Beneath the Surface

"Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper.”

ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO BE LIKE THEM?

Qualities anyone would desire to emulate, would you not agree? That is, until he disrobed at night. After taking away all the medals of achievement, and laying aside his attractive attire, our deep craving to be this person would fade. For under that external façade, we would find a disgusting and nauseating dry rot. It is amazing how many blemishes, scars, and ugly defects, cosmetics hide.

THINGS AREN’T ALWAYS THE WAY THEY LOOK

If we could see beneath the surface of those we long to be like, we would be more than content to live in our own skins. I’m sure, had we lived in Solomon’s day, we’d have given anything to be in his shoes, not realizing, under that glorious apparel and material wealth was a man who hated life. And what’s worse had an unquenchable lust resting in his bosom, which would ultimately turn him from the God he loved.

GOD HAS GIVEN YOU ONE FACE, AND YOU MAKE YOURSELF ANOTHER. ~WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

You’re a rarity; God threw away the mold after making you. Why be like someone else, there’s already one of them. But no one is quite like you.

Successful Saints

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

(Joshua 1:8)

SUCCESSFUL-BUT UNAWARE OF IT   

Years ago, I held a meeting in a country church in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. After preaching a sermon in which I exalted the common layman, an aged couple approached me. With tears in his eyes the gentleman said, “Preacher, for fifty-years my wife and I thought we were second class saints, until we heard you tonight. We have always been made to believe preachers and full time workers were the most important.” Thank God He doesn’t see things the way we do.

WHAT IS SUCCESS?

The old-time evangelist and president of the college named after him, Dr. Bob Jones Sr., used to say, “Success is finding the Will of God and doing it.” He went on to say, “The little bird is happy flying in the heavens and the fish swimming in the waters, because that is what God created them for.” Dear reader, if you are where God wants you to be, doing what God wants you to do, be it ever so humble and seemingly insignificant-THEN YOU ARE A SPIRITUAL SUCCESS!

GOD’S HOW-TO BOOK ON BEING A SUCCESS

The word success is found only once in the Bible (our text). But in it you have all the ingredients that go into a successful life, Look at Joshua. Anyone considered successful who does not follow this pattern, may be considered successful in some peoples’ eyes, but, in God’s, they are successful failures. They certainly do not impress God in the least. Who would believe the godly scrub woman on her knees and the saintly farmer behind the plow, would have their names in lights in Heaven?

“THE CARPENTER FOREVER PUT HIS STAMP OF APPROVAL UPON THE LIFE OF THE COMMON LAYMAN.”

The "ONE" True Altar

"We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle."  

(Heb.13:10)

THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

Reading the book of Hebrews through at a single sitting one is impressed that it’s predominantly a book of contrasts. It contrasts: shadows with substance; physical with spiritual; type with anti-type; outward with inward; seen with unseen; earthly with heavenly; and yes! Moses with Christ.

THE ALTAR OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

The New Testament churches knew nothing of altars in their assemblies. The Jews objected to them not having a literal altar. The Christians’ answer was, “We have an altar”; a spiritual one, Christ. He was both their gift and sacrifice. He sanctified the gift. The altar, offerer, and sacrifice, were all closely connected. Being associated with the altar identified one with the sacrifice.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME

Rome invented an altar in their churches, emulating apostate Israel. This was soon followed by the Protestants copying the Catholic. But Christ is the only altar God owns. The only one that must be recognized by Christians. Those, like the priests who trusted in ceremony and tradition, are excluded from the benefits of God’s true altar-CHRIST JESUS!

Using God's Name to One's Advantage

“And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the LORD thy God brought it to me. “

Gen. 27:20

As only a boy (seventeen), in the Air Force during the early fifties, I had, before it was acceptable, a best friend, a black man. He told me a funny story about some of his brothers. It seems they would buy cheap suits at Goodwill, then sew a Hart Schaffner and Marx label in them.

Some people think cheap things are of more value if you put the right name on the tag. Jacob, like most of us, thought if he put God’s name on the label of his manufactured scheme, it would make it more honorable and ease his guilty conscious. It was not God who prospered him, but his own hand.

How many of Jacob’s carnal clan believe if you put God’s name to it, it will sell, that it will be acceptable to other worldly Christians. We put that blessed name to everything from the commercialization of the gospel to the approval of fornication, under the guise of God’s love.

To use God’s name in vain to support your personal agenda in gaining acceptance with this apostate age, will never be acceptable with God. You may tell Him you have done many wonderful things in His name, but there will be no commendation, if you're looking for that, only a “I never knew you.”

“But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.”

A Stone From the Brook

"The waters wear the stones.” The sense here is that constant changes are going on in nature. Over a period of years, as the swift waters flow over these ragged-edged stones, and they continually collide with one another, they become smooth. Such a process is not accomplished in a day.

And so it is with God’s elect. We lie in the stream of life, tossed to and fro, and are battered about until the rough edges are gone. It is then that a greater than David reaches His nail-pierced hand into the swift-moving current and lifts us out. And, for what purpose? To do with one insignificant smooth stone what Saul’s entire army could not do: take down a giant. Marvelous, is it not, the potential of one little stone?

The next time you’re “rubbed wrong,” remember; God is taking off the rough places.

As I Grow Older

MORE CONVINCED THAN EVER

After almost sixty-years of studying God’s Word and observing people, I have added to my short list of core convictions two more, and set them in cement. I have always strongly believed in both, but not to the almost radical extent I do now. I’m referring to my belief in God’s absolute sovereignty over man and matter, and the total depravity of man in every area of his being.

WHEN ALL'S SAID AND DONE

As to the former, in the above mentioned, the certainty that an omnipotent God is in control of this insane world today, is the only thing that’s allowed me to keep my sanity. A world where the inmates are now running the institution and the sane people are considered the “crazies.” It is wonderful to know at such a time, as Daniel of old said, “There is a God in Heaven.” And when things have run their course according to His plan, He will step in! And when He puts His foot down, I guarantee all will know it.

CROOKED AS A CORKSCREW

Concerning my second persuasion, as Isaiah says in the first chapter of his book, man is tainted with sin from the sole of his foot to the top of his head. No part is left untouched; he is depraved in all aspects. Left to himself, free to act and think as he pleases, he will invariably choose his own interests above God’s. Total depravity entails total inability. That is, he has lost all ability to understand or accomplish anything truly Spiritual. Cornelius Van Til put it something like this; “It’s not that unregenerate man is not sharp; he can saw as good, if not better, than a Christian. The problem is, his saw is crooked, never allowing him to saw a straight line.”

The Cost of Closeness

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.

ONLY THE SICK REALIZE THEIR NEED OF A PHYSICIAN

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.

ON THE PSYCHIATRIST'S COUCH          

The psychoanalyst (shrinks with big heads) would have a field day with the the aforementioned four men thought to be maladjusted. They definitely had a problem with self esteem and you wouldn’t want to ask them if they were comfortable in their own skin. This kind are rejected not only by the world, but what’s worse, many times, by their own Christian family, friends, and acquaintances. Ask the man Christ Jesus, if you doubt me.

Why God Uses Some We Wouldn't

A CLOSE KEPT SECRET

An associate of a great, but controversial, preacher of the past, describing why God used him so mightily said, “God and him have something between them that neither has let the rest of us in on.”

THE CLICHE OF OUR DAY GIVEN TO THIS PARTICULAR CLAN

We like to say of these embarrassing, undesirable ones, that “God uses him or her in spite of themselves.” But that won’t wash, as they say. If you’ll pardon my crudeness, God is not hard-up for people to use.

THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER

The Lord uses a person exactly because of who they are, not in spite of the fact. God’s fivefold laughable army in 1 Corinthians bears this out. He purposely chose, “...the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.” Few stand in awe at qualified saints.

MY BROTHER-IN-LAW HAD IT RIGHT ALL THE TIME

When just a babe in Christ, I was having problems coming from a deep life of sin. My brother-in-law, a baptist preacher, now in his nineties, would say to me, “You may not be what you want to be, you may not be what you ought to be, but you’re a whole lot better than you would be without Christ.”

“A cur dog that recognizes his master’s ownership is better than a thoroughbred that refuses to do so.” (rds)  

In the Name of Jesus

THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT THAT NAME

Shakespeare said, “What’s in a name?” Plenty, if it’s the name of Jesus. At that name, “every knee [will] bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” It’s this name on your check that can withdraw large amounts from Heaven’s bank. It’s at the name of Jesus that lame souls can, “rise up and walk” again. At the mention of this name, from a heart of faith, there is remission of sins, evil spirits flee away, and every type of wonder under Heaven is done.

THE WORLD WANTS TO MUTE BELIEVERS

No marvel, then, that the early believers were threatened “that they should not speak in the name of Jesus.” Yet they were not intimidated. They were willing to “hazard their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Yea, even to “die...for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

TAKE THE NAME OF JESUS WITH YOU

David met Goliath in the name of the Lord. Our giants will fall also when we approach them in the name of Jesus.

The Hidden Monster Within

“And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?”
(1Sam.18:7-8)

THOUSANDS OR TENS OF THOUSANDS

Why would not a man or woman, used of God, not be satisfied with being just that, used of God? Why not be content with your “thousands?” Why does one always have to do things bigger and better than those who excel him or her? The answer is simple, it is that hidden green-eyed-monster within, ENVY! Which, we are told, causes rottenness to the bones; and is a work of the flesh.

LESS I FORGET

“And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin?” How soon Saul forgot this. Amazing how a little God-given success can dull the memory. We need to be reminded from time to time, as Samuel reminded Saul. “And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?

TRUE HUMILITY

We hear a lot of talk today from the syrupy-saints crowd, about humility. How about we start here? Lets all begin to pray God will use and bless a brother or sister, doing the same work, greater than we ourselves. Rejoicing when we hear they have slain their tens of thousands while we have slain our thousands.

Optimism/Pessimism...And One Other

POPULAR TERMS DO NOT ALWAYS PROVE TO BE TRUE

The terms optimist and pessimist are much used today. The latter being frowned upon by all. The non-religious world along with the religious New Agers, as well as many professing Christians, pride themselves in their optimism. But I’m afraid that horse will come up short in life's race, once thoroughly checked out.

THE NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE

If the battery on you car ever died out then you know it will not start with only the positive cable; it takes the negative also. There is a balance. In the Ten Commandments there are more negative commands than positive. “Thou Shalt,” should always be balanced out with “Thou Shalt Not.”

WHAT FEW SEEM TO REALIZE-THEY DON’T STOP TO THINK

An optimist can be, and is, resented as much as the pessimist, if his or her expectations do not come to pass. No one, in the end, tolerates one who gives a false hope. Wants and desires don’t make it so, no matter how sincere one may be. To see things the way you wish they were is commendable, but it is not life.

THE ALTERNATIVE-YOU CAN INCORPORATE THE TWO IN ONE

There is the optimist, there is the pessimist, but there is one more, THE REALIST. He or she sees things the way they actually are. It is fact with them, nothing fictional! Among the false prophets you’ll find both optimist and pessimist, but not a realist. That should tell us something.


                

Giving Credit

"I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”

John 4:38

GIVING CREDIT TO WHOM CREDIT IS DUE

It is difficult to resist taking credit that in reality belongs to another. In such cases even the Spiritual man or woman finds, “the spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.” And for the carnal person, it is almost impossible to give up the spotlight for another.

CHILDBIRTH WITHOUT PAIN

There are people who walk into hospitals and steal babies whom the mother of the child went through great suffering to deliver. Many of God’s dear people have gone through untold agony and paid a tremendous price for what someone else got recognition for.

THE UNSUNG HEROES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

For the most part the whole of the Old Testament was preparatory for the New. All the prophets up to John the Baptist plowed and planted for the Disciples of our Lord. Even Phillip’s revival success in Samaria was due to our wearied Lord, going out of His way to lay the groundwork for that event.

IF NOT NOW-LATER

For you who have stood in the wings while someone else stole the spotlight, you can be sure, your time will come. For all those who love the glare of the lights, Jesus tells us, “They have their reward.” Soon, maybe sooner than any of us think, God will say to you in the back row to take a seat in the front. And the one whose seat you take will be asked to move to the back row.

A Question For Every Christian

A THOUGHT PROVOKING QUESTION

In the classic movie, “The Wind and the Lion,” toward the end of the movie, the character that plays Sean Connery’s side-kick makes this statement to him: “We have lost all.” To which Connery’s character replies, “Is there not anything in your life worth losing everything for?”

THE WORTH OF LOSING

Three times in two verses the Apostle Paul tells us that he had lost all things for the sake of Christ (Phil.3:7-8). I think if Paul were still among us today, he would have said a hearty “Amen”

THE TESTIMONY OF MANY AT LIFE'S END

How sad to see Carnal Christians hold to their own plans and desires, knowing they will never come to fruition. The testimony of such pitiful people at their end is always, “I lived an unfulfilled life.” I’m reminded of martyred missionary Jim Elliott’s words, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.”

THE QUESTION STILL REMAINS 

Let me ask you the question “Is there not anything in your life worth losing everything for?”

I'm Almost Persuaded...I Guess

THINK! THINK! THINK!

“Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” Associated with arriving at this blissful and peaceful place of total confidence, is the use of the mind. To come to this point, you must be one who thinks things through. To go by your feelings, others’ opinions, or any other substitute, will only end in your being tossed about. It is not sufficient to be almost; you must be altogether persuaded, to have settledness and stability of soul.

TWO OPPOSITE OPINIONS

The background of our text, as found in the fourteenth chapter of Romans, concerns minor, or secondary, things in the Christian life. Those gray areas, if you please. Contrary to what some, whom Paul describes as “somewhats” say, no individual or group has a corner on all the truth. Two Christians, holding two completely different viewpoints, may be fully persuaded theirs is right. It is here the tug-of-war begins. Or as some call it, a “Mexican stand-off.”

TO EACH HIS OWN

Is there a right or wrong concerning these questionable things? Is one worse off if he does, and the other better off if he doesn’t? No! For God has received them both, and they are each accountable to Him. God (unlike us) knows that culture and upbringing, as well as temperament, play a large part in how we come to our conclusions in shaded areas. Like it or not, although all the Scriptures are inspired, they still have a “human-flavoredness.” And so we conclude, the issue is not “to do or not to do,” but rather, “to be and let be.”

“Intellectual stimulation ceases when all around you think just like you.” (rds)

Neither Rhyme or Reason

“I applied mine heart to know... the reason [of things]”

THE MEANING OF THE TERM

We’re told the little aphorism I entitled this article began as far back as the year 1475 in France. To we English speaking people it has come to mean something that doesn’t make sense, without any reasonable human explanation.

NO...KNOW-IT-ALLS

There is a segment of Christianity who teach that the Bible has the answer to every one of life’s problems. This is true in many cases, but not in all. For anyone to say or believe this, he or she would have to be immature in the faith or much ill-informed. And in some cases, I’m sure, pride has crept in. Most of us like to be known as having all the answers. Spiritual superiority, you know.

FILL-IN THE BLANK

The fact is, the Word of God does not give us the answer to everything that happens in one’s life. If each of God’s reasons were made known to us, there would be no need for faith. The purpose for Romans 8:28 is to fill in the blank when there is no apparent reason. To be sure, when no reason is revealed to us, still, THERE IS A REASON!

BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND

The prayer God is pleased with, I’m sure, is, “Lord, I do not ask thee to explain the reason to me, just help me to accept your silence as a sufficient answer.” As someone has said, “He who demands a reason from God is not in a fit state to receive one.” The song says, “I’ll ask the reasons—He’ll tell me why, When we talk it over in the by and by.” Some things we’ll just have to wait for till we get home. By God’s grace I’m willing. Are you?

“Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.”

Adult Christian Children

Dear Chistian Parents,

I wanted you Christian parents of grown Christian children to hear this message by my son Andrew. It is brief, but full of encouragement for those of us who have prodigal sons and daughters.

rds

http://www.buzzsprout.com/3449/460983-a-christian-heritage-is-hard-to-shake

Things That Really Matter

RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS 

I was reading a quote by a ninety-year-old man some time ago. He said, “There are some things I haven’t made up my mind about yet.” Some, especially among the younger generation, should take this aged one’s words as good advice. You do not have to cross all your “t’s” and dot all your “i’s” on minor subjects. In fact, you can go a lifetime with these kind of unsettled conclusions. There is no rush to settle things that have been unsettled among great minds for centuries.

DOG HOUSES ARE CRAMPED PLACES-THERE'S LITTLE SPACE TO MOVE AROUND IN

Don’t let some dogmatist dog you into taking a position that both your conscience and convictions are not convinced of. Remember, a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. Paul tells us concerning questionable things, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." If we would major on things that matter we would all be a whole lot better off. As Dr. M.R. DeHaan used to say, "Far too many of us arguing our position creates more friction than light!

The Worth of the Wait

“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”

ADAM’S KIN

From my observation through the years I do not think many, if any, of Adam’s posterity are born with an innate bent toward patience. It seems this virtue is acquired, as Paul says, through the tribulations of life. We just naturally want it yesterday. Possibly, the very worst pit into which one can fall is what has been called the mire of despondency and to sink even deeper as time passes, making it impossible to work one’s way out. That is, (unless God comes to our aid) the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

DAVID IS OUR EXAMPLE

But, thank God, He does hear our cry. As in David’s case, He stoops when we are at our lowest and brings us up out of the horrible pit. But more often than not, it is not instantaneous. We do not, so to speak, go from here to there. What I mean is going immediately from the bottom to the top; most of the time, it is a slow process. As the words of the gospel song goes, at times He removes our mountains one stone at a time. If we will just be patient, we’ll notice our mountainous problem is getting smaller with time. Just like with a wound, so with our dire circumstance, “Time heals everything!”

Keep Driving the Old Clunker

JUNKYARD CARS

Many of us entered the Christian life with dented fenders, smashed in grills, and cracked windshields. It’s to you that this article is dedicated. I trust it will be as great a blessing to you as it was to me, who is also among the ranks of those unfortunate ones.

A QUOTE BY C.S. LEWIS

If you are a nice person—if virtue comes easily to you—beware! Much is expected from those to whom much is given. If you mistake for your own merits what are really God’s gifts to you through nature, and if you are contented with simply being nice, you are still a rebel: and all those gifts will only make your fall more terrible, your corruption more complicated, and your bad example more disastrous. The Devil was an archangel once; his natural gifts were as far above yours as yours are above those of a chimpanzee.

But if you are a poor creature—poisoned by a wretched upbringing in some house of vulgar jealousies and senseless quarrels—saddled, by no choice of your own, with some loathsome sexual perversion--nagged day in and day out by an inferiority complex that makes you snap at your friends—do not despair. He knows all about it. You are one of the poor whom He blessed. He knows what a wretched machine you are trying to drive. Keep on. Do what you can. One day (perhaps in another world, but perhaps far sooner than that) He will fling it on the scrap-heap and give you a new one. And then you may astonish us all—not least yourself: for you have learned you’re driving in a hard school. (Some of the last will be first and some of the first will be last.)

I MADE MY CHOICE-HOW ABOUT YOU?

Years ago I made a conscious decision that I was going to drive my old clunker right up to the Gates of Glory, then trade it in for a shiney new one. What about you, my friend?

Don't Go Back

“...how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Gal.4:9

ONE OF MY EARLIEST MENTORS

I was taught as a novice that, “A text taken out of context is a pretext.” This is true, if it is done to deceive or to prove one’s personal preference. But it is not so, if you are applying the scriptures in a practical way to

“instruct in righteousness.” The latter is our intent.

AN OSWALD CHAMBERS SAYING

One of my favorite axioms by this godly man is, “Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been.”

PAUL’S SEARCHING QUESTION

Why do you [we], who know the Lord, like the Jews, who went back to a legalistic system, return to, not only a weak way of life, but one that doesn’t enrich but leaves us begging for the blessings we once experienced.

RETURNING TO PRISON AND OUR CHAINS

Something is drastically wrong with a free man or woman who desires to be in bondage again once liberated. The book of Hebrews is all about those who desired to “go back,” rather than “go on.” Every child of God needs to keep before them the words of the gospel song, “It’s too late now to turn back...there’s nothing to turn back to.”

“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go?

The Importance of the Second Advent

IT IS PART OF OUR FAITH

Christ’s coming to this earth a second time is an essential doctrine in the Christian’s belief, or should be. As another has stated, “It is not an optional extra.” C.S. Lewis states, “It seems impossible to retain in any recognizable form our belief in the divinity of Christ and the truth of the Christian revelation, while abandoning, or even persistently neglecting the promised return of Christ.”

THE PREEMINENCE OF HIS COMING IN THE BIBLE

The Second Coming of Christ comes second to no other doctrine in scripture. Not even the Atonement! By careful observance, to my dismay, I have found only a small remnant of the elect carry this stimulating hope in their bosom. Most, it seems, have lost the blessing of the “Blessed Hope.” This is rapidly becoming an extinct topic from the pulpits in our day.

THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST

A right belief in Jesus Christ’s teachings involves a climactic appearance of the Son of God  on the stage of human history at some unexpected time. Again,quoting Lewis, “Because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments.” Or better yet, to put it in the Master’s words, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matt.24:44) 

NOT WITHOUT HONOUR

"And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.”

Matthew 13:57
“But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house."  

Mark 6:4

IT SAYS WHAT IT MEANS AND MEANS WHAT IT SAYS

If you happen to be one of those “syrupy sweet” Christians who want nothing to do with negative Bible truths, you will attempt somehow to make the above text say something it does not say. You may even want to correct this writer. But I remind you, I didn’t say it. The greatest authority that ever graced this earth, who always spoke the truth, said it. So, if you have a problem, I suggest you take it up with Him.

JESUS KNEW WHEREOF HE SPAKE

This may have been a proverbial expression of His day, and a general truth.  There could have been exceptions, but He was not one of them. He seemed to be honoured more elsewhere than among those most familiar with Him. They could not accept wisdom dressed in carpenter’s garb. They were too proud to be taught by such like. As with today, they had false standards of what personified greatness.

ARTISTS TEACH US THIS TRUTH

Most of the renowned artists of the past, along with their works, were not recognized or appreciated till their deaths. So it was with our blessed Lord, we’re told many of those closest to Him did not believe on Him, until after His resurrection. And so it was, and always will be. Therefore, it is a wise man or woman who goes to those strangers who will listen, and leave friends and loved ones, who will not listen, with the Lord and His timing. Remembering, you’re not without honour.

No End In View

THE WORDS OF THE WISE MAN

“Of making many books there is no end.” The man who wrote these words ought to know; we are told Solomon was responsible for three thousand proverbs, as well as one thousand and five songs. Interestingly, God used a writer to record for us the truth of the unendingness of some things in life; for no one is more conscious of this than a writer, there always seems to be another book or article to be written.

IT’S LIKE LOOKING OUT OVER THE OCEAN-NO END IN SIGHT

Life is an ongoing experience in which we never seem to catch up. There is always something ahead of us, and once we catch it, something else takes its place in the forefront. We need to reconcile ourselves to the fact that with many things in life there is no end in view. Therefore I’ve taken as one of my philosophical tidbits, “Do the next thing.” This is the only way I can keep what sanity I have left in this fast-paced world. Let’s face it, most of what we deem as permanent is temporal at best. Most things are not nailed down!

LONG DISTANCE RUNNERS ALWAYS KEEP BACK SOME ENERGY IN STORE

Life is a long-distance race; therefore we need to learn to pace ourselves. As my older son so aptly says, “We’re to be in it for the long-haul.”

The Fallacy of a Firm Grip

SAYINGS THAT ARE SCRIPTURAL

“What is that in thine hand?” I realize we must be careful with cliché’s when associating them with Scriptures. They may be true in one instance and not in another. They are always to be taken in their context. One such little saying is, “Let go and let God.” In this case, if we are speaking of Moses letting go of his rod so that God could transform it, then it fits the text.

PRYING LOOSE THE FINGERS

This quip is good for we who like to keep a tight grip on people and things. For some of us, it takes God years to pry our fingers loose from what we’re holding to. As long as we keep our firm grip, they, or it, are not God’s. It is only when we open our hand and let go that God can begin His transforming work. And this ceases when we take that item or person up again, as in Moses case.

FROM OUR HANDS TO HIS HAND

“When it’s in your hands, you get what you can produce; when it’s in God’s, you get what He can produce. “ (rds)

Rubbing Shoulders With Wise Men

IT RUBS OFF

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise.” C.S. Lewis writes, “The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.” As the old adage says, “You’re known by the company you keep”. Though it is not true of salvation, wisdom can be obtained through osmosis.

THE STORY THE  POOR WISE  MAN

One of my very favorite Bible stories is found in Eccl.9:13-18. There we find a poor wise man, who, when listened to, was the cause of great deliverance in others' lives. In this case it was not wealth but wisdom that emancipated. Wisdom was found in the form of rags rather than riches.

THE SCENT OF WISDOM

Though wisdom has many outfits in its wardrobe, nevertheless, you can recognize it by the fragrance on the garment it wears. It always has the scent of humility upon it. The companions of Christ had more wisdom than all the philosophers of their day.

Has Your Halo Shrunk?

SHRINKAGE OR EXPANSION

Have you noticed your halo getting a little tight lately? Are you concerned with it shrinking? Don’t be! Halos don’t shrink; but what they sit on has been known to expand considerably. “Big heads” dispel, or minimize, any glory the Lord might have placed upon our pate.

HUMBLE HEADS

The “helmet of salvation” is not, “one size fits all.” It was made to fit only one type-- those who have a humble head setting atop their shoulders. Paul was such a one. Says he, “Serving the Lord with all humility of mind.”

THINKING OURSELVES SOMEBODIES WHEN WE’RE NOBODIES

It is an awful thing to think ourselves something, when we’re nothing (Gal.6:3). How many of us are like the little woodpecker pecking at the telephone pole. When lightning struck, sending both pole and bird to the ground, the dazed bird was overheard saying, “Man I knew I had power, but not that much!”

“As long as one knows one is proud one is safe from the worst form of pride.”

(C.S. Lewis)

Glass Houses

THE REAL THING

It could truthfully be said of Paul by the people of his day, “What you see is what you get.” Being real was uppermost in his mind, even to the extent of making bear his soul. He tells us he did this, “…lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.” Paul was not a man with a thousand spiritual faces, or a variety of changeable religious garments; he had only one of each.

THE BLESSINGS AND CURSES OF TRANSPARENCY

One advantage of living in a glass house is that it cures you (or should) from throwing stones at others. You can no longer set yourself up as “holier than thou,” since your life is seen by all. Transparency allows everyone to behold every little blemish, and opens you up for criticism by those who hide in their stone monasteries. But it also can be a blessing to those with similar failings. It’s comforting to realize those we esteem highly live in the same kind of skin.

We never need fear genuine people seeing our warts; they are much more forgiving of a fault, than they are of hypocrisy.

Who Knows Better Than God

FOUR DIFFERENT KINDS OF PRAYER

"…they called upon the Lord, and he answered them." Sometimes God answers prayer immediately, as in the case of Daniel (9:21). At other times, there is a delay. This is illustrated in the parable of the widow (Luke 18:1-8). Then, there are occasions when we are simply told, "No." Moses is an example of this (Deut.3:25-27). And who among us has not experienced the answer far exceeding our expectations (Eph.3:20)?

THE FIFTH KIND

But what I want to focus our attention on is a fifth avenue, which is when God answers differently from our request. The Apostle Paul prayed three times for an answer to a specific desire. God answered his petition but not in the way he asked or expected (2 Cor.12:8,9). At such times, we need to realize "Father knows best."

AN EXAMPLE OF THE LAST KIND

God's only Beloved Son followed this rule. He, as Paul, prayed three separate times concerning a particular thing in his life but ended His prayer with, "…nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." This is always the safest and surest way in prayer. Express your will but accept His.

C.S. LEWIS HAD IT RIGHT

“For most of us the prayer of Gethsemane is the only model. Removing mountains can wait.”

Test Your Spirituality

YOU DECIDE

“Greater works than these shall he do.” There are differing opinions as to what Jesus meant when He spoke these words to His disciples. Therefore, I’ll leave it up to each individual to sort out on their own what they believe the teaching of the text to be.

BENEATH THE SURFACE

What I would like to do, if you will permit me, is to bring out something I feel is beneath the text, which does not appear on the surface. Something, I believe, can be very practical and beneficial to each of us, something that will help us evaluate our Spirituality.

EXALTING THE OTHER AT OUR OWN EXPENSE

Whatever the text may mean, one thing it shows for sure; there was not a drop of envy or jealousy in the life of this Man, Christ Jesus. He was not threatened, nor did He try to stifle these inferior men, who would excel Him in work. Rather, He promoted it, and encouraged them.

THE TRUE MEANING OF LIFE

The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit. ~Nelson Henderson

Getting Your Feet Wet

PUTTING IN BOTH FEET

“When ye are come to the brink of the water...ye shall stand still in Jordan...[and] as soon as the soles of [your] feet...shall rest in the waters...they shall stand upon an heap...[their] feet...were dipped in the brim of the water...[they] stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan...[they] stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded.”

HE LEADS US HE DOESN’T PUSH US

The song, God Leads His Dear Children Along, can be seen in the saints’ life of faith. Isn’t it blessed how gently He leads us into the deep waters, the midst of Jordan, so to speak? He does not require we jump immediately in the middle but as in Peter’s case, He takes us from the shore out into the deep. This reminds me of Oswald Chambers’ comment: “Every ocean has a shore.”

THE  OLD TESTAMENT PROPHET’S EXPERIENCE

The prophet puts it this way, “He brought me through the waters; the waters [were] to the ankles...Again... he brought me through the waters; the waters [were]to the knees...Again he...brought me through; the waters [were] to the loins...Afterward he measured...and it was a river...for the waters were risen, waters to swim in.”

A LITTLE AT A TIME

God starts out by getting our feet wet, and then we end up in the middle of the Jordan. It’s like when I was a boy of seven. At a local pool, I began in the shallow part, but shortly after was swimming in the deep end. I have found in my own spiritual life that this has been the custom. I, trembling, dip my foot of faith in the waters, and before long, I am enjoying a good swim.

IT MUST ALWAYS BE FRESH FAITH-NOT DAY OLD

I also have learned in my experience that each venture requires a fresh faith. Yesterday’s faith is a cancelled check. Therefore, with each new endeavor, we begin all over again by getting our feet wet. And why is this? “For ye have not passed [this] way heretofore.”

O, how I pray that when I see my Lord, I’ll be soaking wet from head to toe!