.” The Bible’s definition, as well as the dictionary’s is, “a student or pupil” (1Chron.25:8). Maybe some of the so-called scholars of our day ought to go back to school and continue their learning.
I have photographs of beautiful, breathtaking places where I’ve been, but not one picture captures what the reality was really like. Dear saint of God, don’t you worry your pretty little head about it. If heaven is not all you thought it to be, it will still surpass your fondest dream. So, dream on!
Nothing is more contrary to a heavenly hope than an earthly heart. (William Gurnall).
Aug 15, 2009
A Sweet Tooth.
My sainted mother was addicted to sweets, especially chocolate and little candy orange slices. When it was necessary for us to move her to a Christian rest home, we made sure upon each visit that we brought her some type of sugary delight. I inherited this craving, but now find to my dismay, I’m a border-line diabetic.
Well, God has no such ailment. He is not a diabetic. He loves sweets; you cannot give Him too much. In the Old Testament sacrifices we read of sweet incense, sweet spices, sweet odour, sweet savour, sweet smell, and sweet wine. Is it any wonder He had an affinity for David, “The sweet Psalmist?”
One of God’s indictments against His people Israel was, “Thou hast bought me no sweet cane.” Not brought, but bought; it’s to cost us something. One of the thrills my mother got when presenting her with a large, expensive box of chocolates was the fact that she knew I’d paid a dear price for it.
This, no doubt, was the secret of how darling David wiggled himself into the heart of God. Let us listen and learn, “Nay; but I shall surely buy it…at a price: neither will I offer…unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” When is the last time any of us brought the Lover of Your Soul something sweet; something that cost us dearly?
Well, God has no such ailment. He is not a diabetic. He loves sweets; you cannot give Him too much. In the Old Testament sacrifices we read of sweet incense, sweet spices, sweet odour, sweet savour, sweet smell, and sweet wine. Is it any wonder He had an affinity for David, “The sweet Psalmist?”
One of God’s indictments against His people Israel was, “Thou hast bought me no sweet cane.” Not brought, but bought; it’s to cost us something. One of the thrills my mother got when presenting her with a large, expensive box of chocolates was the fact that she knew I’d paid a dear price for it.
This, no doubt, was the secret of how darling David wiggled himself into the heart of God. Let us listen and learn, “Nay; but I shall surely buy it…at a price: neither will I offer…unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” When is the last time any of us brought the Lover of Your Soul something sweet; something that cost us dearly?
Aug 13, 2009
Rotten to the Core
“I am vile”… “O wretched man that I am!”… “Woe is me! for I am undone”…” Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Each of these men’s confession (Job, Paul, Isaiah, Peter) brought an end to self, nevertheless, it was the beginning of God in their lives. We are never as good as we think we are; but we are always worse than we think we are. When we come before God, it is possible to be too good, but we never need fear feeling we are too bad.
I am not speaking of morbidity that manifests itself in a false humility, but, rather, accepting sane, Scriptural facts about our inward condition. Until we see the utter corruption within, and stop making excuses, we will feel no reason for forgiveness. The Blood of Christ cleanses sin, not excuses. And we need not despair at the greatness of our sins. His grace is always greater.
In God’s sight, the Pharisee was a good bad man; the Publican, a bad good man.
I am not speaking of morbidity that manifests itself in a false humility, but, rather, accepting sane, Scriptural facts about our inward condition. Until we see the utter corruption within, and stop making excuses, we will feel no reason for forgiveness. The Blood of Christ cleanses sin, not excuses. And we need not despair at the greatness of our sins. His grace is always greater.
In God’s sight, the Pharisee was a good bad man; the Publican, a bad good man.
Aug 11, 2009
That Seat is Already Taken
“What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask…to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.”
Everything in the Bible is not, so to speak, set in stone. On the other hand, some things are eternally cemented and settled; predestinated and pre-determined, if you please. Man’s freewill and God’s sovereignty is something that has been debated over two-thousand years. And with all the great and godly minds on both sides working over-time, they have still not figured it out.
Each side covers the holes in their arguments, but with tissue paper; and any diligent observer can see through the patch work. I agree with C.S. Lewis on these two opposing factors: “Until (if ever) we can see the consistency it is better to hold two inconsistent views than to ignore one side of the evidence.” In other words, “Don’t throw the baby out with the wash.”
The Scriptures plainly teach that there is a HIS PART and OUR PART in the lives of saints. None will ever be held accountable for not knowing the former, but we sure will for not doing the latter. To cop out by saying you neglected to accomplish the second because you didn’t understand the first, won’t fly with God! Each knows the part they’re to play here; He’ll explain the other, I trust, in the hereafter.
When in a buck-board and the horses run wild, pray, and hang on tight!
Everything in the Bible is not, so to speak, set in stone. On the other hand, some things are eternally cemented and settled; predestinated and pre-determined, if you please. Man’s freewill and God’s sovereignty is something that has been debated over two-thousand years. And with all the great and godly minds on both sides working over-time, they have still not figured it out.
Each side covers the holes in their arguments, but with tissue paper; and any diligent observer can see through the patch work. I agree with C.S. Lewis on these two opposing factors: “Until (if ever) we can see the consistency it is better to hold two inconsistent views than to ignore one side of the evidence.” In other words, “Don’t throw the baby out with the wash.”
The Scriptures plainly teach that there is a HIS PART and OUR PART in the lives of saints. None will ever be held accountable for not knowing the former, but we sure will for not doing the latter. To cop out by saying you neglected to accomplish the second because you didn’t understand the first, won’t fly with God! Each knows the part they’re to play here; He’ll explain the other, I trust, in the hereafter.
When in a buck-board and the horses run wild, pray, and hang on tight!
Aug 10, 2009
*Those Embarrassing Falls
“Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” How many times have I heard it said, “How could they do such a thing? I could never do that.” Oh, yes we can. We are capable of doing anything anyone else has done. When we think or say such a thing, we have stepped from the Solid Rock onto thin ice.
David thought himself secure within his own house. Yet, this is where the serpent bit him (Amos 5:19). And is not this the man who said, “I will walk within my house with a perfect heart?” Peter, warming his body around the enemy’s fire, never realized what could come out of his cold heart. Had he not boasted and believed, “Though all men shall...yet will I never”? When we think ourselves the safest, we are the most vulnerable.
If you have experienced one of life’s embarrassing falls you might want to read Prov.24:16; Psl.37:23-24).
David fell while walking; Peter fell while standing; you’re not apt to fall while kneeling.
David thought himself secure within his own house. Yet, this is where the serpent bit him (Amos 5:19). And is not this the man who said, “I will walk within my house with a perfect heart?” Peter, warming his body around the enemy’s fire, never realized what could come out of his cold heart. Had he not boasted and believed, “Though all men shall...yet will I never”? When we think ourselves the safest, we are the most vulnerable.
If you have experienced one of life’s embarrassing falls you might want to read Prov.24:16; Psl.37:23-24).
David fell while walking; Peter fell while standing; you’re not apt to fall while kneeling.
Jul 19, 2009
*Spiritual Geography
After everything is said and done, a person’s salvation comes down to one simple fact: where he or she is geographically, Spiritually speaking, that is. We are either “In Adam” or “In Christ”. There is no other place for the human race to be. To be “In” the former, “All die”; but “In” the latter, “All are made alive.”
In the garden of paradise, Adam gave up God’s will for his own. In the garden of Gethsemane, the second Adam (Jesus) gave up His will for God’s. Adam gave up his dependence on God to live a life of complete independence. Christ gave up a life of independence to live a life totally dependent upon God.
This is the one sure way of telling who is “In Adam” and who are “In Christ”. It is either “We will not have this man to reign over us,” and live a cursed life; or a life of blessing, by saying, “[We will not] henceforth live unto [ourselves], but unto him which died for [us], and rose again.” God says, “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse.” Choose!
In the garden of paradise, Adam gave up God’s will for his own. In the garden of Gethsemane, the second Adam (Jesus) gave up His will for God’s. Adam gave up his dependence on God to live a life of complete independence. Christ gave up a life of independence to live a life totally dependent upon God.
This is the one sure way of telling who is “In Adam” and who are “In Christ”. It is either “We will not have this man to reign over us,” and live a cursed life; or a life of blessing, by saying, “[We will not] henceforth live unto [ourselves], but unto him which died for [us], and rose again.” God says, “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse.” Choose!
Jul 17, 2009
Camping Out in Capernaum
“Thou, Capernaum...mighty works…have been done in thee.” These people were blessed above all others in Galilee. Our Lord chose Capernaum as “His own city.” It was His headquarters, so to speak. He did more mighty works here than in any other place. In Matthew, chapters eight and nine, there are ten miracles recorded; half of them were performed in Capernaum alone. We are not told these people ever mocked, ridiculed, or threatened Jesus; they were simply indifferent to all He had done among and for them.
You can understand the unregenerate living such a life, but for a saint to settle down in Capernaum, that’s difficult to grasp. To have seen the Centurion’s servant healed; an unclean spirit cast out of a poor soul; a bed ridden man to walk; water turned to wine; and a son at death’s door raised to life again; would these not leave a lasting impression? Would they not have left an indelible mark upon one’s own heart? But sad to say, how much like Israel of old they were, as well as ourselves. We’re told, “They soon fogat his works.” The Red Sea experience, manna, water out of the Rock; “They remembered not.”
Whenever God gives a promise for future blessings, He reminds His people of the past great things He accomplished on their behalf. For example, He promises, “Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” But the first part of the text says, “I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt.” To forget past miracles is to forfeit future ones! If you’re dwelling at Capernaum, it’s time to pack up and move out! No good can ever came from a Christian camping out in Capernaum.
Where reason cannot wade, there faith may swim. (Thomas Watson)
You can understand the unregenerate living such a life, but for a saint to settle down in Capernaum, that’s difficult to grasp. To have seen the Centurion’s servant healed; an unclean spirit cast out of a poor soul; a bed ridden man to walk; water turned to wine; and a son at death’s door raised to life again; would these not leave a lasting impression? Would they not have left an indelible mark upon one’s own heart? But sad to say, how much like Israel of old they were, as well as ourselves. We’re told, “They soon fogat his works.” The Red Sea experience, manna, water out of the Rock; “They remembered not.”
Whenever God gives a promise for future blessings, He reminds His people of the past great things He accomplished on their behalf. For example, He promises, “Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” But the first part of the text says, “I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt.” To forget past miracles is to forfeit future ones! If you’re dwelling at Capernaum, it’s time to pack up and move out! No good can ever came from a Christian camping out in Capernaum.
Where reason cannot wade, there faith may swim. (Thomas Watson)
Jul 16, 2009
The Wordsmith
“And as soon as he (Jesus) had spoken, immediately…” The man with leprosy found David’s words in Psalms to be true: “For he spake, and it was done.” As they say, “He (Christ) had a way with words.” But this does not surprise His own elect who know Him as “The Word.”
Is it any wonder then that we find such statements as those of the centurions at Capernaum “…speak the word only, and...[it] shall be...” How we need to emulate the nobleman whose son was at death’s door; “And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.”
The apostle Paul lived by this rule. When all was dark around him, and there was no human hope of survival, Gods Word assured him all would be well. To which he testified openly, “Be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”
“A man is as good as his word,” they say. Well, The Man is as good as His!
Is it any wonder then that we find such statements as those of the centurions at Capernaum “…speak the word only, and...[it] shall be...” How we need to emulate the nobleman whose son was at death’s door; “And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.”
The apostle Paul lived by this rule. When all was dark around him, and there was no human hope of survival, Gods Word assured him all would be well. To which he testified openly, “Be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”
“A man is as good as his word,” they say. Well, The Man is as good as His!
Jul 14, 2009
There is Just Like Here
Before my conversion to Christ, and having been recently discharged from four years in the Air Force, I decided to leave my hometown and live in S. California. My reason, I told my Mother, was that I hated the town in which I was brought up. Her reply, as always, was a simple and wise one: “Son, you’ll find things there are pretty much the same as things are here.” She went on to explain the geographical landscape may look different, but life is the same wherever one goes.
I used to have a sermon entitled, “What Demas found in Thessalonica.” It was from a text found in 2 Tim.4:10. I pointed out that one of the things he found upon his arrival to that city was himself. Remember, part of the baggage you carry from one place to another, is you. A change in geography does not necessarily bring a change in character. If you’re going to move on, make sure you’ve changed before you seek a view change.
The Prodigal found the above truth to be so. In fact, “there,” can be much worse than “here,” if you carry a deformed disposition into the far country. You think it’s bad where you’re at, wait till you get where you’re going! I have found in many cases that a person must first come back to here, before they can move on to their desired there. God is still in the business of calling His Jacobs back to Bethel. It was when Jacob returned to Bethel and his God that he was able to move on with his life.
Obedience gets us on the right road; and it always ends up at the right place!
I used to have a sermon entitled, “What Demas found in Thessalonica.” It was from a text found in 2 Tim.4:10. I pointed out that one of the things he found upon his arrival to that city was himself. Remember, part of the baggage you carry from one place to another, is you. A change in geography does not necessarily bring a change in character. If you’re going to move on, make sure you’ve changed before you seek a view change.
The Prodigal found the above truth to be so. In fact, “there,” can be much worse than “here,” if you carry a deformed disposition into the far country. You think it’s bad where you’re at, wait till you get where you’re going! I have found in many cases that a person must first come back to here, before they can move on to their desired there. God is still in the business of calling His Jacobs back to Bethel. It was when Jacob returned to Bethel and his God that he was able to move on with his life.
Obedience gets us on the right road; and it always ends up at the right place!
Jul 9, 2009
Peer Pressure
“The fear of man bringeth a snare.” We hear much today, both among the younger and older generations, about “peer pressure.” The word is derived from the Latin, meaning an equal. And when adding the latter word to it, we come up with a complete definition; “Pressure from one's peers (equals) to behave in a manner similar or acceptable to them.”
All temperaments are prone to yield to this common temptation, but some succumb more readily than others. For example, Peter was more apt to surrender to the whims of others than say, Paul. The former would be enticed to play the part of a chameleon much quicker than the latter (Gal.2:11-12).
“Peer Pleasers” ultimately find the old adage true, “You can please some people some of the time, but you can’t please all the people all the time.” Therefore, it is best to set out to please the Lord alone, and if that pleases everyone else, fine. And if not, tough!
All temperaments are prone to yield to this common temptation, but some succumb more readily than others. For example, Peter was more apt to surrender to the whims of others than say, Paul. The former would be enticed to play the part of a chameleon much quicker than the latter (Gal.2:11-12).
“Peer Pleasers” ultimately find the old adage true, “You can please some people some of the time, but you can’t please all the people all the time.” Therefore, it is best to set out to please the Lord alone, and if that pleases everyone else, fine. And if not, tough!
Why should clay fear clay?
Jul 8, 2009
Prayer and Supplication
“Be careful (full of care) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” I’ve never had a problem with the prayer part of this text, but I have wondered about the supplication half of it. Most understand prayer is the asking and petitioning; but what is to be made of the supplication portion?
I asked the wife of a dear friend, if she could help me out on this. She is a real word-smith (etymologist). The following is the result of her study:
Supplication:
Latin – supplet, suppliant supplic: bending readily without breaking or becoming deformed. Sample given: (like a branch on a tree). Responsive, compliant, yielding.
Indo-European root words: sup + plak
Sup: having supper
Plak: to be flat, calm, humble
Enough said, I’ll let the Holy Spirit do the applying, lest I spoil it for you.
I asked the wife of a dear friend, if she could help me out on this. She is a real word-smith (etymologist). The following is the result of her study:
Supplication:
Latin – supplet, suppliant supplic: bending readily without breaking or becoming deformed. Sample given: (like a branch on a tree). Responsive, compliant, yielding.
Indo-European root words: sup + plak
Sup: having supper
Plak: to be flat, calm, humble
Enough said, I’ll let the Holy Spirit do the applying, lest I spoil it for you.
Jul 2, 2009
Before We Can Move On.
How thankful I will always be for a dear, elderly Christian lady who helped me when I was a babe in Christ. I was troubled with my past, trying frantically to deal with it, but all to no avail. After I explained to her the regrets that lay behind me, she simply opened her Bible and had me read Philippians 3:13, “...forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” This, she said, was the secret of Paul’s perennial success as a Christian and it would work for me also, she confidently affirmed.
That was over 50 years ago, and I can give testimony to the fact that it really does work. I could never have made it this far had I tried to drag the ball-and-chain of my yesterdays along with me on my journey to Bunyan’s Celestial City.
There is no moving on, as long as we live in the past. May God help us to forget, and to leave behind all of life’s failures, sins, heartaches, and shattered dreams. We must bury them, and make sure to throw away the shovel so that we cannot dig them up again.
We must decide, each day, whether we want history or future.
That was over 50 years ago, and I can give testimony to the fact that it really does work. I could never have made it this far had I tried to drag the ball-and-chain of my yesterdays along with me on my journey to Bunyan’s Celestial City.
There is no moving on, as long as we live in the past. May God help us to forget, and to leave behind all of life’s failures, sins, heartaches, and shattered dreams. We must bury them, and make sure to throw away the shovel so that we cannot dig them up again.
We must decide, each day, whether we want history or future.
Jun 28, 2009
A Bible Lesson in Golf
Those in the know tell us the secret in golf is not slicing (causing the ball to curve). They say if you want to get distance, you must, as they call it, “Follow through.” That is, complete your swing, not stopping short. One expert tells us that 90% of all amateur golfers do not follow through.
After over half a century of observing professing Christians, I am convinced that the above ratio could possibly be correct when describing so-called saints today. In the game of life God has placed them in, it seems they always come up short; they never follow through.
As the little poignant saying goes, “If it’s worth starting, it’s worth finishing.” At the end of their lives, both our Lord and Paul gave testimony they’d followed through with what God gave them to do. They went the distance because of the fact they did follow through!
When Jesus said, "Follow me," He expected them to follow through.
After over half a century of observing professing Christians, I am convinced that the above ratio could possibly be correct when describing so-called saints today. In the game of life God has placed them in, it seems they always come up short; they never follow through.
As the little poignant saying goes, “If it’s worth starting, it’s worth finishing.” At the end of their lives, both our Lord and Paul gave testimony they’d followed through with what God gave them to do. They went the distance because of the fact they did follow through!
When Jesus said, "Follow me," He expected them to follow through.
Jun 27, 2009
Let Me Do it Daddy
If it does not endanger the child, and provided it does not incur significant financial loss, it’s a wise father who allows his child to discover life’s great secret, which is, the father is more capable than the child in handling things he or she knows nothing about; even though the youngster is convinced of the opposite; that is, until they learn the hard way, by making a mess of everything.
The child’s problem, like our own with our Heavenly Father, stems from thinking he or she is superiorly qualified in working things out on their own. They actually, but erroneously, imagine they can do better; that they are more competent than their qualified parent.
It is well for each of us as Christians to always remember, when we take things in our own hands, we can only get what we are capable of producing. But when placing them in God’s omnipotent hand, we experience what He alone is able to create. Therefore, when we have made a mess of everything in life, it is a wise child who brings the shattered pieces to their Heavenly Father and says, “Daddy, will you please fix it?”
Once you’ve placed something into God’s hands to fix, don’t hang around trying to help Him!
The child’s problem, like our own with our Heavenly Father, stems from thinking he or she is superiorly qualified in working things out on their own. They actually, but erroneously, imagine they can do better; that they are more competent than their qualified parent.
It is well for each of us as Christians to always remember, when we take things in our own hands, we can only get what we are capable of producing. But when placing them in God’s omnipotent hand, we experience what He alone is able to create. Therefore, when we have made a mess of everything in life, it is a wise child who brings the shattered pieces to their Heavenly Father and says, “Daddy, will you please fix it?”
Once you’ve placed something into God’s hands to fix, don’t hang around trying to help Him!
Jun 25, 2009
*Set Backs
“Woe is me for my hurt!..Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.” If ever a man had set backs, Jeremiah did. He knew there was no escaping them. That let downs were part of the hard facts of life, and that sooner or later our dearest dreams will be shattered and our best laid plans dramatically changed. Some never rise above these and drown in the sea of disappointment. Others view them as character building blessings in disguise.
It’s important to realize a Christian in the will of God, when taking two steps backward, will ultimately take three forward. Like our time change, we may “fall back,” but we also “spring forward.” Many of God’s children, who experience disappointing times in their lives, return to the world. But set backs never excuse us for going back.
It’s important to realize a Christian in the will of God, when taking two steps backward, will ultimately take three forward. Like our time change, we may “fall back,” but we also “spring forward.” Many of God’s children, who experience disappointing times in their lives, return to the world. But set backs never excuse us for going back.
Jun 20, 2009
Armchairs and Wheelchairs
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” You can acquire a much deeper knowledge of God Himself from a sufferer in a wheelchair, than a scholar in an armchair. The latter may know doctrine, but the former knows Deity. The first is meant to lead us to the second. But sad to say, many intellects come short, falling in love with the lesser, and never following on to experience the greater, true love.
A healthy child studying geography may be able to tell you more about the five continents; but the little crippled brother, carried constantly by his parent, knows more about his father. An intellectual knowledge does not guarantee Spiritual intimacy. As J.I. Packer says, “John Owen and John Calvin knew more theology than John Bunyan or Billy Bray, but who would deny that the latter pair knew their God every bit as well as the former?”
God does not condemn intellect, nor does He condone ignorance, but He does highly commend those who know Him out of both these categories. Writing on the subject of scholarship C.S. Lewis pens, “The intellectual life is not the only road to God, nor the safest, but we find it to be a road, and it may be the appointed road for us. Of course it will be so only so long as we keep the impulse pure and disinterested. That is the great difficulty.”
The best combination is an intellectual mind condescending into a devoted heart.
A healthy child studying geography may be able to tell you more about the five continents; but the little crippled brother, carried constantly by his parent, knows more about his father. An intellectual knowledge does not guarantee Spiritual intimacy. As J.I. Packer says, “John Owen and John Calvin knew more theology than John Bunyan or Billy Bray, but who would deny that the latter pair knew their God every bit as well as the former?”
God does not condemn intellect, nor does He condone ignorance, but He does highly commend those who know Him out of both these categories. Writing on the subject of scholarship C.S. Lewis pens, “The intellectual life is not the only road to God, nor the safest, but we find it to be a road, and it may be the appointed road for us. Of course it will be so only so long as we keep the impulse pure and disinterested. That is the great difficulty.”
The best combination is an intellectual mind condescending into a devoted heart.
Jun 13, 2009
To Whom Are You Looking?
“Look unto me…” It’s futile to look unto anyone else. “For vain is the help of man.” True, God can, and does, help man through man. But never can man find help from man alone. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it by looking unto Him. This is the one, absolute condition; and the moment you do, everything falls into place, like looking into a kaleidoscope.
If you need help, “Look unto me,” says the Lord. It’s not difficult or hard; it’s simple and easy. Just look to God. That is, direct your attention to Him, as one we expect aid from. Like a drowning man who casts his eyes upon one standing on the shore who alone is able to save him. We must look to Him in our helplessness if we are to get help.
Oh, dear saint, will you not just now turn your eyes from all others and look only unto Him? Listen to God’s darling, David: “They looked unto him, and were enlightened.”
Everything associated with man is temporal and perishable; with God, eternal and lasting. To whom are you looking?
If you need help, “Look unto me,” says the Lord. It’s not difficult or hard; it’s simple and easy. Just look to God. That is, direct your attention to Him, as one we expect aid from. Like a drowning man who casts his eyes upon one standing on the shore who alone is able to save him. We must look to Him in our helplessness if we are to get help.
Oh, dear saint, will you not just now turn your eyes from all others and look only unto Him? Listen to God’s darling, David: “They looked unto him, and were enlightened.”
Everything associated with man is temporal and perishable; with God, eternal and lasting. To whom are you looking?
Inside Issues within the Body of Christ
In the dedicatory of the King James 1611 Bible the translators wrote, concerning those they knew would oppose their work, “We shall be maligned by self-conceited brethren, who run their own ways, and give liking to nothing, but what is framed by themselves, and hammered on their anvil.”
My oldest daughter, Leah, who lives in Ohio, along with my eleven-year-old granddaughter Skyler, surprised me last week by visiting me for Fathers Day. In passing conversation, Leah mentioned a large Fundamentalist school in the mid-west that is attacking Southern Gospel music as being satanic, and not to be listened to.
In all honesty of full disclosure, I must confess, my grandson, Joseph, is lead singer for the Southern Gospel group, The Perrys. But those who know me best will not be prone to think that would bias my judgment. They consider me to be like Vince Lombardi. When a black player was asked if he was fair to all the team, he answered, “O yeah, Vince treats us all like dogs!”
Those who do not care for contemporary music need to realize it was all contemporary at one time. Isaac Watts’ father thought it blasphemous when his son wrote such songs as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” He believed in singing only the Psalms, saying, “You can’t improve upon King David.”
As I’ve said in previous articles, I find that dogmatists on minor issues end up in the dog house. A good example of not thinking things through is the Fundamental, Separatists, who believe their ladies are modestly dressed. But the Amish believe their attire to be worldly; and 1st Century, Christian women would believe the Amish to be so.
In Revelation, we’re told we “Sing the song of Moses.” But we also sing “A new song.” My test of Gospel music is like my test of any other music; Paul, the singer, says, “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with understanding also.” And this, of course, was done to the Glory of God. Just make sure your heart pants, before your foot pats.
A good rule to go by if you do not like a certain kind of music is, don’t listen to it. I have no right to impose my preference upon others. When people argue that they like the old-time way, they invariably are referring to the immediately previous age. The one that always seemed better than the one in which they now live.
There is no doubt some Southern Gospel is commercialized today. But aren’t profiteering Mega churches and large Christian Schools, also? What of selling “doves” for more than they’re value, in the vestibule of the Temple (books, CD’S, DVD’S, and trinkets)? Be careful when you throw stones; they may boomerang upon your on pate!
As Dr. Bob Jones Sr. used to say, “If an old hound dog comes to town and barks for Jesus, I’m not going to try and stop him.” That’s my sentiment exactly. You might feel differently; and that’s your prerogative. This is just one man’s opinion.
My oldest daughter, Leah, who lives in Ohio, along with my eleven-year-old granddaughter Skyler, surprised me last week by visiting me for Fathers Day. In passing conversation, Leah mentioned a large Fundamentalist school in the mid-west that is attacking Southern Gospel music as being satanic, and not to be listened to.
In all honesty of full disclosure, I must confess, my grandson, Joseph, is lead singer for the Southern Gospel group, The Perrys. But those who know me best will not be prone to think that would bias my judgment. They consider me to be like Vince Lombardi. When a black player was asked if he was fair to all the team, he answered, “O yeah, Vince treats us all like dogs!”
Those who do not care for contemporary music need to realize it was all contemporary at one time. Isaac Watts’ father thought it blasphemous when his son wrote such songs as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” He believed in singing only the Psalms, saying, “You can’t improve upon King David.”
As I’ve said in previous articles, I find that dogmatists on minor issues end up in the dog house. A good example of not thinking things through is the Fundamental, Separatists, who believe their ladies are modestly dressed. But the Amish believe their attire to be worldly; and 1st Century, Christian women would believe the Amish to be so.
In Revelation, we’re told we “Sing the song of Moses.” But we also sing “A new song.” My test of Gospel music is like my test of any other music; Paul, the singer, says, “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with understanding also.” And this, of course, was done to the Glory of God. Just make sure your heart pants, before your foot pats.
A good rule to go by if you do not like a certain kind of music is, don’t listen to it. I have no right to impose my preference upon others. When people argue that they like the old-time way, they invariably are referring to the immediately previous age. The one that always seemed better than the one in which they now live.
There is no doubt some Southern Gospel is commercialized today. But aren’t profiteering Mega churches and large Christian Schools, also? What of selling “doves” for more than they’re value, in the vestibule of the Temple (books, CD’S, DVD’S, and trinkets)? Be careful when you throw stones; they may boomerang upon your on pate!
As Dr. Bob Jones Sr. used to say, “If an old hound dog comes to town and barks for Jesus, I’m not going to try and stop him.” That’s my sentiment exactly. You might feel differently; and that’s your prerogative. This is just one man’s opinion.
Jun 12, 2009
Courageous Cowards
Years ago at a youth camp, a somewhat delicate preacher was trying in his timidly bold way to say that we needed more John the Baptist types. I whispered to my wife, “Its one thing to say we need, and another to be”. As someone has said, “The pulpit can be a coward’s fort.” I’ve labeled these kinds of Christians, “courageous cowards.” They are easy to spot; they hit first, then run away, saying they won the fight; they voice loudly their convictions, but from under their beds; they preach hard, but to an agreeing choir; they’re brave on the firing range, but stay in the fox hole in battle; they like to rattle the lion’s cage, but never enter the public arena with him; and probably worse of all, they speak of the ills of the sick around them, while keeping the cure a secret.
These pseudo courageous souls cannot take being ostracized. When they are, they play the part of an ostrich and hide their head in the sand. In private they flex their muscles in a mirror, but refuse to carry anyone’s burden. They live in their little self-made monasteries called churches, homes, and schools, but never venture out to face the rest of the world. They know nothing about a hands on, up close and personal ministry. Everything is viewed at a distance. They are not comfortable with confrontation.
I’m not advocating a Christian machoism. The truth is, most of England’s early martyrs who were burned at the stake, were indoors men and book worms. What I am saying is that all of us, with the help of God, need face up to whatever needs to be faced. No matter what the personal cost, pain, or results. May God give each of us the courage to keep us from being a courageous coward!
These pseudo courageous souls cannot take being ostracized. When they are, they play the part of an ostrich and hide their head in the sand. In private they flex their muscles in a mirror, but refuse to carry anyone’s burden. They live in their little self-made monasteries called churches, homes, and schools, but never venture out to face the rest of the world. They know nothing about a hands on, up close and personal ministry. Everything is viewed at a distance. They are not comfortable with confrontation.
I’m not advocating a Christian machoism. The truth is, most of England’s early martyrs who were burned at the stake, were indoors men and book worms. What I am saying is that all of us, with the help of God, need face up to whatever needs to be faced. No matter what the personal cost, pain, or results. May God give each of us the courage to keep us from being a courageous coward!
Jun 8, 2009
*Transforming Your Prayer Life
A.W. Tozer tells a story of an old minister, whose Christian life was revolutionized. When asked what brought about this noticeable change, he answered, “I simply promised God I would never again pray a prayer I didn’t mean.”
Some years ago while in Ireland, I picked up an old Welsh hymnal; in it is a children’s song I think conveys the old minister’s sentiment. Here is the first verse of it.
I often say my prayers,
But do I ever pray?
And do the wishes of my heart
Go with the words I say?
I may as well kneel down
And worship gods of stone,
As offer to the living God
A prayer of words alone.
For words without the heart
The Lord will never hear;
Nor will He to those lips attend
Whose prayers are not sincere.
Lord, teach me what I need,
And teach me how to pray;
Nor let me ask Thee for thy grace,
Not meaning what I say.
(John Burton 1803-77)
Some years ago while in Ireland, I picked up an old Welsh hymnal; in it is a children’s song I think conveys the old minister’s sentiment. Here is the first verse of it.
I often say my prayers,
But do I ever pray?
And do the wishes of my heart
Go with the words I say?
I may as well kneel down
And worship gods of stone,
As offer to the living God
A prayer of words alone.
For words without the heart
The Lord will never hear;
Nor will He to those lips attend
Whose prayers are not sincere.
Lord, teach me what I need,
And teach me how to pray;
Nor let me ask Thee for thy grace,
Not meaning what I say.
(John Burton 1803-77)
Jun 7, 2009
*Chips, Scratches, and Breaks.
One great danger facing those who long to be Spiritual is in forgetting that in this life we will always be “earthen vessels.” God in His wisdom, for reasons known only to Him, has seen fit, so to speak, to indwell old, marred, crock pots. Yes, chips, scratches, breaks, and all. The only perfect person He ever inhabited was His lovely Son.
Some of us spend a lifetime running from our humanity, until we come to realize that’s all we’ve got. There “ain’t” nothin’ else we have to offer Him. Since God sent Jesus in human flesh, He more than understands now our cry, “Lord, I’m only human!” Remember, we’re not supermen, just a part of frail humanity.
Though the spirit is willing, the flesh will ever be weak.
Some of us spend a lifetime running from our humanity, until we come to realize that’s all we’ve got. There “ain’t” nothin’ else we have to offer Him. Since God sent Jesus in human flesh, He more than understands now our cry, “Lord, I’m only human!” Remember, we’re not supermen, just a part of frail humanity.
Though the spirit is willing, the flesh will ever be weak.
Jun 6, 2009
He'll Get Around to Yours.
Immediately upon calling His first disciples, Jesus said, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also." Then, later on we're told, “He departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.” Oswald Chambers, commenting on our latter text says, “Jesus comes where He commands us to leave.” The disciples had left all to follow Jesus. He now rewards each of them by coming to their towns. Whenever we put God first, especially in the area of clinging to loved ones, you can be assured that they will ultimately receive a personal visit from Him.
Do not rob those you love of the personal attention of Christ by refusing to let go of them. To be sure, if you put God first above all others, He will get around to seeing them sooner or later. Don’t debate Him; just obey. If you don’t, you’ll only be in the way of His plans for them. Leave all the consequences with Him. The day of their visitation will come, and they will know it when it arrives.
Our time zone is different from God’s. Our calendars are always one day ahead, and our clocks five minutes fast.
Do not rob those you love of the personal attention of Christ by refusing to let go of them. To be sure, if you put God first above all others, He will get around to seeing them sooner or later. Don’t debate Him; just obey. If you don’t, you’ll only be in the way of His plans for them. Leave all the consequences with Him. The day of their visitation will come, and they will know it when it arrives.
Our time zone is different from God’s. Our calendars are always one day ahead, and our clocks five minutes fast.
Jun 5, 2009
A Room Full of Doors
Our Heavenly Father would have His children live a life of faith. Without it, we are told, it is impossible to please Him. The highest respect we can pay God is in believing His Word, no matter what! To stand before Him when all is dark, when stripped of everything we hold dear, and all hope is gone, to say, “I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me,” is the greatest honor one could bestow upon Him.
The way in which the Lord teaches us this vital lesson is to “shut [us] up unto the faith.” He puts us in an impossible situation and shuts every door except one. After weary and worn from trying all the locked doors, in desperation we finally try the door of faith. And when we do, we find that all the time it was the way out, just waiting for us to enter through it. Reach out and turn the knob, you never need a key, it’s always open.
Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And lo, no one was there.
The way in which the Lord teaches us this vital lesson is to “shut [us] up unto the faith.” He puts us in an impossible situation and shuts every door except one. After weary and worn from trying all the locked doors, in desperation we finally try the door of faith. And when we do, we find that all the time it was the way out, just waiting for us to enter through it. Reach out and turn the knob, you never need a key, it’s always open.
Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And lo, no one was there.
Jun 2, 2009
*Divine Set-backs
“Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.” Paul was compelled to leave behind one of his traveling companions because of sickness. This faithful friend was, no doubt, of great help to the Apostle in his missionary journeys. What a set-back this must have been for both Paul and Trophimus. Nevertheless, Paul went on, and his co-worker stayed behind. In spite of the disappointment to both, there was no complaining to God or blaming Him. Their motto was always, “The will of the Lord be done.”
We are told of the remarkable healing powers entrusted to Paul, but neither he nor his sick friend had faith to claim healing. It is written “God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul,” but it was not so in this case. Why? Simply because it was not in God’s plan. Contrary to the teaching of some today, it is not always God’s will to heal or deliver. Paul’s eye problem stayed with him till death; and young Timothy had stomach problems all his life.
Our gifts, powers, and possibilities are subject to the limitations of God’s perfect will. Our prayer should always be, “In sickness and in health, the will of God be done.”Set-backs can’t keep back a person who does not hold back his life from God.
We are told of the remarkable healing powers entrusted to Paul, but neither he nor his sick friend had faith to claim healing. It is written “God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul,” but it was not so in this case. Why? Simply because it was not in God’s plan. Contrary to the teaching of some today, it is not always God’s will to heal or deliver. Paul’s eye problem stayed with him till death; and young Timothy had stomach problems all his life.
Our gifts, powers, and possibilities are subject to the limitations of God’s perfect will. Our prayer should always be, “In sickness and in health, the will of God be done.”Set-backs can’t keep back a person who does not hold back his life from God.
May 27, 2009
No Apology Necessary
My oldest son, Andrew, pastors a church in Santa Cruz, here in California. He has some great one-liners, such as: “If love never fails, why try anything else?”; “Having an infallible Bible doesn’t make us so”; and, “You can’t run from your humanity.” But the one I think could be the most profound of all is, “We need to stop apologizing for the Will of God.” Think of it, we often come across as being apologetic for the blessings of God upon our lives. Many, it seems, live in constant condemnation when blessed above some others.
We feel we need to explain to everyone, almost embarrassingly at times, for the good things that have come our way. If we are blessed, we need not be ashamed before the brethren, but simply stay humble before The Blesser. If, on the other hand, God has seen fit to withhold the “goodies” of life, we need not be bitter, but rather content in whatsoever state we find ourselves. This is a great gain in itself; so says the Apostle.
But this truth goes much deeper than material things. Yes, He makes both the rich and the poor, as the wise man says; but it also covers God’s dealings with His Elect in every area of their lives. We are told He makes one vessel to honor, and another to dishonor; He made the seeing, as well as the blind; what’s more, He makes the deaf and the hearing. To those who would question such things, Jesus says “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?
Therefore, it is not for me to question, but to obey. And if I am obedient, I can know, most assuredly, whatever lot falls to me, He is the disposer of the same. Or as the song writer so ably put it, “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul.” May I ask you a question that Elisha’s servant asked the great lady of Shunem, after the loss of her dearest possession? “Is it well with thee? She answered, It is well.”
You can never lose what you have given to God!
We feel we need to explain to everyone, almost embarrassingly at times, for the good things that have come our way. If we are blessed, we need not be ashamed before the brethren, but simply stay humble before The Blesser. If, on the other hand, God has seen fit to withhold the “goodies” of life, we need not be bitter, but rather content in whatsoever state we find ourselves. This is a great gain in itself; so says the Apostle.
But this truth goes much deeper than material things. Yes, He makes both the rich and the poor, as the wise man says; but it also covers God’s dealings with His Elect in every area of their lives. We are told He makes one vessel to honor, and another to dishonor; He made the seeing, as well as the blind; what’s more, He makes the deaf and the hearing. To those who would question such things, Jesus says “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?
Therefore, it is not for me to question, but to obey. And if I am obedient, I can know, most assuredly, whatever lot falls to me, He is the disposer of the same. Or as the song writer so ably put it, “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul.” May I ask you a question that Elisha’s servant asked the great lady of Shunem, after the loss of her dearest possession? “Is it well with thee? She answered, It is well.”
You can never lose what you have given to God!
May 26, 2009
*A Wise Little Saying
Those who are familiar with our writings know how I appreciate little quips that can be applied to Bible truths. One such aphorism is, “Empty that which is full; fill that which is empty.” We wonder why our lives are not fresh, why they seem to be stagnant. Could this be the explanation? Is this the answer to our blessings breeding worms? (Ex.16:19-20)
The Scriptures are filled with illustrations of God filling that which we empty out. For example, just to site a couple; the widows pot of oil (2 Kgs.4), also the barrel of meal in 1 Kgs. 17. Whenever there is a vacuum for the glory of God, you can be sure He will fill it up again! But he doesn’t fill what’s already full.
Jesus emptied Himself for us; and God, in turn, filled His Son’s life with all the fullness of God. He certainly proved out His own teaching, “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over…” As the cliché goes, “There is more where that came from.”
The Scriptures are filled with illustrations of God filling that which we empty out. For example, just to site a couple; the widows pot of oil (2 Kgs.4), also the barrel of meal in 1 Kgs. 17. Whenever there is a vacuum for the glory of God, you can be sure He will fill it up again! But he doesn’t fill what’s already full.
Jesus emptied Himself for us; and God, in turn, filled His Son’s life with all the fullness of God. He certainly proved out His own teaching, “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over…” As the cliché goes, “There is more where that came from.”
May 25, 2009
*After Victory
It was after the Voice from Heaven said, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased,” that the devil tempted Jesus forty days and forty nights. It was after Joshua’s victory over Jericho that he suffered the humbling defeat by little Ai. The devil will allow us a victory if he thinks he can spoil us by it. After feeding the five thousand, they attempted to make Jesus a king, but He got alone and prayed.
The hour of victory can be a more sever testing than when we experience defeat. We learn a lot from adversity, but little from prosperity. We can be richer by failures sometimes, and poorer by our successes. Many of us can take the barren, cold of winter, but not the heat of summer with its ripe fruits.
The real test of a Christian is seen after they slay their giant. It says of David, the shepherd boy, “David behaved himself wisely.” He was not consumed by pride. He acted as though he had never slain Goliath. His friends did not have to daily listen to him recounting his triumph, feeling obligated to compliment him each time the story was told.
We often tarnish our victories by putting them in a showcase for all to see, and all that happens is that they gather dust. When Paul said, “forgetting those things which are behind,” it included our victories also.
Enjoy your victories, but keep a watch.
The hour of victory can be a more sever testing than when we experience defeat. We learn a lot from adversity, but little from prosperity. We can be richer by failures sometimes, and poorer by our successes. Many of us can take the barren, cold of winter, but not the heat of summer with its ripe fruits.
The real test of a Christian is seen after they slay their giant. It says of David, the shepherd boy, “David behaved himself wisely.” He was not consumed by pride. He acted as though he had never slain Goliath. His friends did not have to daily listen to him recounting his triumph, feeling obligated to compliment him each time the story was told.
We often tarnish our victories by putting them in a showcase for all to see, and all that happens is that they gather dust. When Paul said, “forgetting those things which are behind,” it included our victories also.
Enjoy your victories, but keep a watch.
May 23, 2009
*A Life Worth Living
Many Christians follow the Epicurean philosophy: “Let us eat, drink, and be merry; for tomorrow we die.” They indulge, but they don’t enjoy, in spite of the fact we are told God gave us all things richly to enjoy. Why, then, the emptiness when they are full? the hunger pains after eating? and the sorrow after elation? It is because they have left God out of their lives. Like the man in Ecclesiastes who had it all but found life was not worth living without God.
To de-thrown God is to lose the key of life. All knowledge, mirth, and wealth leave a restless soul, apart from Him. Life is valueless without God. Every blessing becomes boresome, if He is absent. We become cynical, pessimistic, and even fatalistic. God is the Spice of Life, and without this Divine Ingredient, life is bland.
The wise man put God out of his life and lived only for the things “under the sun,” leaving him severely depressed. It’s beholding the One “over the sun” that makes life, and all that’s in it, an enjoyment. When we look into the mirror, we need to see the Creator’s image. If not, you’ll experience the vanity of an unyielded life.
There are those with lost souls, but saved lives; there are those with saved souls, but lost lives; I want a saved soul and a saved life.
To de-thrown God is to lose the key of life. All knowledge, mirth, and wealth leave a restless soul, apart from Him. Life is valueless without God. Every blessing becomes boresome, if He is absent. We become cynical, pessimistic, and even fatalistic. God is the Spice of Life, and without this Divine Ingredient, life is bland.
The wise man put God out of his life and lived only for the things “under the sun,” leaving him severely depressed. It’s beholding the One “over the sun” that makes life, and all that’s in it, an enjoyment. When we look into the mirror, we need to see the Creator’s image. If not, you’ll experience the vanity of an unyielded life.
There are those with lost souls, but saved lives; there are those with saved souls, but lost lives; I want a saved soul and a saved life.
May 22, 2009
Heroes Can Hinder
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord.” This is the personal testimony of Isaiah, as found in the sixth chapter of his book. It was not until his earthly king passed away, that he was able to see his Heavenly King.
Uzziah was, possibly, Isaiah’s hero. And it seems, in this case, that his hero hindered him from seeing the Lord. There is much talk today about young people having godly heroes. I think this can be very dangerous, since we are told that “man at his best state is altogether vanity.”
I believe Jesus Christ is the only hero anyone needs. He is the one Person we will never be disappointed in. Sooner or later, all our earthly heroes are proven to be made of clay.
Hero worship will ultimately leave us standing alone and dejected, at a freshly dug grave in some cemetery .
Uzziah was, possibly, Isaiah’s hero. And it seems, in this case, that his hero hindered him from seeing the Lord. There is much talk today about young people having godly heroes. I think this can be very dangerous, since we are told that “man at his best state is altogether vanity.”
I believe Jesus Christ is the only hero anyone needs. He is the one Person we will never be disappointed in. Sooner or later, all our earthly heroes are proven to be made of clay.
Hero worship will ultimately leave us standing alone and dejected, at a freshly dug grave in some cemetery .
May 21, 2009
We Judgmental Jerks
Like A.W. Tozer, there are some words used in today’s vernacular that absolutely cause me to cringe when hearing them. Such words as: share (it used to be give), awesome (which I personally reserve only for God), and life-style (usually connected with immoral living).
One such word that heads my list of no-no’s is the term judgmental. The world wants to do away with this type of person, so it will leave the field open to live any way one wants, without the nuisance of their conscience nagging them. One man in the Bible beheaded a judgmental prophet thinking to sooth his.
Interestingly, you will find the people who advocate silencing judgmental persons are themselves harshly judgmental of those very individuals they wish to hush-up. Life is made up of checks and balances. Take away judgment and you’re left with a “false balance.”
When the scripture speak of not judging, it is referring to one’s motive. I cannot judge why a person lies, commits adultery, murders, or steals; but I can judge the fact they have done these things. For you to judge a man who staggers as drunk, could be wrong; but you have every right to say, “That man staggers.”
“Only God has the right to judge me,” usually comes from the lips of someone who is in the wrong!
One such word that heads my list of no-no’s is the term judgmental. The world wants to do away with this type of person, so it will leave the field open to live any way one wants, without the nuisance of their conscience nagging them. One man in the Bible beheaded a judgmental prophet thinking to sooth his.
Interestingly, you will find the people who advocate silencing judgmental persons are themselves harshly judgmental of those very individuals they wish to hush-up. Life is made up of checks and balances. Take away judgment and you’re left with a “false balance.”
When the scripture speak of not judging, it is referring to one’s motive. I cannot judge why a person lies, commits adultery, murders, or steals; but I can judge the fact they have done these things. For you to judge a man who staggers as drunk, could be wrong; but you have every right to say, “That man staggers.”
“Only God has the right to judge me,” usually comes from the lips of someone who is in the wrong!
May 20, 2009
The Shocking Truth
My dear friend and mentor, Dr. Joe Henry Hankins used to say, “None of us are as spiritual as we like to think we are.” That is why we loathe crisis situations. Contrary to some people’s thinking, a crisis does not make the person; but rather, it reveals the person.
We’re prone to think more highly of ourselves than we actually are. Many of us go around drunk on self-esteem most of the time. But if God pulled back the shades of our hearts, showing us what is hidden therein, we would all be recluses.
Peter thought, like some of us, that he was a little better, and different from his brethren. But found to his chagrin, he was like the rest of his crowd. His problem was thinking “all men” could, but, never “him.” We need to be careful in thinking what we will, or will not, do (1Cor.10:12).
For those among us who have come to realize the frailty of the flesh through some humiliating experience, I quote the scholarly, yet humble, C.S. Lewis: “One falls so often that it hardly seems worth while picking oneself up and going through the farce of starting over again as if you could ever hope to walk. Still, this seemingly absurdity is the only sensible thing I do, so I must continue it.”
Christian living must be founded upon self-abhorrence and self-distrust because of indwelling sin. (J.I. Packer)
We’re prone to think more highly of ourselves than we actually are. Many of us go around drunk on self-esteem most of the time. But if God pulled back the shades of our hearts, showing us what is hidden therein, we would all be recluses.
Peter thought, like some of us, that he was a little better, and different from his brethren. But found to his chagrin, he was like the rest of his crowd. His problem was thinking “all men” could, but, never “him.” We need to be careful in thinking what we will, or will not, do (1Cor.10:12).
For those among us who have come to realize the frailty of the flesh through some humiliating experience, I quote the scholarly, yet humble, C.S. Lewis: “One falls so often that it hardly seems worth while picking oneself up and going through the farce of starting over again as if you could ever hope to walk. Still, this seemingly absurdity is the only sensible thing I do, so I must continue it.”
Christian living must be founded upon self-abhorrence and self-distrust because of indwelling sin. (J.I. Packer)
May 19, 2009
Another Kind Of Prophet
We hear much today about “Prophets of Doom,” but little or nothing of the “Prophets of Doubt.” The one has to do with the future, the latter with the present. There is a subtle movement abroad today within Evangelical circles that is questioning historic, tried and proved, Biblical truths. But God’s people need exclamation points in their lives, not question marks.
Doubt invariably begins with a question. Interestingly, each time Satan speaks in the Scripture, he starts with a question. And as any Bible student knows, he is the father of doubt. Using the law of first mention, we find him getting our first parents to question God’s Word. HIS PROMISED ENLIGHTENMENT LEFT ADAM AND EVE IN TOTAL DARKNESS!
Intellectual inquisitiveness is fine, as long as one is delving only into “… those things which are revealed belong[ing] unto us and to our children.” But one is way out of bounds when he or she attempts to probe into “The secret things belong[ing] unto the Lord our God!” (Deut. 29:29) That is none of your intellectual business; it is strictly out-of bounds. It’s no-man’s land. Wanting to be a little god will get you into big trouble.
Enjoy the overall scenery; leave the minute details to God.
Doubt invariably begins with a question. Interestingly, each time Satan speaks in the Scripture, he starts with a question. And as any Bible student knows, he is the father of doubt. Using the law of first mention, we find him getting our first parents to question God’s Word. HIS PROMISED ENLIGHTENMENT LEFT ADAM AND EVE IN TOTAL DARKNESS!
Intellectual inquisitiveness is fine, as long as one is delving only into “… those things which are revealed belong[ing] unto us and to our children.” But one is way out of bounds when he or she attempts to probe into “The secret things belong[ing] unto the Lord our God!” (Deut. 29:29) That is none of your intellectual business; it is strictly out-of bounds. It’s no-man’s land. Wanting to be a little god will get you into big trouble.
Enjoy the overall scenery; leave the minute details to God.
May 18, 2009
Your Worst Enemy
The evangelist D.L. Moody said, “No one gives D.L. Moody as much trouble as D.L. Moody.” The old adage, “You’re your own worst enemy,” is true of all of us who belong to Adam’s race. Our enemy is not without, but within. It is called in scripture, “The flesh.”
In spite of the fact that we are distinctly told that the flesh is weak, unprofitable, cannot please God, filthy, corrupt, and that there is no good in it, we are obsessed with persistently trying to improve it. We are continually in a re-modeling program of something God has condemned. Jesus said, “…flesh is flesh”; you can’t change it! Therefore we are to make no provision for it, for it has no inheritance in the Kingdom of God. We are admonished not to “…trust in the flesh.”
Because of the above truths, it is of up-most importance that we take this “Old man” to Calvary each day; and leaving him there on the cross, go by way of the empty tomb, leaving our grave clothes behind. Remember, my dear friend, without a death there can be no resurrection! Unless we daily drop off the old man at Golgotha, there can be no walking in newness of life.
What Saul spared ultimately killed him!
In spite of the fact that we are distinctly told that the flesh is weak, unprofitable, cannot please God, filthy, corrupt, and that there is no good in it, we are obsessed with persistently trying to improve it. We are continually in a re-modeling program of something God has condemned. Jesus said, “…flesh is flesh”; you can’t change it! Therefore we are to make no provision for it, for it has no inheritance in the Kingdom of God. We are admonished not to “…trust in the flesh.”
Because of the above truths, it is of up-most importance that we take this “Old man” to Calvary each day; and leaving him there on the cross, go by way of the empty tomb, leaving our grave clothes behind. Remember, my dear friend, without a death there can be no resurrection! Unless we daily drop off the old man at Golgotha, there can be no walking in newness of life.
What Saul spared ultimately killed him!
May 17, 2009
The Way Out is Up
“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” This Old Testament promise was given to Jeremiah, “while he was yet shut up in....prison.” Similarly, in the New Testament, Paul writes from a Roman dungeon, “Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
The bars of our circumstances do not confine God. Peter was chained between two sleeping soldiers, and an iron gate kept him prisoner. He would have stayed in that condition, “...but prayer was made without ceasing...unto God for him.” It is then that we read, “And his chains fell off,” and that, “the iron gate opened.” The only way to shake this world for God is by the means of prayer. We’re told of the early believers, “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken...” May God, “teach us to pray...” like this. The Lord, not one time, found fault with anyone for asking too often, or too largely. We all have only one problem today, and it’s a prayer problem.
The devil may use circumstances to temporarily shut me in, but he cannot shut me out from my eternal God.
The bars of our circumstances do not confine God. Peter was chained between two sleeping soldiers, and an iron gate kept him prisoner. He would have stayed in that condition, “...but prayer was made without ceasing...unto God for him.” It is then that we read, “And his chains fell off,” and that, “the iron gate opened.” The only way to shake this world for God is by the means of prayer. We’re told of the early believers, “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken...” May God, “teach us to pray...” like this. The Lord, not one time, found fault with anyone for asking too often, or too largely. We all have only one problem today, and it’s a prayer problem.
The devil may use circumstances to temporarily shut me in, but he cannot shut me out from my eternal God.
May 16, 2009
*There's No Back Doors
The Old Testament Tabernacle was designed in three parts: the Outter Court, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. Each had one entrance. The first was known as The Way; the second was referred to as The Door; and the third was called The Veil. In the New Testament, these three descriptive names are attached to the person of Jesus Christ alone.
In approaching God there were no back doors! If you did not come in by the one entrance He ordained, then there could be no communion with, or worship of, God. Jesus himself repudiated every other way, “…no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The right way leads to God, the wrong way leads from God. Crossing the right threshold means entering into the very presence of God Almighty.
The old-time Missions used to have lighted signs high over their buildings reading, “Christ is the Answer.” And He still is, my friend. He is not only the lone answer for salvation, but for all of life’s problems. If you will learn to immediately put Christ into the equation, you will find every problem that arises will have an answer to it; by leaving Him out, you will never get a correct or satisfactory answer.
It is a destructive addition to add anything to Christ. (Richard Sibbes)
In approaching God there were no back doors! If you did not come in by the one entrance He ordained, then there could be no communion with, or worship of, God. Jesus himself repudiated every other way, “…no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The right way leads to God, the wrong way leads from God. Crossing the right threshold means entering into the very presence of God Almighty.
The old-time Missions used to have lighted signs high over their buildings reading, “Christ is the Answer.” And He still is, my friend. He is not only the lone answer for salvation, but for all of life’s problems. If you will learn to immediately put Christ into the equation, you will find every problem that arises will have an answer to it; by leaving Him out, you will never get a correct or satisfactory answer.
It is a destructive addition to add anything to Christ. (Richard Sibbes)
May 15, 2009
It's Darkest Before the Dawn
“And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them…” The disciples were in the midst of the sea, toiling in the storm. Jesus was on high, praying. It was when His elect were engulfed in darkness, with the wind and the waves raging all about them, that Christ left His place of intercession and came to them, walking on a liquid floor.
Throughout the Scriptures, you find God always showing up at the last minute. You can look for Him when all hope is taken away. He waits till the fourth watch, when it’s the darkest, so that we will not be tempted to say later, “…mine own hand hath gotten me this.”
And so it will be with His Second Coming. The darkest hour of the night is just before the dawn. The morning watch (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.) is when those who are watching can see the “Bright and Morning Star.” As the night intensifies, you can look for “The Star” to show up. This is not a Doom’s Day approach; it’s about His Glorious Appearing.
Precisely because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments. C.S. Lewis
Throughout the Scriptures, you find God always showing up at the last minute. You can look for Him when all hope is taken away. He waits till the fourth watch, when it’s the darkest, so that we will not be tempted to say later, “…mine own hand hath gotten me this.”
And so it will be with His Second Coming. The darkest hour of the night is just before the dawn. The morning watch (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.) is when those who are watching can see the “Bright and Morning Star.” As the night intensifies, you can look for “The Star” to show up. This is not a Doom’s Day approach; it’s about His Glorious Appearing.
Precisely because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments. C.S. Lewis
May 14, 2009
A Shave and a Haircut.
Speaking of Samson, the Bible says, “The hair of his head began to grow again.” And referring to David’s men, we’re told that their enemies, “…shaved off the one half of their beards”; to which the King counseled them, “Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown.” In the first instance, Samson brought the shame upon himself; in the latter case, it was someone else that caused the embarrassment.
But no matter, whether your fault or that of another, there is a natural process of time that both must go through. During this waiting period, it is of up-most importance that those who fit into the former category not constantly condemn themselves. As to the second group, bitterness toward the culprits needs to be put away. After forgiving oneself, and, or, others, both need to move on; and make plans for when your time comes again.
And your day will come, but not by constantly setting your clock back; that only delays the natural process. And habitually looking in the mirror to check if things are back to normal will only bring continued frustration. As my Granny used to say, “A watched pot never boils.” Having one’s head completely shaven, or sporting a bread that is only half of what it ought to be, can be overcome. Many of today’s useful and fruitful saints went through the same humiliating experiences.
“But when the fullness of the time was come, GOD...”
But no matter, whether your fault or that of another, there is a natural process of time that both must go through. During this waiting period, it is of up-most importance that those who fit into the former category not constantly condemn themselves. As to the second group, bitterness toward the culprits needs to be put away. After forgiving oneself, and, or, others, both need to move on; and make plans for when your time comes again.
And your day will come, but not by constantly setting your clock back; that only delays the natural process. And habitually looking in the mirror to check if things are back to normal will only bring continued frustration. As my Granny used to say, “A watched pot never boils.” Having one’s head completely shaven, or sporting a bread that is only half of what it ought to be, can be overcome. Many of today’s useful and fruitful saints went through the same humiliating experiences.
“But when the fullness of the time was come, GOD...”
May 13, 2009
Uncle Buddy
In the little paperback book entitled Sunshine and Smiles, the old-time Nazarene preacher, known as “Uncle Buddy” Robinson gives his life story. Like the man himself, his life was an unusual one. And so it comes with no surprise that his sermons and sayings, to say the least, were pleasingly unique.
One of his quaint outlines is on The Three Dispensations of the Trinity. I quote him: “Under the dispensation of the Father, salvation was measured to us by the cup. The Psalmist said: “…my cup runneth over.” Under the dispensation of the Son we had wells of salvation. Our blessed Christ said in John 4:14: “The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.” Under the dispensation of the Holy Ghost we have salvation in rivers. Christ said in John 7:38-39: “He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water…this spake He of the Spirit.”
I was thinking as I read this, how God, throughout the scriptures, always does things “…exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Notice, the cup runs over; the well is an artesian one, forever springing up; and it’s not a river, but rivers that gush forth. This certainly is not just life that God is speaking of, but an abundant life He has promised to each of His children. I wonder if we who are saved and sanctified can truthfully say that we’re also satisfied? If not, why not?
You may not be able to hold much, but you can overflow lots!
One of his quaint outlines is on The Three Dispensations of the Trinity. I quote him: “Under the dispensation of the Father, salvation was measured to us by the cup. The Psalmist said: “…my cup runneth over.” Under the dispensation of the Son we had wells of salvation. Our blessed Christ said in John 4:14: “The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.” Under the dispensation of the Holy Ghost we have salvation in rivers. Christ said in John 7:38-39: “He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water…this spake He of the Spirit.”
I was thinking as I read this, how God, throughout the scriptures, always does things “…exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Notice, the cup runs over; the well is an artesian one, forever springing up; and it’s not a river, but rivers that gush forth. This certainly is not just life that God is speaking of, but an abundant life He has promised to each of His children. I wonder if we who are saved and sanctified can truthfully say that we’re also satisfied? If not, why not?
You may not be able to hold much, but you can overflow lots!
May 11, 2009
*Our Lot in Life
“Thou maintainest my lot.” After Israel conquered the Promised Land, each tribe, except Levi, was assigned a special lot by inheritance. What a joy it is to let God choose our lot in life, instead of acting like the world and fighting for our place in the sun.
Be careful of planting your life somewhere other than where the Lord hath chosen! Jesus warned, “Every plant which my Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” The little saying, “Bloom where you’re planted,” will only blossom if it was God that did the planting.
Wherever the Lord plants us, you can be sure it will be a bed of roses; but He does not promise it will be without its thorns. He delighted to do His Father’s Will, but it, too, was not without its thorns. His promise is that He will maintain, as well as sustain us, wherever He places us. Therefore, “Play the hand you’re dealt.”
Be careful of planting your life somewhere other than where the Lord hath chosen! Jesus warned, “Every plant which my Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” The little saying, “Bloom where you’re planted,” will only blossom if it was God that did the planting.
Wherever the Lord plants us, you can be sure it will be a bed of roses; but He does not promise it will be without its thorns. He delighted to do His Father’s Will, but it, too, was not without its thorns. His promise is that He will maintain, as well as sustain us, wherever He places us. Therefore, “Play the hand you’re dealt.”
May 8, 2009
How to Shirk Responsibility
Refusing to take responsibility for one’s own actions began in the Garden of Eden. Adam was the first to blame a parent for his predicament (Gen.3:12). Since then, it is one of the classic characteristics of the human race. The blame game seems especially popular among this generation of young adults, from their thirties downward. Maybe it’s because those who are older have lived long enough to realize the futility of pointing the finger. Someone said, “You are not responsible for the programming you picked up in childhood. However, as an adult, you are one hundred percent responsible for fixing it.”
The purpose in blaming parents, or others, for one’s miserable life and all the mistakes they’ve made, is so that it does not fall upon them. It is easy to make someone else the scapegoat, excusing everything you have ever done. After all, who wants to accept responsibility for such colossal, and sometimes inexcusable, blunders? The one bad thing about not taking personal responsibility is that you give up the power to change; it leaves one impotent to improve. If you mess up, ‘fess up! The prodigal got out of the pig-sty when he acknowledged it was him, and no one else at fault. It is a terrible thing to grow old blaming parents or others for the way we are. One thing is for sure; this kind of person has never honestly faced the face they see when looking into the mirror!
But, “There is hope in thine end, saith the Lord.” The way to a fresh, vibrant, and meaningful life is found in simply taking personal responsibility. To re-phrase the Gospel song, “It’s not my Father, or my Mother, or someone else, O Lord; but me standing in need.” I heard an old preacher say once, “The secret of David’s relationship with God was that he was a good repenter.”
We have not passed that subtle line between childhood and adulthood until... we have stopped saying "It got lost," and say "I lost it." ~Sidney J. Harris
The purpose in blaming parents, or others, for one’s miserable life and all the mistakes they’ve made, is so that it does not fall upon them. It is easy to make someone else the scapegoat, excusing everything you have ever done. After all, who wants to accept responsibility for such colossal, and sometimes inexcusable, blunders? The one bad thing about not taking personal responsibility is that you give up the power to change; it leaves one impotent to improve. If you mess up, ‘fess up! The prodigal got out of the pig-sty when he acknowledged it was him, and no one else at fault. It is a terrible thing to grow old blaming parents or others for the way we are. One thing is for sure; this kind of person has never honestly faced the face they see when looking into the mirror!
But, “There is hope in thine end, saith the Lord.” The way to a fresh, vibrant, and meaningful life is found in simply taking personal responsibility. To re-phrase the Gospel song, “It’s not my Father, or my Mother, or someone else, O Lord; but me standing in need.” I heard an old preacher say once, “The secret of David’s relationship with God was that he was a good repenter.”
We have not passed that subtle line between childhood and adulthood until... we have stopped saying "It got lost," and say "I lost it." ~Sidney J. Harris
May 7, 2009
*Patient Praying
Today it seems you must choose one of two extremes as a Christian. Either you belong to the activist crowd who take things into their own hands, not taking time to wait on God; or, one who has joined in with those emphasizing the sovereignty of God, who end up sitting on their hands, thinking that waiting on God, is wasted time. These seem to forget that it was a sovereign God who made all the prayer promises.
We need to learn again the art of waiting on God with an assured anticipation. No one who does will ever be ashamed. If we will be victoriously patient in prayer then we will be victorious. Men and women who prayed in the Bible were short on words but long on waiting. By the way, God was never critical of anyone coming too often for His help or asking too largely. We need to follow the widow’s example in Luke chapter eighteen.
The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer that fetched the angel. (Thomas Watson)
We need to learn again the art of waiting on God with an assured anticipation. No one who does will ever be ashamed. If we will be victoriously patient in prayer then we will be victorious. Men and women who prayed in the Bible were short on words but long on waiting. By the way, God was never critical of anyone coming too often for His help or asking too largely. We need to follow the widow’s example in Luke chapter eighteen.
The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer that fetched the angel. (Thomas Watson)
May 5, 2009
*Knots on Our Noggin
Most of us are much more stubborn than we will admit. The way we keep ourselves from looking too bad is by comparing ourselves with someone worse. When it comes to justifying this sin, as well as other taboos in our lives, we find great solace that there is someone worse than what we consider ourselves to be.
Most of our problems stem from a stubborn determination to do our own thing. When Moses told Israel, “Go not up…” We are told, “…they presumed to go up…” And the result: humiliating defeat. Thus came to pass Moses’ words that if in their stubbornness they did go up, “…it [would] not prosper.”
While setting outside on our patio recently, I kept hearing a continual, small, bumping against the skirt of our mobile home. After investigation, I found a small grasshopper attempting to make a way through that metal sheet to get under our house. Though one may admire his persistence, sadly, in the end, it would all be futile. The poor little creature illustrated the proverbial saying about, “Beating your head against a wall.” And so do we, when we stubbornly try to get our own way with God.
Most of our problems stem from a stubborn determination to do our own thing. When Moses told Israel, “Go not up…” We are told, “…they presumed to go up…” And the result: humiliating defeat. Thus came to pass Moses’ words that if in their stubbornness they did go up, “…it [would] not prosper.”
While setting outside on our patio recently, I kept hearing a continual, small, bumping against the skirt of our mobile home. After investigation, I found a small grasshopper attempting to make a way through that metal sheet to get under our house. Though one may admire his persistence, sadly, in the end, it would all be futile. The poor little creature illustrated the proverbial saying about, “Beating your head against a wall.” And so do we, when we stubbornly try to get our own way with God.
*A Tribute to an Old Methodist Preacher
At the beginning of my Christian life I had the privilege of sitting under the ministry of the late Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. For some two weeks the old preacher drove home his Biblical philosophy of life. I can still see him cup his right hand around his mouth and shout out, “Do right if the stars fall.”
Whole messages were built around little, but powerful quips, such as: “You can do what you ought to do”; You’re either master or mastered”; “Keep on keeping on”; “Learn to blame yourself”; and “Finish the job.” Such aphorisms, lived out, can replace a limp backbone with a railroad spike.
A year of this kind of preaching in our pulpits would revolutionize our churches. It would once again produce real men and women who could stand up to any Goliath the devil sent their way. But I’m afraid there are far too many, milquetoast Christians who do not care for this brand of Christianity.
Oswald Chambers says, “Sometimes one must live as if there were no God.” This doesn’t sound spiritual, but there is more to it than meets the carnal eye. Those of us who have gone on in spite of feelings, circumstances, etc. have found God honors such raw courage in His children.
Whole messages were built around little, but powerful quips, such as: “You can do what you ought to do”; You’re either master or mastered”; “Keep on keeping on”; “Learn to blame yourself”; and “Finish the job.” Such aphorisms, lived out, can replace a limp backbone with a railroad spike.
A year of this kind of preaching in our pulpits would revolutionize our churches. It would once again produce real men and women who could stand up to any Goliath the devil sent their way. But I’m afraid there are far too many, milquetoast Christians who do not care for this brand of Christianity.
Oswald Chambers says, “Sometimes one must live as if there were no God.” This doesn’t sound spiritual, but there is more to it than meets the carnal eye. Those of us who have gone on in spite of feelings, circumstances, etc. have found God honors such raw courage in His children.
May 4, 2009
Cowboy Quips
There is something I’ve observed over my 75 years, and that is this: When Western Movies are popular, patriotism seems to be at its zenith. My daughter Leah gave me a book this past Christmas (‘08) that proves my point. The title of the book is, Cowboy Values, Recapturing What America Once Stood For. Its author is James P. Owen. It’s a must read for all patriots, as well as you cowboy fans. The pictures are worth the price of the book.
In his introduction, the writer says, “It’s time for the cowboy to regain his place as a leading American icon.” He goes on to say of this era, “It’s a culture in which character counts above all.” I especially like the line, “Cowboys stand for something—which means they have a clear, unshakable set of beliefs they live by each day.”
The following are some little quips from the book; they’re given in hopes of whetting your appetite, and that you might receive a blessing.
It’s not how you’re buried; it’s how they remember you.
A cowboy finds out how much a mere human can do, and then they do a little more. They reach beyond themselves.
There ain’t a horse that can’t be rode; there ain’t a cowboy that can’t be throwed.
Always tighten your own cinch.
If you’re lookin’ for a helping hand, try the one on the end of your own damn arm. (Sorry, but this is my favorite).
Do what needs doin’; scratch what needs scratchin’.
It ain’t about the hat and the boots.
Never cut what you can untie. (This is my second favorite).
A man who would die for something has everything to live for.
Never say “Whoa” in a tight spot.
A cowboy knows that the best things in life aren’t things.
‘Pard, you’ll do to ride the river with.” (The highest compliment a cowboy can pay to another—I say it of my wife, Salle, who has been at my side some 48 years).
In his introduction, the writer says, “It’s time for the cowboy to regain his place as a leading American icon.” He goes on to say of this era, “It’s a culture in which character counts above all.” I especially like the line, “Cowboys stand for something—which means they have a clear, unshakable set of beliefs they live by each day.”
The following are some little quips from the book; they’re given in hopes of whetting your appetite, and that you might receive a blessing.
It’s not how you’re buried; it’s how they remember you.
A cowboy finds out how much a mere human can do, and then they do a little more. They reach beyond themselves.
There ain’t a horse that can’t be rode; there ain’t a cowboy that can’t be throwed.
Always tighten your own cinch.
If you’re lookin’ for a helping hand, try the one on the end of your own damn arm. (Sorry, but this is my favorite).
Do what needs doin’; scratch what needs scratchin’.
It ain’t about the hat and the boots.
Never cut what you can untie. (This is my second favorite).
A man who would die for something has everything to live for.
Never say “Whoa” in a tight spot.
A cowboy knows that the best things in life aren’t things.
‘Pard, you’ll do to ride the river with.” (The highest compliment a cowboy can pay to another—I say it of my wife, Salle, who has been at my side some 48 years).
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